ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS,
KEW.

GARDEN LIBRARY.

ROYAL BOTANHC GARDES §

KEW

Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2018 with funding from
BHL-SIL-FEDLINK

https://archive.org/details/journalofhorticu3131hogg

January 18, 1887.

THE

JOURNAL OU HORTICULTURE,

COTTAGE GARDENER,

AND

HOME FARMER.

A CHRONICLE OF COUNTRY PURSUITS AND COUNTRY LIFE, INCLUDING BEE-KEEPING.

CONDUCTED BY

ROBERT HOGG, LL.D., F.L.S.

Established.

<

VOLUME XIII. THIRD SERIES.

JULY - DKCIIVIBBIR, 1886.

LONDON :

PUBLISHED FOB THE PROPRIETOR, 171, FLEET STREET

1887.

LONDON :

PRINTED AT THE JODRNAL OF HORTICULTURE OFFICE,

171, FLEET STREET.

January 18, 1837. ]

TO OUR READERS.

-o

On the completion of the half-yearly volume of the Journal op Horticulture, to which the annexed
index refers, we venture to express a hope that it will not be unworthy of a place with the seventy-five
that have preceded it, and we cordially express our obligations to all who have aided in its production.

Among the events recorded in its pages, one that cannot be passed unnoticed here is the death of
its founder, Mr. G. W. Johnson, who penned no less than sixty-one prefaces to as many consecutive volumes,
and all of them as fresh as from the fountain of youth. From the first and the last of those we cite in
commemoration of their author ; and his words are as apposite now as they were at the time of their first
publication.

In 1848 he wrote : — “ Heartily, though briefly, do we thank you for the support you, our readers,
have bestowed upon us, and for thus enabling us to complete our first volume so prosperously as to leave
us without any anxiety but how to render its pages still more useful.”

In 1879 appeared his last address to “ Our Readers — “ We should not feel satisfied with ourselves,
and we hope that you would not, if we sent this volume among the ‘ homes of Great Britain,’ or, to speak
more justly of ourselves, among the homes of the world, without an expression of our thanks — thanks to
you, thanks to our contributors, and thanks to our critics. We are very grateful to those who castigate us
as well as to those who praise us, for we assent fully to the axiom ‘ Blame is bestowed by those who wish
you prosperous and those who fear that you will be.’ A correspondent writes — ‘ Your pages are like the
widow’s barrel of meal ;’ and we say to him and to you all, Your pens and your pence supply the meal we
place before you, and we have no fear that either will fail us.”

Nor have we any fear, because we coincide fully with our departed friend in the following extract
from a letter written in 1865 to Mr. Robert Fenn, who is happily yet with us. In that letter Mr. Johnson
remarks — “ I will not admit that events occurring and friends existing are not as good, and true, and effective
as those which can be no more. I often compare volumes of a year or six months ago with those of earlier
date, and I never have yet felt that the younger were inferior to the elders.”

We rejoice in having testimony in abundance that the later issues of the Journal are not regarded
as “inferior to their elders.” As representative examples we take a few lines from an amateur’s letter,
a merchant, who in writing for information refers to his Vines thus : “ The leaves are large, thick, and
strong, and the Grapes are very fine this year, and I have you to thank for it, as it is by following your
advice for three or four years back that I am satisfied with my Grapes.”

A head gardener in one of the best gardens in the kingdom expresses his approval of our work in a
very practical manner by sending what he calls a “few remarks for publication in case they may give a little
help to any readers of the Journal, and as a slight return for the many valuable ‘tips’ derived from its
pages.”

From the letters of two other gardeners at present in less prominent positions we cite. One of them
observes — “Your paper is a great boon to me. I eagerly look for it every week, always expecting and
always receiving some benefit from its perusal.” The other, who has the perusal of a gardening paper,
says, “ As I neither smoke, nor drink, nor snuff, I think I can afford one of my jown, and choose as the
most useful for my purpose — the Journal.”

If gardeners generally were to follow our friend’s advice in having a paper of their “ own,” preserving
and binding the numbers, they would be forming a library that would be of great service to them, and
which would increase in value with increas’ng years.

For ourselves we have no change to record, but shall follow the old path of steady progressive
improvement, cheered by the association of a host of strong adherents and skilled coadjutors, to all of whom
our best wishes are accorded.

s. if

• • ■

*

. ..

1

: ' i '.'::', ‘i '

fi 1 .. * • f '

-

d

. . • i ’ •

■ 1 ‘

* ’ t !

.

January 13, 1887. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

v.

INDEX.

ABERAMAN, PARK 136
Acalyphas, propagating, 260
ASschynantnuses, 498
Agricultural Hall (new) at
Kensington. 250
Aleyrodes vaporariorum, 309
Allamandas, 374, 569
Alpines, propagation of choice,
274; wintering, 347
Aly9sum saxatile compactum,
381

Amaryllises, autumn flowering,
423, 435 ; Lady Mayoress, 434
Amasonia pumcea, 190
" Amateurs,” 252, 336, 361
Ambury, 335, 382
Ammonia vapour, 512; in the
soil, 571

Androsaces, 276
Angnecum aviculare, 434
Annuals— thriving, 54 ; and
perennials, 57 ; and herba¬
ceous flowers at shows, 142 ;
for spring flowering, 161
Anona9, culture of, 286
Anti-calcaire, 317
Ants, destroying, 376
Aphides, habits and reproduc¬
tion of, 124 ; a lecture on, 471
Appearance v. flavour, 559
Apples— early for market, 198,
266, 298 ; on walls, 251 ; grub-
eaten, 309 ; about, 334 ; Cana¬
dian at Kensington, 341 ;
and Pears, fine, 355 ;
Bramley’s Seedling, 365, 885 ;
Yorkshire Beauty, 370 ; in¬
sect enemies of, 165, 371 : bush,
381 ; Gascoigne’s Seedling,
428 ; selection of, 442 ; popular,
dessert varieties, 564
Apple trees, thinning the spurs
of espalier, 308 ; cankered, 376
Aquatic plants, 530
Arabis albida, 381
Arnebia echiodes, 275
Arrangements of plants, 582
Ashpits, watertight, 365, 387,431,
574 ; water in, 513
Asparagus— cutting, 42, 84, 153,
156 : staking and tying, 99 ;
cutting small growths of, 109 ;
cutting the first growth of,
140 ; 461; plumosus nanus, 515
Asters— at Chiswick, 154; Amel-
lus bessarabicus, 318
Aubrietias, 381
Auchendrain, 430
Auriculas— notes on, 46 ; 426 ;
Mr. Meiklejohn’s, 113; Leek
Show, 113 ; (National) Car¬
nation, and Picotee Society,
494, 515 ; Shows in Scotland,
539, 566 ; Campbell’s Green-
edge, 566, 579

Australian wild flowers, paint¬
ings of, 41

Autumn flowers, 328
Azaleas— hardy, soil for, 262 ;
Ghent, 550

B AMBUS 4. KATANG, 134
Banana “ Ladies’ Fingers,” 449
Barkerias, 361

Barometer and thermometer, 57
Barron, portrait of Mr., 7
Barrow, patent bedding and
potting, 49

Bath Rose Show, 46, 227
Bedford Show, 72
Bedding, spring, 356
Beef-suet Tree, 65
Bees— making section racks,
supering, 15 ; section racks
and how to make them, 30;
preparing for next year, 31 ;
roboing, its prevention and
cure, 55 ; queen introduction,
56, 101, 102, 169; seasonable
notes, on, 79, 100, 375, 651 ;
honey season, 79 ; destroying
queen wasps, 103; building
comb9 in an isolated hive,
preparing for the moors.

Bees —continued—
preserving, hives, 122; the
wintering probleml43 ; Cale¬
donian Apiarian Society’s
Show, 145 ; dead bees in
supers, 147, 192 ; ants and, 147 ;
and Bell Heather, 147; frame
feeder, 147 ; cluster ing out¬
side hives, 147 ; preparations
for winter, 191; at the Heather,
191 ; dead larvae, 194 ; comb
foundation, 214 ; hives, 215 ;
removing unsatisfactory and
worn-out comb, 216, 239 ; at
the Moors, in Cuba, 260 ;
notes on the honey season,
extractors, home markets for
honey, 284, 307, 420 ; Simmin’s
dry- feeding system, 285 ; the
Canadian exhibit at South
Kensington, 285 ; sterility of
drones and queens, 307 ; mov¬
ing, arranging hives, 329: the
honey market, death of Mr.
James Anderson. 330; modi¬
fied increase, 351 ; varieties
of, 35l; stimulative feeding
in autumn. 374 ; purchasing
hives and. 376; hive making,
397; Cottagers’ show skep, 440,
529 ; section honey, 443 ; Cale¬
donian Apiarian So ;iety, 441 ;
notes of the season, Syrian
bees, 439 ; hints to bee-keepers,
462 ; cottager’s straw skep,
363 ; where to place the
empty super, 463 ; feeding and
covering hives, 486 ; manip i-
lating stocks, 506 ; foreign v.
English races of, 507 ; honey
employed in comb-building,
529; feeding, 507 551, 553; sec¬
tions large and small, 569 ;
mead - making, 570 ; skep
management, a91 ; small v.
large hives. 591 ; obituary, 592;
foreign, 592
Befaria glauca, 296
Begonias, tuberous, 55, 374 ; at
Forest Hill, 156 ; maggots in
leaves, 170 ; in frames, 260 ;
in beds, 250; seedling at Drura-
lanrig, 296; at Swanley, 385 ;
conns eaten by grubs, 487
Begonia metallica for rooms,
249 ; Princess Beatrice, 295 ;
Jubilee, 566

Belgian horiiculturists, meet¬
ings of. 40, 88, 364 567
Bernard, death of M.Constantin,
472

Berry plants, hardy, 556, 578
Bigeneric hybrids, 127
Bignonia Chamberlayni, 393
Bli kenhead’s beetle trap, 325
Birmingham Gardeners’ Mu¬
tual Improvement Society, 4)
HI *ck berry, the Wilson Junior,
4^, £49

Black country, pit-mound gar¬
dening i n the, 275, 303
Blanching, 530
Blinds for greenhouses, 331
Boehmeria nivea,340
Bog garden, and plants for, 113
Boilers— contest at Liverpool,
69 ; report of the, 128 ; Mee’s
and Bramham’8, 247 ; 292 ; and
hard water, 425; old-fashioned
tubular, 449 ; results of patch¬
ing, 492; for heating a con¬
servatory, 508; hard water in,
524 ; Weeks’s Fireplace, 546 ;
waste from, 571
Bones for land, 592
Book, review of — * How I
Managed and Improved my
Estate,” 281

Border plants, good selection
of, 263

" Botanical Magazine,” 585
Botanic (Royal) Society— Even¬
ing Fete, 21, 40 ; report, 154 ;
fixtures for 1887, 514
Bougainvillea glabra, 408
Bouquet, the Sultan of Tur¬
key’s, 319

Bouvardias 55 ; culture for
profit, 41,55
Box, Mr. J. R.t 491
Bran as manure, 102
Briars, suckers ou seedling
430

Brighton Show, 2)9
Bristol Show, 74
British plants worth cultivat¬
ing, 185

Broccoli, Veitch’s Self-protect¬
ing, 505

Brompton Stocks, wintering,
262

Broome Leasoe, 252
Broome, death of Mr. C. E., 494
Brown, death of Mr. Thomas,
534

Baccleuch estate at Richmond,
295

Buffalo berries, 65
Bulbous plants, lifting and
planting. 239 ; 331
Bulbs— for the parks, 135; for
early flowering. 293 ; in beds,
374 ; forcing, 412 ; 528
Bate Show, 2LL

CABBAGES AND CAULI-
flowers for spring, 105 ;
spring, 232; disease, 335
Cal ad iu ms in Brazil, L55
Calanthes— Williamsi, 45 ; 514 ;
in Moss, 71 ; culture of, 539 ;
failing, 586

Calceolaria tetragona, 63
Californian fruits, 297
Caioch irtus pulchellu9, 256
Caltha palustris, 365
Camellias— watering imported,
490 ; tricolor, 293
Campanulas, notes on, 155
Cape Gooseberry, culture of, 236
Cardiff Rose Show, 45; Show,
160

Carpenteria californica, 5S5
Carpet bedding, 421
Carnations— and Finks, propa¬
gation of. 54: and Picotees,83;
at Chelsea, 91 ; National So¬
ciety’s Southern Show, 96 ;
Terra Cotta, 98 ; Souvenir de
la Malmaison at Rangemoor,
113 ; Shows and notes, 116 ;
and Picotees at Caiswick ,
134; and Picotee (National)
Show (northern division), 157;
Souvenir de la Malmaison
culture, 414 ; wintering, 426 ;
tree, 439

Carnivorous plants. Mr. La¬
tham’s lecture on, 473, 491. 517
Carron House, Stirlingshire,
20 i

Carrots, late, 99

Carter’s Provident Sick Fuul,
419

Catalogues, 357
Catasetuin Bungerothi, 554
Cattleyas — Moss* as, 22 ; gig as
Hill’s variety, 98 ; resting, 125,
resting, 240; management of,
168 ; Trianae var. Backhousi-
ana, 337, 385 ; Eldorado virgi¬
nal is, 39 5 ; culture of the, 536
Cauliflower plants, 505; Eclipse,
585

Celery, early, 142 ; pithy, 308,
330 ; Standard Bearer, 361
Celosias, Calceolarias, Cinera¬
rias, and Chrysanthemums, 79
Cereus MacDonaldiae and C.
rostratus at Cromwell House,
22

Challenge trophies and foreign
words. 508

Cheiranthus alpinus, 380
Cherry, 80 ; Morel lo not stoning,
308 ; Chicory, 143, 595
China grass, 3 40
Chiswick Show, 72, Young
Gardeners’ Mutual Improve¬
ment Society, 339

Christmas flowers, 565, 565

Chrysanthemums — dwarf, 16 ;
culture, advantage of riDe
wood, northern and southern
growers, 37 ; feeding, and top¬
dressing, 62 ; summer treat¬
ment, 69 ; buds, taking, 88 ;
housing plants, 103 ; “ timing”
blooms, 107; dwarf, 124; 131 ;
flowers damping, travelling
box, dressing appliances, 132 ;
National Society’s catalogue,
135 ; cnos, and tubes, 176 ;
night work and night ene¬
mies, 177 ; keeping the blooms,
preparing for shows, 199; box
and stand for blooms, 200 ;
the "Jameson ” tube for, 223 ;
dressing blooms, 224; quali¬
ties of, 225 ; arranging
in stands, 245 ; staging at
shows, 246 ; at Swanmore,
Japanese "order” of, 250 ;
Aquarium Show, 253; cups
and tubes, 255 ; dressing, 256 ;
noteson judging, 257; blooms,
dressing, 279 ; early, 283 ;
dressing, 294 ; 300 ; notes, La
Vierge, properties of blooms,
324 ; classification of varieties,
325, 337 ; Madames Des-
granges, Belle Paule. 338, 413,
429 ; Emperor, 362 ; deformed
blooms, taking the buds, 361;
outlook, the, 368 ; notes, 383 ;
taking buds, 384 ; Emperor,

384 ; Madame Dasgrange, pro¬
pagating. 385 ; Lady Selborne,

385 ; at Finsbury Park, Swan-
ley, Swanmore, 390 ; Temple,
391 ; AVilliam Stevens, Eiise
Durdan. Flambeau Toulon-
saine, 393 : Buttercup, 394 ;
William Holmes, La Triom-
phante, Phoebus, 410 ; last
year’s plants, new varie¬
ties, taking the buds, pro¬
liferous, 413 ; at Forest Hill
and Chelsea. 415 ; not opening,
420 ; at Slough, 427 ; at Maid¬
enhead, 428 ; nomenclature,

428 ; varieties worth tying

429 ; Maiden’s Blush, 448 ;
October blooming Japanese,
448, 473, 495, 519 ; ripening
seed, 508; at Leeds. Chilwell,
and 0;d Warden Park, 495 ;
proposed challenge cup for,
513 ; at Chat9worth, 514 ;
Hartlaud’s Marguerite, 515 ;
in America, 518; at Ingate-
stone, 519 ; on walls, 525 ;
grouping in colours, 534 ;
White Ceres, 542, 56 1 ; late and
forced, 548 ; culture, 550 ;
Exhibition, winter, 566 ; chal-
leuge trophies. 567 ; new, 574 ;
at Clement Park, 586 ; group¬
ing in colours, 586

Chrysanthemum shows — Ha¬
vant, Stoke Newington, Brix-
ton, 434 ; Crystal Palace, 435 ;
Kingston, 436 ; Peckham,
437 ; National Society, 437 ;
Croydon, 433 ; South¬
ampton, 451 ; 8t. Neots,

452 ; Guernsey, Bath, Ports¬
mouth, Reading, 453 ; Bury
St. Edmunds, Wey bridge,
Richmond, 454 ; Salisbury,
456; Lichfield, Exeter, Weston-
super-M ire. Canterbury, 458 ;
Huddersfield. Lewisham, 459 ;
Leicester. Putney, Win¬
chester, 430 ; Hull, 478; Bristol,
Lincoln, 479; Sheffield, Ips¬
wich, 480; Street, Hitchin,
Ascot, 431 ; E istbourne, 435 ;
Gravesend, Colnbrook, De¬
vizes, York, Livernool, 484 ;
Chorley, Leeds, Wimb'edon,
Tavistock, 4 2 ; Chiswick,
Luton, Hawkhurst,483; Liver-
poo', 499 ; Birmingham, 5eo ;
Cuckfield. Wells, Colchester,
501 ; Manchester, Clonmel,
502 ; New York, 503

Chrysanthemum Society (Na¬
tional), Meeting of the, 365,
494, 495 ; Annual Dinner, 546
Chrysanthemum Society, Shef¬
field and West Riding, meet¬
ing of the, 539

Clematises, propagating, 262
Clerodendron nutans, 434, 874,
569

Climate modifying plants, 818
Climbing plants for west side
of a house 530
Cobaea scandens, 352
Cockscombs, prize and despised r
227

Codonopsis ovata, 136
Commercial products at the
Indian and Colonial Exhibi¬
tion, 21

Conifers for lawns, 330, 530
Conservatory, covering a
back wall of. 146 ; heater, 494
Constantinople nut, 383
C iraelian nherry, 16
Corvlus Colurna, 383
Cotton plant, insect enemy of
the, 309

Covent Garden Market, 427
Cox, death of M\ John, 249
Crataegus tatarica (C. pinnati-
fida var. major), 394, 416
Crocus Sharojaui, 135
Crotons, 376
Croydon Show. 22
Cryptogamic Meeting of the,
Essex Field Club, seventy
annual, 295

Crystal Palace Show, 228
Cucumbers — late, 16; insects
on, 57 ; summer culture of, 78 ;
at Turnham Green, 83 ; for
market, 103 ; for autumn and
winter, 213 ; seeding, 240 ; for¬
cing, 550 ; for winter and
spring, 558 ; forcing, 593
Cucumber house, trellis in a,
487; construction and heat¬
ing, 503

Cuerden Hall, 417
Currants man ure for, 154 ; Black
and Red, for wails, 249 ;
Carter’s Champion, 250, 275
Current topics, thoughts on,
61, 577

Cuscutas— notes on the, 280 ;
chilensis, 580

Cyanide of potassium and the
Pharmacy Act, 113
Cyclamens, culture of, 55
Cyrtauthus hvbridns roseus,319
Cypripedintn callosum, 525

Dahlias — National Society’s
Show of, 131,230; Eccentric,
Constance, Amo 3 Perry, Miss
Lmaker and Mr. Rose ceitifl-
cated, 189 ; varieties certifi¬
cated. 231 ; at South Kensing
ton, 234; Empress o' India,
Willie Garrett, King of
Purples, K T. Rawlings, and
Mrs. Theobald 255 ; a double,
339 ; at the National Show,
468 ; for cutting, 470
Daisies, double, 357
Darlaston and Bilston Shows,
21 ; Horticultural Society, 340
Datura sunveolens, 103
Decoration, plant, 588
Deep cultivation, 12
Dcphiniums, 135
Dandrobiuun Williamsianum
51,87; ripening, 238
Deutzias, culture of, 360
I>‘Von and Exeter Show, 239
D A, presentation to Mr. J*
Douglas 41?

Dielvira spectabilis, 529
D gging. 519

Dinner-table decorations, 537
Diosma uni flora, 207
l>isa grandiflora, 168
Doneraile, Mallow, 523

VI

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ January 18, 1887,

Draining, importance of, 392
Durham, 95 ; Show, 258

Fuchsias — Madame Thlbaut,
114; hardy, 236; old, 315, 318;
from seed, 571
Funeral, a gardener’s, 158

EALING SHOW, 48
Easton Lodge, 232
Earth heat, 392

Edinburgh— International Ex¬
hibition, notes at the, 201 ;
(Caledonian) Show, 256 ;
Chrysanthemum Show, 540
Eltham Rose Show, 44
Endive, 461

Epinliyllums, culture of, 467
Erdmgton Horticultural Ex¬
hibition, 134

Erica Lambertiana rosea. 352
Essex Field Club, 296, 585 ; Cryp-
togamic Meeting, 340
Eucalyptus, cutting down, 146
Eucharis mite, 420
Eucomis punctata as a sacred
plant, 540
Evergreens, 565
Exacum affine, 450
Exeter Fruit Show, 391

FALKIRK SHOW, 202
Farington House. Preston, 341
Farm— lessons of the seasons,
17 ; haymaking, 18 ; the hay
crop, 32 ; green crops for
spnng, 58; clean soil, 81 : im¬
provement of farm land, 82;
farmed out, 104 ; harvest
prospects, manures for Man¬
golds, 126 ; the flock, 148 ;
notes on crops, 171 ; the Hes¬
sian fly, 172 ; new fine Wheat,
194 ; among the crops, 194,
217, 241 ; new Wheats at Perry
Hill, 195 ; foreign goods and
English railways, 218; work
after harvest, 263, 287; igno¬
rant farmers, 809 ; cheap land,
331 ; cost of corn growing,
IndianWheat and rupees, 832 ;
Michaelmas plans, 354 ; sheep
folding, 378, 399. 421 ; small
holdings, 400. 466 ; feeding
dairy cows, 443, 465 ; small
holdings, Flax Growers’ Asso¬
ciation, 444 ; the stock herd,
488 : home farm dairy, 509 ;
We ob’s stand at Birming¬
ham, 510; sound practice. 53l;
Smithfleld Club Show, 532; a
well-stocked home-stead, 563,
572, 593 ; a cow with a cold,
554 ; hens not laying, Ply¬
mouth Rocks, 572 ; reat audit
at Nowton, 594
Fermenting materials, 512
Fern bank, Preston, 342
Ferns in a vinery, 353
Fig9— 30, 283; failing, 103; sum¬
mer treatment, 143 ; manage¬
ment of, 190 ; forcing, 505, 550,
528 ; on walls, 584
Filberts, pruning, 465
Fire bars, 559
Fir tree oil, 442
Floors Castle Gardens, 159
Flora of the British possessions,
361

Florists, advice to, 297
Florists’ flowers, hints on, 426
Flowers— for the million, 89 ;
changes in, 119 ; for shaded
borders, 193 ; continental, 364 ;
common for cutting, 382, 425,
469 ; in winter, 498 ; selection
of seeds, 522; easily forced,
548 ; at Christmas, 565 ; Ever¬
lasting for Christmas, 568
Flower beds, mixed, 197 ; attrac¬
tive, 250

Flower garden — propagating

?lants for the, 214; work in
he, 283 ; in winter, 416 ; 46 i
Flower Shows— in South Lam¬
beth, 40 ; and amateurs* 87 ;
National Co-operative, 113
Foliage in America, 571
Fraxinus Ornus, 341
Freaks of taste, 305
French National Horticultural
Society, 363

Frost in August, 155 ; the, 5 6
Fruit— thinning the crops, 84 ;
its value as food, 90; crops in
Scotland, 113 ; crops in York¬
shire, 154 ; for market, 175, 315,
336 ; 'selections of, 349 ; Cana¬
dian, 364 ; and Potatoes, judg¬
ing, 386 ; select varieties of,
396 ; and vegetables, prices of,
386 ; ripening process of. 408 ;
hardy British, 429 ; jettings
from Kent, 468 ; and plant
houses, 476 ; constructing
a fruit room, 531
Fruit trees— buds forming in
winter, thoughts on pruning
and wood ripening, 12, 153;
garden, 30; planting, 30; in¬
sects on, 33; formation of
buds, 110, 153, 227 ; pruning,
201 ; fruit v. wood buds, 2i>4 ;
autumn treatment of, 223 ;
an amateur’s, 249 ; “U” sys¬
tem of training, 252 ; late
growths on, 255 ; root pruning,
259; pruning, 571 ; renovating,
281 ; extension v. restriction,
319 ; for north walls, 342 ; trees
for a wall, 852

Fruit garden, the, 212, 527, 349,
568

Fumes from varnish on pipes,

m

GAILLARDIA CUTTINGS, 146
Galtonia candicans, 135
Gardenia buds falling, 353 ; galls
on roots of. 593

Gardeners leaving, 262 ; ball,
gait. 561, 584 ; Royal Benevo¬
lent Institution, 450; Improve¬
ment Societies, 587
Gardening— profttable, 41 ; occu¬
pation of, 324 ; past season’s,
424 541, 555; early writers on,
571

Gardens— irrigation.40; proving
novelties, 128 ; about Preston,
341 ; screen for a, 552 ; about
Preston, 587

Gilmour’s(Mr. D.) garden, 139
Ginger Beer plant, 16
Gladioli— Lady Macfarren. Lord
Ashbourne, Empress of India,
Lord Salisbury, Prince Ed¬
ward, und Voltaire certifi¬
cated, 189 ; at the Crystal
Palace, 232; the Mikado,
Cantab, Ormonde, and Duch¬
ess of Westminster certifi¬
cated, 255 ; seedling, 291 ;
preserving, 426 ; notes on,
470; new, case for packing,
from seed, 571
Glass for greenhouses 421
Glossocomia ovata, 136
Gogerddan, Cardiganshire, 548
Goldfish in pond, 31
Glasgow Show, 257
Gooseberries — National Show
of, 155 ; for confined space, 376
Gorse, propagating the double,
309

Grapes— ripening, 15 ; scalded,
32, 56, 80 ; late, 30, 373, 517 ;
Madrestield Court cracking,
62, 131, 107,151. 193,276 ; shank¬
ing, 81 ; for late supplies. 106 ;
Duke of Buccleuch at Drum-
lanrig, 186 ; late at summer
show, 206 ; keeping late, 213 ;
Josling’s St. Albans (Chasse-
las M usque), 216 ; colouring,
232 ; at South Kensington, 234 ;
ripening and keeping, 259 ;
at Edinburgh, 267 ; Muscat
of Alexandria decaying and
shrivelling, 286 ; review of at
South Kensington, 291 ; Duke
of Buccleuch, 296 ; insects on,
308 ; keeping Black Ham¬
burgh, 309 ; without fire heal
at Chiswick, early varieties,
319 ; review of, 346, 365, 388,
425; withering, 353 ; grub in¬
festing, 353 ; for a wall, 376 ;
variation of Gros Maroc, 3s6 ;
for mixed vinery, 399; Gros
Maroc without fire heat, 408 ;
the Syrian, 430 ; shrivelling,
330, 379, 492, 527, 545, 564 ;
shading at Mount Melville,
493 ; at Elvaston Castle, 515 ;
Gros Colman at Chiswick, 541,
567 ; Christmas, 558 ; not set¬
ting, 571 ; without heat for
the million, 581 ; unsatisfac¬
tory, loose bunches, 593
Green, death of Mr. Charles, 494
Greens, winter, 143
Greenhouse, heating a, 308 ;
heating from a sitting room,
508

Greetings, 573
Ground, cropping, 216
Group of plants, 583
Grubs— infesting Strawberries,
57 ; in soil, 508

HABENARIA MILITAR1S, 564
Hammersmith, proposed park
for, 364

Hampton Court, bedding at, 297
Hance, death of Dr. H. F., 135
*' Handbook of Mosses,” review
Of, 52

Hard water and boilers, 524
Hardy herbaceous plants— Mr.
Upcher’s lecture on, 177 ;
arrangement of, 265
Heating— Mr. Bardney’s papers
on, 174, 220, 246, 312 ; by hot-
water— arrangement of pipes,
204 ; bottom heat pipes, dips
in the pipes, quantity of pip¬
ing required, packing the
pipes, 205 : 269, 292 ; water¬
tight ashpits, 338, 387
Heckfleid, 270
Hedychiums, 319
He'enium Douglasi, 431
Hellebores, 569

Herbaceous border, plants for
and arranging, 262
Hereford Rose Show, 68
Highgate Show, 418
History of plants, 304
Hitchin Rose Show, 68
Hogg’s (Dr.) garden, 10
Holmes, presentation to Mr. W.,
494,516
Hollies, 561

Hollyhocks— history and revi¬
val of, 149 ; at Forest Hill,
186; derivation of name of,
187 ; diseased, 216
Horseradish culture in America,
340

Horticultural Society (Royal)—
Committee Meetings, 50, 98,
137, 188, 238, 278, 347, 393, 432,
524 ; meetings for 1887, 472
Horticultural Society (Royal)—
Shows, Provincial (report), 1 ;
plan of ground, 5 ; plan of
marquee, 8 ; Fruit, 50, 347 ;
137 ; Cottagers’, 188 ; Chry¬
santhemum and Vegetable,
394 ; distribution of plants, 158
Horticultural Club— excursion
of the. 140 ; meeting of, 539
Horticultural Palace projec*,
318

Hotbeds— 505, 589
Howick House, Preston, 542
Hull Show, 73; Chrysanthe¬
mum Show for 1887, 540
Hyacinths, early Roman, 293,
540

Hybrids, bigeneric, 128
H yd rangea paniculata, pruning,
487

IBERIS CORIFOLIA, 357
Ice houses— construction of, 31,
38 ; cheap and good, 56)
Imantophyl turns, 439
Impatieos Hawkeri, 51, 92 ; Sul-
tani,370

Indian experiences, 403, 431, 475,

589

Indiarubber plants, propa¬
gating, 530

Insect enemies of the Plum, 544
Irises, German, 10 ; double
English, 21

Ixoras — culture of, 20, 590 ;
Griffithi, 77

JACARANDA MIMOSiEFOLIA,
124

Jeffrey, the late Mr. Charles,
542

Jeyes’ sanitary compounds, 134
Jodrell Hall, Cheshire, 537
Johnson, death of Mr. G. W.,
401 ; narrative of, 402, 424
Jubilee flower cups, 566
Judging fruit and Potatoes
386 ; “equal ” awards, 393
J usticia flavicoma, 528

KEW— WHAT IS IT ABOUT ?
152

Kingston Chrysanthemum So¬
ciety Annual Meeting, 494
Kingswood Warren, 235
Kitchen Garden notes, 14, 189,
237 ; work in the, 53, 372 ;
cropping a, 552
Knight, Mr. G., death of, 386

LABURNUM IN OCTOBER, 339
Lselia — Batemanniana, 202 ;

anceps. resting, 239
Lapagerias, culture of, 55, 420 ;

at Drumlanrig, 296
Laurustinus for forcing, 350;

growiug on chalk, 515
Lavatera arborea variegata,
371,414

Law ns -manure for, 216 ; reno¬
vating a, 286 ; plants for, 495 ;
trees, and shrubs for, 447
Leaves, photographing, 552
Lee Show, 48

Leeds Paxton Society, 202, 567
Leek Auricula Society, annual
meeting, 472; Rose Society,

495

Leicester Show, 141
Lescheuaultia biloba major, 21
Lettuces— and Endive, 100 ; for
winter and spring, 105 ; early
590

Leucophyton Browni, propa¬
gating, 487

Lichfield Horticultural Show, 88
Lilacs attacked by moths, 341 ;
374

Liliums, 213 ; fine specimen of
auratum,223

Lily of the Valley— not flower¬
ing, 487 ; forcing, 508,529
Liquid manure, using and
making, 170

Liverpool Show -additional re¬
port, committees, implements,
29 ; holier contest, 30 ; horti¬
cultural and botanical litera¬
ture, art, 30; awards at, 419
Lock, Mr. G., proposed presen¬
tation to, 539

London Corn Exchange Chrys¬
anthemum Show, 417
London lesser open spaces, 43,
281)

Loquat, fruiting the, 28G
Luton Show, 94

Madresfield court Grape

cracking, 131, 200
Maidstone Rose Show, 67
Manures— relative value of, 250 ;
for fruit trees, 508 ; from rub¬
bish. 589

Marguerites — 449 ; culture of,
557

Masdevallia ro?ea, 73; tovare n-
sis. 578

Maxillaria Sanderiana, 338
Mayweed, new double. 113
Mealy bug, destroying, 377
Melons— 100, 28) ; forcing, 53,
574, 590 ; setting, 146 ; gum¬
ming, bitter, 170; culture of
the, 346, 373 ; the Favourite,
38o ; pit, heating a, 508
Meteorological observations—
449 ; at Worksop, 589
Me eorological Society (Royal),
474, 515, 685

Methylated spirits v. insects,
414

Michaelmas Daisies, 469
Midland Seed Farm, 302
Mignonette, self-sown, 40
Mildew on Onion9, 146 ; on
Clematis, 593
Mixed flower be4s, 197
Montbretia crocosmai flora, 249,
571

Moreton - in- the -Marsh Rose
Show, 92

Morina longifolia, 184
Mos9 litter as manure, 193
Mulching, 37, 53 ; the value of,
134

Musa Cavendish!, 473
Muscat Grapes shrivelling, 470
Mushrooms— 146, 504 ; decaying,
80 ; in a pasture, 377 ; growiug
made easy, 408 ; bed unpro-
d ucti ve, 420 ; poisonous, 449
Mustard and Cress— 414 ; for
market, 344

Myosotis dissitiflora, 357
Myrrh, 81

Names, hard and easy, 251
Narcissus, early, 294
Nectarine, the Stanwick, 216
Nepenthes, culture of, 556
Nerlnes, 341

Neumann, death of Mr. C. W„
584

Newcastle, proposed Industrial
Exhibition, 154 ; Shows for
1837, 540

Newport and County Show, 94
Nou- ventilating system, 312, 379,
446, 492

Norris Green, 63
Norwich Chrysanthemum
Show, 552
Notts Show, 73

OAKBROOK, 140
Oak tree decorations, 560
Odontoglos9um blepharacan-
thum, 391 ; Alexandra Ste-
ven9i, 564

Omphalodes Luciliai, 275
Oncidium stelligerum Emesti,
98

Onions -long keeping, 134 ; mil¬
dew on, 146; for spring, 189 ;
harvesting. 282 ; the Banbury,
322 ; growing at Culzean
Castle, 365 ; improving, 392 ;
in America, 408 ; flat, 513
Onosma tauricum, 275
Orange tree gumming, 216 ;
Osage, 454

Orchids— nomenclature, 35, 65,
107 ; notes on British, 151 ;
and Kew, 152 ; growing cool,
154, 203 ; what cool Orchids
want, 243 ; spotted, 287 ; in
September, 271 ; sale of Dr.
Paterson’s, 296 ; fertilising
British, 319 ; at Chelsea, 49 > ;
classification of family, 518 ;
in plaut houses, 535 ; flowers
from Cheltenham, 539 ; at
Sheffield, 54L ; of Ceylon, 549 ;
official report of nomencla¬
ture conference, 539 ; notes,
564

Orchis maculata superba, 151
Overhauling, 311
Oxfordshire Horticultural So¬
ciety, 22

PALMS IN B0XE3, 32
Pansy Society, VVest of Scot¬
land, 96

Papaver Rhteas variety, 367
Parisian blinds, 473
Parsley— late, 99 ; variegated, *193
Peach, Rev. C. P., the late, 290
Peaches— thinning growths of,
16 ; failing, 102 ; succession in
one house, 134 ; late, a mis¬
take, 314; for July and
August, 330; Salwey aud Sea
Eagle, 339 ; late, 530, 359 ;
Goshawk, 491 ; aud Necta¬
rines, 30, 100, 143, 282, 350. 485 ;
for succession, making bor¬
ders for, 167 ; preparing for
forcing, 238 ; selecting and
planting, 450 ; forcing, 505 ;
forcing, 590 ; time of ripening,
578

Peach flowers, 514
Peach house, form and dimen¬
sions of, 262

Peach trees, young growths
dying, 146 ; pruning, 216
Pears— early tor market, 175 ;
the Windsor, 19) ; culture of
at Cardiff Castle, 219, 271 ;
fungus on leaves, 262 ; for
market, 298 ; for pyramids,

Pears— continued —

330 ; Lax ton’s Bergamot, 339 ;
fine, 355 ; for a confined space,
376 ; Beurre Capiaumont for
shelter. .92 ; selection of, 404,
424 ; Uvedale’s St. Germain,
485 ; for winter, 464 ; for cor¬
dons, 508, 553 ; Mr. T. Francis
Rivers’ lecture on, 575
Peas— new, certificated, 87; sow¬
ing, 461 ; in November, 494
Pelargoniums — Ivy Leaf,
Madame Tliibaut, 40 ; Ivy-
leaved, Robert Owen, 108 ;
treatment of, 306 ; Zonal, 886,
for winter, 567
Penllergare, 75
Perennials, choice, 77, 93
Peristeria elata, culture of, 472
Petroleum mixture, 352
Petunias, wintering, 441
Phaias Humbloti.51, 119

PhilippineForest departments

Phlox amcena, 526
Photographing leaves, 17, 552
Phrynium jucundum, 233
Physalis edulis. culture of, 286
Pine Apples— fine fruit of, 187;
potting and arrangingplants,
190 ; forcing, 350 ; in winter,
469

Pines — forcing, 306, 439, 590 ;

culture of, 528
Pi nk, Tom Welsh, 494
Pi pes, coating, 216
PI antains, destroying on lawns.-
2 40

Planting— trees and shrubs, 335;

high aud deep, 448, 473, 474, 545
Plants— hardy for borders, 263 ;
past history of, 325 ; for winter
flowering, 374 ; in flower out
of doors. 495 ; diseases of, 494
PLANTS CERTIFICATED—
Adiantum cuneatum Phil-
lipsi, 138 ; imbricatum, 348.
Amaryllis Lady Mayoress,
434. Angracum avicularium,
434. Aplielaudra chrysops,51.
Aster Roae Dark Scarlet, 138

- Begonia Imperial, 138:

Mrs. Piuukett, 348; M. Paul
de Vicq, 348. Biguonia Cham-

berlayni, 393. - Carnation

Terra Cotta, 98 : General
Stewart, 96. Cattleya gigas,
Hill’s variety, 98; Eldorado
virgiualis, 393. Cespedezia
discolor. 279. Chrysanthe¬
mum Mrs. Burrell, 138 ; Wil¬
liam Holmes, 348; William
Stevens, Flambeau Toulou-
saiue, Elise Durdau, 393;
Buttercup, 394; Coquette de
Castille, Gluriosum, 434 ;
White Ceres, Phoebus, La
France. Eynsford Gem, Ad¬
miral T. Symonds, 434 ; Mrs.
J. Wright, Elsie, Miss Can-
nell, Ciucinati, Jane, La Mar¬
guerite, 436 ; Carew Under¬
wood, 524 ; Mrs. Norman
Davis, 525 ; Amy Furze,
Moonlight, Mr. Ralph Brockle-
bank, 437. Clerodendrou nu¬
tans, 434. Crataegus Lalindei,
279; tatarica, 394. Cypri-
pedium Sanderianum, 279 ;
callosum, 525. Cyrtanthus
hy bridus roseus, 279. - Dah¬

lias, 138, L89 , 231, 234, 279, 348.

D ivallia retusa, 234 ; solida
major. 279. Dianthuschinen-
sis Black Prince, 138. Den-
drobium Williamsianum, 61.

- Fuchsia tnphylla, 138.

- Gladiolus, 13), 189. —

Hollyhocks, 138. - Impa-

tieus rawkeri, 51. - Lailia

anceps vn gma'is, 525. - Ma¬

tricaria inooora grandillora
leu a, 92. Miltonia specta-
ilis oicolor, 13s. - Nar¬
cissus monwphyllus, 525. -

Odomoglos'U'ii crispum O.
Dorman, Uru'iyanum, 51 ;ble-
pharaoanthuiu, 394. Oncidi-
um macrauthuin, Southgate’s
variety, 51 ; stelligerum Er-
nesti, 98. Oruithogalum au-

reum, 51. - Papaver nudi-

caule miniatum, 51. Pelar¬
gonium Eden Marche, 51.
Phaius Hum »loti, 51. Phry¬
nium juounium, 233. Pico-
tees, Agaes Chambers, Annie
Dougl is, 26 ; Duchess, Al¬
mira, 138; Pollie Brazil, 93.
Pontederia crassipes coerulea,
434. Primula Reidi, 393 ; Capi¬
ta ta major, 43*. Pteris serru-

lata, Na lor’s Crested* 51. -

Rhododen iron bulsamae Ao¬
min itajab, 93 ; Queen of Yel¬
lows, Rose I’eriection, 279;
Amabile, luteo-roseum, 348;
Jasminidoruin carminatum,
394. Ros-; Grand Mogul, 51.
Selaginella tessellata, 279;
gracilis, 279. &tock, Snow¬
flake, 51. - Todea grandi-

piunula, 98. Ulmus Piteuri

peulula, 279. - Zinnia ele-

gaus flore p eno, 138.

Plumbago Lai penra. 318 ; ca-
Deusis to flower in August 552
Plumeria bicolor, 22
Plums — uuilins Golden, for
market, 227 ; Pond’s Seedling
aud Fonthill Damascene, 249;
gummed, 262 ; iu London
—Foreign Lult aud railway
charges, 278 ; for market, 298 ;
abuudauce of, 297 ; insect
enemies of the, 544 ; and
Peaches, 9

January 18, 1887. ]

Plum trees on north walls, 103
Pohlman, death of Mr. Edward,
515

Poinsettias — pnlcherrima va-
riegata, 250, 528
Polyanthuses, 357
Pontederia crassip, 434
Poppies, Shirley, 367
Potatoes — white Early Rose,
170 ; abnormal crops in Ire¬
land, 186 ; new at Christmas,
202 ; certi Seated at Chiswick,
249; late, 282 ; in Lincolnshire,
295 ; a new, 297 ; Suttons’
Seedling, 818 ; price of, 339 ;
experiments at Reading, 445 ;
eaten by s'ugs, 487 : experi¬
ments, 514; Mr Fenn's lecture
on, 535, 579 ; seed tubers, 590
Potato Society, the proposed,
577

Potato Tercentenary Exhibi¬
tion, 409, 504, 511, 521
Preston Park, 588
Primroses, 357

Primulas, 54 ; Rnsbyi, 160 ;
sinensis,cultureof,207 ; Pyrgo
Park, sale of, 297 ; at Birming¬
ham, 321 ; Reidi, 393 ; con¬
ference, official report of, 539 ;
Chelsea Blue, 585
Pruning early Vines, 512 ; and
nailing, 516

RABBIT BERRIES, 65
Radishes, early, 589
Rainfall in South Australia, 202
Ranunculus— Lyalli, 296 ; plant¬
ing, 426

Raspberries— culture of, 146 ; in
Hertfordshire, 340
Reading Show, 208
Red spider on Vines, 248
Rein ward tia tetragyne, 26, 28
Rhododendrons — balsamos-
florum Rajah, 98; b. major,

113 ; fine at Balbirnie, 187 ;
jasminiflorum carminatum
394

Rhubarb— planting, 399 ; forcing
471, 520, 536, 580 ; forcing in
manure heaps, 491
Rhus Cotinus, propagating, 216
Rhyncospermum, culture of, 80
Ribes oxyacanthoides, 297
Richmond Show, 30
Ridges, cropping on, 391
Rings, fairy, on lawn, 487
Robinia Bessoniana, 135
Rodriguez, extinction of plants
at, 584

Roestellia cancel lata, 262
Root-pruning, 80 ; Pear trees,

114

Roots, lifting and storing, 471
Roses— orange fungus on, 9 ;
insects on Marshal Niel, 32 ;
for successional flowering,
57 ; Grand Mogul, 51, 65 ; gro vy¬
ing, Mr. Gilmour’s paper on,
59 ; new, Florence Paul, Lady
of the Lake, and Silver Queen,
65 ; propagating by cuttings,
81, 530 ; clay for, 80 ; difference

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

Roses - continued —
of growth and bloom, 103 j
thoughts on judging and
growing, 108 ; small flowers
of, 112, 181, 206, 226 ; notes on,
116, 333 ; green fly on, 141 :
in August, 154; “small
growers ” exhibiting, 156 ;
old and new, 159, 187, 211, 237 ;
Her Majesty, 186, 202, 2S5;
how not to grow, 200, 248, 271 ;
for market, 216, 376 ; nursery¬
men’s delinquencies, 248 ; in
Egypt, 251 ; Mr. Mawley’s
analysis of exhibition, 294;
Madame Gabriel Luizet, 295,
303, 317 ; Mrs. Bosanquet, 295 ;
American Beauty and the
Bride, 314, 342 ; analysis of at
the National Show, 322 ; north
and south competition, 323 ;
notes on in 1886, 358 ; Marie
Baumann, 388 ; notes on new,
894 ; for smoky district, 399 ;
challenge trophies for, 409 ;
dressing ground for 420 ; cut
back Hybrid Perpetual, 450 ;
in November, 450: cut-back
dwarfs, transplanting, 493,
503; in Tasmania, 494; Gloire
de JDijon, 504 ; on their own
roots, 505 ; the claims of the,
533 ; Madame Chauvry, 540 ;
of the year, 562

Rose Shows— Ryde, 13; South
Kensington (National So¬
ciety), 22; Crystal Palace, 24 ;
Brockham, 26 ; Canterbury,
27 ; Farningham, 28 : Reigate,
28 ; Birmingham (National
Society), 66 ; Sutton, 67 ; Maid¬
stone, 67; Hitchin, 67; Here¬
ford, 67 ; Shrewsbury, 67 ;
Eltham, 44 ; Cardiff, 45 ; Ox¬
ford, 45 ; Bath, 46 ; Moreton-
in-Marsh, 92 ; Wirral, 92

Rose Society (National)— Show
nineteen years ago, 19 ; an¬
nual meeting, 538; jubilee
challenge trophies, 585

SALISBURY SHOW, 117
Salvias, 55 ; as outdoor decora¬
tive plants, 279
Sambucus aurea Dixoni, 317
Sandy Show, 210
Sargeson, funeral of Mr., 158
Savoys, 505
Seakale, forcing, 590
Seed list, 541, 581
Shading and watering, 19
Sheffield Chrysanthemum So¬
ciety, 88 ; notes at, 138
Shepherd ia argentea, 65
Sherborne Show, 210
Shortia galacifolia, 450
Shrewsbury Rose Show, 69, 180
Shrubberies as screens, 42
Shrubs— grouping, 10 ; hardy
for forcing, 490

Silene penaula compacta flore-
pleno, 537

Simonite’s (Mr. B.) garden, 139
Sirex gigas, 262
Slope, planting a, 286

Snowstorm, severe, 584
Soil— trenched v. untrenched,
135 ; the management of, 545 ;
treatment of heavy, 586
Solanums not fruiting, 31
Solidago, species of, 339
Sophronitis, hybrid from, 128
Southampton Show, 118
Souza, Mr. Joseph, 539
Spathogloctis Angustorum, 276;

Kimballiana, 295
Spinach— autumn, 143 ; winter,
373

Spiram callosa, 514 ; japonica,
528

Spring— raising and planting
flowers, 316; bedding, 356;
selection of plants for bed¬
ding, 380

Stagnant water, 30
Stapelia gigantea, 431
Starch in vegetable economy
364

Statice Suworowi, 65
Stephanotis fioribunda, 569
Sternbergia lutea, 493
Stevens, death of Mr. Z., 385 ;
memoir, 585

Stocks at Perry Hill, 40
Stoke-upon-Trent Show, 21
Strelitzia Reginas, 584
Strawberries — hybridising,
packing, 10,30; plants after
forcing, 20; Noble, 21; gar¬
dens at Kaowle Hill, 22;
runners, 32 ; not fruiting,
31; cultivation, 35, 183 ; sum¬
mer treatment, the second
season, watering, securing
fine fruits, protecting the
fruit, gathering the fruit,
36 ; grubs infesting, 56 ; win¬
ter treatment, duration of
plantations, 60 ; surface dres¬
sing, ai pines, enemies, 61, 78,
80; James Veitch, 83; Lox-
ford Hall Seedling, 88 ; struc¬
tures for forcing, 133 ; forcing
and varieties, 150, 221 ; in pots,
213, 306, 439, 528, 569; new
plantation of, 235; Preston
Seedling and Filbert Pine,
226 : a heavy crop of, 295 ;
Alpha, 339 ; culture in North
America, 340 ; in October, 365
Suffolk, a visit to, 179

Sulphide of potassium, 414
Superphosphate of lime, 17
Surrey, a drive in, 235
Sutton Rose Show, 67
Swallows, protection of, 340
Swanley Nurseries, 322

TABLE PLANTS, 587
Taro, 376

Tarragon, seedling, 102
Taunton Show, 162
Temperatures, average, 552
Tennis court making, 80
Thinning crops, 106
Thornbury, 140

Thoughts on current topics, 64,
108, 152, 226, 315, 391, 513, 577
Thunia*, treatment of, 239

Tobacco culture— Messrs. Car¬
ter’s, 154 ; in Kent, 196 ; at
Kinver, 317 ; in Cumberland,
339 ; growing in Scotland,
408 ; preparing, 508 ; cultiva¬
tion, 612

Tomatoes— 99 ; culture, success¬
ful, 37 ; thinning and setting,
102 ; late, 282 ; for dessert, 271 ;
for dessert, 815 ; at Ileckfield,
318 ; in America, 364 ; in a
frame, 376 ; low prices of, in
America, 408 ; early, 590
“ Tourists’ Guide to the Flora
of the Alps,” review of, 53
Trachelium coeruleum, 520
Tradescantia zebrina for winter
decoration, 260

Trees and shrubs— ornamental,
110 ; for lawns, 388, 447 ; reno¬
vating, 568 ; grouping in
parks, 61 ; planting, 335 ;
planting in the Isle of Man,
341

Trenching -315, 316, 513, 549 ;
ground, 270 ; soil, 34, 492 ; v.
non-trenching ground, 248 ;
Trenched v. untrenched soil,
370, 410

Tropseolums — variegated, 186,
202, 223, 251 ; speciosum at
Reading, 429
Trowbridge Show, 183
Tuberous plants in winter, 497
Tulips — early, 293 ; planting,
443 ; the florist’s, 559
Turnips, autumn sown, .552

UMBRELLA PINE AT VALKEN-
blirg, 154

VALE ROYAL. 320
Vallota purpurea for rooms, 202
Valves on hot- water pipes, 143
Vanda Dearei, 233
Van Geert, death of M. Auguste,
494 ; the late Auguste, 516
Vanila, 578

Vegetables— for market, low
prices of, 250; foreign compe¬
tition, 251

forcing, 504 ; of 1886, 557 ; good
of 1886, 577
Vegetarianism, 515
Ventilation v. non-ventilation,
370, 446, 514

Ventilating, systems of, 404
Vernacular names for plants, 297
Viburnum Opulus, 350
Vinegar Plant, 16
Vine borders— wireworms in,
352 ; compost for, 430
Vineries — plants in, 56 ; back
walls of, 464

Vine leaves scorched, 146
Vines— thrips on, 31 ; red spider
on, 56 ; treatment of in July,
78 ; pruning for Grapes, 173 ;
cleansing from red spider,
193 ; pruning early, 212 ; long
and close pruning, 244 • check¬
ing and destroying red spider

vii.

Vines— continued—
on, 248 ; late growths, rest¬
ing, 255; notching roots, 262;
rods of old, 283 ; late growths
and resting, 290; culture, ex¬
tension system. 363 ; pruning.
377 ; planting for forcing, 395 ;
forcing, 398 ; failing, 442 ; un¬
healthy, 441 ; trained down
a back wall. 487 ; pruning
early, 512 ; forcing, 527 ; mealy
hug on, 534 ; losing their
leaves, 552 ; temperature for
start- ing, 571

Viaeyard,the Marquis of Bute’s,
36 i

Violas— culture and varieties.
9L ; for bedding, 366 ; 381 ;
new, 405 ; manure and lime
for, 428

Violets — 550 ; in frames, 43 ;
in pots, culture, 76 ; for mar¬
ket, 97 ; in summer, 249 ;
varieties of, 276 ; scorched, 331

Violet Ivy, 352

WAKEFIELD PAXTON SOCIETY
515

Walk edgiDgs, 70
Wallflowers for spring bedding,
356

Walnuts, preserving, 464
Wasps, destroying queen, 103 ;

and earwigs, 578
Water— maximum density and
circulation of, 174 ; as an orna¬
mental feature, 25
Water Lilies — 102 ; in Phila¬
delphia, 450

Watering plants in winter, 439
Watertight ashpits— hot v. cold
water, 526, 540

Weather — in Notts. 250 ; in
October, 817 ; the, 539
Weeds, destroying, 442
Weeks’ Fireplace boiler, 546
Well-dressing at Barlow, 236
West of Scotland Pansy So¬
ciety, 96

Weston-super-Mare Show, 163
Wheatstone, Mr. Charles P.,
death of, 540
Willow, insect on, 308
Wimbledon Show, 48
Winchester Show, 49
Wirral Rose Show, 92, 114
Wire worms in Vine borders, 352
Worden Hall, Preston, 342

Yeovil show, 182
Yorkshire Association of Horti¬
cultural Societies, 138, 515
York Gala Exhibition — 22 ;
funds, date of 1887 Show, 134 ;
449

York Show, 13
Yuccas, culture of, 166

ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS, 184

Vlll.

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ January 13, 18S7.

WOODCUTS.

PAGE

iEschynan thus tricolor . .. 499

Amaryllises— -Mrs. W. Lee, Perlotti, G. Firth . . . . 435

American Blight . 166

Apple, Gascoigne’s Seedling . . . . 428

Barkeria elegans . 361

Barron, Mr. A. F., portrait uf . 7

Barrow, a patent . 49

Bee3, section for cottagers’ skep . . . . 441 , 46S, 530

„ a oheap hive . 592

Beetle trap, Birkenhead’s . 325

Boilers, Saddle . 247

a, Chil well Nurseries . 292

„ coil . 292

„ Derbyshire . 812

„ horizontal tubular . 266 \

„ Weeks’ Fireplace . 547

Caianthe vestita Williamsi . 47

Calceolaria tetragona . 63

Calochortus pulchellus . 256

Camellia tricolor . 299

Catasetum Bungerotlii . 563

Cattleya Trianee var. Backhousiana . 337

Chrysanthemums, box and stand . SCO

„ cups for blooms . . 177

PAGE

Chrysanthemums, dressing . 225

„ instruments for dressing .. .. 182

„ La Triomphante, Phcebus, and W.

Holmes . 411

,* travelling box . 132

White Ceres . 543

Codonopsis ovata . 136

Constantinople Nut . 383

CratsBgus tatarica (C. pinnatifida var. major) .. .. 415

Cuscuta chilensis . 580

Dendrobium Williamsianum . 87

Diosma uni flora . 207

! Easton Lodge, Dunmow . 231

Erica Lambertiana rosea . . 852

Fruit trees, “ U ” system of training . 253

Fuchsia Madame Thibaut . 116

Gladioli blooms, box for * . 519

Glass Houses, determining the cubic contents of . . 205

Glossocomia ovata . 136

Grapes, large Gros Colm&n . 567

Group of plants . 583

Ice houses at Bangemore . 561

„ convenient . .. .. 39

Impatiens Hawkeri . 93

Ixora Griffithi . .

Johnson, Mr. G. W., portrait of .. .. .. .. 403

Kingston Crysanthemum show . 455

Leschenaultia biloba major . 21

Liverpool show tent, plan of . 5

Masdevallia rosea . • . . 71

Maxillaria Sanderiana . . 889

Morina longifolia . „ 185

Orchis maculata superba . 151

Pelargonium (Ivy- leaf) Robert Owen .. .. 109

Phaius Humbloti . 119

Poppies, Shirley . 367

Primula Rusbyi .. . . 161

Reinwardtia tetragyne .. . . 26

Rhubarb, method of forcing . 471

Rose, The Bride . 843

Royal Horticultural Society’s Provincial Show at

Liverpool, plan of . . • 9

Silene pendula compacta . 537

Spathoglottis Augustorum . 277

Sternbergia lutea . . .. .. 493

Trachelium coeruleum, a specimen . . . . . . 521

Yale Royal . 321

Vinery at The Shrubbery, St. Neota .. •• .. 477

July 1, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

1

<r-

v. /|\ III

COMING EVENTS

1

2

8

4

5

6

1 7

th

p

s

SUN

M

TU

W

Reigate (Roses).

Tud bridge Wells.

Brockhatn, Elthara, and Crystal Palace (RoBes).

2nd Sunday after Trinity.

National Rose Society’s Show, South Kensington.

Cardiff, S mton, Oxford (Roses), Ealing.

THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY’S
PROVINCIAL SHOW.

S this is undoubtedly the most prominent horti¬
cultural event of the year, it on that account
claims prominence in this Journal. The
- present is the ninth great Exhibition that the
Society has held in provincial cities and towns —
Bury St. Edmunds, Leicester, Oxford, Man¬
chester, Nottingham, Birmingham, Bath,
Preston, Liverpool — and it is both gratifying
and encouraging to record that seven out of
the eight preceding shows were financially successful, one
only (that held at Preston) was a failure. This misfortune
was the result of a combination of circumstances — bad
weather, imperfect management and extravagant outlay
on the part of the local directorate beyond the Society’s
control, and a great counter-attraction in the opening of
the Blackpool Winter Gardens by the Lord Mayor of London.
The loss sustained at Preston appears to have induced
the Council of the Royal Horticultural Society to pause
before entering on another provincial undertaking ; but
the strong invitation received from Liverpool, and the
prompt and substantial support accorded to the project,
warranted a departure from the stay-at-home policy of the
past few years. It is in our opinion quite time the Society
extended its field of operations. Its influence is cramped by
confining its work to the Metropolis. The head- quarters and
periodical meetings must of necessity be in London ; but
the annual exhibitions should be moveable. As a rule the
great London horticultural shows are only great in one
respect — great mistakes, because financial failures. London
is so vast, and its attractions so multifarious, that even a
“ great ” show becomes a mere speck in its midst, and its
existence only just becomes known about the day of its close.
In the great centres of population in the provinces the caso
is different — anything of an unusual character there cannot
remain in obscurity. Everybody knows about it, and all who
are interested support it by their presence if in no other
way.

Provincial horticultural exhibitions also afford an oppor¬
tunity to cultivators in widely separated districts to place
evidences of their skill before the public in the best company.
They thus stimulate to greater attainments, and a whole¬
some spirit of emulation is summoned into action, not only
between man and man, but district and district, to the general
good. A great impetus would be given to the important and
enjoyable pursuit of gardening in its widest and highest
aspects if the Council of the Royal Horticultural Society could
Bee their way to having great district shows annually, and
make the necessary arrangements at least a year in advance,
and preferably two years. That is to to say, the Exhibition
of 1887 should be announced now, an intimation being given
at the same time of the invitations that have been received
from districts desirous of making provision for the Show of
1888. If the Royal Agricultural Society and similar organisa-
No. 314. — Yol. XIII., Third Series.

tions did not find it advantageous to act on this principle it
would not be adopted. Giving long and definite notice is a
chief element of success. The best period, from a district
point of view, for holding the show ought also to be well
considered . Cultivators in the neighbourhood of Liverpool are,
broadly speaking, at a double disadvantage — firstly, the show
being almost sprung upon them by surprise, which is nobody’s
fault, and secondly, in having it a month too soon, through
the Liverpool Horticultural Association deciding to have
their show at the end of July. In consequence of that decision
the Council of the Royal Horticultural Society fixed the
date of the present Exhibition so as not to interfere with
the local show; then, but too late to alter the arrange¬
ment, the members of the Association determined to abandon
their show and co-operate with the Royal. Now, if under
those circumstances the suddenness of the announcement,
the earliness of the date, and the hurried manner in which
the preparations were made, an exhibition such as the present
one (which all interested in horticulture ought to see) can be
produced, what might we not expect under more advantageous
circumstances of the nature above indicated ?'

The Show, both as regards magnitude and the quality of
the produce, is worthy of the efforts that were made to
achieve a success. The inru-h of produce on Monday night was
very great, but the exertions of the officials surmounted all
difficulties, and order prevailed at the appointed time. Avery
accurate ground plan of the Show appears in another page.
The plan of the large marquee will also afford an idea of the
disposition of the plants. This covered space is 260 by
180 feet. The three beds at the end are occupied with nur¬
serymen’s miscellaneous collections, the larger one next them
by Crotons and “ effect ” groups. The centre of the arrange¬
ment is a mass of rockwork, the four surrounding beds con¬
taining new and rare plants. Orchids, Nepenthes, Caladiums,
&c., enrich the large bed at the opposite end. The narrow
side beds are rendered gay with Pelargoniums, the narrow
bed across the ends containing Palms and Ferns. The side
border all round is quite filled with specimen plants of various
kinds. The beds are raised a foot high at the margin and
turfed and further elevated towards the centre. Unfortu¬
nately the roof is too low, and the splendour of this fine
exhibition of plants is on that accouut diminished. The
canvas is also too dark, but if the brilliant weather of the
opening day continues there will be sufficient light and more
than enough heat to be agreeable. There are various other
marquees, and all are filled, not to say crowded. Structures,
appliances, &e., occupy several acres of ground, the
boiler trials are in progress, and undoubtedly a source of
great interest to visitors who are crowding the grounds.

Before describing the classes it will not be inappro¬
priate to give a resume of the schedule, and to refer briefly
to the excellent official who has had such a large share
in its arrangement, and who is responsible for the varied
details in connection with the management of the Show —
Mr. A. F. Barron. We place him, as represented by an
excellent portrait, where we think he ought to be placed — in
the centre of the Journal that contains a record of his work.
He is an adept in the management of exhibitions, and it is
necessary that he should be, for he had a great show to
provide for in London last week, and on the day after the
present Exhibition closes the National Rose Society’s Show
must be arranged at South Kensington. But all the work
will b9 done in the quiet manner of a man who sees his way,
and proceeds step by step in carrying out his plans to com¬
pletion. The time has not arrived for writing Mr. Barron’s
history, and we trust it is far distant, and we only say now
that he is much more than a show manager — he is an
accomplished gardener, an excellent organiser, a fair and
careful experimenter, able, just, and deservedly esteemed as
the right man in the right place as Superintendent of the
Royal Horticultural Society’s Gardens, a position he has
filled with credit to himself and satisfaction to the Society
for twenty years.

No. 1970. — Yol. LXXY., Old Series

/

2

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 1, 1886.

THE EXHIBITION.

The Schedule was carefully considered and deserves a few remarks, as the
classes have been framed to render it as representative as possible, and the
prizes throughout are of liberal amounts, the total being £1200. Taking
them in the order of arrangement, the first sixty are devoted to plants,
the premier class being that for twelve stove and greenhouse plants, six in
flower and six foliage, for which £20, £15, and £10 constitute the first,
second, and third prizes. That is open to all exhibitors, but the next for
nine specimens is confined to nurserymen, and the third for six to
amateurs, the prizes in both being of the same amounts — namely £10,
£7, and £5. Hardwooded New Holland plants in flower do not often
have a class set apart for them, but this is done at Liverpool, and if other
Societies provided some encouragement for these beautiful greenhouse
plants it would serve to re-awaken an interest in their culture. Fine-
foliage plants invariably form an important portion of large exhibitions,
and including Ferns, Crotons, Palms, Dracaenas, Caladiums, and
Coleuses, firteen classes are appropriated to them the prizes ranging from
£10 to £1. Orchids constitute another important feature, liberal provision
having been made for these plants for a group of twenty-fitje
arranged with Palms and Ferns, the prizes are £20, £15, and £10.
Two classes are also provided for twelve exotic Orchids from amateurs
and nurserymen respectively, the prizes being £15, £10, and £7. There
is an amateurs’ class for six Orchids, with £8, £6, and £4 a3 prizes ;
while the Liverpool Horticultural Company offered a cup value twenty-
five guineas and ten guineas in cash for the best twelve Orchids in
flower. Then still following the order of the schedule are two classes for
new and rare plants not in commerce (nurserymen), or sent out during
1884, '85 and ’86 (open). Bromeliads, Nepenthes, Ericas, Azaleas, Roses,
Clematises, Rhododendrons, Pelargoniums, Fuchsia?, Tuberous Begonias,
Gloxinias, Liliums, hardy plants, ornamental trees and shrubs, and groups
of plants are all specially provided for, the prizes ranging from £i2
to £1.

Cut flowers have twenty classes devoted to them, seven of which are
for Roses, the great class being that for seventy-two blooms, the first
prize £8, the second £6, and the third £4. Three are for Pelargoniums,
and the others comprise Orchids, stove and greenhouse flowers, hardy
flowers, Gloxinias, &c. The table decorations and bouquets constitute an
interesting section of twelve classes, the first for a dinner-table 10 feet by
5 feet laid for eight persons, the prizes £8, £5, and £3. Table plants,
vases, bouquets, and flower sprays are also well provided for.

To fruit twenty-two classes are appropriated, two being devoted to
collections, one for eight kinds, including black and white Grapes, and
the other for six kinds excluding Grapes and Pine Apples. Seven classes
are enumerated for Grapes, Black Hamburgh, Madresfield Court, Muscat
of Alexandria, Foster’s Seedling, and Buckland Sweetwater having a class
each, three bunches being required of the varieties, and the prizes are the
same — namely £3, £2, and £1. Pine Apples, Peaches, Nectarines, Straw¬
berries, Cherries, Figs, and Melons constitute other features in the same
section. For vegetables there are twelve classes, the leading one for a
collection of eight distinct kinds (£6, £4, and £3) attracting the most
attention, together with that for the best collection of garden produce to
include plants, flowers, fruit, and vegetables, arranged in a space of 100
square feet (prizes £5, £3, and £2). The latter is an innovation intended
to give gardeners an opportunity of exhibiting who could not enter the
large special classes. Several prizes are contributed by Messrs. James
Carter & Co., High Holborn, for Melons and Peas ; Messrs. Sutton and
Son, Reading, for vegetables and Melons; and Messrs. Webb & Son, Stour¬
bridge, for Peas and Melons, which induced many competitors to enter. A
novel class is provided for illustrations of horticulture on board ship, with
examples of plants, vegetables, &c., grown on ships and the appliances
used, lor which medals were offered according to the merit of the exhibits.

Another large section is that for horticultural and botanical literature,
science, and art, the exhibits in which are classed in four divisions, but no
prizes were offered. The first division is for the literature of gardening,
including British and Colonial periodical works, educational books for
young gardeners, standard reference works, books illustrative of the
history of gardening and botany, foreign garden literature, models,
diagrams, and apparatus suitable for the instruction of gardeners in
chemistry, physics, or vegetable physiology, and specimens illustrating the
methods of grafting and budding. The second division is devoted to
technical avt, including plans of gardens and parks, garden structures, &c. ;
and the third division is for botanical and decorative art, comprising
drawings of flowers and fruits, photographs, chromo-lithographs, drawings
in water or oil, and flower painting on terra-cotta vases, tiles, plates, &c.,
for which silver-gilt, silver and bronze Banksian medals were offered.

A very important portion of the schedule is that for implements,
garden structures, tools, and appliances, and considerable space is devoted
to the exhibits in the twenty-one classes, which comprise a great variety
of subjects, the awards consisting of certificates and medals. The boiler
trial, of which the results will be described, was also a very interesting
feature in this section,

THE LARGE PLANT MARQUEE.

One of the great features of the Exhibition is the marquee described
on page land represented on page 5. A most diversified and beautiful
appearance is presented by the groups and collections in this marquee,
which are displayed to the best advantage, the only drawback being that
the canvas is somewhat dark, but in bright weather this was not so notice¬
able. The general effect would have been much improved if the eaves of
the spans bad been higher, and if less timber had been employed, or it had
been of a lighter character.

The entrance to the marquee is at the southern end, and passing in that
way the first group which attracts prominent attention is that from Messrs.
R. P. Ker it Sons, Liverpool, of which the principal features are the mag¬
nificent Crotons, which in colouring could not be surpassed, and many are
also of considerable size, all very healthy and handsome, 5 to 6 feet high,
and as much in diameter. Facing the entrance is a group of miscellaneous
flowering plants; at the left-hand side are groups of hardy flowers and
dwarf Roses in pots from Mr. C. Turner, Slough ; while on the right are
several collections of Tuberous Begonias and a circular group of Palms,
Crotons, and miscellaneous foliage plants from Messrs. F. and A. Dickson
and Sons. Following the path to the right the visitor passes the exhibits in
the classes for stove and greenhouse plants, including beautiful examples
of Dipladenias, Ixoras, Ericas, Anthurium Schertzerianum, Clerodendrone,
and Allamandas, which furnish a variety of rich colours. Then come
groups of stately Palms, well-coloured Crotons, large vigorous Gleiche nias,
and Coleuses. A fine collection of Palms forms the end group, and from
these towards the entrance (still round the side) are Pelargoniums, both
show and zonal varieties, hardwooded plants ; and Messrs. Laing A Co.’s
brillliant Tuberous Begonias from Forest Hill. Turning to the centre of
the marquee it will be noticed that there are four crescent-shaped beds,
two of these on the right hand side being devoted to groups from Messrs.
J. Yeitch & Sons, Chelsea, and Mr. B. S. Williams, Upper Holloway ; and
the other two are occupied with the Orchids in competition, which make a
charming display. Messrs. Yeitch & Sons’ group contains a choice assort¬
ment of new and rare plants, some large specimens of (the lovely Hydrangea
paniculata grandiflora being very noticeable, bearing numerous large
trusses of white flowers.

In the foreground are some beautiful Gloxinias, arranged with Adian-
tums most tastefully, and graceful plants of Asparagus plumosus, with a
background of grand specimens of Anthurium Veitchi and others. Mr.
B. S. Williams’s group contains an excellent selection of Orchids, about ICO
being included, and there are also some of the best new stove and green¬
house plants, together with well-grown representatives of older and better-
known useful plants. The Orchids in the competing collections are very
handsome, and form a charming feature in the centre of the marquee, a
most tasteful system of arrangement being adopted with the majority.
Ferns are freely employed, especially Adiantums,wiih excellent effect, their
light green graceful fronds contrasting admirably with the bright or soft
tints of the Orchids. Occupying the centre of the tent is a pool of water
and rockery constructed by Mr. Clapham of Stockport, which, though very
unpretentious, is most artistic and natural in appearance. Huge slabs of
imitation red sandstone are irregularly disposed, jutting out into the water
and upon these are planted Ferns, Aspidistras, Cotoneasters, and other suit¬
able plants.

The large terminal space shown near the end of the plan is occupied
with Orchids at the front at the lowest part of the slope, with small Palms
in the centre with tall Fuchsias and Messrs. Laing & Co.’s splendid specimen
Caladiums, some of the best grown plants that are seen at txhibitions now.
Near the entrance on the right hand side of the tent Messrs. W. <fe J. Birken¬
head, Sale, Manchester, have one of their charmingly fresh groups of Ferns,
which comprise a great number of sp eies of Adinntums, Pterises, Selagi-
nellas, GI ichenias, Osmundas, and others. A pan of the violet-scented
Nephrodium fiagrans was noticeable, the plant being Very healthy.

Having given a brief outline of the appearance of the exhibits in the
large tent we may refer to the classes in detail.

STOYE AND GREENHOUSE PLANTS.

The principal class was that for twelve specimens, six in flower and six
foliage, and the entries in this formed a grand bank at the side of the
marquee. The premier honours are accorded to Mr. James Cypher, Chel¬
tenham, for his customary grand specimens in magnificent health and of
great size The flowering plants are Erica Cavendishiana, 5 fe t high and
as much in diameter ; Allamanda Hendersoni, over 5 feet in diameter and
well flowered ; Erica tricolor Wilsoni, 4 feet in diameter, very even and
admirably trained ; Anthurium Scheitzerianum, extremely vigorous, with
forty-four bright spathes ; Dipladenia amabilis, globular in form and
bearing some charmingly coloured flowers ; Ixora regina, 4 feet across,
with fine trusses of flowers. The foliage plants comprise Cycas revoluta,
Kentia Canterburyana,andLataniaborbonica very large, and Kentia australis
graceful. The second plac - is taken by Mr. J. Mould. Pewsey, Wilts, with
smaller but very fresh and beautiful plants. Dipladenia amabilis, Ixora
coccinea, Erica Fairrieana, Stephanotis floribunda, and Bougainvillea glabra
are the most remarkable for their bright healthy condition. Mr. Henry
James, Cabtle Nursery, Lower Norwood, is third with good specimens, but
not so fresh as the others ; Pimelea, mirabilis, 4 feet in diameter, being the
best plant in bis dozen.

In class 2, for nine specimens in flower, Mr. Cypher is again victorious
with most beautiful brightly coloured examples of Ixoras Pilgrimi and
Williamsi, Allamanda Hendersoni, Pimelea deeussata, Anthurium Schert¬
zerianum, and Cypher’s Allamanda nobilis, Erica Cavendishiana, and
Azalea Brilliant. These plants, which are slightly smaller than those in the
preceding class, are some of the brightest and best in the Show, and as they
occupy a prominent position on a mound they are very effective. _ Mr. .H.
James is second, Rondeletia speciosa major and Dracopbyllum gracile being
the most praiseworthy plants.

In the amateurs’ class fer six specimens Mr. A. R. Cox, gardener to
W. H. Watts, Esq., Elm Hall, Liverpool, is deservedly awarded the first
prizj for well-grown plants, including three Ixoras regin®, Dixiana, and
coccim a, the last named a fine mass of flowers and foliage nearly 6 feet in
diameter and as healthy as could be desired ; Statice Holfordi, mest
vigorous ; Allamanda Hendersoni, Ixora Dixiana, and Clerodendron Bal-
fouriauum being the other plants. Mr. Charles Paul, gardener to S. Schloss,
Esq., Osborn Villa, Bowden, takes the second prize with healthy plants, a
Stephanotis 5 feet high and conical in form and Boronia elat or beiDg the
two finest plants

Heaths.— Six neat specimen Ericas are shown by Mr. J. Cypher, who
secures the first prize with them ; E. Parmentieriana, E. tricolor Wilsoni,
E. ventrico-a grandiflora, E. depressa, E. ampuilacea obbata, and E. ferru-
ginea, all capitally flowered, being the varieties represented.

Feiins. — An amateurs’ ass for six exotic Ferns is provided, in which

July 1, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

3

Mr. C. Paul has gained the chief position for specimens which have fre¬
quently taken honours at previous exhibitions. The three Gleichenias
Mendeli, rupestris, and glauca, are of great size and in a condition that is
seldom equalled. Dicksoni i artarctica, Cibotium regale, and Braiuoa insignis
are the others shown, the last-named a beautiful specimen of this very
distinct Fern. The best nine exotic Ferns are contributed by Mr. G. Rhodes,
gardener to Mrs. Horsfall, Grassendale Priory, Aigburth, Liverpool ; capital
specimens of Gleichenia dichotoma, Microlepia hirta-cristata, the distinct
Dicksonia squarrosa, Dictyogramma variegata, a magnificent Alsophila
Moorei with enormous fronds, Davallia bullata, Adiantum formosum,
Davallia Mooreana, and Gymnogramma clirysopliylla. Mr. A. R. Cox
follows with plants equally as meritorious in health and freshness, but
smaller. Goniophlebium subauriculatum is very effective, elevated on a stand
6 feet high and the fronds drooping nearly to the ground ; Microlepia hirta
eristata, wonderfully strong ; Davallia Mooreana, Dicksonia antarctica,
Gl.ichenia dichotoma, very light green, contrasting markedly with an
exceptionally dark green Adiantum cuneatum.

Mr. G. Williams, gardener to S. Boerlem, Esq., Oak Dene, Didsbury,
Manchester, is a good second with six Ferns, showing handsome specimens,
Gleichenia flabellata and the dark green Davallia divaricata being most
praiseworthy. Mr. Thomas Gowen, gardener to J. Cunningham, Esq.,
Lenton Lodge, Mossley Hill, near Liverpool, is a very close third, his
plants of Gymnogramma argyrophylla, Adiantum farleyense, Goniophle¬
bium subauriculatum, and Davallia Mooreana being superbly grown.

Fine-foliage Plants. — A corner of the large marquee is assigned to
Mr. Cypher’s nine fine- foliage plants, for which he has obtained the
premier award in the class, the huge plants that we have often had
occasion to commend ; the Palms, Latania borbonica, Areca Baueri, and
Kentia Fosteriana, are especially handsome. Croton Johannis is well
coloured at the uppir part, but green below ; Cycas revoluta, Gleichenia
Mendeli, Dasylirion acrotrichum, Cordyline indivisa, and Croton Sunset
being the other plants, all equally healthy.

Orchids. — These are beautifully represented both by large specimens
and choice varieties, and considerable taste has also been exercised in their
arrangement. They form some lovely groups on the banks and mounds in
the centre of the marquee, and contribute one of the most admired portions
of tie Exhibition. _ The leading class is for a group of twenty-five, in which
G. Hardy, Esq., Pickering Lodge, Timperley, Cheshire, is placed first with a
delightfully tasteful arrangement of Orchids and Ferns, Aralias, and Palms.
Charming specimens of Odontoglossum vexillarium varieties, loaded with
flowers, and surrounded by Adiantum cuneatum, Cattleyas Mossire gigas
and Sanderiani, C. Mendeli, and Loelia purpurata furnish a richness of
colouring that is mo3t pleasing. Masdevallia Harryana is pretty; Odonco-
glossums, Saccolabiums, the white Vanda Dennisoniana, the freely flower¬
ing Aerides Veitchi, Odontoglossum cordatum, and the white floriferous
Dendrobium Dearei are all notable for their beauty. Very seldom do we
see Orchids so effectively displayed, and many exhibitions would be im¬
proved by groups of this character. Mr. J. Cypher is second in this class
also with a tastefully arranged group, but more Palms are employed and a
few Crotons, which do not harmonise with the Orchids so well as Ferns.
Odontoglossum vexillarium O. citrosmum, Dendrobium infundibulum, and
Epidendrum vitellinum, with Cattleyas and Lselias are well shown, but they
were spoiled in a great measure by the Crotons. Mr. James is third with
smaller plants and rather crowded.

• u°r Orchids, distinct, Mr. G. Hardy is again the premier exhibitor

with grand specimens of the following : — Odontoglossum vexillarium, a
pretty variety, with rosy sepals and petals, and a white lip, with scores of
flowers ; Aerides odoratum majus, well flowered ; Cattleya Mendeli, Cattleya
Mossue aurea, very fine ; Cypripedium Stonei, C. Lawrencianum, with forty
flowers; Dendrobium Wardianum, with pseudo-bulbs 4 feet high, and
clothed with large flowers over the greater part of their length ; Dendro¬
bium suavissimum, with ten racemes ; Odontoglossum vexillarium roseum,
a mass of flowers ; Cattleya gigas Sanderiana, a magnificent variety, with
a richly coloured lip ; Cattleya Mossite, superbly flowered ; and Cypri¬
pedium Parishi, with twelve racemes of its curious brown and greenish
flowers. Mr. T. Worth, Orchid grower to Enoch Harvey, Esq., 12,
f yersdale R°adi Aigburth, takes the second prize for well-flowered plants
of Cattleya guttata Leopoldi, with three huge racemes ; Phalsenopsis
speciosa has six spikes, with four to six flowers each : Laelia purpurata, of
good colour; Masdevallia Harryana, bright ; Cattleya M ndeli, C. Sanderi-
ana, Odontoglossum citrosmum, O. vexillarium, Aerides crispum, 0.
A*e?ian,er£e) Cattleya Warneri, Odontoglossum vexillarium, and Epidendrum
vitellinum majus. The third prize is secured by Mr. W. J. Thomson,
unylibark, St. Helens, with a pretty collection in which is a Schomburgkia
unnamed, but which resembles undulata, the greenish white sepals and
peta s narrow, and wavy at the margin, the lip tipped with dark crimson ;
bat.ieya lobata, with twenty flowers ; Aerides Lobbi, with two panicles ;
Oattieya gigas Sanderiana, Anguloa Ruckeri sanguinea, Dendrobium
iiensonice, D. Dalhousianum, and Anguloa Clowesi are all capital specimens.
An extra prize is awarded to Mr. John Alexander, gardener to Holbrook
Lraskell, Esq., Woolton Wood, for charming specimens of Masdevallia
Veitchiana grandiflora, very large flowers, and highly coloured ; Dendro-
chilum filiforme, a graceful plant, with thirty drooping spikes ; a fine plant of
D-ndrobium tortile roseum, capitally flowered; and Anguloa Clowesi, with
six flowers.

A nurserymen’s class for twelve Orchids brought several competitors,
Mr. J. Cypher leading with handsome specimens of Dendrobium suavis¬
simum, bearing ten racemes, Dendrobium Dearei, a “ made up ” specimen
loaded with pure white flowers, Saccol-.bium guttatum, Epidendrum
vitellinum, O. vexillarium and Cattleyas. Mr. H. James follows, showing
Dendrochilum filiforme, Aerides Fieldingi, with a spike over 2J feet long^
Brassia verrucosa and Cattleya Mendeli, both freely flowered. The best six
amateurs Orchids are from Mr. G. Hardy, comprising three fine Cattleyas,
C. Mossiae, C. Mendeli, and C. gigas Sanderiana, in excellent condition, the
last named having two dozen flowers, and Dendrobium cras-dnode
Barbenanum, very late. Mr. Harvey is second for smaller plants,
C. Mendeli being the best, and Epidendrum Wallisi is notable as a
curiosity.

The Liverpool Horticultural Company, Garston (Mr. John Cowan)
offered a cup value 25 guineas and 10 guineas in cash for the best g oup of

twelve Orchids in flower, and this was awarded to Mr. G. Hardy for very
handsome specimens of Cattleya Mossiae var. aurea on a raft and crowded
with flowers ; Dendrobium Jamesianum, very healthy, well flowered, and
of a fine variety ; Cattleya gigas Sanderiana with fourteen flowers ; Odon¬
toglossum vexillarium, Cattleya Mendeli, Brassia Lawrenciana, Cypripedium
superbiens with eighteen flowers, Cattleya Warneri with fourteen fine
flowers, C. Mendeli variety handsome, Odontoglossum vexillarium, and a
marvellously fine plant of Dendrobium Devonianum in a large pot and
elevated above the other plants with drooping growths 3 to 4 feet long and
densely clothed with brightly coloured flowers.

Messrs. Sander & Co., St. Albans, have a compact group of Odonto-
glossums in many beautiful varieties, crispum, vexillarium, citrosmum, and
other species being represented. Some good Cattleyas and a few Epiden-
drums are included, and serve to brighten the group. The Liverpool Horti¬
cultural Company, Garston, have a collection of small Orchids tastefully
arranged with Ferns, the former being chiefly Odontoglossums, Cattleyas,
Masdevallias, and Dendrobiums. The Hon. and Rev. J. T. Boscawen has a
wonderfully strong plant of Las'.ia purpurata with eight enormous flowers
and fine leaves.

Caladiums. — Messrs. J. Laing & Co., Forest Hill, are the only exhibitors
of Caladiums, and secure the first prize for well-grown specimens of Leopold
Robert, red veins on a white ground and with green edge ; Candidum white
with green veins ; Luddemanni, red veins and white spots on a green
ground ; Ornatum, red veins and bright metallic green ; Fritz Kachlin, red
and green veins on a white ground ; and Ferdinand de Lesseps, bright red,
with greenish veins on margin.

Palms. — The Palms form a group at the end of the marquee, Mr. G. Wil¬
liams being first with healthy specimens of medium size mostly, a few tall
ones at the back. Pritchardia pacifica is very fine, Geonoma Schottiana,
Kentia australis, Phoenix rupicola, Thrinax elegantissima, Cocos Weddel-
liana, Kentia Belmoreana, Piuenicophorum seychellarum and Kentia Can-
terburyana. Messrs. C. P. Ker, Aigburth. Liverpool, are second with very
neat specimens, Licuala grandis, Thainax elegans and Latania borbonica
being the most notable.

Nepenthes and Sarracenias. — For nine Nepenthes or Sarracenias Mr.
H. James is the leading exhibitor, showing all Nepenthes Dominiana,
robusta, Rafflesiana, Mastersiana, nigrum, Courti, intermedia, Hookeri,
hybrida, and Mastersiana, with numerous pitchers of good colour. Mr.
C. Paul is second with seven vigorous examples of Sarracenia purpurea
capitally grown, and S. Fieldisi and Drummondi with numerous pitchers.

Bromeliads. — The only collection of these is from Messrs. R. P. Ker
and Sons, who take the first prize for twelve admirably grown specimens of
Tillandsia tessellata, Karatas Legrelli, Massangeana musaica, Nidularium
fulgens, N. pictum, Pourretia mexicana, iEchmea spectabilis rubra, Bromelia
sphacelata, Nidularium Meyendorffi, Yresia hieroglyphica, Eucholirion
Saundersi, and iEchmea spectabilis.

Pelargoniums. — Two brilliant banks of Pelargoniums are formed, Mr.
C. Turner, Slough, taking the first prize in the class for a group, followed
by Messrs. C. Rylance & Co., Ormskirk, both having profusely flowered
specimens of show and decorative varieties. Mr. A. Bridge, The Gardens,
Greenhill, Huyton ; Mr. W. Bustard, gardener to J. Lewis, Esq., St. Anne’s
Road, Aigburth ; and Mr. T. Gowen, are the prizetakers with Zonal Pelar¬
goniums, having plants 4 feet across and flowering most abundantly. Mr.
C. Turner is also first with nine Show and Fancy Pelargoniums, exceedingly
handsome plants loaded with flowers, some like Gold Mine, Ritualist, and
Invincible having a splendid effect. Messrs. C. Rylance & Co., and Mr.
Bridge are other competitors in this class, taking the second and third
prizes. Mr. G. Rhodes; Messrs. Fleming & Sons, Maghull; Mr. J. Dixon,
Ashton near Preston ; and Mr. Gowen, secure prizes in other classes with
good plants. Messrs. R. Fleming & Sons, Maghull ; Mr. Ashcroft, West
Derby ; and Mr. H. James winning the prizes for Ivy-leaf Pelargoniums in
the order named, the first having tall conical plants profusely flowered ;
Emilie Lemoine with large double scarlet flowers attracting much notice.
Mr. W. Bowring, Aigburth, has been awarded the first prize for six
Achimenes, large specimens ; and Mr. Gowen is second with smaller speci¬
mens. Mr. A. R. Cox has the best six amateu1 s’ fine-foliage plants, excellent
examples of Latania borbonica, Seaforthia elegans, Calamus ciliaris, very
large; Croton Disraeli, well coloured; Alocasia macrorhiza variegata, and
Croton Queen Victoria.

A class is devoted to twelve hardwooded New Holland plants, and the
first prize is won by the only exhibitor, Mr. J. Cypher, who has splendidly
grown plants of Aphelexis macrantha grandiflora, Dracophyllum gracile,
Genetyllis tulipifera, Aphelexis macrantha rosea, Phcenocoma prolifera
Barnesi, Pimelea aecussata, Hedaroma tulipifera, and others.

Tuberous Begonias. — Messrs. J. Liing & Co. are the premier exhibitors
of Tuberous Begonias, securing first prizes both for twenty-five and nine
varieties. Both groups are extremely fine, the varieties of the admirable
character for which tnis firm is distinguished. Many of these have been
certificated at previous shows. They are almost as greatly admired as the
Orchids, and the collections are neatly margined with Asparagus plumosus
nanus and Ophiopogon javanicus variegatus. W. Bowring, Esq., and Mr.
J. Forbes, Hawick, are second and third with smaller plants. Mr. Bowring,
Mr. Jellicoe, and Mr. A. R. Cox are the prizewinners in the amateurs’
class.

Roses in Pots. — In the class for twenty Roses in 8-inch pots Mr.
C. Turner is first with the beautiful little plants already noted ; some of
them have fourteen to twenty flowers each, and all are good. La France,
Madame G. Luizei, Miss Hassard, Madame Lacharme, Edward Morren, and
Boule de Neige are excellent. Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshunt, are second
with very similar plants of good varieties.

Hardy Plants. — For the lovely varied group of hardy plants on the left
hand side of the entrance to the large marquee Messrs. James Dickson and
Sons, Chester, are awarded first honours. It comprises tall plants of Lilium
speciosum album and rubrum, L. candidum, and Galtonia, candidum at the
back, with large bushes of Mimulus cardinalis varieties, Campanula
macrantha, Lilium chalcedonicum, Phloxes, and Spiroe i palmata, with Irises,
CEnothera fruticosa, the scarlet Delphinium nudicaule, and Aster alpinus in
front. Enoch Harvey, E-<q., is a good second, showing massive Pseonies,
Pyrethrums, Campanulas, Armerias, and other plants. Messrs. Paul and
Son. Cheshunt, are first with fifty alpine plants, staging choice species and

4

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDhE ER.

[ July 1, 1856.

varieties of some of the best alpines in cultivation. Mr. John Forbes,
Hawick, has secured the first prize for a collection of Pansies in pots, all
good varieties and admirably grown, Mr. Bustard being third.

Crotons.— We have already referred to Messrs. Ker & Sons’ superb
Crotons, and it is only necessary to add that they were awarded the first
prize in the class for twelve distinct varieties, those included being New-
manni, Aighurthensis, Countess, Bergmanni, Mortefontanensis, Hawkeri,
Evansianus, interrupts aureus, Wiesmanni, musaicus, interrupts elegans,
and Sinitzinianus. Mr. J. Cypher is second with good plants, but not so
bright as the others. Mr. C. Finnigan, Winter Gardens, New Brighton, is
first in the amateurs’ class for six with well-grown specimens, hut like the
preceding looking dull in comparison with the Aighurth Crotons.

The Gloxinias from Mr. Agnew, gardener to Mrs. Watts, Grasendale
Park, Aighurth, won him the first prize, an honour they well deserved for
their vigour and floriferousness.

New and Rare Plants. — Messrs. It. & P. Ker & Sons have the first
prize in this class for Adiantum cuneatum deflexum, Ficus elasticus albo-
variegata, Davallia foeniculacea, Anthurium Veitchi flore-rubro, Adiantum
rhodophyllum, Croton Aigburthensis, Glymnogramma gloriosa, Anthurium
cameum, Medinilla Curtisi, Croton ruberrimus, Selaginella viridangula,
and Vriesia hieroglyphics. Messrs. W. & J. Birkenhead, Sale, are second,
showing Ferns, Adiantum Mariesi, Davallia tenuifolia Veitchi, Nothoclilsena
Aschenborniana, Pellaeapulch ell a, Anemia Dregeana.NephrodiumSangwelli,
Nephrelepis Bausei, Cheilanthes leucopoda, Adiantum Neo-Caledoniie,
Pelltea species Adiantum Collisi, and A. digitatum.

Groups. — A most effective and handsome group s-cured the first prize
for Messrs. R. P. Ker & Sons (in class 51), Crotons being freely employed
with Bermuda Lilies, D acsenas, Anthurium Andreanum, Adiantums, and an
edging of Ferns and Ivy-leaf Pelargoniums. In class 53 (for nurserymen)
the same firm is first for a very extensive group of small Crotons, Dracaenas,
Pelargoniums, and miscellaneous plants tastefully arranged. Messrs. W. J.
Birkenhead, Sale, follow in class 51 with their choice eroup of Ferns, which
has been already noted. In class 53 Mr. S. Johnson, Birkenhead, Cheshire,
lias the second prize for a collection of miscellaneous flowering and foliage
plants.

For tt e best group of Miscellaneous plants arranged for effect J. Barlein,
Esq., takes first prize with an effective arrangement; W. H. Watts, Esq.,
second, and F. H. Gosaage, Esq., Camp Hill, Woolton, third.

For fifteen British Ferns, distinct, open, Mr. Thomas Bolton, Fern Cottage,
W arton, Carnforth, secures the first prize with grand plants of Athyrium F.-f.
plumosum var. Stansfieldi, Lastrea Filix-mas var. grandiceps, Athyrium
F.-f. plumosum var. Axminster, Trichomanes radicans, a pretty piece of
Lastrea Filix-mas angustita, Ac. Messrs. Rylance & Co., OrmBkirk, are
second, and Messrs. W. & J. Birkenhead, Sale, Manchester, third. Messrs.
Backhouse & "‘on exhibit a beautiful group of Alpines, and a group that
■will keep up the reputation of this c lebrated firm; amongst which was a
very pretty pan of Athyrium Filix-foemina Edwardsi, Ornitliogalum
lacteum, Lmum provincials, Ourisia coccinei, Veronica rupestris, Dianthus
alpinus, Hieracium valdefilosum. Campanula speciosa pulla, fine large mass.
Lithospermum graminifolium, Campanula turbinata, Darlingtonia Califor¬
nia, <fcc.

For six British Ferns (amateurs), Mr. T. Foster (gardener to John
Brancher, Esq , Green Bank, Liverpool) comes first, a specimen of Athyrium
F.-f. plumosum is very notable. Mr. Peter Barber second, and E. Bowring,
Esq., third.

Hardy Shrubs and Trees. — Messrs. James Dickson & Sons, Chester,
are first with a group of hardy ornamental shrubs and trees, mostly small
specimens, but representing all the most distinct varieties with cut or
coloured leaves. Messrs. W. B irron & Son, Elvaston, Borrowash, are second
with a number of Japanese Maples and other pretty varieties of shrubs.

Miscellaneous. — A group of sixty plants of Souvenir de la Malmaison
Carnation, shown by Mr. Jennings, gardener to Leopold Rothschild, Esq.,
Ascott, Leighton Buzzard, attracted much admiration, the growth being
exceedingly strong and the flowers of great size. Similar grand specimens
were shown by the same exhibitor some time ago at South Kensington, and
were then as great an attraction as on this occasion. Mr. C. Turner also had a
group of Carnations, the white and pink varieties of Carnation Souvenir
de la Malmaison and others being admirably represented. Messrs. R.
Smith & Co. supply a choice group of Clematis in pots, globular plants,
beautifully flowered. Dwarf Roses in pots are excellently represented,
Japanese Map’es. and collections of Rose blooms, Pseonies, Pyrethrums,
Irises, and hardy flowers from their extensive collections in the St. John’s
Nursery. _ Messrs. Kelway & Son, Langport, contribute an enormous number
of Pseonies, Pyrethrums, and Gaillardias, including many superb varieties,
rich in colour and distinct.

Messrs. Junes Dickson & Sons exhibit an interesting group of succu¬
lents. In the class for Lycopods Mr. Thomas Foster (gardener to John
Brancher, Esq., Green Bank, Liverpool), takes first prize. Dracaenas are
well shown. For s^x, distinct, Mr. John Lambert (gardener to Col. Wing¬
field, Onslow Hall, Shrewsbury), comes in first with Anerleyensis, Baptistic,
Gladstoni, and amabilis, the others not being named. Mr. Geo. Williams
takes the second, and Mr. A. R. Cox (gardener to W. H. Watts, Esq , Elm
Hall, Wavertree), third. ’ 1 ’

The famous York firm has also a grand exhibit of Filmy Ferns, Tricho-
-manes neriifolium, a very rare species; T. trichoideum, ifcc. They have also
a very nice group, amongst which are some fine varieties of Cattleya gigas,
Gleichenias in variety, and a very pretty specimen of Adiantums, Agaves, &o.

Messrs. James Carter, High Holborn, exhibit some charming annuals in
pots, a speciality of that renewed firm. Nasturtium Lady Bird was very
effective, also some masses of Kaulfussias, Phlox Drummondi grandiflora
compacta, and Chrysanthemums Tricolor Lord Beaconsfield, The Sultan,
and Sulphur Yellow.

The Liverpool Horticultural Company exhibit a magnificent group of
double Petunias, a very effective group of Palms, Crotons, &c., and a
charming group of Tea and Miniature Roses.

The following medals have been awarded — Gold Medals to Messrs.
James \ eitch & Sons, B. S. Williams, Backhouse & Sons, T. Rivers & Son,
and Mr. Clapham. Silver-gilt Flora medals to Messrs. W. Cutbush and
Son F. & A. Dickson, F. Sander & Co., R. Smith and Co., Liverpool Horti¬
cultural Company, and Mr. Jennings.

Silver-gilt Banksian medals to Messrs. J. Backhouse & Son and Mr. B. S.
Williams.

Silver Banksian medals to Mr. J. Alexander, Mr. C. Turner, and J.
Carter & Co.

Bronze medals to Mr. E. Bridge and Messrs. J. Dickson & Sons.

Silver-gilt medal is awarded to Messrs. Kelway is Son, a silver medal to
J. Dickson & Sons, and a bronze to Messrs. Dobbie & Co.

CUT FLOWERS.

In the cut flower tent the Rose reigns supreme, and notwithstaning
the lateness of the season the blossoms are very fine indeed. In
the open class for twelve distinct varieties the Cranston Nursery and Seed
Company comes in first with fresh and bright blooms, the following being
among the best — Constantin Tretiakoff, Mons. Noman, Countess of Oxford,
Pride of Waltham, Ulrich Brunner fils, Princess Mary of Cambridge, Magna
Charta, A. K. Williams, Marie Baumann, Peach Blossom, Madame Victor
Verdi r, Etoile de Lyon, Marquis de Castellane, Lady Mary Fitz william,
La France, Merveille deLyon, and Camille Bernardin, Sic. G. P. Budd, Esq.,
8, Gay Street, Bath, comes in second with neat blooms, and Messrs. Paul
and Son, Old Nurseries, Cheshunt, third. For forty-eight distinct blooms
the Cranston Nursery and Seed Company is again first with good blooms of
A. K. Williams, Alba Rosea, Dupuy Jamin, Anna Ollivier, Henrich Schul-
theis, Julia Touvais, Marechal Neil, Docteur Andry, ic. M ssrs. Paul and
Son are second with, amongst others, good blooms of Madame Victor
Verdier, Comte Rainbaud, Beauty of Waltham, and Captain Christy,
Mr. J. House, Peterborough, third. In the class for twenty-four Roses,
distinct (nurserymen), Mr Geo. Prince takes the premier position with a
grand lot of Teas, amongst others were splendid blooms of Mardchal Neil,
Souvenir d’un Ami, Amazone, Francisca Kruger, Catherine Mermet, Mon".
Furtido, Niphetos, Ac. The Cranston Company is second, and Messrs. Geo.
Cooling ife Sons, Bath, third. We scarcely expect to see finer stands than
these during the season. Mr. Geo. Prince is again to the for6in the class for
twenty four Teas — Etoile de Lyon, Hon. Edith Gifford, and Catherine
Mermet being very good. Messrs. Cooling are second with a nice stand. In
the amateurs’ class for twenty-four Roses, distinct, Mr. Budd is first with a
good stand, and R. E.West, Esq., Reigate, receives third prize. Twelve Roses
(distinct), Mr. E. Claxton, The Rosery, Allerton, is first with a good box of
Teas; S. P. Budd, Esq., and R. E. West, Esq., third. Twelve Tea Roses
(amateurs), Mr. Claxton is first, Mr. Budd second, and Mr. M. Bulley third.
Mr. Claxton exhibits, not for competition, eighteen good blooms of Madame
Cusin.

Orchids, cut flowers, twelve varieties, distinct. Mr. James Cypher comes
in first with a really pretty lot, comprising amongst others good blooms of
Cattleya Gaskelliana, Epidendrum vitellinum, and Lmlia purpurata Brysiana.
A. Heine, Esq., Birchfield, Fallowfield, second, and H. Gaskell, Esq.,
third.

Twelve bunches Pelargoniums. — Mr. C. Turner, Slough, is first and
Messrs. C. Rylance & Co., Ormskirk, second. Twelve bunches of Zonals. —
Messrs. Rylance, Mr. W. Weir, and Messrs. Fleming & Sons follow in the
order named. For twelve bunches of stove and. greenhouse plants Mr.
George Williams, gardener to S. Baerlein, Esq., Oak Dere, Didsbury, is a
good first, Sobralia macrantha being very good.

Hardy herbaceous flowers. — For twelve bunches Mr. G. Eaton, gardener
to W. Shirley, Esq., Allerton, and Mr. W. Bustard, gardener to J. Lewis,
Esq., take the first aud second prizes. For a group of hardy herbaceous
flowers Messrs. James Dickson & Sons, Newton Nurseries, Chester, come
in first ; and Messrs. George Paul & Son, Old Nurseries, Cheshunt, take
the second prize. In the Chester group are good bunches of Campanula
glomerata, Veronica amethystina, Geum coccineum fiore-pleno, Centranthus
albus, Phlox Mrs. Stewart, and Gladiolus Colvilli. In Messrs. Paul’s
group Orchis foliosa and Morinia longifolia are very noticeable; there are
also good Pmonies and Delphiniums.

For twenty-four varieties Pyrethrum Messrs. J. Cocker & Sons, Sunny
Park Nursery, Aberdeen, and Messrs. P. B. Laird & Sons, take the first and
second prizes with really good exhibits. In the first prize lot Captain
Nares, Progress, Gloire d’ltalia, Mdlle. Patti, Monte Blanc, are very
attractive. Messrs. Laird’s blooms are smaller but very neat. Gloxinias
are poorly shown, there being only one stand exhibited, and that receives a
third prize. Pansies are exhibited largely. In the open classes for sixty
blooms, not more than two of a sort, Messrs. J. Cocker & Sons, Aberdeen,
are first; Mr. J. Sutherland, Victoria Nursery, Lenzie, near Glasgow,
second ; and Mr. W. Storrie, Lenzie, third. Mr. J. Sutherland also exhibits
several stands not for competition. Messrs. Laird receive a pr ze for
Violas. For twelve plants suitable for the dinner table Mr. James Agnew,
gardener to Mrs. Watts, Gravendale Paik, Aigburth, comes in first with
graceful plants of Croton interruptus aureus, Dracrena gracilis, Pandanus
Veltchii, Geonoma gracilis, Croton Mosaics, Grevillea robusta, Dracaena
Sydneyii, Cocos Weddelliana, Dracaena Guilfoylei — the above are the best.
Mr. James Hill, Spruce Hou=e, Rochdale, second, and Mr. E. Fleetwood,
gardener to E. F. Harrison, Esq., Aighurth, third.

Visitors on entering another tent devoted principally to the display of
hand bouquets are naturally attracted to the bank of pyramidal pot plan's
of Apples, Pears, Cherries, Plums, Peaches, and Nectarines exhibited by
Messrs. T. Rivers <fc Son, Sawbridgeworth. All are in a very healthy
fruitful state, the fruit in most instances being quite ripe. Particularly
noticable are the handsomely fruited trees of Cherries Semis de Burr
B’garreau de Schreken, May Duke, Bigarreau G os Cceuret ; Peaches
Dr. Hogg, Rivers’ Dagmar and Conkling, and Nectarines Rivers’ Gollen
and Stan wick Elruge.

The competition with three bouquets— one bridal and two bridesmaid's —
was very close and good, a magnificent lot being staged. Mr. J. Cypher
was eventually awarded first honours ; Mfssrs. Fishlock Brothers, St.
John’s Market, Liverpool, second ; Mr. Edward Carr, Southport, third; and
extra prizes to A. Heine, Esq., and Messrs. Perkins & Sons, Covent; y, all
having large and handsome bouquets. For two bouquets Mr. E. Carr w,b a
good first, Mr. Cypher second, and Messrs. Perkins third, the exhibits in
each instance being most praiseworthy. The best two bouquets of R ses
were etiged by Messrs. Perkins & Sons, who had rather large, lightly foim d
examples, in which Moss Rose buds played a very important part. Second,
Mr. E. Carr ; third, Messrs. Fishlock Brothers, the two large latter being

July 1, 1836. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

much too heavy. The best single bouquet was also staged by the Messrs.
Perkins Mr. E. Carr being a good second, and C. W. Neumanp, Esq.,
Wyncote, Liverpool (gardener, Mr. W.J. Mease) third, several others having
handsome bouquets. Messrs. Perkins were first for single buttonhole
"bouquets, Mr. T. Prevett second, and Mr. J. Webber, Tunbridge, third, a
great variety of choice flowers being tastefully arranged. Sprays of flowers
for ladies1 hair were shown in good style ; Messrs. Perkin s was first, Mr. E.
Carr second, and Mr. W. Brown third.

Very lovely and life-like are the paintings of Orchids, Poses, Clematises,
Pansies, Irises, Amaryllis, and other popular flowers. Miss Mitchel has a
series of paintings of Dendrobes, Phaloenopses, and. V andas ; and Mr. A. Foord
Hughes, Wallin gton, Surrey, was highly commended for ten paintings of
.flowering Orchids, life-size, and very realistic; while Miss Annie Or.
Buchanan, Edge Lane, Live* pool, had paintings of Pansies and Tacsomas.
Particularly good are the paintings on china by Miss Lillie Jackson, Forest
Hoad, Birkenhead; and Mrs. Elizabeth E. Roberts, St. Helens, also ex¬
hibited several good examples of paintings on china. Mrs. K. D. Cussons
fully deserves the commendation awarded her for several beautiful oil paint¬
ings, in which Tea Roses figured most prominently. Mrs. S. Ainslie, Lang-
port, Somerset, had two oil paintings of blue-and-white Irises which were
very pretty and life-like. This lady’s pictures of Amaryllises on china are
flecidedly well done, as were also the paintings of Clematises, Passion
Flowers, and Narcissi on mirrors. Miss Margaret Hodgkins, Manchester,
has an extensive exhibit of various skeletonised leaves nnd flowers, and for
room decoration these should find much favour. Mr. R. Frisby, The
Gardens, Worden Hall, Preston, also had a lovely group under a glass shade
of skeletonised leaves. At the end of the tent Messrs. J ames Dickson and
Sons have a grand display of cut blooms of Pseonies which very probably
will astonish many who see them, few being aware there are so many lovely
■and fine varieties of this class of flowers. Some of the best are Humea,
Carnea, Mons. Malet, L’lllustration, Augustin d’Hour. Grandiflora nivea,
Charles Van Geert, Festina, Souvenir de Gaspard Calot, Jeanne d’Arc,
Charles Gosselin, and Edulis superba. Messrs. Paul & Son have a charming
group of cut hardy herbaceous plants, comprising all the best kinds in
variety in commerce. Opposite these is a charming exhibit awarded the
first prize by Messrs. F. & A. Dickson, Chester, conspicuous in which are a
great variety of Irises, Delphiniums, Pmonies, and Pyrethrums, both double
and single. Vases of cut flowers, with one exception, were not particularly
good. Mr. Cypher was easily first for three arranged in their usual light
style. Mr. T. Prewett, Swiss Nursery, Hammersmith, was second, and Mr.
W. Brown was third. A. Heine, Esq , Fallowfield, Manchester (gardener,
Mr. J. Cragg) was first for a single vase : Mr. R. Barber, Hamlet, second ;
and J. Lewis, JEsq., Aigburth, thind.

Messrs. James Carter & Co., London, have a display of various annuals in
pots in this tent, Chrysanthemums, Clarkias, Nasturtiums, Cornflowers,
Rodanthes, Godetias, Kaulfussia being in the ascendant. Messrs. Carter’s
also had an extensive exhibit of natural specimens of various kinds of
vegetables preserved by Carter’s patent process, these including Tomatoes,
Carrots, Beans, Peas, Radishes, Potatoes, Capsicums, and Marrows.

FRUIT.

The exhibits, although very numerous in most of the classes, are not. as
a rule, of extraordinary merit, but some excellent table fruit is shown. The
whole is arranged along the middle of a large tent, and occupies a double
table in a very conspicuous position. Pines, Grapes, Peaches, Melons, and
Strawberries predominate, and are very varied in size but nicely ripened.
The section opens with collections of eight kinds, and three lots are staged,
the first prize going to Mr. R. Parker, gardener to John Corbett, Esq.. M.P.,
Impney Hall, Droitwich, the specimens being clean and fin'-ly matured, and
consist of Black Hamburgh Grapes, jet, fine ; Foster’s Seedling Grape,
small in bunch, but quite ripe ; a fine Queen Pine Apple, excellent ; British
Queen Strawberries, highly coloured ; Pitmaston Nectarines, small ;
Noblesse Peaches, good Brown Turkey Figs, an excellent Blenheim Orange
Melon. A beautiful although not massive collection. Mr. G. Richards,
gardener to the Earl of Normanton, Somerley, Hants, is second with Black
Hamburghs, loose in bunch ; Trebbiano (?) well ripened ; a fine Queen
Pine with a poor crown, small; Hero of Lockinge Melon, excellent ; Sir
Joseph Paxton Strawberry, good ; Brown Turkey Figs : Lord Napier Nec¬
tarine and Alexander Peach. Mr. Bannerman, Blithfield, Rugeley, is third
with Golden Champion Grapes, excellent in berry, but not quite ripe, fine
Royal George Peach, but very poor Strawberries. The next class is for six
kinds of fruit, Grapes and Pines excluded, and here Mr. W. Iggulden, gar¬
dener to the Earl of Cork, Marston, Somerset, is a clear first with superb
samples’of Viol t Hative Nectarine, Hales’ Early Peach, Longleat Perfection
Melon, Brown Turkey Figs. Elton Cherry, and The President Strawberry.
Mr. Miller, gardener to W. H. Long, Esq., Rood Ashton Park, Wilts, come3
second with Rood Ashton Hybrid Melon, very showy ; Pine Apple Nec¬
tarine, Hales’ Peach, President Strawberry, Brown Turkey Fig, and Elton
Cherry. Mr. Goodacre, gardener to the Earl of Harrington, Elvaston Castle,
Derby, is a very close third; and Mr. Divers, gardener to J. T. Hopwood,
Esq., Ketton Hall, Stamford, is awarded an extra prize, the Sea Eagle Peach
here being very remarkable in size but not quite in condition. Some of the
fruits weigh upwards of 13 ozs. each, and are the finest in the Show.

Grapes begin with three bunches of Black Hamburghs, eight lots are
shown. The largest of the bunches will not exoee.d 3 lbs., but the quality
is good, and the first prize goes to Mr. Thomas Lambert, gardener to Lord
Harlech, Oswestry, berries very fine. Second, Mr. I’Anson, gardener to
W. Bretheston, Esq., Rnnshan Hall, Chorley, berries smaller and rather
crowded. Third, Mr. E. Gilman, Ingestre Hall, Staffs, small, but grand in
colour. In our opinion the. three bunches shown by Mr. Louden, gardener
to Thomas Barnes, Esq., The Quinta, Chirk, and unnoticed, are decidedly
the best in the class. They are simply excellent in finish, and of good
size. For three bunches of Madresfield Court there is only one exhibit from
the last named gentleman, and they are very good. Muscat of Alexandria
has four entries, the first going to Mr. Middleton, gardener to R. Pilkington,
Esq., Rainford Hal], St. Helens, with medium-sized hunches about half
ripened. Second to Mr. McKedar, gardener to J. Watts, Esq , Abney
Hall, Cheadle, not ripe; and third to Mr. Louden with well- ripened
bunches. These should have reversed positions with the first-prize lot.
Foster’s Seedling haB a class of six lots in threes, Mr. G. T. Miles,

gardener to Lord Carrington, Wycombe Abbey, Bucks, being first
with small bunches beautifully ripened. Second, Mr. I Anson, very
small in berry. Third, Mr. Bannerman, very green. Three bunches
of Buckland Sweetwater, no exhibit. Grapes, white, any other variety,
four lots. — First, Mr. Louden with Golden Champion, fine bunches,
very large berries, rather green, and showing some signs of spot, ine
second goes to Mr. Chuck, gardener to Peter Thellusson, Esq., Brodsworth
Hall, Doncaster, with Duke of Buccleuch, small hunches, clean berries, hne.
Third, Mr. Miles, with Trebbiano, small in berry, and not quite ripe. In
the basket of Grapes, Mr. 1’ Anson is first with fine Black Hamburghs.
Mr W. Tu^wood, gardener to John Grant Morns, Esq., Allerton Priory,

J30 _fcc t.

Fig. 1.— Plan of Show Tent.

Liverpool, is second, and Mr. Elsworthy, gardener to A. R. Gladstone, Esq.,

Court Hey, third, both being too much rubbed. ., por two

Pine Apples.— These were numerous, hut not of special r p*,rk J secold
fruits Mr. G. T. Miles is first with well- swelled Que< ens s.Mr.L wke
with the same variety, and Mr. Morris, gardener to A. . » ’ Cond

fon, South Wales, third with handsome fruit, very superior to th
brace ; indeed, these are the two finest Pines in the whole -class, d h
have been first. In single Queens Mr. Miles is also first and l in^ ^7
variety only one fruit is shown— a small Black Jamaica

falptlcHES^Two dishes, very distinct, six fruits. First Mr Diver. with
Early Albert and Stirling Castle, large fine colour, exce. • ri ued<
Goodacre with Royal George and GrosBe Mignonne sm b t • x£wers)
Third Mr. J. Stoney (gardener to Sir Thomas Earle, Bart., Alierxon xo /
with Royal Georg^ and Bellegard k very ^ cotoure^ In

dishes Mr. Wallis (gardener to the Rev. • , > ,vith Violet Hative

Galande of great size, excellent. Second, Mr Gilman with Violet
0f great merit ; indeed, the best third (Mr. Storey).

6

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 1, 1886.

Nectarines, two dishes. — First Mr. .Tamieson, gardener to the Earl of
Crawford and Balcarres, Haigh Hall, Wigan, with Pine Apple and Lord
Napier. Second Mr. Bannerman with Lord Napier and Down ton. Third
Mr. Gilman with finely ripened fruit. In the single dish Nectarine class
Mr. Jamieson is a good 'first with Balgowan, Mr. Gilman second with
Violette Hative, and Mr. J. Douglas, gardener to F. Whitbourn, Esq.,
Great Gearies, Essex, third with Lord Napier of fine quality.

Strawberries are very fine. For three dishes Mr. Garraway, Bath, is first
with President, Marguerite, and Sir J. Paxton, second Mr. iggulden. with
smaller fruits, finely coloured. For a single dish of Strawberries Mr. Wild-
smith, gardener to Viscount Eversley, Heckfield, is first with a splendid lot
of President, and Mr. Garraway second with Sir J. Paxton.

Cherries. — These are not numerous, hut good. Mr. Hare, gardener to
E. H. C. Nevile, E-*q., Grantham, is first for two dishes with Elton and
Black Circassian ; Mr. Miles coming second. In the single dishes the same
competitors are the winners.

Figs. — Mr. Wallis is first with a fine dish of Brown Turkey, Mr. Jamie¬
son second with Lee’s Prolific, and Mr. Miles third with Negro Largo.

Melons in pairs are represented by fifteen couples, the first prize going
to Mr. A. Baily, Frome, Somerset, for a fine pair of Longleat Perfection.
Second, Mr. Gilman, unnamed. In flavour the Longleat is simply perfection.
Mr. Rhodes is third. Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading, offered handsome
prizes for the best brace of their Imperial green flesh, Scarlet Invincible, or
Hero of Lockinge Melons, and in a strong competition Mr. Goodacre secured
the first prize with Hero of Lockinge; Mr. N. E. Owen second with the
same variety, and Mr. Iggulden third with the same. Messrs. Carter’s Melon
prizes were also well competed for, many remarkably handsome fruits of
their Blenheim Orange. Here Mr. T. Lockie, Oakley Court, Windsor, was
first, Mr. Lyon second, and Mr. Gilbert Park, gardener to Colonel Parington,
Wigan, third.

Messrs. J. Cheal & Sons, Crawley, Sussex, exhibited a collection of twenty
kinds of Apples in excellent condition, the freshest being Alfriston, Gloria
Mundi, French Crab, and Norfolk Beefing.

VEGETABLES.

These are shown in the same tent as the fruit, and are arranged chiefly
along the sides. Considering the lateness of the vegetable crops, and the
early date of the Show, the specimens, as a rule, are remarkably good. The
collections are excellent. The first class on the list is eight distinct kinds,
and here Mr. G. T. Miles, gardener to Lord Carrington, Wycombe Abbey, is
first, showing a beautiful clean lot, consisting of Yeitch’s Extra Early Cauli¬
flower, Asparagus, White Elephant Onions, Stamfordian Tomato, Canadian
Dwarf Bean, Sutton’s New Intermediate Carrot, Pride of the Market Pea,
and Chancellor Potato. This collection wins well, but is rather closely
followed by one from Mr. Richards, gardener to the Earl of Normanton,
Somerley, Hants, with excellent Telegraph Peas, Perfection Tomato, Cana¬
dian Wonder Beans, Woodstock Kidney Potatoes, Sutton’s Gem Carrot,
White Elephant Onion, Green Globe Artichoke, and Early London Cauli¬
flower, all being meritorious. There are two third prizes awarded, one to
Mr. Miller, gardener to W. H. Long, Esq., M.P., Rood Ashton Park, Wilts,
and the other to Mr. George Garraway, Bath, both having bulky collections
of really fine vegetables. Four out of the five collections shown here
receive prizes.

Potatoes are small and not numerous. For three dishes, Mr. Miller,
gardener to J. Friend, Esq., Margate, Kent, is first with Waterloo Kidney,
Sutton’s Ringleader, and Royal Ashleaf ; Mr. Miles comes second with
Snowdrop, Porter’s Excelsior, and Chancellor; and Mr. Richards third with
First and Best, Woodstock. Kidney, and Ashleaf. For a single dish of
Potatoes, Mr. Goodacre is first with a clean sample of Ashleaf, Mr. Miles
second with Snowdrop, and Mr. Oldfield, gardener to R. M. Biddulph, Esq.,
Chirk Castle, Ruabon, third with Beauty of Hebron.

Peas are very numerous, but many of the pods are not well filled. For
three dishes, Mr. H. W. Ward, gardener to the Earl of Radnor, Longford
Castle, Salisbury, is first with Telephone, Telegraph, and Stratagem ;
second, Mr. Iggulden, with Telephone, William I., and Telegraph; third,
Mr. Miles. For a single dish of Peas Mr. Miles is first with Pride of the
Market, Mr. Richards second with Telegraph, and Mr. Downham third with
the same popular variety.

Only three dishes of Onions are shown, but these are very good, Mr.
Miles being first with Daniel’s White Elephant, Mr. Richards second with
the same variety, and Mr. John Garland, Exeter, is third. Cabbages are
scarce, but of good quality. Cauliflowers are also few in numbers, but
Tomatoes make a very excellent display. Mr. Elsworthy takes first prize with
Trophy, splendid fruits ; Mr. E. Bridge second with the same variety ; and
Mr. Long, gardener to J. M. Kenion, Esq., Rock Ferry, Birkenhead, third
with Dedham Favourite. This is a fine dish, and was our choice for first
lace. Cucumbers are of nearly all sorts and sizes ; Mr. N. E. Owen takes
rst prize with a deep green brace of All the Year Round, Mr. Oldfield second
with Telegraph, and Mr. Lee third with the same variety.

Messrs. bUTTON & Sons’ Prizes. — Messrs. Sutton and Sons, Reading,
offer very liberal prizes for the best collection of twelve kinds of vegetables,
and the competition for these is both keen and creditable. Here Mr. G. T.
Miles is again to the fore with a grand group, consisting of Onions, Potatoes,
Broad Beans, Asparagus, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Cauliflowers, Kidney,
Beans, Peas, Turnips, Vegetable Marrows, and Carrots. These are really
excellent, and would win easily at any season of the year. Mr. J. Garland
is second, his best dishes being Asparagus, Carrots, and Onions. Mr. Miller
is third, and Mr. Iggulden fourth, with a collection which should have been
higher. Mr. Lambert, gardener to Col. Wingfield, Onslow Hall, Shrewsbury
was fifth, the Leeks being wonderful ; and Mr. Weekins, Blandford, came
sixth. Mr. Richards of Somerley made a mistake by showing two
dishes of Potatoes, but although disqualified he wasawarded an extra prize
which his produce well merited for its undoubted excellence.

IMPLEMENTS, &C.

This section is of such a magnitude as to form an important and interest¬
ing feature of the Show, for here are gathered together implements, build¬
ings of every description, and almost every modern appliance that science
and ingenuity could devise for the improvement of horticulture. An
examination of the vaiious exhibits, especially horticultural buildings and

the various heating apparatuses, afford abundant testimony of the rapid
strides that have been made in the improvement of these appliances during
even the present decade. In the various classes devoted to both of the
latter subjects there is a keen competition, the entries being numerous, as
indeed they are in most other classes. There is an exceptionally good show
of lawn mowers of various types, many of which exhibit marked improve¬
ments. In the classes devoted to wirework and kindred subjects there is a
good display of very tasteful and highly ornamental work. The terra cotta
and other examples of the potter’s art are models of good taste, and as re¬
gards practical utility everything that could be desired.

The. entries in the boiler competition are numerous, these being repre¬
sented in size from the pigmy to the colossal types, all of which are no
doubt adapted to their particular purpose. As these are, however, dwelt
upon more fully in another place, we need not do more than give a word in
passing concerning them. The same may be said, too, of horticultural
buildings. Garden rollers and tools of various descriptions form a good
display, most of which exhibit slight improvements on their predecessors.
A new patent garden barrow and potting bench combined is particularly
noteworthy of passing commendation as a useful appliance for amateurs,
as also is the model of the transplanting machine. Among the miscellaneous
exhibits there is a good display of useful appliances, reference to which will
be found under tneir respective headings. Taken altogether, this depart¬
ment contains a great variety of interesting subjects, well worthy of the
close inspection of horticulturists generally.

Heating Small Houses. — Class 1 in the implement department was
described in the schedule as “ modes of heating a small conservatory from
10 to 20 feet long.” In making the awards the Judges were very properly
instructed to take into account the cost of the different boilers submitted for
approval. Several kinds were placed in competition, and after much con¬
sideration the premier award of a silver medal was adjudged to a small un¬
pretending modification of the Loughborough type of boiler exhibited by
Messrs. Halliday & Co., Middieton Wo ks, Manchester, for a well-made
and neatly finished apparatus, which, with 18 feet of 4-inch piping at¬
tached, and an expansion-box and feed-cistern was priced at £4 10s. This
is known as the “ Derbyshire ” boiler, and is constructed to burn cinders
or small coke for ten to twelve hours without attention.

Messrs. Messenger & Co., Loughborough were awarded the bronze medal,
not because their boiler was inferior to the other, but because it was much
larger, and consequently more costly than was needed for structures of the
stipulated dimensions, and had a smaller size been attached to the piping
it is not improbable the awards would have been at least equal, as both
boilers would no doubt act equally well, and there would have been no
appreciable difference in cost.

The Society’s certificate was granted to Mr. Watson, St. Alban’s, for his
“ Defiance” combination stove, heated by gas, a very small apparatus heat¬
ing sufficient piping for the specified structures, deleterious fumes being
conducted directly to the open air. Also to Mr. Deards, Harlow, for his
Princess Louise fire-place apparatus, which is in the form of an ordinary fire
grate, the bars being formed of metal tubes, through which the water circu¬
lates, and which may be conducted through an adjoining structure. An
important addition has been made to shut off the heat when not wanted in
the room at night, by which slow combustion is maintained for several
hours after the fire is made up at night. Messrs. David Lowe & Sons,
Chester Road, Manchester, and B. Harlow, Macclesfield, also show methods
of heating worthy of examination by persons who are contemplating keeping
frost out of their greenhouses, for there is no one kind that can be regarded
as the best for every structure regardless of its size, form, and position.
Mr. Mee’s gas or oil heated arrangement of pipes, designed for warming
halls or miniature greenhouses, is also on view.

Glass Structures. — The display in the classes devoted to horticultural
structures is very extensive, and the competition for the various awards was
keen. Seldom, indeed, has a finer display of houses and frames been
brought together at any exhibition held in this or any other country. In
the class for “a plant house, vinery, orchard house, or section thereof,’
there are some eight or nine exhibitors, and Messrs. Foster & Pearson’
Beeston, Notts, secured the premier award for a light handsome structure
that was well ventilated on the most modern and improved systems, one
of the features of this structure being small squares of glass at the base near
the eave of the house of rough glass much stronger than that with
which the house is glazed, and which would reduce to a minimum the
breakage during severe frost. This house well deserved the Society’s
silver medal which was awarded it. Messrs. Messenger & Co., Loughborough,
secured a bronze medal, the remaining award for a vinery and plant house
combined. These are well and easily ventilated, light, and possess that
finish desirable in such structures. Mr. Webster, builder, Wavertree, was
awarded the Society’s certificate for a particularly light useful plant or
forcing house. The chief feature of this structure was the absence of an
eave plate, the main rafters being continued to the wall plate. These are
securely jointed where the eave plate or gutter is usually fixed, the front
lights, therefore, sloping gradually inwards about 2 inches from an upright
position as generally arranged.

For the finest ornamental conservatory Messrs. W. Richardson & Co.
Darlington, were deservedly awarded a silver medal for a very beautiful
structure, remarkably light, well built, strong and most pleasing in appear¬
ance. It is 45 feet in length by 25 feet wide, and probably 25 feet or more
high, with a lantern roof and abundant ventilation round the sides, which a
boy could work with ease. The glazing of the small panels just above the
front lights with small squares of coloured glass and lead on the
Elizabethan principle add materially to the beauty of the structure.

Messrs. Halliday & Co., Middleton, Manchester, have been also awarded
a silver medal for an elaborate structure, 34 feet long by 24 wide, and
25 feet high, with ornamental tiling inside and out just below the eave
of the house, which gave to this structure a very striking and picturesque
appearance. It is of an ornamental character and well deserved the award
accorded it. For moveable plant pits and frames Messrs. Foster and
Pearson were again to the front, and secured for their useful structures a
silver medal. The frames exhibited by this firm are all span-roofed, and
can either be set upon brickwork or utilised without. They are ventilated
by a patent process on the top as well as the sides, which is so arranged that
the wind can have no effect upon the lights if lifted or left open during

July 1, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

7

stormy weather. When shut provision is also made for securing them by
means of a pin, which can be placed in in a moment and all made secure.
Mr. John Webster was also recommended a silver medal for some very useful
and similar frames to those described above. Messrs. W. Richardson & Co.
have been awarded a bronze medal in this class for useful span-roofed frames.
Messrs. D. Lowe & Sons, Edinburgh and Manchester, were recommended
the Society’s bronze medal for a collection of Bmall plant, fruit houses, and
a conservatory, all being of a useful size for amateurs and small gardeners,
these structures being light and strongly built. Mr. J. Crispin, 58, Milk
Street, Bristol, received_the same award ,for ai portable heated propagating

MISCELLANEOUS EXHIBITS.

In the classes devoted to miscellaneous subjects there are a great number
of entries. Particularly noteworthy on stand 34, class 21, is the handy appli¬
ance exhibited as a patent bedding and potting barrow by Dr. Horace
Swete, Baskerville, Worcester. The novelty in this consists in the addition
of a tray fitted with iron stays and divisions for crocks and soil. to an
ordinary barrow. Another useful apparatus is shown on stand 51 in the
model of the transplanting apparatus by C. R. Kelly, landscape gardener,
Tarporley, Cheshire. This consists of four sides of wood resemblingla tub,

Pig. 2. — Mr. A. F. Babkov. (See pige 1.)

case, which would prove of great service to amateurs for the propaga¬
tion of cuttings with but little trouble and expense, and a bronze
medal for Hunt’s patent automatic ventilator. Messrs. Stewart & Jack have
been awarded a bronze medal for a small strongly built house, 15 feet by
9 feet wide, suitable for amateurs and small growers. Messrs. Peel and
Sons, Wood Green, London, have also received a bronze medal for cheap,
plain, strongly built amateurs’ structures. For the most meritorious aggre¬
gate displays in these classes Messrs. Foster & Pearson have been deservedly
awarded the Society’s gold medal for a large and highly praiseworthy
display of horticultural structures of varied sizes and designs.

Just on going to press we learn that Messrs. Foster & Pearson and
Messenger & Co. have been granted medals for valves, and Mr. Deard a
silver medal for dry glazing ; the work of determining the merits of the
various articles in the implement classes is still in progress and cannot be
recorded this week.

the sides of which are held together by chains, and resting on a frame of
wood with rollers underneath. Close by on stand 31 is the useful imp.le-
mt-nt figured in these pages a short time ago — the turf-lifting machine in¬
vented and exhibited by F. T. Drummond, Coton, Bridgenortb, Salop. Use¬
ful and convenient forms of tents, garden sests, tarpaulin, and shading are
shown in variety on stand 26 by Mr. J. Unite, 291, Edgeware Road, London.
On stand 23 Messrs. J. Weekes & Co. show a number of exhibits of their
various modes of heating and caloric apparatus. One of the novelties shown
by this firm is a combined drawing-room grate and boiler. This appears to
be an exc llent apparatus for amateurs who require not only a means of
heating tbeir dwelling rooms, but also their small house from one apparatus.
Messrs. Bennett Bros, of Liverpool exhibit on stand 22 a number of articles,
including examples of wirework, garden seats, boilers, stoves, and tents.
Stand 20 is occupied with an interesting collection of wirework, flower stakes
&c., exhibited by Messrs Brookes & Co., 4, Cateaton Street, Manchester.

8

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 1, 1886.

Mr. F. S. Trueman of Stockport exhibits on stand 29 an interesting collec¬
tion of minerals, including, tufa, quartz, lead pyrites, fossilised stone, iron
pyrites, alabaster, and other articles of this description. Rustic work, in¬
cluding tables, chairs, and summer houses, are exhibited on stand 75 by
Messrs. Martin & Co. of Hope Street, Liverpool. Mr. Joseph Bromham,
hot-water engineer of Dale Street, Liverpool, lias a number of exhibits on
stand 15, including a very elegant and ornamental wire Rose temple, the
Allerton Priory Boiler, rollers, and mowing machines.

Examples of staging and specimens of boilers are exhibited by Mr. J.
Gray, Danvers Street, Chelsea, on stand 13. The Horticultural and Agri¬
cultural Chemical Company, Tonbridge, exhibit on stand 64 a patent
syringing stand of very simple construction, for holding plants in position
during the process of syringing, also samples of a new insecticide. Samples
of various artificial manures are exhibited on stand 65 by Messrs. W. B.
King & Co, of Ipswich. The same firm also exhibit samples of their special
composts suitable for amateur cultivators, and also samples of their enamel
fluid for coating hot-water pip s. Samples of peat and other horticultural
sundries are shown by Messrs. Wood & Son of Wood Green, London, in an
adjoining stand, and examples of lawn mowers by the Chadborn & Coldwell
Manufacturing Company, Upper Thames Street, London.

On stands 59, 71, 57, and 83 respectively, are exhibits of slate staging and
tub3 by Messrs. Alfred Carter & Co., of Norton Street, Liverpool ; specimens
of labels by Mr. John Pinches, Oxenden Street, London, W. ; examples of
patent concave pots &c., by John Woods, St. H-lens; and horticultural
sundries, including soils, manures, &c., by Mr. H. J. Smythe, London. In
another stand Messrs. Blake & Mackenzie, horticultural printers, Liverpool,
exhibit samples of garden stationery.

A very imposing stand of exhibits of vegetable and floral products are
shown by Messrs. Sutton <£: Sons, of Reading. In this collection are shown
some fine samples of Potatoes, Lettuce, Cucumbers, Melons, ifcc., also samples
of seeds, vegetable and flower, and an interesting collection of vegetables
and fruit in wax. Specimens of the Pennsylvania lawn mowers are
exhibited on stand 40 by Messrs. Lloyd, Lawr nee. & Co., of London,
and in adjoining stands will be seen exhibi's of the specialities in
lawn mowers of Mes-rs. Green & Son of Leeds, and Samuelson & Co. of
Banbury. Mr. J. G. Wagstaff, Alma Ironwoiks, Dunkinfield, exhibit
their patent hot-water saddle boiler ; Messrs. Jensen & Co. samples of
their Norwegian fish manure ; Messrs. Peter Connor, McIntyre & Co.,
gas-heating water apparatus ; Mr. J. Goddard, Radipole Road, Fulham,
samples of tlnir patent adjustable clips; Mr. John Watson, St. Albans,
examples of his Defiance cas stove ; The Jersey Gravel Company’s samples
of gravel ; Mr. W. H. Essery, Swansea Horticultural anthracite coal ;
Messrs. J. Trickett & Sons, Bennett Street, Liverpool, gum solution for
fixing botanical specimens to a glass ; Mr. J. P. Bethel], Stanley Street,
Liverpool, samples of his unique folding postal boxes ; Mr. H. Caesar,
Knutsford, Cheshire, elegant examples of summer and other rustic bouses,
including bridges, arches, and vases ; Mr. P. B. Harkin, Dutton Street,
Liverpool, specimens of Orchid baskets, teak, wood, &c. ; Mr. F. H. Rylands
Newtown, Montgomery, specimens of his gard-n seed drill ; Mr. G. Bloxham,
gardener to Sir Philip Dunscombe, Bart., Brickhill Manor, Bletchley, a
fumigator for hothouses ; Messrs. J. Crispin & Sons, Milk Street, Bristol, a
newly invented boiler, “ The Clifton and Messrs. F. Silvester and Co. of
Newcastle samples of steel used in the construction of boilers brings the
list of exhibits in this clas3 to a close.

Messrs. Samuelson & Co. of Banbury exhibit in class 9 an improved
lawn mower, and also the Chadborn it Coldwell Company specimens of
their patent excelsior horse mowing machine, likewise Messrs. Thomas
Green & Son of Leeds. In the class for hand mowers, Messrs. Samuelson
exhibit largely, as also do Mr. J. Unite, Edgware Road, London ; Chadborn
and Coldwell Manufacturing Co. of London ; W. Glassey & Co. of Liverpool ;

I. Green it Son of Leeds ; Barford it Perkins of Peterborough ; J. Bramham,
Liverpool ; Lloyd, Lawrence & Co. of London. There are four entries in
garden cutlery clas^. The “ Standard ” Manufacturing Co. of Derby con¬
tribute a number of hooks, saws, pruning shears, itc. The other exhibitors
are the Naxos Wheel it Machine Company of WeBton-super-Mare ; W.
Glassey & Co of Liverpool ; and Trickett it Sons of Sheffield. Mr. J.
Mathews of Weston-super-Mare, contributes a unique selection of garden
pottery in class 12, as also do Messrs. F. S. Trueman, Stockport ; E. Sydney,
Liverpool ; Reesley it Co. Handsworth ; and J. Crute, Loudon. In the class
for garden tools, Messrs. Barford it Perkins of Peterborough ; J. C. Rowland,
Liveipool; E. Bates, The Gardens, Arle, Alresford, Hants; D. Swete ; The
Naxos Wheel Co. ; Trickett it Sons, are the principal exhibitors. There
are ten entries in the class for garden seats and chairs, the exhibitors being
Mr. J. Unite of London ; Messrs. Wrinch & Sons of Ipswich, who exhibit in
their collection improved forms of garden seats and methods of adjusting
the awning ; T. Green & Son, Leeds ; W. H. Peake & Sons, Liverpool ;

D. Lowe it Sons, Manchester ; J. it H. Keyworth it Co. Liv. rpool ; Brooks
and Co., Manchester; W. Glassey it Co., Liverpool ; H. Caesar, Knutsford,
Cheshire ; and the executors of the late H. Inman, S retford, Manchester.
There is only one exhibitor in the class devoted to meteorological instru¬
ments, and this is Messrs. J. Davis it Co., Kennington Park Road, Loudon.
In the garden engine class the exhibitors are the Naxos Wheel and Machine !
Co. ; Messrs. W. Glassey & Co., Liverpool ; Messrs. Barford it Perkins,
Peterborough; Colman it Morton, Chelmsford; and Wrinch & Sons,
Ipswich. The class for decorations for conservato'.ies, &c., are represented
by such well-known exhibitors as Mr. J. Mathews of Weston-super-Mare;

J. Crute, London ; Halliday & Co., Middleton ; and Glassey & Co., Liver¬
pool.

The following list of Judges and Stewards is extracted from the Cata¬
logue of Exhibits : —

Judges. — Class s 1 to 15 (Plants). — Mr. J. Douglas, Ilford ; Mr. J. Mease,
Wyncote; Monsieur E. Pynrert, Ghent.

Classes 16 to S3, and 61 (Plants). — Mr. B. Findlay, Manchester ; Mr.
J. O’Brien, Harrow ; Monsieur Van Volxem, Brussels.

Classes 34 to 50 (Plants). — Mr. M. Dunn, Dalkeith; Mr. G. Goldsmith,
Northampton.

Classes 51 to 60 (Groups). — Mr. 0. Thomas, Chatsworih ; Mr. H.
Lindsay, Huntroyde; Monsieur Van Geert, Antwerp.

Classes 62 to 81 (Cut Flowers). — Mr. R. Dean, Ealing; Rev. C. H.
Bulmer, Hereford.

Class s 82 to 93 (Table decoration). — Mr. J. Pettigrew, Cardiff.

Classes 94 to 116, 129, 132, 134 (Fruit). — Mr. Barham, Croxteth ; Mr. F.
Harrison, Knowsley ; Monsieur H. Vilmorin, Paris.

Classes 117 to 128, and 135 (Vegetables). — Mr. Bennett, Rangemore ; Mr.
Jamieson, Haigh Hall, Wigan : Hon. Berkeley Stanhope.

Horticultural Literature, Science and Art. — Mr. E. Badger, Birming¬
ham ; Mr. F. W. Burbidge, Dublin; Mr. J. Shaw, Manchester. t

Classes 1 to 8, and “Boiler Contest” (Implements). — Mr. W. Miller,
Combe Abb y ; Mr. E. Bardney, Liverpool; Mr. Marriott, Glasgow; Mr.
Jas. Boyd, Jun., Paisley.

Classes 9 to 21 (Implements'). — Sir C. W. Strickland, Bt., Malton ; Mr.
Shirley Hibberd, Kew ; Mr. Woolford, Leatkerhead ; Monsieur C. Joly,
Paris.

Stewards. — Cut Flowers — Mr. Ker, Liverpool. Plants — Mr. W. G,
Head, Crystal Palace. Fruit, &c. — Mr. E Bridg-, Huyton. Implements —
Mr. W. Barron, Swansea. Boilers and Hothouses— Mr. J. Wright, Fleet
Street, London.

General Superintendent. — Mr. A. F. Barron, Chiswick, London.

Mr. Richardson, the able Superintendent of the Botanic Gardens, has
acted in concert with Mr. Barron throughout in making the necessary
preparations for this truly great and most diversified Exhibition, which
does not close till next Monday night.

We learn by telegram that a gold medal has been granted to Messrs.
Sutton & Sons, Reiding; silver medals to Messrs. Chadborn it Coldwell,
Barford & Perkins, Davies, Matthews, and Bramham.

The forty-third anniversary fes.ival of the Gardeners’ Royal
Benevolent Institution will be held at “ The Albion,” Aldersgate
Street, on Friday, 2nd July, 1886, on which occasion N. N. Sherwood,
Esq. (Messrs. Hurst & Son) will preside. Dinner at six o’clock pre¬
cisely.

- A visitor writes : “ It seems to be the custom with some

exhibitors at the Floral Committee Meetings of the Royal Horti¬
cultural Society to remove their exhibits immediately after the
Committee has inspected them, and at the last meeting an Odontoglos-
sum was certificated which I was informed had been taken away by the
exhibitor after the award was made. If there is no rule to prevent this
practice it would he advisable to frame one, as it is exceedingly dis¬
appointing to visit :rs like myself who attend these interesting meetings
to find that some beautiful novelties cannot be seen.”

- We learn that an excursion of Belgian Horticulturists

to England has been arranged for the present month with the object of
visiting the principal sights of London, the nurseries, aod private gardens.
It is intended that the party start from Antwerp on July 15th ; from July
16th to the 20th will be devoted to London and its suburbs, including
visits to the nurseries, Chiswick, Kew, Hampton Court, Windsor, Cliveden
and Dropmore. From the 20th to the 24th will be devoted to a journey
to Rangemore, Eivaston, Chatsworth, Liverpool, and Chester, returning
to London on July 24tb, and to Antwerp on July 25th. The programme
is a very full one, but some alterations may be needed, as the time is
somewhat brief for such a number of visits. British horticulturists wil
undoubtedly endeavour to render the tour as agreeable as possible to our
visitors, for many have pleasant memoties of Belgian hospitality.

_ “J. A. W., Aldtrminster," writes:— “I can quite sympathise

with “ D. T. F.,” to whom “ D., Deal," refers on page 502. Orange
iungus began to attack my Roses a month ago, and I am very fearful as
to results. A slrong solution of Harris’ sulphide of potassium appears to
have checked it in some instances, and I am about to try now sulphate of
copper ; but it is tedious work. I have always considered red rust to be
quite distinct from orange fungus, but “D., Dial," thinks differently.
Here Roses rue decidedly late. Ou this clay, June 24th, I have gathered
but three or four hybrids, Monsieur Noman and, of course, A. K. Williams,
also that mo3t useful garden Rose, Catherine Soupert. My Teas are on
the walls quite as early as usual, but in the open very late. Mildew has
appealed in force.”

_ The Plum and Peach Case at the Dell, Egham, which

was mentione 1 last week, is an ex’remely convenient structure, and if moro
of such houses were employed in gardens there would be less uncertainty
about the general crops of these fruits. The cast or house is a lean-to

July 1, 1836. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

9

O

<

H

O

oQ

Lad:es

!ES\' V " , .

V $ ^ 's. '

V

Plan or the Koyal Horticultural Society's Provincial Show Ground, Liverpool,

10

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 1, 1886.

against a wall with an easterly aspect, and is 300 feet long by 6 feet
wide, in two divisions, and heated by two rows of 3-inch pipes extending
the whole length. One division is devoted to Plums trained fan-shape
to a trellis near the glass, and all appeared very healthy. The varieties
most prized are Transparent Gage, Coe’s Golden Drop, Bryanston Green¬
gage, and Guthrie’s Late Greengage, but other varieties found very useful
are Reine Claude de Bavay, Cox’s Emperor, Prince Englebert, Dennis-
ton’s Superb, Jefferson's and July Greengage. The trees are planted in
an inside border and liberally treated, the result being abundant crops of
good fruit. The Peach house contains some fine trees that have for
several years produced some handsome fruits. The varieties Royal
George, Walburton Admirable, Dante, Sea Eagle, and Dymond are repre¬
sented by good trees; and of Nectarines, Elruge, Lord Napier, Humboldt,
and Prince of Wales are the favourites.

- It is seldom that two such beautiful specimens of Miteaeia

COCCINEA are seen as those in the garden named above. They are
about 3 feet in diameter, trained in globular form, and when bearing
their bright scarlet flowers have a most pleasing appearance. This old
plant is somewhat neglected in many gardens, yet for greenhouses, con¬
servatories, or similar cool structures it is very useful, and it is not
difficult to grow satisfactorily. Nerines are another important feature
at The Dell, but the plants are now having a season of rest in frames
fully exposed to the sun, where they receive no water during the summer
months.

- A cobeespondent sends the following on Geouping Oena-

MENTAL-leaved Sheubs : — “ This is a somewhat modern practice for
beautifying our lawns, but as the various combinations of tints become
more fully tested the system increases in popularity. Many of the trees
with purple and variegated leaves, if closely pruned, may be used for
creating rich effects. Such species as the golden and purple-leaved Oaks,
purple Beech, purple Birch, &e., may be forced to do duty as large-sized
shrubs for several years, and when no longer needed for the above purpose
may be permitted to attain their full size, and the adjoining shrubs be
removed to other locations. Each year adds its quota to the list of hardy
shrubs with ornamental foliage, although unfortunately a small proportion
of them only will Btand hot dry summers. Such old kinds as the varie¬
gated Weigela, purple Hazel, golden Spirsea, purple Berberry, variegated
Dogwood, and a few others, are in early summer when new growth is
forming at their best, and no bed of flowers can exceed their attrac¬
tiveness.”

- Peoeessob Buebill, of the University of Illinois, has made

some experiments in Hybbidising the Stbawbeeby, and is decidedly
of opinion that the fruit, popularly so called, of the Strawberry is not
affected by the kind of pollen used in fertilisation of the ovules. His
reasons for this opinion are stated, in his last report, as follows : — “ In the
spring of 1884 we planted a single isolated row of Crescent seedling
Strawberries to test the matter of the alleged effect upon the berry pulp
of fertilisation by pollen from different varieties. This one row of
Crescents was put at the greatest convenient distance from any Strawberry
beds, the nearest being about 20 rods to the north. On the sides of
the prevailing winds, south and west, there were no cultivated S raw-
berries for several miles. Alongside the rows of Crescents, which have
almost no pollen, we placed ten plants of eight of the most characteris¬
tically different sorts we could select, the ten of each kind being placed
near together, and an interval of 2 rods left vacant in the row between
them. By the mistake of a workman two of these groups were dug up at
one end of the row, so that there was a space of between 5 and
6 rods where the Crescent stood alone. The results obtained were wholly
against the idea of the effect of the pollen upon the fruit substance, and
altogether confirmed expectations from scientific deductions. A box of
Crescent berries picked from the vicinity of Sharpless plants was placed
beside others obtained from near a wild variety bearing very small dark-
coloured fruit with deeply sunken seeds, as different as one can well
imagine from the Sharpless berry, and the two boxes were submitted to
the inspection of several persons. No one was able to make out aDy
difference between the two. The same was true in the other cases.”

PACKING STRAWBERRIES.

Thebe is no kind of fruit more commonly sent by rail than
Strawberries. _ Their cultivation is more general than Grapes, Peaches,
and other fruits under glass, and I know many amateurs with small

gardens and no glass who take a great delight in sending Strawberries
to their friends, so that the packing of this fruit is very important.
As a rule, I think packing is overdone, being often almost double the
weight of fruit, and certainly double the bulk is used of packing
materia], whereas one quarter the weight of packing is ample. A
great bulk of material does not insure the safety of the fruit. Card¬
board boxes, or boxes which will give way under any slight pressure,
must never be used. It is better to send 1 lb. of fruit in good con¬
dition than 6 lbs. in a slim box with the object of saving on the
carriage. Tin boxes are very durable and good, and light wooden
ones are also excellent These may be made in various ways. Where
large quantities of fruit are packed weekly the best way is to have
several shallow trays made to tit into a box on the top of each other.
If each tray is from 18 to 20 inches long, 1 foot in width, and about
2 inches deep they will hold a quantity of Strawberries. As one is
filled it is put into the box and the next one acts as a lid to it. Three
trays of the size indicated will hold a large number. Where only
small quantities are sent a shallow box about the same dimensions as
the trays will be found very convenient. Those who do not care to
go to the expense of having them made new may buy them very
cheap at any confectioners.

The best material for packing are Strawberry leaves ; they should
be gathered a day or two before they are wanted and placed in the
shade, when they7 will become soft. A layer of these two deep should
be placed at the bottom of the tray or box, then have the fruit on your
right hand side and the leaves on your left, place a leaf in the palm
of the left hand, and with the right put a fruit on the top of this,
then bring the leaf over it on each side, and in this position place it
in the box, beginning at one corner and following with others in the
same style until the layer is completed. Each fruit should be pressed
very gently against the former one, as they must be packed so as not
to shake, and if carefully done they will turn out at the end of a long
journey almost as good as when gathered. The packing is completed
by placing more leaves over the surface until the level of the lid is
reached, as this should just press down to prevent disturbance but
nothing more. When several trays are placed in a box each one
should have a small piece of cord round it that it may be lifted out
without any attempt at twisting. Properly made boxes may have
rings placed on them as handles.

The lids must never be firmly nailed down, as it injures the boxes
in extracting the nails, and they cannot be taken out without much
shaking. It is a good plan to have the lid on hinges with a screw in
front, or the lid may be firmly tied down without nailing. Our boxes
have neither nails nor hinges, but two holes on each side and the
same on the lids, and they are fastened by passing pieces of cord
through these and tying them. As the cords on one side are cut
the two on the other side act as hinges, and the lid is easily sepa¬
rated from the box. Only good fruit should be packed, and it should
all be gathered t efore it it dead ripe. The stems must always be left
on, and never attempt to pack with either the fruit or leaves wet.
In gathering fruits for packing they should not be placed on the top
of the others in the basket or whatever they may be gathered in,
as any blemish previous to packing will become worse in the journey.
— J. Muie, Mar gam.

GERMAN IRISES.

Are the numerous splendid varieties of German Iris
sufficiently known ? Possibly not, or they would be grown in
every garden in the land where hardy border flowers are cherished.
The old blue Flag Iris is effective in masses, but the newer forms
must not be compared with that, except as regai'ds habit and
foliage. The colours surpass description. The “ fall ” petals of
several of the forms equal in richness the lips of Cattleyas, while
some far surpass them — streaks of silver on blue and purple,
and burnished golden lines on crimson velvet grounds, with
standards in varied colours in deep contrast with the pendent
parts.

It is fair to say that no other hardy flowers include such a
combination of resplendent colours as do the Irises. They have
been described as the Orchids of the parterre, and the simile is
not very f r fetched, for both are included in the same section of
the vegetable kingdom; and though differing in several essential
characters, are yet in botanical phraseology “ not far apart.”

Then how easy these plants are to grow. They are not
“ miffy.” not dainty as to soil, not particu ar as to aspect. Give
them plain good fare, sitch as Cauliflowers and Cabbage feed
upon, and they will not be slow to manifest their appreciation in
the produc ion of broad glaucous leaves, and in due time strong
spikes bearing noble and brilliant blooms. Mr. Ware has a fine
assortment of varieties at Tottenham, as has Mr. Barr at Tooting,
and Messrs. Yeitch & Sons at Langley, and private collections
are being formed in many gardens. The best of these that I
have seen is iu Dr. Hogg’s interesting garden in Sussex, where

Ju'y 1, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

11

about a hundred different varieties are grown. These are a
selection from much larger collections in which a great similarity
of colouring and form are to be met with, and Dr. Hogg might
advantageously reduce the number iu cases where the distinctions
are so trivial as to be recognised only by the most critical.

What are called German Irises have had their origin from
various species, the chief being I. pallida, I. squalens, I. variegata,
I. neglecta, I. Swerti or aphylla, I. amoena, I. germanica, and
I. sambucina. Those that are derived from pallida have the
standards pale lavender, tending to mauve, and of this section
pallida dalmatica, Celeste, and Madame Pacquitte are very beauti¬
ful. In the T. neglecta section the standards are a decided blue
or violet, without any yellow, and of these Cordelia, Yirginie, and
Sultane are fine examples. In squalens section the standards are
of a dingy brown, and among the best of these are Arnoldi, Dr.
Bernice, Hericart de Thury, and Marchioness of Lome. In the
variegata section the standards are yellow, varying from primrose
to deep golden yellow Of these there is a great variety of very
beautiful colours, as in Darius, Conqueror, Magnet, Ganymede,
and a lovely variety called variegata alba or L’lnnooence. In
aphylla and amoena sections the standards are white, but in the
former both standards and falls are pencilled on the edges with
shades of violet, as in Bridesmaid, Gazelle, and Madame
Chereau ; while in the latter the falls are stained or reticulated,
as in Juliette, Due de Cazas, and Unique.

I learned a “wrinkle,” too, on planting, or rather the best
time for the work. Immediately after flowering is the time for
dividing and planting German irises. The divisions make good
growth, become firmly established during the season, and flower
■well next year. By this plan “ a season is gained,’’ remarked the
Doctor, “ and that it is the best method there is no doubt.” All
that is necessary to insure success is to keep the roots and
rhizomes moist in transit, and to water them well when placed
in the ground.

Dr. Hogg, I may add, is not a gardener on paper merely ; he
is very much more than that, as the work he has accomplished
on his beautiful Sussex estate during the past few years affords
abundant testimony. He is also engaged in improving his
pastures, which are extensive, and can show some striking results
from the application of chemical manures. It is pitiable to see
grass land so profitless in various districts that might be vastly
improved by a little well-considered outlay in the direction
indicated. — Experientia docet.

SELF-SOWN ASPARAGUS.

There are few vegetables in which more interest is taken than
Asparagus. Raising young plants, as well as the culture required to
bring the old ones to perfection, annually meet with a large share of
attention from all garden owners, especially those who have a desire to
secure choice vegetables. As a rule, young Asparagus plants are raised
by buying seed and sowing it in beds or rows, allowing the plants to
remain there for a time, and then transferring them to the permanent
plantation. This plan is, no doubt, a good one where Asparagus is being
introduced for the first time, but where there are plantations of full-grown
seed-bearing plants, there is another way of securing young plants which
will pay for attention. In good seasons, or indeed in almost all seasons,
the old Asparagus plants flower and ripen seed. Late in the autumn, or
at the time the old stems are cleared away, many of the berries open and
the seeds fall on the ground. This is perfectly hardy, and when the spring
comes many young plants grow from the self-sown seed. These, however,
are generally either drawn up as “ weeds,” or hoed down to clear the
ground, and while hundreds of young plants are being destroyed in this
way, attempts are often being made to induce seed to germinate and plants
to grow elsewhere. Now self-sown plants are just as good as any that
can be raised, indeed they are often the best, and it would be better if
they were preserved and used more than they are. Many of them need
never be transplanted, but allowed to grow where the seed fell, to
replace the roots which die ; and where roots are lifted for forcing, self-
sown seedlings will always keep up the supply of roots with very little
trouble. Self-sown plants, too, have one great advantage over those
bought in or transplanted, as they need never be moved, and, being left
alone, the roots develope faster and much finer than when cut up and
checked by transplanting. — Kitchen Gardener.

THE INDIAN AND COLONIAL EXHIBITION.

VEGETABLE PRODUCTS OP INDIA.

( Continued from page 384 last vol.)

The fibre products constitute a highly important portion of the Indian
home and foreign trade, and consequently numerous samples both of the
raw materials and some of the uses to which they are applied are included
in the Exhibition. The Indian flora is particularly rich in fibre-yielding
plants. Over 300 species have been tried for this purpose, and a good
proportion of these have been found to afford strong useful fibre
when properly treated, The “ coir ” or fibre obtained from the Cocoanut

husk is well known, and the uses to which this is applied are innumerable.
For mats and ropes it is, however, largely employed, and the manufacture
has largely extended in recent years, the refuse from such work being
now very extensively used in gardens for a variety of purposes, especially
as a plunging material for plants. Commercially, however, perhaps the
production of Cotton is the most valuable branch of the Indian fibre
trade. There are fourteen million acres under cultivation with this plant,
exclusive of large extents in Bengal and Assam, “ of which no returns are
published, and the exports for the year 1884-5 amounted to over 5 millions
of hundredweights, valued at 13 million pounds sterling.” Nearly half
of this came to England and a good proportion was re-exported to the
Continent. Jute (Corchorus capsularis and C. olitorius) is largely grown
in Bengal ; Calcutta is the great centre of the trade, and the value of the
exports has increased from £62 in 1828 to £6,241,000 in 1885-6. Much
of the raw jute is exported to Dundee, where its manufacture has
assumed considerable importance in recent years, being employed for bags,
carpets, and various other fabrics. Rhea fibre has received some attention,
but the difficulties in the preparation of the fibre has checked the develop¬
ment of the trade.

Among the extracts and inspissated saps first comes the catechu or
cutch of commerce. This resinous extract, which is prepared by boiling
down a decoction from chips of the wood of the Acacia catechu, figures
variously as a condiment, or spice, or as a medicine. It is used as an
astringent in medicine, and also in dyeing and tanning. The value of the
catechu exported from India has materially decreased in the last five
years from £426,641 in 1880-1881 to £282,078. The bulk of these
exports consisted of Burma or Pego cutch. The cutch or kath of the
North-West Provinces is principally prepared in Kumaon. Instead of
being boiled down to a solid consistence, and then cast into large masses,
as is the case in Burma and Bombay, twigs are placed in the concentrated
decoction, and the kath is allowed to crystallise. The substance thus
obtained is formed into cubes of about one-half inch in size. This is a
much purer article, and, though not exported, is largely consumed in India
as an accompaniment of pin. The ordinary cutch of commerce is a deep
reddish-brown with a glassy fracture. In India a solution of catechu
by the addition of lime or alum, is used as a dull red dye, largely
employed by the calico-printers to produce metallic shades. Many trees
and shrubs yield camphor, caoutchouc, and gutta-percha, foremost among
which is the true Indiarubber tree, Ficus elastica, which grows freely in
the North-Eastern Himalayas, eastward of Assam and Aracan. Although
the Government has established a large plantation in Assam, the only
source of supply hitherto is the trade with the hill tribes, who prepare
the substance and carry it into the valley of Assam for sale. Much atten¬
tion has been paid to the rubber-yielding plants by the authorities at
Kew, and considerable information on the subject will be found in the
reports issued from the Royal Gardens.

An important Indian extract is the medicinal assafeetida. Ferula
Narthex, F. Scorodosma, and others supply the assafeetida, which is most
used by the natives of India, and in which Bombay does a large trade.
The thick fleshy roots of the assafcetida-yielding plants are cut or scraped,
when a milky juice exudes. This hardening forms the gum resin, which
is known as evil-smelling but useful medicine, and in Eastern countries
has been from time immemorial employed as a flavouring spice.

Indigo, which is obtained from species of Indigofera, not only received
its name from Europeans, but as Mr. O’ Conor says: — “The manufacture
of indigo is, of all forms of enterprise now known in India, that which
was first taken up by Europeans, who still retain the monopoly of the
manufacture of this article, at any rate so far as concerns the better kinds
exported to foreign markets. European marks of indigo are guarantees
of quality, and the exports from India have hitherto consisted almost
exclusively of such marks, though lately there has been some extension
of cultivation in the North-West Provinces under native supervision, the
produce of the plantation being supplied to Europe. Practically, how¬
ever, as yet the whole quantity produced from year to year in European
factories is shipped from India, the inferior qualities of native manu¬
facture being retained for consumption in the country.” There are 197
factories working in Bengal, 1963 in the North-West Provinces and Oudh,
and 1254 in the Madras Presidency, of which the larger number are
under European management. The dye is obtained from the plants by
steeping them in tanks of water, and after the plants are removed a blue
sediment settles to the bottom, which, when the water is drawn off, is
dried and prepared for exportation.

THOUGHTS ON CURRENT TOPICS.

It has taken Mr. Abbey a very long time to formulate a reply to some
observations of mine on the subject of the ripening of the wood of fruit
trees, and this he has done in a very able contribution on page 458. It is
so long since I recorded my reflections on this subject that I have not the
paragraphs in mind to which your correspondent refers, but I will take it
f r granted that he has quoted me correctly. In asking the question
“ Does not wood ripen after the leaves are off, and in subsequent seasons ? ”
I had in view an aspect of the case on which Mr. Abbey appears to lack
experience, for he says the “ buds of fruit trees are perfect in the year of
their formation, and do not change after the foliage falls from the trees, ’
and he goes on to say he has “ never known an instance of trees with no
blossom buds, when the foliage fell, forming them in winter. ’ His
reasoning on the subject of the formation of fruit buds is sound as far
as it goes, but I sus: ect he stops too soon. In this view I may possibly
be at issue with scientific authorities, but that does not matter, and
especially since they are constantly at issue amongst themselves.

12

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER

[ July 1, 18t6.

The buds of fruit trees, I dare to aver, do change after the leaves fall
■when the conditions are favourable, and these are so simple that they can
be afforded by anybody who has a few young trees and a spade. I have a
recollection of an observant student of fruit trees, and an expert cultivator,
stating in this Journal that he had induced many of his trees to change
the nature of the buds in the winter, and, what is more, I went to see the
results of his experiment. He had long rows of pyramid Pears and bush
Apples — that is to say, dozens of trees of the same age, size, and variety.
Having observed that his root- pruned or transplanted trees invariably
blossomed more freely in the spring following their disturbance, he was
led to opine that the check they received was the cause of their florifer-
ousness. For testing the matter he had alternate trees in rows dug up in
November, root-pruned, and replanted. Without an exception these trees
had at least five times the number of blossoms on them the following
April that those had that were not disturbed. The difference, indeed,
was so striking that I venture to say the owner of the trees, his gardener,
and their several visitors are not likely to forget the lesson that it was
impossible to ignore. A fairer experiment was never made than that,
nor one more conclusive. It was completely at variance with Mr.
Abbey’s theory, that “ buds do not change in the bud state after the
leaves fall from the trees.” I am warranted in saying they do change,
and why should they not? What is a fruit bud ? It is an arrested wood
bud, and nothing else. Whether the cessation of extension is natural or
artificial matters not, the result is the same — the embryo leaves are
transformed into petals and organs of reproduction. There are numbers
of buds on fruit trees in the autumn in the intermediate state between
fruit and wood buds, and no man that I have seen can tell with certainty
what form some of them will assume in April. They are arrested, but
not sufficiently so for determining the point, but a further check by root-
pruning will sett'e the matter. Scores of frnit trees are planted an¬
nually, and their branches not shortened, that make little or no growth,
but are studded with fruit buds that would not have formed if the trees
had not been disturbed. Force has been lacking for extension into
shoots, hence the metamorphosis.

It is for the same reason that what is known as ripened — that is, hard
wood, is not essential to the formation of fruit buds. Observe, I am not
advocating overcrowded, sappy, ill-fed wood, that is very far from my
intention ; but Ido say that cutting back shoots to where the wood is hard
and brown, as if that were an infallible test of “ripeness ” and fruitful¬
ness, is greatly overdone, and much fruit is sacrificed in consequence. In
point of fact fruit buds do not form so well on the lower, older, and
harder parts of annual shoots as on the upper, softer, greener, and younger
portions. This may be seen alike in Peaches, Apples, and Pears, and it is
that which has led to the adoption to a much gieater extent than formerly
of what is known as the extension system of management. If hard,
brown, and so called “ripe ” wood is alone fruitful, how is it that thousands
of growths of Pears, for instance, the last and latest inch of growth made,
terminates in fruit buds ? It is because the root force is expended on the
other parts, and growth is necessarily arrested at the extremity of the
branches.

So far as regards the production of fruit, not taking into account the
form or shape of the trees, the less the branches are shortened the better,
after the first year or two from planting, provided — and this is important —
they are so thinly disposed that the sun and air can act directly on the foliage.
It is assumed the roots are in good and well-drained soil, and not mutilated
by digging amongst them. Then will fruit buds form in the greatest
numbers, and the ripening of the wood may be left to take care of itself ;
it will “ take care ” to ripen sufficiently for its purpose, and will get
harder and hardier as the years roll round . Trees, as we all know, must often
have the growths suppressed to keep them within prescribed bounds, and
to mould them into some ideal form ; but I repeat, that when fruit, and
fruit alone, is the main object, it is best secured by having the branches
thinly disposed and not shortened, as then a maximum number of spurs
is eventually produced with a minimum quantity of breastwood.

The manufacture of “ breastwood ” in fruit trees of vaiious kinds by
a systematic shortening of the branches to “ hard ripe wood ” is a gigantic
waste of the earth’s resources and a fertile source of barrenness. Cutting
off these luxuriant laterals is not arresting growth but directly encourag¬
ing it ; for if the roots are left intact their force is concentrated on a
smaller area, and just as that is restricted in the same proportion is
strong growth incited. The point can be made clear by an illustration.
Confine a volume of water to a narrow channel, and it rushes headlong
and with great force in search of an outlet, while the surrounding land is
parched and vegetation languishing ; but divert the stream into a number
of miniature creeks, and exactly in proportion to this number is the force
of the volume diminished, and a thousand trickling rills carry sustenance
to crops that would otherwise suffer, while the concentrated current would
rush wastefully away. It is exactly the same with iruit trees that are
subjected to close pruning, while the roots are permitted to extend
unrestrictedly.

It is impossible, to me at least, to think out a subject of this magnitude
in a few minutes and make it intelligible to the inexperienced in a few
lines. It is in the interests of thoi-e I write, and not for experts who
know as much about the subject as I do, and need no teaching ; they may,
indeed, know more, and thus be in a position to confute me. They are
quite at liberty to do so. I do not in the least object to be defeated in a
pleasant manner, for it is a simple fact that 1 have been taught more by

defeats, disappointments, and failures than by anything else in my
gardening career.

But can anything be done now to render fruit trees more productive ?
Certainly. Thin out the branches and shoots wherever they are so
crowded that the sun or light cannot act directly on the leaves at the
base. Never mind those at or near the extremities ; they will fcrce
themselves out of the crowd — yes, and store sufficient nutriment there
while the wood below and three months older — and which, consequently,
ought to be riper — is barren. Ripe wood does not necessarily mean hard
wood, but rather wood stored with nutriment by the leaves, whatever its
age or colour may be. Ah 1 but the timid may say thinning out
branches now will weaken trees by “bleeding.” Nothing of the kind.
There can be no escape of sap to do injury. It is diverted rather than
lost when there is plenty of foliage left, and whatever loss there may be
is, to speak paradoxically, a gain — a reduction of exuberance. Even a
Vine with two rods does not “bleed” injuriously when one is cut out
with the other in full leaf. It is far better, safer, and more profitable to
prune whatever needs pruning in the summer when the leaves are on the
trees than in the winter when they are off, because at the former period
the trees are not only immediately benefited, but the wounds heal the
sooner. I think I have said enough on the subject of fruit trees at pre¬
sent, and Mr. Abbey can have another “ cut in ” if he likes.

It seems a little curious that gardeners who pride themselves, and
not without reason, on their skill in growing vegetables, hesitate to express
an opinion on cutting the weak growths of Asparagus. The point that is
not so clear as is desirable is this : Is Asparagus strengthened by cutting
the small growths or “ spray ” that are not large enough for use till say
the beginning of June, or not ? or is it immaterial whether they are re¬
moved or left ? This is a very simple question that the authorities appear
either unable or unwilling to answer. Possibly they are making experi¬
ments, and the results may be expected by-and-by. I have a few other
things “ on my mind,” but cannot get them off at present, as I am just
off to Liverpool, and possibly may, on some future occasion, say what I
think about the Show.— A Thinker.

THE IMPORTANCE OF DEEP CULTIVATION.

Mr. William Hudson, head gardener to Mr. W. T. Marriott, J.P., of
Sandal Grange, near Wakefield, read an exceedingly interesting essay on
“ Deep Cultivation ” at a recent ordinary weekly meeting of the members of
the Wakefield Paxton Society. Mr. T. Senior, solicitor, was in the chair,
and Mr. H. Oxley, one of the vice-presidents, officiated as vice-chairman.

Mr. Hudson, who was very attentively listened to and frequently
applauded, said his chief object was to direct their attention to what he
considered an improved method of cultivation. In the first place he
recommended them when digging always to bring a little of the fresh
subsoil to the surface with every spadeful. However bad and inert the soil
might be, if it had time to get thoroughly pulverised it would always
improve the quality of the surface soil. They knew by experience that
deep cultivation and thorough pulverisation of as much of the soil as
possible was essential to the production of good crops of all classes. That
land at the present time did not receive the attention it deserved was
evident from the decrease in the quantity it produces. In his opinion land
was as good now as ever it was, and in every way as capable of producing
as good crops if properly managed. He was glad that the matter was
receiving the attention of some of our legislators. There are few soils to
which something may not still be done in the way of improvement, while
by far the greatest breadth of land is still susceptible of extensive amelio¬
ration. The most important immediate effect of thorough drainage is that
it enables the rain or other surface water to descend more deeply and to
escape more rapidly from the soil, and the under soil in well-drained land is
warmer, becanse the rains in the summer season bring down warmth
through the atmosphere. Rain equalises the temperature of the soil during
the se'ason of growth, hence the necessity of watering all plants grown in
pots with tepid water. Taking thorough draining as the basis of all land
improvement, the skilful cultivator renders the dry ground a fitter medium
for all plants to bring their precious products to perfection. Roots in a
confined space, supplied with manure, became crowded together, declined in
health, and their growth was checked. This disappointment arose from the
subsoil, though dried, being left in a hard state, whilst if it. were in a state
of pulverisation like the surface soil, the roots, whenever stimulated by the
manures, would strike down in every direction into the subsoil, and the
more they were encouraged in growth the larger would they become.. After-
pointing out that the state of the subsoil sensibly affects the condition of
the upper soil, Mr. Hudson went on to say that the benefits derivable from
thorough draining and deep cultivation may be regarded as physical as well
as economical. If the operations he described rendered the soil drier than
it was before, if they rendered the drier soil warmer than it was before, if
they lessen the evaporation of moisture, and impart a consequent warmth to
the air around ; if they, on the other hand, supply moisture to vegetation at
a period when it would otherwise be wanting, these are physical benefits
tending greatly to the amelioration of the local climate that cannot fail to
promote the healthy growth of all cultivated plants. The economical
benefits derived by the soil and subsoil from thorough draining and deep
cultivation were numerous and important.

Mr. T. Garnett and Mr. Turner (the Treasurer) having made some
observations on the subject of the essay, Inspector Cordon proposed a vote
of thanks to Mr. Hudson, and this was seconded by Councillor Milnes, and
supported by Messrs. Oxley, L Twigge, and the Vice-chairman, all of whom
referred to Mr. Hudson and his essay in very eulogistic terms.

Mr. Hudson, in responding, enlarged on the great importance of deep
cultivation, and said that in order to obtain good results gardening ought
to be carried on all the year round, and instead of land being allowed to
remain just as the crops have been taken off in the autumn until the

July 1, 1885. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

13

following spring, it ought to be dug up deeply immediately after cropping.
If that were done, much manuring would he saved, and more success would
attend gardening operations.

RYDE ROSE SHOW.

The Rose Ball was successfully opened at Ryde, Isle of Wight, on
Tuesday, the 22nd of June, when, favoured by fine weather, the . Ryde
Sports and Amusements Committee held their annual Show in affiliation,
this year for the first time, with the National Rose Society. An attractive
schedule had been provided, including both the gold and silver medals of
the N.R.S. and a silver challenge cup, with the result, in spite of the cold
and backward season, of a very effective display.

In class 1, for twenty-four distinct, the first prize was won by Mr. R. E.
West, Reigate, with Mrs. G. Dickson, Mrs. Baker, Senateur Vaisse, La
France, Marquise de Castellane, Anna Ollivier, Alphonse Soupert, Rubens,
Marguerite Brassac, Marie Van Houtte, Marie Cointet, Yiolette Bouyer,
John Hopper, Dr. Sewell, Madame Gabriel Luizet, Duke of Edinburgh,
Baronne de Rothschild, Duke of Teck, Gloire de Dijon, Duchess of Bedford,
Madame Fanny de la Forest (a good bloom, an improved Boule de Neige),
A. K. Williams, Countess of Rosebery, and Duchesse de Yallombrosa.
Messrs. Ewing & Co., Sea View Nurseries, Havant, Hants, were placed
second, their best blooms being Engdnie Verdier, Duke of Teck, Constantin
Tretiakoff, Louis Van Houtte, Mrs. Baker, Marie Baumann, Sultan of
Zanzibar, and Lady Mary Fitzwilliam.

In class 2, for twelve distinct, D. Seaton, Esq., was deservedly placed
first for a very fine box, including half a dozen first-rate Teas — namely,
Mrs. Baker, Marechal N'el, Madame Victor Verdier, Innocente Pirola (very
fine), Madame Willermoz, Duke of Teck, Comtesse de Nadaillac (grand),
Madame Lambard, Duke of Edinburgh, Constantin Tretiakoff, Xavier
Olibo, and Etoile de Lyon (good). Captain Ramsey, Fareham. Hants, was
a good second. In class 3, for twenty-four distinct (local) Mr. Butcher,
Ryde, was first, his best blooms being Paul Neyron (not coarse, and un¬
usually bright in colour), Senateur Vaisse, La France, Mardchal Niel, and
Belle de Bordeaux. Second Mr. H. G. Nunn, Buckingham Grange, Ryde.
In class 4, also for twenty-four distinct, but confined to amateurs not
employing a regular gardener, Mr. G. Pack, Ryde, was easily first, securing
the N.R.S. gold medal with a box that included fine blooms of Princess
Louise Victoria, Madame Lach irme, Etienne Levet, Jules Margottin, E. Y.
Teas, Elie Morel. Nardy Freres, Sophie Coquerel, Devoniensis, Madame
Chas. Wood, and Fisher Holmes ; while Mr. G. Williams (second) had fine
Mardehal Niel, Reine Marie Henrietta, an i La France.

The first prize in class 5 was a silver challenge cup, presented by Rev.
Canon Girdlestone, D.D., formerly Vicar of Ryde, for the best twelve Roses
■shown by a resident in the Island ; and this was also secured by Mr. G.
Pack with first-rate blooms of Princess Louise Victoria, Charles Darwin,
Eugenie Verdier, F. de Lesseps, Jules Margottin, Royal Standard, Marie
Baumann, Souvenir de la Malmaison, Duchesse de Vallombrosa, Fisher
Holmes, Madame Lacharme, and Elie Morel ; the second prize, the National
Ros9 Society’s silver medal, falling to Mr. J. Brook. The prizewinners
for baskets and bouquets of Roses were Messrs. Brook, Butcher, and Nunn.

In class 9, for a miscellaneous collection of Rose3, the first prize was
awarded to T. W. Girdlestone, Esq., of Sunningdale, Berks; Miss Daubuz,
■of Ryde, taking second. Mr. Girdlestone’s collection was arranged in five
boxes, and was more or less representative of the entire genus. In the centre
was a box of about sixty trusses of the charming Japanese species R.
polyantha, and near by, were the hybrids between it and the Teas,
Mignonette, Ma Paqueritte, and the orange Perle d’Or. North
America contributed the rosy R. Woodsi, while the Himalayan R. rugosa
was represented by Nabonnand’s perpetual deep purple, double variety,
Comte d’Espremesnil. For rubiginosse there were a bright red seedling
Sweet Briar, the single yellow and the copper Austrian Briar, Harrisoni,
and the Persian Yellow; for Pimpinelifolim, Scotch Roses in variety, white,
clear pink, and yellow ; Centifolia contributed Mosses, common crested,
and Blanche Moreau, the best white by far; and also SpongandDe Milleaux
Damask, York-and-Lancaster (true); Gallicas, GHillet Parfait, Adele Prevost,
and Surpasse Tout. The China was in evidence as Viridiflora : Noisette as
Marhchal Niel, Lamarque, and William Allen Richardson ; Tea-3cented
Devoniensis, Rubens, Marie Van Houtte, aad Reine Marie Henriette ; while
A. K. Williams, Marie Baumann, and Horace Vern^t were selected for the
representation of the modern Hybrid Perpetuals. The two Roses, however,
which attracted greatest admiration were two of the most fragile of the
single Roses, Rosa Bjgseriana nigrescens with its graceful foliage and pure
ivory-white flowers, and Rosa rubrifolia with bluish foliage and charmingly
Dld-World looking pink flowers ; the two making an elegant pair that would
be an addition to any garden.

There was an extensive display of cut Pelargoniums and other flowers,
und many beautiful vase arrangements ; but in class 39, for wild flowers,
a most gracefully arranged and charming combination of “ Moon Daisies,”
wild Roses, and young red Oak shoots was strangely passed over in
favour of some fearful and wonderful erections of the ornamental con¬
fectionary type. It is to be hoped that the classes for collections of
wild flowers will not tend to the extermination of the native flora of
the island ; but they included many good species, such as the Bee, Fly,
Twayblade, Bird’s-nest, and Butterfly, in addition to the common Orchises,
as well as the seashore plants, the Horned Poppy, Sea Holly, &c. Be that
as it may, however, the Committee and their able Secretary, Mr. Etey,
are to be congratulated upon the great advance made this year upon their
former shows, and upon their obvious success in improving local horti-
-culture. — T. v

THE GREAT YORK GALA HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITION.

The twenty-eighth annual Exhibition was held in the Bootham Grounds,
lork, June 23rd, 24th, and 25th, and a strong gale was blowing all the early
part of the day, and caused much anxiety with regard to the tents. One
side of the long Rose tent was blown in, and some of the boxes of Roses
.were knocked off the stage, but the afternoon, fortunately, brought calmer

weather. The Exhibition was in all respects a capital one, and in no way
inferior, if not superior, to any the Sooiety has yet held. An additional tent
has been added from the pay entrance to the great circular tent, and Mr.
B. S. Williams of Holloway filled one side with a large collection of plants,
a highly interesting exhibit, containing as it did so many rare things.
Several examples of one plant, not rare, but its value is not yet generally
known for forcing purposes, Hydrangea paniculata grandiflora, was con-
s picuous. Amongst Orchids were Cattleya W arnerii, Houlleteia odoratLsima,
Anguloa Clowesi, Dendrobium Bensonim, Lycaste Deppii, Cypripedium
Veitchi and Lowii, and others. In miscellaneous plants there were many
novelties. Aralia Kerchoviana is a plant of rare beauty, and a fine plant of
Motrosideros floribunda alba was seen at the York Show for the first time.
Amaryllis Mrs. Wm. Lee, Nepenthes Mastersi, and Chelsoni, Dracaena
Lindeni, some splendid new and choice Crotons, and many other plants
made up a very effective group. On the opposite Bide of the entrance tent
various specimen plants were grouped, chiefly Mr. Cypher’s, including
some grand Crotons.

In the class for sixteen plants, Mr. Letts, gardener to the Earl of Zetland,
was first with really grand plants in the highest state of cultivation,
and including a very fine Azalea Reine des Fleurs, Erica tricolor Wilsoni, a
monster Ixora Williamsii, Croton Queen Victoria in fine form ; Erica
depressa, the admiration of everybody, a wonderful plant : Phoenocoma
prolifera, in fine condition; Anthurium Schertzerianum, and Shuttleworth’s
variety also; Croton Johannis, Erica tricolor superba, and Dasylirion
acrotrichum, were all fine examples of good culture. Mr. Cypher ran a good
second also with beautiful plants, which included Cycas revoluta, Anthu¬
rium Schertzerianum Cypherii, very fine ; Ericas Cavendishiana, depressa,
and afflnis ; an extra fine Ixora Williamsii, Croton Queen Victoria, Erica
tricolor Wilsonii, and other capital specimens. Mr. Wm. Done, York, was
placed third. In the class for six stove and greenhouse plants. Mr. Letts
was placed first, J. B. Hodgkin, Esq., second, and T. Fry, Esq., M.P., third.
For three stove and greenhouse plants, Mr. E. Adams, Newcastle, was first;
W. N. Champion, Esq., second ; W. Bateman, Esq., third. For six orna¬
mental plants five collections were staged; first, Mrs. Gurney Pease ; second,
Mr. Cypher; third, T. Fry, Esq., M.P.

A long spacious tent was devoted to groups of plants arranged for effect,
and the centre was filled up with six groups in competition in one class,
each 250 square feet. The first prize group, set up by Mr. McIntyre, gar¬
dener to Mrs. Gurney Pease, was artistically arranged and much admired.
Mr. Robt. Simpson of Selby was second ; J. B. Hodgkin, Esq., third ; and
Messrs. Simpson & Son, York, fourth ; two extra prizes being recommended.
All these groups were effectively arranged. At each end of this tent were
two half-moon-3haped groups in another class, and here again Mr. McIntosh
took first honours with a charming group ; second, J. Fry, Esq. ; third, J. F.
Hingston, Esq. (Mr. R. McIntosh, gardener). The exotic Ferns were very
good. J. B. Hodgkin, Esq., was first with very fine plants, which included
an immense Davallia Mooreana ; Mrs. Gurney Pease, second, in the lot
being a superb plant of Adiantum scutum ; third, J. Fry, E3q.

In the classes for ten and six hardy Ferns, a very fine collection was
staged, Mr. W. R. Robinson being first and Mr. Wm. Rodwell second in
each class. For ten Ferns Mr. Robert Simpson was third, and for six Mr.
William Simpson. Two admirable pots of six Lycopods were staged, re¬
markable for them size and health. The Rev. Canon Newton was pliced
first, and Mrs. Gurney Pease second. Cape Heaths were not numerous, but
Mr. Cypher's first prize three were of a good size and in excellent condition.
Some good Tree Ferns were shown, and a quantity of specimen Coleuses.
Bedding plants in pots and pans were well contested, and these are always
done remarkably well at York, many of them very large, but in every
case well grown. In the class for sixteen varieties four exhibitors competed,
Messrs. Simpson & Son taking the first prize with a splendid collection. In
the class for twenty-six alpine and herbaceous plants in pots there were
three exhibits, Mr. W. H. Rodwell taking the first prize.

Mr. Wilson, who for twenty-eight years has been the active Secre¬
tary, made a special effort to organise three special prizes of £12, £8, and
£5 for twelve Orchids, and four exhibitors competed. The first prize wa3
taken by G. Hardy, Esq., Cheshire, with very fine specim ns, many of them
masses of flower, and including Cattleya Mendeli varieties, Mossise varie¬
ties, Odontoglossum vexillarium, and v. roseum, Aerides Veitchii, Lselia
purpurata. Cypripediums, and others, altogether grand. Mr. Cypher was
second with good plants, which included superb examples of Dendro¬
bium suavissimum, Saccolabium guttatum, and Cypripedium Isevigatum.
Third, Dr. Ainsworth. In the class for eight Orchids (the Society’s usual
prizes), G. Hardy, Esq., was again first with fine plants, in which was a
superb Cattleya Mossise supeiba, Odontoglossum vexillarium, Cypripedium
Lawrenceanum, Cypripedium Parrishi, and Cattleya Mossise grandiflora,
all very fine. Mr. Cypher was second, and in his plants were fine specimens
of Dendrobium suavissimum, Anguloa Clowesi, Epidendrum vitellinum.
Third, Dr. Ainsworth. For four Orchids — First, W. N. Champion, Esq.,
Halifax; second, Mr. John Sunley ; third, W. Bateman, Esq. Specimen
Orchids — First, the Earl of Zetland, wiih a very large well-flowered Aerides
odoratum ; second. Captain Starkey, with an excellent Saccolabium prae-
morsum ; third, Sir Joseph Pea°e, Bart., M.P., with Odontoglossum vexil¬
larium; fourth, Mrs. Titley, with Aerides Fieldingi.

A square stage in tiers had b=en erected at the entrance to the fruit teut,
on which the Orchids were effectively displayed by mixing Ferns, &e.,
amongst them. This group was a striking feature of the Exhibition.

Fruit was well represented, quality mnning throughout. Mr. Mil -s
gardener to Lord Cairington, was first for eight varieties, Madresfield Couit
and Buckland Sweetwater Grapes, Grosse Mignonne Peaches, Lord Napi r
Nectarines, very fine Black Circassian Cherries, Negro Largo Figs, and a
very fine yt-llow-skinned Melon, Longleat Perfection. Mr. Mclndor, gar¬
dener to Sir Joseph Pease, Bart., was s> cond, having in his collection good
Bellegarde Peaches, Lord Napier Nectarines, and Best of All Melon, a fine
netted yellow. Third, the Hon. Mrs. Meynell Ingram. For six variet'es of
fruit, first the Hon. Mrs. Ingram with a fine Queen Pine, Madresfield Court
and Foster’s Seedling Grapes, Longleat Perfection Melon, and Peaches and
Nectarines. Second prize to Mr. Mclndoe. Four varieties of fruit, first
J. Fielden, Esq. (Mr. Clayton gardener) ; second Sir Henry M. Thompson,
Bart ; third Mrs. Gurney Pease. In Pines (five exhibits) J. Fielden, Esq.,
for a good Queen. In Peaches (ten exhibits) first Mr. Mclndoe ; second

14

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 1, 1886.

Lord Middleton ; third, SirH. M. Thompson, Bart. Nectarines (twelve exhi¬
bits) first the Misses Pease; second Lord Carrington; third Mr. Mclndoe.
Three bunches black Grapes (six exhibits) first Mr. J. Hickson-Clifford for
fine Black Hamburghs ; second Sir H. M. Thompson, Bart; third Lord
Hotham. Three bunches white Grapes (eight exhibits) first Lord Hotham
for very fine well-coloured Buckland Sweetwater; second Mr. Mclndoe ;
third Mr. Miles. Strawberries. — First Lord Middleton with very fine James
Yeitch; second P. Thellusson, Esq., with British Queen ; third Mrs. Gntch
with President, all good. Tomatoes (nine exhibits of twelve fruits) first Mr.
Mclndoe with Stamfordian, a handsome bright-coloured smooth variety ;
second G. Hardy, Esq., a seedling very closely resembling Stamfordian ;
third J. Fielden, Esq. Cucumbers (twenty-seven exhibits) good through¬
out. Cut herbaceous plants (six exhibits) all good ; first prize to Mr. G.
Holmes, York.

In the classes for two bridal and two ball-room bouquets, Mr. Cypher was
first in each class in his usual style ; Mrs. Gurney Pease second, and Mr.
W. Knight, Middlesborough, second and third respectively in each class.
In epergnes, Mr. Cypher first, and Mr. A. Hunt, gardener, Holme Hall,
second. There were four collections of vegetables staged in competition
for Messrs. Backhouse’s prizes, Mr. Miles taking the first prize with a well
set up lot of first-rate quality ; second, Col. Thorpe ; third, the Earl of
Harrington. The cut stove and greenhouse flowers are always well repre¬
sented here. Mr. Letts was first with twelve varieties, with beautiful
Orchids and others. Mr. Mclndoe second. Third, A. Wilson, Esq.
For six varieties of stove and greenhouse flowers, first Mr. Mclndoe, second,
the Misses Pease. Gloxinias. — The Rev. Canon Newton secured the first
prizes in each class, but the plants were too stiffly and formally tied.

The highest praise must be given to the great display of well-grown
Fuchsias. In the class for six there were five exhibits, J. Bellesby, Esq.,
York, taking the first prize with superb plants, averaging 5 feet in height.
There were eight exhibitors of three Fuchsias, and the first prize went
to Miss Wharton, York, for grand plants. Second, J. Bellesby, Esq.
Herbaceous Calceolarias were good and somewhat numerous, clean well-
grown plants, the Rev. Canon Newton taking first prizes for six and three.
Begonias were tolerably numerous, but with one exception, Mr. W. Foster’s,
inferior sorts were exhibited.

York is celebrated for its grand display of Pelargoniums, and the large
tent was again well filled. Fancies are more numerously shown here, and
only one exhibitor, Mr. Eastwood, gardener to Mrs. Titley, Leeds, was first
for six and three with well grown plants. The large-flowered Pelargoniums
were much more numerous, and in the classes for twelve, six, and three Mr.
Eastwood was first with magnificent specimens in fine condition. Mr.
McIntosh, gardener to .T. T. Hingston, Esq., was second in each class with
excellent specimens, and Miss Steward of Bishopsthorpe third for twelve and
three. . The Zonals were very fine indeed, and a striking feature of the
Exhibition, and very numerous. Here again Mr. Eastwood was first for
twelve and six plants ; MesBrs. Pybus cfc Son, Ripon, second for twelve, Mr.
McIntosh third, and J. Bellesby, Esq., fourth, and still one other exhibit.
For six Zonals, second Miss Steward with well-grown plants ; third Mr.
McIntosh, and there were two other exhibits. In the class for six double
Pelargoniums, Messrs. Simpson & Sons were first, Mr. Eastwood second,
the Rev. George Yeats third, and three other exhibits. For three doubles —
First, Rev. Mr. Yeats; second, Mr. Eastwood, and two other exhibitors.
Six Bronzes— First, J. Bellenby, Esq., with very large, well done, highly
coloured plants. For three Bronzes — First, Miss Wharton with well-grown
plants. Tricolors were well represented. For six, first Messrs. Pybus and
Sons, and first for three the Rev. G. Yeats.

The principal exhibitors for Roses in pots were Messrs. Jackson & Co.
Messrs. Pybus & Son, Miss Steward, and Mr. Eastwood. Large numbers of
plants were staged, and the quality was an improvement on previous years.
Eight exhibitors of Bix dinner table plants brought out an excellent display,
Mrs. Gurney Pease taking the first prize and J. B. Hodgkin, Esq., the second.
Cut Roses were not so numerous as usual, but Mr. Hy. May of Bedale first-
prize forty -eight were very good, and Mr. Eastwood was second. For thirty-
six blooms Mr. May was again first, and Mr. John House, Peterborough,
second, all with out-of-doors blooms. For twenty-four blooms, equal
firsts went to Mr. H. May and Mr. Eastwood.

Messrs. Laing & Co., Forest Hill, contributed a fine stand of cut Begonias,
to which a certificate was awarded. Certificates were also awarded to
Messrs. Kent & Brvdon, Darlington, for a collection of Yiolas and other cut
flowers, and to Messrs. Harkness & Son for a fine collection of fancy
Pansies.

Orchids are to be made a special feature next year ; a subscription list
is already entered into for 1150 in extra prizes in addition to the
Society’s prizes, the Sheriff of York heading the list with £5, and over £30
was promised on the first day of the Exhibition, and the Committee hope to
receive further encouragement from the trade growers of Orchids.

WQRKjoflTHE WEEK,.

KITCHEN GARDEN.

Growing Chops. — Crops are now growing freely, but growth has
been slower this year than we have noted it in many seasons, though the
plants are healthy, and we have never seen so few of them running to
flower prematurely. None of our early Celery has run, neither have the
Brussels Sprouts, although sown last autumn, and none of the Cauliflower
has “ buttoned.”. Turnips, although sown as early as usual, have shown
no signs of running, and in this respect the crops are very satisfactory.
Judging from present appearance the vegetable crops of 1886 will be

ge arally good and free from diseass. We are now digging Potatoes
f. m a south-east border, and although small they are numerous and of
excellent quality. The variety is Rivers’ Ashleaf.

Onions Bulbing. — Onions are late this season. Four years ago we
had spring-sown bulbs 11 inches in circumference hy the 1st of July, but
this year they will not be half that size on that date, and yet they have
had equally good culture. Those who want large bulbs this season must
thin the plants freely and expose them well to the sun now. Care should
also be taken when any are drawn for use that they are plants with the
thickest necks, as those will never bulb well, and should always be used
first. Autumn-sown Onions must have the soil removed from the bulbs,
and if a saucer-like place is formed round each, they may be watered
conveniently, and will become very large in size. They can hardly have
too much water now, and liquid of considerable strength will soon bring
them into show form. 4BMs>

Spent Crops. — Many of the early crops are soon over, as they are
not, as a rule, sown in large quantities, and the produce is always
gathered from them as soon as possible, but there is often a little care¬
lessness in clearing them away altogether when the crop is finished, or
has become too old for use, and it is this which becomes unprofitable.
Some may say, “ We do not want the ground at present for anything,”
but that is not all. Old crops, especially those going to seed, take a great
deal of nourishment out of the soil ; indeed they exhaust it more than
when they were growing, and they should all be cleared away the day
they cease to be of use.

Spring Cabbages. — These are now well in, but they are some weeks
behind their usual time and not so fine as we have seen them. The plants
are not so vigorous as usual, and where this is the case it will be best to
draw the roots up as soon as the heads are cut off and plant again. More
Cabbage may be put in or some other crop. Where the stems and roots
are very strong they will, if left, produce quantities of side sprouts like
small Cabbages further on or in autumn, but when there is no chance of
their doing this, throw them away as they will never be profitable.

Asparagus. — Of late this has been excellent and large quantities
have been cut, but cutting should now cease, as it injures the roots if
carried on too late. We always give up the Asparagus as soon as the
Peas come in, which is generally early in June, or by the middle of that
month at the latest, but whether the Peas be ready or not the cutting
should be stopped. When the crowns are springing up it is quite impos¬
sible to hoe the ground amongst the plants, and the beds are apt to become
very weedy owing to this; but when hoeing cannot be done hand-weeding
must be resorted to, and every Asparagus plantation should now be quite
free from weeds. A small handful of salt may be sprinkled round each
root either before or after hoeing. Considerable damage is often done
to Asparagus by allowing the tall growths to be Mown over by the wind,
and as soon as the growths become tall enough to be tied up place a stake
close to the root of each plant, and the growths should be tied to this with
a strong piece of matting. This is one of the most important points in
the summer culture of Asparagus.

Late Celery. — This must now receive attention. If the plants are
still small dibble them into some good soil until they gain a height of
4 inches or so, and then plant them out. Where they are this size now
they may be planted at once, putting three or four rows in each trench
and watering them thoroughly after planting. Some may have kept on a
number of the early plants to place out now as late ones, but these will
never be so satisfactory as plants raised from late-sown seed. Place a
layer of short manure between those plants in the trenches. This will
save watering and keep the roots cool and moist. Earth up the earliest
plants. Begin this operation by drawing o£E the short side leaves, then
break up the soil on each side of the trench, and work it carefully down
and round tbe plants. A layer of soil from 3 inches to 4 inches in depth
is quite enough for the first earthing.

Tomatoes. — The earlier plants in pots and boxes are bearing heavily,
and the fru t is swelling well. They will, however, soon become ex¬
hausted, and should have liquid manure daily in hot weather. It is
impossible to give them too much. A top-dressing of first-rate manure
will also be very beneficial, and they must never be allowed to sulfer
from drought. Where the main shoots are long and fruitless for a long
way up allow a fresh shoot to grow from near the surface of the soil, and by
exposing this to light and air it will begin to fruit early, and may be
used as a new plant. Where tbe crop is very heavy remove all deformed
fruits. We find the cook prefers medium-sized ones to very large fruits.
The open-air plants are now starting into growth. Give them plenty of
clean water until the crop is formed. Pinch out all side shoots, and keep
the points of the leaders in their proper places ; do not allow them to fall
over or become twisted.

Crowded Vegetables. — There is a great tendency at this season
for vegetables to become crowded, and under this condition nothing will
gain a handsome size. Thinning, as a rule, is not practised enough
or to such an extent as it should be, and we would urge on all who wish
to gain distinction for the excellency of their crops to have no hesitation
in th nmng, especially at this season.

Late Beetroot. — It is a mistake to have Beetroot too large, and
the early-sown roots are very apt to become too large by the end of the
season ; but if a few rows are put in now the roots will be in excellent
condition as to quality by October.

FRUIT FORCING.

Vines. — Early Houses. — The Grapes being cut, keep the house as cool
as possible by free ventilation, and withdraw the roof lights where prac¬
ticable when rains prevail. The cleansing effect of rain is very beneficial,

July 1, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

15

and a thorough moistening of the borders will do much towards the pro¬
duction of fresh laterals and the maintenance in health of the principal
leaves, thereby preventing premature ripening of the foliage. Vines that
are becoming exhausted through long subjection to early forcing and
bearing heavy crops should have one of the borders renovated and the
roots laid in fresh material near the surface, for which preparation should
now be made by getting the material together, as it is important work of
this kind be executed at the right time and with dispatch. One of the
borders only should be acted upon at a time, operating on, say, the inside
border one year, and following with the outside border the next. The
proper time to attend to the roots in the case of early Vines is as soon as
the foliage gives indications of ripening. Syringe the foliage every
evening in fine weather to preserve the leaves in a healthy condition as
long as possible, for when they die prematurely second growth will set in
about the time the Vines should be pruned and going to rest.

Houses of Ripe Grapes. — Keep the houses cool, and on hot days
sprinkling water on the borders and floors will be beneficial. Moderate
moisture will not injure ripe Grapes at this season, provided it is not
stagnant and the temperature is not allowed to advance in the morning
before the ventilation is increased, so as to prevent moisture being con¬
densed on the berries. A temperature of 55° to 60° will be sufficient for
ripe Black Hamburghs at night, but Muscats and other heat-requiring
varieties will need fire heat to prevent the temperature falling below 60° to
66° at night. Turning on the heat in the morning so as to allow a free
circulation will materially assist in the maturing of Muscats, even after
they appear ripe. Moisture should be carefully guarded against in the
case of Muscats, or they soon spot in a moist confined atmosphere. Allow
a gentle circulation of air constantly, even if fire heat has to be employe!
to secure it. A slight shade is absolutely essential to Black Hamburghs
keeping colour for any length of time after ripening. Some doubled
garden netting drawn over the roof lights is mostly sufficient. Muscats
colour in proportion to the light and heat they receive.

Grapes Ripening. — Ventilate constantly, a circulation of warm rather
dry air being essential to good finish. Black Hamburghs and similar
varieties need only have a night temperature of 60° to 65°, and 70° to 75°
by day secured to them ; but Muscats require a temperature of 70° to 75°
at night and 8U° to 85° by day, advancing with sun heat to 90° or 95°. If
there is likely to be any deficiency of moisture in the border give a
thorough soaking, choosing the early part of a fine day, and ventilato
freely. Mulching with short dry material will prevent any danger of
moisture arising to the injury of the crop. Plenty of air should be ad¬
mitted after the Grapes change colour, a little fire heat being necessary
in dull weather.

Grapes Stoning. — Dull weather with occasional gleams of sun is the
worst for scorching and scald. It is best to have a little fire heat to pre¬
vent a low night temperature, and admit of early ventilation to avoid the
deposition of moisture upon the berries. If they are allowed to be covered
with moisture, and the sun raises the temperature considerably before
ventilation is given, the leaves and berries will assuredly suffer. A
little heat and free early ventilation are the preventives of scorch¬
ing and scalding. When the stoning is over, and the fruit commences
ripening, danger from scalding is considered past ; but Muscat of
Alexandria scorches badly even after the Grapes are advanced in colour,
and a slight shade, as that of garden nets drawn over the roof lights, is of
great benefit.

Late Bouses of Black Hamburghs. — The thinning must be concluded
without delay. Thin well but not unduly, and remove surplus bunches
if there be any doubt about the crop, for Black Hamburghs to hang well
must be as thick in the skin, as firm in flesh, and as highly fiuished as
possible. It is no use expecting heavy crops that do not finish higher in
colour than a reddish black to hang well, for they will only disappoint.
Either they must be black and have as much bloom as SI es or they will
not keep colour long. Allow a fair amount of lateral growth, as Grapes
finish better with a modified light, but avoid overcrowding.

SECTION EACKS AND HOW TO MAKE THEM.

If it is decided to adopt the " piling” system of supering
it will be necessary either to make or purchase a number
of section racks of a size to suit the ideas of the individual
bee-keeper. When these racks have to be purchased the
expense is greater perhaps than some will be inclined to
bear, even if they have the necessary money at their disposal,
which is naturally not invariably the case. Catalogue prices
vary from 3s. to 3s. 6d., and when it is remembered that five
or six racks for every stock from which no swarm is to be
taken are required, the item will be a heavy one, and add
nearly, if not quite, a sovereign to the capital outlay on every
stock in the apiary from which comb honey is to be taken as
advised in former notes. It is scarcely necessary to say that
when a swarm, or a stock which has given a swarm, is being
supered there is not such essential necessity to provide room

continually in the advance of the requirements of the bees,
and therefore half the number of racks will in those cases be
a sufficient supply. The object at present is to give clear
directions for making a very simple yet efficient rack at
home cheaply and well, so cheaply that if time is reckoned at
5s. a day, even then half a dozen racks may be provided
at a cost of 9s. 61. only if the workman is careful not to cut
his wood to waste, and to purchase it in lengths of convenient
size so as to cut it most economically for his purpose. The
determination having been arrived at to make six racks, it is
first necessary to decide upon the most suitable size, and from
my own experience those containing twenty- one 1 lb. sections
are most generally useful, the sections to be placed in three
rows of seven, running parallel to the frames, forming a
compact mass placed close together, but a space of about
half an inch being left between each of the outside rows and
the sides of the rack for the sake of being able to handle the
sections more easily when removing them from the racks.
There will necessarily be two parallel strips equidistant from
one another in each rack, in addition to two others joined to
the outer sides of the rack, for the support of the sections.
The depth of the racks must be the same as the height of the
sections, and the tops of these latter and the sides of the rack
must be on a level, in order that when placed one upon
another the tier may form a compact and substantial whole.
Again, it is desirable to have the three end sections glazed
in order that the apiarian may the better tell when the cells
are sealed, and this may be arranged by (after the sections
are arranged in the rack) placing a loose piece of glass of
the same size as the zinc dividers across the three end sections
and then protecting this glass by the wooden shutter, which
will be described together with the rest of the woodwork of
the box.

Every rack must be well made, and strong enough to
sustain a weight of at least 21 lbs. with ease, and it may be
remembered that the better the fit the less do the bees
propolise and so disfigure the sections, and the more heat is
retained. The 3ize of the rack to contain twenty-one 1 lb.
sections of the ordinary, though not standard, size will be 15
long by 14 inches wide by 4 £ inches in depth, all inside measure
— with the exception of the depth a slight variation makes no
material difference. The strips for the support of the sections
may be lj inch wide, and the front end, or rather the one in
which it is intended to insert the glass and shutter, will need
only to be 2J inches high at the most, and even this is only
required to keep the glass and shutter fixed in their places,
and so retain the se turns in the proper position. If a space is
left between this end and the shutter a wedge may be inserted
to fill up the gap, and by removing this wedge it will be more
easy to remove the shutter and glass, and so to manipulate
the sections, than if the fit was so exact as to need no
such wedge. It will be perceived that the sections are to
be placed so that the surface of the end ones will be seen
at the glass and parallel to the frames of the stock, so
that when the frames of the stock run at right angles to the
entrance the 15-inch sides will run at right angles to the
frames, and the 14-inch sides or ends parallel to them and
the sections in the latter position. — Felix.

(To be continued.)

THE WEATHER— SUPERING.

We have now been enjoying a temperature of 80° for several days.
The abundant rainfall of the past together with the present heat is very
favourable to rapid growth. In some places the Gooseberry crop will
be a small one. The caterpillar has been very destructive. The hedge
sparrows, the na ural enemy of this pest, are becoming scarcer every
year. Wherever a coal pit exists the youths belonging to the place
scour (he country far and near, destroying every nest.

Supering was begun here on Saturday, the 19th June, at 3 p.m , and
the bees took possession and commenced comb-building immediately.
They are all well wrapped up ; it is desirable it should be so, and that
bee-keepers should become impressed with its importance. \\ herever
situated, no matter whether they be inside or outside, the same treatment
is absolutely necessary in all cases if success is to be certain. If supers
are not well covered every chink will be propolised, giving the bees extra

16

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 1, 1885.

labonr and spoiling the beauty of the comb. Heat in the hive economises
honey in the secretion of wax, facilitates the building of comb, and
enables the bees to go out in greater numbers to collect the honey, when
otherwise they would have to remain at home in the best part of the day
to build combs, which they will not do in a super uncovered when the
temperature is too low, as it must be in uncovered supers during the
night.

The same rule applies to the st ;ck hive. We keep the bees at work
by having them covered, so as not to be affected internally by any sudden
change of temperature, and we regulate the doorway as required, both in
the early part of the year as well as during summer. In the latter time
we give abundant air during the day in hot wea her, and contract at
night, so that comb-building goes on uninterrupted, and that brood will
neither be chilled nor drawn out, as is invariably the case in hives sub¬
jected to sudden changes of temperature internally.

All my hives have now sufficient honey stored for winter, or nearly so,
and all gathered after this will be for myself. Nevertheless, should
unfavourable weather come, there is great risk of the bees drawing their
brood. This must be guarded against, and to prevent it we shall feed
them, although not required. Bees after the middle of June draw their
brood readily, and the hive is spoiled for later work at the Heather.
During the earlier months of the year the bees will themselves die before
they will desert their brood, but after this they seem to put most value
upon self-preeervation.

Some bee-keepers are greatly annoyed by their bees persisting in
producing “ virgin swarms,” — i e., top swarms swarming. I have been
asked for a remedy and opioion. Both I gave to different individuals, but
the advice given has been ignored, and I have been challenged to give my
bees a trial in the rich districts that these unfortunate bee-keepers are
placed in. There case is this : they want all the honey in supers, and for
that purpose they employ hives half size only, in which, although every
cell was available for brood, the queen would be crowded out in two
weeks’ time after being hived.

Can it be expected that bees would give entire satisfaction and profit
by suffi management ? and yet this and pigmy hives have been held forth
as the acme of perfection for a decade past, and highly recommeuded to
cottagers as a great improvement over straw hives and as a sensible
departure from the tiering system.

A great change has now come over the leaders of modern bee-keeping.
It is the tiering system pure and simple, so much despised a few years
ago, that honey may be expected from. After so many high eulogiums
passed on our system we ought to be proud.

It has always been surprising to me that cottagers and labouring men,
heretofore the most successful bee-keepers, should have allowed them¬
selves to be misled. Large harvests of honey can only be had from large
hives with young and fertile queens with some foreign blood in them,
increase of room, with plenty of wrappings on the exterior of the hive.
If these simple rules are attended to, more good will result than from
volumes of writing. On another ocassion I will describe the state of
many hives I have witnessed this year, together with their management
throughout the year. — A Lanarkshire Bee-keeper.

All correspondence should be directed either to “The Editor”
or to “ The Publisher.” Letters addressed to Dr. Hogg or
members of the staff often remain unopened unavoidably. We
request that no one will write privately to any of our correspon¬
dents, as doing so subjects them to unjustifiable trouble and
expense.

TO CORRESPONDENTS. — We desire to assure those of our corre¬
spondents whose letters and communications are not promptly
inserted that they are not the less appreciated on that account.
Our pages are practically filled several days prior to publication,
and letters arriving on Wednesday morning, except by special
arrangement, are invariably too late for insertion. The delay in
the publication of some of these is not of material importance,
buc reports of meetings and shows held a week previously lose
much or all of their value if not received in time to appear
in the current issue.

Questions. — The pressure of the Liverpool Show prevents several letters
being fully answered this week. “ Rosa ” is informed that Bertolonias
require much heat, shade, and moisture ; “A Subscriber” that fumigation
properly conducted will not injure his Yines ; “ A Merchant ” that the
Grapes sent were scalded, and had better be shaded lightly than spoiled ;
“ M. F.” that he need not be alarmed; J. M. ” that Mr. Whittaker’s
Cucumbers are slightly shaded ; and “ J. Coates ” that he does not appear
to read Mr. Molyneux’s articles, and to refer to page 438.

Tomatoes (C. C.). — We shall be glad to receive particulars of your
Tomato trials, and wish you success. The copy of the Journal de-ired has
been forwarded to you, the charge for which is 3£d.

Pyrethrums and other Flowers ( W. C.). — We have received the flowers
referred to in your note. They are very good, and would no doubt sell if
advertised.

Late Cucumbers (G. F. Jones). — Strong plants now establisheddn 6-iuch
pots planted out in a frame in good soil, and a barrowful or two of ferment¬
ing material to give them a start, will bear abundantly in late summer if
they are properly managed. They should be well watered with tepid water
half an hour or more before the sun leaves the frames every afternoon in hot
weather, admitt'ng air in the morning when the temparature riseB above G5°,
increasing the ventilation with the increasing heat. It is a great mistake
to allow the heat to rise to 80° or 90p, then admit a great volume of air at
once to reduce the temperature.

Calceolarias ( S ., Tooting ). — You have sown the seed much too early, and
it is very questionable if your “ fine plants ” will answer your expecta¬
tions. All you can do is to keep them steadily growing in a cool place, shifting
before the pots become much crowded with roots. You had better sow
more seed if you wish to insure a satisfactory display of these flowers next
April and May.

Dwarf Chrysanthemums (0. C. Owen). — Sturdy, healthy cuttings
grown in the full sun, inserted now in small pots of sandy soil, stood on
damp ashes in a frame, kept moist, close, and shaded to prevent the leaves
flagging, strike readily, and the plants are often very serviceable for various
decorative purposes. The cuttings and young plants cannot have too much
light and air consistently with keeping the foliage fresh. Thousands of
dwarf plants of Pompon varieties are raised from cuttings inserted in July
and August.

Single Pyrethrums from Seed {E. G. Walker). — You have been rightly
informed. Any required number can be raised from seed, either in light
soil in the open ground, or in boxes in frames, or outside covered with
glass, and shaded till the seedlings appear. The sooner the plants are
raised the stronger they become before winter, and the better they flower
another year.

Pelargoniums for Winter (A. S.). — Yery strong cuttings rooted at once,
and the plants grown well under full exposure to the sun iu a frame with
the lights removed night and day iu favourable weather, will flower in
winter in a temperature of about 50°. The plants must not be starved in
the summer, but kept steadily growing in the full sun, all flower buds
being removed as they appear till the autumn. Our plants are strong, and
being shifted into 6-inch pots ; and some older plants which were pruned,
a week ago will be shaken out, placed iu fresh soil shortly, and with
careful watering they will flower profusely in November and December.

Mildew on Apple Trees (II. II. C.) — The growths before us are
seriously infested with mildew. You had better try the effects of syring¬
ing with a solution of softsoap and sulphur, prepared by dissolving soft,
soap at the strength of 2 ozs. to a gallon of water and stirring in sulphur-
so as to form a thin cream-like mixture that can be applied with a syringe.
We suspect the leaves were eaten by a small caterpillar just as they were
unfolding, and the injury has become more apparent by the development of
the foliage.

Peaches not Bearing ( J , E. L.). — “ Thinning out the growths well hr
October ” is altogether too late for preventing overcrowding, and preparing
fruitful wood for the following year. The present is the time to regulate
the growths for preventing the great evil of overcrowding and conse¬
quently fruitless wood. The shoots should be so disposed that the leaves of
one do not materially overlap and shade those of others. We often see the
shoots laced in an inch or two apart. It is utterly wrong to work on this
leaf-smothering principle. When trees are much crowded now superfluous
growths should be removed by degrees, as taking out much growth at once
checks the roots and the swelling of the crop where there is one. As you
have no fruit do not permit the shoots on which you hope to have fruit next
year to be closer than G inches from each other, a greater distance between
them being advisable. Keep the leaves clean and healthy, and fruit buds
will form freely.

The Ginger Beer and Vinegar Plants ( W . H. TV). — Nothing definite i3
known about the Fungus called the Ginger Beer Plant. It i3 a cellular
vegetable body similar to some other low forms of Fungi, such as the Yeast
and Vinegar Plants, but apparently distinct from them. It is regarded as
an immature form of some species which, when placed in the sugar and
water mixture usually employed in the manufacture of ginger beer, is under
unnatural conditions, and cannot develope its not m il characters. It has
been thought that ground ginger is beneficial to the growth of the Fungus,
which then decomposes the sugar more rapidly. We believe several
eminent fungologists are investigating its characters. It grows best in a
rather warm place, and not exposed to too much light. The Vinegar Plant
will form naturally if a mixture of sugar and water be placed in large jugs,
covered with pieces of muslin, and stood in a place exposed to the sun.

Cornelian Cherry (B. R. T.). — The plant to which you refer under the
above name is Cornui mas, a shrub whiuh is found throughout the whole of
Europe, with the exception of Great Br i ain. It is much cultivated on the
continent as a fruit shrub, for the sake of its be ries, which are oval, about
the size of a horse-bean, of a beautiful cornelian-red colour; when immature
they are astringent, but when they are fully ripe, and particularly when
they are allowed to hang till they fall from the tiee, they are sweet, and
may be eaten when raw, or preserved in the form of marmalade, like
Cherries; in this form they are said to strengthen the stomach and to be
v err useful in cases of diarrhoea; but those subj ct to constipation should
avoid them. They are much used by the Turks in their sherbets. The
unripe fruit is also pickled with salt and vinegar and used as Olives, when
they are said to have a pleasant taste and excite an appetite. The leaves-
have been used on the Continent as a substitute for tea, and those who have
used the infusion say that it is very wholesome and agreeable. The wood is
extremely hard, and "is used on the Continent for wooden forks, which are made?
by selecting branches which divide into three near the extremity, and after
cutting th°branch to a proper length, which is commonly about 5 or 6 feet,
t ie birk is taken off, and the three branch s which are to form the prongs
are bent to as to form a triangle, like the wooden corn forks of England ;

July 1, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF H0RT1GULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

17

they are then put into an oven and kept there until they are hardened. Tbe
wood is also used for butchers’ skewers, hoops, and toothpicks.

Superphosphate of Lime (TV. S. T.). — It is more useful as a manure
than bones, because it is more soluble in water. If ws bury a b me it will
remain almost unaltered for years ; but if we break it into small pieces it
■decays much sooner, and if put round the roots of Cabbages will soon
make them grow more fine and vigorously. Cabbages, however, are not the
only garden vegetables benefited by bone manure, for phosphate of lime is
one of the most constant constituents of all plants. Of this phosphate,
therefore, the soil is deprived by every crop it bears, and to restore this
phosphate to the soil is an object with every cultivator. It was long since
shown by chem'sts that phosphate of lime is the chief ingredient in all
bones, and consequently these by degrees have become one of the most
extensively used manures. In every 100 lbs. of sheep’s bones there are
70 lb3. of phosphate of lime ; in 100 lbs. of horses’ bones sixty-eight of that
phosphate ; and in the same quantity of ox bones 55 lbs. As phosphate of
lime is insoluble in water, and even bone dust is slow in decaying, it was
■suggested that by dissolving it in a strong acid, superphosphate of lime, a
substance soluble in water, would be formed, and also all the other con¬
stituents of the bone be pr< sented to the roots of the crop in a most available
form. This process is said to have been first adopted by Mr. Fleming of
Borrochan, N.B., in the year 1841. He employed muriatic acid (spirit of
ealt) to dissolve the bones, but it was subsequently found that sulphuric
acid (oil of vitriol) was both cheaper and better.

Photographs of Leaves ( B . B.). — The following process has been
recommended for the purpose you name : — At any druggists get a little
bichromate of potash. Put this in a 2-oz. bottle of soft water. When the
solution becomes saturated — that is, the water has dissolved as it will, pour
off some of the clear liquid into a shallow dish ; on this float a piece of
•ordinary writing-paper till it is thoroughly and evenly moistened. Let it
become nearly dry, in the dark. It should be of a bright yellow. On this
put the leaf ; under it a piece of soft black cloth and several sheets of paper.
Put these between two pieces of glass (all the pieces should be of the same
size), and fasten them all together tightly. Expose to a bright sun, placing
the leaf so that the rays will fall upon it as nearly perpendicular as possible.
In a few minutes it will begin to turn brown, but it requires from half an
hour to several hours to produce a perfect print. When it has become dark
■enough, take it from the frame and put it in clear water, which must be
changed every few minutes, till the yellow part becomes perfectly white.
Sometimes the venation of the leaves will be quite distinct. By following
these directions it is scarcely possible to fail, and a little practice will make
perfect. The photographs, if well taken, are very pretty.

Names of Plants. — We only undertake to name species of plants, not
varieties that have originated from seed and termed florists’ flowers.
Flowering specimens are necessary of flowering plants, and Fern fronds
should b ar spores. Specimens should arrive in a fresh state in firm
boxes. Slightly damp moss or soft green leaves form the best packing, dry
cotton wool the worst. Not more than six specimens can be named at once.
( Carex ). — 12, Carex muricati (Linn.); 13, Carex vulgaris (Fries.); 14,
Carex Stellulata (Good) ; 15, Carex vulgaris (Fries).

COYENT GARDEN MARKET.— June 30th.

Trade more brisk at last week’s prices. Outdoor Strawberries making
their appearance.

PLANTS IN POTS.

s.

a.

8.

d.

s. d.

s.

d.

Aralia Sieboldi .. dozen

9

0 to 18

0

Ficus elastica

. . each

1 6 to 7

0

Arbor vitae (golden) dozen

0

0

0

0

Fuchsia

per dozen

6 0

12

0

,, (common) dozen

6

0

12

0

Foliage Plants,

var. each

2 0

10

0

Arum Lilies .

, . dozen

0

0

0

0

Genistas

. . dozen

0 0

0

0

Azaleas . . .

0

0

0

0

Hydrangea ..

per dozen

6 0

12

0

Bedding Plants, var. doz.

1

0

2

0

Ivy Geraniums

per dozen

3 0

6

0

Begonias

. . dozen

6

0

9

0

Lilies of the

Valley, in

Calceolaria .

per dozen

4

0

9

0

pots, per doz.

0 0

0

0

Cineraria

.. dozen

0

0

0

0

Lobelias . . . .

per dozen

4 0

6

0

Cyclamen

• . dozen

0

0

0

0

Marguerite Daisy dozen

8 0

12

0

Cyperus . . .

4

0

12

0

Mignonette . .

per dozen

4 0

8

0

Dracaena terminalis, dozen 30

0

60

0

Musk . . . .

per dozen

2 0

4

0

,, viridis .. dozen 12

0

24

0

Myrtles . . . .

6 0

12

0

Erica, various

. . dozen 12

0

24

0

Palms, in var.

. . each

2 6

21

0

Euonymus, in

var. dozen

6

0

18

0

Pelargoniums, scarlet, doz.

3 0

6

0

Evergreens, in var. dozen

6

0

24

0

Pelargoniums

per dozen

6 0

IS

0

Ferns, in variety . . dozen

4

0

18

0

Spiraea . . . .

6 0

12

9

CUT

FLOWERS.

8.

d.

s.

a.

8. d.

8.

a

Abutilons ,,

12 bunches

2

0

to 4

0

Marguerites ..

12 bunches

3 0

to 6

0

Anemone . .

doz. bunches

0

0

0

0

Mignonette . .

12 bunches

3 0

6

0

Arum Lilies .

12 blooms

4

0

6

0

Pelargoniums, per 12 trusses

0 9

1

0

Azalea . . .

12 sprays

0

0

0

0

„ scarlet, 12 trusses

0 4

0

8

Bouvardia8 .

per bunch

0

6

i

0

Paeonies, various 12 b’ooms

1 0

2

0

Camellias .

12 blooms

0

0

0

0

Ranunculus . .

12 bnnche3

2 0

4

0

Carnations .

12 blooms

1

0

3

0

Roses

12 bunches

4 0

9

0

Chrysanthemums 12 bloom 3

0

0

0

0

„ (indoor),

per dozen

1 0

s

0

V/OWalips ..

doz. bunches

0

0

0

0

„ Tea.. ..

0 9

2

0

Daffodils

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

„ red

.. dozen

1 0

2

0

Epiphyllnm ..

doz. blooms

0

0

0

0

„ Moss

12 bunches

6 0

12

0

Encharis . .

per dozen

4

0

6

0

Primroses, Ye’low, dozen

Gardenias

12 blooms

2

0

4

0

dozen bunches

0 0

0

0

Hellebore

doz. blooms

0

0

0

0

Pyrethrum . .

12 bunches

4 0

9

0

Hyacinths, Roman, 12 sprays

0

0

0

0

Spiraea .. ..

12 sprays

9 6

l.

0

ins .

12 bunches

9

0

18

0

Stephanotis ..

12 sprays

2 0

3

0

.uapageria, white, 12 blooms

0

0

0

0

Tropaeolum ..

12 bunches

1 0

3

0

.Liapngena, red

.-12 blooms

1

0

2

0

Tuberoses

12 blooms

0 6

i

0

Lilac .. . .

per bunch

0

0

0

0

Violets . . . .

12 bunches

0 0

0

0

Lilium longitlorum, 12 bims.

8

0

6

0

„ Czar, Fr

, .. hunch

0 0

0

Lily of the Valley, 12 sprays

0

0

0

0

FRUIT.

a.

d.

s.

d.

s. d.

s.

a-

Apples ..

0

0

to 0

0

Oranges ..

4 0

to 6

o

Cobs, Kent ..

per 100 lbs. 27

6

30

0

Peaches . .

4 0

10

0

Figs .. ..

s

0

4

0

Pine Apples English .. lb.

2 0

3

0

Grapes ..

1

6

4

0

Plums . .

0 0

0

0

Lemons ..

0

15

0

St. Michael Pines ..each

4 0

6

0

Melon - . ,

1

6

8

6

Strawberries ..

• • per lb.

0 6

1

6

VEGETABLES.

Artichokes ..

.. dozen

8.

1

d.

0

s.
to 0

d

0

Lettuce .. ••

s.

1

d.

0 to

8.

1

a

6

Asparagus

.. bundle

2

0

5

0

Mushrooms ..

. . punnet

0

6

1

0

Beans, Kidney

.. lb.

0

G

0

0

Mustard and Cress punnet

0

2

0

0

Beet, Red
Broccoli .. ..

.. dozen

1

0

2

0

Ouions .. ..

0

3

0

0

0

0

0

0

Parsley .. dozen bunches

2

0

s

0

Brussels Sprouts

.. 4 sieve

0

0

0

0

Parsnips .. ..

i

0

2

0

Cabbage .. ..

1

6

0

0

Potatoes . . . .

4

0

5

0

Capsicums

.. 100

1

6

2

0

,, Kidney

.. cwt.

4

8

5

0

Carrots .. ..

0

6

0

9

Rhubarb.. ..

0

2

0

0

Cauliflowers ..

.. dozen

4

0

6

0

Salsafy .. ..

1

0

i

6

Celery . . . .

1

6

2

0

Scorzonera

.. bundle

1

6

0

0

Coleworts doz. bunches

2

0

4

0

Seakale .. ..

per basket

0

0

0

0

Cucumbers ..

.. each

0

8

0

6

Shallots .. ..

0

S

0

0

Endive .. ..

1

0

2

0

Spinach .. ..

8

0

4

0

Heros .. ..

0

2

0

0

Tomatoes

0

8

0

0

Leeks .. . .

0

8

0

4

Turnips .. ..

,, bunch

0

4

0 6

LESSONS OF THE SEASONS.

If instead of tbe title of this paper we bad followed our
first thought and written Drainage at the head of it, would
not such an indication of our subject have seemed unsea¬
sonable and therefore unattractive just now ? Sure enough
is it that we cannot do drainage now, but we can and do
mark the effect of recent drainage, and realise fully its
importance better than at any other season of the year. We
know it is patent to everybody that drains relieve the soil of
superfluous water, and science teaches us that in doing this
we literally make “ the clouds drop fatness,” every shower
that falls doing much more than cleanse and refresh growing
crops. Most anxious are we that our readers should realise
this fully, and keep well abreast of sound scientific research,
especially that which has been subjected to the test of practical
application.

In watching the progress of farm crops this season we
have been strongly impressed with the value of drains.
Kepeatedly have we shown in the Journal that the applica¬
tion of manure to undrained land is a wasteful proceeding,
an outcome of ignorance, and folly which we regard with
regret, and we must add with surprise. Is it possible that
any thoughtful farmer can look over his growing crops and
not try and understand why some are vigorous, some
weakly ? If farmers only would cease to talk of soil as
strong or weak in the same way a3 they do of an animal, and
would regard it as a medium for conveying food to plants,
then we might hope that the minds of such men would be
open to lessons which the seasons so often bring to them in
vain. Only a day or two ago we were going over a heavy
land farm which we have in hand, and part of which was
drained last winter. The drains were put in rather closely we
thought, as they were only 8 yards apart, yet we find that
6 yards would have been better, for immediately over each
drain the corn is twice as vigorous as it is midway between
the drains. Nothing can be plainer — no lesson easier to
learn, and we shall certainly apply its teaching to future prac¬
tice. That such vigorous growth over the drains is no mere
accident is well known to those who understand the science
of drainage, and we hope to enforce the lesson by a quotation
from a high authority, Professor Scott, who shows, in “ Farm
Engineering,” that —

“ When there is an excess of water in soil, and no provi¬
sion exists for withdrawing it, the interstitial canals become
completely filled to the exclusion of the necessary amount of
air, on which the activity of the soil considered as a laboratory
for the production of plant food depends.

“ When the soil is under-drained the superfluous water
flows off through the air canals, and only so much moisture
is retained as can be absorbed by the minuter pores of the
soil, and as there is then free communication through the
canals between the pores and the drains, it is evident that
the water will all be withheld from the soil except that which

18

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 1, 1886.

is held by capillary attraction. Thus the rain which falls
upon and is absorbed by the surface ground, percolates
towards the drainage level, flushing every crevice and canal
in its descent, leaving behind it the nutritive ingredients
which it carries in suspension or in solution, and on which
the plants can feed as it passes by their roots, or which the
soil, acting as a filter, extracts and appropriates.

“ According to Way, the total quantity of nitrogen, in the
form of ammonia and nitric acid, brought down by rain and
snow upon an acre of land in the year, was found to be
6-68 lbs. in 1855, and 8-31 lbs. in 1856. Under-drainage
not only allows the rainfall loaded with this fertility to pass
through the soil and be discharged from underneath, after
depositing its fertilising material, instead of flooding the
surface and removing from the upper soil many substances
useful to vegetation ; but the rain water in sinking down
through the soil oxidises and washes out of it anything that
may be hurtful to the roots of plants, and the solvent action
of the rain water is, at the same time, brought to bear upon
the inert constituents of the soil and of the manures with
which it is brought into contact. The latter is not the least
benefit of drainage, for on wet land the best manures are
almost thrown away.

“ This constant descent of water through the soil causes a
similar descent of air through its pores, from the surface to
the depth of the drain. When the rain falls it enters the
soil and more or less completely displaces the air which it
contained within its pores. Thus air either descends to the
drains or rises into the atmosphere. When the rain ceases,
the water as it sinks again leaves the pores of the upper soil
open, and fresh air consequently follows. Thus, where
under-drains exist, not only does every shower deposit its
fertilising ammonia, but it serves to force the fresh air
through the pores, which produces conditions so healthful to
vegetation.

“ Under-drainage deepens the soil by lowering the line of
excessive water beyond injury to the roots, and affords to
plants a deeper soil for their roots to penetrate, at the rate
of 100 tons per acre for every inch of depth gained. It
prepares the way for deep tillage and steam cultivation. It
improves the texture of the soil by making it more porous,
drier, looser, and more friable, and it thus not only gives
greater ease in tillage operations, but admits of the land
being worked sooner after a fall of rain. The difference in
labour between ploughing drained and undrained land is
very considerable, and at the lowest estimate cannot be put
at less than Is. per acre for each ploughing.

“ Thorough drainage not only relieves soil of excess of
water, but, strange as it at first appears, it greatly mitigates
the effects of dry weather. When soil is drenched with water
and dried by evaporation, it becomes hard, especially if it be
of a clayey nature. Land that is dried by drainage is absor¬
bent and retentive of moisture dropped by dews and acquired
from the atmosphere, while the soil deepened by drainage
permits growing crops to put forth longer roots, and thus
become secured against droughts.

“By drainage the temperature of the soil is raised in
summer as much as 3°, which is in effect to transport the
land 150 miles southwards. The soil is thus enabled to grow
a greater variety of crops than it would do in its undrained
state. Less seed is required in sowing, because fewer seeds
perish than when they are put into a saturated soil where
the temperature is lower, and from which the air necessary
to germination is excluded. It prevents in a great measure
Grass and winter grains being killed or thrown out by frost.
An earlier seed time and harvest are also accompaniments
of drained land, the season being hastened in the spring by
the land drying sooner, and enabling the cultivator to get on
his land earlier by several days, a start which is maintained
by the crop all through the summer. A week at seed time
or harvest often makes all the difference between the success
or failure of a crop.

‘ ‘ In all cases the end desired is the nearest possible approach

to the natural examples of the best soils resting on previous
subsoils, where the rainfall finds a gradual passage through
the soil and subsoil, sinking always where it falls, carrying
generally the warmer temperature of the air into the land —
carrying also many an element of plant food which the air
contains directly to the roots of plants — carrying, too, the air
itself, the great oxidiser, amidst the matters, organic and
inorganic, which require its influence for their conversion
into available plant food, proving, by its action as a solvent,
and its passage over the immense inner superficies of the
soil, an active caterer for the stationary roots. At the same
time it is hindered from doing the mischief which on
undrained land the rainfall cannot fail of doing. The
manure particles of the soil, if they do to some extent escape
through the drainage, are at any rate not washed wholesale
from the surface into the furrows, ditches which, in the case
of undrained land, receive them without the subsoil having
had a chance of retaining them.”

WORK ON THE HOME FARM.

Haymaking is now being done, and so far the work has gone on with
expedition, for the weather has been favourable, though somewhat dull.
We began with a heavy crop of mixed Glasses and Clovers upon a young
pasture ; and although the Red Clover, Cocksfoot, Timothy, and Fescues
were very tall and stout, we were able to begin carting the hay upon
the fifth day. The heavy bulk of hay which a thriving young pasture
yields affords pleasing proof of the wisdom of the careful selection of seed
and of high culture. No doubt the hay from it is often coarse in texture,
but it is quite as nutritious as that from finer Grasses, and it is certainly
more profitable. By way of experiment we folded sheep upon the whole
of this meadow last autumn, and in February we gave part of it a dressing
of our home-mixed artificial manure. The result was remarkable, the
effect of the artificial manure being seen in the pleasing guise of a heavy
crop of grass of more than twice the bulk of that which had only sheep
manure. Our care in having the mowing machine thoroughly examined
and put into good working order before the haymaking began is well
rewarded now, for it has gone on day after day from 6 A.M. till 8 p.m.
with only the necessary stoppages for meals, for fresh kor?es. fre«h knives,
and oiling the bearings. We use well-bred, quick-stepping Suffolk horses
for this work, and they are very satisfactory, moving so quickly, yet
steadily, that we prefer them to any other kind of horses we have tried.
A man is kept constantly at work sharpening knives, and we have three
sets of knives for each machine, always changing them before the knives
become at all blunt, in order that the work may he well and easily done.
The tedding machine or hay-shaker, as it is called in Suffolk, follows the
mower closely. In a few hours come the hand rakes drawing the grass
into small wind rows, and then if the weather is favourable the tedding
machine and horse rakes do the rest of the work of actual haymaking.
Red Clover and the mixed layers of alternate husbandry have also been
mown for stover. White Clover is in full flower, and is so full of promise
that we shall save the whole for seed, a good crop of Clover seed being
still a profitable crop. .

The Flock. — The last batches of hoggets are being sent to market in
prime condition. We have also begun selling lambs, our first lot selling
for 31s. 61. each. They were nice compact lambs, the result of a cross
between half-bred Suffolk ewes and pure Hampshire Down tups. The re¬
sult of this cross-breeding is so satisfactory that we shall continue it next
season. The old ewes withdrawn from the breeding flock will now go
either upon grass or he folded upon green crops on arable land, to be
gradually fattened for market, and at the same time impart fertility to
the land. To do this well we must have folds and not suffer the sheep to
wander at will.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATION?.
CAMDEN SQUARE, LONDON.

Lat. 51° 32'40" N.; Long. 0° 8' 0" W. ; Altitude, 111 feet.

DATE.

9 A.M.

IN THE DAY.

0

"5

PS

1886.

June.

Barome¬
ter at 32«
and Sea
Level

Hygrome¬

ter.

Direction
of Wind.

| Temp, of
Soil at

I I foot.

Shade Tem¬
perature.

Radiation

Temperature.

Dry.

Wet.

Max.

Min.

In

Bun.

On

grass

Inches.

deg.

dee.

dee.

deg.

dug

deg.

dee

In.

29.96 L

61.0

53.9

tf.W.

55.7

6 LG

47.7

110.4

46.4

—

30.079

50.3

47.7

N.

60 3

60 4

45.8

87.3

—

29.942

56.9

52.3

N.W.

55.8

67.2

49.9

116.7

48.8

0.040

Wednesday

. 23

29.766

61.8

54.8

W.

56.2

69.8

52.3

119.6

47.8

—

. 24

30.014

60.1

5 LG

N.

56.8

7.1-2

46.5

122 3

40.9

—

. 25

30.007

65.1

55.8

s.w.

58-3

73.6

50.6

119.9

46.4

—

Saturday ...

. 26

30.054

63.2

56.3

N.

59.2

77.1

52.8

115.8

46.1

29.975

59.8

53.2

56.9

69.6

49.4

113.1

45.2

0.040

REMARKS.

20th.— Fine and warm.

zist-. — Huuaua cuiu. , . . , , . .

22nd —Fair, with a little sun about midday ; ram in evening and night.

23rd.- Lovely summer day, but with occasional black clouds.

24th.— Beautiful summer day.

25th.— Very fine.

26th.— Fine, but with many clouds till night..

A flue week, with temperature near, but rather below, the aveiage.— G. J. sTMONS.

July 8, 18S6. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

19

Msc/y yy a a

COMING EVENTS

Silt?

8

TH

9

F

Hereford and Maidstone Rose Shows.

10

S

11

SUN

3rd Sunday after Trinity.

12

M

13

TU

Boval Horticultural Societv Commit'.ees at 11 A.M. Fruit Show.

14

w

Bedford, Hull, and Bristol Shows.

THE DAY BEFORE THE NATIONAL ROSE SHOW
NINETEEN YEARS AGO.

EFORE these words are in print the “ Grand
National” at South Kensington will be over,
and your correspondent a disappointed exhibitor,
at least unless the Jupiter Pluvius favours him
within the next twenty-four hours. However,
my object in sending to the Journal an epitome
of the preparations considered in 1861 necessary
for a successful venture at the National Show is
that it may prove at any rate interesting, not to
say amusing, to our 1880-86 Rose giants. I write not this in
disparagement of the Rose exhibitors of I860, especially of
the late Parson Radclyffe, then of Rushton, afterwards of
Okeford-Fitzpaine (who in this article is my informant), as
to the manners and customs rendered necessary by the con¬
ditions of the times, but simply to show the “ development ”
in Roses, their culture, and the advantages of modern rail¬
way science. First, with regard to setting up Roses, what
does our friend “ D., Deal's ” dear late friend say ?

“ Moss, though it is the best thing to convey Roses upon,
is nevertheless objectionable, as it enables persons to set off
a worthless Rose, and to support a Rose that is in a state of
flaccidity, and which, being out of condition, should not be
shown. Roses that are good need not the aids and supports
of foreign substances, and you may truly say of them, as of
beauty, that * when unadorned they are adorned the most.’
My plan is to damp the moss, and press it flat with my hand,
and if a Rose placed on it does not look well I replace it
with another, but I never « prop.’ I saw the following plan
adopted at a country show a few years back. The Roses
were placed in two tiers, on a white-painted stand, in white
glass bottles filled with water. I never saw Roses look
better ; I could see the stems through the water. The Roses
were as perfect as I ever saw show Roses, they were General
Jacqueminot, Caroline de Sansal, Jule3 Margottin, Lamarque,
Comte de Nanteuil, and Malmaison. They justly won the
first prize.”

Now compare this six with Alfred Colomb, La France,
A. K. Williams, Louis Yan Houte, Marechal Niel, and any
other in the National Society’s catalogue of exhibition
Roses.

As regards the late Mr. Radclyffe’s second point, “ Handi¬
capping,” I am quite with him, for those of us who are
forced to cut twenty- four hours or more before our Roses
come before the eyes of the judges cannot compete on equal
terms with the forty-mile-radius-of-London rosarians.
Certainly we have our “Provincial” National, but this very
often, in fact more than often, is, as regards facilitv of access,
not to speak of mileage, less convenient than London. Haw-
ever, we do not grumble, we but admire the wonderful fresh¬
ness of the Roses that have been declared to be better than
ours, and go home three pounds out of pocket, but satisfied
that if only the show had been held anywhere within twenty
miles of our domicile, Reigate, Havering-atte-Bower, &c.,
would (very likely) have played “second fiddle.”

No. 315. — Vol, XIII., Third Series.

Now, Mr. Radcljffe said, “It is ridiculous to suppose that
persons living in Cornwall or Northumberland” (he didn’t
anticipate the advent of Durham, ’Whitwells) “ can bring
Roses to the exhibition in as good condition as persons living
in the counties contiguous to London. Travelling is expen¬
sive, and any fair indulgence that would induce far-distant
rosarians to compete would, ofcourse, greatly advance the Rose
cause nationally. The grand obstacles are, I fear, the expenses,
and the hopelessness of snatching a prize from the good people
of Edmonton and Tooting. As / am only 107 miles distant
from London, I ask no favour. My Roses are cut from 5 to
6 o’clock p.m., the box lies open to catch what dew may fall
till 9 o’clock, and, being travelled in the night, they have
nothing to complain of. Indeed, they w ill be in better condi¬
tion for show than if they are cut in the morning, full of
water with the night’s dew, which is always heavy in pro¬
portion to the excessive heat of the day.”

Thus is my plea for a handicap “ settled,” for I am just
120 miles from London, and we travel faster now; but I am
rather doubtful as to the value of the worthy writer’s argu¬
ment. Though I can hardly call myself an exhibitor, I have
neither the time nor the means for this. Perhaps in future
years when the sharp eyes and nimble fingers of my four
youngest children and the strong arms of my four eldest can
the former be brought forward to attack grubs, aphis, mildew,
and the latter to apply the necessary horticultural champagne
— then, but not before, shall I stand a chance against many
“ whose eyes I should like to wipe.”

But let me give my fellow exhibitors a wrinkle dated
twenty years ago. My advice is too late for South Kensing¬
ton, perhaps it may be in time for Birmingham. We are
supposed to be living in the day before the National: —
“ If the weather is hot and dry a dairy is a good place to
keep the cut Roses in ; if hot but cloudy place them in
bottles under a shady tree, with a sheet over their heads ; if
hot and misty (the elements of maturity and also of dissolu¬
tion) you will be much tried. The best place is a room with
a fire in it, and the door and window left open to let the
heated damp escape. The cover of your box should not be
painted, as paint attracts heat. In all cases you should have
a wet cloth over it.” [Our Hon. Sec., Mr. Mawley, I have
noticed has practised this.] “Your expanded Roses should
be put as near the engine or centre of the train as you can get
them, and your unexpanded ones as near the tail of the train as
you can , as the vibration and oscillation, which are greater there
than elsewhere, will probably cause them to expand, and these will
be your best Ros S.”

The italics in the previous sentence are mine, and are
meant [as a compliment to modern railway engineering
science.

I think your rosarian readers will perceive that we have
advanced during the past twenty years, and that the Committee
of the National Rose Society constitutes all the best and none
of the bad elements of a caucus. For the advice and not
the absolute commands of our good Society have brought
the cultivation of Roses and the beauty of rosarian friend¬
ship as it exists among its members to its present high
standard. At least such is the opinion of — J. A. W.,
Alderminster.

SHADING AND WATERING.

The weather at the time of writing is extremely ex¬
haustive to vegetation — parching days and nearly dewless
nights being very trying to various plants and crops. It is
scarcely possible to afford the requisite supply of water to
meet the great demands of evaporation either in the case of
plants outdoors or under glass, and the consequence is
drooping of the foliage leading to scorching. Not a few
cultivators have a strong and deep rooted objection to shading
even Cucumbers and Melons, not to say Vines and Peach
trees. Everything that can be done in the form of early
and efficient ventilation and copious supplies of water should

No. 1971.— Vol. LXXV., Old Series

20

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 8, 18M5.

be done in preventing a collapse of the foliage, yet when this
routine fails it is better to afford artificial shade to anything
than to allow leaves, flowers, or fruit to be injured. A sheet
of tiffany, a single or double covering of netting, or a skiff of
whitewash applied to glass through a syringe, may be of
great benefit in hot weather. Water must be given to thirsty
plants and trees very copiously, and especially towards
eveuiug, for the fortification of their growths during the
night, to be supplemented by further supplies very early in
the morning as may be deemed advisable; and when a doubt
exists as to whether it would be prudent to give or withhold
water it will usually be safe to cast it in favour of giving
during cloudless weather in July. But when water applied
fails in the desired object it cannot be wrong to prevent the
escape of moisture from Ilia leaves of such plants, no matter
what they are, that would suffer by its loss, and this can be
(ff'cted by a reasonable amount of shading when it is needed,
and it should only be given then ; it is needless shading
that is injurious. — Fxperientia docet.

THE IXORA.

Ixoras do not receive too much attention in the press, neither
are they so extensively cultivated as might be expected when we take
into consideration the many good qualities they possess. They are
free in growth, extremely floriferous even in a small state, and present
in the many different varieties a charming diversity of colour —
qualifications which, together with the fact that they may be had
in bloom throughout the greater portion of the year, must always
cause them to be ranked amongst our very best stove plants ; indeed
it is questionable whether any other genus could be found in every
way so useful and beautiful as Ixoras.

Their cultivation is not difficult provided a sufficiently high
temperature can be given them. This, however, is indispensable
if the strong healthy growth and rich glossy leaves that render
them so attractive, even when not in flower, are desired. During
the summer months a temperature ranging from 70° to 78° at night
and from 80D to 85= by diy, rising to 95° with sun, suits them
admirably ; and in winter it should not be lower than 60° at night
with a rise of from 5° to 10° in the daytime. The temperature I
have mentioned for winter is meant for such plants as have attained
a moderate size, and are flowered some time during the summer
and rested in winter. For young plants that it is desired to keep
growing freely, and for such as are wanted to bloom at that time,
it must be from 5° to 1 0° higher.

Propagation is best effected by means of cuttings, and almost
any portion of young or half-ripened growth will root ; but the
strongest shoots should always be selected, as they make better
growth at the commencement, and consequently attain a good size
much sooner than weak ones. Insert them singly in small pots
filled with peat and silver sand in equal parts, cover with a bellglass
or handlight, shade from bright sunshine, and keep them in a tem¬
perature of from 70° to 8CP until they are rooted. This will be in
about three weeks, and they should then be removed from under
the handlight and placed on a shelf as close to the glass as possible.
When the pots are moderately filled with roots shift them into
others an inch larger. The soil to be used at this and all subse¬
quent pottings should consist of fibrous peat and good turfy loam
in equal parts, adding plenty of sand to keep the whole porous. In
the absence of turfy loam they may be potted in peat, and it is
"better to do so than to use loam which is not really good, other¬
wise with the moisture these plants require when growing the
whole mass of soil becomes sour and unfit for the roots to feed
upon. Do not allow them to become very much root-bound during
the earliest stages of their growth, but as often as they require it
shift them into pots 2 inches larger, and as it is best not to let them
flower the first year or two if it is desired to grow them quickly
into good specimens — the shoots should be regularly stopped when
they have made three or four pairs of leaves.

To keep the plants well furnished with leaves to the rim of the
pot the strongest shoots must be tied out in a horizontal position
as low as possible, for if allowed to grow at will they assume a too
erect habit of growth and soon become bare at the bottom and
entirely unfit for exhibition, for which piu-pose when well grown
and flowered they are unsurpassed. For general decorative pur¬
poses also, dwarf bushy plants with a profusion of trusses are far
preferable to tall lanky ones with only a few heads of bloom at
top. In many cases small-sized plants are most useful for deco¬
rating. and where such are required stopping must be discontinued
when they have attained the requisite size, and with a little atten¬

tion at first in observing the length of time the varieties take after
stopping before they open their flowers they may be had in bloom
at any particular time desired.

It would be impossible to state the exact time necessary to
allow them after stopping before they are wanted in bloom, because
this necessarily varies considerably under different circumstances
and in different houses, so that a knowledge of it can only be gained
by careful observation under existing circumstances. Some take a,
much longer time than others — for instance, a plant of I. Williamsi
grown in the above-mentioned temperature I have seen exhibited
in splendid condition twelve weeks after all its shoots were stopped ;
Prince of Orange, Colei, Fraseri, and Reginse take fourteen or
fifteen weeks ; Coccinea still longer, whilst Duffii requires to be
started early in January to get it to flower in July, and from the
time of starting the shoots must be allowed to grow unchecked.
This species is a more vigorous grower than any other I am
acquainted with, and does not produce its trusses so freely as most
of the Ixoras, but a plant of it some 5 feet in height and so much
through, bearing a score or more of its magnificent trusses of deep
red flowers, many of them 10 to 14 inches across, and clothed to
the bottom with its large deep green leaves, can scare ely be beaten
by any other stove-flowering plant when placed up n the exhibi¬
tion table. I am not drawing upon my imagination in describing
such a plant as this, for I have seen one in every respect equal to
what I have stated (the number of trusses, I believe, was twenty-
three), and it was the admiration of all who saw it exhibited.

When growing freely Ixoras delight in a plentiful supply of
water at the roots, and being gross feeders liquid manure should
be freely given them as soon as they get slightly pot-bound.
Every alternate watering is not too often to apply it, and in addi¬
tion to this, as soon as the trusses of blooms are visible a top-dress¬
ing with some artificial fertiliser may be given once a fortnight
with very beneficial results. When the flowers begiii to open, then
colour and texture will be greatly improved by removing the plants
to an intermediate house where more air is admitted and a drier
atmosphere maintained, and if when fully opened they are placed
in a cool house and kept shaded the flowers will retain their fresh¬
ness and beauty for three or four weeks in the hottest part of the
summer.

Of insects mealy bug and scale are most to be feared, for
although thrips and aphides are also partial to Ixoras, they may soon
be disposed of by fumigating. Mealy bug is generally the most
troublesome, and great care should be taken to get the plants clean
before the flowers appear, otherwise this pest will soon lodge in the
trusses, and once established there it is almost impossible to get
rid of them. The winter months when the plants are resting is
the best time to attend to the cleansing of them, as they will then
bear repeated applications of petroleum at the rate of two wineglass¬
fuls to 3 gallons of water without injury. In the summer not
more than half the quantity of petroleum — one wineglassful to
3 gallons of water — should be used, for the young and tender
foliage naturally will not bear so strong an application as that
which is fully matured and hardened. Even when only this
quantity is used it is best to wash the plants well with clean water
shortly after, and keep them shaded from hot sun for a few days.

There are many varieties of Ixoras in cultivation, but the fol¬
lowing are all good and thoroughly reliable sorts, and will be found
sufficient for most collections : — Amboynensis, coccinea, Colei,
Duffii, Fraseri, javanica, Pilgrimi, Prince of Orange, Regime, salici-
folia, Westi, and Williamsi. — C. L. P.

STRAWBERRY PLANTS AFTER FORCING.

“ A GARDENER,” page 492 last v jl., has rightly called our attention to
this matter, and there is not the least <1 >ubt that they harbour red spider
more than anything else if left standing about in a dry and exhausted
condition. Unfortunately where several thousands are grown they are
not very easily cleared away when turned out of the houses, as this
occurs when the press of work is greater than at any other time during
the whole season.

Where the time can be spared to plant them out properly they will
repay any extra attention when another season comes, and if they have
been forced early and fruited in March I have known a good crop
gathered from them in the autumn of the same season, and another the
following spring. In order to secure this result, however, do half
measures will avail. They must not be put out from a temperature of 60°
into a keen N.E. March wind, and then allowed to take their chance for a
month or two, and get water as best they can. They will survive such
treatment as this, but are then most certainly useless, or not by any means
so good for planting as young plants are. To ensure success they should
be hardened in a cold frame, and then planted out on ground that has
been well worked and manured previously, and one great point is not to
disturb the roots, but to ram the tod firmly around them. If dry weather
follows they should be mulched and watered accordingly until they show
by their gr;wth that they are able to take care of themselves. Thus treated
they will bear quite double the quantity of fruit the following season that

July 8, 18S6. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

21

would be obtaired from young plants put out in August with scarcely any
more trouble, and < nly occupy the ground three or four months longer ;
and in addition to this, as said bef< re, if they were forced early they will
fruit well again in the autumn of the same season four or five months after
planting. As regards obtaining runners from them the season they are
forced, the sorts I have tried are of no use whatever even if the runners
are left on them which they make in the houses. These never give satis¬
faction like those obtained from vigorous plants in the open ground. —
W. H. Divers, Net ton Hall.

LESCHENAULTIA BILOBA MAJOR.

New Holland plants are not much in favour with cultivators at
the pretent time, and many species that possess far more than ordinary
attractions have been allowed to gradually disappear from gardens until
they are almost lost. When popular taste changes nurserymen cannot
long afford to pay attention to plants, however beautiful they may be, if
they do not command a ready sale. So it is that the sotwooded quickly
grown plants have in many establishments quite superseded the numerous
natives of the Australian continent which delighted horticulturists
twenty or thirty years ago. Plant-lovers are, however, beginning to

Fig. 4. — Lesclienaul tia biloba major.

turn their attention once more to some of the old favourites, and many
collections would be greatly enriched both in beauty and interest by the
addition of a few hardwooded plauts. If they require more care to
ensure success the cultivator is well repaid for his efforts, and the strict
attention absolutely necessary is an excellent training for any young
gardener, as the modern demand for rapidity in everything is apt to
produce slovenliness in practical matters that would not have been tolerated
in gardens in past years.

A loDg list could be made of the plants that are worthy of re-intro¬
duction to gardens generally, but for the present we only wish to call
special attention to the beautiful blue Leschenaultia, of which a spray is
represented in fig. 4. The species has been known for over forty years,
and was at one time frequently seen at shows where classes were provided
for New Holland plants. Of late it has, however, been greatly neglected,
and almost the only exhibitor has been Mr. W. Balchin of Brighton, who
has on several occasions showed groups of small plants that were greatly
admired. A few small specimens at the Royal Botanic Society’s second
summer Show last month were particularly handsome, and from one of
these our sketch was prepared. L. formosa is distinguisied by the bril¬
liant scarlet hue of its flowers, but L, biloba aud the variety major have

much larger flowers, and of an exquisite blue tint that is alwajs appre¬
ciated because so scarce

The plants succeed best in peat and sand with abundant drainage,
and they require the temperature of a greenhouse. The grea'est care is
needed in supplying the plants with water, and they should have a
position on a shelf close to the glass, free exposure to l'gkt being
important.

Tue Rotal Botanic Society's Evening Fete, which was
held on June 30th, proved very successful, upwards of 8000 visitors
attending. It was one of the most satisfactory gatherings the Society
has held, and the weather continuing fine induced them to hold another
on Wednesday, the 7th inst,, which was al o well attended.

- A correspondent writes in reference to Laxton’s Straw¬
berry Noble as follows “ It is a magnificent vaiiety ; as early as
Black Prince and larger than any variety with which we are acquain'e'L
The fruits are well formed, beautifully coloured, and highly attractive
A large dish of fruits was shown at Liverpool, as well as a trayful < f
clusters as cut from the plants to show the free fruiting character of the
variety, and in both instances nolhing could be more satisfactory, it
thoroughly deserved the certificate awarded, and we congratulate JI-.
Laxton on what may well be termtd the crowniirg of Strawberry raising.’’

- A correspondent sends us schedules of the Darl Aston

and Bilston Shows, the former to be held on August 9tb, and the
latter on August 17th, and observes: “ It is astonishing to observe the
interest that is taken in horticulture in the Black Country, and wo -
derful to see what pitmen and others do on the sides of coal pi' ,
and in patches reclaimed from what looks to be impossible conditions
as to cultivation.”

- Arrangements have been made for the examination in the

Indian Couit of the Colonial and Indian Exhibition of certain Commer¬
cial Products, which are believed to be insufficiently known cr to be
suitable for new purposes. Among the substances which will be ex¬
amined are fibres, silk and silk substitutes, drugs, tobacco, gums an l
resins, minerals, oils, oil-seeds and perfumery, dye*, m rdants and pig¬
ments, timbers, tanning materials and leather, and food stuffs. Any
visitors to the Exhibition who are interested in the subject will be per¬
mitted to attend these examinations of products, which will take place in
the Commercial Room, attached to the Economic Court, where all further
information may he obtained. Should the results of this examination
ender such a course desirable, conferences of a formal character will pro¬
bably be held at a later date.

- Messrs. Ant. Roozen & Son of Haarlem have sent u3 speci¬
mens of some new Double English Irises, which to those who admire
double flowers will be of some interest, though for ourselves we prefer thi
single. The doubling consists in the repetition of the series of the petal*,
or standards as they are popularly called. The colours are very beautifn’,
and of those which we think the most choice in this respect we note Hits
Wilding, a lovely blue blotched with darker blue ; Penelope, white
flaked and blotched with lilac ; Wilhelm, a fine purple ; Emperor, white
flaked and mottled with delicate lilac ; Gertrude, white flaked will
reddish lilac. Crown Prince is very much in the way of Miss Wilding, as
also is Duke of Cornwall. Olympia is in the way of Penelope ; Leo XIII.
is pale lavender streaked and bio eked with dark lilac ; Jeanette is white
flaked with magenta ; Formosa has lavender falls and dark lilac standards ;
and all are beautiful.

- Among the leading ptizes offered at the Stoke-upon-Trent

Show, which will be held on August 26tb, are two Veitch Memoria
medals, one for a group of flowering and foliage plants arranged for eff ct
in a space of 150 square feet ; the other for a group of Orchids inter¬
mixed with Ferns in a space of 40 square feet. Money prizes of '.5
accompany the medals. Mr. F. W. Pepper, 117, Loudon Road, i- me
Secretary of the Society.

22

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 8, 1883.

- The great York Gala and Horticultural Exhibition

recently held has been successful in a pecuniary point of view, although
the receipts have been rather below the two preceding years. The fol¬
lowing are the figures on this occasion— First day, £200 4s. ; second day,
£788 3-. 101.; third day, £321 9j. lOd. ; total, £1369 17s. 81. Last
year the receipts were £1400 Is. 5d. ; in 1884, £1400 11s. Id. On the
morning of the first day the weather was very threatening and a hurri¬
cane prevailed, which deterred many from visiting the Exhibition, and
in these times of depressed trade the Commi’.tee are to be congratulated
on their success.

- The Knowle Hill Strawberry Gardens. — The celebrated

S rawberry gardens at Knowle Hill, near Virginia Water, are now being
visited by large numbers of persons, the fruit this year being very fine and
in good condition. To show the amount of fruit that can be obtained at
sho.t notice, we have only to say that Mr. T. Sharps, the proprietor, re¬
ceived an order, and carried it out, to supply 500 lbs. of best fruit to the
Koyal Holloway College on the occasion of the opening ceremony by her
Majesty the Queen. The order was made up principally of Marguerite. —

( Surrey Advertiser .)

A correspondent, “ W. M.,” desires to know where he can
get a few plants of the Princess Frederick William Strawberry ; he says
he has tried several firms in London in vain.

- Mr. G. W. Cummins favours us with the following notes : — “ At

that home for Cactuses, Cromwell House, Croydon, were to be seen on
Saturday and Sunday evening two magnificent Night-bloomers, Cereus
MacDonaldi.e first, and C. rostratus following, and although both
are very beautiful the latter appears broader in the sepals and petals,
and with greater substance. Mr. Major has several species of these night-
flowering Cactuses growing on a moss arch, which is about 15 feet high,
and 12 feet wide.

“ Among a host of other plants in the conservatory is a fine
Plumeria species, white and yellow, sweetly scented, sent from
Ceylon ; and Gloxinia tubiflora, another verv fragrant plant, Ismene
varieties, and some good freely flowered specimens of Ivy-leaved Pelar¬
goniums, the best being Emile Lemoine, Gloire d’Orleans, Jeanne d’Arc,
La Rosiere, and Madame Thibaut.” [lhe Plumeria is P. bicolor, figured
in the “Botanira1 Magfz ne,” plate 480, anl is, perhaps, as iari
as it is delightfully fragrant ; it was exhibited by Messrs. R. P. Ker and
Son at Liverpool last year under the name of P. odoratissima and
certificated.]

- The Royal Oxfordshire Horticultural Society’s

Show. There were six entries for the prizes offered by Messrs. Webb
and Sons of Wordsley, Stourbridge, and the competition was keen, all
vegetables being of first-class quality ; and in addition to these their
customers were fortunate in taking thirty-two first and second prizes in
the open classes. Mr. Griffiths, the representative of the firm, had the
honour of presenting Princess Christian with a copy of their illustrated
catalogue, which she graciously accepted.— (Jackson's Oxford Journal,
July 3rd, 1SS6 )

According to a newspaper report that has been sent to us the
Croydon Show, held cn the 31st ult., was a very excellent one. In the
nurserymen’s classes for forty-eight Roses Messrs. B. R. Cant, F. Cant,
and Paul & Son were the respective prizewinners. Mr. G. W. Piper won
the chief prize for twentyr-four blooms, followed by Messrs. Paul and
Trince ; and the prizes for Tea Roses were won by Messrs. Piper and
1 rince. In the amateurs’ class for twenty-four Roses the prizes were won
in the order named by Mr. Ridout, gardener to F. R. Haywood, Esq.,
Moodhatch Lodge. Reigate, Mr. Simmons, gardener to Rev. R. C. Hales’
4\ oodmancote Rectory, Henfield, and Mr. A. Slaughter, Steyning. They
were also successful in some other classes, as were Mr. R. E. Wed,
Reiga'e, and Mr. Shoesmitb, gardener to Canon Hodgson, Saltwocd'
Rectory, Hythe. lhe National Rose Society’s medal was won by Mr
Hales with a fine bloom of Charles Lefebvre as the best Rose in the
Show. Mr. King, gardener, to P. Crowley, Esq, Waddon, and Mr.
Penfold, gardener to Canon Bridges, Beddington, secured most of the
prizes in the plant classes.

- Mr. Cummins sends us from Mr. A. H. Smec’s collection of

Orchids at Hackbridge a remarkably fine flower of Cattleya Mossia3
one of four from a plant grown in a 32-sized pot. The petals are
3| inches in diameter and 4f inches long, the lip proportionally large
and richly coloured. It is undoubtedly a superior variety.

ROSE SHOWS.

THE NATIONAL ROSE SOCIETY.— July Gth.

FTER an exceptionally
long winter and a cold un¬
seasonable spring the beat
of summer has come upon us
suddenly, and while it has
hastened the development of
many tardy Roses it is also
shortening their duration un¬
duly. Still, the shows held up
to the present have rather ex¬
ceeded the anticipations of rosarians,
for though the blooms have been
generally somewhat small, in colour
and freshness they were very satisfac¬
tory. All look forward with interest to the
event of the Rose season, the National Society’s great
Show in the Royal Horticultural Society’s Gardens at
South Kensington, and every effort is made by amateurs and
nurserymen to render the display a thoroughly representa¬
tive one. The Society provides a liberal schedule with prizes of
substantial amount, four first prizes of £5 each being offered
with “ TrophieB,” “ Pieces of plate,” a gold medal for a new seedling Rose,
and silver medals for premier blooms of Hybrid Perpetual and Tea Roses
Everything is done to encourage competition, and it is pleasant to record a
repetition of the success that has attended the Society’s efforts in previous

years.

It had been feared by some that the “ National ’’ Show would not be
thoroughly representative owingto the unfavourable character of the season,
but happily these fears proved to be unfounded, and much surprise was ex¬
pressed both at the extent of the Exhibition and the quality of the blooms.
The weather appears to have suited the light-coloured H.P. varieties and
the Teas admirably, for of these numbers of handsome blooms were con¬
tributed, and throughout the classes the freshness and bright clear colours
amply compensated for the smaller size or want of Bubstance noticeable m
some cases. It was remarked by one of the most experienced rosarians that
he never remembered seeing the varieties so true to character as they are
this season, and the observation was fully borne out by an examination ©f
the blooms on the tables at Kensington, for every peculiarity of tint and
form was present, and those familiar with the varieties experienced no diffi¬
culty in recognising them.

The competition was keen in all the leading classes, over a dozen stands
being entered in several instances. All available space was occupied in
the conservatory, six rows of boxes extending the whole length on tables at
the sides and in the centre, the separating line on the central tables being
formed with Palms, FernB, and other suitable fine-foliage plants. At the
end was a handsome group of English Irises from Mr. J. Walker of Whitton,
and tie extensive collection of hardy flowers from Mr. T. S. Ware also
served to increase the beauty of the display. The nurserymen’s Ros'.s in
competition were generally of good quality, but Mr. B. R. Cant was especially
stiong, and scored another success by winning the challenge trophy in the
seventy-two variety class, with a collection which also contained the best
H.P. and Tea blooms in the trade classes, securing the Society’s silver
medals in each case. Amateurs were well represented, the Rev. Joseph
Pemberton proving successful in some of the chief classes, and the blooms
from the majority were excellent. The baskets and wicker stands of Roses
constituted an interesting feature, as did also the classes for collections of
garden Roses, which comprised some beautiful old varieties.

The weather was extremely hot, and tried the blooms severely ; indeed
only those who had the opportunity of inspecting the Show immediately
after the judging was completed could form an accurate idea of the respec¬
tive merits of the stands in competition. Many exhibitors had, however,
cut their blooms as young as possible, and these of course stood the trial
the best.

By special request we have given the names of as many varieties in the
first-prize stands as possible, but owing to the short time at our disposal we
have been compelled to abbreviate the general remarks, and will give a
critical resume another week.

Division A. — Th; first prize and challenge trophy in class 1 for seventy-
two trusses, the leading class for nurserymen, was won by Mr. B. R. Cant,
Colchester, whose blooms were of good size and very fresh. The varieties
shown were as follows, the names being printed in the order the bloom.3
were placed, from left to right : — Back row — Madame P. Laugier, Edouard
Morren, Madame Lacharme, Boieldieu, Madame A. Jacquier.Lord Macaulay,
Hippolyte Jamain, Magna Charta, Merveille de Lyon (a beautiful bloom),
Emily Laxton, Marguerite de St. Amand, Franjois Michelon, Marquise de
Castellane, Etienne Levet, Niphetos, Alfred K. Williams, Lady Mary Fitz-
william, Ulrich Brunner, La France, Senateur Yaisse, Captiin Christy,
General Jacqueminot, Souvenir d’Elise (magnificent), and Duke of Edin¬
burgh. Middle row — Baronne de Rothschild, Sultan of Zanzibar, Ville de
Lyon, Innocente Pirola, Dupuy Jamain, Madame Willermoz, Beauty of
Waltham, Mdlle. Marie Cointet, Marie Rady, LaBoule d’Or, Edouard Herve,
Madame Bravy, Marie Baumann, Marechal Niel, Prince Arthur, Heinrich
Schultheis, Auguste Neumann, Madame G. Luizet, Reynolds Hole, MissHas-
sard, Dr. Sewell, Madame Marie Yerdier, Le Havre and M. Noman. Front
row— Fisher Holmes, Comtesse de Nadaillac, Duke of Connaught, Countess
of Rosebery, Madame Cusin, Duke of Teck, Pride of Waltham (very fine),
Annie Laxton, Hon. Miss E. Gifford, Xavier Olibo, Gloire de Yitry, Harri¬
son Weir, Madame de Watte ville, Horace Vernet, Duchesse de Morny,

July 8, 18S6. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

23

Charles Lefebvre, Marie Van Houtte, Maurice Bernardin, Madame 0. Raster,
Duke of Wellington, Devonientis, Camille Bernardin, Souvenir d’un Ami,
and Dr. Andry. The silver medals for the best Hybrid Perpetual and the
best Tea or Noisette in the nurserymen’s classes were both award' d to
blooms in this stand, the former to Boieldieu, a large and beautifully fresh
flower, and the latter to Souvenir d’Elise, a superb bloom. The second
prize in the seventy-two class went to Mr. F. Cant of Colchester, for a
moderately good collection : the blooms were somewhat small, and many
lacked freshness, but Souvenir d’Elise, Baronne de Rothschild, Mrs. Jowitt,
Madame Lacharme, and others were excellent. Messrs. Paul & Son, The
Old Nurseries, Cheshunt, secured the third place, not far behind the second
prizewinner ; and Mr. Charles Turner, Royal Nurseries, Slough, was awarded
the fourth prize. Four other collections were shown.

In class 2, for forty-eight varieties of three trusses each, Mr. B. R. Cant
again took first honours, showing beautiful boxes. The following were the
varieties : — Souvenir d’Elise, Duke of Wellington, Merveille de Lyon (very
fine); Ferdinand de Lesseps, Duchesse de Vallombrosa, Boieldieu, Mad ime
Lacharme, Pi ince Arthur, Capitaine Christy, Marie Baumann, Marguerite
de St. Amand. and Countess of Rosebery. Second row — Mona. Noman, La
Boule d’Or, Madame Cusin, Baronne de Rothschild (splendid) ; Fisher
Holmes, Madame de Watteville, Comtesse d’Oxford, Viol :tte Bouyer, Xavier
Olibo, Souvenir d’un Ami, Charles Lefebvre, and Madame G. Luizet. Third
row — Innocente Pirola, Prince Camille de Rohan, Francois Michelon, Dupuy
Jamain, Lady Mary Fitzwilliam (a beautiful bloom) ; Dr. Sewell, Rubens,
Ulrich Brunner, Niphetos, Horace Vernet, La France, and A. K. Williams.
Front row — Duke of Edinburgh, Marie Van Houtte, La Havre, Etoile de
Lyon, General Jacqueminot, Marechal Niel. Emily Laxton, Devoniensis,
Marquise de Castellane, G’.oire Lyonnaise, Mrs. Baker, and Madame Marie
Verdier. Mr. C. Turner was a good second, showing medium-sized but very
bright and fresh blooms ; La France, Marechal Niel, Alfred Colomb, Marie
Baumann, and Horace Vernet being particularly good. Third and fourth
prizes were won respectively by Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshunt, and Cran¬
ston’s Nursery and Seed Company, King’s Acre, Hereford, both showing
well. Three other collections were in competition.

Seven collections of twenty-four Tea or Noisette varieties were staged in
class 3, and they were greatly admired. Mr. G. Prince of Oxford was first,
and his box was a most charming one, every bloom being good in size and
form, and all were perfectly fresh. We append the names of the varieties :
— Back row — Comtesse de Nadaillac, Alba Rosea, Marie Sisley, Anna
Ollivier, Mardchal Niel, Niphetos, Souvenir d’un Ami, and Etoile de Lyon.
Middle row — Souvenir de Paul Neyron, Madame C. Kuster, La Boule d’Or,
Princess of Wales, Souvenir d’Elise. Madame Cusin, Hon. Edith Gifford,
and La Princesse Vera. Front row — Jean Ducher, Marquis Sanina, Rubens,
Heine du Portugal, Madame Willermoz, Amazone, Madame Hippolyte
Jamain, and Marie Van Houtte. Excellent blooms of Souvenir d’Elise,
Marshal Niel, Nipheto3, Devoniensis, and Madame H. Jamain were con¬
spicuous in the second prize box of Mr. F. Cant ; and Mr. B. R. Cant
received third prize for a meritorious collection, the fourth falling to
Mr. Turner, whose flowers were a little past their best.

Division B. — In the class for twenty-four distinct, three trusses of each,
there were four exhibitors. Messrs. Curtis, Sanford & Co., Torquay, being
first with fresh, bright, but not very large. The varieties were Prince
Arthur, Frames Michelon, Duchesse de Vallombrosa, Annie Wood, Beauty
of Waltham, Violette Bouyer, Magna Charta, Reynolds Hole, Horace
Vernet, Marguerite de St. Amand, Merveille de Lyon, Dupuy Jamain, Marie
Rady, Jean Ditcher, Baroness Rothschild, Charles Lefebvre, Marie Baumann,
Abel Grand, Madame Gab iel Luizet, Duke of Wellington, Alfred Dumesnil,
Madame H. Jamain, Marie Verdier, and Lord Macaulay. These stands had
a pretty appearance, there being a good proportion of dark and light varieties.
Messrs. J. Jeffries & Son, Cirencester, were second, showing Annie LaxtoD,
Lady Mary Fitzwilliam, Beauty of Waltham, Marie Verdier, Queen of
Queens, and Mons. Noman very well. Messrs. G. Cooling & Son, Broad
Street, Bath, were third with a good collection, and Messrs. J. Burrell and
Co., Howe House Nurseries, Cambridge, were fourth.

Seven competitors entered with twenty-four single trusses. Mr. G
Mount, St. Dunstan’s, Canterbury, was awarded first honours for a bright
collection of medium size blooms. The varieties were Marie Baumann,
Baroness Rothschild, Lord H -rbert, Souvenir d’un Ami, Le Havre, Caroline
Kuster, Alfred Colomb, Franqois Michelon, Lady Mary Fitzwilliam, Lord
Macaulay, Violette Bouyer, Dr. Andry, Innocente PiroR, Duke of Edin¬
burgh, Madame Gabriel Luizet, Capt. Christy, A. K. Williams, Marechal
Niel, Fisher Holmes, Marie Van Houtte, Madame Cusin, Louis Van Houtte,
Souvenir de la Malmaison, Xavier Olibo. Messrs. Harkness & Sons, Bedale,
Yorkshire were second, having Horace Vernet, Xavier Olibo, Meiveille de
Lyon, and John Hopper in capital condition. Mr. T. Bunyard, Ashford,
Kent, secured the third prize for good blooms of the leading varieties —
Star of Waltham, Alfred K. Williams, small but bright, and Marie Baumann,
neat. Mr. J. Mattock, New Headington, Oxford, was fourth.

in Class 7, for eighteen Teas or Noisettes, Mr. J. Mattock, New Head¬
ington, Oxford, received the premier award for eighteen Tea or Noisette
varieties, showing medium sized, but fresh, clear blooms of the following
varieties : — Back row — Madame Berard, Niphetos, Marshal Niel, Souvenir
de Paul Neyron, Jean Ducher, and Devoniensis. Middle row — Innocente
Pirola, Marie Van Houtte, an unnamed bloom, Souvenir d’Elise, Madame
Welch, and Souvenir d’un Ami. Front row — Catherine Mermet,La Boule d’Or,
Comtesse de Nadaillac, Jean Pernet, Comtesse Riza du Parc, and Madame
H. Jamain. Messrs. J. Burrell & Co., Howe House Nurseries, Cambr dge,
were easily second ; Mr. G. Mount, St. Dunstan’s, Canterbury, third with
larger blooms, past their best, however; and Messrs. J. Jtfferies & Son,
Cirencester, fourth.

Division C. — The challenge trophy for forty-eight Roses, single trusses,
was won by the Rev. H. Pemberton, Havering, Romford, for a good collec¬
tion, some of the blooms very fine, but others bad evidently suffered in
transit. Tte varieties shown we: e Captain Christy, Mcllle. Marie Cointet,
the Hon. Edith Gifford, Horace Vernet, Etienne Levet, Magna Charta,
Innocente Pirola, A. K. Williams, very fine ; Lady Mary Fitzwilliam, Annie
Laxton, Madame Caroline Kuster, Mrs. Baker, La Franc®, Beauty of
Waltham, Princess of Wales, Madame Victor Verdier, Jean Ducher,
Hippolyte Jamain, Niphetos, Marie Rady, Madame G. Luizet, FrarQois
Michelon, Mary Quennell, Camille Bernardin, Souvenir i_ ’Eli.se Vardon,

Dr. Andry, Comtesse d’Oxford, Countess of Rosebery, Baroness Rothschild,
Etoile de Lyon, Mons. Noman, Duke of Wellington, Merveille de Lyon,
Charles Lefebvre, Comtesse de Naidaillac, Louis Van Houtte, Marie Verdier,
Harrison Weir, Devoniensis, Dr. Andry, Marie Finger, William Warden,
Madame Hippolyte Jamain, Alphonse Soupert, Bouquet d’Or, Marie Bau¬
mann, Duchesse de Wallombrosa, Annie Wood. The silver medal for the
best Hybrid Perpetual was awarded for the bloom of A. K. Williams
mentioned above. It was of grand substance, and excellent shape and
colour. W. J. Grant, Esq., Hope End Farm, Ledbury, was second with a
rather more irregular collection, but very fresh. J. D. Haywood, Esq ,
Woodhntch Lodge, Reigate (gardener, Mr. J. Ridout), was third, dark-
coloured varieties predominating. S. P. Budd, Esq., 8, Gay Street, Bath,
took the fourth place, there being eight competitors. In the first-prize stand
two blooms named Dr, Andry were shown, which was not observed until
after the Judges had made their awards, when, according to the Society’s
rule, no question respecting duplicates can be considered.

Four stands of twenty-four single trusses were staged. The first prize
stand from Earl of Stanhope, Stevening (gardener, Mr. Gray), was remark¬
able for the number of bright varieties it contained, extremely fresh and
handsome. They were as follows : — Countess of Rosebery, Louis Van
Houtte. Mons. E. Y. Teas, Paul Jamain, Baronne Rothschild, Lady Mary
FitzwPliam, Horace Vernet, Marie Rady, Marie Baumann, Madame Gabrbl
Luizet, A. K. Williams, Pene'ope Mayo, Abel Carriere, La France, Comte
Raimbaud, Alfred Colomb, Cimille Bernardin, Duke of Wellington, Captain
Christy, Frangois Michelon, Ulrich Brunner, Etienne Levet, Mardchal Niel,
Xavier Olibo. G. Christy, E-iq., Buckhurst Lodge, Westerham, was second,
E. M. Bethune, E-q , Denne Park, Horsham, Sussex (gardener, Mr. II.
Harris), third, and Gurney Fowler Woodford, Esq., fourth.

For twelve distinct varieties, three trusses each, the Rev. Joseph
Pemberton took the first prize with excellent blooms of Horace Vernet,
Madams G. Luizet, Catheriue Mermet, Beauty of Waliham, A. K. Williams,
Mdl'e. Marie Cointet, Marquise de Castellane, Marie Baumann, Charles
Lefebvre, Etoile de Lyon, Niphetos, and Countess of Rosebery. An equal
first prize was awarded to W, J. Grant, Esq., Hope End Farm, Ledbury,
for a beautiful even collection of blooms, comprising A. K. Williams, Marie
Cointet, La France, Ls Havre, General Jacqueminot, Marie Van Houtte,
Madame Gabriel Luizet, Marie Rady, Horace Vernet, Anna Ollivier,
Fi angois Michelon, and Beauty of Waltham, very fine. Mr. T. W. Girdlestone,
Sunuingdale, Berks, was third, showing A. K. Williams, very bright ; and
La France, good; a third prize was also awarded to T. B. Hall, Esq., Larch
Wood, Rock Ferry. There were seven competitors.

The competition was very keen with eighteen Teas or Noisettes, seven
collections being staged. The premier position wa3 accorded to the Rev.
Doctor E. G. King, Madingley Vicarage, Cambridge, for Mardchsl Niel,
Madame Lambard, Marie Van Houtte, Souvenir d’un Ami, Madame
Hippolyte Jamain, Souvenir de Paul Neyron, Catherine Mermet, Anna
Ollivier, Inn ^cente Pirola, Sunset, Princess of Wales, Francisca Kruger,
Souvenir d’Elisa Vardon, a grand bloom for which the Society’s silver
medal for the best Tea or Noisette in the amateuis’ classes was awarded;
Adrienne Christophle, Niphetos, Jean Ducher, David Pradel, and Caroline
Kuster. The Rev. J. Pemberton was second with rather smaller blooms,,
and equal thirds were awarded to the Rev. Page Roberts, the Rectory, Scole,
Norfolk, and E. M. Bethune, Esq.

Division D. —Class 12 was for thirty-six distinct, single trusses, and this,
the leading prize, was secured by A. j. Waterlow, Esq., Great Doods, Rei¬
gate (gardener, Mr. J. Brown), for a very beautiful stand of blooms, taste¬
fully arranged, and the lights and darks well proportioned in numbers.
Those shown were Caroline Kuster, Duke of Wellington, Madame Lacharme,
Marie Rady, Jules Finger, Fisher Holmes, Comtesse de Serenye, Marquise
de Castellane, M-rveille de Lyon, Camille Bernardin, Duchesse de Valiom-
brosa, Abel Carriere, Madame G. Luizet, Etoile de Lyon, Mrs. Baker, Inno¬
cente Pirola, Comte de Raimbaud, Margu rite de St. Amand, Duke of Edin¬
burgh, Capitaine Christy, Charles Darwin, Mons. Noman, Annie Wood,
Madame H. Jamain, Eugene Furst, Duchess of Connaught, Reynolds Hole,.
Marie Cointet, Lord F. Cavendish, La France, Pride of Reigate, Catherine
Mermet, A. K. Williams, Lady Mary Fitzwilliam, and Marie Baumann..
Frederick Warde, Esq., West Farleigh, Maidstone, was a good second, but
his blooms w re not quite so fresh as the first ; and Mr. J. Edward Mitchell,
Corbetsay, Romford, was third. For eight triplets, A. J. Waterlow, Esq., was
placed first with Merveille de Lyon, Marie Rady, Lady Mary Fitzwilliam,
Camille Bernardin, La Francs, Eugene Fiir=t, E.oile de Lyon, and Duke of
Edinburgh, all of fine quality. Mr. E. B. Lindsell, Hitchin, was second,
the Rev. E. H. Fellowes third, and F. Warde, Esq., fonr.h, four other
exhibitors showing collections.

The class for eighteen distinct, single trusses, was a very full one, eleven
entering. Mr. G. B. Lindsell was first with charming blooms of Marie
Baumann, Captain Christy, Horace Vernet, Jean Ducher, Duke of Welling¬
ton, Caroline Kuster, Marie Rady. La France, Ls Havre, Madame Gabriel
Luizet. Prince Arthur, Baroness Rothschild, XavRr Olibo, Mardchal Niel,
Lord Macaulay, Lady Mary Fitzwilliam, A. K. Williams, and Madame
Lacharme. This was an excellent stand and was much admired. The Rev.
C. Garnett, Christleton, Chester, was a close second with fine blooms, but
with several rather small. Miss Baker, Holmfels, Reigate (gardener, Mr.
Budgen), was a good third, and W. II. Wakeley, Esq., Mackland, Rainham,
was fourth.

Eight stands of twelve Teas or Noisettes were entered. E. Claxton, Esq.,
The Rosery, Allerton, Liverpool, won first honours with medium sized, but
fresh and clean, blooms of Niphetos. Comtesse de Nadaillac, Princess of
Wales. David Pradel, Madame de Watteville, Madame Willermoz, Souvenir
d’un Ami, Innocente Pirola, Jean Ducher, Madame H. Jamain, Madame
Cusin, and Caroline Kuster. A. J. Waterlow, Esq., was second, showing
Catherine Mermet, Alba Rosea, Rubens, and Souvenir d’un Ami, very fine.
The Rev. C. Garnett was third, his Madame Cusin and Comtesse de
Naidaillac being grand blooms of these varieties. Mr. G. B. Lindsell
followed, having Souvenir d’ Elise Yardon in capital condition.

Division E. — In the eighteen smgle trusses class an excellent stand of
bright fresh blooms gained premier honours for E. Mawley, Esq., Rosebank,
Berkhampstead, with the following varieties — Charles Ltfebvre, Marquise
de Castellane, La France, Marguerite de St. Amand, Le Havre, Xavier Olibo,
Comtesse d’Oxrord, Souvenir de Paul Neyron, Duchesse de Vallombrosa,

2i

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER

[ July 8, 1856.

Caroline Raster, Innocente Pirola, Rubens, Horace Vernet, Marie Finger,
Henri Ledechaux, Souvenir d’Elise Vardon, A. K. Williams, and Captain
Christy. The second place was taken by W. H. Jackson, Esq., Stagsden
Vicarage, Bedford, with neat blooms. Mr. W. Narroway. H adington
Quarry, Oxford, was third, and Lord Brooke, Easton Lodge, Dunmow, Essex
(gardeoer, Mr. H. Lister), was fourth, showing Ulrich Brunner and La France
wonderfully flue.

Amongst eight exhibitors of twelve single trusses the Rev. Alan Cheales,
Brockham Vicarage, Surrey, was awarded the first prize for handsome
blooms of Marie Rady, Mona. Noman, Niphetos, Chas. Lefebvre, Mardchal
Niel, Penelope Mayo, A. K. Williams, very handsome ; Capt. Christy, Etoile
de Lyon, Marie Baumann, Star of Waltham, and Madame Lacharme. Mr.
H. Foster, Ashford, Kent, was a capital second with very bright blooms.
Fourth Mrs. Rothery, Windlesham, Bagshot (gardener, Mr. H. Godfrey).
There was keen competition with nine single trusses, eleven entering.
First Rev. H. B. Biron, Lyrapere Vicarage, Hythe, with substantial blooms
of Marie Baumann, Marie Van Houtte, Gabriel Luizet, Capt. Christy, Marie
Rady, Iunocente Pirola, Violetta Bouyer, and Boule d’Or, but with Duke of
Edinburgh rather email. C. E. Cuthell, Esq , Chapel Croft, Dorking, was a
very close second, Marie Rady, Marechal Niel, and Etienne Levet being
very fine. Third Rev. Canon Hodgson. Saltwood Rectory', Hythe (gar¬
dener, Mr. Shoesmith). Fourth Mr. E. Home, Park House, Reigate. The
Rev. Frank S. Taylor, Littleton Vicarage, Evesham, was the premier
exhibitor of six varieties, showing Boieldieu, Marechal Niel, Charles Lefebvre.
Madame G. Luizet, Jean Ditcher, and Marie Baumann. Mrs. Alice Mary
Lucas, Wratten, Hitchen, was second, ^followed by J. H. Ashurst, E-q., Farning-
ham, and Mr. J. Bateman, Highgate Road, in a class of nine competitors.
There was a pretty display of Tea Roses in this class (for six varieties),
fourteen exhibitors competing. The Rev. F. R Burnside, Chipping Camp-
den, Gloucestershire, was deservedly adjudged the first prize for handsome
flowers of Marechal N el. La Boule d’Or, Madame Cusin, very fine;
Souvenir d’Elise, Comtesse de Naidaillac, and Etoile de Lyon. The Rev.
Canon Hodgson secured the second prize with fresh flowers of Madame
Bravy, Comtesse de Naidaillac, Catherine Mermet, Madam Lambard, and
Iunoc nte Pirola; Mrs. Fuller, Bexley, being third, and Mr. J. Sladden,
Bad-ey, Worcestershire, fourth.

Extra Classes.— The first of the extra classes was 21, which was for
twelve Hybrid Perpetual and twelve Teas or Noisettes. The first prize fell
to the Rev. R. 0. Hales, Woodmaucote Rectory, Henfield (Mr. Simmons,
gardener). His blooms were very fine, the Teas being exceptionally large,
hut not perfectly fre3b. The Hybrid Perpetuals were as follows : — Back
row— Camille B.rnardin, Beauty of Waltham, Marie Rady, Madame G.
Luizet. Middle row — V olette Bouyer, a beautiful bloom ; Francois
Michelon, also very fine ; R. Jacobs, and Ulrich Brunner. Front row —
Duke of reek, Alfred Colomb, Marie Baumrnn, and Annie Wood. Teas. —
Back row — Perle des Ja'dinq Ciroline Ktisrer, Jean Ducher, and Marie Van
Houtte. Middle row— Madame Lrmbard, Souvenir di Thcrbse Levet, Anna
Olivier, and Maiame Cusin. Front row — Catherine Mermet, very fine;
Souvenir d’uu Ami, Etoile de Lyon, and Madame Berard. The piece of
plate presented by the Rev. H. A. Berners was awarded for this box. W. H.
Jackson, E-q., Stagsden Vicarage, Bedford, was second, his flowers, though
much smaller than the preceding, being very clean and f'esh. Alba Rosea,
Souvenir d’un Ami, and La France were well shown. The third prize went
to W. J. Grant, Esq., Hope En i Farm, Ledbury, both his Hybrid Perpetuals
and Teas being of good avenge quality. Six other collections were staged,
all b ing fresh, and altogether the class was an excellent one.

Class 22 was for a basket of blooms, and a charming one arranged by
C. E. Cuthe l, Esq.. Chapel Croft, West Humble, Dorking, secured the first
prize, and the piece of plate presented by Messrs. Paul <Si Son of Ch -shunt ;
E. Claxton, Esq.. The Rosery, Allerton, Liverpool, was awarded the sicond
prize for an almost equally attractive arrrangement ; and the thi d was ad¬
judged to the Rev. John A. Williams, Alderminster Lodge, Stratford-on-
Avon. Two othe s were in competition. Nine competitors tried conclusions
in the class for twelve blooms, the Rev. Canon Hodgson, Saltwood R c ory,
Hythe, Kent (gardener, Mr. ShoeBmith), emerging victorious. Teas and
Perpetuals w. re shown, excellent blooms of the following varieties being
arranged : — Back row — Francis Michelon, Duchesse de Vallombrosa fa
beautiful bloom) Avorat Duvivier, and Captain Christy. Middle row —
Madame H. Jamain, a charming flower, lnnoc nte Pirola, Madame G. Luizet,
and Comtesse de NadaHac. Frontroiv— Hon. Edith Giffard A. K. Williams,
Madame Lambard, and Niphetos. Mr. Grant was second with an excellent
stand of large and fr sh blooms. We fail d to discover a third prize card.
J. H. Ashurst, Esq., Fa- ningham, took first prize in the class for six blooms,
showing fre-li, if somewhat small, specimens of Marie Rady, Auguste
Nruminn, Etienne LiVct, Captain Christy, Reynolds Hole, and MoOame
Margottin. Mr. S. Tu'se, Hitch n, was a good second, his stand including
a very fine bloom of Marie Baumann. L. Simes, E-q., Hitohin, was third,
and the Rev. F. D. Lambert, Clotha 1 Rectory, Baldeck, was fourth. Ten
collections were shown in all. For six ne v R >ses since 1884 T. W. Girdle-
etoue, E-q., Sunningdale, Berks, was first with Gloire Lyonnaise. Joseph
Matral, Lady of the Lake, Grace Darling, Madame de Watteville, and
• Souvenir de Gab rille Drevat. They were very moderate specimens, how¬
ever. A third prize was adjudged to the Rev. Alan Cheales, Biockham
Vicarage, Surrey, no others being shown.

The first prize for six blooms of any Hyb-id Perpetual was deservedly
awarded to Mr. W. J. Grant for six very fine specimens of La France.
J. B. Hall, Esq., Larch Wood, Rock Ferry, was second with fre-h blooms of
Madame G. Luizet; Mr. W. Narroway, Headington Quarry, Oxford, third
with A. K. Williams, very good indeed ; aud S. P. Budd, Esq., 8, Gay Street,
Bath, fourth with Uirich Brunner. Twelve boxes were shown, and all were
greatly admired. Fourteen boxe3 of six Tea or Noisette varieties were in
compediion. the first prize being won by E. Claxton, Esq., with charming
bloom3 of Madame H. Jamain; the second by the Rev. F. R. Burnside
with Innocenta Pir >la, beautifully represented; and the third by Mr. Girdle-
stone with Jean Duch r.

Oi's.v Classes. — In the class for twelve Teas or Noisettes, three busses
of each, there wer seven competitors. Mr. B. R. Cmt, Colchester, secured
chief honours (a piece of plate), Souvenir d’Elise, Innocente Pirola, Marie
"Van Ho .t e, Madame Cusin, La Boule d’Or, Madame H, Jamain, Madame
de Watteville, Moir , Madame Lambarr, Madame C. Kustor, Madame Bravy,

Niphetos. Mr. F. Cant, Colchester, was second, showing Innocente Pirola,
Souvenir d’Elise, Rubens, and Marie Van Houtte very fine. The Rev. Page
Roberts was third wiih half-expanded buds, Madame de Watteville,
Catherine Mermet, and Souvenir d’E i-<e Vardon being very fine. Mr. G. W.
Piper, Uckfield, was fourth, Catherine Mermet being very fine, and Souvenir
d’un Ami also.

The collections of garden Roses from eight exhibitors formed an interest¬
ing class. The Rev. J. Pemberton was first, showing Rosa rugosa and
sever il single varieties, together with polyantha and Moss Roses. Mr. J.
Sladden, Badsey, was a good second with a charming collection, including
the old multiflora, beautiful blooms of H.P. Dr. Hogg, Tea Ma Capu-
cine, H.P. Olga Mari®, Hybrid Provence Piincess Clem ntine, York-
and-Lancaster Noiset'e Aime Vibert, Damask, and Hybrid China varieties.
Third, Mr. J. Walker, Thame, Oxon, with an interesting collection. For
twelve bunches of Moss and Pro-ence Roses the prizes were secured by
Mess s. Paul & Son, Cheshunt, G. Bunyard, and Cranston’s Nursery Co.,
Hereford, in the order named.

For twelve bunches of Roses suitable for buttonholes, Mr. J. Mattock,
New Headington, Oxford, was first with Amazone, Comtesse de Nadaillac,
David Pradel, W. Allen Richardson, Marie Van Houtte, Innocente Pirola,
Madame Charles, Souvenir de Paul Neyron, Madame de Watteville, Homfere,
and Niphetos. Messrs. G. Bunyard &, Co., Maidstone, were second with
Madame Falcot, Perle des Jardius, Common Moss, Souvenir de Paul Neyron,
W. A. Richardson, Homere, Comtesse de Naidaillac, Caroline Kuster, and
Jean Pernet.

Four collections of twelve new Rases offered in 1881 and since were
shown, but were not remarkable. Messrs. Paul A Sou, Cheshunt, secured
first honours with Longfellow, Madame Norman Neruda, Grace Darling,
Madame Rawell, Chandon, Madame de Watteville, Victor Hugo, Pride of
Reigate, Marechal P. Wilder, Ella Gordon, Baroness Nathaniel de Roth¬
schild, Etendardde Jeanne d’Arc, and Madame Julie Gaulin. Messrs. Curtis,
Sanford & Co., were second with Mrs. Caroline Swailps, General Appert,
Baron Travot, Souvenir de Rene, Leveque, Madame de Watteville, Alptionse,
Soupert, Baroness Nathaniel de Rothschild, Victor Hugo, Gloire Lyonnaise,
Madame N >rman Neruda, Madame Massicoult, and Pre-ident S nelare. Mr.

B. R. Cant followed showing General Appert well and Dr. Dor. For twelve
trusses of any new Rose Mr. B. R Cant was first with Madame de Watte¬
ville ; Messrs Curtis, Sanford & Co. second with Benoit Comte ; and Paul
and Son third with Madame Norman Neruda.

The classes for varieties iu their respective colours were as attractive as
usual. The awards being as foil >ws : — Twelve trusses of any yellow Rose,
six entries, first, W. J. Grant, Esq., with Madame Van Houtte; sicond,
W. H. Wakley, Esq., with Ma hchal Niel ; third, Mr. John Walker, with the
same vari ty ; and fourth, Mr. B. R. Cant, with the same. Any white Rose,
eight entries. — First, Mr. B. R. Cant, with Niphetos; second, Messrs. Curtis,
Sanford, & Co., with Merveille de Lyon ; third, Mr. G. H. Piper, with
Niphetos, and fourth, Mr. C. Turner, with Alba Rosea. Any crimson Ros“,
seven ent-ies. — Fi st, Mr. B. R. Cant, with A. K. Williams of medium size,
but good form and colour; second, Mr. F. Cant, with A. K. Williams,
smaller; third, Messrs. Curtis, Sanford, & Co., with A. K. W illiams ; fourth,
Mr. W. H. Wakeley, with Alfred Colomb. Auy dark velvety crimson Rose,
eight entries. — First, Messrs. Keynes, Williams, & Co., Salts nury. with
Reynolds Hole, very fine ; second, Messrs. G Cooliug & Sons, for Xavier
Olibo; third, Mr. G. Prince, with the same; and fourth, Mr. B. R. Cant,
with Prince Arthur.

For twelve trusses of any Rose, sixteen entries, Mr. H. Bennett, Shepper-
ton, was first with Lady Mary Fitz william, exceedingly handsome. St-cond,
Messrs. Curds, SanfordiCo. with Ulrich Brunner fils, very handsome. Third,
Mr B. R. Cant with Souvenir d’Elise Vardon ; and fourth, Messrs. Keynes
Williams & Co. for Xavi-r Olibo.

In the class for three trusses of any new seedling Rose or distinct sport
not in commerce a gold medal was offered, but no award was made. Mr.

C. Turner, Slough, showed a dark velvety crimson H P. Rose named The
Colon 1. Messrs. W. Paul & Sou showed Grand Mogul, a seedling from
A. K. Williams, of a very bright yet de p scarlet, quite distinct from its
parent. Silver Queen is a pre tr pink and white variety, said .o be a cross
between Queen of Queens and Maiden’s Blush. The Bride was also shown
and described as a sport from Catherine Mermet ; it has very pale yellow
blooms and seems to be of goad habit.

The prizewinners in cltss 4 (nurserymen), which was inadvertently
omitted in the above notes, were Messrs. Curtis, Sanford <Si Co , Torquay ;
J. Burrell & Co, Cambridge; G. Cooling & Son, Bath; and J. Jefferies
and Son, Cirencester, who were placed in the order they are named.

In addition to the non-competing exhibits previously mentioned, Messrs.
G. Bunyard & Co. had a large box of William Allen Richardson Rose, and
Messrs. Blake & Mackenzie, Liverpool, showed some neat samples of labels
■frw T? hops

CRYSTAL PALACE.— July 3rd.

Mr. Head, the garden superintendent of this highly respectable and
admirably conducted public rendezvous, is proving himself an adept in the
arrangement of flower shows. Hi follows the plan of no one, scarcely even
following himself, as nearly or quite every exhibition differs in the dis¬
position of the products, and we have never heard a complaint of the plan
of any of the shows. The Exhibition under notice was the most enjoyable
of the many fine Palace Rose Shows we have had the pleasure of attending.
Instead of the boxes being dispe sed in long parallel lines in a section of
the transept, with not half space enough for the crowds of visiiors to
examine the blooms, the exhibits were arranged round the four s des of _a
Berks of isolated tables about 9 by G feet, and 10 or 12 yards asunder. In
t.h-s way the Snow practically extended over the entire length of the
building, as well as round the central aucir.orium. It was, in fact, a great
promenade show, and it is difficult to conceive an arrangement that could
offer better facilities for the inspection of the stands by a great number of
visitors. A length of 1500 feet of tabling was occupied, and the blooms
generally were remarkable for the clearness of the light varieties and richness
of the darks rather than for size ; and in point of aggregate merit the Teas
probibly excelled the Hybrid Perpetuals. Tnere were a few grand blooms
in the Show, but generally the flowers were somewhat small, sb might
be expected from their being forced out by much heat and in a dry
atmosphere.

July 8, 1888. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

25

In the nurserymen’s collections only the leading tdooma can be indicated.
Mr. B. R. Caut Colchester, secured the premier position in the class for
seventy-two Roses, distinct, his splendid Teas as usual turning the scale in
his favour. Of these, the most prominent were Innocente Pirola, Madame
Bravy, Madame Welch, Nipheros, Marie Van Houite, and Madame de Wat-
teville. These, with the fine Hybrid Teas Lady Mary Fitzwilliam and La
France, showed to great advantage amongst the rich colours of Marie
Baumann, General Jacqueminot, Marguerite Brassac, Duchess of Bedford,
and Victor Hugo, all of which were admirably represented, the last named
beiDg especially glowing, and the collection deserved its position. It was,
however, by no means an easy win, for Messrs. Paul & Son of Cheshunt
ran it very closely indeed with an exceedingly fresh, even, e'ear, and brieht
collection. Very fine were Souvenir d’Elise, Lidy Mary Fitzwilliam, Violette
Bouyer, Due de Wellington, S. Reynolds Hole, Comte de Raimbaud, Marie
Baumann, and Caroline KuBter. Mr. Frank Cant was award -d the third
prize with generally heavier blooms, but some a trifle rough and perhaps a
few hours too old. Yiolette Bouyer, Ferdinand de Lesseps, Countess of
Rosebery, Rubens, and Lady Mary Fitzwilliam were the most noteworthy
varieties. Sis collections were staged. The two first-named exhibitors
occupied the same relative positions in the forty-eight triplet class with
blooms of the same character as before, and similarly close in point of merit,
Messrs. Keynes, Williams, & Co., Salisbury, being awarded the remaining
prize for a generally good collection. Mr. Turner, Slough, well won the
chief prize in the class for tweny-four triplets of Roses with really fine,
clean, well-coloured blooms, notably of A K. Williams, Prince Arthur, Etoile
de Lyon, Lady Mary Fitzwilliam, and Madame G. Luizet ; Messrs. Cooling
and Son, Bath, second, and Mr. Rum-ey, Waltham Cross, third, both exhi¬
biting well. The contest in the class for twenty-four blooms was extreme y
close between Mr. Prince, Oxf >rd, and Mr. Turner for first honours, the
former winning with nearly all Tea9, and fine they were, no'a’dy Princess
of Wales, exquisite ; Souvenir dE ise, Marie Van Houtte, Etoile de Lyon,
Hon. E. Giffard, Sunset, Mareehal Niel, aud Madame Cusin, while A. K.
Williams, Lady Mary Fitzwilliam, and Yiolette Bouyer were worthy of their
company. Mr. Turner’s stand was very rich, Madame Carriere, Due de
Wellington, Louis Van Houtte, aud A. K. Williams being admirably
represented, relieved with good blooms of Alba Ro-ea, Lady Mary Fitz¬
william, and Mareehal Kiel. The third prize was adjudg d to Mr. Mount,
Rose Nursery, St. Dunstan’s, Canterbury, with a stand of very good
blooms indeed. Eleven competitors. In the class for eighteen triplets of
Teas and Noisettes highly attractive sfands were placed in comoetition, the
prizes going respectively to Mr. G. Prince, Mr. G. W. Pipe , Uekfieid, and
Mr. Turner. The prominent varieties were Alba RoBea, Franijois Kruger,
Princess of Wales, La Boule d’Or, Niphetos, Catherine M-rmet, Jean
Ducher, Marie Van Houtte, Souvenir d’Elise Vardon, Anna Ollivier, Inno¬
cente Pirola, Madame Hippolyte Jamain, Edith Gifford, Amazone.

Prizes were offered for collections of Roses under prescribed colours —
yellow, white, pink, crimson, and velvety crimson. In the yellow class
five lots were stagi-d, Mr. Prince securing the foremost place with a splendid
stand. Mareehal Niel was the best variety, Perle des Jardins s cond, and
Amazone third in point of merit, aud very beautiful though not bright
yellow were Sunset, Jean Ducher, Etoile de Lyon, Francisca Kruger,
Comtesse de Nadaillac, and Caroline Kuster. Mr. T. Mattock, Headinzton,
Oxford, was placed second with sixteen varieties, aud Mr. B. R. Cant third
with better blooms, but only in six varieties — Mareehal Niel, Etoile deLyon,
Jean Ducher, Anna Ollivier, Marie Van Houtte, and Sunset. It maybe
stated here that the last-named Rose was in several stands, but in no case
so bright in colour as represented in catalogues ; it is nevertheless an
attractive variety. Six stands of wuite Roses were placed in competition,
Mr. B. R. Cant taking the lead with charming triplets of Madame Bravy,
Madame Lacharme, Devoni-nsis, Innocente Pirola, Niphetos and Hon. E.
Giffard ; Mr. Prince was second with larger but rome too much expanded
flowers, the last variety named being the gem of the stand ; Mr. Piper,
Uekfieid, third with neat blooms. Six collections were staged. Eight
stands of pink Rosts were placed in competition ; Messrs. Paul & Son
were first with twenty-four vaiieties, the best being Madame Cusin,
DucheBse de Yallombrosa, Princess Beatrice, Lady Mary Fitzwilliam,
Madame Montet, and Madame G. Luizet. Mr. B. R. Cant followed with
better blooms in six varieties, Madame Cusin, Mirgueriie de Sr. Amand,
Mons. Noman, La France, Madame G. Lu zet, andDuchessede Vallombrjsa ;
the third prize failing to Messrs. J. Burrell & Co., Howe House Nursery,
Cambridge. For crimson Roses Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshunt, B. R. Cant,
and G. Christy w re first, second, and third in the order nam< d ; and for
velvety crimson flowers Mr. B. R. Cant was first, Messrs. Paul second, and
Messrs. G. Bunyard & Co., Old Nurseries, Maidstone, third. In the crimson
class the following were the most noteworthy varieties : — A. K. Williams,
Duke of Edinburgh, Dr. Andry. E. Y. Teas, General Jacqueminot, Duke of
Teck, Ulrich B'unner, Comte Raimbaud, Marie Rady, Marie Baumann,
Madame Victor Verdier, and Camille Bei nardin ; and in the velvety crimson
class Duke of Edinburgh, Fisher Holmes, Prince Arthur, Dr. Sewell, Duke
of Marlborough, Maurice Bsrnardin, Louis Van Houtte, Prince Arthur,
Reynolds Hole, and Prince Camille de Rohan were prominent.

Messrs. B. R. Cant, G. Mount, and J. Grant, Hope End Farm, Ledbury
were awarded the prizes in tne or er named for eignteen blooms of Mareehal
Niel, all being good and wonderfully well coloured. For eighteen blooms
of any Tea or Noisette Rose the Cobme-ter veteran scored again with
splendid examples of Souvenir d’Eiis \ Mr. Grant being second with Marie
Van Houtte, perfectly lovely ; and Mr. G. Prince third wi h Comtesse de
Nadaillao. In i he class for eighteen blooms of Marie Baumann or similar
colour, Messrs. Keynes & Co. were first with richly coloured examples of
Ferdinand de Lesseps, M ssrs. B. R. Cant and G. Bunyard following with
Marie Baumann. Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshunt, secured the first position in
the Prince Camil e de Rohan elaBS, or varieties of similar colour, with rich
examples of Abel Carriere , Messrs. Kevnea&Co. second with Xavier Olibo,
and Mr. B. R. Cant third with Fisher Holmes. In the'1 Franijois Michelon or
similar colour” class, Mr. Grant was first with .Marquise de Ca-t-llane ; the
Cranston Co. second with Mons Noman, and Mr. B. R. Cant third with Johu
Hopper. Mr. Bennett was fittingly in the premier position in the Lady Ma'y
Fitzwilliam class (or similar colour) with splendid blooms of that fine variety ;
Mr. Cant second with the same variety, also excellent; and Mr. T. VV.
Girdlestone, Sunnirgdale, third, with Yiolette Bouyer, no doubt the best

stand of that variety hitherto exhibited and beautifullv set up, the deli¬
cately tinted blooms contrasting effectively with the atnpl ■ foliage. Other
varieties in this class were La France and Capitaine Christy. The next
class was for A. K. Williams, and seven dazzling stands of eighte' n blooms
each were placed in competition, the prizes going to Me-srs. G. Prince,
W. J. Grant, and Paul & Son respectivrly. For high avenge excellence
and uniform richness of colour we do not lemember seeing a better class
than this. Five beautiful stands of William Allen Richirdson were staged,
Rev. J. H. Pemberton, Havering, Romford, well winning the first prize ;
Mr. Prince the second, and Mr. Atherton, Chatteri-, the third, 'ihe flowers
were shown in clusters, and the petals of those in the two first- mentioned
stands clearly edged with white, the combination of colours reminding us
of the Californian annual Limnanthts Douglasi. Mr. B. R. C.mt and G. W.
Piper secured the prizes for stands of Niphetos; M- ssrs. Cuofieg (Bath),
Bunyard, and Prince for Rosa rugosa ; and Messrs. Paul, Prince, aud
Mount for varieties of Rosa polyantba, the varieties exhibited b. iug S’mplex
(single, small, and pretty), Anna Maria de Montravel, Mignonette, Parque-
retce, Madame Brunner, and Perle d'Or. Tney were much adnired, aud
small well-flowered plants in 5-inch pots are very suitable for de o ative
purposes in the summer.

There was plenty of competition in the amateur.-,’ classes, and the blooms,
thougn rather small, were of good quality. Tlie first class — that for forty-
eight varieties, distinct — was au excellent one, eight collections being staged.
Mr. W. J. Grant received the first prize for the following varieties, the names
bi ing given in the order they were placed from left t-> right. Back row —
Mona. Noman, Gbnbral Jacqueminot, Niphetos, Alpho- se Souperc, Mareehal
Niel, Clovis, Lady Mary Fitzwi.liam, Horace Ve net, a flue bloom ; Victor
Verdier, Duke of Edinburgh, Duch-sse de Vallombrosa, Charles L -febvre,
Heinrich Sohultheis, Xavier O.ibo, Violette Bouyer, ami Duke of Wellington.
Middle row — La Rosiere, Rubens, Dr. Andry, Marquise de Castellane, A. K.
Williams, Souvenir d’un Ami, Ulrich Brunner, Caroline Kuster, Prince
Arthur, Madame Gabriel Luizet, Constantin Tretiakoff. Souvenir d'Elise
Vardon, Devtenne Lamy, Madame H ppolyte Jamain. Henri Leiechaux, and
Sir Garnet Wolseley. Front row — Comte de Nad -iliac, Ma ie Baumann,
Catherine Mermet, Countess of Rosebery, Marie Van Hoots, Beauty of
Waltham, Captain Christy, Duchess of Edinburgh. La France, Alfred
Colomb, Marie Verdier, Sultan of Zanzibar, Bouquet d’Or, Auguste Rigotard,
Etoile de Lyon, and Marguerite de St. Amand. The fl >.vers vv. te larne ami
fresh — Mons. Noman, Horace Vernet, Ulrich Brunner, Dr. Andry, and Etoile
de Lyon being conspicuously good. Mr. George Campbell, gtrdener to

S. P. Budd, Esq., 8, Gay Street, B .th, was second, showing fair-tried blooms,
which, however, were not at all frtsh, and the same r mark applies to those
of the Rev. J. H. Pemberton, who was third. Eight c dlections were also
staged in the class for twenty-four H. P.’s, and Mr. J. Ridout, gardener to

T. B. Haywood, Esq., Woodhatch Lodge, Reigate, was awarded fir.-t prize
for the following Back row — Francois M'ctielon, M s. B-iker, Duch sse de
Caylus, Ville de Lyon, A. K. Williams, Mons. Noman, Xavier Olibo, and
Madame J. Peri- re. Middle row — J. S. Mill, Duc'iess>- de Vallombrcsi,
Madame Victor Verdier, Captain Christy, Dnpuv Jamain, Cuarles L-febvre,
Marie Finger, and Marie Rady. Front row— Mrs. La <ton, A1 free Cjlomb,
E. Y. Teas, Beauty of Waltham, Madame Lac harme, Duke of Teck, F. do
Lesseps, and Camille B,-rnardin. Some of the flo-vt rs were a little past their
best, but A. K. Williams, Beauty of Waltham, M trie Finger, and Madame
Lacharme were very fine. R. G. West, E-q., R-igate, was second with
fresh but rather small blooms — Le Havre and Marguerite de St Amu d were
exceptionaUy good, however. The third prize went to Mr. R. Gray,
gardener to the Right Hon. Earl Stanhope, Cnevening. Sevei oaks, and
an extra prize was deservedly adjudged to G. Christy, Esq., Buckku.st
Lodge, Westerham.

With twenty-four varieties, three trusses, there were again eight com¬
petitors, and Mr. Ridout was again to the fore, receiving fi ■s1' prize for a
fine stand composed of the following varieties : — Back row — A K. Williams,
very fine ; M. Noman, Franjois Michelon, Madame Hippolyte Jamain, a
beautiful bloom; Lady Mary Fitzwilliam, Ulrich B miner, La France,
Countess of Oxford, Capitaine Chri-t/, Madame J. Peri-re, Madame Victor
Verdier, and Marquise de Castellane. Front ro w — Louise Van Houtte,
Alfred Colomb, Ht-nri Ledechaux, Marie Finger, Marie Baumann, Madame
Lacharme. J. S. Mill, Jean Ducher, Madame G. Luizet, Mrs. Baker, Marie
Rady, and Princess of Wales. The flowers were large, fresh, and clear,
and Mr. Ridout is to be congratulated for showing two such excellent stands.
The second and third prizes went respectively to Mr. Grant and Mr. J.
Brown, gardener to A. J. Waterlow. Esq , Great D-rods, R-igite, the flowers
of the former being a little too full, and those of the latter small. Both
stands included many good blooms, however. An extrt prize was awarded
to Mr. W. H. Wakeley, Macklands, Rainkun. A cap'til c ass was that for
twelve blooms of H.P.’s. Ttiere were seven comp " itjrs, and Mr Brown
improved on his position in jhe last class by winnin t i fri-t prize, showing
moderate-sized but beautifully fresh blooms of Le H vre, La Fra ce
M irquise de Castellane, and Madame G. Luizet in the back row. Lady -Mary
Fitzwilliam, Countess of Robbery, Merveilie do Lyon, and Pride of R-igato
in the middle row ; and A. K. WU iams. Pride of Whit ta u, Sa^b ie Fur.-ke,
and Duchesse de Vallombrosa in the front. J. S. C arris, Esq., C ratteris,
Cambs, was a close second, and Mr. J. Bateman, 72, Twisden Road, Hrik-
gate Road, N.W., third.

Ten stands wer in competition in the class for twelve Tea and Nois tte
varieties, three trusses, and the blooms were excellent throughout, being
very large and freBb. Beautiful blooms of t.b following v.rietieswou the
first prize for the Rev. E S. King. D.D.. Mndingley V carafe, Cambridge.
Back row — Jean Ducher, Marecual Niel, Souvenir -’an Ami, and Souvenir
d'Elise (magnificent). Middle row — Souv -nir de Paul Neyrou. Pr ncess of
Wales, Madame Cusin, a d Cath line Mermet. Front row— Mad i ta Hip¬
polyte Jamain, Innocente Pinva, Frio uphe de R-nu-s, and Mari Van
Houtte. The Rev. J. H. Pernber ou was second U large b-.it -oiuewiiat
faded blooms, and Mr. Wakeley third with smaller bu ran h fresher ll rwe.s
than the second prize box. The competition was very sp li.less, I or Messrs.
W. Paul & Son’s specal prizes for co!l- ctions of R->s-s, numb r unini'ed,
two moderate boxes were staged, Mr. G Muunt-receivii g a ta.rd piize. This
was the last of the Rose classes.

A class was provided for a group of Tub-rous Beg- nl is. It on'y produced
one entrant — Messrs. Laing & Co., of Forest H 11 — but, as vouid be an'.ici-

26

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 8, 1888

pated, the group arranged by thia firm was a very beautiful one. The space
to be covered was 100 square feet, and the effect that a mass of Begonias
of the most varied and brilliant colours, interspersed with Ferns and Palms,
would make can easily be imagined, and need not be enlarged upon. First
prize was deservedly awarded.

Mr. James Douglas, Great Gearies, Ilford, and Mr. Charles Turner were the
the only competitors for twelve Piootees ; the formershowingtwelve seedlings,
large, symmetrical, and frrsh, and receiving first prize. Mr. Turner received
the second, his flowers being rather small, and apparently not quite ready.
The exhibitors named were the only competitors with twelve Carnations,
but here their positions were revers'd, Mr. Turner occupying premier
position. He showed excellent blooms of Illuminator, The Queen, Figaro,
and Harry Matthew's amongst others. There were one or two good blooms
amongst Mr. Douglas’s twelve seedlings. For twelve Pinks Mr. F. Hooper,
Vine Nursery, Widcombe Hill, Bath, easily secured first position with a
splendid stand, eve y bloom being good ; but were they distinct varieties ?
Mr. H. Catley, 1(1, Claverton Buildings, Widcombe, Bath, and Mr. C. Turner
were second and third respectively.

The miscellaneous exhibits were not numerous, but several were much

much enlarged and improved by the present owner, Wildman Cattley, Esq,,
who, on leaving his house, Northbrook, near Godaiming, bought it of the
Duke. The property, consisting of 225 acres, is very attractive and pictur¬
esque, no two fields being on the same level, and nearly every field having
a stream running through it. It is evidently the home of a lover of flowers,
and it is cbi fly because Mr. Cattley delights in their cultivation, and
takes the greatest pleasure in encouraging the taste for every kind of flowers,
that the Bose Show is held this year at Oak Dene. A hearty welcome was
given to all comers. The Viennese band had been engaged, and played
under the trees of the garden. A conjuror was also on the spot, and, besides
a garden party, the children of the parish were entertained at tea. No more
suitable spot could be well chosen for the twenty-first show. The Associa¬
tion is more full of vigour and enthusiasm than ever, and Mr. and Mrs.
Wildman Cattley are types of those new members who are continually
bringing into the old Society new life. In 1865 the Association was born,
and the nnmber of members was seventeen, and the value of the prizes
given was ,£4.

The late Mr. Wilson Saunders had much to do with its origin. He
argued that each neighbourhood ought to have its Rose show, and so this

Fig. 5. — Reinwakdtia tetkagyxe. (See page 28).

admired. Messrs. W. Paul & Son showed a beautiful group of Boses in
pots, with baskets, vases, and boxes of cut blooms. It was a great and
meritorious diplay, and received an extra prize. Prizes were also awarded
to Messrs. J. Cheal & Son, Lowfield Nurserhs, Crawley, Sussex, for an
attractive collection of herbaceous flowers ; to Mr. R. W. Proctor, Chester¬
field, for Pansies and Pyrethrums ; to Mr. E. Holman, Rockbills, Crystal
Palace Park, for six fine Petunias ; and to Mr. H. Bennett, Shepperton, for a
box of cut Boses.

First-class certificates were awarded to Mr. J. Douglas for Picotees Agnes
Chambers and Annie Douglas.

BROCKHAM AMATEUR ROSE ASSOCIATION.

The Brockham Amateur Rose Association came of age this year, an!
held its twenty-first show at Oak D.-ne on Saturday the 3rd of July, at
the invitation of Mr. and Mrs. Wildman Cattley. The Holm wood, whrre the
Show has now been held for six years out of the twenty-one, is a spot
of great natural beauty, and it would be difficult to find, even in Surrey,
views to surpass those overlooking Reigate, Westerham, Kent Towers,
Tunbridge Wells, the Smthdowns, and Leith Hill. The gardens of Oak
Dene are planted with much taste, the trees are well chosen and beauti¬
fully grown, the conservatories are filled with plants in great variety, a
special feature being a very large and fine collection of Tree Carnations
and Picotees.

Oak Dene, which carries its name from a very fine grove of Oaks, is a
modern Gothic house, built twenty years ago by Mrs. Laboucbere, enlarged
by the present Duke of Marlborough, to whom it was sold, and subsequently

Association was started. Mr. Chcales was Secretary. Captain Lang in
1866 joined the Committee as Treasurer at the request of his sister, Miss
Lang, who was on the Committee. Mr. F. T. Wollaston was also an
original founder ; and on the Committee of nine they are still conspicuous,
age having done but little to mark the ravages of time. A Brockham Show
without Mr. Cheales and Captain Lang would lose its distinguishing feature.
Tfie Secretary has every intention of making his Association live long and
grow prosperous. Each year he turns out his Cabbages and grows more
Roses. Visit his garden the day before the Show, and you might fancy you
were in a miniature Wimbledon, nearly every Rose tree having its own
tent.

The Treasurer Captain Lang is Treasurer still. The same pleasant
fancy holds him that the Society will be ruined because the “ J udges will
give extra prizes.” It gives away now £21 instead of £4, for its members
number fifty-eight instead of seventeen ; but instead of ruin you may read,
« Balance in Treasurer’s hands, £16 4s. lOd.” Moreover it gives away the
gold, silver-gilt, and silver meda’s of the National Rose Society, to which
the Brockham R.S. was affiliated in 1879. It seems that the more it gives
the more it has to give.

Rose-growing and Rose-showing are indeed very different things from
what they were twenty-one years ago. I well remember that first show in
the Brockham schoolroom, when the Ladies Legge showed China Roses
uuder a glass shade, wh-n Coupe d’Hhbh competed for the b’st bloom, and
the Secretary showed Chenedole and Blairii No. 2, and when the Roses
were shown in confectionery boxes and without moss ; Lady M. Legge
won the prize, though, for the best bloom then, and she very nearly won it

Jaly 8, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

27

for the best H.P. last year, and a companion of these two blooms would
very fitly show the progress made by this most excellent Rose Society,
■which is just simply to-day what it was at the beginning — a Rose
Society,” the Committee never having yielded to the temptation to turn
it into a so-called Horticultural Society, or allowing itself to lose sight of
the fact that Roses which are looked after by the owner in person afford
the truest pleasure, and best fulfil the object in view.

An hour’s leisure before the judging began gave time for a look round,
and under the guidance of Mr. Stephen Cattley the very lovely garden was
insp’cted, comprising two herbaceous borders full of choice plants and various
shrubs (Cornus elegantissima seems a favourite plant) and Conifers, as well
as the greenhouses alluded to already, and notably a large low Paxton house
full of Keens’ Seedling Strawberry laden with ripe fruit.

The Show itself was held in a large tent outside the garden. The extreme
heat of the day tried the blooms exceedingly. You might almost watch the
buds expanding. The number of exhibitors was eighteen, and some of the
classes were not very well represented. But in the principal classes some of
the blooms were quite up to the mark. One feature of this Show was that
members not yet known to fame succeeded in winning some of the best
prizes. Special mention may be made of Mr. A. P. Perkins, who won the
drawing room decoration with a very tall glass vase most tastefully arranged,
and Mrs. Wildman Cattley, who won the National Rose Association’s silver
medal for Lady Mary Fitzwilliam. She won on her simple merits, for there
was not a leaf to set off her charms, and she was simply put into water on a
green box without moss. She was a grand bloom for all that. R. A. Cock-
bum, Esq., also won a prizs for six blooms, and Miss Heath for a drawing
room decoration. It should be noted that several of the Roses were very
badly set up. Flattened on the moBS as they were they could not be pro¬
perly appreciated. Some were shown without any moss or relief whatever.
This is a relic of bygone days, a^d the Committee should look to it.

The decorations were decidedly feeble. The didance must no doubt have
prevented several well-known ladies from competing. But a very pretty
feature of the Show was conspicuous by its absence. The Teas were
thoroughly well shown, as they generally are at Brockham.

Mr. Appleby of the Box Hill Nurseries, who has a really grand collection
of plants in his grounds, brought up a multitude of blooms and other flowers
to help the decoration of the tent, and the box of Allan Richardson that he
exhibited, not for competition, was a sight. The Committee and Judges
were entertained at luncheon by the host and hostess, who did their part
most successfully in mnking every visitor feel at home. The Judges were
Hubert Bensted, Esq., Hon. Sec. of the Maidstone Rose Club ; Rev. A. B.
Alexander, late Hon. Sec. of the Farnham Rose Association : and Mr. H
Appleby of the Box Hill Nurseries.

Tbe following list contains the names of the winners of the prizes : —
'Twenty-four distinct single trusses. — First Rev. A. Cheales. Varieties,
Franpois Mich ‘Ion, Dr. Hogg, Gabriel Luizet, Charles Lefebvre, Pierre
Notting, E. Verdier, Marechal Niel, Madame Victor Verdier, Alfred
Colomb, Duke of Wellington, Sultan of Zanzibar. Lady Mary Fitzwilliam,
Madame Baumann, La France, Henri Schultheis. Earl of Pembroke, Earl of
Rosebery, La Havre, Star of Waltham, A. K. Williams, Jean Ducher, Mrs.
Wood, Dr. Andry, Therese Lsvet. Second prize C. E. Cuthell, Esq., with
Marguerite de St. Amand, Etienne Levet, Gabriel Luizet, Captain Christy,
r erdinand de Lesseps, Abel Grand, Marquise de Castellane, Comtesse de
Serenyi, Mane Rady, Reine Marie Henriette, Marie Finger, Madame
Hippolyte Jamain, Annie Wood, Jean Ducher, Anna Ollivier, General
•Jacqueminot, Marie Baumann, La France, Reynolds Hole, Mons. Noman,
Niphetos, Marechal Niel, Camille B.-rnardin, Franpois Louvet. Extra prize
awarded to Mr. Mortimer.

Eighteen distinct single trusses.— First E. Hume, Esq., for Boielldieu
Cheshunt Hybrid, Marquise de Castellane, Charles Lefebvre, Magna Charta
La r ranee, C. Baltet, Baroness Rothschild, John Hopper, Marbchal Niel
Duchesse de V allombrosa, Camille Bernardin, Francis Michelon, Madam*
Margottin, Mane Baumann, Gabriel Luizet, Madame J. Perriere, Madann
Bravy. The second pnze was secured by Lady Lawrence. Twelve distinc
a? a nj-rUSS^8'~"^1Mt Hon' Dudle7 Ryder, second Mrs. Leopold Seymour
third Mrs. Benecke. Six distinct Roses, single trusses.— First Mrs. Leopolc
Seymour, second Hon. H. Dudley Ryder. Four distinct Roses, single trusses
— hirst Rev. A. Cheales, second, E. Horne, Esq , third Mrs. Mortimer. Sii
single trusses of any one variety of Tea or Noisette.— First Miss Barclay
second C. E. Cuthell, Esq., third Mrs. Leopold Seymour. Six single trusses
fNJ ®£“r variety.— First ;C. E. Cuthell, Esq., for Madame Gabrie

Luizet , second Mrs. Seymour with La France ; third Rev. A. Cheales for D
France. An extra prize was awarded to E. Horne, Esq., for his box o
Madams Gabriel Luizet. The gold medal of the N.R.S.1 awarded for the
best box in classes 6 and , was won by Mr. Cuthell in lieu of the first prize.

Twelve Teas and Noisettes (distinct).— First, E. Horne, Esq., for Mar
guente de St. Amand, Marshal Niel, Camille Bernardin, Souvenir d’ur
Ami, Madame Camille, A. Ollivier, Madame Bravy, Catherine Meruit
Gloirede Dijon, M. Van Houtte, Madame Willermoz, Reve d’Or ; second
Rev. A. Cheales, for Madame Berard, Marechal Niel, Reve d’Or, Belle de Bor
deaux, Souvenir de Therese Levet, Madame Bravy, A Ollivier, Davoniensis
Etoile de Lyon, Catherine Mermet, Niphetos, Edith Giffard ; third, Mrs
Mortimer. Six Teas or Noisettes (distinct).— First, C. E. Cuthell, Esq.
second, Mrs. Leopold Seymour. *

Six distinct single trusses, open to members who have never taken ;

Wn6 P Jhe Tu01£tyV"^The PxTZ® for thes 5 Rose3 was taken b? R- A. Cock
bum, Esq. The best Tea or Noisette.— The silver medal of the N.R.S. wai

awarded to Mrs. Mortimer f -r a very fine and perfect Souvenir d’un Ami
The best bloom or truss (not Tea).— Silver medal of the N.R.S. to Wildmai
•Cattley, Esq., for a very large specimen of Lady Mary Fitzwilliam.

second aiM™ ^.^ions (Roses, Ferns, &c.)— First, Mrs. Cuthell

-T?1^0118’ Drawing-room decorations (any flowers).-
A' F‘ Pe*,kl/\s; second> Miss Heath. Buttonhole bouquet

^r^kfchon^0 in groups of three)-First> Mrs- Cuthe11

tllp4r“eto°^ f°.r distinguishing at a glance the prizes won, introduced bj
the Hon. Sec., the Rev. Alan Cheales, is worth mentioning. A large star
f°r firSt P^e’ b-lue for f econd, red for third, was attached^to th<
caid announcing the winner. The number of visitors to the Show wai

very large, and the amount of gate-money sufficient to set even the
Treasurer’s mind at rest. — A. B. Alexander, Shedfield Vicarage.

CANTERBURY ROSE SHOW.

As usual, the old Cathedral City has opened the Rose Show season and
in a thoroughly successful manner. A fortnight ago its indefatigable Secre¬
tary wrote to me, l; I do not know where the Roses are to come from for
the 29ch to which my reply was, “ Have patience and you will find that
we shall have weather to bring them in in time and so, in truth, it has
occurred. We have had for some days past a hot blazing sun with cool
nights, weather which I look upon for Rose exhibitors, who take the trouble
of shading their flowers, as about the bsst weather they can have. There
is no wet, not even heavy dews to discolour the Roses. All light flowers are
the bitter for it, and dark ones, which when exposed suffer severely from the
hot sun, develops great richness of colour whan they are carefully shaded.
Canterbury, being an early place for Roses, felt the full benefit of the change,
and I am convinced that their Show held to-day was the best that the old city
has ever seen. Dark and light Roses were alike good, and the Teas were
especially clean and good. “ Roses must be small,” another friend said ; but
Roses were not small, and, indeed, in many cases if there were any com¬
plaint amongst them at all, it was that they were too large. There were
most certainly fewer indifferent blooms than I have seen in any exhibition
of its size. Notable, too, was the fact that some exhibitors who have exhibited
sparingly bsfore cam; out in strong force, and those who had never gained
a prize before showed boxes that would not have disgraced older exhibitors.
This must be encouraging to those who have so assiduously worked the
Society, and who have oftentimes despaired because it was not supported as
it ought to be in a place surrounded by so many who possess gardens and
take pleasure in them. Let us hope that the success of to-day may lead to
greater success in the future.

As this is especially an amateurs’ Society, it will be better to take their
classes first, reversing the ordinary rule, when the nurserymen have the
precedence.

In class 1, for eighteen varieties, one truss of each, Mr. W. H. Wakeley
of Rainham was first with one of the most even boxes of Roses I ever saw.
There was not one flower in it to which a point less than the highest could
be given ; they were all even and well-coloured, and consisted of Marquise
de Castellane, Marie Yan Houtte, Mirie Baumann, Jean Ducher, Thomas
Mills, Baroness Rothschild, a lovely bloom ; Innocente Pirola, Gloire de
Bourg la Reine, Captain Christy, Marechal Niel, Madame Caroline Kuster,
A. K. Williams, a grand bloom ; Hon. Edith Giffard, very lovely ; Charles
Lefebvre, Gabriel Luizet, Mrs. Baker, and Duchess of Yallombrosa. Mr.
R. E. West was second, and Mr. Warde of West Farleigh third. In class 2,
for twelve, Mr. Warde was first with a very good box of blooms, containing
Gabriel Luizet, Franpois Michelon, Marie Van Houtte, Star of Waltham,
Comtesse de Nadaillac, Duke of Teck, La France, Prince Arthur, Charles
Lefebvre, Duke of Edinburgh, and Marechal Niel. Mr. H. Foster of Ashford,
inventor of the new tube and support for Roses, was second, and the Rev.
H. B. Biron third. In class 3, for twelve Teas or Noisettes, the Rev. H. B.
Biron, of Lymprie Vicarage, was first with Belle Lyonnaise, Rubens, Marie
Yan Houtte, Madame Willermoz, Bouquet d’Or, Innocente Pirola, a mag¬
nificent bloom, which also gained the bronze medal for the best bloom in
the Show ; Souvenir d'un Ami, Marchioness of Conyngham, a Rosa raised at
Bifrons, near Canterbury, but so like Catherine Mermet as to be undis-
tinguishable from it, and Madame Cusin. When we consider the difficulties
under which Mr. Biron labours in gro wing Roses on a cliff this was a most
creditable exhibit. Mr. Warde was second, and Mr. W. H. Wakley third.
In class 4, for six trebles, Mr. Wakley was first with a beautiful set of blooms,
consisting of Prince3B of Wales, very beautiful; E'.ienne Levet, A. K.
Williams, Jean Ducher. Monsieur Noman. a very beautiful treble ; and Marie
Baumann. Mr. John Hollingworth of Turkey Court, Maidstone, was a good
second, and Mr. R. E. West third. In class 5, for twelve varieties, Mr.
Peckam of Harbledown Court, was first with B ironess Rothschild, A. K.
Williams, Marechal Niel, Pieir; Carot, Duke of Wellington, very fine;
Marie Rady, La France, Marie Baumann, Etienne Levet, Marquise de
Castellane, and Duke of Edinburgh. Mr. Cooper Wacher was second. In
class 6, for nine blooms, Mr. Packham was again first with Gabriel Luizet,
Etienne Levet, Marie Baumann, Charles Lefebvre, A. K. Williams, and
E. Y. Teas. In class 7, for six Teas or Noisettes, Mr. Etonley was first with
Madame Caroline Kuster, Marie Van Houtte, Catherine Mermet, Triomphe
de Rennes, Souvenir d’Elise, and Marechal Niel. The Rev. R. Buchanan of
Herne was second. In class 8, for three varieties, three trusses of each,
Miss Walters was first with Captain Christy, A. K. Williams, and La France.
Mr. Parker was second, and the Rev. R. Buchanan was third. In class 9,
Miss Hawksworth was first with one of the best boxe3 in the Show, con¬
sisting of Marie Van Houtte, A. K. Williams, a large and grand bloom ;
Catherine Mermet, very fine ; Innocente Pirola, and Charles Lefebvre. In
class 10, three varieties, three trusses of each, Miss Hawksworth was again
first with Comtesse de Nadaillac, La France, and Madame Bravy. In class 11,
for three Teas or Noisettes, Miss Hawksworth was first with Innocents Pirola,
Comtesse de Nadaillac, and Catherine Mermet. In class 12, for six varieties,
Mr. Darlington was first, Souvenir de Thdr&se Levet, La France, Duke of
Edinburgh, Captain Christy, Jule3 Finger, and Princess Mary of Cambridge.
In class 14, for six blooms of any one variety, Mr. Wakley was first with
fine blooms of Marechal Niel ; Canon Hodgson was second with Innocente
Pirola ; and Mr. W. Mount third with CuarleB Lefebvre.

In class 18 for thirty-six varieties, Mr. B. R. Cant of Colchester was first
with a box of good blooms, but not equal to his usual high standard, in fact he
and some others were showing at Liverpool to-day, and their best blooms
were probably there. They consisted of Madame Bravy, Marechal Niel, Inno¬
cente Pirola, Charles Lefebvre, Franpois Michelon, Etienne Levet, Gabriel
Luizet, Lady Mary Fitzwilliam, Countess of Rosebery, Souvenir d'Elise, Dr.
Andry, Yiolette Bouyer, Xavier Olibo, Comte de Paris, Constantin Tretiakoff,
Devoniensis, Comtesse d’Oxford, Madame Ducher, Annie Laxton, Souvenir de
Paul Neyron, Duke of Edinburgh, La France, Marie Baumann, Souvenir d’un
Ami, Camille de Rohan, Catherine Mermet, Marie Cointet, Marechal Niel,
Marquise de Castellane, Madame Curfu, Duehesse de Caylus, General
Jacqueminot, A. K. Williams, and Marie Van Houtte.

In class 29, for twelve Teas or Noisettes, Mr. Prince was first. Mr. Mount's
box contained Comtssse de Nadaillac, Niphetos, Marechal Niel, Madame

28

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER ,

[ July 8, 1886.

Cusin, Souvenir d’un Ami, Jean Ducher, Anna Ollivier, Perle des Jardins
La Boule d’Or, and tlie Hon. E. Gifford ; these were well worthy of the
reputation of the Oxford Roses. In class 19, for twenty- four varieties,
twelve Teas and twelve Hybrid Perpetuals, Mr. Prince and Mr. G. Mount
were equal first; the box of the former contained Marie Baumann, MaHame
Lambard, Marechal Niel, Jean D.icher, Niphetos, Catherine Mermet, Pride
of Waltham, Anna Ollivier, Baroness Rothschild, Rubens, Gabriel Luizet,
Grace Darling a love'y R s“, Etienne Levet, Madame Cusin, Caroline
Kuster, Perle des Jardins, Mrrie Cointet, Miss Hassard, Mons. Fnrtado,
Souvenir d’Elise, Marie Van Houtte, La Fiance, and Hon. Edith Gifford.
Mr. G. Mount’s was an excellent box, containing amongst others the
highest coloured bloom of Marechal Niel in the Show, a splendid Innocente
Pirola, ifec.

As usual at Canterbury the baskets and stands were large in number
and excellent in quality. For the best basket similar to tho^e used at the
National Rose Society’s shows Miss Carrie Hawksworth was first, and on
the stands Miss Welby took the prize with a very beautifully arranged tall
stand, and Miss Cooper Wacher was first for buttonholes. Mr. George Mount
exhibited a box of lovely blooms of Innocente Pirola, certainly a most
lovely Rose.

The room, although a good one, is not equal to that where the Show used
to be held, the Corn Exchange, and there was a deficiency of ventilation,
which told on the Roses. There was a good attendance, and all the arrange¬
ments were carried out with the utmost regularity. After the judging I
had a great treat in vis. ting Captain Lambert’s very pretty garden at
Stanmore in the Dover Road. He has a small rosery, and, what is a most
charming addition to it, a perfect Sweetbriar hedge entirely surrounding it,
about 3 feet high and 2 feet through, which, whether for appearance when
in flower or fragrance, is very delightful, and it was very pleasant to sit
under one of the tre s in bis garden and enjoy a chat about Roses with its
genial and courteous owner. — D., Deal.

FARNINGHAM ROSE SHOW.

In the most delightful of weather, bright sun, and a cool breeze the
annual gathering of Farningham and its neighbourhood took place on the
30th ult., in the old place besides the river Darenth and in front of the well-
known hotel of the Lion, known to and beloved by all fo lowers of the
gentle craft. It was delightful weather, I have said, but when one looked tound
on the fields languishing for wat r and Sti awberry fields with their d licious
fruit foreboding failure if rain did not come, one f- It that there are two sides
to all matters here ; but on the principle that one cannot have all things as
we wish, and that what is one m .n’s meat is another man’s poison, we were
thankful for the meal and hoped the poison might be somehow neutralised.

Farningham, although it makes the Exhibition a somewhat gtneral one,
yet m tkes the Rose the grand feature of the Show. The table decorations
and other floral ornamentations are always good here, and a small cottagers’
Show is held, while groups of plants and a few stove and greenhouse plants
are also contributed., but the Rose is the centre of attraction. The day itself
is Me day of the whole year; all the neighbourhood is interested and the
village, which at other times only beholds a stray angler or two, is now filled
with the carriages of the neighbouring gentry, and the whole place is in its
holiday attire.

The Show while a good one was not equal in extent to that at Canterbury,
nor to what it was last year. This was to be attributed in good measure to
the absence of one or two of the leading nurserymen who were too busy
elsewhere to send here, while both Mr. B. R. Cant and Mr. Prince exhibited
at Canterbury. M- ssrs. George Bunvard & Co., Maidstone, were the prin¬
cipal exhibitors in the nurserymen’s class of thirty-six, and i xbibited a very
good stand, consisting of Marguerite de St. Amand, Star of Waltham,
DuchesB of Vallombrosa. IJlrich Bmnner, Marie Rady, Alphonse Soupert, a
beautiful bloom ; Mdlle. Gtbtiel Luizet. Alfred Colomb, Comtesse de Serenv i,
Sultan of Zanzibar, Charles Leiebvie, Comtesse d’Oxford, Beauty of Reigate,
curious (but pretty?); Beauty of Waltham, DuchesBe Mathilde, Tea
(unknown to me); Senateur VaisBe, Madame Hippolyte Jamain, Prince
Camille de Rohan, Marbchal Niel, Richard Laxton, Eg-ria, Madame Charles
Wood, Captain Christy, Madame Ferdinand Jamain, Ferdinand de Lesseps,
Lady Mary Fitzwilbam. La France, Marie Baumann, Innocente Pirola, A. K.
Williams, Mons. E. Y. Teas, Prince Arthur, Barthelemy Joubert, a good Rose ;
Jean Ducher, Charles Darwin.

Mr. Longley of Rainbam was second, and Mr. Seale, Sevenoaks, third. In
class 2, for twelve Teas or Noisettes, Rev. F. A. Burnside was first with an
excellent box which he had brought all the way from the Cots * old Hills,
and I am sure many of his old friends (for he used to be the indefa'igable
Secretary of the Farningham Soci tv) were delighted to see him placed as
he was with such a fine Sturt. He had Anna Ollivier, Marbchal Niel,
Madame CuBin, Souvenir d’Elise, Jean Ducher, Rubens, La Boule d’Or,
Madame Bravy, Souvenir d’un Ami, Innocente Pirola, Jules Finger, and
Caroline Kuster. Messrs. Buny ird were second, and Mr. Langley third.

In the class for twenty-four there were some of the bes-t Roses in the
Show. The box by which Mr. Wakley of Rainham gained the first prize,
the bronze medal of N.R.S. for the best box in the piincipal divisions, and
the silver-gilt medal for the best box in the amateurs’ classes, was equ >1 to
that he showed at Canterbury, and being in a tent showed to greater advan¬
tage, the soft subdued light of the canvas being the most favourable for
Roses, and o«ing to the cool breeze tbe flowers did not go off so rap d y as
usual. Mr. Wakley ’s stand included Duchess of Bedford, Merveille de Lyon,
Marie Baumann, Capitame Christy, Jean Ducher, A. K. Williams, Caroline
Kuster, Marquise de Ca*tellane, Prncess of Wales, Gabriel Lu’zet, Marshal
Niel, Mons. Noman, Innocen'e Pirola, Duke of Edinburgh, Madame Hippo¬
lyte Jamain, Souvenir de ThAese Levet (a very dark red Tea), Hon. Edith
Gifford, La France, Countess of Rosebery, Laurette (a pretty Tea, not
generally grown), Alfred Colomb, Violette Bouyer, and Marie Van Houtte.
Mr. R. E. West of Reigate was second with an excellent stand, and E <rl
Stanhope third. In class 4, for twelve vari. ties, strange to say, only one
stand, and that only worthy a second prize, was entered. In class for
nine Teas there were some stands of beautiful flowers, Eatl Stanhope
obtaining the first prize with good and ire h blooms of Souvenir ri’Elise,
Marbihil Niel, Madame Bravy, Madame Bbrard, Anna Ollivier, Madame.
Willertuoz, Jean Ducher, Princ ss of Wales, F ancsca Kruger. Rev. F.
Burnside was second, and Mr. John Hollingworth and Mr. W. H. Wakley

equal third. In class G, for six of any one variety, dark, Mr. F. Burnaby
Atkins was first wiih excellent blooms of A. IC. Williams, though small ;
Mr. Wakley second with Alfred Colomb ; and Earl Stanbope third with
Charles Lefebvre. In class 7, for six of any light Rose, Mr. J. M. Fuller was
first with clean and good blooms of Captain Christy ; Mr. F. Burnaby
A'kins second with Gabriel Luizet, and Mr. W. H. Wakley third with
Gabriel Luizet. In the local clashes there were some excellent bloom3
staged. Dr. Ashurst was first in class 8 for eighteen varieties with Mrs.
Baker, Madame Sophie Tropot, Souvenir de Spa, Baroness Rothschild,
Duchess of Vallombrosa, Reynolds Hole, Jean Ducher, A. K. Williams,
Marie Cointtt, Marie Baumann, La Fiance, Charles Lefebvie, Madame
Thbrese Levet, Violette Bouyer, La Rosiere, Senateur Vaiese (a remarkably
bright bloom), and Annie Laxton. In class 9, for twelve varieties, Mr.
J. W. Fuller was first with clean and bright blooms of Marie Finger,
Xavier Olibo, Captain Christy, Henri Schultheis, Prince Arthur, Violette
Bouyer, Horace Vernet, Merveille de Lyon, Marquise de Castellane, Charles
Lefc-bvre, Gab'iel Luizet, and Mrs. Baker. In class 10, for nine varieties.
James Dalton, Esq., was fi st with Barthelemy Joubert, Mrs. James Dickson,
Due d’Ossuna, Gloire d- Bourg la Reine (very bright), Thomas Mills, Mer¬
veille de Lyon, Magna Charta, Duke of Edinburgh, and Franqois Michelon,
In class 11. for six varieties, Mr. C. E. Rashleigh was first with Homere,
Henri Ledechaux, Duke of Wellington, Franqois Mi’helon, Duche-se de
Vallombrosa, and Gloire de Dijon. Mr. H. Waring was second. In
class 12 for six Teas and Noisettes, Mr. A. Walker was first with Madame
Bravy, Madame Margottin, Souvenir d’un Ami, Catherine Mermet, Madame
Hippolyte Jamain, and Marie Van Houtte.

Farningham has always been distinguished for its table decorations, &c.,
and has had in its neighbourhood one of the most successful of decoiators
in the person of Mrs. Seale of Sevenoaks, and on this occasion Miss Dalton
exhibit d thr. e vases which were in admirable taste, the chief suqeets used
being the three varieties of the Iceland Poppy, white, yellow, and orange with
blue Cornbottles. The first prize for a table Bet out for dinner was awarded
to Mrs. Sydney Spalding for a very beautiful arrangement of yellow flowers.
Although the vases we e somewhat high for present taste the side decorations
were of the new-fashioned rough glass, with night lights in them surrounded
by foliage. The taste seems to he more than questionable. Amongst the
other prizetskers in these decorative classes were Mrs. S ale, Miss Hodsoll,
and Miss Moggenden,ikc.,and altogether the combined efforts of Secretaries,
Committee, and exhibitors a very successful Show was held. — D., Deal.

REIGATE.— July 1st.

This Show was held on July 1st in the beautiful grounds of A. J. Water-
low, Esq., who was unhappily incapacitated by severe sickness from being
present. HiB Roses as shown by Mr. Brown met with their usual success.
The Show was small but very excellent in quality, the competition in the
Tea classes being especially good. As stated in the Society ’s last report,
“It having being found that competition is most keen amongst the smaller
growers the schedule had been enlarged, the number of prizes inct eased, and
also a few of the open classes abolished.” Tbe active Secretary, Mr. F. C.
Pawle, is to be congrat.ulat d on the success of the change.

The Judges were Mr. Geo. Paul, Mr. Francis, and Rev. A. Cheales for
the larger classes and decorations; and Mr. John Pawle and Mr. Sargent for
the smaller. At the conclusion of the judging the Judges, Committee, and
other friends were hospitably entertained at Woodhatch, by T. B. Haywood.
Esq., President of the Association, who also afterwards inspected his
Orchids and magnificent collection of Rose plants. Subjoined is a list of
the principal prizetakers : —

Class 1, thirty-six varieties. — First, Mr. T. B. Haywood; second, Mr. A. J.
Waterlow. Class 2, twenty-four varieti- 8. — First, Mr. T. B. Haywood,
second, Mr. F. C. Pawle. Class 4, eight varieties, three trusses of each. — First,
Mr. A. J. Waterlow ; second, Mr. T. B. Haywood. Class 5, • ighteen Teas or
Noisettes. — First, Mr. A. J. Waterlow ; second, Mr. T B. Haywood ; cum¬
in nded, Mr. T. W. Girdlestone. Class 6, twelve Teas or Noisettes —
First, Mr. F. C. Pawle. Class 7, twelve varieties, N.R.S. goli medal —
First, Mr. W. H. Trego ; second, MiBS Baker ; commended, Mr. A. Slaughter.
Class 8, nine varieties, N.R.S. silver medal. — First, Mr. E. B. Lindsell ;
second, Rev. A. Cheales ; commended, Mr. E. Horne. Class 9, six varieties.
— First, Mrs. Langton ; second, Mib. Ponsford ; commended, Mr. C. E.
Cuthell. Cla-s 10, six varieties, thre- trusses of each. — First, Rev. A. Cheales;
second, Mr. R. E. West; comm nded, Miss Baker. Class 11, nine any one
kind. — First, Mr. W H. Trego ; second, Mr. E. Horne ; commeud d, Mr. A.
Slaughter. Class 12, nine Teas or NoisetteB. — First, Mr. E Horne ; equal
second, Mr. E. M. Bethune, Mr. W. H. Trego ; commended, Rev. A. Cheales,
Mr. C. E. Cuthell, Miss Baker. Class 13, six Teas or Noisettes. — Fir t, Mr.
W. D. Freshfield ; second. Mr. A. Slaught- r; commended, Mr. F. C Pawle,
Rev. A. Cheales. Class 14, table decoration for six persons, cms'siing of
any kind of flowers and foliage, fruit may be added. — First, Miss F. Steele ;
second, Miss G. Waterlow. Class i 5, device, consisting of Roses, with Ferns
or other foliage. — First, Mrs. Harding ; s< cond, Miss G. W atei low. Class 16,
device, consisting of any kind of flowers and foliage. — First, Miss F. Steele ;
second, Miss G. Wate low. C ass 17, bouquet for buttonhole, consisting of
one or more Roses or Ro-ebuds combintd with foliage or other flowers. —
First, Mrs. Harding ; second, Mrs. Langton.

REINVVARDTJ A TETEAGYNE.

Though not claiming to be a novelty in the strict seDse of the term
this plant has so long disappeared from cultivation that its re-introduction
is especially welcome. It resembles the well-known Linum trigynum ,
but differs from that useful plant in the darker yelliw colour of the
flowers, which are produced in terminal and axillary racemes. Tbe in¬
dividual flowers do not last very long, but to compensate for that they
are produced in succession during several weeks at a time when they are
most valued — nam.-ly, in the winter, and that fact alone will be a strong
recommendation to many gardeners who have to provide fl> ml displays
in the dull period of the year. Like the Ltnuat, it succeeds in a stove

July 8, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

29

temperature or in a warm conservatory, growing and fl iwering freely in
any good loamy soil and requiring very little special attention.

Reinwardtia tetragyne is a native of Nepal and Sylhet, and was known
some years ago under the name of Linutn tetragynum, by which it is de¬
scribed in the “ Botanical Register ” by Lindley in the matter accom¬
panying a plate [t. 1326, vol. 16] representing Linum mexicanum. L.
trigynum, and L. repens, also East Indian species, are referred to as
distinct from other Linums in their shrubby stems and characters of the
leaves and capsules, and Lindley remarks that “ they might form a good
section, though there do not appear to be characters sufficient to dis¬
tinguish them as a genus.” Since then, however, a different opinion has
obtained favour, and the species illustrated in the woodcut, fig. 5, page 26,
(kindly lent by Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, by whom the plant has
been brought into notice) is now referred to the genus Reinwardtia.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

THE LIVERPOOL SHOW.

The weather continued exceptionally fine the whole time this Show was
held, and it is satisfactory to be able to record a substantial horticultural
success as far as the Exhibition itself is cone rned, though unfortunately
the attendance was not so good as had been expected.

Wednesday was a busy day with the Council and officials, for in the
morning the Fruit and Floral Committees assembled and several certificates
were awarded. Che Orchid conference was also held at about 11 A.M., Sir
Trevor Laurence, Bart., M.P., in the chair, but although there was some dis¬
cussion and several proposals were made, nothing was determined, and
the subject generally is reserved for further consideration. In the evening a
dinner was held in the Liverpool International Exhibition, at which the
Hon. and Rev. J. T. Boscawen presided, the following gentlemen with many
others being present : — Sir David Radcliffe (Mayor of Liverpool), Major
Mason, Dr. Robert Hogg, and Messrs. W. Lee, Gaskell, W. Haughton,
Holbrook, Richardson, J. Yan Yolxem, E. Pynaert. and C. Yan Gerrt.

Committees — The chief exhibit before tbe Fruit Committee was a
number of seedling Me'ons, none of which was, however, found to be
sufficiently distinct to merit special awards. Mr. J. Muir, Margam Park
Gardens, showed fruits of a new Tomato, a seedling obtained by crossing
Dedham F ivourite with Trophy, the fruits very even, of good size, and
excellent colour. The variety was commended. A first-class certificate
was awarded to Mr. T. Laxton, Bedford, for Strawberry Noble, a very
handsome conical fruit of great size and good flavour but somewhat
soft.

Messrs. James Carter & Co. offered prizes for the best fifty pods each of
tbe following Peas Telephone, Stratagem, Pride of the Market, and
Telegraph. Tbe awards in this class (130) owing to th- Judges confounding
the four di-lies put up in competition for tbe above prizes with those that
were stag-d fur the Societs ’s prize for three dishes, were not madeuutil the
■second day of tli ■ Show, when Mr. H. W. Ward, Longford Castle (who also
took the Society’s prize for the three dishes), was accorded first prize

Tbe Floral Committee awarded first-cl iss certificates for the following
plants, most of which have been previouslr described : — To Messts. J. Veitch
and Sons. Che’sea, for Gymnograuima sehizophvl'a gloriosa. Philodendron
grandidens, Nephol-pia rufescens tripinnata, Pteris tr- mula foiiosa. Rhodo¬
dendron Aurora, and Protea eynaroides (botanical certificate). To W. and J.
Birkenh-ad for Nephrodium Sangwelli, Lastrea montana coronans,
Adiantum digitatum (to be seen again). To M-ssrs. K lway & Son, Lang-
port, Some set, for Gaillardia Ormonde. To Messrs. R. P. Ker & Sons,
Aigburth, Liverpool, for Crotons Newmanni and Aigburthensis. To Mr.
B. S. Williams, Upper Holloway, for Araucaria excelsa Vervaetiana. To
Messrs. Backhouse & Son, York, for Polypodium vulgare trichomanoides,
Asplenium mirinum plumosnm, Chrysanthemum leucanthemum Puy de
Dome, Hymenophv limn pectinatum, and Trichomanes meifolium. To
Messrs. H Cannell & Sons Swanley, for Lobelia King of the Blues, a very
pretty variety dark blue with a white eye.

IMPLEMENTS.

In addition to the exhibits we noted in our report last week, the follow-
_ng rec ived special awards in the several classes : —

Hot- wat eh Heating. — In the class for hot-water piping, modes of
fixing and fitting tbe same, valves, &c., M-ssrs. Foster & Pearson were
deservedly awarded the Society’s silver medal. The valves were p ir-
ticularly good, and varied in size frou 6 to 2 inch. The throttle valves
are specially worthy of notice, fo.- they -re so made that th y can be taken
out and cleaned or renewed as occ t-ion may requite. This is a great
advantage over the old valve, and m y lead to this f rm of valve being
more generally used. The method o fixing the joints of piping by this
firm is also worthy of special note, and which allows of a pipe being re¬
moved at any time by loosening the next, pine. The joint is particularly
neat, but need not be fu'ly detailed, for only a short time ego it was figured
and describ din these pager. Messrs. Mess< nger it Co.. Loughborough, we e
awarded the bronze medal in this class for their valves, which were pur
ticularlv good, especially the H valve. M ssrs. W. Rich trdson & Co , Darling¬
ton, showed capital valves in this class. Tne same may be said in favour of
those of Mr. James Gray, Che sea, London. M-s-rs. F. <fe C. Mee, Woo-'
Street, Liverpool, Messrs. B. Harlow, Ma-clesfield, also had examples of a good
joint fitted with h-mp and patent putty and indiarubber rings, and then
bolted together. Tbe socket had a small groove, into which the ring was
pressed, and thug fear of leaking was prevented.

Improvements in Glazing. — In the class provided fo- improvements
in glazing, several competitors entered for th- silv- r and bronze medals
offered. Messrs. Foster & Pearson’s examples wereof theoldsystem of putty
glazing which has been generally adopted. Mr. S. Deard, Harlow, showed
examples of his Victoria dry glazing, in which are employed brass screws
and strips of copper or zinc, with a groove down the centre for the glass,

and which forms on each side of the zinc or copper used a letter C. The
screws prevent the glass slipping, in fact this is impossible with the clip of
zinc atthebise. This is a good easy lasting sys'em of glazing, and the
Judges awarded Mr. Deard the silver medal. The bronze medal was
adjudged to Hunt’s pitent automat e ventilator, which is worked by air,
and can be so arranged that a rise or fall in the temperature will open or
close the lights. Messrs. Halliday & Co. showed examples of dry lead
glaz-ng, which was praiseworthy, also their syst- m of imperishable glazing
with putty, and a lead cup to protect it from the action of the weather.
This is undoubted'y an improvement of the old lead system. A system of
dry glazing with hollow bars and cups grooved to prevent drip was shown,
and the pitent diagonal dry glazing was on view, but did not meet with
much approval. Messrs. W. Richardson & Co., Darlington, displayed their
sv8tem of glazing wall cases for tbe protection of fruit trees, in which the
glass can be removed from the top without the use of a tool ; their system of
glazing vineries and other structures is also very commendable. The bars
are grooved, an i the lower portion of the bar being wider than the top,
which allows of the glass being put in and out without breaking the wood.
The glass rests upon putty, and a groove above is fi'led with the same
material, and thus protected from the weather. Messrs. Messenger <Si Co.
displayed examples of a large form of the old system of lead and putty
glazing.

Boilers. — In the class for boilers capable of heating 501 feet of 4-inch
piping no awards were made, the Judges seeing nothing sufficiently distinct
or worthy except the well-known forms, which were in nearly the whole of
the collections staged on the Exhibition ground. For boilers capable of
heating 2000 fes-t of piping th° great-st diffiml-y was experienced in making
the awa ds, as there were boilers of equal merit The silver medal was, how¬
ever, awarded to Messrs. Bonnet Brothers, Liverpool, for a terminal end
sadd'e (i very cheap one for its size) and their co lection of boilers.

Mr Joseph Bramham. 104, Da'e Street, Liverpool, exhibited his improved
saddle boiler with waterway back, a very powerful boiler with a large
direct heating surface, and which is known in the neighbourhood of Liver¬
pool to be one of the moBt powerful boilers in the mirket. There was no
class in which his large “ Atlerton Priory boiler ” could be entered, for it is
capable of heating 5000 feet of piping and upwards. This is a fined
saddle with waterway back and cap in front instead of brick arch,
and is a very powerful boiler. The patent liner front was attached
to this bo’ler and was without exception the best front in the Exhi¬
bition. Mr. Bramham may well claim credit for having perhaps the
best front in the mirket for his well-known large boiler. Messrs. F. & C.
M-e displayed a large collection of boilers of various shapes, which
included his combination saddle boiler witli hot-water bars. This boiler is
the ordinary saddle wi’h waterway back, with a sinnll- r saddle arranged on
tbe top and a half-saddle on each side. Messrs. Weeks & Co. had on view
two of their wo-ld-famed large tubular boilers ; Messrs. Halliday & Co.,
Trentham, the climax and other forms of boilers; Messrs. Foster ik Pearson,
Mes-rs. T. Green & Sons, Smithfield, Leeds, Messrs. B. Harlow, Mr. J. G.
Wagsr.aff, Dukinfi-ld, also staged large exhibits of boilers.

Mowing Machines. — Cla?B 9 was for horse mowing machines to cut
not less than 30 inches. The Chad born and Cnldwelt Manufacturing Com¬
pany 223, Upper Thames Street, London, E.C. (menager, Mr, Th:mas
Clarke), exhibited their patent “ Escels or” horse mowing machine, which
cuts and collects the grass, and can be fitted with shafts, seat, and castors
if desired. This machine was tested, and proved to be very powerful and
satisfacto y in action on both short and long grass ; it. is readily thrown in
or out cf gear bv a mechanism at the side, and the addition of rollers behind
the cutter enables the machine to travel s ifely when not in action. The
silver me lal was awarded to the firm for this machine. The same exhi¬
bitors obtain-'d an award of equal importance in the haud mower class for
their pst-nt Excelsior hand-power lawn mowers, which are constructed in
various sizes, ad being light, clean, and efficient in work, and fitted with
sev, ral improvements. A silver meial was adjudged to Messrs. Barford
and Perkins, Pete borough for the tl Godiva ” lawn mower, a chain machine,
silent in action, quick and clean in cutting, and very light.

Garden Pottery. — Then was an extensive display of pottery, edging
tiles, window boxes, &c., Mr. J. Matthews, Weston-super-Mare, having a
particularly la rg • and handsome collection. His red terra cotta vases in
vaious sizes were greatly admired, th- ordinary w-ll-known pots, Straw¬
berry tiles, ornamented window boxes, die., constituting an important exhi¬
bit well worth tne silver medal awarded. Mr J. Crufce, 14, Knightrider
Street, Hindoo, E.C., also gained a silver medal for specimens of concave-
bottomed pots, vases, flower-boxes, &c., executed in a brown earthenware.

Garden Tools. — A bronze medal was awarded to Messrs. W. Glass
and Co., 54. Victoria Street, Liverpool, for a good representative collection of
spades, rakes, hoes, bamws, and miscellaneous implements employed in
gardens, all distinguished by strength and good finish. A patent turf-
lifting michiue from Mr. F. T. Drummond. Co on, Bridgenorth, Salop, was
also commended. This ingenious machine was illus'rited and fully de¬
scribed in this Journal, page 31, July 9th 1885. Dr. H. Swete, Baskerville
House, Worcester, showed a “ patent handy bedding and potting barrow,”
which is constructed with a moveable tray over the ordinary barrow, and
which can be used as a potting bench, or fo conveying plants in pots to or
from the houses. The Judges award d it a commendation.

Gard-n cutlery was well shown by the Standard Manufacturing Com¬
pany, St and Arcade, Derby, who was awarded the bronze medal in that
c ass for a varied exhibit of tree pruners, fruit-githerers, pruning hooks, saws,
hooks, and mis -ellaneous instruments of a similar kind admirably adapted
for their particular purposes.

Wirework constituted an important portion of the implement exhibition,
especially the collection from Mr. W. J. Bi'imham, 104. Dale Street, Liver¬
pool (silver medal), in which were nun rous elegant Ros.-ries, Rose temples,
arbours, archways, and flower-stands very tastefu ly designed. The bronze
m -dal was secured by Me-srs. Brookes & Co , 4. C iteaton Street, Manchester,
for tium rous handsome wire arches and flower stands.

Girde i s-ats were adini ably exhbi el by Mr. H. Cm tar, Knutsford,
Cheshire, who obtained the sil ve medal for some handso ne rustic chairs and
summ-rhous s. Messrs. Wivncli ifc Sons, Ipswich, were awarded the bronze
medal also for a number of w.-l -constructed chiirs and g-rden seats in
various designs, and wi.h some ingeuiously contrived methods of shading.

30

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 8> 1888.

For an extensive series of meteorological instruments, Messrs. Joseph
Davis & Co., Fitzroy Works, G, Kennington Park Road, London, were
awarded a silver medal. Their examples of barometers, thermometers,
hygrometers, and many other instruments were excellent.

Garden engines, syringes, and rollers were well represented, Messrs.
Barford & Perkins, Peterborough, being adjudged a bronze medal for their
water ballast rollers, which are construct d at weights varying from 2 cwt.
up to 2 tons. A patent syringe for watering plants on shelves, from
Messrs. J. Crispin & Sons, 58, Milk Street, Bristol, was commended. Tubes
curved at the end and of various lengths are employed for screwing on in
the place of the ordinary roses, so that the water can be forced up to plants
out of reach of the watering can.

In the decorations for conservatories class, Messrs. R. Halliday ifc Co.,
Middleton Works, Manchester, were awarded the bronze medal for samples
of decorative glazing and ornamental flooring tiles. Messrs. W. Glassey and
Co., J. Crute, and J. Matthews also contributed in this class. Gaden
tents and blinds were shown by Mr. J. Unite, 291 and 293, Edgware Road,
in his usual style (silver medal). Similar exhibits from Messrs. W. Richard¬
son & Co., Darlington, being commended. Mr. John Pinches, 27, Oxenden
Street, London, S.W., had samples of his excellent and well-known metal
labels, which were commended.

In the miscellaneous class the exhibits were very numerous and interest¬
ing. Mr. F. S. Trueman, Edgeley, Stockport, obtained a bronze medal for a
collection of ornamental rockery stone, tufa, gravels, &c. A similar award
was made to Messrs. Bennett Brothers, St. Thomas Buildings, Liverpool,
for garden seats, implements, wirework, and other exhibits. Commenda¬
tions were accorded to Mr. P. B. Harkin, 22, Dutton Street, Liverpool, for
teak wood tubs, for plants, and teak for Orchid baskets ; to Mr. S. W.
Wood, 34, Moorfields, Liverpool, for fancy stationery goods : to the Horti¬
cultural and Agricultural Chemical Company, Tonbridge, Kent, for samples
of a new insecticide and a syringing stand ; to Messrs. W. Richardson and
Co., Darlington, for glazed wall protectors, models of conservatories, boilers,
&c. ; to Mr. G. Bloxham, gardener to Sir Philip Dunscombe, Bart., Brickhill
Manor, Bletchley, for a new fumigator well adapted for small houses ; to
Messrs. Blake & Mackenzie, School Lane, Liverpool, for postal flower and
plant boxe=, and samples of general horticultural printing. Amongst other
exhibits of note were the “ unique ” folding postal boxes, from Mr. T. P.
Bethell, 64, Stanley Street, Liverpool ; capital samples of Orchid peat from
Mr. H. G. Smyth, 21, Goldsmith Street, Drury Lane ; specimens of the fish
potash manure, from Messrs. J. Jensen & Co., 10, St. Helen’s Place, London,
E.C. ; and a new and efficient beetle trap from Messrs. W. & J. Birkenhead,
Sale, which has been found very useful.

THE BOILER CONTEST.

After an exhaustive trial of nine boilers for about eighteen hours, the
temperature being periodically recorded and the quantity of fuel consumed
accurately determined in each case, the prices of the boilers being also taken
into account, the Judges unanimously decided to grant the silvtr medal
to Messrs. F. & C. Mee, Wood Street, Liverpool, for their terminal saddle
boiler with waterway bars, in Class 1, for heating 2000 feet of 4 inch piping.
For heating 1000 feet of 4-inch piping the silver medal was awarded to Mr.
Deards, Harlow, Essex, for his excellent spiral coil boiler; and the bronze
medal to Mr. Witherspoon, Chester-le-Street, Durham, for his quick-acting
Red Rose boiler. In the class for boilers heating 500 feet of piping the
silver medal was awarded to Mr. Deards for a smaller form of the “spiral,”
bronze medals being granted to Mr. Wagstaffe, Dukinfield, for his tubular
saddle boiler, and to Mr. Wood, Eastville, Bristol, for his horizontal
tubular boiler. Further particulars will no doubt be given of these boilers,
and of the trials to which they were subjected, in the “report” that we
presume will be prepared by the J udges.

HORTICULTURAL AND BOTANICAL LITERATURE AND ART.

The section of the Exhibition devoted to literature was not a very full
one, the contributions in the five classes being confined to few exhibitors.
Concerning this the Judges reported to the Council as follows : —

“We have to report that the responses to the invitation for the exhibi¬
tion of specimens of the literature of gardening at the Society’s Provincial
Show at Liverpool are less in number and importance than might have been
expected. This is probably due in a large degree to the want of knowledge
among those who could have made a good display of horticultural literature,
and so have more fully carried out the objects of the Council. These
objects are so excellent and important that we venture to suggest that before
another provincial show be held detailed information be published in the
horticultural journals, and further that the aid of amateurs be enlisted to
make and exhibit collections of gardening books of present interest or of
historical value. It would probably be a great help in this direction if the
Council could secure the assistance of some competent authority to draw up
a list of desirable works and to deal otherwise with the bibliography of
horticultural literature. As many of the most important and valuab'e books
are in public or town libraries, it would be possible, no doubt, to make
arrang’ments with the authorities of such towns wherein future exhibitions
are held to allow the exhibition of such works as they possess. We have
made no award in Section A 'except in two cases, viz., ‘ high commenda¬
tion ’ to the chromo-lithographer or printer of the Orchid plates illus¬
trating * Rsichenbachia ’ on account of their merit as colour printing ; and
2, a similar award to M. E. Pynaert for the illustrations to the 1 Revue
de l’Horticulture Beige ’ and the ‘Bul’etin d’Arboriculture.’ We could find
no common ground for comparison between the other exhibits in this
section.”

The section for botanical and decorative art was alluded to last week,
but the following are also worth notice. A silver-gilt medal was awarded
to Mrs. H. Turner, Langley, Slough, for a vase upon which was painted a
beautiful wreath of Clematis. A silver Banksian medal was also awarded
to Mrs. L. Petitgean, Great Crosby, for plaques representin? Roses, Clema¬
tises, &c. A bronze Banksian medal was adjudged to Miss C. Goffey for a
plaque representing Strawberries in flower and fruit. Other exhibitors were
Mr. B. Gilbert Dyke Bourne, Lincolnshire, who showed a painting of a
double scarlet Anemone ; Mr. A. Foord Hughes, Wallington, who had some
beautiful water colour paintings of Orchids ; Mr. J. Udale, E'ford Hall
Gardens, Tamworth, water colour paintings of Orchids and Cacti, very

faithful representations; Miss Buchanan, oil painting of 'Pansies, and
I inting of Passion Flowers on terra cotta; Mies Barron, Borrowash, panels
oi Richardias ; R. G. Brook, Esq., St. Helen’s, photographs of Orchids ; Mrs’.
K. B. Cussons, Southport, photographs of Orchids, paintings of Roses, and
large plaques of Roses.

RICHMOND SHOW. — July 7th.

This Show was held as usual in the Old Deer Park, three marqueej
being there erected for the exhibits. Large as was the covered space
provided, however, it was not too much, for the classes were numerous
and competition was keen. Specimen plants and groups were, of course,
a prominent feature, and fruit, vegetables, Roses, and table decorations
were conspicuous in quantity and quality. Altogether the Show was an
excellent one, admirably conducted.

The following is a brief list of awards in the principal classes ; all
could not be given : — Stove and greenhouse plants and groups filled ths
largest marquee most effectively, many handsome specimens and attrac¬
tive groups being arranged. The first prize in the open classes for a
group of plants fell to Messrs. Hooper & Sons, Twickenham, for a beautiful
arrangement; Mr. Brown, St. Mary’s Grove Nursery, being second, and
Mr. James, Castle Nursery, Lower Norwood, third. Messrs. J. Jackson and
Son, Kingston-on-Thames, were first for nine stove and greenhouse plants,
showing very fine spee mens, and Mr. James second. Mr. F. J. Hill, gardener
to H. Little, Esq., The Barons, Twickenham, was the only exhibitor of six
Pelargoniums and received first prize. Messrs. Jackson & Son were again
to the fore in the class for six Orchids, showing nice pieces. Messrs. Hill and
James were second and third. The other chief prizewinners for plants were —
Exotic Ferns, E. D. Paul, Esq., Cambridge House ; Fuchsias, Mrs. Welsh,
Westcroft, Kingston; Zonal Pelargoniums, Mrs. Flack, Twickenham; and
fine-foliage plants, Messrs, Hooper & Co. Some good plants were shown in
the closed classes, and effective miscellaneous groups were arranged by
Messrs. Laing & Co., Forest Hill ; C. Lee <fc Son, Hammersmith ; J. Veitch
and Sons, Chelsea, and J. Jackson & Son.

Fruit was fairly well shown, Mr. H. Cakebread, gardener to Sir P. F.
Rose, Bart., Rayners, Penn, Bucks, was first in the open class for six dishes,
showing Foster’s Seedling Grapes well, Black Himburgh fairly well, Peaches,
Nectarines, Figs, and a Melon ; Mrs. Meek, Poulett Lodge, Twickenham,
being second ; and Mr. J. Osman, gardener to L. J. Baker, Esq., Chertsey,
third. For black Grapes the latter showed Black Hamburgh well and won,
Mr. Cakebread being second, and the awards were the same in the class for
whites; Buckland Sweetwater, excellent bunches, being first. Mr. Coombs,
Sheen House Gardens, Mortlake, was first in the closed class for black
Grapes; Mrs. Meek (Mr. Bates, gardener) being second; and Mr. J. W.
Campin, gardener to T. Cave, Esq., Queensberry House, third. Messrs. Bates,
Coombs, and Campin took the prizes tor white Grapes. Other prizes for
fruit were won by the exhibitors named and Messrs. Lamb, gardener to
R. W. Starkey. Esq., Ham ; E.Lxke, gardener to Captain Boycott, Twicken¬
ham ; W. Croker, gardener to W. Regester, Esq., Isle worth; and W. A.
Older, Esq.

Vegetables were fairly good. In the open class for twelve dishes Mr.
C. J. Waite, gardener to Col. the Hon. W. P. Talbot, Esher, was first, Mr. J.
Coombs second, and Mr. H. E. Lambert third. Classes for local exhibitors,
and cottagers were also provided.

A few classes were provided for Roses in the open section, Messrs. Paul
and Son, Old Nurseries, Cheshunt, taking first prize for thirty-six triplets-
with fresh blooms, no other entrants ; and precisely the same remarks
apply to the class for twenty-four singles. First, second and third prizes in the
amateurs’ classes for twenty-four blooms were won respectively by Messrs.
Warwick, gardener to J. P. Kitchen, Esq., Hampton; R. E. West, Reigate;
and Fanning, gardener to W. Clarke, Esq., Roehampton. Messrs. West and
Warwick were first and second for twelve blooms ; W. Truefitt, Esq.,
Teddington (Mr. Lambert, gardener), was third. The Roses and table de¬
corations occupied one tent, and it was not the least admired, the arrange¬
ment of cut flowers in epergnes, baskets, on tables, <fcc., being most attrac¬
tive.

Stagnant Water for Trees and Plants.— I shall be glad to
ask through the medium of the Journal of Horticulture how gardeners
tied their fruit trees and plants succeed when the supply of water they
obtain is stagnant? Our main supply is from a stagnant pond, and I find
plants or fruit trees watered with it when they have been in the same
pots or borders a few months make very few roots and unsatisfactory
growth. — W. J.

WORKfo^heWEEiO:

HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

Figs. — Good work may now be done for the fruit crop of next year
by pinching the young growth to induce a free growth of sub-laterals,
every one of which may afford some fruit. By this simple method we are
able to obtain very abundant crops, and a gltnce at the way in which the
fruit grows shows why we can do so. The fiuit comes from the upper
joints of the shoots, and therefore we see that wiih'n reasonable limits the
quantity of fruit is very much in proportion to the numbe* of shoots.

Thinning Fruit. — Pears, Apples, Peaches, Nectarines, and Apricots all
require careful attent'on to the timely thinn'ng of fruit if we would

July 8, 1888. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

31

have it really fine. Such thinning is of course only meant for the crop on
trees, keep under close pruning, and so trained as to be comparatively
dwarf tree’. It is precisely on such trees that we ought to see fruit in full
perfection of size, form, and colour, because they are so easily of manipu¬
lation. The branches are either short and stout or are made secure to
supports, so that there is little if auy risk of the fruit being shaken off
by wind.

Watering. — The weather is our best guide in watering fruit trees. If
we would have a full flow of sap we must at least water freely once a
week, and this supply of liquid food comes best to our hand in the form of
house sewage. Everyone having a fruit garden near a house can com¬
mand a daily supply of it, and a li'tle watchfulness and care will soon
enable you to see how much is necessary. If the soil is porous and well
drained there need be no fear of overdoing it while the fruit is swelling.
Do not forget that moisture evaporates quickly from the soil in summer,
and that to wait till it becomes dry and hard before watering is to run
much risk of seriously checking the growth. When sewage cannot be
had some plan or other will suggest itself for making liquid manure.
We once found ourselves without sewage and without means of obtaining
artificial manure; but necessity taught us to make a hole sufficiently
large enough for our purpose in the soil itself. The bottom and sides were
sufficiently puddled, plenty of sheep dung obtained from an adjacent
pasture was thrown into it ; it was then filled with water, and we had a
liquid manure which, to judge from its effect upon the trees, could not
well be surpassed. We used it to such good purp se through ut a hot
dry summer that it always comes to mind when we hear complaints of a
•want of means to overcome difficulties. “ Where there’s a will there’s a
way.”

Strawberries. — The fruit is swelling fast, and means must be found
to cover the soil so as to keep the fruit clean. A little clean litter is
all that is required for an ordinary crop ; but where fine fruit of
such sorts as Dr. Hogg, Cockscomb, or Marguerite are grown we prefer
wire supports with some litter over the soil to prevent splashing from
heavy rain. Large fruit lying upon straw or litter soon spoils in a wet
summer — become either musty or rotten and unfit for use. Pay close
attention to time of ripening of each sort, and see if it is possible to
improve your selection in any way. By having Black Prince upon a
eunny bank, and Loxford Hall Seedling upon a north border as well as
out rn the full sunshine, with such intermediate sorts as Keens’ Seedling,
Sir Joseph Paxton, Lucas, James Yeitch and Helena Gloede, you may
•extend the season by some weeks.

Baspberries. — Seduce the number of suckers by judicious thinning
to at ut as many as will be wanted for fruit-bearing next year. Do not
be satisfied with either a small crop or small fruit. Raspberries require
very rich well-drained soil, with plenty of sewage during the growing
season.

FRUIT FORCING.

Late Grapes. — Examine these without delay for the final thinning,
giving the berries ample room for swelling, which should he such that air
can pass through the bunches and admit of a ready scrutiny for decayed
berries. Keep the Vines free from all gross laterals, not allowing them to
make strong entangled growth and have to remove it in great quantity.
It only gives a check to the roots, and is one of the chief causes of shank¬
ing. Afford copious supplies of water or liquid manure, and mulch with
light open material.

Young f ines. — Afford water liberally at the roots, mulching and
keeping it moist so as to encourage surface roots, maintaining a moist
atmosphere by frequent sprinklings of available surface, and syringe the
Vines on fine afternoons, closing early to attain a heat of 90° or 95°.

^ entilate early and freely through the early part of the day to insure a
short-jointed thoroughly solidified growth, and allow the laterals above
the wo«d the Vines are to be cut back to, to ramble at will. Do not allow
any interference with the principal leaves that feed the buds at their
base expected to fruit next. season. They must have full exposure to
light and air, and be kept clean and healthy as long as possible.

Pot I incsfor Early Forcing. — The growth being completed, lessen the
supplies of moisture; discontinue syringing, moderating the supply of
water at the roots ; admit air freely, and afford all the light practicable to
the principal foliage. If the canes do not ripen well keep through the
day at 85° to 95° by moderating the ventilation, and admit air freely at
aight.

Peaches and Nectarines.— Early Houses.— The fruit being cleared
off syringe forcibly to dislodge red spider. Cut away all shoots that have
oorne fruit, except extensions, and do not leave more shoots than will be
required for next year’s fruiting. Winter pruning should be abandoned.

he roof lights not being moveable ventilate to the fullest extent possible,
and give the inside borders thorough waterings with liquid manure, which
will help the trees to plump the buds. If the roof lights are moveable take
them off about the middle of the month. Rain has a peculiarly invigorat¬
ing effect on forced trees, and the borders become thoroughly moistened
in autumn.

Succession Houses. — With the fruit taking the last swelling syringe
forcibly to keep down red spider ; indeed, the trees must he cleansed of
this pest if there be any before the fruit commences ripening, either by
means of the syringe or the application of an insecticide. Supply liquid
manure abundantly to inside borders, unless the trees are gross, when it
-"only aggravate the evil. Mulch inside and outside borders, keep¬
ing the material moist so as to have the roots active near the surface.
*v,erl a constantly, and increase it early in the morning with
the advancing sun, keeping through the day at 80° to 85p with sud, and
•closing sufficiently early to rise to 90" or 95°, and admit a little air |

before night. As the fruit approaches ripening ventilate more freely, and
do not allow eo great a range of temperature. Keep water from the fruit,
but maintain a good moisture by damping available surfaces, especially
on hot days. Tie and regulate the growths, having the fruits well exposed
to the hip. Stop laterals to one or two joints of growth, and avoid over¬
crowding.

Late Houses. — Train the growths thinly, keep laterals closely pinched,
and stop gross growths so as to cause an equal distribution of the Bap and
growth over the trees. If not restrainable by pinching remove them
altogether. Reduce the fruits to the number that will be required for the
crop, and keep the temperature steady by liberal ventilation on all
favourable occasions. Syringe to keep down red spider, water and mulch
inside borders, also outside if the weather be dry. Be guided in the use
of liquid manure by the condition of the trees. If not too vigorous and
carrying heavy crops liquid manure will be necessary, yet not so much as
for weakly trees, but keep it from trees that make strong wood and have
a tendency to become over-luxuriant.

Cucumbers. — A few seeds may now be sown for late summer and
early autumn fruiting. The plants from this sowing will be fit to plant
out in about a month. They do well in frames, and come in useful where
plants, from having been in bearing some time, are exhausted. Plants in
full bearing must have attention in thinning exhausted growths, removing
tad foliage, stopping, tying, and regulating so as to keep up a succession
of bearing wood. Add a little fresh soil to the surface from time to time,
and light mulching of stimulating material. Syringe at closing time, and
maintain a good moisture all day ; it is infinitely better than shading.
Avoid too much moisture in dull weather, it only makes the growths soft
and the foliage more susceptible of injury on a bright period ensuing.
Afford liquid manure copiously once or twice a week, according to circum¬
stances. Close early or at 85°, and so as to gain 5° to 10°, and only
employ fire heat to prevent the temperature falling below 60° at night.
Avoid overcropping, especially with young plants, and co not allow the
fruit to hang too long, as these exhaust the plants and prevent in a great
measure a good and continuous supply.

SECTION RACKS AND HOW TO MAKE THEM.

( Continued from page 15.)

To make six racks, each 15 inches by 14 inches by
inches (inside measure), fitted with shutters and bars at the
bottom, 17 feet 8 inches of 11-inch wood will be required,
and when a board of half inch wood of this size is obtained
it must be cut with the greatest care, for one little mistake
may throw out all our calculations. A rack of 15 by 14
inside or 16 by 14 outside measure will require 60 inches of
wood 4£ inches wide for four sides alone or 30 inches of 8£,
but it will suit our purpose better to use wood 11 inches wide,
as then not only shall we have the two sides and ends— and
one end is loose to form the shutter — but also the permanent
end of 21 inches high to retain the glass and shutter as before
explained, and in addition 21 inches remaining after the
16-inch sides have been cut to form two strips for nailing along
the base of the rack to sustain the sections, leaving only two
others to be provided. To make six racks then 15 feet of
11 inch wide wood is required, and to this an addition of 32
inches to provide two more — 1J inch strips for each rack
and also the small pieces required for filling in the spaces
left between each of the strips must be made — so that in all
17 feet 8 inches of 11 inch wide wood must be procured, and
from this can be cut all the material we require. Half-inch
good white wood can easily be bought at 24d. the running
foot, a “ width ” of 11 inches being a carpenter’s foot, of
that the cost of the wood will be 3s. 8d., and if to this is
added a day’s wage at 5s. and 103. for nails and extras, if
any can be discovered, we get 9s. 6d. ; thus the difference
between purchase price and home manufacture is, taking the
average, 10s. 6d. Two can be made for the price of one
purchased, and 5s. be pocketed by the maker instead of being
sent away and lost.

It may be well to give a few hints on how to proceed in
cutting the wood in case any misapprehension has been
occasioned. The wood being 11 inches wide will cut two
sides of 4^ inches each, and leave 21 inches, and from this
width of 2^ inches two strips are cut for nailing along the
bottom of such sides, these strips being planed down so as to
leave any bee space the apiarian may prefer. Next two ends

32

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 8, 1886.

of 14 inches long by 4 j inches wide can be cut, and again a
width of 2J inches will remain, and this will form the
permanent end, one of the other ends being used as the loose
shutter. These pieces may now be nailed together, the
16-inch sides being nailed outside the ends in order to give a
15-inch inside measure, when nothing will be wanting to
complete the rack but two other strips of 1J inch each, and
these must be cut from the other end of the board, and some
pieces to fit in between each strip in order to keep all snug
and warm, and prevent the egress of the bees from the rack.
The whole is now complete, but I may add that in cutting
these pieces the same end of the board must be used as the
two last mentioned Btrips were cut from, and the other end
must be cut in the manner first described. Each strip to be
placed not more than 4 inches apart, so that the sections will
stand firmly and not be liable to fall through and so cause
trouble. If separators are used — and they are not desirable
only but necessary — they will if the same width as the
sections rest on the strips, but if it is preferred to have rather
narrower separators, to leave more room for the bees, strips
of wood of height sufficient to raise the separators — which
will be cut to make a like space at the top — so as to leave the
desired room, can be laid along the sides of the racks, and
they will thus easily be maintained in position. No separator
will be required for the outer side of the three extreme sec¬
tions, the glass answering the purpose quite as well, and the
sight is therefore not obstructed.

If from these direct ons any bee-keepers are enabled to
make at home racks which they had intended to purchase
my desire will have been attained, for knowing the great
necessity for economy in appliances I cannot but regard a
saving of 10s. 6d. per stock as most desirable, and if a like
economy was practised in every department of the apiary less
would be heard of decreasing profits and more of substantial
benefits arising from bee-keeping. — Felix.

PREPARING FOR NEXT YEAR.

ALTHOUGH the honey season is only commencing with us it is our
greatest care about haying everything arranged for the best for another
year. The temperature, particularly during the night, has been by far too
low to justify any manipulation on our part beyond adding supers. For
about a week past the night temperature in many places has been as low
as 32°. With us, in a rather sheltered situation, it has been so low as 36°,
and for the most part of a week during the day 55°, with a strong dry
wind, unpleasant and unfavourable to vegetation ; consequently bad for
bees, and not suitable for meddling with them. I will, however, now
commence queen-rearing. As the season is and has been backward, I
will form each nucleus from two combs of brood and bees. Each comb
shall contain a royal cell from a choice queen, but tbe other comb shall
be taken from another hive that shall have bred many drones, so that
there shall be no sanguinity of blood between the drones and the young
princesses, which shall, however, have been nearly matured in tbe old and
populous hive before forming into nuclei. Then these shall be removed to
a distance free from the influence of other drones.

Syrians shall be bred and kept at home for use during August, when
the other drones are either slaughtered or at the Heather. The same care
will be taken with these to have drones from an alien stock.

I am anxious to give these Syrians a trial to see if acclimatisation by
breeding a time here will not make them hardier during winter, tender¬
ness beiDg a great drawback to these otherwise pretty, prolific, and good
honey-gathering bees. Spiteful they are, but it is probable if they can
he acclimatised they may become milder in temper.

The bees of pure queens crossed are while I am writing (28th J une)
busy filling their supers with comb. When other hives are comparatively
idle, Carniolians excep'ed, these, as usual, are equally bu-y.

My main object is to get first a sufficient number of nuclei with fer¬
tilised queen. Immediately they commence laying I will begin and feed.
When the young bees begin to appear I will extend the hive gradually
with full-sheeted frames of comb foundation. By the time the bees cover
four frames or so the hives that were at the Heather will be home. Each
nucleus will get its hive filled with provisioned combs from the Heather
hives, and if need be their bees, after iheir queens have been killed, will
be joined to the nuclei. I will allow them to stand a few days unmolested,
keeping a strict watch over their movements ; therefore I will examine
every one. If the brood i f any are abnormal, or if any of the queens have
a ragged wing or minus a foot, they will at once be killed. Mutilated
queens, either by clipp ng the wings or any accident whatever, are doomed
to destruction sooner or later by the bees, so nothing but perfect and
healthy queens will be kept. After thus final examination I will cover up
thoroughly, particularly above, with porous material, and interfere no
more with them till April or May. Last year I had a number of queens

more than was necessary for my own use, some of which I presented to
bee-keepers in want of queens and anxious to have a trial of the foreign
varieties. Four of these surplus ones I kept, and although the bees barely
covered one frame in August they are now full strength and have their
first cover of supers, which they are rapidly filling with comb.

It is only queer. s older than one year that I have any trouble with,
either with swarming when not wanted or dying at a time during spring
when the loss is irreparable. Every year convinces me more and more
of this, and it shall only be imported queens that I shall attempt to keep
more than one year ; but I shall do my utmost to get the benefit of their
full egg-layiDg power the first year. It is the only sensible and profitable
way of doing, and the easiest way of marking the queens to know their
age. It is not only advisable to reduce the outlay and annoyance of
having superfluous and unnecessary appliances, but to reduce the labour
in marking, anxiety, and risk with old queens.

The position of the bees in the hive and where located is an important
matter for the proper wintering of bees. I should be very glad to hear
the opinion of your other correspondents upon this very important
point.

It is the well wintering of bees that success in summer is to be looked
for. Failing good wintering means failure throughout the year. What I
have to say upon this matter will be held over for another paper, but shall
be glad to hear the opinions of others. — A Lanarkshire Bee-keepeb.

%* All correspon deuce should be directed either to “ The Editor ”
or to “ The Publisher.” Letters addressed to Dr. Hogg or
members of the staff often remain unopened unavoidably. 4Ve
request that no one will write privately to any of our correspon¬
dents, as doing so subj'ects them to unjustifiable trouble and
expense.

TO CORRESPONDENTS. — We desire to assure those of our corre¬
spondents whose letters and communications are not promptly
inserted that they are not the less appreciated on that account.
Our pages are practically filled several days prior to publication,
and letters arriving on Wednesday morning, except by special
arrangement, are invariaoly too late for insertion. The delay in
the publication of some of these is not of material importance,
but reports of meetings and shows held a week previously lose
much or all of their value if not received in time to appear
in the current issue.

Goldfish in Pond (Mrs. Brown). — After puddling the sides of ponds they
are lined with shells, tiles, or stones, to prevent the fish destroying the
banks and making the water muddy. We do not know of any better
remedy, but if any of our readers do we will readily publish it if particulars
are forwarded for that purpose.

Ice Houses (It. P.). — We cannot give tbe requisite particulars this week,
but will endeavour to do so in our next issue. Mr. Ward stated in this
J ournal last December (page 534) that though there is an excellent ice house
at Longford Castle he found an outside ice rick answer his purpose, as it gave
a supply of ice for sixteen months. Still, your employer may prefer a house,
and in such a complete and well appointed establishment as his it should
be a very good one. The subject shall have further attention.

Solanums not Fruiting (.4 Subscriber). — Assuming your plants are
judiciously watered, we can only suggest that you give them more air.
You say you give them “ plenty,” but we doubt if that is so. They Bhould
not be “shut up at night” during such weather as this, but the lights
should be drawn off and tbe dews would benefit the plants. They set their
fruit very well planted out or plunged in a warm border and properly
watered. The soil in the pots should be quite firm.

Bertolonias (Rosa). — We expect your plants received a slight check in
transit. They require close confined treatment, such as yon appear to be
giving them, but if they display signs of damping you must admit a little
more air. It is a good plan after a very hot day to lift off the light, re¬
placing it again in the morning ; the drier atmosphere of the house dining
the day does not suit them. Your dejmiption of the white- flowering stove
plant is insufficient to enable us to give the name. If you forwaid us a
flower we may be able to do so.

Thrips on Vines (A Constant Subscriber). — You may safely fumigate
the house the Grapes in which are changing colour, being careful to deliv r
the smoke cool, and not to give an overdose. It will be necessary to fumi¬
gate on two or three consecutive evenings, and in bad cases repeat in the
course of a week or ten day*, as no amount of smoke will destroy thrips’
eggs, and as they hatch out they must be destroyed ; therefore keep a sharp
look out, and fumigate whenever an insect is seen. In the, ease of the later
house it will be necessary to proceed very cautiously, a-' keeping the house
close for fumigation is likely to injure the crop, the Grapes being in that
condition when mo*t likely to scald ; therefore in fumigating admit air in
the early part of the following day, so as to dissipate any accumulated
moisture before or by the time the sun falls powerfully upon the house.

Cucumbers without Ventilation (J. TV. C.). — Mr. Whittaker grows the
whole of his Cucumbers without ventilation, and nearly all the Frescot
growers follow the same pi actice. They find the after, oon sun the most

Ju'y 8, 1896. 1

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

33

injurious to the plants, and therefore shade lightly on the west side
of the stiuctures. The shade usually employed is a little whitening and
wa'er, or milk mixed with it, sprinkled on with a whitewash brush. If
air is adni't’ed the plants are invariably attacked by red spider through the
moisture of the house being evaporated. When the house is kept closed
the''e is no escape for moisture, and the foliage of the plants remains
healthy and clean, and there need be no fear of burning as long as plenty
of moisture is maintained. If air is once admitted the practice must be con¬
tinued, or the plants are certain to become burned. Abundance of water is
essential, both at the roots and in the atmosphere, when growing the plants
on the non-ventilating principle.

Palms in Boxes {Mrs. Lamb). — It is not possible to keep the plants to
th ir present size, as they must make some growth to keep them furnished
with foliage, but you need not increase the size of the boxes if you give
liquid manure and surface the boxes with some short manure if there
is apace. The manure should be thoroughly decomposed. A slight dress¬
ing of fibrous loam with a half pint of Standee’s or any of the advertised
fertiKs rs to every prok of loam is a capital surface dressing, putting it on
about an inch thick after removing any loose surface soil. It may not be
practicable to apply the surface dressing, through there not being space in the
boxes, in which case scrips of zinc may be placed all round so as to give the
depth necessary, pushing them between the soil and wood. The liquid
manure must not be given strong ; soot water, half a peck to 30 gallons
of water, or a tablespoonfnl to a quart of water, is a good liquid applied
once or twice a week for keeping the foliage a deep green, which is so
desirable. It will not answer to remove the soil and prune the roots.
Could you not exchange the plants for others of smaller size?

Insects on Mareclial Niel Rose ( A Twelve-years Subscriber). — The
insects enclosed in the box are scale, which we presume iB only on the
wood, the best remedy for which is to remove it with a brush, using a soft-
soap solution 4 ozs. to the gallon of water. This being a tedious process,
you may s ringe with petroleum — a quarter pint to 4 gallons of water, in
which half a pound of softsoap and 1 oz. soda has been dissolv' d. The mixture
should be stirred up briskly before and whilst being applied, so as to keep
the petroleum thoroughly mixed with the solution, or alternate squirts
should be made hRo the mixture and on the plant. If this is not done
the petroleum will float, and some parts of the Rose will receive little of
the oil, whilst others will receive it much stronger, and be 'seriously
damaged, and on the other hand the insects will not be destroyed. The
tree must be evenly and thoroughly wetted with the solution, which, if
thoroughly mixed, is one of the most efficacious of insecticides. It should
be applied in the evening not on the morning of a possible sunny day.

“Insects” on Fruit Trees {E. I). 0.). — The wood you have sent this
time is different from that submitted to us on a former occasion, which had
foliage infested with aphides, and the appearance the leaves presented
prompted the reply given on page 520 of last volume. Now you send old
wood wrapped in cotton wool, the particles of which adhere so closely as to
hide what it is desirable to prop rly examine. The wood is affected with
t: nut ” and lich n, which are the effects in most cas> s of the roots being in
wet soil. Imperfectly nourished and immature wood invites the growth of
fungi and lichens, the remedy for which is thorough drainage and a good
dressing of calcareous matter. Try the effect of a good dressing of lime in
autumn at the rate of a bushel per rod (30J square yards), and mix it with
the top G inches of the surface soil, and afterwards mulch with short but
fresh manure. This should be done not later than early DecemV-r. Cut
out all the dead wood, and dust the branches after rain with quicklime,
which will destroy the lichen, but it will recur unless the cause is got rid of
— viz., poverty of soil, and generally, though not always, through water
lodging in the subsoil.

Grapes Scalded {Merchant). — It is caused by the sun acting upon them
powerfully whilst wet or cover d with moisture, whether it be in the shape
of water from syringing, moisture resulting from condensation through the
night, or from evaporation in the earlier part of the day, the berries not
being heated so quickly the air moisture is condensed on them. The only
remedy is to keep the house rather warm during the night so as to prevent
the deposition of moisture, a little warmth in the pipes with a free circula¬
tion of air in the early part and through the day being necessary, with suffi¬
cient at night to cause a buoyant atmosphere. This will only be necessary
for a fortnight or so, as when the Crapes change colour for ripening the
danger of scalding is past. Discontinue the syringing, or if you must
syringe to keep down red spider it will be necessary to shade the roof with
tiffany or some other light material when the sun is powerful. Scorching
is also very prevalent this season, the remedy for which is gentle warmth
in the pipes so as to admit of a little night air, and induce a circulation, and
free ventilation in the early part of the day, and not closing so early in the
afternoon as usual under different circumstances. Scorching and scalding
are most prevalent during bright weather succeeding a period of dull,
moist, or cold weather.

Strawberry Runners {M. F.). — The first runner on the wire is selected
because it is the strongest and has more time to get rooted, and so become
an earlier, better rooted, stronger, and more fruitful plant ; but the second
runner is just as good as the first, only it from being later and not so well
nourished as the first runner it is weaker and does not attain to such vigour
as the first which shows fruit the following season, the second runner soni“-
times not doing so, or producing weak trusses. There is not a particle of
difference between the first runner and the second in fruitfulness, and you
have no reason to fear your runners not fruiting though they are taken from
the plants which were second runner.s of fruitful plants last season, and
from being late and weak have not fruited this season. The second and
third runners are as fruitful as the first, only they require more time to
become sufficiently strong for fruiting. Hence first runners are the best,
the other being removed so as to concentrate as much strength as possible
on them, and secure vigorous plants with well-developed heart buds for
forcing or -ffording a full crop of fruit outdoors the first year. It is different
taking runners from fruitful plants — whether it be first, second, or third
runners all are fruitful — and taking runners from sterile plants, which are
less likely to fruit on the first runners than on the more weakly second and
third. Your second runner plants will, no doubt, fruit well another season,
and the runners from them will certainly not be sterile.

Names of Plants. — We only undertake to name Bpecies of plants, not
varieties that have originated from seed and termed florists’ flowers.
Flowering specimens are necessary of flowering plants, and Fern fronds
should bear ppores. Specimens should arrive in a fresh state in firm
boxes. Slightly damp moss or soft green leaves form the best packing, dry
cotton wool the worst. Not more than six specimens can be named at once.
( C . F. T. ). — Ttie name of your tree is, we believe, Magnolia acuminata.
{L. M. W.). — It is the true Martagon Lily, which is occasionally found in a
wild state in this country.

Bees {Amateur). — Letters of inquiry arriving just as we are going to
press cannot be fully answered in the “ next issue.” If your bees swarm
shake them into a hive. It is not necessary to use essence of peppermint or
anything else. If you are timid and “ dodge about ” when attending to
your bees you will get stung if not protected.

COYENT GARDEN MARKET.— July 7th.

All sorts of outdoor fruit to hand in good supply. Trade falling off.

FRUIT.

Figs

e.

d.

S.

d.

s.

d.

8.

d.

0

to 0

0

Oranges .. ..

.. 100

4

0

to 6

0

mt .

per 100 lbs. 27

6

30

0

Peaches .

per doz .

4

0

10

0

0

4

0

Pine Apples English .. ft.

2

0

3

0

0

S

0

Plums .

£ sieve

0

0

0

0

0

15

0

St. Michael Pines

. .each

4

0

6

0

6

3

6

Strawberries .. .

per lb.

0

6

1

6

0

10

0

VEGETABLES.

8.

d.

8.

d

s.

d.

8.

d

Artichokes .. .. dozen

Asparagus .. .. bundle

Beans, Kidney . . lb.
Beet, Red .. .. dozen

Broccoli . bundle

Brussels Sprouts .. 4 sieve

Cabbage . dozen

Capsicums .. .. 100

Carrots . bunch

Cauliflowers .. .. dozen

Celery . bundle

Coleworts doz. bunches
Cucumbers .. .. each

Endive . dozen

Herns . bunch

Leeks .. .. ,. bunch

1 0 to 0 0

2 0 5 0

0 0

0 6
1 0
0 0
0 0
1 6
1 6
0 6

0 0

1 0

Lettuce . dozen 1 0 to 1 6

Mushrooms .. ..punnet 0 6 10
Mustard and Cress punnet 0 2 0 0

Onions . bunch 0 3 0 0

Parsley .. dozen bunches 2 0 SO

Parsnips . dozen 10 2 0

Potatoes . cwt. 4 0 5 0

,, Kidney .. cwt. 4 0 5 0

Rhubarb . bundle 0 2 0 0

Balsafy . bundle 10 16

Scorzonera .. .. bundle 16 0 0

Seakale .. .. per basket 0 0 0 0

Shallots .. ., .. ..ft. 0 3 0 0

Spinach . bushel 3 0 4 0

Tomatoes . ft. 0 6 0 0

Turnips .. .. ,, bunch 0 4 0 6

PLANTS IN POTS.

s.

d.

s. d.

s.

d.

0.

a.

Aralia Sieboldi . . dozen

9

0 to 18 0

Ficus elastica

. . each

1

6 to 7

0

Arbor vita3 (golden) dozen

0

0

0 0

Fuchsia

per dozen

6

0

12

0

(common) dozen

6

0

12 0

Foliage Plants,

var. each

2

0

10

0

Arum Lilies . . . . dozen

0

0

0 0

Genistas

. . dozen

0

0

0

0

Azaleas . dozen

0

0

0 0

Hydrangea . .

per dozen

6

0

12

0

Bedding Plants, var. doz.

1

0

2 0

Ivy Geraniums

per dozen

3

0

6

0

Begonias . . . . dozen

6

0

9 0

Lilies of the

Valley, in

Calceolaria . . per dozen

4

0

9 0

pots, per doz.

0

0

0

0

Cineraria .. .. dozen

0

0

0 0

Lobelias . .

per dozen

4

0

6

0

Cyclamen . . . . dozen

0

0

0 0

Marguerite Daisy dozen

8

0

12

0

Cyperus . dozen

4

0

12 0

Mignonette . .

per dozen

4

0

8

0

Dractena terminalis, dozen 30

0

60 0

Musk

per dozen

2

0

4

0

„ viridis .. dozen 12

0

24 0

Myrtles . . . .

6

0

12

0

Erica, various . . dozen 12

0

24 0

Palms, in var.

. . each

2

6

21

0

Euonymus, in var. dozen

6

0

18 0

Pelargoniums, scarlet, doz.

3

0

6

0

E vergreeos, in var. dozen

6

0

24 0

Pelargoniums

per dozen

6

0

15

0

Ferns, in variety . . dozen

4

0

18 0

Spiraea . . . .

6

0

12

0

CUT FLO WEBS.

s.

d.

s. d.

8.

d.

s.

d

Abutilons .. 12 bunches

2

0 to 4 0

Marguerites ..

12 bunches

3

0

to 6

0

Anemone . . doz. bunches

0

0

0 0

Mignonette ..

12 bunches

3

0

6

0

Arum Lilies . . 1‘2 blooms

4

0

6 0

Pelargoniums, per 12 trusses

0

9

1

0

Azalea . . . . 12 sprays

0

0

0 0

„ scarlet, 12 trusses

0

4

.0

8

Bouvardias .. per bunch

0

6

1 0

PfeoDies, various 12 b’ooms

1

0

2

0

Camellias . . 12 blooms

0

0

0 0

Rauunculus .

12 bunches

2

0

4

0

Carnations . . 12 blooms

1

0

3 0

Roses

12 bunches

4

0

9

0

Chrysanthemums 12 blooms

0

0

0 0

„ (indoor).

per dozen

1

0

3

0

CoWhlips . . doz. bunches

0

0

0 0

,, Tea.. .

. . dozen

0

9

2

0

Dnffodils . . 12 bunches

0

0

0 0

„ red

.. dozen

1

0

2

0

Epiphyllum .. doz. blooms

0

0

0 0

,, Moss

12 bunches

6

0

12

0

Eucharis .. per dozen

4

0

6 0

Primrose;3, YeUo-w, dozen

Gardenias . . 12 blooms

2

0

4 0

dozen bunches

0

0

0

0

Hellebore . . doz. blooms

0

0

0 0

Pv rethrum ..

12 hunches

4

0

9

0

Hyacinths. Roman, 12 sprays

0

0

0 0

Spiraea . .

12 sprays

9

6

i

0

Iris . 12 bunches

9

0

18 0

Stephanotis ..

12 sprays

2

0

3

0

Lapageria, white, 12 blooms

0

0

0 0

Tropaeolum . .

12 bunches

i

0

3

0

Lapageria, red . .. 12 blooms

1

0

2 0

Tuberoses

12 blooms

0

6

1

0

Lilac .. .. per hunch

0

0

0 0

Violets . . . .

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Lilium loogiflorum, 12 blms.

3

0

6 0

,, Czar, Fr., .. bunch

0

0

0

0

Lily of the Valley, 12 sprays

0

0

0 0

THE HA.Y CROP.

Glorious weather has come to us in the very nick of time
for the haymaking, and while turning it to full account to
“ make hay while the sun shines,” it will indeed be well with

34

JOURNAL OF HORTIOULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Jaly 8, 188ff.

our readers if they find no occasion to regret failures in the
crop. A full even crop of Grass is by no means such a
common thing as might be supposed. Many a meadow,
which to the casual observer seems to be in a flourishing con¬
dition, will not bear the test of critical inspection. It is
precisely when the Grass is in bloom and is ready for the
mower that an inspection can be made most usefully, for
then faults and failures are before us, and we able to decide
upon such subsequent improvements as may appear necessary.
Experience has shown that a full crop of hay is not a mere
thing of seasons upon a well-managed pasture, but that it
may be reckoned upon with a greater degree of certainty than
most farm crops, and that it is only the time of full develop¬
ment which depends upon the weather. This is a matter
concerning which we would have no mistake, for it is one of
considerable importance ; may we not add that it is one not
generally well understood ?

At the time of writing this article we have got about half
way through our own haymaking, and upon the home farm
we have ample reason to feel dissatisfied with the crop — not
with the hay, that is excellent both in colour and quantity,
but it is sadly deficient in quantity. The cause of this
unsatisfactory state of things is generally poverty of soil, and
only in one instance is it owing to a want of drainage. This
Grass land came into our hands about a year ago. So far we
have only been able to effect a slight improvement in it by
means of sheep- folding, but an effort will be made next
February to begin a regular course of manure -dressing. No
farmyard manure will be used, but the work of improvement
will depend entirely upon sheep -folding and chemical manures.
How well such treatment will answer was shown this season.
A meadow upon which sheep were folded last autumn joins
a piece of arable land under Oats without any dividing
hedge. When the spring dressing of artificial manure was
applied to the corn, enough of it was blown upon a strip of
Grass to render it fully twice as vigorous as the remainder.

In the application of manure to Grass land we have in
view its permanent improvement, and the benefit derived is
not solely confined to the crop of hay, but is also visible in a
strong and abundant aftermath. The improvement is gradual
and progressive rather than a bound from poverty to plenty in
a single season. We have found that an annual outlay of from
20s. to 25s. an acre in the best chemical manures is sufficient
to reclaim the poorest pasture, provided the manure is applied
in February, and the land is relieved of superfluous water by
drainage. Without drainage the manure has very little
effect, and we know nothing more tantalising than the sight
of undrained Grass land in spring and early summer. Hardly
any effect is produced upon it by genial weather ; there it lies,
sullen and inert, in spite of rain and sunshine, just as though
the land was under a spell. Nothing can be more simple
than the remedy, for we have only to put in enough drains
to draw off and prevent any other accumulation of superfluous
water, and a change is soon visible in the herbage. It is hardly
possible that anybody having read the quotations upon
drainage given last week, can fail to understand its wholesome
effect upon such Grass land. It by no means follows that
because land is water-logged that it is soft and boggy. It may
be, and often is, as firm to the tread as other land, but it is
also as cold and unproductive as any bog.

Pleasant indeed is it to turn from such neglected pastures
to others in high condition, arising solely from judicious
treatment. It has fallen to our lot to undertake the reclama¬
tion of neglected Grass land in two counties wide apart, and
we have proved most conclusively that the poorest pasture
well repays for careful culture. Some faith and steady
perseverance must be brought to bear upon the work, and
then success is bound to follow, our efforts in the end being
crowned with success so full and abundant as renders the
work very profitable. This, after all, is the only safe test. A
fresh green sward is, no doubt, an agreeable sight, but we
like it to precede and follow big hayricks. Let it be always
remembered that a heavy crop of hay is somewhat exhaustive,

and that good Grass land soon deteriorates. We cannot avoid
using manure for a single season with impunity ; depend
upon it a moderate annual dressing is the best course to
follow in our treatment of pastures good and bad. The
mistake made by many a farmer is in trusting solely to the
excrement of animals turned out to graze upon pastures
for manure. One of our tenants recently showed us a
meadow in which he had a lot of bullocks cake -fed last
season, yet the growth this spring was entirely unsatisfactory.
Yet, could he reasonably expect a strong even growth from
bullock- grazing ? Gladly would we have told him something
of our own experience of sheep-folding and chemical manures,
but that is not easily done to a man whose evident egotism
tells one plainly that he at any rate has nothing to learn..
We may, perhaps, be pardoned for thinking it a little hard
when such a man demanded a reduction of 25 per cent, upon
his rent.

WORK ON THE HOME FARM.

Haymaking continues to be the chief business now. We never had
more favourable weather for it. Not cnly has the work been done well
and quickly, but the hay is excellent, alike good in colour and flavour. In
such exceptionally fine weather there is some risk of overmaking the hay
— of having it so much dried by the sun — as then there is insufficient
fermentation in the rick to promote a full development of flavour. The
second growth of Red Clover is growing freely, of which we are glad, as
we intend folding sheep upon it later on. Excellent hay has been made
from the first growth, as well as from that upon mixed layers. For¬
tunate indeed were we in getting the Mangolds thinned and well hoed
before haymaking began. Swede-hoeiug was begun, but it will probably
remain unfini'hed till aftor the baymaking unless we notice too great an
overgrowth of weeds. The plants are remarkably healthy and are grow¬
ing fast now, all risk of fly attacks being over. Winter Oats have
improved wonderfully during the past week, and the crop now bids fair
to be a fine one. With such fine weather now we think this crop will be
ready for harvest about the third week of July. When it is cleared we in¬
tend sowing some Trifolium incarnatum upon the land in view, securing a
strong plant before cold autumnal rains set in. We have followed Winter
Oats with a crop of White Turnips for sheep-folding upon the land ,
Trifolium we may add is much prized in spring to follow Rye ; it also
makes capital stover for horses, lloth White and Red Wheat and Barley
are coming well into ear ; much straw will probably be short in length,
but the ears give promise of a full crop of grain. Late-sown spring Oats
upon light land are suffering from drought ; a few hours’ rain would do
much good to them and the root crop». Evidence of a short supply of
food is now seen in a crowded sheep market every week. Prices rule low
so low that small or cull lambs are very cheap indeed. Old sheep, too,
can be had at prices which are very tempting, and we have been buying a
considerable number for folding. Sheep-dipping must now be done to
destroy ticks and prevent attacks of fly. The shepherd should also have
a bottle of Cufl’s ointment in readiness for any attacks of fly which may
occur, for it should not he forgotten that there is always more or less risk
of this in very hot weather. Lot cows and bullocks have free access to
sheds from the extreme heat of the sun, and to avoid gad flies as much
as possible. A supply of Tares should also be kept in the racks, especially
if there is a tendency to bareness in the pastures.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATION?.
Camden Square, London.

Lat. 81° 32-40" N.; Long. 0° 8- 0" W. ; Altitude, 111 feet.

DATE.

tf A.M.

IN THE DAY.

Rain

1886.

June- July

£ c3_ ,

c« a) oj
>

2 %

$ &

£3 Zj <a

Hyffrome-

ter.

a .
O^J

3 O

Temp, of
Soil at

1 foot.

Shade Tem¬
perature.

Radiation

Temperature

Dry.

Wet.

So

Max

MiD.

In

sun.

On

grass

Inches.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deer.

deg.

deer.

deg.

In.

Sunday .

£7

30.153

65.2

55.8

N.E.

6".0

76.6

54.4

125.4

49.0

_

Monday .

28

80.206

07 9

56.6

E.

60 4

79 3

55.0

127.7

48.6

_

Tuesday .

21)

30.229

68 9

60.3

N.E.

61.2

80.2

51.1

121.3

44.8

_

Wednesday ..

30

30.259

67 6

59.2

N.

61.2

76.7

54.2

126.8

46.8

_

Thursday . . . .

1

30.288

63.8

55.7

N.E.

01.4

75.8

48.6

120.6

44.2

_

Friday .

2

30.324

60.2

50.3

E.

61.7

81.8

52 8

120.2

47.4

_

Saturday ....

3

30.317

72.0

G2.6

N.E.

62.5

86.3

53.6

121.2

49.4

—

30.254

66.5

58.1

61.2

79.5

52.8

123.3

4 7.2

-

REMARKS.

27th. — Brilliant, and nearly cloudlets till 5 p.m.

28th. — Fine and hot.

1 9th. — Blight hot morning, threatening in afternoon with spots of rain, fine evening.
80th.— Fine and bright throughout.

1st.— Almost cloudless, a pleasant breeze.

2nd. — Bright, hot, and calm.

3rd. — Fine and hot, occasional clouds.

A hot dry week, hotter than any week in 1882 or 1883, and only exceeded once on
twice in 1884 or 1885.— G. J. Symons.

July 15, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

35

■ ~-7 - -- - ■ ■- ■ ...

15

th

Chiswick Show; National Bose Society’s Show, Biimingham.

17

s

18

Sun

1th Sunday after Trinity.

19

M

20

Tu

Christ’eton Rose Show.

21

W

Newcnni l^-on-Tyne Show (three dayn).

ORCHID NOMENCLATURE.

HE Orchid Conference which was held at Liverpool
recently by the Council and Committee of the
Royal Horticultural Society terminated rather
unsatisfactorily, and the special object of the
meeting — the reformation of Orchid nomencla¬
ture — is still unaccomplished. It may, however,
be hoped that something will result from the
Pip consideration given to the subject, and that

further proceedings will he taken in the matter.
The first point is to decide what the Committee really desire
to effect, and this did not seem to be clearly understood at
the meeting in question, as the speakers differed considerably
in their views, though all agreed that some rules are needed,
it is evident that the Committee cannot undertake the
reformation of the whole system of Orchid names, nor would
it be desirable, for it would only multiply synonyms that are
already too numerous, and increase confusion. The species
and varieties that have been correctly described by recog¬
nised authorities would be much better left untouched, and
the reformers might confine their attention to new intro¬
ductions and to varieties that have received names from
horticulturists.

The next point is, What change is desirable in the present
system ? and here the difficulties commence. It has been
proposed to form a dual system of nomenclature, botanical
and horticultural, confining the former to species and
varieties distinct enough for the botanist to accept, for which
scientific names should be employed, and bestowing “ fancy”
or “ popular ” names on varieties of less consequence, but
which come within the cognisance of horticulturists. This
at first sight seems to be a very simple and efficient method
of escaping the difficulties, but it does not bear a closer
examination quite so well. What definition will fix the
respective limits of “botanical” and “horticultural” varieties
in Orchids, or must the botanist first decide whether he can
recognise a variety before the horticulturist may deal with
it ? The characters derived from mere size and colour are
not valued very highly by botanists, although to horticul¬
turists they are of much importance. Is it proposed to restrict
the “ popular ” names to the varieties differing only in these
characters, and will those who give the latter titles examine
the plants sufficiently to determine that there is no “ botanical
difference?”

The difficulties attending this suggested alteration are
numerous, and there is one point that its advocates appear to
overlook. They regard the varieties of introduced Orchids
as of the same value as seedling varieties of other plants that
have originated in gardens, whereas there is considerable
difference in several respects. We have abundant evidence
of the variability of Orchids in a natural state by the enor¬
mous number of varieties introduced in recent years, especi¬
ally of some species. Experiments at home have also shown
how readily many of them can be crossed, and how much the
progeny differ amongst themselves. In several cases we
have seen batches of seedlings from one pod of seed and one

No. 316. — Vol. XIII., Third Series,

cross, differing greatly within certain limits, though their
relationship is clearly perceptible. The vegetative increase
of Orchids is very slow as compared with many plants that
advance rapidly by means of spreading roots, bulbils, &c.,
and in consequence a very large proportion of the Orchids
introduced are probably “individual seedlings,” and years
(especially with Cattleyas) must elapse before we can count
a dozen plants in cultivation from one particular variety.
This is quite different from what occurs with most cultivated
plants, which can usually be increased by cuttings, layers, or
grafting, or varieties can sometimes be fixed so that they can
be obtained true from seed, and in a few years a new variety of
merit is often represented by thousands of plants. Then the
value of a name is evident, but it is a serious task to under¬
take the naming of individuals only, and if it were encouraged
we should soon have lists even more overloaded with names
than they are at present.

It is already admitted by many orchidists that names are
too freely given to Orchid varieties, and the Committee would
be doing valuable service if they directed their attention more
particularly to this part of the subject. Names are bestowed
upon varieties in which “ an extra spot can be discovered,”
because it is said it gives them “ a commercial value,” and
the most trifling variation is thought sufficient to merit a
designation. This is the chief evil in Orchid nomenclature
and ought to be checked. The fact is that much disappoint¬
ment has already been caused to many persons by the
unrestricted indulgence in this practice, and its continuance
will do more harm to the Orchid interest than some suppose.
There are of course some well-marked varieties which do not
vary materially under cultivation, but there are others that
are by no means constant, and the slighter the variation the
more likely is this to occur. I have seen forms of several
different genera, that one year would have been ranked as of
first-rate quality, and the next season would have been dis¬
carded as worthless, solely perhaps from weakness, .and the
next year recover their usual character, though this does not
always happen. I have also seen the reverse take place under
good culture, pseudo-bulbs, leaves, and flowers all showing
the effects of their treatment. These facts are merely stated
to show that names given to the minute differences some
discern are practically worthless, and nurserymen are dis¬
covering that they do not advance their own interest by such
means.

The object should be to simplify nomenclature as far as
possible consistently with accuracy, but how the proposed
dual system of “botanical” and “popular names” will
effect this in the case of Orchids is by no means clear. The
species must be named in the usual way, also the so-called
“botanical” varieties, and what objection can there be to
completing the system by going one step further, and naming
the really distinct forms of these in accordance with the
custom ? Objections have been raised to the repetition of such
names as “superbum,” “ magnificum,” giganteum,” &c ,
but they are surely more euphonious and more explanatory
than the majority of popular names. Beyond the third degree
names are not needed, and if the variety is not distinct
enough to merit a separate designation, and cannot readily
be referred to any accepted form already named, it should
retain the generic and specific name only, as, for example,
Odontoglossum crispum, and then purchasers would know
that it was one of a series of individuals agreeing in the
essential characters with that species, differing slightly from
others as all individuals do, but not sufficiently to deserve a
distinct title. — L. 0.

CULTIVATION OF THE STRAWBERRY.

( Continued from page 304.)

SUMMER TREATMENT.

If planted in spring the hoe should be used freely up to the
flowering time, for the plants being strong and carefully placed
out will give some fruit the first year, when a mulching of some

No. li'72. — Vol. LXXY., Old S-eries

36

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 15, 1186.

kind should be given, nothing answering better than stable litter
with the smaller parts and droppings shaken out, the latter
coming in capitally for Mushroom beds. The litter if put on
when the plants come into flower or soon after will get well
washed, and form a bed for the fruit to lie on quite equal to straw,
and better, as it will have some manurial value. Water willneed
to be given in dry weather ; indeed, they must never become dry
from the flowering time until the fruit has swelled. Runners, as
they increase root-action, should not be removed before July.
They do not take from the parent until the runner has formed a
bud or joint, and is beginning to develope into a plant on its own
account. If increase be wanted, the runners must not be
removed, but it is not well to take them from spring plants.

J uly and later plants should have all the runners cut off as
they appear. A light mulching of short manure or partially
decayed leaves will much invigorate the plants by securing a
greater uniformity of moisture and nutrition. Keep them free
from weeds if not mulched, but we strongly advise the mulching
in preference to the heavy autumn or early winter mulching that
finds so much favour with many. If no summer mulch is used
a light autumn one may be given. Avoid mulchings that are
likely to bring an abundant crop of weeds.

THE SECOND SEASON.

In the spring of the season after planting the soil may be
lightly pointed over between the rows and plants, prior to which
a dressing may be given of soot, bonemeal, and native guano
pulverised in equal proportions at the rate of a half-peck per rod.
The advertised manures may be applied at the rate of 4 cwt. per
acre, or 3 lbs. per rod. They should be distributed evenly and
vary lightly pointed in. Just before or about the time the flower
scapes appear a mulching of stable litter may be given, the
strawy portion separated from the fine, and the latter put on first
evenly about the plants an inch thick, and then the strawy
parts, so as to form a clean bed for the fruit to lie on fully an
inch thick, so that it will require to be 2 inches thick, or 3 inches
in the first instance altogether, to allow of its becoming closer by
rains. This mulching should not be deferred longer than the
plants are coming into flower. It is particularly valuable on
light soils and good on all. If not washed clean by rains the
waterings that will be necessary will render it clean by the time
the fruit is ripening, and if not it is easy to add a little clean
straw.

Many other p'ansof keeping the fruit clean have been devised.
Tiles and slates are good in their way, but they get hot with the
sun, slates much more so than tiles, and the flavour of the fruit
is not good. It does not want roa-ting, but a free circulation of
air. Wires I have used extensively, and they answer well, espe
cially if a slight mulch is given to prevent dirt being washed on
the fruit by heavy rains. They are, however, somewhat costly,
yet they will last (no one knows how long) certainly a lifetime
with care. Clean straw chopped up rather coarsely or in about
inch lengths is a capital mulch, and slugs do not like it.

WATERING.

From the time the flowers appear until the fruit is swelled
water must be given abundantly if the weather be dry. It will
be required once a week at least, and after the fruit is swelling
twice a week, and on light soils every alternate day, depending
upon the weather. Liquid manure will not be necessary if the
mulching with short manure has been given, but if the long is
used applications after the fruit is set and again when it is about
half-swellcd are necessary. The mulching must be drawn on one
side when the liquid is applied, or it will be spoiled as a bed for
the fruit. Thorough soakings of water are the best, driblets are
of very little use. If the soil gets baked, dam up the sides and
ends of the plantation or beds, and flood the ground until the
soil is thoroughly moistened. Strawberries are poor when small,
hard, and dry. A rod of weli-swelled fruit is more satisfactory
than a rood that cannot be attended to, and in a dry hot season
have no value, which mulching and proper supplies of water
would have made as satisfactory and profitable as the other.

SECURING FINE FRUITS.

When it is desired to have the fruit large, strong health v
plants of the previous July planting will give it as no others do.
The plants are mulched and otherwise treated as above, only
when the Cower scapes appear choice is made of three or four
of the strongest, if more is shown, and the others cut away.
If very large fruit is wanted all the scapes may be retained, and
only the <! king ” fruit on each peduncle reserved, all the others
on the peduncle being clipped off. Those are invariably the
largest fruit, and Strawberries of eight or a dozen to the pound
are always appreciated at table and by the salesmen. The lowest

blossoms are always the strongest, and these give the largest,
earliest, and best fruits. Three or four on a scape, or abouta
dozen fruits on a plant, will give very fine fruit, but if the big
fruit is wanted it must be sought from the “ king,” the lowest
centre one of the peduncle, and then all others must go. This,
of course, is an extravagant plan— all excellence is had at the
expense of number — but reduction is not necessarily loss of
value The salesman will any day give double the price for a
pound of sixteen fruits than for a pound of thirty-two.

The fruit is best supported with forked twigs of hazel, the
fruit depending clear of anything and as high above ground as
the peduncle will allow, it being placed in the fork of the twig
stuck in the ground and inclining outward at top so that the
fruit hang clear. In wet weather I have found it necessary to
cover the rows with frames which admit of a thorough current of
air, the lights beiug tilted on both sides. I have also used hand-
lights set on bricks for a similar purpose. The finer the fruit is
the greater the difficulty in keeping it fr in spotting. The
quality of such fruit is all that can be desired in flavour.

PROTECTING THE FRUIT.

Nets are necessary to protect the fruit They should be
placed over the plantation as soon as the fruit changes colour.
Jt does not answer to delay this work until the thrushes and
blackbirds have begun to peck at the fruit The earliest to
colour are the finest, and if pecked they are no good whatever ;
therefore net in time. The nets should be supported clear of the
plants. This is readily done by driving stakes at about 6 feet
apart or up every second or third row, and putting tarred string
from each and crosswise, as well as with the line of stakes. The
stakes should be a foot clear of the fruit all around, and the
stakes being 3 feet out of the ground the birds will be completely
foiled, only there are no holes in the net, and it is kept down at
the sides and light over the plants. Repaired herring nets can
be had at a reasonable price, and if taken care of, will last many
vears.

GATHERING THE FRUITS.

The fruit should be gathered when dry. though of course this
cannot always be done for dessert, but they must be dry when
for preserving, and for that purpose always without the calyx.
Strawberries for dessert must be gathered with the calyx and as
much of the footstalk as is sufficient to hold it by. Tbe morning
is the best time to gather Strawberries when the dew is off, or
before the fruit becomes heated by the sun. The fruit is in the
best condition when ripe to the tip. It requires some little expe¬
rience to tell exactly when a fruit is ripe, and it is a matter that
should not be left to the inexperienced. One unripe, or over-ripe,
or slug-eaten fruit, or a few under sized often ensure an other¬
wise fine dish of fruit an undeserved condemnation, and which a
little care in gathering would have avoided.

The plantations should have a thorough overhauling after the
crop is cleared. Throw the nets off the ground to dry, and when
dry looped and tied in as little room as possible and stored away
in a dry place. The plants must be examined and all the old
leaves cut off with a knife. By the old leaves 1 mean those that
have become brown and are far advanced towards maturity, but
the young leaves should be carefully preserved. Th s is readily
effected by cutting around each plant, the old leaves being lowest
and most spreading, and by taking the leaves in one hand and
cutting with a knife in the other the work is quickly performed.
Runners are removed by the process, and nothing is left but the
centre of young leaves. The removal of the old leaves gives
space and light for new ones, which are rapidly produced, and
these become by September quite luxuriant ; and as there are
roots corresponding the plants are regenerated, form well-
developed crowns through the fresh growth and increased light
afforded by the removal of the old leaves, and the necessity of
renewal is lessened.

The strawy portion of the mulching should be cleared off
along with the old leaves, runners, and weeds, leaving, however,
sufficient of the shorter parts to form a mulching, and the ground
having become very close at the surface it may be lightly
stirred with a fork, but not so as to bury the mulch or disturb
the roots. It is a common practice not to remove the runners
and old leaves until a late period in the season through pressure
of other work, or from an idea that any time will do. Late
removal of old leaves and a luxuriant crop of runners is so much
taken from next year’s crop, and is more exhaustive than a crop.
It is a wonder they fruit at all, the spaces between the plants
being a luxuriant mass of runners, and the plants having little
beyond old leaves when the general clearance takes place form
few buds in embryo. Some object to removing the old leaves.
Perhaps they have cut off the foliage with a scythe and shaved
off young as well as old leaves. This is not our plan, nor the

July 15. 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

87

plan advised. Trimming off the old leaves is different from
removing all indiscriminately. One is beneficial when done early
and judiciously, the other is injurious at any time.

REMOVING RUNNERS.

Removing runners early has a tendency to induce a super¬
abundance of foliage, but after the fruit is set and swelling
there is no danger of the runners interfering with the foliage
only injuriously by obstructing light, so that they should be
removed, and the sap so liberated will be diverted toward the
swelling of the fruits. No runners should be allowed to remain
on a plant after it has formed a joint or bud. Out off all at
this stage up to the fruit setting, and afterwards through the
season as soon as they show, never allowing them to pass the
bud state of the runner plant. All beyond this is so much taken
from the soil against the permanent plant, as the runner is fed
entirely by the parent until after it has commenced forming
roots, and the series of runners that follow are fed by the mother
plant, so that they are a great strain upon the resources of the
parent, especially when they are not in a medium favourable to
their producing roots on their own account. We very often see
plants with two or three joints of runners without a single root
on any of them, and these take as much support from the soil as
the parent and reduce its vigour proportionately. — G. Abbey.

(To be continued.)

MULCHING.

Peas and Beans will be considerably benefited by having a dressing of
half-decayed manure 4 inches thick laid on as a means of conserving the
moisture at the roots as well as stimulating growth. The mulching
should be put on as soon as the rows of Peas and Beans are earthed up,
and the former staked ; after which, in the event of the weather being dry
at the time, a good watering should be given. Fruit trees, such as
Peaches, Cherries Apricots, &c , will abo yield better results by having
a few inches thick of manure laid on the surface of the soil immediately
over the roots — say to the extent of 4 or 5 feet from the base of the trees.
Beds containing Pelargoniums, Calceolaria", Stock", and Asters may, by
the application of a few inches thick of short manure, be furnished in a
little more than half the time the plants would otherwise require to cover
the surface of ihe beds with flowering shoots. A good mulching of short
dung laid on between ranks of Raspberries will also be productive of the
most satisfact <ry results ; more especially is this the case during a dry
season. — H. W. Ward.

CHRYSANTHEMUMS AND THEIR CULTURE.

( Continued from, page 505 last vol.)

ADVANTAGES OF RIPE WOOD.

Many growers of Chrysanthemums fail in their desire to
produce perfect blooms by not paying sufficient attention to
ripening the wood of the plants. Undoubtedly the thorough
maturation of the wood has a material effect on the development
of the flowers. This is more apparent in the Incurved section than
in the Japanese family, as in the former case depth and solidity of
blooms are essential points, and they cannot be had from unripe
wood, therefore let me impress upon the inexperienced cultivator
the importance of this phase of Chrysanthemum culture. Ul-
ripened branches will produce flowers large enough in diameter, but
they lack depth and form. The greatest of all faults is not making
the soil firm enough, particularly at the last potting. Under such
conditions the roots ramble quickly into the soft soil, and the
growths are soft correspondingly and devoid of that hard wood¬
like character that is so desirable. Using soil of too rich a nature,
and the excessive application of stimulants, such as nitrate of soda,
induce an undesirable luxuriance of growth. This may be pleasing
to those who do not thoroughly understand its nature, but it is,
nevertheless, deceptive, for the tisgues are not solidified. Over¬
crowding the plants is another common source of badly ripened wood ;
the stems under such conditions grow weakly, and the leaves are
imperfect. A free circulation of air amongst the plants, with their
full exposure to the sun, all day if possible, contribute powerfully to
substantial growth. If the plants are arranged and tied out as
shown on page 460, the evil referred to will be averted. By the
time the plants are in bloom the wood should cut almost as hard
as a piece of Oak, and the colour of the bark should be rich brown
in colour, with a rough uneven surface. Tbe leaves of such
plants assume toward September a bronzy appearance, though
some varieties indicate this character more clearly than others.
I repeat, then, that the difference between wood thoroughly
ripened and that which is unripe is that blooms from plants (all
other things considered) of the former designation are always much
deeper in the growth of the florets and firmer in “ build,” as it is

called ; while those from unripe growths are large in diameter,
devoid of depth, and contain a number of ill-shapen florets — in some
instances without any semblance of incurving in the proper manner.
The way to have thoroughly ripened plants is to pot and arrange
as has been previously advised. Pay regular attention to their
summer treatment of watering and regulating the shoots, and feed
them as I will direct in a future issue. There is no such thing as
growing the plants very strong and ripening them suddenly, so to
speak ; the growths must be built up gradually as produced in all
their stages from the time the cuttings are taken till the flowers
expand.

NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN GROWERS.

It has often been said that gardeners in the southern countie8
of England cannot grow Chrysanthemums so well as those in the
north, and misunderstanding has arisen in consequence. Many
people aver that the climate is not so favourable in the south as it
is in the north, but except in one respect it is a mistake. I will
endeavour to point out the advantages and the disadvantages of
both districts. Until quite recently Chrysanthemums have not
been seen in perfection farther north than the neighbourhood of
Liverpool. Growers in that district have held their own, and have
been regarded as the champions of England. Certainly some of the
finest blooms have been shown from gardens in that neighbour¬
hood. The cause of the fame which has been so deservedly earned
by Liverpool gardeners must be looked for in another direction —
viz., the thorough mastering of all details connected with the
growth of the plant. Fifteen years ago Chrysanthemums were
well grown by Liverpool men, therefore successors to the gardeners
of that date have been imbued with an ardent desire to emulate
their predecessors and perpetuate the fame of the district. Still,
attention has been given to all the requirements of the Chrysan¬
themum. This thorough study of the plant has placed the gardeners
of Liverpool in their present position. It has been truly said that
nowhere are specimen blooms grown with such a breadth of florets
as the incurved blooms from that locality. The advantages they
possess over their southern brethren are these — the season not
being quite so early as in the south, consequently they are able to
secure crown buds at a later period, and this is the only natural
advantage they have. Until the last six years it cannot be said
that growers around London and farther south stood any chance
with the Liverpool men in general competition, but the fine blooms
brought to Kingston by Mr. W. Tunnington and the late Mr.
F. Faulkner induced London gardeners to emulate their northern
brethren, and well have they benefited by the lesson taught them,
for southern growers are now able to hold their own in friendly
rivalry with their northern brethren. The disadvantages which
southern gardeners labour under is the too early development of the
growths in many instances, owing to the hot weather occurring during
the months of April and May in some seasons. These premature
growths do not produce the desired flower buds at the best time.
Many times when the proper buds are retained which produce the
largest and best flowers they are too early for the shows, ani
cannot be retarded so easily in the south as they can in the north ,
therefore, much to the disappointment of the cultivator, smaller
blooms have to be staged which cannot possess a good chance of
competing successfully with the larger ones produced from buds
“ taken” at a better time. — E. Molyneux.

SUCCESSFUL TOMATO CULTURE.

The best Tomatoes in pots I have yet seen are in the Peach house
at Apsford, near Frome, the residence of A. G. Hayman, Esq. They are
growing in 12-inch pots, and have received since commencing to crop
heavily a liberal top-dressing of loam and manure. The roots are con¬
fined to the pots, and the remarkable crops borne by each plant afford
strong proof that they have received the best attention with plenty of
water, varied with occasional supplies of farmyard liquid manure. Each
plant has two leading stems which have never been stopped, only the side
shoots being closely rubbed out. Some are growing up the front trellis
and the remainder among the young Peach trees on the back wall. In
height or length of stem they range from 6 feet to 8 feet, and are bearing
clusters of fruit nearly the whole length, some being fully ripe and others
just set. The varieties are Reading Perfection, large and handsome ;
King Humbert and Trentham Fillba^ket, both cropping closely and bear¬
ing medium-sized and rather solid fiuit ; Large R-d, one of the heaviest
of croppers and of good quality ; and Stamfordian, rather coarse in this
case. Judging from the size of the clusters of matured fruit, each
plant will perfect from 16 lbs. to 20 lbs. weight of Tomatoes, and this, I
think it will be conceded, is a remarkably good record, and very much to
the credit of Mr. S. Andrews, the industrious gardener in charge of a
generally pretty, and in summer especially most charming residence. I
must not omit mentioning that the plants are syringed twice daily, or as
often as the Peach trees, and this has largely contributed to the unusually
perfect set of fruit. I may also add that I, too, have adopted this season
for the first time the use of the syringe for setting the fruit, and also

88

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 15, 1886.

as a preventive of cracking, with good results in each instance. W.
Iggulden.

ICE HOUSES.

We almost invariably receive applications for building ice houses
in winter ; but obviously summer is the best time for making the
necessary preparations, so that everything is in readiness for storing
ice when it is produced. This has been suggested by a gardener who
asks for a few hints on the subject, and the annexed plans and
explanations by Mr. (x. Abbey may possibly be of some service to
him and others, who contemplate making structural provision for
the storage of ice. The plan can, of course, be modified to suit local
positions and circumstances.

Ice being now as much a necessity as a luxury, it is not remark¬
able that extravagant means are frequently adopted to secure a supply
of it for the many domestic purposes both of summer and autumn.
By digging a pit in the ground, not coolness is sought but freedom
from the variable influence of the atmosphere, and uniformity of
temperature around the ice. This plan, however, is not, I think, the
best that can be devised, and I shall accordingly proceed to desciibe
the one which might advantageously be substituted for it.

The essentials of keeping ice seem to me to be — 1st, A perfectly
dry site ; 2nd, Dryness and non-conducting power in the surrounding
substance ; 3rd, Exclusion of air. The first will be secured by the
perfect drainage of the ground forming the site, which should com¬
mand a good fall and outlet for drains, as the top of a hill rather
than a hollow.

Now, I propose to make the ice house a decent building ; there is
no need, therefore, to bury it in an out-of-the-way place, but a natur¬
ally dry site may be chosen in a commanding position, where it will
either be visible at a distance, or afford a prospect, or combine both.
It may be fully exposed to the sun instead of being in a shaded spot,
sunk to the depth of 6 feet or less, but, if the drainage cannot he
made very efficient, not sunk at all, made in the form a parallelogram
with the ends running north and south, and the entrance at the north
end. If an excavation be made it should be 36 feet long, 22 feet
wide, 7 feet deep at the south end, and 5 ftet at the north, the sides
being 1 foot lower than the centre, so that the excavation falls 2 feet
from noith to south, and 1 foot from centre to sides. If no excavation
be made, then merely take out the soil to make a firm bottom, giving
the inclines above named — i.e., from the north to the south end 2 feet,
and from the centre to the sides 1 foot.

Fig 6 is the ground plan of such a structure ; a is the ice house
within which the ground has been excavated to a firm bottom. The
drain b is brought to a small cesspool within the ice house, which
must be covered with a stone into which is let a 9-inch ordinary
stench-trap. The stone should have a dish from the sides to the
trap of 4 inches, and channels cut for drains to deliver water on the
trap, so that the water from the mel ing ice may always pass it before
going to the drain b. c, The trap, will require a stone 2 feet square
and 8 or 9 inches thick, and should have a dish of 4 inches, and
channels made for drains that are to convey the water of the melting
ice. The stone to cover the cesspool need not be more than 1 foot
square and deep in side measurement, and should be surrounded by
bricks laid in cement. It should be laid on the cesspool in a bed of
cement, and when set should rise 3 inches above the level of the
excavation. The trap being in the centre of the house or midway at¬
one end, it follows that it would, were we not to lower the excavation,
be 1 foot higher than the side drains d, d ; let the excavation, there¬
fore, be made 15 inches deeper at that point, and slope to that depth,
beginning 6 feet from the trap in the interior and falling to the trap
evenly. In this case the side drains will have 3 inches fall from the
sides to the trap.

Let the floor be formed of bricks, beginning wiih a brick-on-edge
all round, and next to this 3-inch drain tiles, which should be laid
about 1 inch in the ground, or so that they are level with the bricks
on tbe other side laid on the flat. The whole of the space within
the drains should be laid with bricks on the flat, and when this is
done a floor should be made sloping from the centre to the sides, and
from the interior to the trap, having the bricks level with the drain
tilts and trap. Into this will fall all water originating within the
house, and thence into the main drain b. The side drain will come
to the trap by the channels made in the stone. The floor should now
be run with cement, removing the drain tiles and putting a board to
keep the bricks in the proper position until the process is complete
and the cement 6et, then the tiles should be relaid, and those on the
trap should be run in cement and cut so as to sait the stone. When
this is done no water can escape but to the sides, and thence away
by the drains, but as bricks are porous it is well to brush the floor
thrice over with cement brought to the consistency of paint. After
this is thoroughly set place brinks on the flat, each brick isolated, with
3 inches between each course, and the same between the ends, which

will leave spaces of 3 inches between each course, both lengthwise
and crosswise. The light spaces are the isolated bricks on the-tlat,
and the shaded parts the spaces. These bricks should be laid in
cement, and be bevel-pointed round to keep them firm. These bricks
will keep the ice off the floor, and will allow the water to run off.

e, e, e, Are 9-inch walls, which should have foundations below the
floor of the ice house, and a course below asphalted, and one above
the asphalted course laid in cement. Along the spaces /, /, a diain
should belaid, and join the drain b where that crosses the spaces.
Outside the spaces is h, another drain, that is intended to keep away
all water from the enclosed space, and is the only drain, except b,
that is to be below the excavations. It should have a syphon just
clear of the house to keep back any air that may find its way up b,
and keep it from the drains in the spaces/,/', which should have
syphons at their junction with b. i, i, is an area which will require a
wall,/,/, all round to keep up the soil — 4£ inches thick if an exca¬
vation be made not more than 2 feet, and 9 inches thick if one deeper
than 2 feet, 7c, 7c , Tc, 7c, are 6-inch iron pipes that have one end
opening in the space/at the bottom, and the other brought to the
external air, and should there be provided with a screw valve that is
driven on an indiarubber washer, and so as to exclude air or admit it
at will. I, l, l, are tongued and grooved doors made of sound well-
seasoned oak or elm. They should have oaken frames, with an mdia-
rubbei band all round, so that there will be little possibility of an
passing. The fastenings of the doors ought to be brass, as iron
corrodes and gets out of order, m is a porch having a stone floor or
other hard material that will do for breaking ice on when filling, and
as a storage of any straw or straw shutters that may be required tor
stopping up the spaces between the doors l, l, l ; m is also provided
with a door in halves. With the exception of the outer door of the
porch the door should neither be painted nor varnished.

Fig. 7 is section through A b, and shows n, the ice house, o, 9-inch
space between the two 9-inch walls. It is provided with a 12-mch
iron pipe, p, with two branches, each 6 inches in diameter, the ends
of which are brought to the external air 6 inches clear of all sub¬
stances, and closed or opened at will with air-proof valves. _ T he pipes
at the bottom of the space are drain tiles, and those immediately above
them are those named in fig. 6, 7c (they not occurring in the section
A b, are introduced to show their utility). The space o is, of course,
filled with air, and therefore at the period when ice forms the external
air will be considerably below freezing-point, whilst that of the space
o will be above it. From the structure being 6 feet below the surface
it derives considerable heat from it, and will not be influenced readily
by atmospheric changes. In the memorable winter of I860 61 the
temperature of the earth at 1 foot was never lower than 36°, that of
the atmosphere falling to 3°. In a space of this kind we shall have a
temperature at midwinter of not less than 43° to 45° ; and as the ice
in n will melt according to the temperature of the air it is surrounded
by, and as it must derive its heat from o, we can by displacing the
air in it by opening the valves of p let out air at 43°, and by those of
7c replace it with that at, it may be, 20°. In any case, at the time of
filling the ice house, n, we should have in o a temperature below
freezing, the parts surrounding beiDg thoroughly frozen by the cold¬
ness of the air of o. Were o earth it would have a temperature of
40° to 43°, and the ice in n wou'd be melted by the air heated by the
higher-temperatured surrounding material, of which the heat will
keep increasing, until in July it will be from 55° to 60°, afterwards
gradually declining to the winter minimum of 43’ to 45°. In our
case, o, or the air in it, can also be warmed by the temperature of
the surrounding substance ; hence arises the necessity of enclosing it
with a non-conductor. I propose, therefore, that we fill q, q, with
very dry sawdust (kiln-dried, if possible, but not browned very much),
and put in hard, it not being possible to make it too tight. The
sawdust should be isolated from the ground at the bottom of q ,
making over the drain a half circle of “ culvert ” tiles to keep damp
from rising and wetting the sawdust.

Above the ground line it will be seen that our arrangements as
regards the exterior are of wood ; in fact, we construct over the ice a
summer-house, only we fill the interior with ice, and have seats, r, r,
all round outside under cover of the roof ; s, s is lined with deal
battens, 4 inches by 3 inches, and covered with half-inch boards
doubled ; first one thickness close, and then the other upon them, so
that the last boards will cover the joints of the first. The sides and
roof are done alike, and to give a neat appearance the sides may have
fixed on the outside larch poles sawn up the middle, from which the
bark is removed, and when dry varnished. The seats may be formed
of like material, also the floor t over open area u. The supports for
the projecting roof are larch poles barked and varnished, the bases of
which are slightly elevated on stones and dowelled in. The roof
should be thatched with heather a foot to 18 inches thick, and if this
be done neatly we have a structure anything but unornamental, and
invaluable for shelter from storm or heat and as a resting place.

But let us return to the interior. The roof of the ice well is of

July 15, 1888. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

39

bricks disposed as a semicircle, the ends being also arched to meet
the quarter circle of the sides. We do not place earth against the
outer wall of the space, o, but sawdust, to bear the weight of the
bricks composing the semicircle, the weight of which tends to cause
the upright 9-inch walls to bulge out. One course below the striking
of the arches is some strong angle iron, 3 inches on each side of the
angle, and half an inch thick, one side of the angle to be placed on
the wall and covered with a row of headers, and the other side close
on the face of the course of bricks on which it is laid. At every

bolt being screwed 2 inches, a l|-inch socket pipe is screwed on, and
its other end let into a stone, v, that must be on hard ground, which
if not naturally so must be rammed until it is like iron. These pro¬
visions must be made on both sides, and at both ends, so far as door¬
ways will admit. To keep the internal arch firm we place every
alternate brick in the course of the outer arch wall on which the
angle iron is placed through far enough to reach the bricks of the
other arch. (The outside of the last arch, or that face next the sawdust
should be plastered with cement, and the internal one also, but inside

Fig. G.— Scale 8 feet to 1 inch.

Fig. 7.

3 feet along the angle iron, and on its exposed face, should be made
a hole for an inch bolt, whose outer end must have a 2-inch solid
socket, for which a 1^-inch wrought pipe is prepared to screw on
2 inches. We have in building to put in clamps or straps of 3 inches
by half an inch bar iron, with an inch hole 3 inches from the upper
end, and the lower to pass through the wall at a foot above the
foundation, and to turn up 3 inches in the space o. We put straps
in, of course, as the wall is built, and when the angle iron is put on
we introduce the bolts through the holes in the straps and also
through the angle iron, securing them with nu's. The head of the

The house as described will hold 172 cubie yards of ice when
thoroughly filled, and will preserve it for a long time, though in order
to effect this the doors must be closed, and the spaces between each
stopped tightly up with dry straw or straw shutters, placing one
against the other, when it is as safe for keeping as if it were
hermetically sealed. It is surrounded with air at a temperature as
low as that of the ice, and can derive no heat except through the
2 feet thickness of sawdust. The valves are to remain closed, for it
is necessary that the air in o be kept still, and to open them would
only admit air of a higher temperature. If, hjwever, after filling the

40

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 15, 1886.

house with ice the weather should be mild for a time, aud then be
followed by a severe time of frost, it will be judicious to open the
valves, and displacing the air in o, replace it with that at a lower
temperature, 'i he valves should be closed when a minimum has
been secured, and should not be opened again until the return of
frost the following autumn, when air at a temperature below freezing
should be admitted.

Nothing is so detrimental to ice-keeping as constantly opening
the doors. It should only be occasioned by necessity, and the doors
should be closed after the person visiting the ice chamber, so that as
little as possible of the outer air may be allowed to enter, and on
coming out the like care should be bestowed on closing the door.

At a general meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society,
Maurice Young, Esq., in the chair, the following candidates were unani¬
mously elected — viz., Robert Berridge, M.R.I.C.E., Domingo De Ybarrando,
George Haigh. James Terry, William J. Thomson, and Reginald Young.

- The Royal Botanic Society’s Second Evening Fete

this year was held on Wednesday the 7th inst., and being favoured with fine
weather proved like the firet, very successful, a large number of visiters
assembling during the evening. The gardens were most brilliantly and
tastefully lighted by coloured glass lamps of a new and very elegant pat¬
tern. Floral decorations for tables and rooms were shown in the large
marquee, and an excellent selection of vocal and instrumental music fur¬
nished additional attractions in the grounds. The principal exhibitors of
floral decorations were Mr. Chard, Miss Williams, and Messrs. Dick Rad-
clyife & Co. ; Messrs. Hooper & Co. showing bouquets. Mr. B. S.
Williams, Upper Holloway, contributed a very handsome group of Orchids
and choice plants ; Messrs. Paul & Son, Waltham Cross, having a large
group of Rose blooms. During the evening the Duchess of Teck and
daughter, with numerous friends, visited the gardens.

“ S. C.” writes that “ So far the Ivy-leap Pelargonium
Madame Thibaut by far exceeds the description given when it was
sent out. My stock plant in a 48-pot, with a dozen trusses of bloom in
various stages, is very beautiful. It is particularly free-blooming, for in
a thumb pot I have a head of bloom larger than the pot it is in, and two
other trusses showing. Another character is the dwarf growth of the
plant, and so far I have not a tie or a stick to support it ; the individual
blooms being large and useful for buttonholes.”

The same correspondent observes that “Abed of self-sown
Mignonette has been for a fortnight a grand sight. In this locality
the general cry is 1 How badly my Mignonette is doing,’ or ‘ I cannon
get it to grow,’ yet here it is magnificent. I believe the secret lies in the
Imd not being either forked or dug, simply raked and slightly top-dressed
with a rich soil in the autumn, and a little lime at the same time. I
measured a spike of bloom C inches long with no seeds. Sowing itself it
comes up rather thickly, but I leave it alone. I have every reason to
believe that Mignonette sown in the autumn, or as soon as the seed is
r pe, is the most successful. My bed, about 30 feet long by 3 feet wide,
is a treat for the bees.”

- Messrs. ^ iccars, Collyer, & Co., Leicester, inform us that
the Wilson Junior Blackberry is now bearing a fine crop of ripe
fruit on plants in pots, and invite an inspection. They were pot'.ed in
the spring of last year and grown outside until two or three months ago
then placed in a cool house. Fruit from cne of these plants was exhibited
at South Kensington on Tuesday last.

We are informed that the Duchess of Teck has graciously con¬
sented to open a large People’s Flower Show and Industrial
Exhibition in the parish of All Saints, South Lambeth. The Exhibition
is to be held at the Manor House, Priory Road, Wandsworth Road, S.W.
aud the promoters are desirous that it shall be in every way a success*
Ds object is to encourage the poor of this overcrowdtd neighbourhood to
gtow flowers, and to teach them to cultivate that industry in which they
iake a special interest, About 200 money prizes are offered, amongst which

are special prizes given by well-known philanthropists as the Duke of
Westminster, K.G., Lady Emily Cavendish, Sir Donald Currie, K.C.M.G.i
M.P., and others, many of whom have promised to support the Princess
at the opening ceiemony on July 1 9th . The entrance money is very
small, and all ccmpetitors receive a free ticket for the distribution of
prizes on Wednesday, the 21st July, at which the Lieut. -General Sir
Frederick Fitzwygram, Barf., M.P., has promised to preside.

- Garden Irrigation. — Messrs. Merryweather & Sons, Long

Acre, the well-known manufacturers of garden hose, have recently intro¬
duced a lawn fountain, and this being niokle-ilated, combines elegance
with utility. Much labour is saved in watering lawns, &c., where there
is a pressure of water in pipes, as the fountain only needs occasional
moving for its regular distribution.

- Messrs. J. Carter & Co., High HolVrn, have now an extensive

show of Ten-week Stocks at the Perry Hill Nursery, about 7000
plants being in flower. They are arranged on stages out of doors facing
the south, and covered at the top with a sloping roof to protect them from
excessive rain. For several years Messrs. Carter & Co. have been growing
plants for seed in this way instead of relying exclusively upon continental
seed, and by close attention and rigid selection the strain has been con¬
siderably improved. From Germany these Stocks are received in twenty-
six colours, but several of these are either dull shades or not distinct ;
they have therefore been reduced to twelve, and it is probable that some of
these will be discarded. Those now represented are — Crimson Roses
Chamois, Blood Red, Yellow, White, Light B ue, Purple, Brick Red, Chest¬
nut Brown, Pale Rose, and Aurora (pale salmon). They are in four types
— Dwarf German, very compact-growing and free ; Large-flowering,
with very fine double flowers ; Pyramidal, taller in habit; and Wallflower¬
leaved, with bright green smooth leave?. All are remarkable for the large
proportion of doubles included — a satisfactory indication of the merit of
the strain, though the yield of seed will be smaller. The Petunias, for
which this firm is noted, are also coming on well, a large Dumber being
already in flower.

- The Birmingham Gardeners’ Mutual Improvement

Society. — This Society, which was staited about four months since, now
numbers about 200 members, and so warm an interest is taken in it by
many gentlemen of the town that donations to the amount of £60 7s. 6d.
have been given towards a library fund, chiefly thiough the exertions of
Mr. Hughes, the Secretary. Mr. J. Crook, a well-kDOWD gardener in
Birmingham, has accepted the position of librarian. One hundred
volumes of the best modern as well as rare old gardening works have
been purchased at a cost of about £40, and fifty-two bouks have been
prestnted by various gentlemen and ladies interested in horticulture.
The library was opened recently, upwards oi 100 membeis attending, and
a number of books were lent to members. By an arrangement with the
Birmingham Botanical and Horticultural Society, the annual subscription
of £6 5s. will be pAd by the Gardeners’ Society, which will secure from
the B itanical Gardens the following privileges : — Free admission on all
ordinary days and Sundays to all members on presenting their cards of
membership ; ten tickets for exhibition days and reserved days to be sent
to the Secretary for distribution amongst the members ; the free U6e of
the Botanical Soce'y’s library for reference oily, subject to the super¬
vision < f Mr. W. B. Latham, Curator to the Society. A course of essays
and papers, followed by discussions, will be proceeded with through the
autumn, winter, and spiing, with lectures occasionally. Mr. W. B.
Latham is the Chairman of the Committee.

- The monthly meeting of the Belgian Horticulturists was

held on the 5th inst. in Ghent. Those present were — MM. P. Blancqusert,
V. Cuvelier, Arth, Desmet, Desmet-Duvivier, B. Spae, Em. Decock and
Vervaet, and M. Alex. Dalli^re, who prtsidtd ; M Jules Hye acting as
Secretary. Certificates of merit were awarded for Pcrnettya lilaciDa nigra
nuj r, from M. Alex. DBLcre ; Pernettya lilacina iructu albo, from the
sime; Hopiophyton robustum variegatum, from M. Aug. "Van Geert ;
A> thuriura Schertzerianum var. sanguineum, from M. D. smet-Duvivier ;
Ccelogyne Ma'-sangeana, from MM. Yervaet & Co. ; Alocasia Augustiana,
AlocaAa marmi rata, Phrynium variegatum, Alocasia nigricaDS, Sagenia
mammillosa, Alocasia giga3, aud Amaryllis Bongueroth', from the Conti¬
nental Hortieul'ural Company (Director, M. J. Linden). A cultural cer¬
tificate was awarded for Cypripedium superbiens, from M. J. Hye-Leysen.
Honourable mention was accorded to the f Rowing for th-ir novelty : —
An’hurium Schertzerianum Brillant, from M. D smet-Duvivier ; Odonto-
glossum Alexandras var. fastuosum, from MM. Yervaet & Co. ; Dractena

July 15, 1886. 1

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

4

Mad, Lucien Linden; Draciena Comte de Grnnne, Alocasia Macedoana,
Pandanus Kerchovei, and Dracaena Mr. James Bray, from M. J. Linden.
Honourable mention for their culture was accorded loTodea superba'
from M. Alex. Dalli&re ; and Darlingtonia californica, from M. Linden
Upon the same day the Soci&e Royale d’ Agriculture et de Botanique of
Ghent held an exhibition of cut Roses, at which the Judges were MM
Dugnolle, Professor at the University, President ; Chevalier Hynderick’
Peters (of Brussels), Closson (of Li6ge), Charron (of Paris), E. Claus.
Ferdinand Van Hjecke, A. Rosseel, and J. Puls, who acted as Secretary
Diplomas of merit were accorded to M. Tiberghien for his collection of
Roses, to M. Louis Van Houtte for his collection of Tea Roses, and to
M. Jean de Kneef for a collection of Roses. Second-class awards were
granted to MM. Dugnolle, Ferdinand Van Hoecke, and Ktrkvoorde, of
Wetterton ; and honourable mention to MM. Fernand Vanderhaegenj
Leon Halkin of Brussels, and Mad. Ad. D’Haene.

- A series of twenty-six beautiful hand-coloured paintings of

Australian Wild Flowers by Miss Hammond is exhibited in the
Victorian Court of the Indian and Colonial Exhibition at South Kensing¬
ton. They represent fifty-five species of plants, all admirably executed,
and those who wish to obtain an idea of the numerous beautiful Australian
plant3, comparatively few of which are seen in British gardens, should
look for this exhibit.

- The July number of the Botanical Magazine has illustrations

of the following plants T. 6883, Myrmecodia Beccari, a native of
tropical Australia, which Sir J. D. Hooker says is “ One of the most
singular plants ever imported in a living state into this country, and it
belongs to a genus, or rather to one of a group of genera of epiphytic
Rubiaceie, which have been long known from their singular habit of
forming often spinous tubers of great size, the interior of which is
galleried by ants of various species, and of which insects these are the
native homes.” Several genera, such as Myrmepbytum, Myrmed ma,
and Hydnophytum belong to the same family and possess a similar habit,
while of Myrmecodia eighteen species have been described, M. Beccari
having being sent to Kew by Messrs. Veitch & Sons in January of the
present year.

- In t. 6884 is shown Aristolochia longifolia from Hong-

Kong, where it was discovered by Col. Champion in 1847. It was sent
to Kew by Mr. E. Fird in 1882, and flowered in March this year. The
perianth-tube is yellowish, expanding into a “maroon brown” limb.
T. 6885 is Galtonia clavata, a third species of the genus, with greenish
flowers. The bulbs were received at Kew bom Cape Town in 1S79, and
it flowered in 1881. In t. 6886 is represented a cuiious little tropical
American Orchid, Pleurothallis B trberiana, a minute tufted plant, with
racemes of pretty flowers, the sepals white or greenish spotted with
purple, the petals similar but smaller, and lip like a Cypripedium, but
solid and bright purple. T. 6887, Tulipa Kaufmanuiana, is a Central
Asian species found by Dr. Albert Regel. It is nearly allied to
T. Gesneriana, and has variable flowers, yellow and orange, rose and
white, and white and purple.

PROFITABLE GARDENING.

( Continued, from page 373, last vol.)

Bouvardias — As a rule those who are called upon to maintain a
constant supply of cut flowers, whether for private use or for sale,
rely principally upon such kinds as are more or less continuous-
flowering for several months in the year. There may be a few kinds
that only yield one crop of flowers, some of which I shall again
allude to, but the majority of such are rarely sufficiently profitable,
for the simple reason that they may be in bloom just when theie is
least demand for flowers, or if they are sold the prices are not often
commensurate to the cost of production. Now Bouvardias bloom
freely throughout the winter, and with good management nearly
till Easter, and- what is very much to the purpose no difficulty, as
far as my experience goes, is experienced in procuring a ready sale.
For wreaths and bouquets the white varieties are eminently suitable.
It is true a great many gardeners fail to grow Bouvardias satisfac¬
torily, but this is largely owing to the haphazard treatment they
receive. They are not suitable for mixed plant houses, and cannot
be said to be happy either under stove or greenhouse treatment,
being most thriving in an intermediate temperature.

It is rather late in the year to dwell at length on the best
methods of propagation, and I will merely mention that we obtain
our best young plants from stout root cuttings, these being taken
off in February or March, and near the surface of the soil. This

can be done without either resting or shaking out the plants as
many prefer to do, and being obtained early is a decided advantage
as late-struck plants especially are of little service the first winter
after, and under any circumstances I find strong plants two years
old and upwards much the most profitable. The root cuttings may
be either placed at once singly in small pots, or thinly in pans of
light or peaty soil, burying them slightly below the surface. In a
brisk heat they soon start into growth, and if shifted gradually into
larger pots and pinched back a few times will grow into useful
plants. Cuttings of young top growth taken off with a heel and
dibbled thinly in pans or pots of fine sandy, will, if placed in a brisk
bottom heat and kept close and shaded, strike root readily, and may
be subsequently treated similarly to the root cuttings. These young
plants are best kept in pots in size according to their vigour, or say
either 5-inch or 6-inch pots, being grown in a gentle heat up till the
end of May, after which well-ventilated cold frames and pits are
suitable for them. Pinching back the young shoots of these or
older plants should cease by the end of July or early in August,
according to the locality, and in any case this stopping should not
be overdone, as when the growth is rather spindly the first burst of
bloom may be the only gathering of any value.

When I commenced growing Bouvardias extensively I purchased
a quantity of stocky little plants at a cheap rate, these travelling
nearly 200 miles by goods train at a comparatively trifling cost.
They were tightly packed in a long shallow box and were fully
exposed. Railway officials are bound to handle plants thus sent
in a careful manner ; at any rate they did in our case, and there was
no charge for packing. There is no reason why nurserymen should
be disheartened at the state of trade, but they must endeavour to
re-model their practice so as to meet the requirements of the new
order of things prevailing.

After this digression I will briefly detail the treatment given to
the old plants. Some, and good growers too, consider these require
a brief season of rest, and their plants are transferred to a light
position in a cool house and given less water accordingly, the plants
being eventually pruned, restarted, repotted, and finally planted
out in pits and frames early in June. Our plants being kept in a
light airy position in a well-heated but unfortunately l< naturally ’
well-ventilated house, the old growth is well ripened long before
pruning time, and all we find necessary is to withhold water for a
few days, or about a week, when they are freely cut back. In this
manner we secure flowers up to the last, and at a time, too, when
most in demand. They are watered a few days later on, and with
occasional syringings they soon break strongly. Before the shoots
' are a quarter of an inch in length the plants are shaken clear of
the soil, have their roots shortened somewhat, and are then repotted
into as small pots as they will comfortably go into. We have tried
shaking out and planting directly into a pit, but when first repotted
they eventually lift more safely from the soil in the autumn. They
are kept in an intermediate temperature till well established in the
pots, when they are planted in a pit previously prepared for them.
This pit, it should be added, is filled with Violets during the winter,
these being turned out in time to admit of a few thousand Alter-
nantheras being struck in it, and then it is entirely given up to
Bouvardias. The soil has to be lowered considerably to suit the
latter, being when finished off about 15 inches from the glass. No
bottom heat is necessary, the bottom of the bed consisting of any
common rubbish or soil, the surface compost to a depth of 9 inches
consisting of two parts good loam to one of leaf soil with a free
addition of sharp sand or grit. Failing a pit, good substitutes are
spent hotbeds and frames. The Bouvardias are planted out about
15 inches apart each way, or more or less according to their size,
are kept rather close and syringed daily when closed early in the
afternoon. When growing strongly more air is given, and eventu¬
ally the lights are taken clean off in order that the strong growth
now being formed may also be sufficiently hard. As before stated,
pinching back should be discontinued early, as those late-formed
sucker-like growths will, if well ripened, yield the best and most
blooms during the winter. Early in September, or before cold wet
weather injures them, they should be carefully potted. I he
compost in the pit, to which may be added a little old Mushroom-
bed manure, will suit them, and clean well-drained pots varying m
size according to the balls of soil and roots secured with each, ough
to be used. Our pots vary from S-inch to 10-inch in size, and into
these they are firmly potted. If the weather is favourable they
may be stood under a north wall or other shady position tor a tew
days, or if the weather is wet and cold they ought at once to be

They commence flowering directly after they are lifted, and if
kept in a light airy position in a house in which the temperature
ranges from about 50° at night to 60° in the daytime they aie, i
properly tended, bound to flower abundantly. At no time ought
they to suffer from want of water, and both when planted out an..

42

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDERER.

[ July 15, 18£6.

potted up they are benefited by occasional supplies of weak liquid
manure of any kind. At the same time they may be easily over¬
watered. All kinds of insect pests are troublesome, but mealy bug
is the worst enemy to Bouvardias. Petroleum is the best remedy
for bug, this being applied at the rate of 2 ozs. to a gallon of hot
water. This should be kept well stirred as it is being used, and
those who are at all nervous about its injurious effects on the plants
may syringe it off in the course of an hour. Syringings will keep
down red spider, and occasional fumigations destroy green and
black fly.

The most useful variety is Yreelandii, and at least half the
stock may well be of this valuable white sort. Hogarth and Elegans
are good scarlets, and the pink Delicatissima is very free but not
in much demand. Humboldti corymbiflora, jasminiflora, and jas-
minillora longipetala are handsome white varieties, useful for
bouquets, but are not so durable or profitable as Yreelandii. Alfred
Neuner, white, doutle, is of good service, but I do not much care
for the pink double President Garfield. — I. M., Somerset.

CUTTING ASPARAGUS.

Opinions are invited bv " A Thinker ” on cutting the weak growths
of Asparagus. Here is mine- rather Mr. “ Thinker ” shall do it himself.
Did you ever have “twitch” in Asparagus beds, or somewhere where it
could not he forked out? or Bindweed and Bishop’s-weed in bush fruit
plantations and beds of Lily of the Valley respectively ? If so, how did
you kill it ? You pulled up the twitch every time it got large enough to
lay hold of, and the other weeds were served the same. Just so. The
weeds got weaker and weaker, until at last they died. Keep on cutting
Asparagus until late in the season, and you will find it also gets weaker
every year. Late cutting gives late growths ; the growths have not time
to store up sufficient nutriment in a strong bud or buds at the base, and
Bingularly these come late the following spring ; and, more remarkable
still, they are mostly without flowers and without fruit — i.e., berries.
The young weak growths allowed to grow away in May transmit nutri-
ti< n to the buds at the base in such quantity and over so long a period
that they become stout and thoroughly solidified, store sufficient nutri¬
ment to insure early and good heads the following spring large enough
for cutting. I will have a “ cut in ” on the greater subject of the for¬
mation of fruit buds and ripe wood another day. — G. Abbey,

SHRUBBERIES AS SCREENS.

“ Do print something about evergreens. They once made
my garden cosy and private, but it long ago ceased to be so
owing to the shrubs losing their leaves, and we are now over¬
looked from a public thoroughfare, as about all that is left of
the evergreens is above the line of vision.” In answer to that
letter of a “ Suburbanist,” we print a communication from an
experienced gardener, who has had precisely the same subject
under his consideration, and who writes : — A few days ago I
called upon a gentleman residing in a villa, with pleasure grounds
of some extent, formed by himself some twenty years ago. In
speaking of the bounding shrubbery, which he said he had
planted to screen his garden from the public view, he lamented
most pathetically the gradual death of the evergreen shrubs
which were originally planted, not half a dozen of which were
alive, and even those were dying by inches, or I might say feet,
every year. “ What can be the cause,” asked he, “ that whilst the
Elms, Poplai-s, Sycamores, &c , have become good sized trees as
you see, the Laurels, Bays, Hollies, Box, &c., have nearly all
perished? It must be the soil or the blight that has desti’oyed
them.” After a moment’s thought I said “ No, it is neither the
soil nor the blight that has done the mischief; it is owing to
planting forest trees amongst the shrubs, and allowing them,
which they were sure to do, to choke the evergreens by over¬
shadowing them, and taking up the nutriment for their support
which the shrubs ought to have had. The consequence is, as
you see, what was intended for a permanent living screen is no
screen at all ; the forest trees have not only destroyed the shrubs,
but have also lost their lower branches, so that there is nothing
to keep out the prying eyes of the public excepting the naked
stems, or protect our garden from the rude blast of cold winter
or hurricanes of summer winds.” “ In such cases what is to be
done. I do not like walls, they give my place the appearance
of a prison or union yard. What should have been done at the
outset ? ”

These queries, and the patent fact that the shrubs had
nearly departed and the trees become useless as a screen, have
led me to observe m my places since in some cases in quite as bad
a plight, and many moi’e rapidly approaching to it. 1 purpose
in this paper to give my ideas on the subject, both prospective
and retrospective; or, in other words, to plant so as to avoid the
evi1, and where it exists to adopt the best means to cure it.

First, then, how to avoid committing the error in planting

that has led to such an objectionable effect as in the case in
question. There are tw'o methods of doing this — either to
plant no forest trees at all, or to prune them in severely, so as
not to shade the evergreens ; and, when these latter have
attained a height sufficient to answer the purpose, either to cut
down the trees or remove them. I know in villa gardens near
large towns, where privacy is desired as soon as possible, the
owner is anxious to do so by planting trees, Limes or E ins, from
8 to 10 feet high at once, with evergreens in front. Hence many
nurserymen near London, Manchester, Liverpool, &c., find a
market for their overgrown forest trees, that would otherwise
have been cut down for stakes or other purposes years before ;
but even this desire of privacy might be indulged and a perma¬
nent screen secured by obtaining tall evergreens from the same
nurseries, and these have the advantage of being a dense screen
both winter and summer, and have an immediate effect, and an
increasing one from year to year.

Many nurserymen, to oblige their customers, and no doubt
to their own advantage, keep by them a considerable stock of
large Hollies, Arbor Vitres, Yews, Red and White Cedars, &c.,
and even Spruice and Scotch Firs for this very purpose ; and in
order to insure a safe removal they have them transplanted
every second, or, at the farthest, third year. Such plants, so
removed at stated seasons, produce a dense mass of fibrous roots,
which, when carefully taken up and as carefully planted, will be
almost certain to grow. They have also this advantage, that
they may be transplanted at almost any season of the year, ex¬
cepting, perhaps — and it is perhaps only — during the hot summer
months, when they are in full growth.

Where immediate effect is not eagerly desired, then in plant¬
ing a new shrubbery as a screen I would recommend the ground
to be well drained if necessary, and afterwards trenched as deep
as thex-e may be tolerably good soil. This should be done, if
possible, during summer, and finished by September. Then in
October procure evergreens from 2 feet to 3 feet in height, and
plant them rather thickly — that i3, about a yard apart. The
reason for p1 anting them so closely is that they may shelter each
other and sooner cover the ground. This thick planting, however,
must be done with this proviso — that as soon as they touch each
other and begin to interlace their branches every other one must
be taken up. They will either serve to plant in some other part
of the grounds, or they may be parted with to a nurseryman,
who would gladly purchase or exchange for them at a consider¬
able profit to the owner. The rest that are left in the plantation
will now have space and air to extend their branches sideways,
and if a quantity of fresh rich soil is put on the ground to replace
that which was probably taken away with the shrubs parted
with, the others would qu ckly send their fibres into the fresh
soil, and draw large supplies of nutriment therefrom, which
would cause them to grow astonishingly. This thinning
might be repeated, if necessary, again in three or four years with
great advantage.

I have thus, I trust, proved how a dense screen of ever¬
greens might be obtained most effectually. If, however, the
objects sought to be concealed should be houses or unsightly
buildings of any kind, I would then advise the back row of the
shrubbery to be, where they would grow, Spruce or Scotch Firs,
intermixed with compact-growing deciduous trees, such as Limes
or Lombardy Poplars ; but where the Firs would not grow,
owing to the smoke of a large town, then I would plant Lombardy
Poplars only, with the evergreens in front.

The last branch of my subject is, What is to be done with
a place in the condition I described on opening this subject?
The most effectual method would be, of course, to cut down the
overgrown naked trees, stub up their riots, give the ground a
deep trenching, adding fresh sod and dung to renew its strength
and power of nourishing a fresh plantation. Then go to the
nearest nursery, and procure at least one row of large, ready-
grown, evergreen shrubs or trees, and thus obtain a screen at
once ; or take a medium course— cut down half or two-thirds of
the old trees, and prune in severely the straggling branches of
the remainder; then do as before advised, trench the ground,
and obtain evergreens to fill up the naked void This latter
plant of preserving some of the best trees, and pruning them so
that the evergreens would find support, air, and light, I have
seen dune very successful y in a plantation that had been thinned
of many naked straggling forest trees. Every evergreen was
planted in a puddle, and very few failed. I saw the plantation
ten years afterwards, and it was so dense and complete a screen
that I could not see through it. The trees that were left formed
a dense canopy overlie id when in leaf that sheltered me, and no
doubt the evergreens, too, from a blazing summer’s sun. I can
only say that whoever has a naked plantation, planted originally
to render his grounds private, but now letting in every wind that

July 15, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

43

blows, and exposing all parts of the grounds to the ga^e of every
passer-by, let him follow out the advice I have given in any or
either of the methods described, and I will warrant that in a very
few years he will have as complete a screen as he need desire. —

A. T.

LONDON’S LESSER OPEN SPACES— THEIR TREES AND

PLANTS.— No. 9.

Westminster, some localities in which I have already described, has
but poor fragments left of its fine open spaces, which even down to the
reign of George III made it, though a city, certainly an example of a
semi-rural one. If not very venerable myself, I can yet remember the
fine avenue of trees that extended from old Brewer’s Green across the
Park, which was early in this century the residence of Elliot the brewer,
and near the expanse used as a place for military exercise called the
Artillery Ground there was, I believe, a Willow Walk. Tothill Fields
furnished employment to the botanists and herbalists of last century,
and the vendors of Watercresses along London streets were able to supply
themselves with a stock gratis from the many ditches of the neighbour¬
hood. Broad, too, was the space between Millbank and Chelsea, where
some of London’s earlier market gardeners reared choice fruits and vege¬
tables on the manor of Heyts, or Heat, but that was before land became
so valuable in the suburbs, when there was no railway transit from
distant places, and it might be added, when little of such produce came
into England from the Continent.

However, if Westminster lost gardens it once possessed, it has
acquired others. Witness the Victoria Embankment, which extends
from Northumberland Avenue to Blackfriars, and though small in size
compared to the west end parks, this has about ten acres of land rescued
from the river, where trees and shrubs offer a more pleasing prospect
than the banks of mud which dwellers in the streets beside the Thames
used to survey. It is curious to stand here and survey the water-gates
of the old mansion of the Buckinghams and of Somerset House, showing
where the tide once washed inland, and was convenient, doubtless, to the
gardeners along the Strand — named apparently from the sandy nature of
the soil — for the nobles’ residences there had their lawns, their flower
beds, and tree clumps, with a variety of statuary, Inigo Jones’ gate alone
remaining as a specimen of his work hereabout ; the many figures in
Arundel House gardens, after resting awhile in Cuper’s gardens, Surrey,
seem mostly to have been broken up. What a curious exhibition might
be made of the garden statuary of our ancestors. There are more ex¬
amples surviving than might be supposed. But from the demesnes of
Arundel, which were extensive, old cuts show that there were fine pro¬
spects of Middlesex and Surrey. So also from the grounds of Somerset
Bouse, which stood rather higher, and had shady recesses as well as a
bowling green and lawns. Not a solitary tree can be discovered now
which would take us back to the Tudor days in or about Westminster.
The fact is, folks planted here few Oaks, Yews, or Chestnuts, and the
venerable Elms, Poplars, and Willows either died naturally or yielded to
insect attacks. On the Victoria Embankment is one corner westward
which does possess trees which must have flourished before it was formed,
ard near enough together to make that part rather grove-like. These are
Elms, Limes, and Poplars, but I question whether the largest is a hundred
years old. A few straggling Elder bushes also, that skirt the edge of the
ground, remind us of the time when this shrub was greatly favoured by
the planters of London gardens. It could hardly have been for its beauty,
nor for the sake of its flowers and fruit, rather for a relic of the old
Tegard that belonged to it through popular tradition. There has not been
time yet for the trees placed in the gardens at the time of their laying out
to make much wood, and the Planes in particular, of which, as usual,
there is a predominance, do not appear to have made the average growth,
though they look healthy. Limes and Poplars are part of the minority.
There are a few Hornbeams, this being a species seldom planted about
London. It is not attractive, but grows fairly well. I advocate, what
to some persons may seem ridiculous, the introduction of some fruit trees,
suitably protected from the London gamin, on such open places as the
Embankment. That several kinds of Apple, Pear, and Plum could be
chosen which might thrive and bear I am sure, and the sight of them
would certainly be pleasant to many.

Some Rhododendrons were in bloom here when I paid my visit, but it
could not be said there was a display of this May flower ; and, although
distributed about were numerous Hollies of varied size, these had no
flowers. The species seldom put9 forth any in the London atmosphere, nor
does the Laurustinus. No doubt many of the readers of this Journal have
noticed how this plant has suffered in most places from the prolonged
winter. It is usual for it to flower partially during the autumn, but most
of the buds remain closed through the winter, and the Laurustinus makes
a show as one of the pioneers of spring. This year the blossoms suffered
from the continued frosts, and when the weather broke their expansion was
checked by the rough winds. Of miscellaneous evergreens there is a good
assortment in these gardens, and they are well distributed, with a
sprinkling of Lilacs, Laburnums, and familiar deciduous shrubs. As for¬
merly, the Camellia was found to flourish at Vauxhall, near the banks of
the Thames. I should like to see it tried on the spot, where I believe it
would succeed. Some banks of Ferns would be an improvement, and at
present there are very few Chrysanthemums, though several varieties
stand the London air without protection, as is evidenced by the Temple
Gardens adjacent. On the Embankms it are sundry spaces enclosed by
walls connected with the District Rail' /ay, and these have been covered

with Ivy, or partially, but they afford opportunity for the cultivation of
other hardy creepers. Here, as elsewhere, are also some of those Ivy
edgings which are the fashion in public gardens. They are rather object¬
ionable, as already remarked ; specially so when narrow, yet edgings of
plants less tough are apt to suffer from the occasional trampling they get.
An edging of Periwinkle (Vinca minor) would probably please many
visitors, and grow as well in town as el.-ewbere— that is to say, put along
the borders of those beds planted with shrubs, not flower beds. I noticed
attempts to grow annuals amongst the bushes where spaces occurred, but
the circles in which these had been sown showed great irregularity, and
seeds are almost wasted when thus used. After the spring bulbs have
flowered the smaller beds are planted out in the customary manner with
cheap half-hardy species, the arrangement being geometrical for the most
part.

Not far from Lambeth Bridge, and in the direction of what is com¬
monly called Millbank (where in the seventeenth century was the mansion
and gardens of the rather notorious Lord Peterborough) there is an open
space where now we should not expect to find one. It is probably seldom
visited by any explorer of London’s greeneries. Its extent is about an
acre, and for 120 years it was the cemetery of St. John’s, Horseferry
Road. The Duke of Westminster opened this as a public recreation
ground last year, and commented on the fact that more thaD 40,000
persons were living in its neighbourhood, expressing the hope that it
would prove a place of health and strength to generation after genera¬
tion. I trust it will be all the Duke hoped ; at present the space does not
look particularly lively, nor does full credit to the sum of money spent
upon it. On the four edges of the ground there are lines of old trees ; the
Poplars on the north and south are of goodly proportions, and surpass the
Planes on the east and west. Sundry tombstones, which have been
suffered to remain along two sides, do not communicate an air of cheer¬
fulness to the place. The plan of laying out is this. An outer path all
round, from which eight paths diverge to meet in a central space laid with
asphalt. Each of the irregular-shaped figures into which the ground is
thus divided contains a fl iwer bed which is surrounded by a grass plot.
Visitors, therefore, cannot approach the flowers and shrubs, nor are they
permitted to walk on the grass. A few additional trees scattered over
this space would improve it, and might not the children for part of the
year be allowed the privilege of a roll upon the grass ?

Apropos of grass, the fortress-like prison at Millbank is surrounded by
a gra3*y circle, which must have been surveyed by many a prisoner with
sad remembrances of early days. Near Vauxhall Bridge there yet re¬
main sundry old-fashioned gardens laid out on the plans of a bygone era,
but they are not open to the public. One of these has a hedge of Larch,
and flourishing too, which we do not often notice about London, and
another contains some remarkably fine Laburnums and Beeches. Passing
still westward we come upon Thames Bank, so called, where at the river
end of the now shortened Grosvenor Canal we have also some shady
gardens yet surviving, and an avenue of Limes of middle age, and even a
space devoted to the culture of vegetables. — J. R. S. C.

VIOLETS IN FRAMES.

( Continued, from paqe 5 12.)

Manures. — Leaf Soil. — Matter of a slow, gradual decomposing
nitrogenous nature is the most suitable for Violets. Decaying leaves
from the moisture, the gases evolved, and the humus formed afford the
essential stimulus of root-action and food supplies in an acceptable form.
Violets thrive admirably in leaf soil alone, at' aining a surprising luxu¬
riance and perfection of bloom. Leaf soil, or leaves about half reduced,
may be used as manure to the extent of one-third that of the soil ; a
dressing 3 inches thick being mixed with the tOD 6 inches of the soil in
which Violets are to be planted for making and completing their growth,
is suitable for ground neediDg liberal enrichment, less for soils that are
in good heart. For plants in pots it may be used to the extent of half in
mixture with lumpy loam, and the addition of a sixth part of rather
lumpy charcoal, but abundant supplies of water are then necessary.

Farmyard Manure. — This must be used with care and judgment.
Too rich soil favours an excessive luxuriance and prevents the free forma¬
tion of roots so necessary to a well-sustained growth. A fifth of well-
decayed manure is a sufficient dressing to mix with soil, whether for
plants outdoors or in pots, and should be thoroughly incorporated with
the top spit, or 9 or 10 inches of the surface for strong-growing varieties
and 6 to 9 inches for the small or medium growers respectively. Avoid
manure in a fresh state, especially if saturated with urine, as that from
loose boxes on which horses have stood, and from covered sheds
used for cattle. Such must only be used in moderate quantity in the
decayed state, as it is rich in potash ; and though Violets like a small
quantity it is so abundant in fresh and somewhat reduced manure of the
nature indicated as to be positively injurious through destroying and
preventing the formation of roots.

Soot — A capital manure and at the command of everyone. Half a
peck per rod is sufficient at a time as a surface dressing, and is best given
during growth. Soils that need enrichment may have a peck per rod
scattered evenly on the surface and pointed-in before planting. In a liquid
form it may be applied at the rate of a tablespoonful to a quart of water,
the soot being brought to a cream with a little water am stirring, then
adding the water. A peck of soot to a hogshead of water may be used
for general watering purposes.

Dissolved Bones or Superphosphate of Lime. — A powerful manure.
It should be mixed with half its weight of charcoal dust, and applied at
the rate of 8 lb3. per rod. Violets are equally fond of the charcoal or of

44

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 15, 1886.

the dissolved bones or superphosphate. Half an ounce per galloD, or 1 lb.
to 30 gallons of water, is a proper quantity to use as liquid manure.

Night Soil. — Dried, pulverised, and mixed with an equal weight of
charcoal an inoffensive fertiliser is obtained. A hundredweight per rod
is suitable dressing.

Violet Enemies. — Slugs. — These are very fond of the tender growths
and flowers. Ground infested with the pests should have a dressing of
nitrate of soda, 1 lb. to a rod, scattered evenly over the surface, and during
mild weather in March or a little time before planting the Violets. Lime
is also good, a bushel per rod applied fresh or newly slaked, and pointed
in lightly. Half a peck of salt per rod a little prior to planting is also
good against slugs and worms, and soot at a similar rate is a good slug
assailant. During growth dus’ing with quicklime or dry soot in the
evening or early morning are destructive of slugs. They may also be
sought for after rain, in the evening after dark with a lantern, and
destroyed. Worms are troublesome in moist weather, drawing the leaves
of the plants into their holes, and sometimes drawing the plants out of
the ground. They are readily disposed of hy using the same means as
advised for slugs. Mice are very destructive of the seeds. They are best
trapped. In the case of choice varieties the seed vessels should be
enclosed in wire gauze net. Seed beds must be protected in a similar
manner.

Insects. — Red spider is the great enemy of Violets. It is a consequence
of insufficient moisture in the soil and atmosphere, and not infrequently
of poverty. Dustings with soot are good and useful as manure ; but the
best remedy, or rather preventive, is abundant moisture at the roots and
rich surface mulchings, accompanied by watering or syringing in dry
weather. Attacks should be promptly met by syringing forcibly with a
softsoap solution, 2 ozs. to the gallon, and as the pests assail the underside
of the leaves it should be directed against those parts as much as possible.
Plants in pots may be dipped in the soapy solution. The chief thing is
to keep a sharp look out and assail it on its first appearance, for if once
it obtains a footing it is difficult to eradicate.

Aphides sometimes attack the plants. They may be destroyed by
syringing with tobacco juice diluted with six times the quantity of water,
or the soapy solutions may be used. Plants in frames or pots attacked by
aphides should be fumigated with tobacco paper or rag on two or three
consecutive calm evenings, having the foliage dry, and being careful to
deliver the smoke cool. The smell will soon pass off, and the flowers a e
not stained as they would be were tobacco water used. Thrips attack
only in very dry weather, and are readily subdued by the same means
as red spider.

Mildew and Mould. — Mildew occasionally infests the foliage and
destroys the centres of the plants, the leaves having a stunted skeleton-
like appearance, little but the midrib remaining. It is a consequence
of drought at the roots more than anything. The best remedy is to apply
water and a mulching. It sometimes, however, appears in other circum¬
stances, and the best remedy is sulphur water. It is made by placing
li lb. of sulphur vivum, and 1 lb. unslaked lime in 2 gallons of water,
boiling half an hour ; let it stand until cold, then bottle the clear liquid.
A wineglassful to 3 gallons of water syringed over the plants so as to
thoroughly wet them, will prove ifficacious. Dry sulphur is innocuous.
The mildew is fortunately of rare occurrence, never appearing on well-fed
plants.

Mould. — This is a consequence of damp — a close, moist, vitiated
atmosphere. The only real remedy is plenty of air, and allowing the
plants room so that it can have free access. Overcrowding is a great
cause of mould, and equally pernicious is keeping them close. Air is
most important in arresting damp. Remove all decayed leaves and
blooms, and every trace of mould, and dust with charcoal. An occasional
sprinkling between the plants will do much to prevent and arrest damp.

ARRANGING Violets. — Flowers are unquestionably best displayed
with their own foliage. A few blooms tastily put together, three to five,
and inserted in a Violet leaf so as to show a little margin of green all
around, the flowers secured to the leaf so as to maintain them in the
given position, are appreciated by all lovers of sweet flowers. If the
flowers are added to in number, making the bouquet wider and deeper,
forming it with lobes in imitation of the Violet leaf or heart inverted,
and backed with leaves so as to form a margin of greenery, and secured
neatly with binding wire, the stem about 2 inches long, we get a button¬
hole bouquet of the modern type, but whether they are so much appre¬
ciated as the smaller is matter of taste. No form of displaying Violets is
so appropriate as placing each individual bloom in the centre of a leaf
only just large enough to admit of a margin of green showing round the
flower. Fine stem wire doubled so as to hook the flower stem, passed
through the midrib of the leaf, and brought down the petiole of the
leaf, and bound with fine binding wire, will admit of as many flowers
being put together as is wished, and by bending the Btem they can be
given most any shape required.

For sprays thin-forked twigs of Privet will much facilitate operations,
the flowers being first moun'ed on leaves in the manner previously
advocated, similar remarks applying to tiaras, wreaths, & c.

Violet leaves are not always available "f the requisite persistence.
It is only in autumn that matured leaves can be had. The young leaves
are soft, and soon droop if not kept in water. This spoils the ap¬
pearance of an otherwise very pleasing bouquet. A good substitute is
found in Ivy leaves. The leaves may be green or variegated, and of
various sizes, so as to suit the upper side and lower part of the bouquet,
and, being wired, they cam be made to fit any position and give ihe exact
form desired. Being more persistent than Violet leaves they rre highly

appropriate for a back to Violet bouquets. Sprays of Ivy decked with
Violet blooms, one or more on the leaves of the Ivy, are charming for
dresses and many other purposes.

By artificial light blue and purple Violets are not very effective,
especially as buttonholes, but they are much esteemed all the same both
by the fair and sterner sex. White and pink are very telling under
artificial light, white showing well on dress coat3, and pink is heightened,
becoming brilliant on white dresses. The finest effect of all is found in
a neatly arranged buttonhole bouquet of blue or purple Violets on the
scarlet of Nimrod’s devotees.

Bouquets of Violets are best made in parts. All the longest-stemmed
blooms should be formed into a round bunch. This for the crown or
centre. Four other bunches with flat t ps and all the blooms facing one
way should then be formed and tied at the bottom of the stems. The
central bunch is mounted on and secured to a stem of Privet or other
twig, and a little clean wet moss placed around the base of the stems and
tucked in amongst them, and the other bunches are placed around
with some wet moss tucked in amongst them, and so arranged as to form
a rather flat half ball. Tho moss will add to the endurance of the flowers,
and are useful iu opeuing out the flowers, which, however, should be so
close as to just touch, but they are better rathtr thin than too crowded.
Flowers may be added to give the required rotundity. Violet leaves
mounted form the best upholding or surrounding of the bouquet, and then
the bouquet paper and holder. .

Very large bouquets are made by doing the bloims up in little
bunches, and tying them at the base of the stems so that the flowers
hang ra'her loosely, or just touching each other. Each bunch to have a
little wet moss wrapped round the base of the stems and mounted on a
twig of Privet. The bouquets can he made in this way to any size
required, either with or without foliage interspersed, and they may be
quartered with white or pink blooms as taste may dictate. The greenery
may be either of Violet or Ivy leaves, and the margin should be massive
in proportion to the size of the bouquet. — Viola.

EOSE SHOWS.

ELTHAM.

I have had the privilege of assisting, as our neighbours say, at many
Rose shows during the past few years, held in all soits of places — some
pretty, some very much the other way, but I have never assisted at one
held in so lovely and interesting a place as that on Saturday held in the
grouncs of Eltham Court, an old Gown residence, at present tenanted by’ a
very earnest rosarian, Mr. R. Bloxam. Indeed, there are few more interest¬
ing places in the neighbourhood of London. Eltham was once a Royal
residence, and the round banqueting hall which still remains is not the
only indication of its former splendour. The moat which surrounds, the
evident traces under the greensward where the foundations of walls and
portions of the palace once existed, also tell their tale. It dates back to
the Conquest, when it formed part of the possessions of Odo, Bishop of
Bayeux. Afterwards it passed into the hands of the Crown. Here
Edward II. of unhappy memory resided, and here one of his sons, John of
Eltham, was born ; here Edward III. twice held his Parliament, and enter¬
tained in grand style King John of France. Other kings resided kete.
Henry VIII. preferred Greenwich, and although he sometimes resided here
yet Eltham became comparatively neglected. In Eltham, too, lived
Vandyek, and in our time it has been well known by the celebrated horse-
breeding establishment of Mr. Blenkison at Middle Park, and here his two
horses, Gladiator and Blair Athol were sold for £20,000. But there is too
much to tell of the past bistoiy of Eltham Court, and I can only say now
that the garden is kept up in admirable style by Mr. Bloxam ; that the
moat is transformed into a Rose garden, and that although the palace
grounds have in times past witnessed many a gay pageant, they never wit¬
nessed a more pleasing scene than when on Saturday under a brilliant July
sun gentle and simple, the gentlefolks of the neighbourhood and the cot¬
tagers, met together to do honour to the queen of flowers, and to compete
for the various productions of their gardens. It is often placed at the dis¬
posal of parties for charitable and benevolent objects. Lately there was a
party of eighty old women from London, and one of them said to the lady
of the house, “ Well, ma’am, I have always heard tell that heaven is a
beautiful place, but surely it can’t be more beautiful than this.”

As the Show is held on the same day as the Crystal Palace the Exhibition
is of necessity a small one, and is most confined to growers of the neighbour¬
hood. There are six classes confined to amateurs in the neighbourhood, and
three open to all. In the class for eighteen Mrs. Fuller of Bexley Vicarage was
first with a good box containing Marguerite de St. Amand, Charles Lefebvre
(this Rose obtained the National Rose Society’s prize medal for the best
Rose in the Show), A. K. Williams, Marie Finger, Horace Vernet, Franpois
Michelon. Madame Hippolyte Jamain, Dupuy Jamain, Prince Arthur, La
France, Baron de Bonstettiu, Marquise de Castellane, Violetta Bouyer,
Charles Dar vin, La Boule d’Or, Camille Bernardin,and Duchesse de Vallorn-
brosa. Mr. Bloxam was second, and Mr. A. Harris third. In the class for
twelve Mr. Ongley was first with A. K. Williams, Marquise de Castellane,
Captain Christy, Countess of Rosebery, Louis Van Houtte, La France,
Duchesse de Va lombrosa, Camille Bernardin, Marie Van Houtte, Ferdinand
de Lessep-i, and Madame G. Luizet. In class for four trebles Mrs. Fuller was
again first with A. K. Williams, Madame G. Luizet, Marie Finger, Camille
Bernardin ; Mr. Bloxam second, and Mr. Harris third. In the class for six
of any one variety Mr. Bloxam was first with La France ; Mrs. Fuller
second with Captain Cnristy ; and Mr. Harris third with Madame G Luizet. In
the class for Bix varieties Mr. Grove was first with Alfied Coljmb, Captain
Christy, Marie Baumann, Madame H. Jamain, and two others. Mr. K- lla-
way was second, and Mr. Ongley third. In the class for six Teas Mrs. Fuller
was again first with Hon. Edith Gifford, Jules Finger, Jean Ducher, Madame
Lambard, Innoi-ente Pirola, and Marie Van Houtte. Mr. Onglev second
and Mr. K llaway third.

July IS, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

45

In the open class for twenty-four the first prize was awarded to Messrs.
George Bunyard & Co., Maidstone, for a box containing Madame Charles
Crapelet, Captain Christy, La France, Comtesse d’Oxford, Marie Baumann,
UlrLh Brunner, Violette Bouyer, Mons. Noman, Francois Michelon, Lady
Mary Fitzwilliam, Marie Rady, Egeria, Beauty of Waltham, Elie Morei,
Charles Lefehvre, Madame Lacharme, Marquise de Castellano, Duehesse de
Yallombrosa, Star of Waltham, Madame Ferdinand Jamain, and Sir Garnet
Wolseley. In the class for twelves Dr Ashurst of Farningham was first
with Baroness Rothschild, Le Havre, Violette Bouyer, Duehesse de Vallom-
brosa, La Rosihre, La France, A. K. Williams, Baron Bonstettin, Mons.
Noman, and Marquise de Castellane. In the class for twelve Teas Dr.
Ashurst, was again first with Madame Welsh, Catherine Mermet, Rubens,
Souvenir de Paul Neyron, La Boule d’Or, Marie Van Houtte, Anna Ollivier,
Bouquet d’Or, Jean Ducher, and Alba Rosea. Messrs. Bunyard & Co. were
second. There was the usual assortment of decorations, which seemed to be
very good, and an excellent display of cottagers’ productions, and as we
surveyed the quiet and pleasant scene we could hardly realise that only
eight miles away lay the big city, whose spires and towers can be plainly
seen from the grounds. I hope it may be long ere the inevitable speculator
comes to spoil this pretty place. — D., Deal.

CARDIFF.

The sixth annual Show of the Cardiff Rose Society was held in the
Drill Hall, Cardiff, on July 7th. The exhibits were about the same in
numbers as in former years, but altogether the Show was a good one. Mr.
Pettigrew of the Castle Gardens again acted as Secretary. Local exhibitors
showed remarkably well, but all were complaining of the havoc severe
drought and intense sun had caused amongst their blooms.

In class 1, forty-eight distinct varieties, Messrs. Cranston & Co., Hereford,
were first with what appeared to us the third exhibit in the section, the majo¬
rity of the blooms being below the average in size and many of them tarnished.
The best were Lady Mary Fitzwilliam, Constantin Tretiakoff, Fisher
Holmps, Le Havre, Prince Arthur, Mons. E. Y. Teas, A. K. Williams, Mar6-
chal Niel, Duke of Wellington, and La France. Mr. Stephen Treseder, Ely
Road nurseries, Cardiff, came second with blooms notable for their good
size, fine form, and perfect colour, amongst which were grand blooms of
Edward Morren, Belle Lyonnaise, Countess of Oxford, Annie Laxton,
Countess of Rosebery, Boieldieu, Madame Nachury, and Marquise de Castel¬
lane. Mr. Crossling, Penarth Nurseries, South Wales, was third, and fol¬
lowed very close upon the second stand. The following varieties were
especially fine : — Merveille de Lyon, Star of Waltham, Dupny Jamain, A. K.
Williams, and Marie Baumann. Mr. William Treseder of Cardiff exhibited
well in this class. Mr. Thomas Griffiths, Tillington Nurseries, Hereford,
also exhibited well, but through a mistake in showing two blooms of one
sort he was disqualified. In the twenty-four distinct varieties, three trusses
of each, Messrs. Cranston were first with fair blooms, amongst which were
Comtesse de Serenye, Abel Carriere, and Beauty of Waltham. Mr. Stepln n
Treseder was a close second, showing a fine uniform collection, with extra
fine blooms of Prince Arthur, Queen of Queens, Merveille de Lyon, and
Bessie J ohnson . Mr. William Treseder came third with a very good selection.

For eighteen single trusses, Teas, Messrs. Cranston were first, some of their
blooms being very good and others poor. The best were La Boule d’Or,
Princess of Wales, and Jean Ducher. Mr. Crossling was placed second
with a good box, in which the following were exceedingly fine : — Mar chal
Niel, Madame Berard, Niphetos, Caroline Kuster, Jean Ducher, Gloire de
Dijon, Homere, and Etoile de Lyon. For twenty-four blooms, one variety,
Hybrid Perpetuals, first Mr. Stephen Tres<der, with Merveille de Lyon, very
large blooms, fresh, and pure. Second, Messrs. Cranston, with Mons. Noman.
Third, Mr. Thomas Griffiths, Hereford, with Lady Mary Fitzwilliam, very
large, but too open.

In the class for thirty-six varieties, open to nurserymen in South Wales,
Mr. Crossling was first with one of the finest collections in the Show, in
which we noted grand blooms of Duke of Edinburgh, Masterpiece, Reynolds
Hole, La France, Alfred Colomb, and A. K. Williams. Mr. William Treseder
was second, his blooms being large, especially those of Mrs. Baker, Baroness
Rothschild, Louis Van Houtte, Duke of Teck, and A. E. Williams, but some
of the others had opened too much. Third, Mr. Stephen Treseder with
small fresh blooms. In the class for twelve, all one variety, Teas, only one
box was staged, the fir5t prize going to Mr. C. Thompson, Preswylfa, Cardiff,
for Gloire de Dijon.

In the amateur section, open to the United Kingdom, the class for twenty-
four distinct varieties brought out some good competition, as the winner
of the first prize here secures the gold medal of the National Rose Society,
and this was awarded to Mr. S. P. Budd, Bath, for a fine group. Here A. K.
Williams, Pierre Notting, Marshal P. Wilder, Alfred Colomb, Brightness of
Cheshunt, and Duke of Teck were the leading blooms. Mr. Hobbs, Bristol,
came second with very fine flowers of John Stuart Mill, Charles Lefehvre,
Earl of Pembroke, Xavier Olibo, Lady Mary Fitzwilliam, and Madame M.
Verdier. Mr. James Davies, Leominster, was third. For twelve distinct
varieties, three blooms of each, Messrs. Budd. Hobbs, and Davies secured
the prizes in the order named. In twelve distinct varieties, single blooms,
Mr. Pettigrew, the Castle Gardens, was an easy first, his bloom3 being large
and fine, the best being Countess of Oxford, Captain Christy, La France,
Madame Lacharme, and A. IC. Williams. Mr. Budd was second and Mr.
Davies third. In twelve Teas Mr. Hobbs was first with a good stand, the
extra fine blooms being Princess Vers,, Anna Olliver, Jean Ducher, and Belle
Lyonnaise. Mr. Budd and Mr. Davies came second and third, and in the
twelve single blooms, Hybrid Perpetuals, the same gentlemen bad it all
their own way, and with the exception of Mr. Pettigrew’s one prize, they
secured the whole of the prizes in the open amateur clas-es.

In the South Wales and Monmouthshire class there were some good
stands from loral growers. For twenty-four distinct varieties the silver
medal of the National Rose Society went to the winner of the first prize —
namely, the Misses Rous. Courtyralla, Cardiff, with a fine collection, in
which Madame Lacharme, Ferdinand rie Lesseps, and Charles Darwin were
particularly well shown. Mr. Moor, Coedriglan, Cardiff, was second, and
Mr. C. Thompson third, bolh showing well.

For six Teas and six Hybrids Mr. Moor was first, the Misses Rous second,
and Mr. C. Thompson third. In the class of twelve Colonel Page, Cardiff,
was first, Mr. Thompson second with Magna Charta, and the Misses Rous

third. Numerous special prizes were offered by local nurserymen and others,
and these were well competed for. The Marquis of Bute gave his usual
magnificent prizes for the best box of cut blooms of the York-and-Lancaster
Rose, and Mr. Pettigrew secured the first prize with a grand box ; General
Lee, The Mount, Dynas Powis, being second, and Mr. Moor third. For
twelve blooms of Captain Christy, Mr. Pettigrew was first, General Lee
second, and Colonel Page third. Mr. Pettigrew was also first for six of
Duke of Edinburgh and six of Captain Christy, first for twelve of Baroness
Rothschild, and first in other three classes, the majority of the blooms
shown in them being very fine. Bouquets of RoseB and other flowers were
numerously exhibited, Mr. Phelps, Cardiff, and Mr. Crossling showing the
best.

Several prizes were offered for Strawberries. For one dish Mr. Case, a
Cardiff fruiterer, was first with President, Colonel Page second with the
same variety, and for three dishes Mr. Moor was first with Sir Joseph Paxton,
Dr. Hogg, and President. Mr. Pettigrew was second with the same varieties,
all the fruit being very good indeed.

Co sidering that the borough election clashed with the Show, the attend¬
ance was considerable, and we trust the results have been so satisfactory
that the Society may be able to continue on in its useful course.

OXFORD.— July 7th.

The thirty-fifth annual Exhibit’on of the Oxford Rose Society was held,
by the kind permission of the Warden and Fellows, in the delightful
gardens of New College. The exhibits, we remarked, were not as numerous
as on some previous occasions, but the quality of blooms staged in many of
the amateurs’ stands, as well as in the classes open to all England, was
especially noteworthy.

In the open classes the first for forty-eight varieties, three trusses of
each, Mr. Charles Turner, Slough, was awarded the first prize for a well-
arranged stand of fresh-looking blooms with clean healthy foliage, amongst
the finest being Ville de Lyon, Reynolds Hole, Franqois Louvat, Prince
Arthur, Queen of Queens, Alfred Colomb, Ferdinand de Lesseps, Lord
Macaulay, Marquise de Castellane, Countess of Oxford, Madame Alfred
Dumesnil, La Duehesse de Moray, Madame Marie Verdier, Marie Louise
Pernet, Comtesse de Serenyi, Merveille de Lyon, Beauty of Waltham, Marie
Baumann, Prince Camille de Rohan, Abel Carriere, Duke of Edinburgh,
Alba Rosea, Souvenir d’Elise Vardon, Catherine Mermet, Madame Caroline
Kuster, Comtesse Panesse, Madame Willermoz, Madame Margottin, Etoile
de Lyon, Souvenir d’un Ami, and Souvenir de Mons. Paul Neyron. Mr.
John Mattock, New Heading! on, Oxford, was second, his best blooms being
Countess of Rosebery, Mdlle. Marie Rady, Capt. Christy, Mons. Noman,
Madame Marie Verdier, Marie Baumann, La France, Mons. E. Y. Teas,
Nardy Freres, Lady Mary Fitzwilliam, Jean Ducher, Niphetos, Madame
Caroline Kuster, and Madame Berard.

In Class 2, for forty-eight distinct, single trusses, the above mentioned
exhibitors succeeded in securing the prizes in the same order, many of the
finest flowers staged in this class in both cases being those already enume¬
rated. There were, however, in Mr. Turner’s exhibit, in addition to those
named, fine blooms of Mdlle. Marguerite D’Ombrain, Villaret de Joyeuse,
Jean Liabaud, Madame J. Periere, Louis Van Houtte, Pride of Waltham,
Black Prince, Marecbal Niel, Devoniensis, Niphetos, La Boule d’Or, and
Jean Ducher, and in that of Mr. Mattock, Reynolds Hole, Duke of Edin¬
burgh, A. K. Williams, PLrre Notting, Alfred Colomb, Madame G. Luizet,
Thomas Mills, Amazon, Souvenir d’Elise Vardon, and Etoile de Lyon.

In Class 3, for thirty-six distinct, single trusses, the first prize was
awarded to Mr. John Walker, Th am ■, who staged some very fine blooms,
particularly those of Sultan of Zanzibar, Louis Van Houtte, Reynolds Hole,
Abel Carriere, Abel Grand, Auguste Rigotard, Franqois Michelon, Lord
Macaulay, Madame Eugene Verdier, Madame Gabriel Luizet, Madame
Marie Verdier, Ma ie Baumann, and Marquise de Castellane. The second
position was taken by Mr. J. Mattock and the third by Mr. C. Turner.

In class 4, for twenty-four distinct, single trusses, Mr. J. Walker wa3
again first ; Mr. G. Humphries, Kington Langley, Chippenham, second ;
and Mr. Charles Taylor, Headington, Oxford, third. In class 5, twelve
single trusses, one variety dark H.P, the first prize was awarded to Jno.
By water Ward, Esq., M.D., Warneford Asylum, Oxford, for a stand of Marie
Baumann ; Miss Watson Taylor, Headington, Oxford, being second with
Mdlle. Marie Rady. In that for twelve trusses of one light variety J. B.
Ward, Esq., M.D., was again first with a beautiful stand of Madame
Gaorielle Luizet ; Mr. J. Mattock was second with Mdlle Marie Cointet ;
and Mr. A. Evans, Marston, Oxford, third withjthe variety that wras placed
first.

In class 7, for twelve varieties Tea or Noisette, Mr. Charles Turner was
first, his stand containing very fine blooms of Alba Rosea, Innoceate
Pirola, Archimede, Madame Caroline Kuster, Madame Margottin, Madamo
Lambaid. and Souvenir d’Eiise Vardon. Mr. Jno. Mattock was second, and
Mr. G. Humphries third.

In the class, s open to all except “ growers for sale,” that of 8, forthirty-
six distinct varieties, single trusses, the p emier position was won by Mis3
Watson Taylor, the second prize going to the Rev. Charles Eddy, Bramley
Rectory, Hants. In class 9, for twenty-four varieties, J. B. Ward, Esq., M.D.,
was first, ; Miss Watson Taylor second, and Mr. A. Evans third. In class
10, for twelve distinct varieties, Mr. E. Thorne was first, Mr. C. Collcutt
second, and Mr. W. Narroway third, each of the pr.zes in this class, as in
the succeeding one, being taken by local growers. In class 11, for twelve
distinct varieties, Tea or Noisette, the prizes were awarded to Miss Watson
Taylor, Mr. Alfred Evans, and W. Wootten-Wootten, Esq., in the order
named.

In the division for amateurs, members of the Society only, there were
some very meritorious exhibits. In class 12, for eighteen distinct varieties,
single trusses, Mr. Alfred Evans was placed first, Mr. W. Narroway second,
Mr. C. Taylor third. In class 13, for twelve varieties, the competition was
keen, ihe first prize being awarded to a remarkably fine stand of blooms ex¬
hibited by Mr. E. Freeman, Oxford ; Mr. E. Thorne was secon > ; and Mr.
Charles Collcutt third. In class 14, for nine varieties, Messrs. C.dlcutt and
ColliDs were placed respectively first and second. In class 15, for twelve
triplets, the Rev. Chas. Eddy was first, Mr. A. Evans second, and the Rev.
E. Penwirne WelJmgs, Stanford, Farringdon, third.

In class 16, for 3ix triplets, Mr. F. Freeman was first ; R. Ramsd •

46

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 15, 1886.

Esq., Chadwick Manor, Knowle, second ; Mr. Chas. Collcutt third ; and Mr.
H. Poulter, Oxford, fourth. For six trusses of any H.P. Mr. E. Thorne and
Mr. W. Narroway were first and second, each staging Mdlle. Marie Rady ;
Mr. C. Collcutt third with Charles Lefevre ; and the Rev. E. Penwarne-
Wellings, fourth with La France. For six distinct Tea or Noisette the
successful competitors were Mr. F. Freeman, E. Eamsden, Esq., and Mr. E.
Collins, the prizes being awarded in the order named. For a specimen H P.
bloom Mr. E. Thorne was first with A. K. Williams ; Mr. A. Evans second
with the same variety : and Mr. Chas. Collcutt third with Marie Baumann ;
while for a specimen Tea or Noisette bloom Mr. Freeman was first with a
high-coloured Marshal Niel ; Mr. E. Thorne second with Niphetos ; and
Mr. W. Narroway third with Devoniensis. A noticeable feature was the
larger proportion of Teas staged as compared with previous exhibitions of
this Society. — I. B. E.

BATH.— July 8th.

Although the exceptionally hot and dry weather recently experienced
proved highly detrimental to the Roses grown by local exhibitors especially,
there was no appreciable falling off in the number of exhibits generally,
and on the whole a very excellent display was made. The trade growers
were strongly represented, but many impartial judges were disposed to
consider the amateurs were in better form, and they certainly had a fine
fresh lot of blooms. All the best-known varieties were included in several
of the leading exhibits, and such popular favourites as Merveille de Lyon,
C. Lefebvre, A. K. Williams, La France, Horace Vernet, Dupuy Jamain,
Marie Baumann, Marquise de Castellane, E. Y. Teas, Marechal Niel, Cathe¬
rine Mermet, J an Ducher, Marie Van Houtte, Niphetos, Souvenir d’un Ami,
and Comtesse de Nadaillac were largely shown.

Nurserymen’s Classes. — The competition here was close and good, the
Judges eventually awarding the first prize for seventy-two single trusses,
distinct, to Mr. B. R. Cant, Colchester; Mr. F. Cant, Colchester, being a
good second ; and Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshunt, third. In the next class,
that for thirty-six varieties, three trusses of i a. li, the first p ize was de¬
servedly awarded to Mr. George Prince, Oxford ; the second prize going to
Mr. B. R. Cant, and the third to Messrs. Keynes, Williams, & Co., Salis¬
bury, each lot including many fine blooms. Wi'h eighteen varieties, single
trusses. M ssrs. Curtis, Sanford, & Co., Torquay, were first, and Messrs.
J. Jeffries it Sons, Cirencester, second ; and in the next class, that for thirty-
six single trusses, distinct, Messrs. Curtis & Sanford were first, Messrs. J.
Jeffries it Sons second, and Mr. J. Mattock, Oxford, third, all staging very
creditable blooms. Mr. G. Princ^ had the best collection of Teas, Mr. F.
Cant being second, and Mr. B. R. Cant third.

Amateurs’ Classes. — The Rev. J. H. Pemberton, Romford, was a good
first for thirty-six single trusses, distinct ; Mr.W. J. Grant, Ledbury, second,
and Mr. T. W. Girdlestone a creditable third. With twenty-four single
trusses, distinct, Captain Christy, Sidmouth, was first, Mr. W. Narroway
second, and the R. v. C. C. Layard third, all having good blooms. The be-t
twelve single trusses, distinct, were shown by Mr. W. J. Grant, Mr. T. B.
Hall, Rock Ferry, being a good second, and Mr. T.W. Girdlestone third ; and
with six varieties Mrs. Mary A. Weston was first, Mr. J. Smith second, and
Mr. W. T. Ball third. The Rev. J. W. Pemberton had the best twelve Teas,
single trusses, distinct ; Mr. W. J. Grant being a good second, and Captain
Christy third ; while with six varieties Mr. S. P. Budd, Bath, was first, Mr.
Narroway second, and Mr. J. Smith third.

Open Classes. — Messrs. Keynes, Williams & Co. were first for twelve
trusses of any Rose. M-ssrs. Curtis, Sanford & Co., second, and Mr. Cant
third. For a like number of any yellow Rose the prizewinners were Messrs.
F. Cant, B. R. Cant, and W. J. Grant. Any crimson Rose, Messrs. G. Prince,
Keynes, W illiams & Co., and Curtis, Sanford & Co. La France, Messrs.
W. J. Grant, F. Cant, and Curtis, Sanford & Co., the prizes going in the
order the names are giv>n for very creditable exhibits in each instance.
Mr. B. R. Cant was first for any new Rose of 1884 or 1885, Messrs. Curtis,
Sanford & Co. second, and Messrs. G. Cooling & Sons, Bath, third. Mr. J.
Mattock had the best basket of Roses, Messrs. G. Cooling ifc Son being a
good second, and Mr. G. L. Hobbs third. Mr. Mattock was also first for
nine bouquets of Roses though many preferred the second prize lot exhibited
by Messrs. G. Cooling & Son.

The most successful of the local exhibitors were Messrs. S. P. Budd,
Jolly, H. James, the Rev. G. E. Gardiner, Messrs. J. S. Pope, G. Ilorsell, F.
Clerk, and H. J. Walker. ’

The silver medal of the National Rose Society offered for the best
Hybrid Perpetual Rose in the Show was awarded to the Rev. J. H. Pember¬
ton, for a grand bloom of Horace Vernet, and another medal for the best Tea
Rose went to Mr. F. Cant for a beautiful example of Souvenir d’Elise.

Among the m scellaneous exhibits the most attractive was a display of
Japanese Roses (Rosa polyantha) and for which Messrs. G. Cooling & Son
more than deserved the award of a certificate of merit. Messrs Cooling had
also several other interesting exhibits not for competition.

CALANTHE WJLLIAMSI.

In Mr. B. ?. Williams’ handsome publication, the “Orchid Album,”
an excellent llluitration of the above-named Calanthe is given, and
represents the di-tinguishing characters faithfully. It is of the C. vestita
habit with exceptionally large flowers frequently over 2 inches in
diameter, the sepals white with the two lateral ones bright rose on the
margin ; the petals are also white bordered with rose, the lip being an
intensely li h rosy crimson. The plant was introduced by Mr. B. S.
Williams from Eastern Asia, and flowers freely in the winter months
rather later than some of the other forms.

Referring to the culture of these and allied Calanthes in the work
above noticed, the author remarks, “ These Calanthes are very accommc-
dating, since they will thrive well in baskets suspended from the roof, as
well as in pets suspended by wire in the tame way as the ba-kets; they

will also thrive in pots standing oh the tables, where room is not an object.
If grown in baskets, they will require more room in the growing season. We
prefer them in this manner where there is room, as they look so pleasing
with the spikes hanging gracefully from the roof. Their flowering season
follows that of the completion of the growth of the bulbs, and their growing
season commences when they have finished blooming. When this is
observed, let them be fresh potted. We have found it best to do this
every year, as they lose all their old roots annually. We shake the soil
away and cut off the roots and repot them, when, as soon as they begin
to grow, they will send out their new roots into fresh soil. The material
we use for potting is good rough fibrous loam and leaf mould, with a layer
of rough peat and moss on the top of it. In potting, fill the pot with the
soil and place the pseudo-bulb on the top, just making it firm ; it will
soon root and support itself. If planted in baskets, it is necessary to
place some rough fibrous peat round the sides and at the bottom to keep
the soil from being washed out ; fill the basket with the same kind of
compost as that recommended for the pots, wiih drainage at the bottom ;
place the bulbs upright in the basket, about three in number, on the top of
the soil, and finish by giving a little water. After the plants have com¬
menced growth and are making roots freely, they should be kept constantly
moist, but after growth is finished less water will be required, and after
flowering a good rest can be given. When the plants are in vigorous
growth a little liquid manure once or twice a week, but it must be well
diluted before being used.”

The woodcut has been kindly lent by Mr. B. S. Williams.

NOTES FROM MY GARDEN IN 1885.— No. 4.

AURICULAS.

Yes, I will venture to say something about these, although I have no
very startling experience to record nor any very great novelty either of
sorts or of culture to make known ; nor, happily, had I the same misfortune
to announce as overtook me in 1884, when my plants got such a roasting.
I am every now and then reminded of my loss by noticing the appearance
of some plant which had been hardly hit, which had made a fight to
recover its position, but at last had succumbed ; and I may briefly say
that, although my collection is not in extent what it was, that I have never
had it more healthy or the plants more vigorous. And now with regard
to management, I have not made any change in the respect which I may
briefly recapitulate.

I am confirmed in the opinion that the praclice of repotting in May
or the early part of June is the most suitable time, for I do not think
that the prevention of autumn blooming is attained by late potting. This
autumn flowering is a puzzle : some sorts are more given to it than others,
and in some seasons it is more prevalent. Where it does not occur so
much, it is probably owing to situation more than to anything else.
Wnere they can enjoy a cool breezy position and not be stimulated by too
much sun it is less likely to occur ; and I should imagine that it is more
prevalent with us in the south of England than in the north or in Scot¬
land, and certainly during very warm seasons there is a much greater
tendency to this than in cooler years. That it is detrimental to the
spring flowering of the plant there can he no doubt, and those who have
been looking for some “ crack ” to give them a good flower at exhibition
time are grievously disappointed to see it throwing up its autumu bloom.
Where these varieties are grown by the score it does not so much matter,
but the small grower who has only two or three to depend upon is pro¬
portionately disappointed.

The woolly aphis plague has not yet disappeared, but we can, I think,
regard it with more equanimity than we used to do. When I had repotted
my plants in 1885 I saw but very little of it, yet when I examined them
a few months afterwards I found several plants on which they were
flourishing. So loDg as it is confined to the toots it does not seem to do
much harm, although it may do more than we imagine, but when it
attacks the neck of the plants and punctures it about there, extracting
their juices, it seems to me impossible that it is not injurious; and yet
this was not the opinion held when it first appeared. Many well-known
and experienced Auricula growers promised it to be a death-dealing plague,
and probably if left unmolested it would, like its first cousin the American
blight, be most destructive. But the Auricula is so frequently handled
that they get disturbed and have not time to complete their work of
destruction. Where they appeared round the neck of the plant they were
of course rubbed off, and the pot was turned out on the hand to see if they
were in any quantity, and if so, they were treated in the same manner
and returned to the pots.

I am often asked about compost, and my opinion is that if you can get
good fibrous loam it does not much matter about the rest. One part of
decayed cow manure some leaf mould and charcoal to three parts of the
loam, placing some of the rougher parts of the compost over the drainage
and potting firmly, is about all that is required. The loam that I have
used lately has been the top spit of rather light land which had been
turned up for the making of our new railway, and although it has not the
strength of some of our Kentish loam it seems to have answered very
well, for not only Auriculas but other things for which I have used it.
Supposing that the loam is sweet and has plenty of fibre, I think that we
- may be indifferent on the point of strength.

July 15, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

47

I did not last year top-dress my plants, as it was always considered
necessary ; indeed, it ucei to be one of the most important points in its
culture. Where plants are wanting in vigour it may be done ; but I have
found that where they are healthy it is unnecessary, except where the soil
may have receded from the plants, and the pots require filling up. It has
been questioned whether the size of the blooms might not be affected by
the neglect of this operation, but I have had as large and fine blooms
without it as ever I had when I assiduously top-dressed. The last two
years have been somewhat remarkable for the lateness at which Auriculas
bloomed, not only in my own garden which, although so far south, is late,

so thoroughly an alpine flower as the Auricula, notwithstanding the
change that has been made in it by the efforts of the florist.

With regard to new varieties I have but little to say. It suits one
exhibitor to give 15s. or £1 for a new variety, but it does not suit me, and,
therefore, I must be content to wait for them until the market comes
down. I am perforce contented with such green edges as Booth’s Freedom
and Trail’s Prince of Greens ; with such grey edges as Geo. Lightbody and
Lancashire Hero ; with Read’s Acme aud Smiling Beauty amongst whites ;
with Pizarro, Blackbird, Charles Perry amongst seifs, and am content to
admire the newer varieties when I see them with others, and after all it is,

Fig. 8. — Caeanthe vestita Williamsi.

but generally through the country, affecting, as it did, exhibitors more or
less. To myself this is a matter of comparative indifference, as I do not
exhibit, at the same time the lateness did not affect the quality of the
blooms. The winter of 1885 was a mild one, that of 1886 long, cold, aud
dreary, and yet I have not seen any difference in the quality of the
blooms or the vigour of the plants ; indeed I am not sure whether a severe
winter is not bettor for them, provided they are kept free from frost.
They do not get stimulated into bloom too early, and then have to endure
perhaps a cold wave for some time which checks them. Those who
employ heat are not, of course, subject to these vicissitudes, but I do not
envy them. It may be necessary for the exigencies of exhibitors, but I
hardly think there is a grower who, if he had to grow them simply for his
own enjoyment, would make use of it. There can be little question that
it tends to ruin both plants and flower stems, and cannot be good for

perhaps, questionable whether such kinds are really beaten. As 1 »m no¬
judge my opinion goes for nothing, but some of my northern friends, who
keep very rigidly to old rules, are very sceptical on the point ; they
consider there is a want of taste in the south for correctness, and a greater
regard for showiness. It may be so, but still there are some of the new
flowers which seem to be very good.

Writing of my Auriculas reminds me that we have just lost a great
admirer and successful cultivator in th# person of Mr. J. K. Penson
Denham House, Ludlow. For a little while he. appeared as an exhibitor,
and was most successful, and the plants which he exhibited, sturdy and
healthy, were the perfection of Auricula-growing ; but the task of exhi¬
biting did not suit him. It broke up for a time the symmetry of his collec¬
tion at home, and the turmoil of the exhibition and other circumstances
determined him not to venture upon it again. My acquaintance with

43

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 15, 1886.

him was but slight, but it is one of which I retain a most pleasing memory.
He was a true artist, and a most kind and gentle man, and in his charming
old house and grounds at Ludlow delighted to surround himself with all
that was lovely and loveable ; no one who ever visited him there is likely to
forget it.

The fine collection of Auriculas formed by the late Mr. Alexander
Meiklejohn of Raplock by Stirling passed into the hands of his son, and
thence into those of Mr. Young of Bridge of Allan. It was a most ex¬
tensive and complete one, and one from which some of those in my collec¬
tion came, and very probably many of them will find their way south.
The last two seasons have not been favourable for the exhibition of these
flowers, but they who, like myself, grow for home gratification have not
had much to complain of. — D., Deal.

HORTICULTURAL SHOWS.

LEE, BLACKHEATH, AND LEWISHAM.

This old-established Society held their annual Exhibition of fruit,
flowers, and vegetables ou July 7th and 8th, in the beautiful and very
aDpropriate grounds of The Cedars, Lee, kindly lent for the occasion by
Mrs. Penn. The primary conditions so essential to the success of societies
of this kind were certainly not wanting this year, as in addition to an
attractive site for the Show there were excellent exhibits, charming weath r,
and an abundance of visitors. Everything, therefore, augurs well for the
future prospects of the Society.

The schedule contains a greater number of classes than those of previous
years, and though in a few instances the respective entries were not so
numerous as might have been expected, the deficiency was fully made up
in the cultural excellence of the exhibits.

The Secretary, Mr. C. Helmer, Treasurer, F. H. Hart, Esq., and Acting
Vice-President, F. J. Turner, Esq., strove to their utmost to render the Show
a success, and their services were unanimously and fully appreciated by the
visitors who thronged the tents and grounds on both of the days.

Plants. — The first division of the schedule is devoted to classes open to
gentlemen’s gardeners and members only. The various classes were on the
whole fairly we'l represented, and the exhibits of high quality. Mr. Reece,
gardener to R. Whyte, Esq , Pentland House, Lee, secured the premier prize
again this year for six stove and greenhouse plants in flower with admir¬
ably grown and flowered examples of Dipladenia profusa, Dracophyllnm
gracile, Ixora Williamsi, Dipladenia boliviensis, Allamanda Hendersoni, kc. ;
and Mr. Hudd, gardener to F. W. Prior, Esq., Gordon House, Blackheath,
second. For six plants of ornamental foliage, Mr. 8. Reece again carried
off the first prize with splendid specimens of Croton Disraeli and Warreni,
Phyllotsenium Lindeni, &c. ; and Mr. Hudd second. There were only two
entries in the foregoing classes. In the class for six exotic Ferns, Mr. Luff,
gardener to J. Hyatt, Esq., Screatham, was awarded a first for beautifully
grown plants ; Mr. Re-ce second, and Mr. Hudd third. For four Lycopo¬
diums Mr. J. Rhoden first, J. Hudd second, and J. Lambert third. Cala-
diums were not shown in such strong force this year, there being but two
entries in the class for six. The first prize was awarded t.o Mr. H. Martin,
gardener to A. English, Esq. ; and the second to Mr. J. Clark, gardener to
— Woolfann, Esq., Manor House. In the class for a specimen plant (stove
or greenhouse) in flower, Mr. S. Reece first with a well-bloomed plant of
Dipladenia amabilis, Mr. J. Hudd second with Allamanda Hendersoni, Mr.
J. Rhoden third, and Mr. Barker fourth. For the best specimen plant out
of flower, Messrs. S. Reece, T. Lambert, and — Balcombe were the respec¬
tive winners.

In the class for six Cape Heaths there was only one competitor, Mr. S.
Reece, and the Judges unanimously awarded him a first for his well-grown
and flowered specimens. The first for six Fuchsias went to Mr. A. Luff for
really handsome plants, J. Hudd being second, W. Jeffery third, and J. R.
Smith fourth ; and for the best standard, J. Hudd first, J. R. Smith second,
and E. Smith third. Some admirable examples of Gloxinias were shown in
the class for six, two exhibitors, Mr. Sholdice and Miss Hookey, being placed
equal firsts, and Mr. Rhoden third. Dractenas were well shown, the principal
winners being Messrs. Luff, Reece, and Jeffery respectively. In the Pelar¬
gonium classes there was a brisk competition, tne following beirg the
leading prizewinners — Messrs. S. Reece, H. Martin, C. Nunn, and J. Lambert.
Special prizes were offered for groups of plants, Mr. A. Luff, gardener to
J. Hyatt, Esq., Streatham, being placed first for the best group of plants
arranged for decorative effect — an exceedingly light and pleasing arrange¬
ment — Mr. G. Barker coming in second with a more novel but less tastefully
arranged group, and Mr. G. Spong third. For a smaller group, arranged
for effect, Mr. Balcombe, gardener to J. S. Rivolta, Esq., won the only prize
offered, a handsome copy of the Revised Edition of the Bible, offered by a
lady. Special prizes were offered by Messrs. Laing & Co. for Tuberous
Begonias, the winners being Messrs. Garland, Sergott, and Hooker re¬
spectively ; also by others for coUections of miscellaneous plant-1 — first,
Mr. Reece ; second, Mr. Hudd ; and for twelve plants in flower the winners
were Messrs. Jeffery, Rhoden, and Martin.

In the division for gardeners and amateurs the classes are smaller and
more numerous than in the first division. For four stove and greenhouse
plants in flower, first, Mr. W. Jeffery, gardener to J. Young, Esq., and Mr.
A. Luff second ; and for four ornamental foliage, Mr. Lambert, first ; W.
Jeffery, second ; and C. Nunn, third — some remarkably good specimens. In
the class for four Orchids Mr. Noakes, gardener to Dr. Duke, The Glen,
Lewisham, was first with a fine example of Cattleya Mossise, Lselia
purpurati, Anguloa Clowesi, and Odontoglossum Alexandra variety ;
Mr. A. Luff coming in second with a fine plant of Oncidium macrati-
thum of a superior type, the remaining plants being not quite up to such
good form ; and Mr. G. Barker, gardener to J. G. L. Hemmerde, Esq ,
third. Mr. Noakes was again in the front rank for the best single specimen
Orchid, a well and richly flowered Oncidium erhpum ; Mr. A. Luff second
with Aerides Lobbi; and Mr. Barker thiri. For four Caladiums, Mr.
Balcombe was first, R. Jeffery second, and J. Smith, third ; for four exotic
Ferns, Mr. Reece first, Rhoden second, and Jeffery third; for six Pam
Mr. Reece first and J. Hudd second. In the remaining classes for Z mal
Pelargoniums, Petunias, Gloxinias, Begonias, &c., the principal prizewinners

were Messrs. P. Wright, R. Sholdice, J. Balcombe, C. Nunn, G. Barker
J. Lambert, C. Davis, Stockwell, Rhoden, kc.

Groups of choice plants were contributed, not for competition, by Messrs.,
J. Laing & Co., Mr. H. J. Jones, part of whose group consisted of that effec¬
tive Zonal Queen of the Belgians, and an interesting group of choice
Orchids by Dr. Duke.

Cut Flowers. — Roses were not shown in such numbers as in previous
years, probably owing to many exhibitions coming on at or about the same
date. Th re were two entries in the class for forty-eight single blooms, the
first going to Messrs. Bunyard k Co., Maidstone, for a really splendid box of
blooms. Mr. A. Luff was second, whose blooms, with a few exceptions,
were nearly equal in form and colour to the first. Messrs. E. Bunyard and
Co. came in first, too, in the twenty -fours ; and Mr. A. Harris S'cond.
Messrs. A. Harris, P. Spurling, and G. Barber were the winners in the twelves
and the sixes respectively. The winners for the stands of cut flowers were
Messrs. J. Lambert and C. Nunn, and for hand bouquets C. Nunn and R.
Fullerton.

Fruit and Vegetables. — Grapes were shown in better form this year,
the hunches being not only larger but the berries well coloured. For three
bunches of black, Mr. Howe first, Mr. Holden second, and Jeffery third.
For three bunches of white, J. Hudd first, Mr. Howe second, and Jeffery
third. Mr. Howe secured first for one bunch of black, and Mr. Holden
second. For a scarlet-flesh Melon, Mr. Howe first, and Mr. Holden second.
For six dishes of fruit, Mr. Jeff ry first, Hudd second, and Luff third. In
the classes for Peaches, Strawberries, and Apples, the winners were Messrs.
Holden, Garland, and Balcombe. A silver medal, showing him to have
been the chief winner for that year, again fell into the hands of Mr. S. Reece,
he having won it for four consecutive years.

WIMBLEDON.

The annual Exhibition of this excellent suburban Society is held in the
grounds of some gentleman’s residence which are kindly granted for the
occasion. This year the Committee was indebted to A. Schlusser, Esq., and
the Show was held on his estate, Belvidere, of which Mr. Lyne is the able
manager, and who contributed materially to the attractiveness of the display
by his exhibits of healtoy plants not for competition. The Exhibition was
not quite so large as on some former occasions, the heat and draught having
a tendency to res rict competition, yet very much highly creditable produce
was staged in all divisions — plants, flowers, fruit, and vegetables.

The most successful of exhibitors of stove and greenhouse plants were
Mr. A. Methven, Fernwood, Wimbledon ; Mr. J. Bentley, gardener to Sir
J. Gabriel, Bart. ; Mr. H. Alderman, gardener to G. Hatfield. Esq., Morden
Hall ; and of groups Messrs. Smith (gardener to J. Schwann, E-q.),
Northover, Ware, and Bentley. Messrs. D. S. Thompson & Son, Wimble¬
don ; Laing & Co., Forest Hill ; and Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, also Bent
valuable collecrions not for competition.

Tuberous Begonias were a bright feature of the plant tent, wonderfully
well grown examples being staged by Mr. Newell, gardener to Sir E.
Saunders, Parkside, Bentley, and Casswell, who were worthily awa1 fled the
chief prizes. The plants were not la>ge, about 18 inches in diameter, but
their vigour and the high quality of the flowers were very noteworthy. Mr.
H. Alderman staged the b: st Ferns, and Messrs. Smith and Bentley shared
the honours for table plants, that are always good at the Society’s shows.

The cut flower tent was a great source of attraction. Messrs. Cheal and
Son, Crawley, Sussex, were the premier exhibitors of Roses, securing the
chief prizes with very fresh blooms admirably arranged. Mr. Gibson,
gardener to J. Wormald, Esq., Mord n Park, was second in the twenty-four
class, his stand including a magnificent Mardchal Niel, ; Mr. Northover
being a close second with twelve RoBes with a very creditable stand. Mr.
Northover was first in the any variety class with fresh blooms of Marquise
4e Castellane, Mr. J. W. vV right being second with Marie Baumann. A
special class appears to be provided for the ‘‘ best Rose,” and the prize was
awarded to Mr. Calloway for La France, but it was not nearly so good as
the Marechal Niel above ieferred to. Stauds of Gloxinia flowers with
Ferns were admirably r presented by Messrs. Newell, H. Alderman, and
MoFarlan, who were adjudged the prizes in the order named. The Hon.
Mrs. Peek’s prize for hardy border flowers was won by Mr. Curtis, and
splendid collections were exhibited by Messrs. D. S. Thomson auJ Cheal
and S ins that were accorded special m irks of approval by the Judges.

Mr. Gibson was adjudged the first prize for an excellent collection of six
dishes of fruit. For Grap -s the prizes went to Messrs. Casswell, and Gibson,
and Bentley.

Vegetables were plentiful and good, Mr. Smith securing the first prize
with good dishes of Cauliflower s, Beet, Vegetable Marrows, Artichokes,
Broad B ans, Cucumbers, Peas, Onions, Kidney Beans, and Tomatoes,
followed by Messrs. A. Alderman and Gibson, Mr. Newell being awarded
the first prize for salads. The Show was held on the 7th inst., and Mr.
H. A. Rolt is the indefatigable Secretary of the Society.

THE EALING, ACTON, AND HAN WELL HORTICULTURAL

SOCIETY

The twenty-second annual Exhibition of this Society was held on the
7th in«t. in the grounds of Hanger Hill H use, the seat of E. M. NelsoD,
Esq., J.P., five spacious tents being filled, and the general arrangements
excellent.

Messrs. Charles Lee k Son contributed, not for competition, a group
quite 60 feet in length by 6 feet in width, made up of choice and rare
hardy trees and shrubs, standard and other Ivies, a fine lot of Hydrangea
paniculata grandiflora, Palms, a beauriful lot of Roses in pots, a group of
Statine floribunda, Yuccas, Araucaria Cookii, and other trees and plants for
which this firm is so famous. Mr. Ro erts, of the Gunnersbui y eardens,
sent. not for competition, a handsome group of plants, consisting of Orchids,
Palms, beautiful small Ixoras, and other plan's — a tastefully set-u > group.
Mr. Roberts also contributed a basket of handsome Gloxinias. Mr. Hudson,
gardener to H. J. Atkinson, Esq , M.P.. Gunnersbury House, set up an
artistically arranged group, bright in colour, in which were fine Crotons,
Dracmnas, Pandanuses. Palms, and other plants. Messrs. Fromow k Sons
also contributed, not for competition, a charm ng group of plants well set
tin, whii-h vvas deservedly admired. The cer*-e of the principal large-plant
tent wat occupied by a very large group plants, contributed by Mr

July 15, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

49

Chadwick, gardener to E. M. Nelson, Esq., not for competition. The=e con¬
sisted chiefly of specimen plants, such as Alocasia Lowii, Statice profuse,
Erythrina crista-galli, Asparagus plumosus, Vinca alba, Sobralia macrantha,
and many others, in which good culture was general throughout. If many
of these plants had been exhibited in the classes they would have taken
high honours. Two classes of groups arranged for effect were well filled.
In the class for the larger groups, five exhibitors entered and took the
prizes in the following order: — E. M. Nelson, Esq. (Mr. Chad¬
wick, gardener), Mr. A. Wood, Chiswick; H. J. Atkinson, Esq, M.P.,
Thomas Nye, Esq. (Mr. Smith, gardener). Miss Wood. All these groups
reflected considerable credit on the exhibitors. In the class for smalLr
groups the five prizes offered were awarded in the following order — Mr.
Williams, Ealing ; C. A. Daw, Esq., Ealing ; W. J. Amherst, Esq. ; Mr.
George Weedon, Ealing ; W. Williams, Esq., Ealing. Some excellent Ferns
were staged both in the classes for six and four. Miss Wood was placed
first; Thomas Nye, Esq., second ; and Mr. A. Wright third for six plants,
and for four Ferns, H. G. Lake, Esq., was first, and G. P. Greenfield, E«q.,
second. For six stove and greenhouse plants, H. G. Lake, Esq , Fa rlawn
House, was first with a capital lot, especially his Clerodendron Thompsonii
and Allamanda grandiflora. Mr. A. Wright, The Gardens, Doverhurst,
Chiswick, was first for four plants, an excellent quartette, consisting of a
fine Bhyncospermum, Plumbago capensis, admirably done; Cbrodendron
Balfourianum, and a fine Stephanotis. Oi namental plants are always good at
Ealing, and in the class for six H. G. Lake, E^q., was first, and H. Nye,
Esq., second. For four, first C. A. Daw, Esq., Ealing; second, H. G. Lake,
Esq. Four good lots of well-grown Coleuses were set up, and a few good
Fuchsias ; the first prize lot of six from Thomas Nye, Esq , being well grown
in small pots, and the plants even in size, and from 5 to 6 f. et in height;
second, G. P. Greenfield, Esq. Six Mosses, grown as pyramids, which took
the first prize, exhibited by Mr. A. Wright, Chiswick, were much admired,
clean, healthy, and well done, and good varieties.

Roses were plentiful, and in many respects fine. Messrs. James Veitch
and Sons staged six boxes of grand blooms not for competition, and Messrs.
Charles Lee & Son also staged a large collection of very fine blooms. In the
class for twenty-four trebles, Mr. Charles Turner took the first prize with
very flue blooms, and Mr. William Rumsey second. In Teas, Mr. Charles
Turner was first, and Joseph Moon, Esq., Ealing, second. For twelve
Roses, first prize, the gold medal of the National Rose Society, Mr. W.
Langdon, Ealing. The other classes were also well filled. In the class
for twelve cut blooms of stove and greenhouse plants, G. Tanlez, Esq., took
the first prize for a stand which included ten Orchids. Some excellent
bouquets and epergnes were staged. Mi s. H. B. Smith, florist, Ealing, sent
two very handsome bouquets, one of Carnations, the other of Orchids and
Lilium lancifolium roseum, also handsome sprays, to all of which certifi¬
cates were awarded. In the class for one bouquet, Mr. A. J. Morris, florist,
Acton, took the first prize with an excellent arrangement of Roses, Stepha¬
notis, Tuberoses, and blush Carnations, and second prize for two bouquets
of Roses, Mr. J. Weedon being placed first. Leopold de Rothschild, Esq.,
gave prizes for a stand or vase of wild flowers and grasses, which brought
out a pretty display, Miss Slade, E ding, taking the first prize with an ex¬
quisitely arranged epergne. Miss S. Hogg, Ealing, took the first prize in
another class for a nicely arranged epergne of yellow Marguerites, blue
Cornflowers, Grasses, and Ferns. The class for the stands of flowers brought
out a spirited competition, Mrs. Hudson, the Gardens, Gunnersbury House,
taking the first prize; Mr. Chadwick, The Gardens, Hanger Hill, second ;
and Miss Jessie Dean third. Light and tasteful arrangements prevailed
throughout.

In the fruit classes, Mr. Wilkinson, Ealing, was first in white Grapes
with Muscats ; and W. Tindell, Esq., Drayton Gieen, first in two classes for
black Grapes. Mr. Lockie exhibited two seedling Melons, one a green flesh
of much exc :llenoe, the other a scailet flesh named Beauty of Windsor, of so
much excellence that a certificate was awarded to it. Other fruits were ex¬
hibited, and there was also a good display of vegetables in the open and
amateur classes.

The cottagers and single-handed gardeners of the district exhibited in
great force, and excellent quality appeared in so many instances. The
cottagers of the district deserve very high praise for their productions. The
display of wild flowers, as well as othf-r flowei s, covered a very long space
of tabling, and somewhere about 100 prizes were awarded. It was a very
interesting exhibit, and to a large number one of the greatest attractions of
the Exhibition.

The experience of Mr. Richard Dean, the Honorary Secretary, and the
energy he throws into the Society’s exhibitions, have made the annual
meetings what they are, and he has an able assistant in Mr. George
Cannon of Messrs. Lee & Son’s nurseries.

WINCHESTER. — July 13th akd 14th.

Though this was not the largest Show that has been held in the ancient
city it was yet a very good one, there being competition in most of the
claB-es. Roses were particularly good ; in fact, they formed the chief feature
of the Show.

Plants. — Mr. Budd, gardener to F. G. Dalgety, Esq., Lockerly Hall,
Roms y, outdistanced all comp titors in the class for twelve stove anri green¬
house plants. A very fine pLut of Clethra arborea was conspicuous, and
all the sp cimens were good. Mr. James, Lower Norwood, was second, and
Mr. Hillier, Winchester, third. Mr. Budd was distinctly first in the class for
six stove and greenhouse plants, also with ere' i'able exampl s. Five excel¬
lent groups were arranged for effect, the first prize in the large section being
won by Mr. James with a neat, clean, w-ll finished arrangement of Orchids
Ferns, and Palms edged with Cyrtodeirae, Caladium argyrites, and Isolepis.
F. W. Flight, Esq., Twyford, was an excellent second, the Liliums being
beautiful, but the whole mass a little picked, and the Panicum <dge rather
rough ; Mr. Hillier third. In the smaller group class Mr. Ashford, gardener
to C. M. Shipley, E-q , Twyford Moors, was worthily awarded the fi st prize
with Liliums. Palms, Ferus chiefly, Well arranged. Mr. Lowns, gardener to
F. C. Birch, Esq., Clovellv, Winchester, second ; and Mr. Astridge, gardener
to W. Barrow-S monds, Esq . Abbot.’B Barton, W inchester, third. Mr. Flight
staged a first-class group of Zonal Pelargoniums, and secured the first prize,
Mr. Hillier being second with neat plants.

The best six Tuberous Begonias were exhibited by Mr. Hunt, gardener

to Mrs. C. Warner, Northlands, and very good they were. The second and
thi'd prizes fell to Mr. Wareham, gardener to T. Coke Burwell, Esq., and Mr.
Lowns. A bright and good cIubs.

Ferns were largely exhibited, Mr. Neville, gardener to F. W. Flight, Esq.,
winning the chief prize for six plants. The second prize card was missing.
Third Mr. Budd, who was also first with a single specimen and for a fine-
foltaged plant, Croton Weismanii. Mr. Lowns second with a splendid
example of Maranta zebrina, Mr. Astridge having the first prize for a
specimen plant in bloom with Eurya latifolia variegata covered with small
Snowdrop-like flowers.

Roses. — The display of these was excellent, splendid blooms being
staged throughout the classes. Mr. Charles Turner, Slou.'h, was placed
first in the class for forty-eight with wonderfully fine blooms, Mr. Frank
Cant, Colchester, a close second, and Messrs. Cooling ifc Sons, Bath, third.
Mr. Turner was also in the premier position with tbirty-six blooms, Messrs.
Cooling & Sons second, and Keynes, Williams & Co., Salisbury, third.
Mr. Turner was again first with twenty-four triplets, Messrs. Keynes,
Williams & Co. second, and Messrs. Cooling third.

It is only due to Mr. F. Cant to say that if he had not inadvertently
staged too many blooms he would have won in this class, his flowers being
very superior ; but others were good throughout the class. He was first
with twelve Teas (triplets) with beautiful blooms, Mr. Turner a close second.
Mr. Turner was first once more, this time with twelve charming Teas ; Mr.
F. Cant second, also with fine flowers, but less fresh ; this exhibitor also
winning with a box of Marechal Niel as the best Tea or Noisette in the
Show, and fine they were. The best light Hybrid Perpetual staged was
Merveille de Lyon, twelve magnificent blooms, for which Mr. F. Cant secured
the firBt priza. Alfred Colomb was the best dark, stag d by Messrs. Keynes,
Williams & Co., Mr. Cant’s A. K. Williams closely following.

In the amateurs’ classes for twelve Teas Mr. Flight was in the foremost
position with firm fresh blooms, very good indeed, followed by Captain
Ramsay. Mr. Flight was also decidedly ahead in the class for twenty-four
Roses, distinct, with excellent blooms excellently staged. Captain Ramsay
was again second ; but first in the class for twelve, with capital blooms.
Mrs. Bessie Flight was first with a decorated summer table ; Mrs. Flight for
a stand, also for a basket of flowers, all very charmingly arranged.

Fbuit and Vegetables — Mr. Budd was first with a collection of six
dishes of fruit, good black and white Grapes, Pine, Figs, Melon, and
Nectarines. Mr. Mildon, gardener to Mrs. Turner, Kingsworthy House,
second ; he was first for black and white Grapes, Mr. Budd second. Mr.
Axford won the first prize with a collection of vegetables with excellent
produce ; Mr. Budd a very close second ; and Mr. Ashton, gardener to the
Dean of Winchester third. The day was fine, and the Show highly
enjoyable.

A PATENT BEDDING AND POTTING BARROW.

In the extensive display of garden implements at Liverpool recently
Dr. Horace Swete of Worcester had a novel barrow that is likely to

be useful to amateurs. It can be employed as an ordinary barrow, but is
especially contrived to facilitate the conveyance of plants or to act as a
substitute for a potiiog bench. “ If,” says Dr. Swete, “ plants in pots are
wheeled in an ordinary barrow from the greenhouse to the beds they are
much injured by jostling against one another in the inclined plane of the
barrow : a great deal of time and labour is therefore wasted in carrying
them by hand, or extra wages incurred to employ another man to carry
them in a hand-barrow. By the addition of the tray to the “ handy
barrow ” a large number of pots may be safely carried at a level, forty-
eight 3-inch or twelve 10-inch pots being conveyed at the same journey.
It is constructed so as to pass through a 2 feet 9 inch doorway. As e
portable potting bench it is even more useful, being always ready for an
odd half-hour’s work. The compost is placed in the bed of the barrow, the
division placed in the tray, and the 6mall box for potting crocks hung by
the iron clips over the right side of the barrow. This potting bench can
then be wheeled to the place where the plants require to be potted,
causing a great saving of both time and labour.”

The illustration conveys a good idea of the general form of the
barrow, which is strongly constructed of elm, painted green, and as well
adapted for heavy as light work.

Summer Treatment of Decorative Chrysanthemums —
V'siting a gardening friend the other day, who 1 as been reading the

50

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 15, 1888.

Journal and following Mr. Molyneux’s excellent directions in the treatment
-of a fine collection of Chrysanthemums, he pointed out how he had
removed all the young shoots and incipient buds at the axils of the leaves,
with the exception of two or three at the top. A9 my friend, like myself,
grows merely for decorative and not for show purposes, I ventured to say
to him that I suspected he had misread the directions referred to, especi¬
ally as quantity is of more importance than size or quality of the blooms.
As there are possibly others doing the same, Mr. Molyneux may allude
to the point later on. — W. J. Murphy.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

July 13th.

A most satisfactory Show was held at South Kensington on Tuesday last
the best general representative display of this year's series. Fruit and
vegetables were admirably shown both as regards numbers and quality ; a
beautifully varied flo al exhibition wa3 formed by the large collections of
hardy flowers and the superb Roses from Waltham Cross, the exhibits
before the Floral Committee being also more than usually interesting.

THE FRUIT AND VEGETABLE SHOW.

For evenness of merit the fruit shown was the best we have seen this
season, and the same might be said of the vegetables. Everything seemed
so fresh and clean, the competition being exceptionally keen in several
classes.

Grapes. — Three classes were devoted to Grapes, in which there were
seventeen entries, the principal competition being with three bunches of
Black Hamburgh, of which eight lots were shown, but differing considerably
in quality. The premier position was gained by Sir A. K. MacDonald,
Bart., Woolmers, Liphook, Hants (gardener, Mr. J. Tavener), whose bunches
and berries were of good size and fine colour. The Earl of Harrington,
Elvaston Castle, Derby (gardener, Mr. Goodacre), followed also with hand¬
some bunches and large berries, but not quite so well coloured ; Mr. J.
Neighbour, Bickley Park, Kent, being third with smaller examples. For
two bunches of any other black variety there were six competitors, Mr.
Goodacre taking the lead this time with a pair of magnificent Muscat
Hamburgh, handsome, well-coloured bunches that are rarely seen equalled
at exhibitions. Mr. G. T. Miles, Wycombe Abbey Gardens, Bucks, was
second with Gros Maroc, compact bunches of good berries, not quite fully
coloured ; and L. J. Baker, Esq., Ottershaw Park, Chertsey (gardener, Mr.
T. Osman), was third with Alicante, gojd bunches, and with moderate
bloom. Alicante and Black Prince were shown by other exhibitors, but the
latter was poor. Only three pairs of Muscat of Alexandria were staged, and
none of these was fully ripe. Sir Philip F. Rose, Bart., Rayners Penn,
Bucks (gardener, Mr. Cakebread), had the best, of medium size; followed
hy W H. Sewell, Esq., Warren Hill, Longhton, Essex (gardener, Mr. A.
Smith), and C. A. Hoare, Esq., Kelsey Manor, Beckenham (gardener, Mr.
C. J- Goldsmith), both having very green bunches.

Strawberries. — With two varieties of Strawberries ten exhibitors entered,
and although the season has not been a favourable one, the fruits shown
were very good, especially the samples of Dr. Hogg and British Queen,
with which the first prize was won by C. B. Bingley, Esq., Stanhope Park,
01 (gardener, Mr. G-arlandvoy), which were very beautiful fruits,
and these finely flavoured varieties are seldom so well represented. The
second place was accorded to H. A. Brassey, Esq., Preston Hall, Aylesford
(gardener, Mr. Waterman), who had James Veitch and British Queen, the
former particularly good; W. R. Winch, Esq., North Mymms Patk, Hat¬
field (gardener, Mr. J. T. Seymour), securing the third prize for Eclipse and
-President, I here were fourteen exhibitors of one variety, Messrs. Roth-
schild, Gunnersbury Park, Acton (gardener, Mr. J. Roberts), leading with
British Queen in first-rate condition. Mr. J. Neighbour was second with
the same variety and Mr. Seymour third with President, other exhibitors
staging James Yeitch, Dr. Hogg, President, Sir J. Paxton, and Auguste

T Bl&bt dishes of large and well-ripened Figs were contributed, Mr

J. Tavener gaming first honours, H. Tate, Esq, Park Hill, Streathair
(gardener, Mr. Wm. Howe), the second, and the Rev. Walter Sneyd, Keeli
Hall, Newcastle, Staffs (gardener, Mr. J. Wallis) the third, all showing
Brown turkey, which has so long held its position as a standard variety.

Reaches. Amongst the fourteen dishes of six Peaches there were somi
fruits of wonderful size, and the finest both as regards size and colour were
the Crosse Mignonne from Mr. Seymour, which were very handsome, wel

f;tS»e/Vln?i firS^ UUe' Mr‘ Tallis, who was second, also had good
sized well-coioured fruits of Galande, and Mr. Cakebread had the same
variety as the hrst, of capital size but less highly coloured

N ^triZlnef'~Uv' J: Roberts s.cored a great success in the class for six
^en t fr ut! ff °rne IaxTe'U worthl]y gaining the premier award for magnifi.
Prolog ‘ tl L°rd N/‘Pler’ ^blcb attracted much attention from fruit
o 7 "Ti6 a'.ge and s"Perbly coloured, a very deep and rich tinl
giving them a most handsome appearance as table fruits. Mr. W Robins
SevmnC0Dd smaller and paler samples of the same variety, and Mr

VmWt u ' “5 thlld Pme AppIe> the other varieties shown being Elruge

\ lolette Hative, and Pitmaston Orange. "

Pine Apples. With two Pines Mr. G. T. Miles was first amongst six
Sh0wlnf? beautiful well-proportioned Queens, 5 lbs. 2 ozs. anc
V°s' 44 ozs- respectively. Mr. R Dawes, Temple Newsome, Leeds, showing
the same variety 4 lbs. 8 ozs. and 4 lbs. 4 ozs. for the second prize, and A. P

2lso wRhEsq'’-G fnf0n Gar<Lns, Taibach (gardener, Mr. Moms), was third
fifrp parrof Queens. In the class for one fruit of any variety, Queem
Mere shown by the three exhibitors, Mr. G. T. Miles being first with a fruit
werghrngMbs. 2 ozs., Mr. Dawes second with one weighing 5 lbs., auc
MP> Glmnersbury House, Acton (gardener, Mr

xiuoson), was third.

n,5^mr'-Tlie competition was close in this class for two dishes o!
frnftT^18 vanetlea 1 majority of the ten exhibitors having gooi
TartfrtoUk Gudson won the first prize with Bigarreau Napoleon and Black
Urian, both very fine. Mr. J. Roberts followed with the same varieties
Mr. J. Read, Moat Mount Gardens, Mill Hill, taking the third place

Melons. — The task of tasting fifteen pairs of Melons was a formidable one
for the Judges, but they performed their duties manfully, though they
seemed to find it rather difficult to satisfy themselves. Ultimately the first
prize was awarded to J. Southgate, Esq., Selborne, Streatham, for two hand¬
some fruits of Blenheim Orange finely netted. Mr. E. Gilman, Ingestre
Hall Gardens, Stafford, was second with Hero of Lockinge ; and the Earl of
Radnor, Longford Castle, Salisbury (gardener, Mr. H. W. Ward), was tbi'd,
showing Sutton’s Improved Green-flesh, which possessed an excellent
flavour.

Vegetables. — A class was provided for a collection of vegetables, eight
kinds, and a display of well grown produce was supplied by ten exhibitors
that was most creditable to all. The chief struggle was between Mr. G. H.
Richards, gardener to the Earl of Normanton, Somerley, Ringwood, Hants,
and the veteran Mr. G. T. Miles for the first prize, but the former gained the
victory by several points, thus repeating a success he gained on a previous
otcasion. Mr. Richards’ collection comprised admirable clean and even
samples of Perfection Tomatoes, Early London Cauliflowers (of meaium
size), Snowdrop Kidney Potatoes, Green Globe Artichokes, late Argenteuil
Asparagus, Telegraph Peas, Daniel’s White Elephant Onions, and Yeitch’s
Matchless Scarlet Carrots. Mr. G. T. Miles lost points in his Snowdrop
Potatoes, Stamfordian Tomatoes, Pearl Cauliflowers, which were rather too
large : the others, White Elephant Onious, Moore’s Cream Marrows, Tele¬
phone Peas, Green Globe Artichokes, and Sutton’s New Intermediate
Carrots were about equal. The third prize was accorded to Col. the Hon.
W. P. Talbot, Glenhurst, Esher (gardener, Mr. C. J. Waite), who showed
Canadian Wonder Beans. Waite’s Seedling Tomatoes, a beautiful ev,-n and
well coloured variety ; White Elephant Onions, Pen-y-Byd Marrows, New
Intermediate Carrots, and Snowdrop Potatoes. It was rather curious that
the same varieties of Onions and Potatoes were shown by these three
exhibitors.

Nine dishes of fine Tomatoes were Btaged, Mr. R. Farrance, Chadwell
Heath, leading with Selected Trophy, excellent. J. Freeman, Esq.,
Forest Lodge, Farnborough (gardener, Mr. C. Jennings) was second for
Stamfordian; and Mr. C. Ross, Welford Park Gardens, Newbury, third
with Hackwood Park Prolific. Cucumbers were not largely shown, the
prizes being secured by Viscount Barrington, Beckett Park, Shrivenham
(gardener, Mr. Meads), with Purley Park ; Mr. R. Phillips, Meopham, with
Carter’s Model, and Col. Wingfield, Onslow, Shrewsbury (gardener, Mr.
Lambert), with Telegraph in the order named.

Special Prizes for Peas. — Messrs. J. Carter & Co., High Holborn, offered
four prizes for fifty pods each of Telephone, Stratagem, Pride of the Market,
and Telegraph, which brought ten competitors, the majority contributing
very fine pods well filled. The prizes went in the following order — First,
Mr. H. Marriott, Skirbeck, Boston, Lincolnshire; second, Mr. Marriott, jun. ;
third, Mr. Phillips ; and fourth, Mr. H. W. Ward. Messrs. Webb & Sons,
Wordsley, offered prizes for dishes of Wordsley Y/onder, which were
awarded to Mr. H. Marriott and Mr. H. W. Ward for capital specimens,
there being seven entries. Mr. J. House, Peterborough, also provided
prizes for dishes of his Perfect Marrow Pea, which were awarded to Mr.
H. Marriott, Mr. J. Cook, and Mr. H. Marriott, jun., amongst six com¬
petitors. Mr. Marriott was very successful, and his Peas were, as usual,
extremely fine, outdistancing most of the others.

Hardy Flowers. — Two magnificent collections of hardy flowers were
entered in comp-tition for the prizes provided for the Society, and beautiful
as these groups frequently are at Kensington, the two in question have
not been equalled this year in variety of attractions and tastefulness of
arrangement. Mr. T. S. Ware, Hale Farm Nurseries, Tottenham, was
awarded premier honours for a charming collection in which Lilies pre¬
dominated, such forma as the buff-coloured L. testaceum, the pure white
L. candidum, the orange-tinted L. croceum, and the scarlet-spotted
L. pardahnum californicum forming imposing clumps, the last named
being remarkably handsome. Around these were grouped the pretty yellow
Papaver uudicaule, its white variety album, and the brilliant orange
miniatum, Polemonium Richardsoni, the scarlet Delphinium nudicaule,
several varieties of the early Gladiolus, the white varie y of Malva moschata,
and innumerable other choice and pretty flowers. Messrs. Paul & Son,
Cneshunt, were second with an extensive group admirably arranged and
very few points behind the first. Some of the most no'eworihy plants
represented were Geum coccineum and its varieties, Cephalaria alpina,
numerous Lychnis, Lathyrus latifolius roseus, very large and richly coloured ;
Achilleas, especially millefolia rosea, Centaureas, C. macrocephala, with
huge globular yellow beads, very striking; Delphiniums, the bright yellow
Buphthalmum salicifolium, Lilies of several species, Spiraea palmata,
Campanulas, Lythrums, and numerous others similarly showy.

Miscellaneous. — Prominent amongst the non-competing exhibits was
the grand collection of Rose blooms from Messrs. W. Paul & Son, Waltham
Cross, for which a silver gilt Banksiau medal was awarded. The recent rain
seems to have suited the Roses exactly, and Messrs. Paul’s were remark¬
able for their fresh clean appearance, their bright colours, and good sub¬
stance. All the leading varieties were represented, as well as several new
varieties, one of which, the dark scarlet seedling from A. K. Williams, Grand
Mogul, was certificated. But perhaps the most interesting portion of the
exhibit were the boxes of blooms of varieties raised at Waltham. Cross. No
leas than twenty-nine of these were shown, and most of tuese possessed
some notable quality. Some of the best were Lady of the Lake, Lord
Macaulay, Charles Dickens, Queen of Queens, Waltham Climber, Nos. 1,
2 and 3. Garden Favourite (a free-flowering soft pink Rose), Florence Paul,
Little Gem (Moss), Duchess of Bedford, Iuigo Jones, Crown Prince, Master¬
piece, Countess of Rosebery, Elizabeth Yigneron, Star of Waltham, Em¬
press, Ella Gordon, Black Prince, and May Quennell. Altogether there
were twenty boxes and twenty baskets of Roses, some lovely examples of
the principal Tea and H.P. varieties being included, the exhibit being in
every respect most creditable to the Waltham Cross Nursery.

A silver Bank-ian medal was accorded to R. J. Measures, Esq., Cam¬
bridge Lodge, Fiodden Road, Camberwell New Road (gardener, Mr. H.
Simpkins), for a choice and tasteful group of Orchids and Ferns. Numerous
Cattleyas, Phalaenopses, Odontoglossums, Oncidium Jonesianum, and other
species with the bright Sophronitis grandiflora were shown, aud the re¬
cognition afforded was well merited. A similar award was granted to
Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshunt, for ten boxes of handsome Roses comprising

July 15, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

51

some hundreds of bloomy a large proportion of -which were fully up to the
exhibition standard, and would have taken high positions in competition.
A bronze medal was adjudged to Messrs. Kelway & Son, Langpoit, for
groups of hardy flowers, principally Phloxes, Alstiomerias, Gaillardias, and
Asphodelus albus. A bronze medal was also awarded to Messrs. J. Carter
and Co., High Holborn, for a collection of ninety dishes of Peas, mostly
distinct varieties, the Cabbage Lettuce, Garden Gem, and flowers of their
strain of Sweet Peas.

A new seedling white Grape named Mrs. Eyre was shown by Mr. C.
Ross, and commended. It is said to have been raised from Black Monukka,
which was probably fertilised with pollen from Buckland Sweetwater and
the Yine from which the bunches were cut is worked on a Muscat of Alex¬
andria, the original plant having been destroyed. Mr. Ross describes it as
a free-setting variety, of fair flavour, with a thick skin, and the berries
somewhat resemble the parent in the shape of the berries, but are larger.
Those shown were too unripe to permit a judgment being formed of
its merits. Fruits of Apples Alfriston and Sturmer Pippin, and Catillac
Pears were staged, but were, of course, very much shrivelled. Mr. A.
Newell, Eairlawn, Wimbledon, exhibited a finely netted Victory of Bath
Melon ; Mr. W. Robins, Aylesbury, had a number of handsome Lord
Napier Nectarines (commended) and Buckland Sweetwater Grapes, of good
quality; and Mr. T. Bunyard, Ashford, a box of fine Rose blooms
(commended).

COMMITTEES.

Fruit Committee. — Present : T. F. Rivers, Esq., in the chair, and
Messrs. H. J. Veitcb, W. Paul, J. Roberts, C. Ross, W. Denning, W. Warren,

G. Norman, G. Bunyard, F. B. Haywood, J. Burnett, G. T. Miles, P. Crowley,
J. Rutland, and Dr. Robert Hogg.

The Commissioners for the Cape of Good Hope Colony exhibited a large
collection of dried fruits, Pears, Peachp-s, Apples, Apricots, Muscatels,
-Quinces, Figs, and others grown at the Cape and prepared in this way for
exportation. The Committee recommended a silver Knightian medal for
this exhibit. Some Canadian Apples were also shown fresh, and fine
Bamples of Fallowater, King of Tomkins County, and Nonpareil being
especially notable. Messrs. C. Lockie, R. Gilbert. C. Howe, and C. Ross
sent seedling Melons that were passed ; and Mr. G. Bolas of Hopton showed
some curiously grown Leeks. Mr. H. W. Ward sent samples of Webb’s
Chancellor Peas, Mr. House having pods and haulm of his Perfect Marrow
Pea, gathered from a field crop grown without sticks. Mr. F. Edmonds,
Arnold, Notts, had dishes of Lord Napier Nectarine finely coloured, and
Royal George Peaches. Mr. G. T. Turner, Tunbridge, sent samples of
Telegraph, Telephone, Stratagem, and Pride of the Market Peas ; Mr. G.
Fennell had some Noblesse Peaches of good size ; Messrs. Viccars, Collyer,
and Co., Leicester, exhibited large ripe fruits of Blackberry Wilson, Jun.,
from plants grown in pot*, and referred to on another page. From the
Royal Horticultural Society’s Gardens, Chiswick, came fruits of the Waterloo
Strawberry, a variety with large, .rounded-conical, very dark red fruits, and
good flavour.

Floral Committee. — Present : G. F. Wilson, Esq., in the chair and
M-.ssrs. H. Bennett, W. Bealby, H. Herbst, Shirley Hibberd, J. Walker,
W. Wilks, G. Duffield, James Hudson, W. Holmes, R. Dean, C. Noble,

H. Ballantine, J. Doininy, J. O'Brien, G. Paul, J. Douglas, A. F. Lendy,
E. Hill, and Dr. M. T. Masters.

Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., M.P., Burfora Lodge, Dorking, showed
several interesting Orchids, comprising Masdevallia Dayana with curious
yellowish flowers, spotted with rtddi-h brown, something like a Fritillaria ;
Spathoglottis angustorum (vote of thanks), very pretty, the sepals and
petals pale blush or pure white, the lip much contracted ; Trichopilia
Gal eottiana with fourteen yellowish flowers; Cypripedium caudatum, very
healthy, grown for five years in a cool house with Odontoglossum crispum
(cultural commendation) ; Aerides roseum and Masdevallia infracta purpurea.
Col. C. T. Berkeley, Sibbertoft, Market Harboro’, had a brightly coloured
variety of Phalasnopsis speciosa named Imperator. Mr. W. Bull, Chelsea,
rent several new plants. In addition to those certificated were Pteris ludens
with three-lobed triangular fronds 6 o 8 inches in diameter and bright
green ; the slender-leaved graceful Palm, Phcenix hybrida, Lourea Papilio
with pinnate leaves, the ptnnm veined pale brown. Messrs. J. Veitch and
Sons, Chelsea, had some very beau iful varieties of Gloxinias, scarlet,
purple, white shaded pink, and spotted with rose and purple. They also
Siad some superb varieties of Iris Kiempferi, large and of many colours.
Mr. B. S. Williams was awarded a vote of thanks for Sarracenia hybrida,
very brightly coloured. Mr. R. Dean had a good stand of Stocks, Ever¬
lasting Peas, and other hardy flowers. The Rev. W. Wilks, Shirley Vicarage,
Croydon, contributed a most in’ cresting collection of varieties of Papaver
Rhteas, scarlet and rose, edged with white and beautifully shaded with
lighter tints of the colours named. (Vote of thanks and highly com¬
mended.)

Mr. J. Thurston, Wolverhampton, was awarded a vote of thanks for
good seedling Pinks. Mess s. H. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, showed the
yellow Carnation Pride of Penshurst, in fine condition ; also Fuchsia
General Roberts, with purple corolla and scarlet calyx. Mr. J. Kingsbury,
Southampton, had some seerlling variegated Pelargoniums, with double pink
and scarlet flowers. A. J. nollington, Esq., Forty Hill, Enfield (gardener,
Mr. E. Ayling), was accorded a vote of thanks for Odontoglossum vexil-
iarium Hollingtoni, a pale variety, with petals much larger than usual.
Messrs. James Carter & Co. had Silene compacta plena, bright, dwarf, and
free ; Mr. W. Chitty, Stamford Hill, contributing a seedling Coleus, with
dark leaves ; Messrs. Veitch & Sons a fine collection of Campanulas, and
Messrs. Barr & Son, Covent Garden, an extensive group of handsome hardy
flowers. Late arrivals were some Carnations from MM. Vilmorin, Andrieux
and Cie, Paris, and a lirge panicle of Renanthera coccinea from Mr. Nicholas,
gardener to Earl Fortescue, Castle Hill, South Molton.

CERTIFICATED PLANTS.

Jmpatiens Eatvkeri (W. Bull). — A very handsome new species of Balsam
with la'ge brilliant rose-scarlet flow r-q 2 inches in diameter, tbe leaves
elliptical serrated, and the habit strong and compact. It is one of the best
of the Impatiens yet introduced, and lar sup rior to Impatiens Sultani.

Aphelandra chrijsops (W. Bull). — A distinct and beautiful stove plant

with elliptical green leaves veined regularly’ with white, the stems terminating
in a dense head (G to 8 inches long) of imbricating bright yellow bracts, the
tubular pale yellow flowers appearing from amongst these.

Dendrobium Wtlliamsianum (B. S. Williams). — A most distinct species
from New Guinea, where it was found by Mr. Goldie about eight years since
and introduced to Mr. Williams’ nursery. It has slender pseudo-bulbs and
small leaves, the plant mentioned having a raceme of five flowers, the sepals
and petals oval, pure white, the lip scoop-shaped with a prominent ridge in
the centre and bright violet purple.

Pelargonium Eden Marche (W. Bealby). — An Ivy-leaf variety of strong
habit, with lirge double bright pink flowers.

Phaius Humbloti (Sir Tr« vor Lawrt nee. Bart.,M.P.). — A handsome species
with long plaited leaves and stout globular pseudo-bulbs, and bearing scapes
of six to eight flowers. The sepals and petals are of equal size, oval, and
pale rose ; the lip is curiously winged at the base, contracted in the centre,
with a large yellow crest, white at the base, and the other portion of a rosy
purple tint, the column slender, curved towards tbe lip, and green.

Odontoglossum crispum Mrs. C. Dorman (C. Dorman, E-q.). — A large-
flo wired wtiite variety and considered by several orchidists as not distinct
enough for a certificate.

Odontoglossum crispum Hrubyanum (Baron T. Hruby, Austria). — A fine
variety, the flowers well formed, the sepals and petals broad, the latter
fringed, and all with the lip, heavily blotched with brown, and tinted with
purple.

Pteris serrulata Naylor’s Crested (Mr. Naylor, Harrow). — One of the
most densely curled and crested varieties yet obtained ; very pretty.

Stock Snowflake (Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons). — One of the Ten-week type,
very dwarf in habit with dense spikes of large double pure white flovvers.

Bose Gi and Mogul (W. Paul & Son).— A seedling from A. K. Williams,
and resembling its parent in build and substance of flower, but stronger in
habit, with stout leaves. The blooms shown were of excellent shape, of a
very dark rich scarlet, slightly shad d with crimson.

Papaver nudicaule miniatum (T. S. Ware). — A variety with bright
orange, almost scarlet flowers ; very showy and beautiful.

Ornithogalum aureum (T. S. Ware). — A Cape plant with small bright
golden yellow flowers.

Oncidium macranthum Southgate's variety (J. Southgate, Esq.). — Flowers
larger than usual, the broad sepals and petals finely blotched, and brown at
tbe base.

SCIENTIFIC! COMMITTEE.

H. Pascoe, Esq., in the chair. Present — Messrs. W. G. Smith, J. O’Brien,
G. F. Wi'son, A. G ote, G. Maw, and Dr. Masters.

Rhododendron ponticum var.myrtifolium. — Mr. G. Maw doubted this being
a t ue native of Gibraltar, as stated at the last meeting. At the same time
Mr. Maw mentioned that R. ponticum was wild at Algesiras, where it grew
in company with Balantium culcita, both cases affording instances of
i olation. .

Cistus ladaniferus. — Mr. Maw remarked that plants of this with blotched
flowers grew in Spain in company with others in which no blotch was per¬
ceptible. He had also seen a few instance of blotched and unblotched
flowers on tbe same p ant.

Digitalis lutea and grand jlora. — Mr. Maw suggested that tbese might be
dimorphic forms of one and the same species.

Daffodils. — Mr. Maw reported on the occasional occurrence, of erect-
flowered Daffodils. He also stated that N. minimus of Botanical Maga¬
zine,” t. 6, was identical with N. minor, and abundant in central Spain, at
high elevationB. Drawings of various hybrids were shown, and the opinion
expressed that N. calathinus and triandrus were one and the same species.

Masdevallia Dayana. — Mr. O’Brien alluded to this interesting species,
in which the three sepals cohere by their tips, leaving, however, lateral
apertures through which insects may enter, as in M. fenestrata. Ihe
peduncles originate from the top of the shoot, and not from the base as in
others of the genus. A botanical certificate was awarded to the plant.

Cattleya Loddigesii. — A dimerous flower was shown, on which Dr.
Masters undertook to report at the next meeting.

Fungus on Mangoes . — Mr. W. G. Smith allluded to a fungus, Capnodium
mangiferum, wh-ch he had received from G. S. Jenman, Esq., of Deme-
rara. The fungus occurs also in India, but there attacks the leaves only.
In Guiana it bursts through the bark of the trees.

Mistletoe in July. — Dr. Masters showed a spray of Mistletoe with ripe

Selenipedium and Uropedium. — Dr. Masters exhibited a drawing by
Mr. W. G. Smith of a specimen, interesting as confirming the notion that
Uropedium is a monstrous state of Selempedium.

Fire Blight in Pea?-*.— Dr. Masters exhibited specimens of this disease
received from P/of ssor Arihur of New York Agricultural Station, Ihe
disease is attributed to Bacteria, and happilv has not yet been noticed
outside the United States. To the nakei eye the young shoots look dry,
shrivelled, and black as if scorched by fire. Mr. Worthington Smith
undertook to report.

GROUPING TREES IN PARKS.

A PARK with mt trees has as cold and dreary a character, almost, as a
wild heath or barren moor : hence, all landscape gardeners plant that part
of the domain, more or less, with trees, either single, in groups, or in
clumps. A large single tree is an object that has, from all ages, been
regarded by mankind with admiration, — fiom its grandeur, its beauty, und
its usefulness. Hence, in all ages, man has either a lowed a few of the
wild denizens of the foresls (which he has cleared away for farming pur¬
poses) to remain, to shelter and ornament his dwel ing ; or, if none were
there, he has planted some for the same purpose, If this a I miration and
use of trees was practised by the ancients, it is still more so now. But,
alas ! a tree does not grow so as to be effective as a beautiful object for
almost half a century : hence, it is desirable, in order to produce effect
more speedily, to plant trees in groups, and shelter them from cattle, til
they have grown so tall as to be out of their reach. A group may consist
of only a couple of trees, or the number may be extended to half-a-dozen,

52

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 15, 1888.

or even nine trees, all of which may be arranged in different forms, so
that each may have a different character. To attain this requires con¬
siderable knowledge and skill, and a prophetic eye as to different com¬
binations of figure and kinds of trees necessary to produce a desired
character in the scene. The greatest beauty of a group of trees, as far as
respects their stems, is the different forms they take as they grow into
trees. Some, for instance, grow quite upright, if ever so close together ;
others take a slanting direction ; whilst, in some groups, one tree will
grow quite upright, and its neighbour will push out in an almost horizontal
position. These different arrangements, or appearances, may be attained
in various ways by planting in different distances from each other. I
have often obtained a very pretty group by planting two or three together,
and allowing them to grow naturally, just as they pleased.

Great diversity of character may be given to groups of tree*, and the
greater the number (within bounds) of trees the greater variety of position,
and, consequently, character may be attained. The grand object of
group-planting, however, is the connecting them together in various
views, and, at the same time, to leave a sufficient; breadth of the grassy
part of the park open for grazing. Groups should always be connected
in the distance with the wood, forest, or belt, but should never be planted
in the deep sinuosities of the margin of such a miss of trees : they
should rather be placed near to the projecting swells, and by that position
they will seem, in different views of them, to form a part of, and increase
the depth of, the wood or belt. In such a position, a single tree should
be planted beyond the group into the park, to still more increase that
character. Single trees, in general, are very objectionable. It has been,
I am sorry to say, a very common practice, by many planters, to introduce
into park scenery a great number of these single trees, with a view of
effecting a character which can only be obtained by grouping. I once
saw, in Hampshire, an example on a large scale of this dotting with
single trees. Nay, the planter was not content with planting the trees
(Oaks) singly, and at equal dis’ances, but he actually planted every one
of them on large hillocks, 3 or 4 feet above the surface. The insipidity
and absurdity of this dotting arrangement was absolutely sickening
How different Nature arranges the group, the glade, and the thicket,
every lover of rural or forest scenery is aware of. Let such formalists
go to the wild forest, or even look at groups of trees in such places as
Chatsworth or Hatfield, and many other places where groups of noble
trees abound, and let them study and reflect whether such sprinkling and
dotting trees will ever produce such fine effects.

The kinds of trees for grouping depend much upon the soil and situa¬
tion. In high, dry soils, the Scotch Fir, the Beech, the Birch, the
Mountain Elm, and the Mountain Ash, may be used with every prospect
of success. In lower elevations, the Oak and the Ash, with some of the
Pious tribe, form fine groups. In planting them, I would advise each
group to be of one kind, or very nearly so. An outside tree of a large
group may be of a different sort, to give variety ; and that outside tree
should be next to an adjoining group of the same kind, which would five
the idea that it had straggled from it. Some groups should have the
tallest trees in the centre, and the outside, or points, should be lower, and
branched to the ground. Other groups, by way of diverse character,
should have the centre the lowest, so as to appear like two groups united
by low trees. In fact, the great aim of the planter should be to have
every group of as different character as possible from its neighbour. I
never saw, in old parks or wild forest lands, two groups alike.

The undulations of the ground in the park will generally give the
planter opportunities of placing his groups in good pos tions. The tongue
of a piece of elevated ground is a good position for a group, or on the side
of a rising ground will answer for one or more admirably, especially if
t.iere is a mass of wood on the top ; only avoid all formality, not only in
the number of trees in each group, but also the distance from each other,
and the masses of which they are to seem a part in various pjints of
view. — P.

REVIEWS OF BOOKS.

Handbook of Mosses. By James E. Bagnall, A.L.S. London : Swan,
Sonnenschein, Le Bas, aud Lowery, Paternoster Square. 1886.

This interesting work the author modestly terms an essay, and
remarks that it has been “written in the leisure hours of one whose
everyday life is spent amid the busy hum and constant strain of a work-a-
day life in a large town.” Its chief object is to direct aitention to the
study of these minute but beautiful forms of vegetation, and in conse¬
quence it is not taken up with botanical descriptions of the genera oi
species, but deals in a more popular mauner with the leading peculiarities
of the family. Chapters are devoted to “ The Appliances and Materia
required for Study,” “ Development” “Moss Habitats,” “Classification’
“ 1'he Geographical Distribution of Mosses,” “ Cultivation, ” “ Uses,” and
“ Preparing Specimens for the Cabinet.” The structure ’is clearly and
simply explained, numerous illustrations assisting in rendering the organs
of the plants better understood. Few who have not examined the Mosses
closely have little idea respecting their beauties, but, as Ru-kiu bas said"
1 No words that I know of will say what these Mosses are. None are
delicate enough, none perfect enough, none rich enough. How is one to
tell of the rubied bloom, fiue-filmed, as if the rock sp rits c uld spin
porphyry as we do glass— the traceries of intricate silver, and tring-s ot
amber, lustrous, arborescent, burnished through every fibre into fitful
brightness and glassy traverses of si ken change.” A lei-ure h .nr or two
may well be occupied in the study of these charming little plants „nd
the young student will find this Handbook a useful assistant in mastering
their peculiarities of structure.

Very few botanic gardens include living collections of Mosses, but at
Glasgow a good representative collection of the best marked types has
been grown, and some time since an accomplished horticulturist wrote us
that he had never seen anything more interesting in auy garden of the
kind. A collection is in process of formation at Kew, but the cultivation
of many Mosses is by no means easy, and as there may be amateurs who
desire to try a few, we give Mr. Bagnall’s chapter on the subject.

“ Possibly few have thought the cultivation of the Mosses a matter
worthy of their attention — in fact, many a lover of plants would rather
destroy than encourage them — yet few plants more amply repay the little
trouble they require. But the difficulty is to make a start, or, having made
a start, to retain in a flourishing condition the Mosses we have. The
choicer species are often most difficult to manage, as though their untamed
natures refused to submit to the thraldom of cultivation. Another difficulty
that I have found is this, that the commoner species — such, for instance, as
Funaria — will overrun all others, and become as it were quite masters of
the situation. To attempt to raise these plants from spores is also another
disappointment ; certainly Mosses come, but, so far as my own experience
serves, not the Mosses one requires. Hence I have found that, after all, the
safest and surest way is to get the plants fully grown, to at once place them
in their intended position, and above all to imitate as nearly as possible the
natural surroundings of the plant.

“ Fern cases are sometimes recommended for this sort of culture ; these
I have t ied myself and seen tried by others ; and my own expeoience is,
that whilst the Mosses really look beautiful and all that we could wish for
a while, yet after the first season they degenerate, many of them die out,
and others are so drawn up by the glass as to destroy all their natural
beauty.

“ The plan which appears to me to be the most successful is, as I have
said, to get the plants from their native habitats in good condition, taking
care to bring with them plenty of soil. I believe that one of the main
reasons why these plants will not thrive is, that the collectors neglect to do
this.

“ The commoner species, such as Funaria, Torlula muralis, and Cerato-
don, will scarcely require to be encouraged, as they will establish them¬
selves wherever a likely wall or rockwork presents itself, providing that the
place chosen is not in a smoky district. Some of the tree Mosses, such as
Leucodon sciuroides and Anomodon viticulosum, I have succeeded in grow¬
ing by bringing some of the bark on which they were growing and fastening
it down with pegs on the earth. To attempt to grow these after they have
been r moved from the bark will be sure to end in failure. In the case of
those species which grow on rocks or stones, a portion of the rock should
be, if possible, detached, as the Mosses are more likely to live where they are
established than they would be if they were removed from their habitat, and
in these cases the pieces of rock will require to be either bedded in the
rockery or in pots, making the upper part of the rock level with or slightly
above the level of the soil.

“ A very successful cultivator of Mosses, Mr. R. Yeitch, gives the follow¬
ing account of his mode of transplanting and cultivation : — ‘ For Grimmia
pulvinata and Orthotrichum anomalum, I use a soft porous stone the size
of the pot, filling it with drainage to such a height that the stone, when
resting on it, is level with the brim. The patches are then placed upon the
stone with a little space between each, and for the purpose of keeping them
steady I sprinkle a little fine mould into the open spaces. I then water
them overhead with a fine rose. For Mosses of this description little water
is necessary ; and it ought never to be applied until the leaves begin to
collapse, and even then with a sparing hand. They should then be placed
in a cool, shady situation, and in six or eight weeks they will be attached to
the stones. The mould being first removed by m’ans of a gentle run of
water, the pots are then placed in a more airy and exposed situation.’ And
speaking of a rea ly more difficult class of Mosses, he says : — ‘ Ail varieties
which partake of the same trailing habit as Hypnum pno'ongum, should not
be planted, but laid upon the mould ; three or four small pegs will prevent
them from bring mov. d. In the course of a few weeks the pegs will be
covered with a mass of green foliage.’ My own plan has been to bring home
a good m iss of these plants with plenty of soil, to lay them upon the earth
of the rockery, and pat them down well with a spade; th;s of course makes
them dirty for a time, but a shower of rain soon remedies that. I have
found that covering the newly transplanted Mosses with peg lattice has
been a great help against the attacks of small birds, who are very apt to
ruthlessiy root up the plants without some protection.

“Aquatic species, such as Fontinalis antipyretica or Cinclidotus, can
only be grown in water, and in these cases I think it is imperaiive that a
portion of the stone or wood to which they are attached should be removed
with them. I have, however, grown Fontinalis for a season, well, without
any attachment.

“ A few hints as to some of the more easily obtained and cultivated
Mosses may be of interest..

“ Atrichum undulatum is a beautiful species, well worthy of attention ;
out it will require, during the winter, protection frum frost or bitrng winds,
aud also plenty' of moisture. Few species show *-o soon the influence of
change of temperature. If a good supply of the beaut fill fruit is required,
it will be essential that good tuits are taken with a fair depth of soil, as the
plant usually penetrates rather deeply, and care should be taken that the e
is a good sprinkling of the male flowers in the tuft. The soil used for
potting thip should be of a stiff marly or clayey nature, and little or no
draina e will be required. A plemiful supply of water will be needed.

“ This plant will be found in woods and in moist shady situations, more
especially in heavy soils.

“ Pogonatum urnigerum and P. alpinum are both worthy of cultivation,
and should have a good peaty soil and plenty of root moisture. P. commune
never seems to flourish more than one season, but might possib’y be made
to succeed if a good depth of soil were taken with it, and the plants were
grown in a seed pan with plenty of silver sand mixed with the soil in
which it was embedded. This will also want a good supply of root
moisture.

“ The E rtinguisher Moss, Encalypta vulgp-ris, I have never grown. As
this is an annual it will be required to be renewed year by year. But Enci-
lypta Streptocarpa, wh:ch will be found often iu abundance on old mortir-

July 15, 188G. ]

j UR PAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

53

covered walls, will well repay cultivation. In tliis case I find it best to remove
a fairly good pitch of the Moss with the mortar to which it is attached, and
place it on the rock work just as removed; and to keep it intact, until I
reached home, I have found it advisable to wrap the whole mass in some
strong paper, else the friable nature of the mortar will cause it to crumble
to pieces in the carriage.

“ Many of the Bryum3 are worth growing ; and the large tufts of Bryum
capillare, such as are frequent on old roofs, are easily removed and soon
establish themselves, and if gathered when the fruit is still young and green
will soon make a goodly show.

“ Mnium undulatum also thrives well if removed in good-sized tufts, and
seems to thrive better than most species in the confinement of a Fern
shade. I have had it in beautiful fruit under such culture. Muium hornum
will require plenty of moisture, is easily cultivated, and will give a good
supply of fruit.

“The wall species, such as Bryum argenteum, B. c®3piticium, and B.
murale require but little moisture, and seem to thrive best when grown in
shady situations. The genus Hypnum will yield a number of species that
will amply repay any attention that may be given to them. My own
experience will only embrace H. rutabulnm, H. prselongum, H. confertum,
and H. d“nticulatum. But I have seen H. tamanscinum and H. loreum
cultivated in a friend’s Moss-house with great success, the former fruiting
freely under culture, and the latter, although always sterile, still showing a
most vigorous growth. Hookeria lucens, too, I have seen under like circum¬
stances ; and here the plan adopted was that of keeping the pot in which
the plant was growing always immersed to a fair depth in water. The
beauty of this plant when well grown can only be realised by those who
have seen it.

“Fissidens taxifolius, which will be found on shady banks in heavy sods,
may also be grown in a properly constituted soil ; but with both this plant
and the smaller species, F. bryoides, experience teaches that a Fern case suits
best for their growth. F. adiantoides, a fine Moss growing in marshes, will do
best with the treatm°ntgiven to Hookeria lucens, as mentioned above ; and
as it always appears to fruit best in th • dampest situations, such treatment
would probably be productive of good results. I have never grown this.
Many other ^species may be tried with success, such as Aulacomnion
palustre Dicranum scoparium, some of the Rhacomitriums ; but experience
will be a better teacher than I can hope to be.”

T he Tourists’ Guide to the Flora of the Alps. By Professor K. W.
Dalla-Torre. Translated and Edited by Alfred W. Bennett,
M.A., B.So., F.L.S. London : Swan, Sonnenschein, Le Bas, & Lowry,
Paternoster Square. 1886.

The numerous tourists in the European Alps who wish to learn some¬
thing about the plants there found, to recognise and determine their
names, will find this elegant little volume a welcome companion. All the
most characteristic species and varieties are arranged under their
natural orders, brief descriptions of the essential characters of orders,
tribes, genera, and species being given. The larger genera also
have the species classified under sections and their names thus more
readily found. The habitats are stated, with in most cases the geological
formation or kind of soil upon which they are growing, and the altitude
at which they are found, all points of importance, and interesting to
cultivators of these alpines. The Guide includes all the flowering plants
and Ferns, and an appendix gives the names of those which are found in
the alpine districts, but which are also natives of England or familiar
European plants. In tbe work generally the translator has closely fol¬
lowed the original of Professor Dalla-Torre, but in place of the “ clavis ”
arrangement has substituted “ diagnoses taken and abbreviated from
those of Benthim, Hooker, or some other high authority.” The book
comprises 392 page5, is printed in clear type on thin paper, an! neatly
bound in red morocco with a tuck, exactly adapting it for the pocket.

WORK/oiiTfffi\x/ EEK..

KITCHEN GARDEN.

The Drought. — This is becoming severe. Crops which were nearly
mature 1 a few weeks ago are doing well, but later ones have been brought
almost to a standstill. Early Potatoes are excellent, but midseason ones
will be very small if rain does not come soon. We have lately had an
opportunity of seeing many crops, and in some parts, especially in Here¬
fordshire and Shropshire, the drought is injuring tbe young crops to a
great extent. It is a long time since we experienced so much hot dry
weather at the end of June and in the early part of July. The ground
between all growing crops should be kept well hoed, and where water is
plentiful do not fail to use it freely. Peas may be drenched with advantage
two or three times weekly. Kidney Beans will take large quantities.
Vegetable Marrows, ridge Cucumbers, and Tomatoes should be kept con¬
stantly moist. Vegetable crops generally will pay for watering.

Mulching. — It is now the advantage of this becomes strikingly
a isible. Plants which were mulched before the dry weather set in are
now fresh and healthy, and others not yet mulched will be benefited bv
an early application of it. The term may be a gardeners’ one, but tbe
practice is good, and consists of spreading a quantity of half-decayed
manure over tbe surface of the ground where tbe roots are growing. This
retains tbe moisture in the soil and keeps the roots cool. Peas, Leeks,

Celery, Beans, Cauliflowers, &c., are all benefited by it. We have applied
it in the following way with good results ; hoe or fork up the surface first,
then water thoroughly, and apply the manure before the moisture has time
to evaporate.

Planting Winter Crops. — We have frequently had the most of
our Savoys, Broocoli, Kale, and winter crops generally out before this
time, but as yet very fow of them have been planted, owing to the dry
weather. As soon as rain comes, however, planting should be the order
of the day, and the whole of the winter crops should be placed out as
soon as possible. Where vacant ground is scarce and some of the early
Potatoes are matured, lift these and store them for immediate use. Full-
grown Turnips may also be treated in this way, and where any crop is
likely to be cleared off soon try and plant Greens between them, as they
will grow and take their proper place when the other crop is cleared. It
is now late to plant out Brussels Sprouts, but where this has not been done
yet do so at the earliest opportunity. In all cases it is a good plan to
mix a quantity of soil, soot, and lime until the mixture is the thickness of
paint, then dip the roots in it before planting. This not only helps them,
bat keeps grubs away.

Leeks.— Early-planted Leeks should receive a large quantity of
liquid manure, then earth them up. They are of little use unless well
blanched, and the white part cannot be too long or over-thick. Leeks are
most useful in wint-r and. spring, and large quan'ities should be grown
in every garden. All the late ones should now be planted out. Give
them rich soil, and put them in 15 inches from row to row and 9 inches
from plant to plant.

Vegetable Marrows and Ridge Cucumbers. — The Marrows
are now bearing freely on the top of a manure heap, and in all cases it is
a good plan to water them freely twice a week. See that the water does
not run off the surface of the mound without going to the roots. Thin
the shoots and keep them well pegged out. The crop will never be good
where it is hidden by the foliage. As soon as the fruit becomes ready for
use cut them off, as to allow them to mature at this time would soon stop
the formation of more fruit. September is quite soon enough to reserve
any for seed. Tne ridge Cucumbers are not yet rea iy, but they are grow¬
ing fast and require attention in stopping and thinning the shoots.
Compact growth is the best in their case, and the shoots may be pinched
in frequently. All crooked fruit or any deformed should be cut off as soon
as they are noticed, as it is only the straight well developed fruits that are
valuable. Water freely with liquid manure, and cut the fruit as soon as
ever tbey are ready.

Turnips. — The earliest of these are over. All that are running to
seed must be thrown away. Crops which are past using should never be
allowed to occupy space at this season, when so many vegetables require
planting for winter. Make a large sowing of Turnips for winter use.
Chirk Cistle is a very hardy variety, and so is Orange Jelly and Veitch’s
Red Globe. They must have rich soil anl a sunny position. S ime are
inclined to think that any place is good enough for Turnips, but this is a
mistake, as large, tender, s veet roots will never be produced in poor soil.
Make the rows 18 inches apart, open the drills 2 inches deep, and sow
good seed very thinly, A little rain is a great assistance to the young
plants as they are coming through the ground and until they form their
rough leaves ; but if the seed is sown immed atoly the ground is dug
and before it dries it will germinate in forty-eight hours.

Garlic and Shallots. — These are almost matured, and tbey may
be drawn up and laid out to dry. The best place to dry them is the
surface of a gravel or ash walk. They should be turned every alternate
day for a fortnight, and then store them, bat do n it break them up.
When it is wet they may be dried in a cool shed under cover. Plant the
space with some winter crop.

Cabbage. — The first seed of those intended for autumn planting
must be sown. In late districts it is well to have a good quantity of seed
in by the middle of J uly, but in favourable localities the end of the month
is most suitaole. Select a piece of rich soil in which to sow the seed, and
sow it thinly in rows or broadcast about 1 inch below the surface. The
situation should be well exposed, as these plants should by no means be
drawn up or p impered in any way. A dwarf, robust growth to withstand
the winter is what is required.

Weeds. — If these are hoed now they will not become very trouble¬
some this season again. If allowed to grow on, h wever, they will soon
Seed, and then nothing will prevent their appearing in crowds in the
autumn and next year.

FRUIT FORCING.

Melons. — Securing Flavour. — The greatest aid to flavour is a rathir
dry and warm atmosphere, with thorough ventilation when the fruit is
ripeniDg ; but this will not impart high flavour to fruit wh'ch is produced
by a plant that during the period of swelling has been neglected in the
lemoval of superfluous growths, it being essential that the food supplies
be thoroughly elaborated and a thick flesh secured.

Stopping and Removing Growths. — When the fruit is set and swelled
to the size of an egg, the laterals should be kept p nched to one leaf, and
if this results in too much foliage, so that the leaves upon the primary
shoots are crowded or shaded by them, thinning must be resorted to.
removing a litt'e at a time in preference to a quantity at once, tbe
latter giving a check unfavourable to the swelling of tbe fruit, not in¬
frequently causing it to cease swelling ; in that ca-e it bee mes hard in
the flesh, and s imeiimes causes it to i xude or gangrene. The plants
should be gone over once a week at lea‘t, and in tbe case of vigorous
plants twi :e, for stopping and the removal of superfluous shoots, the
principal leaves being fully exposed to light and air.

Watering. — The plants must never lack moisture at the roots. If

54

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 15, 1889.

water is not given before the foliage flags a check has been given, and it
will have its effect. The great point is not to allow flagging, and yet not
to give water until the soil is getting so dry as to be insufficiently
moist for the support of the plants, when a thorough supply should be
given. Plants swelling their fruit will need water or liquid manure at
least once a week, even those with a large extent of rooting space, and
those with lessened rooting areas twice a week, and those in boxes every
other day or oftener, whilst those in pots will need it once or twice a day.
When setting and ripening it will be sufficient to just keep the foliage
from flagging, and if watering becomes necessary it should be given without
wetting the surface more than can be helped. A poor growth is not good
either for setting or the ripening of the fruit, but a drier condition of the
soil is desirable at those times than when the fruit is swelling.

Syringing. — When the blossoms are about expanding withhold water
from the foliage, and when the crop is ripening it must be kept off the
foliage and especially the fruit, which would probably crack, but a
close moist atmosphere at night is the chief cause of fruit cracking. At
the time of setting and ripening moisture must not be entirely withheld
from the atmosphere, but available surfaces should be damped in the
morning and afternoon. When the fruit is swelling syringe well at
closing time, and if morning syringing is practised it should be done
early, but is best omitted, being more liberal in damping available sur¬
faces. Plants in frames should be sprinkled or syringed at closing time,
being careful to keep the water from the neck or collar of the plants.

Ventilating . — When th; fruit is ripening admit air freely, also when
setting, leaving a little on constantly to prevent the deposition of moisture
on the fruit or blossoms through the night. It is also a capital plan to
leave a little air on at night in all cases, and increase it early in the
morn ng of bright days when the temperature has advanced to 75°, and
gradually increase it with the rising temperature, keeping through the
day at 80° to 90°, and closing sufficiently early to rise to 95° or 100°, and
before nightfall admit a chink of air at the top of the house.

Temperature. — This will now be maintained without having recourse
to artificial heat, it being sufficient if the night temperature does not fall
below 65°, and is maintained at 70° to 75° by day. In a dull cold period
a little fire heat may be desirable to maintain a buoyant condition of
tbe atmosphere when the blossoms are setting and when the fruit is
ripening, and plants in frames at those times will be better if the frames
are lined so as to allow of a free circulation of air, otherwise the tempera¬
ture will be ruled by external influences.

Second Drops. — The old plants being in good health and free from red
spider, they will show fruit freely on the laterals, even when the fruit is
swelling, but these will not set unless syringing is discontinued, which is
not advisable, so that sufficient lateral growth should be encouraged to
insure fruit showing when the present crop is advanced for ripening, and
these will set freely with the drier and airier atmosphere, and the crop be
somewhat advanced by the time the first is cut. The plan is then to
cut away such old growths as are useless, and concentrate the fresh growth
on the young fruit. A little of the old soil may be removed, and be re¬
placed with lumpy loam and a fourth of well-decayed manure. A good
soaking of tepid water should be given, followed at once with some
thicker and equally warm liquid manure. If there is any red spider,
sponge the leaves with soapy water, 2 ozs. to the gallon, and remove the
worst infested leaves. Maintain a good moisture, and sprinkle the beds
in houses with horse droppings once or twice a week, not much at a time,
but little and often. Failing these, sprinkle the paths, &c., with liquid
manure two or three times a week, but it is best to use the liquid at all
afternoon dampings, and weak. It must be kept from the foliage. The
plants not having fruit set when the first crop is cut, but being healthy
and free of red spider, they should be treated as if they had fruit swelling,
encouraging growth, and when they show fruit keep drier and freer venti¬
lated. They will set and swell a crop more quickly than young plants,
but if they are much exhausted with the first crop, and attacked with red
spider, they would be best rooted out. In that case thoroughly cleanse
the house or pit, and remove some of the soil, clearing off the surface a
couple of inches deep, and replacing with fresh. After giving the bed a
soaking with liquid manure fresh plants may be put out. Kept close,
moist, and shaded, they will soon become established, and show fruit so
as to afford a late supply ; but such structures must have means of
affording artificial heat, as Melons in late September are worthless unless
they have a dry atmosphere, a temperature of 65° to 75° secured, and a
free circulation of air. We find late Melons very useful for the shooting
season. In the case of narrow beds the whole of the soil should be
removed, and if some fresh fermenting material is added to the old, some
of the most exhausted being removed, it will help the plants materially.
Plant on hillocks or ridges rammed well down.

Put supports to the fruits before they get heavy, letting the board slant
so as not to hold wet, and place slates beneath the fruits of the plants in
frames, railing them as the fruits advance in swelling on inverted flower
pots above the foliage. Impregnate the blossoms daily until a sufficient
number of fruit is set of about an equal age on a plant, then remove all the
flowers and reduce the fruit to three or four on a plant according to their
vigour.

Sha le only to prevent flagging ; it is most needed on bright weather
succeeding a dull moist period. Melons directly exposed to the sun will be
improved by slight shade when ripening, especially when the plants do not
from indifferent health supply moisture to the fruit freely. Pot off any
plants requiring it, and keep them sturdy by placing them near the glass.
Look well after canker. It is occasioned by damp. The remedy is a drier
atmosphere or freer ventilation, and rubbing quicklime into the affected
parts until dry.

THE FLOWER GARDEN AND PLEASURE GROUND.

Watering the Flower Beds. — A long period of hot and dry weather
following so soon after planting has seriously militated against the
progress of many of the bedding plants. Such strong-growing herba¬
ceous plants as Phloxes, Pyrethrums, Japanese Anemones, and Asters
have been also suffering badly for want of water, the only exceptions
being those that were divided and replanted early in the year.
Even these are benefited by occasional copious soakings of water.
Driblets in any case are worse than useless, and a thorough soaking
should be given, preferably in the evening. Those living near towns are,
in most instances, well supplied with water, and a favourite amusement
of an evening is to turn on the water and saturate the beds, either through
a hose or watering pot. These too regular supplies of hard and very
cold water not unfrequently do more harm than good, as they chill and
greatly impoverish the soil, and under the circumstances it ought not to
surprise anyone if the occupants of the beds and borders do not grow
satisfactorily.

Value of Mulching. — It is doubtful if amateurs, as well as many
gardeners, fully appreciate the value of mulching, or a surface dressing of
short manure, leaf soil, cocoa-nut fibre refuse, or short grass from the
mowing machine. Whatever is used should be applied after a heavy rain¬
fall , or a liberal watering has been given, and the surface lightly stirred wi' h
a flat hoe. If the mulch is considered unsightly it may be lightly faced
over with soil, this also tending still further to preserve the moisture, and
tbe birds are less likely to disturb it. Zonal Pelargoniums, if planted in
fairly good well-worked soil, scarcely need a mulching, but Violas,
Verbenas, Calceolarias, Begonias, Dahlias, Fuchsias, Heliotropes, Stocks,
Asters, Zinnias, and other annuals delight in a moist root-run. The
surface of unmulched beds and borders should be frequently hoed over,
this both keeping down the weeds, and also tends to check cracking and
an unduly rapid evaporation of moisture. Too little value is usually
attached to the grass from the lawn mowers. In reality this is a capital
mulch for borders, plantations. R ose beds, and especially newly-formed
shrubberies. In one town garden we are acquainted with Rhododendrons
never made good progress till the proprieter ordered that all the grass
from the lawn mowers should be spread over the surface of the beds.
Since this has been done they have grown and bloomed grandly, the
mulch both preserving the moisture in the beds, and also later on, when
well decayed, serving as good food for the roots. All newly formed
borders, and any trees or shrubs that were transplanted during tbe past
winter or spring ought now to receive a heavy watering, or they may yet
collapse. It is the old ball that needs to be kept in a moist state, the
roots in this serving to keep the foliage fresh till such time as more roots
are formed in the surrounding soil. In order to effectually mois'en these
balls it is advisable to form a basin round the stems, this preventing the
water from running away to where it is less needed. Sometimes it is
necessary to thrust a sharp iron rod into the ground all round the stems,
this rendering the work of moistening the ground tolerably easy and
certain. Mulching should follow this watering.

Thinning Annuals. — Annuals, as a rule, are left much too thickly
together, and the consequence is a weakly growth and poor bloom.
Mignonette, Candytuft, Es-hscholtzias, Godetias, Poppies, Sweet Peas,
Love-Lies-Bleeding, and various other annuals, if properly thinned out,
branch freely, while the bloom is much stronger, and produced over a
much greater length of time than is the case when the plants overcrowd
each other. Wallflowers, Stocks, Forget-me-nots, Sweet Williams,
Campanulas, Polyanthuses, and other biennials raised this season, and
intended for next spring’s display, ought also to be freely thinned out, the
thinnings being pricked out on good around and well attended to. They
will require to be shaded from bright sunshine for a time, and watered
overhead occasionally. When left too long in a crowded state they
never make stocky plants suitable for flower beds.

Propagation of Carnations and Pinhs. — Pipings or small side shoots
of these may now be put in. In moist localities they may be inserted in
a cool shady border or behind a north wall, hut as a rule they strike
more readily in frames with or without a little bottom heat. The
cuttings being slipped off require no further preparation, and the sooner
they are put in the better. We use ordinary bedding Pelargonium boxes,
draining and filling these with a fine loamy mixture, to which plenty of
sharp sand or grit has been added. The cuttings are dibbled in firmly,
and from 2 to 3 inches apart according to their size. They are kept
rather cl >se and shaded from bright sunshine, keeping them uniformly
moist, and under these conditions they are not long in striking roots.
Afterwards they are planted out on well-prepared beds, and flower
strongly the following season. Seed saved from any of the Pinks,
notably Mrs. Sinking and Lady Blanche, may be sown directly it is ripe,
standing the box or pan containing the seeds in a frame or under a hand¬
glass till it germinates, which it soon does if kept moist and shaded. The
seedlings will flower next season.

PLANT HOUSES.

Primulas. — The earliest of these plants should without further delay be
placed in 5-inch pots. Cold frames will now be plentiful to accommo¬
date them. They should be well surfaced with coal ashes, and the plants
arranged as close to the glas$ as possible to prevent the foliage from
drawing. For a fortnight after potting keep the frame close until the
plants have commenced root-action in the new soil. They must be most
carefully watered for some time, for if there is any carelessness in this
respect the plants make slow progress for a very long time. The frame
in which they are grown should be well shaded, for these plants cannot
endure strong sun. After they are rooting freely air must be daily ad-

July 15, 1836. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

knitted to insure a sturdy compact growth of the foliage. Smaller plants
may be placed into 4-inch pots, while smaller ones, or those not well
rooted, may remain in the pots in which they are now in until they are
we,l rooted. A suitable compost for these plants is good fibry loam two
parts, with one part of leaf mould ; to this may be added one-seventh of
manure passed through a sieve and a liberal quantity of sand.

Double Varieties. — Plants that are rooted may he potted from time
to time as they require more root room. For these moderate-sized pots,
say 5-inch, are preferable to larger ones ; we have invariably found them
damp badly during the winter if over-potted. For the present we shall
grow our plants on a shelf in the greenhouse where late-flowering Azaleas
are encouraged to make their growth, the house being kept close and
shaded.

Bouvardias. — Plants that have been raised from portions of roots and
grown on under intermediate conditions will he bushy little specimens
ready for 5-inch pots. When placed in these and rooting in the new soil
they should be grown under cool airy treatment. For a time the plants
may be plunged in a cold frame, and afterwards, say towards the end of
the month, plunged on a sunny border. If planting out is preferred,
select a southern position with a firm bottom. Then place 6 or 8 inches
of good soil, such as loam, leaf mould, and manure, and turn the plants
out instead of pyting them. For a time a frame eliould be placed over
them until they are established and thoroughly hardened, when it can be
Temoved.

Silvias. — Young plants of different varieties may with safety be
planted out on a sunny border. This is the leabt trouble and decidedly
the best method of managing these autumn and winter-flowering plant3.
Cuttings may stdl be rooted, and if stopped once or twice they are more
useful for decoration than those rooted earlier in the season.

Tuberous Begonias — Young plants growing in cold frames that are
not required to flower for some time should be encouragtdto grow by
potting them from time to time as they require more root room. This
will prevent them coming into flower as early as if they are confined at
their roots. Any blooms that appear should also be removed. Plants
m flower will continue gay as long as growth is made ; they should
be assisted if the pots are full of roots by the aid of weak stimulants,
beedlings raised from seed sown early in the year, and now established in
pans and boxes, will make much greater progress if planted out in light
soil in a frame with about 4 inches of soil than if grown in pots. If
the desire is to develope them as large as possible for flowering another
year, tbev should be encouraged eo that strong tubers are formed.

Cyclamens. — Seedlings of various sizes as they fill their pots with
roots should be repotted, for if starved by being kept in small pots too
long they will not make the progress they ought to do. The earliest
plants, or those raised in August last, should now be placed into 5 and
b-inch pots and grown on under cool conditions. They should be mode¬
rately close to the glass, enjoy abundance of light and moisture, with a
circulation of air daily. A confined shaded atmosphere only draws
the foliage up weakly and ruins the constitution of the plants. These
must be carefully watered and freely syringed twice daily. Other plants
that have filled thumb pots with roots may be placed into 3-incb, so that
they can be transferred into 5 inch afterwards, for pots that size will be
large enough for plants that are now in small pots. It may be necessary
to push these forward for a time in an intermediate temperature. Cycla¬
mens do well in a compost of two parts fibry loam, one of leaf soil,
W1“j one-seventh of cow manure parsed through a sieve, and the
addition of a little sand. Those placed in their flowering pots should
have the soil pressed moderately firm.

Lapagerias. — Plants trained under the roof of the greenhouse, or any
other structure, should now be growing vigorously and producing strong
growths from the base. These must be tied to the wires at intervals of a
few days to prevent the points of the shoots touching the glass, for if
•allowed to do so they are quickly injured and fail to extend. The smaller
growths fhould be drawn out, which brings these side shoots early to a
standstill, and they have a tendency to flower all the better. This is not
all, for they are more natural and beautiful when the plants are in bloom
than is the case when the whole of the shoots are stiffly tied to the wires.
If the plants are growing on the south side of a house the ordinary shading
applied for the majority of plants will prove insufficient. Strong light or
sun turns the foliage yellow. In addition to the ordinary shade used for
the house, we have always found it necessary to use open mats as well
over them. Abundance of water must be given while they are growing
freely both at their roots and over the foliage. If the border in which
they are growing is full of roots they will be benefited by applications of
liquid manure. If aphides appear on the foliage fumigate the house
lightly at once with tobacco smoke.

%

TS . . I . . . r— T- , , - , - r. , 1 . , rm

ifip

IE BEE-KEEPER.

d m

ROBBING— ITS PREVENTION AND CURE.

In the early months of the year, and at any other season
when there is either an entire or partial cessation in the
honey flow, one of the worst features in the character of bees
begins to show itself in the persistent attempt too often made
to obtain honey, not by honest labour in the fields but by

predatory attacks on neighbouring hives. Sometimes stock
after stock is attacked until either the robbers gain the
mastery of some one colony weaker than the others, or,
repulsed by all, they seek in the apiary of some other person
a store of easier access. The greatest prevention of robbing
is keeping all stocks strong in numbers and headed by a
fertile queen, and when this is the case the bee-keeper has
little to fear, and this more especially if, when he suspects an
attempt to pillage is being made, he takes the wise precaution
to narrow the entrances of all the hives and so enable the
bees more easily to combat the thieves. Many a stock is
robbed without the owner having the slightest idea of what
is going on, when a little timely help might have saved it.
It is so easy to tell when thieves are making their excursions
that it seems almost unnecessary to reiterate the signs so
well known to an experienced bee-keeper ; but if an unusual
disturbance is noticed, attended with loud humming and
other signs of unusual agitation at a time when other stocks
are comparatively quiet, a suspicious eye should be cast on
the scene of the uproar, and for the benefit of those who are
unable to tell from the manner of flight and general aspect
of the bees whether a stock is being assailed, it may be well
to repeat what has often before been written by various
writers, that by means of a little flour sprinkled on them as
they leave the hive the bees may be marked and proof be at
once afforded as to the honest or dishonest purpose of their
flight.

If it has been proved that an attempt is being made to
rob a stock the first remedy is to narrow the entrance, and in
early spring or late autumn room need only be allowed for a
single bee to pass in or out, care being taken to see that such
entrance never becomes entirely blocked and so causes the
suffocation of the stock. If the strangers still continue to
enter and leave with their ill-gotten gains more stringent
measures must be taken, and recourse be had to the plan
advised by “ A Lanarkshire Bee-keeper,” which it will be
remembered was to smear the board of the “attacking”
stock with carbolic acid, not interfering with the stock
attacked ; but even this is not at all times sufficient in a really
bad case, and then another plan has been used in my apiary
with success, but recourse should only be had to it when
other measures have failed. It must first be borne in mind
that even skeps are enclosed in wooden cases so that the acid
does not affect the bees inside so mueh as if their hive was
not in such a cover. I first get a match box and make in
each end of it a small hole corresponding to the one in the
hive — which is to be only large enough to admit a single bee
at one 9 when robbing is going on — and these being cut the
box is placed so as to form a “ tunnel ” entrance. When in
position a piece of stone or brick is placed on the top of it,
and also one on each side, changing the appearance of the
front of the hive and giving a good opportunity for the use
of carbolic acid in its full strength. When the stones or
bricks are put in their places they must on their upper
surfaces be well smeared with the acid, the smell of which
will be most obnoxious to outsiders, but not nearly so great
an annoyance to those within. On treating a stock so I
have seen a small swarm of bees hovering round and not
daring to approach too near, and even when the strength of
the acid has been spent but few have dared to enter the
unknown tunnel, and these are at once turned back by the
sentries at the inner gate. If, and in a very weak stock it
might so happen, the bees keeping up in the comb and not
guarding their entrance at all the robbars did now and then
enter, I should smear the outer end of the match box, and
even the alighting board itself, rather than allow a single
bee to gain access to the interior. At night after dusk the
box and stones may be removed and all traces of the acid be
taken away, and next morning the box alone replaced ; but
if another attempt should be made the same method must be
adopted, until at last perseverance is rewarded by success,
and a stock is saved from destruction.

It is true that by using the carbolic near the entrance of

56

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 15, 1886.

the stock attacked the attention of the bees is to some extent
drawn off from the weak spot, but when they are left undis¬
turbed by the acid and still are unable to beat off their
enemies the risk must be incurred, and by using the precau¬
tion of a tunnel entrance not only is an additional impedi¬
ment put in the way of the robbers, but the strong scent of
the carbolic is less distressful to the bees in the protected
stock, but is equally, if not more, powerfully deterrent to the
robbers, from the fact that the stones offer an exceedingly
strong point of vantage to which to apply the acid. Necessity
is the ruling power, and when it is remembered that the mania
having once seized a stock every colony in the apiary is
certain to be attacked in turn, the urgent need at once to
repress the outbreak even by the use of strong measures will
at once be recognised. Robbing is caused generally by care¬
lessness, occasionally by misfortune.

It is an obligation upon all bee-keepers to remember that
an exposure of honey in the open air, unless in the very
height of the season, is a practice pregnant with mischief
to all stocks within a two-mile radiu3. Bees like men are
frail creatures, and with difficulty resist temptation. Pity
their weakness. — Felix.

QUEEN INTRODUCTION.

I have delayed answering the kindly remarks of “ A. H. B.”
until I had an opportunity of trying whether his plan was as perfect
as he tries to make out, and in a later number of the Journal
“ A. L. B.” says he has nothing to add, except that in certain cases
the queen may have to be caged for twenty-four hours.

This rather reminds one of the definition of a crab as a red fish
which walks backwards, which was quite correct except that it is not
red, that it is not a fish, and that it does not walk backwards ! If
there is any meaning in words, I take it that “A. H. B.” believes
in direct introduction, and disbelieves in caging queens. His method
is very simple, saves a lot of worry and bother ; but I should be
sorry to follow it in its simplicity, unless with the modification of
“A. L. B.”

However, I had a capital opportunity of putting it to the test.
I wanted to introduce an imported Ligurian queen, and having made
an artificial swarm I put them in one of my bar hives, gave them a
bar of brood, none of which was less than twelve days old, and after
ixty hours I let the queen run in at the top of the hive, and twentys
minutes afterwards found her balled on one of the bars. The bees
were still kept without any uncapped brood, and on two successive
days I let her out with the same result that she was immediately
balled. Having to go to Liverpool as Judge at the bee show, I left
her caged till my return, and on July 1st (just a week after her
unaccepted introduction) I again set her free, with the same result,
and had to re-cage her. 1 shall be glad to hear from “A. H. B.”
why his plan failed. As far as I know 1 followed out his instructions
to the letter ; the bees were fed with syrup to make them more well-
disposed to the foreigner, but all was of no avail. As I remarked
before in a previous article, I have generally had more difficulty in
introducing foreign than English queens. I quite agree with
“A. H. B.” that, being only a novice and understanding nothing
whatever about the subject (though I have kept bees for twenty
years and have read a good deal of English, American, German, and
French bee literature) it is rather presumptuous on my part to trouble
you with my ignorant ideas on the subject.

“If “A. H. B.” had had the misfortune of being examined so
often as I have been in various subjects, as well as that of being
examiner, he would be aware of the fact that in all sciences which
are not exact it is not uncommon for the examiner to be the
examined. I was perfectly aware of his plan, but I did not believe
it then, and I do not believe in it now as an infallible plan. During
my short experience as a bee-keeper I have introduced some scores
of queens, English and foreign, and have never used of late anything
but the pipe-cover cage, and have found the bees will readily take a
strange queen after forty-eight hours, and as far as I can remamber
I have not lost a dozen queens out of some hundreds that I have
introduced. The opinions of Mr. Abbott are directly contrary to
those of “A. H. B.,” as he says “there should be plenty of young
bees and hatching brood in the hive,” and from his successful intro¬
duction of an albino queen in a hive from which the other queen had
only just been removed, there must evidently have been eggs. The
Raynor cage is, I believe, the one always used by its namesake. Mr.
Baldwin prefers the pipe-cover cage, put, if possible, over an un¬
hatched queen cell to delude the bees that she is the Simon Pure ;
while Mr. Cowan prefers the pipe-cover cage and confinement for

three days or more, while he advises the presence of young bees by
putting brood from other hives into the one we wish to introduce a
queen, *■ as the old bees frequently encase the queen and hug her to
death unless she be released.”

“ If “ A. H. B.” thinks their evidence is untrustworthy, let us see
what our American cousins say. Roots advises using the Peet cage.
Mr. S. M. Hayhursf, in “ Gleanings,” writes that, with a good
smoking, bees in weak nuclei sometimes accept strange queens if care
is taken. At other times the utmost care results in failure, and he
has lost nearly the whole batch of queens. Cook uses a wire cage or
Peet’s cage, though he sometimes succeeds with direct introduction;
but if he has a very valuable queen he puts her into a hive with no
bees, but with brood that is just ready to hatch, and keep3 them in a
warm room. F. Beckley, writing in the American Bee Journal,
narrates how he lost a fine hybrid queen by letting her run in at the
entrance of. a hive which had no brood or eggs, while another queen
was well received after a night's caging.

So I think, after all, I will not retract my saying that bees are
“kittle cattle.” Iam perfectly willing to admit that success will
follow direct introduction, but I deny its being infallible, and I
prefer caging ; nor do I perceive how imputing motives or making
groundless accusations can advance the knowledge of bee-keeping. —
Geo. Walker, Wimbledon (A Surreyshiue Bee- keeper).

* All correspondence should be directed either to “The Editor”
or to “ The Publisher.” Letters addressed to Dr. Hogg or
members of the staff often remain unopened unavoidably. We
request that no one will write privately to any of our correspon¬
dents, as doing so subjects them to unjustifiable trouble and
expense.

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions relat¬
ing to Gardening and those on Bee subjects, and should never
send more than two or three questions at once. All articles in¬
tended for insertion should be written on one side of the paper
only. We cannot reply to questions through the post, and we
do not undertake to return rejected communications.

TO CORRESPONDENTS. — We desire to assure those of our corre¬
spondents whose letters and communications are not promptly
inserted that they are not the less appreciated on that account.
Our pages are practically filled several days prior to publication,
and letters arriving on Wednesday morning, except by special
arrangement, are invariably too late for insertion. The delay in
the publication of some of these is not of material importance,
buc reports of meetings and shows held a week previously lose
much or all of their value if not received in time to appear
in the current issue.

Book ( W . J. C.). — We believe that Don’s “ Dichlamydeous Plants” can
only be obtained second hand now, and your best plan would be to write to
some dealer in old books. The price varies according to the condition of
tho books. We have seen the four volumes priced at 103 , but they are
usually more.

Grapes Scalded ( Ferndale ). — The Grapes before us are in precisely the
same condition as some sent a week previously by “ Merchant,” and the
reply given on page 33 is equally applicable in both cases. A common cause
of the evil is having vineries closed too long in the morning, then throwing
open the ventilators to a considerable extent at once. This cui3es such
sudden and extreme evaporation from the berries that they shrink through
the loS3 of moisture that is requisite to sustain them in firm condition.

Red Spider on Vines ( J . C., Somerset). — Undoubtedly the 1 -avea sent
are infested with red spider, but the Rose is not necessarily the cause of it.
We have had a Marechal Niel Rose trained inside a vinery for years and no
red spider on the Vines. Your house does not appear to be sufficiently
ventilated, and the air has been kept too dry. If the Grapes have not
commenced colouring, most of the insects might be washed off with forcible
yet careful syringinga of clear water pointed between the bunches and
directed forcibly to every leaf. This must not be an ordinary sprinkling
that amateurs indulge in, but a thorough drenching, even at the risk of the
operator drenching himself. It should be done in the evening, air being
admitted very early the next morning. We have cleansed more than one
house of Vines in that way, and have known others fail simply because the
work was imperfectly performed. An alternative plan is to sponge the
leaves, as another correspondent is advised to cleanse his Cucumbeis. Give
more air and use more water, and you may prevent the enemy doing any
material injury to the Vines.

Plants in Vineries {Idem).— Roses cannot be satisfactorily grown under
Vines in the summer, and are far better outdoors after flowering in pots till
the winter. They can be placed in the house after the Vines are pruned

July 15, 188G. ]

57

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

and kept there till the Roses flower if desired. There are no better plants
for growing under Vines in summer than Ferns, and with good manage¬
ment these do no harm to the Grapes. Plants of the Rex type of Begonias
grow and colour well in the shade. Palms also succeed very well, and are
ornamental, while excellent Orchids have been grown in vineries. See
page 72 of Mr Castle’s interesting work on Orchids, which can be had from
this office in return for Is. 2d. in stamps.

Grubs Infesting Strawberries (W. Wallace). — The insect forwarded is
the larvae or grub of the red-legged weevil (Otiorhynchus tenebricosus),
sometimes called also the Apricot weevil, because the beetles infest the
buds and young shoots of that and other fruit trees in the spring, after¬
wards depositing eggs on the ground. The grubs occur during summer at
the roots of Strawberries, Raspberries, and Currants, now and then amongst
such veg tables as Cabbages. Little can be done against this insect in the
case of Strawberries, at least during the fruiting season, except watering
with clear lime water, or perhaps with a decoction of quassia chips ; subse¬
quently the surface soil should he removed and burnt where there have been
infected plants, and free application made of the solution of petroleum and
softsoap, often recommended, or gas liquor suitably diluted.

Annuals ( Stretton ). — Annuals are defined as plants that, if raised from
seed, grow, flower, perfect their seel, and die in a year, but several plants
which under cultivation are usually treated as annuals are really perennials.
For instance, you mention Mignonette, of which a variety in the Mediter¬
ranean region becomes quite shrubby, and under glass the common
Mignonette can be grown to a height of 3 feet or more with woody stems,
if the flowers are removed until the desired size is gained. In England, as
ordinarily treated, the Castor Oil plant is an annual, but in Italy and else¬
where it is shrubby and lives for several years. Wheat is an annual if sown
in spring, but when sown in autumn it is regarded as a biennial ; on the
other hand, Lolium perenne is an annual. Other annual plants may have
their duration prolonged by removing the flowers, and if you try some
experiments we should be glad to learn the results. Summer-pinching fruit
trees is undoubtedly beneficial.

The Barometer and Thermometer — Dry and Moist Air {Quill Pen)-
— The thermometer shows the weight of the air by means of mercury in a
tube open at one end. When the air is dry, deficient in vapour, or calm, it
is heavier than usual, and presses more upon the mercury in the well or
cistern of the barometer (concealed by the woodwork), and forces up the
mercury ; then the mercury is said to stand high. When the air is moist
or filled with vapour or windy, it is lighter than usual, and the pressure
consequently diminishing on the mercury in the cistern, the column in the
tube falls, and is said to be low. Now all these changes are observed in
different kinds of weather, and as the barometer shows them for the most
part before the changes actually come on, we see how it can be used as a
weather-instrument. In a thermometer the mercury is sealed up from the
air entirely, instead of being open to it at the bottom in a cistern, as in the
barometer, and the mercury rises or falls as the varying temperature or
degree of heat expands or contracts it. The heat of the air passes through
the glass tube to the mercury and causes it to expand, whilst by the effect
of cold it contracts ; and so the thread of mercury rises or falls with heat
or cold respectively

Roses for Successional Flowering ( Pen and Ink). — Situation has a con¬
siderable influence on Roses. Those against a south wall flower very much
earlier than the same kinds in the open ground, and plants in that position
also give flowers late, we having had them in December, when those in the
open did not expand. Our earliest were the China Roses, the old Monthly,
so much este med formerly, and now so much neglected, its blush flowers
being really beautiful when about half expanded, and contrast finely with
the old Purple, a most abundant bloomer. Clara Sylvain, white; and
Louise Phillippe, reddish crimson, are fine. They do well planted at the
foot of south walls, and given liberal treatment — i.e., copious supplies of
water, liquid manure, and mulching, flower abundantly from early summer
to late autumu. If ycu could supplement them with some Tea-scented on
a south wall you would be making provision for an early and late supply of
flowers. Niphetos for such position is capital, and may he treated as a
bush, and Bimilar remarks apply to J ules Finger, Innocente Pirola, Madame
Celina Noirey, and Lady Mary Fitzwilliam. For climbers Gloire de Dijon,
Reine Marie Henriette, and Chrshunt Hybrid, all Teas ; and of Noisette,
Lamarque, Sombreuil, Celine Forestier, and William Allen Rich rdson.
In the open have Gloire de Dijon of Teas, and of Bourbons Acidalie,
Queen of Bedders, and Souvenir de la Malmaison ; and of Perpetual
Moss, Blanche Moreau, Mousseline, and Eugenie Verdier. Of Hybrid
Perpetuals we name twenty-five, as you can probably find other
positions for those named above — La France, Duchess of Connaught,
Countess of Rosebery, Duchess of Bedford, John Hopper, Alfred
Colomb, A. K. Williams, Charles Lefebvre, Boule de Neige, Auguste
Newmann, Baroness Rothschild, White Baroness, Mons. E. Y. T as,
Marquise de Castellane, Madame Victor Verdier, Marechal Vaillant, Mdlle.
Marie Verdier, Souvenir de Madame Berthier, Senateur Vaisse, Royal
Standard, Reine du Midi, Princess Mary of Cambridge, Mdlle. Marie Rady,
Lord Frederick Cavendish, and I>ady Sheffield. With these you will have
a good lot of Roses, and have flowers over a lengthened period. Marechal
Niel Roses are very poor as a rule this year outdoors, the cold weather
stunted the growth, and the la‘e heat was not favourable to the expansion
of the flowers. Thin the old growths, and train young shoots in their
place. These are much the freest flowering, and the flowers are far the
best formed. You may feed liberally so as to encourage a strong growth,
which should have full exposure to the light and air to ensure the wood
ripening. The Rose in greenhouse may he cut back, the old flowering
growths being removed, and other encouraged in their place for next year’s
bloom.

Insects on Cucumbers ( Young Market Gardener). — The plants have not
had the requisite attention, and the frames have been kept too dry. Have
you tried fumigation for destroying the insects ? Filling the frames
moderately with tobacco smoke for two or three consecutive nights, and
shading the following days if sunny, might do good. The leaves of the
plants should be dry when fumigating, but the earth may be moist. Another
plan, more tedious, but perhaps more effectual, is to remove all faulty
leaves, and with a soft sponge dab a solution of softsoap and tobacco water .

on the under sides of the leaves remaining, taking care not to break or
injure them. Two ounces of softsoap dissolved in a gallon of water,
stirring in about a pint of tobacco liquor would, we think, kill all the insects
to which it was fully applied. If the plants are fairly healthy it will be
worth while devoting a few hours to cleansing them. We should also
work in fresh soil, quite covering the old, and give more water towards the
evening of hot days. If the Cucumbers fail it is impossible for us to say bow
you could best occupy the frames, as we do not know what you have to put
in them. Very strong Tomato plants, now showing flower and fruit, would,
perhaps, ripen fair crops with good management, hut you had better try and
save the Cucumbers.

Names of Plants. — We only undertake to name species of plants, not
varieties that have originated from seed and termed florists’ flowers.
Flowering specimens are necessary of flowering plants, and Fern fronds
should bear spores. Specimens should arrive in a fresh state in firm
boxes. Slightly damp moss or soft green leaves form the best packing, dry
cotton wool the worst. Not more than six specimens can be named at once.
{A. W.). — l,Plan ra Richardi ; 2, Catalpa syringsefolia. {Nil). — We only
received five specimens, and owing to the numbers being written on a soft
paper, which had become saturated, they were in several cases illegible.
1, Lychnis chalcedoDica ; 3, Veronica spicata variety; G, Scabiosa succisa.
The spike of whitish flowers is Francoa ramosa, and the Begonia resembles
B. natalensis, hut the specimen had no flowers. {L. M. W.). — The shrub is
Philadelphus grandiflorus, a native of North America, having been intro¬
duced from Carolina in 1811. Several other species of Philadelphus are
grown in gardens ; P. coronarius, the Garland Flower, Mock Orange, or
Syringa, being the best known. There are varieties of this with double
flowers, variegated leaves, and dwarf habit, each bearing appropriate names.
P. Gordonianus is also a favourite plant.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— July 14th.
Heavy supplies to hand, with business quiet.

FRUIT.

s. d. s. d.

Apples . J sieve 0 0 to 0 0

Cobs, Kent .. per 100 lbs. 0 0 0 0

Figs . dozen SO 4 0

Grapes . lb. 1 0 SO

Lemons . case 10 0 15 0

Melon . each 10 2 6

Cherries . 4 sieve 3 0 6 0

s. d. B. d

Oranges . 100 4 0 to 6 o

Peaches . perdoz. 4 0 10 0

Pine Apples English., lb. 2 0 3 0

Plums . J sieve 0 0 0 0

St. Michael Pines ..each 4 0 6 0

Strawberries . . . . per lb. 0 6 10

VEGETABLES.

8.

d.

8

d

s.

d.

s

. d

Artichokes ,. .

dozen

l

0

to 0

0

Lettuce ..

0 to 1

6

Asparagus . . .

bundle

2

0

5

0

Mushrooms

.. ..punnet 0

6

1

0

Beans, Kidney

lb.

0

6

0

0

Mustard and Cress punnet 0

2

0

0

Beet, Red . . . .

dozen

i

0

2

0

Onions ..

s

c

0

Broccoli .

bundle

0

0

0

0

Parsley .. dozen bunches 2

0

8

0

Brussels Sprouts .

4 sieve

0

0

0

0

Parsnips . .

0

2

0

Cabbage .

dozen

1

6

0

0

Potatoes . .

0

5

0

Capsicums .. .

100

1

6

2

0

Kidney .. cwt. 4

e

5

0

Carrots .

bunch

0

6

0

9

Rhubarb . .

3

0

0

Cauliflowers ..

dozen

4

0

<

0

Salsafy . .

0

1

6

Celery .

bundle

1

6

2

0

Scorzonera

. .. bundle 1

6

0

0

Coleworts dcz. bunches

2

0

4

0

Seakale .. .

. per basket 0

0

0

0

Cucumbers .. ..

each

0

3

0

6

Shallots .. .

S

0

0

Endive .

dozen

1

0

2

0

Spinach ..

0

4

0

Herbs .

bunch

0

2

0

0

Tomatoes

. lb. o

4

0

6

Leeks .. .

bunch

0

8

0

4

Turnips .. .

,, bunch 0

4

0

6

PLANTS IN POTS.

s

d

8.

d.

s. d

S.

d.

Aralia Sieboldi ..

dozen 9

0 to 18

0

Ficus elastica

. . each 1 6

to

7

0

Arbor vitae (golden) dozen 0

0

0

0

Fuchsia

per dozen 4 0

9

0

,, (common)

dozen 6

0

12

0

Foliage Plants,

var. each 2 0

10

0

Arum Lilies . . . .

dozen 0

0

0

0

Genistas

. . dozen 0 0

0

0

Azaleas .

dozen 0

0

0

0

Hydrangea . .

per dozen 6 0

12

0

Bedding Plants, var.

doz. 1

0

2

0

Ivy Geraniums

per dozen 3 0

6

0

Begonias . . . .

dozen 6

0

9

0

Lilies of the

Valley, in

Calceolaria . . per

dozen 4

0

9

0

pots, per doz. 0 0

0

0

Cineraria

dozen 0

0

0

0

Lobelias . . . .

per dozen 8 0

4

0

Cyclamen . . . .

dozen 0

0

0

0

Marguerite Daisy dozen 6 0

9

0

Cyperus .

dozen 4

0

12

0

Mignonette . .

per dozen 3 0

s

0

Dracaena terminalis, dozen 30

0

60

0

Musk . . . .

per dozen 2 0

4

0

„ viridis ..

Erica, various
Euonymus, in var.

dozen 12

0

24

0

Myrtles . . . .

12

0

dozen 12

0

24

0

Palms, in var.

. . each 2 6

21

0

dozen 6

0

18

0

Pelargoniums, scarlet, doz. 3 0

6

0

Evergreens, in var.

dozen 6

0

24

0

Pelargoniums

per dozen 6 0

15

0

Ferns, in variety . .

dozen 4

0

18

0

Spiraea . . . .

13

9

CUT FLOWERS.

s.

d.

s.

d.

s.

d.

S.

d.

Abntilons

12 bunches

2

0 to 4

0

Lily of the Valley, 12 sprays

0

0 to 0

9

Anemone . .

doz. bunches

0

0

0

0

Marguerites . .

12 bunches

8

0

6

0

Arum Lilies .

12 blooms

4

0

6

0

Mignonette . .

12 bunches

8

0

6

0

Azalea . . . .

12 sprays

0

0

0

0

Pelargoniums, per 12 trusses

0

9

1

0

Bouvardias .

per bunch

0

6

1

0

„ scarlet, 12 trusses

0

4

0

8

Camellias

12 blooms

0

0

0

0

Paeonies, various 12 b’ooms

0

9

9

9

Carnations .

12 blooms

1

0

3

0

Ranunculus . .

12 bunches

0

0

9

0

12 bunches

s

0

6

0

Roses

12 bunches

2

9

9

0

Chrysanthemums 12 bl«oms

0

0

0

0

„ (indoor),

per dozen

1

0

8

9

Cornflower .

12 bunches

1

6

3

0

„ Tea.. ..

0

9

2

0

Cowslips

doz. bunches

0

0

0

0

„ red

. . dozen

1

9

2

0

Daffodil*

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Moss

12 bunches

6

0

12

0

Epiphyllum . .

doz. blooms

0

0

0

0

Primrosep, Yellow, dozen

Eucharis

per dozen

2

6

6

0

dozen bunches

0

9

0

0

Gardenias

12 blooms

2

0

4

0

Pyrethrum . .

12 bunches

4

0

9

9

Hellebore

doz. blooms

0

0

0

0

Spiraea . . . .

12 sprays

9

6

1

0

Hyacinths, Roman. 12 sprays

0

0

0

0

Stephanotis ..

12 sprays

2

9

3

0

Iris .

12 bunches

9

0

18

0

Sweet Peas . .

1 2 bunches

2

0

6

0

Lapageria, white, 12 blooms

0

0

0

0

Sweet Sultan

12 bunches

s

0

4

0

Lapageria, red

. - 12 blooms

1

0

2

0

Tropaeolum ..

12 bnnches

l

9

3

0

Lilac .. ..

per bunch

0

0

0

0

Tuberoses

12 blooms

9

6

1

0

Lilium candidum 12 bches.

9

0

15

0

Violets . . . .

12 bunches

9

9

9

0

12 blms.

0

4

0

9

„ Czar, Fr.

.. bunch

0

0

0

0

„ longiflorum, 12 blms.

8

0

<

0

58

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 15, 1886.

GREEN CROPS FOR SPRING.

An essential part of good practice in farming is to make
timely provision for our wants in the future, especially in
having an ample store of food for live stock produced upon the
farm, which is thus self-supporting, and we avoid vexatious
forced sales, and are able to use or dispose of the stock in
the best way. Forced sales occur most frequently in March
or April, and again in July and August. It is a common
fault for farmers to become overstocked in autumn. No
calculation is made of the exact quantity of food that will
be required during winter and spring, nor is allowance made
for the fact that growing animals will require more food in
spring than they did in the preceding autumn. Yet the
matter is a simple one, and is really only a trifling matter
of detail to which due attention may easily be given.

The approach of harvest time reminds us that seed should
be had in readiness for the sowing of green crops for use in
spring. The first of such crops is Trifolium incarnatum,
which with the late white variety should be sown upon the
first corn stubbles that are cleared. No ploughing is required,
but we like to clear off weeds and most of the stubble with
harrows. A stubble foul with twitch or other perennial
weeds is unsuitable for this Trifolium, but annual weeds, or
in fact any which can be cleared either by harrows or by
horse hoes, cannot be regarded as an obstacle to the sowing.
"We use from 25 to 30 lbs. of seed per acre in order to obtain
a full plant. The seed must be covered well, or much of it
is destroyed by birds. We have also sometimes lost many
of the young plants from the attacks of slugs. If land can
be spared it is always well to have a few acres to spare of
this valuable early forage plant, for if not used green it makes
excellent stover, especially for horses. Near large towns
there should be no difficulty in selling it upon the land as
green forage at Is. a perch or £8 an acre, at which rate it
should be profitable, especially as there is so little labour
required in its cultivation. The crop is in perfection so early
that the land can easily be got ready for a crop of Turnips,
for which there must b9 a full dressing of manure.

Where winter Oats are grown the early harvesting of that
crop renders the stubbles a suitable seed bed for Trifolium
incarnatum, and it is after Wheat that we generally get in
some stubble Turnips. This catch crop is so useful for lambs
in March that we always try and get as many acres of it
as the pressure of harvest work admits. Success with it
is due so much to the weather that results cannot be
depended upon with certainty. A few timely showers make
all the difference between success and failure, for in moist
warm soil seed-germination and growth is quick and sure.
No furrows and ridges are required for stubble Turnips ;
ploughing, harrowing, and rolling sufficiently to get a fine
seed bed, and immediate sowing of the seed being all that is
necessary. If chemical manure is med, as it may be with
advantage in favourable weather, it should be sown after the
first turn with the harrows, so that it may not be buried deep
in the soil. In sowing Turnips everything that is possible
should be done to induce quick germination followed by
strong growth. A fine seed bed; soil mellow, moist, rich,
and clean, and new seed are the essentials to enable the
plants to grow quickly out of the way of the fly. It will also
help the growth if the soil between the rows is kept well
stirred.

Late Drumhead Cabbage, drilled about the third week
of the present month in rich soil, is a very useful late spring
crop. In a hot dry summer preference is given to sowing
in a seed bed where the seed can be watered regularly and

the plants transplanted during showery weather in autumn.
The high nutritive value of cattle Cabbage renders it worthy
of more general cultivation, and few crops yield such a
weight per acre. The late Dr. Yoelcker had a very high
opinion of it. He said that “ No kind of green food culti¬
vated on a large scale in the field contains so much nutritious-
matter as Cabbage.”

Of other green crops for spring Rye Grass was sown at
the same time as Clover. Rye and winter Oats should both
be sown in September, the Rye following spring Tares or
winter Oats, and the Oats following any other corn crop
which can be got off the land in time for early ploughing and
cleaning. There need be no hesitation in sowing corn upon
the same land year after year provided pure chemical manure
is applied regularly so as to keep the soil well stored with
fertility. To those who have not yet had winter Oats under
cultivation we may explain that they maybe fed off by sheep
in a case of necessity, and afterwards afford a crop of corn.
If possible we avoid feeding, as we like to get this crop har¬
vested and out of the way before the other corn ripens.

WORK ON THE HOME FARM.

Drought and heat combine to render the season one of much care
and anxiety to the heavy land farmer. On our big heavy land farm the
Barley is sadly parched and weakened. Spring Oats are also suffering,
and roots though a full plant make no appreciable progress. Winter
Oats, Beans, and Wheat on the contrary are in thriving condition, Webb’s
Giant White Wheat being especially remarkable for its robust straw and
large ears. The sowing of spring Oats on this farm was with us a matter
of necessity, but we shall make strenuous efforts in future to sow only
winter Oats, and so avoid all risk of harm from drought. The soil is kept
well stirred between the rows of Mangolds and Swedes, and if only we
are favoured with a few hours of rain we may do well yet. Upon all our
other farms the crops are satisfactory, the combined efEects of drains,
deep cultivation, and good manure telling plainly that success follows
such high farming. Root-thinning, hoeing, and haymaking has kept the
men fully employed. Half a dozen of our extra men employed for the
haymaking upon the home farm found the exercise of their functions as
voters at the election of so arduous a nature as to require two days’ hard
drinking after recording their votes. When these free and independent
members of the community at length thought well to come to the farm,
we had so arranged matters as to be able to dispense with their services
a'together. For this, and for every reason, we use as much machinery
as possible for all work of which the results are liable to be seriously
affected by the weather. Long days work has been the rule with us
throughout the haymaking. The mowing machine has been going early
and late, for we hold that settled weather is an incentive to exertioD, full
advantage being taken of it to save the hay, for if it change to wet weather
before all is done we like to know that full advantage was taken of all
the fine weather. Let harvest arrangements be seen to soon — machinery,
waggons, rick yards, and everything affecting the work in good order, so
that it may be done with dispatch. The very large quantity of Barley
discoloured by rain last year led to a serious loss, which we shall do well
to avoid in future. There is no doubt that self-binding reapers help to-
shorten the harvest very materially, and it was ihe farmers that used
them last season who suffered least from broken weather. Due care
should be taken to secure a stock of young pigs sufficiently forward in
growth for turning out upon the stubbles after harvest, care being taken to
avoid having any from districts having the taint of swine fever.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Camden Square, London.

Lat. 51° 32-40" N.; Long. 0° 8- 0" W. ; Altitude, 111 feet.

DATE.

9 A.M.

IN THE DAY.

■ cr

(Dw (S, _ _

Uygrome-

P3 .

Shade Tem-

Radiation

a

1886.

g 4JCO >

ter.

53 O

5o

si- g
BoS
o rj _

Ph

perature.

Temperature

o!

35

July.

S. fe fl*-3
CQ 3 oj

Dry.

Wet.

Max.

Min.

In

sun.

On

gras.-

Inches.

deg.

dec\

deg.

deg.

d«cr

desr.

dec

In.

Sunday .

30 310

75.2

64.7

N.W.

G3.8

87.5

62.2

130.6

55.9

Monday .

30.258

71.7

60.0

\V.

65.1

83 3

58 9

125.4

52.1

_

Tuesday .

30.142

73.3

61.7

E.

65.2

86.2

54.7

126.6

49 0

_

Wednesday .

. 7

29.952

72.7

64.1

E.

65 6

84.3

58.7

1 26.9

51. 8

—

Thursday ...

. 8

29.776

60.6

57.3

N.W.

65.9

71.6

59.3

115.3

54.2

—

Friday .

29.999

GO.O

53.3

N.

64.7

70.4

49 5

1 15.4

44.3

0.019-

Saturday . . .

. 10

30.175

58.7

55.0

S.W.

63.2

71.6

481

117.1

43.7

—

30.087

67.5

59.4

64.8

79.3

55.9

1225

59.1

0.019

REMARKS.

4th. — Fine summer day, and nearly cloudless.

5th. — Cloudless, but not so hot.

6th.— Hot, and very dry.

7. h.— Fine and hot morning, thunder clouds in N.E. in afternoon, cool evening.

8th —Cloudy, and cool throughout.

!*th. — Bright, but cool morning; cloudy, with showers, in afternoon,
luth.— Cloudy early, clear and line afternoon and evening.

The week has been composed of two very dissimilar periods, the change occurring-
about 6 P.M. on Wednesday, when a sudden fall of temperature occurred. In spite, how¬
ever, of the coolness of the last three days, the mean for the week is above the average.
Almost rainless.— G. J. STMONS.

July £2, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

50

£2

Th

23

F

S

25

SDN

ETH Sunday after Trinity.

26

M

27

TU

Royal Horticultural Societr. Committees at 11 A.M. Carnation and

28

W

[Picotee Shows.

EARLY EFFORTS AND LATER EXPERIENCES
IN ROSE-GROWING.

A paper read by Duncan Gilmour, jun., Esq., of Highbury, Sandygate,
Sheffield, July] 16th, at a meeting of the Walkley Amat-ur Floral and
Horticultural Society.]

is now a good many years since I was first
seized with a desire to grow Roses, and I began
by planting a strip of land in a field adjoining
my father’s bouse at Sandygate. My first step
was to purchase a little boob, price Is., by the
great Rose-grower, Mr. Wm. Paul, of Waltham
Cross, which little hook contains much useful
information for beginners. The soil was very
poor — about a foot of light sandy loam, and
below that yellow building sand and ratchel. Rose- growers
will admit that it was about the worst soil for the purpose
that could he selected ; added to that the field facing due
south, and being situated on a hillside, what rain fell upon it
did not remain long ; added to that again, it was very much
exposed to the south-westerly gales, which blow there pretty
hard at times. Now, here were a good many disadvantages,
the two greatest being, according to the books, bad soil and
too much wind ; the latter I feared quite as much as the
former. One solitary advantage I had was that the ground
was virgin soil, and would be likely to grow good Roses for a
time at least.

I began with about five hundred half- standards, Hybrid
Perpetuals mostly, in about one hundred varieties, planting
them without manure, for two reasons — first, I had none ;
and secondly, I thought, as the soil was so porous and open,
that I should prefer to keep the manure near the top. i may
here say that later experience has proved to me that I was
right there, in case of light soils at any rate. Following the
advice in the book, I procured about two loads of cow manure
quite fresh, because I could not’get it in any other state, and
this was wheeled on in heaps just before the snow and wet
came on. It was turned once or twice during the winter :
and in the early spring, although it was very rank and green,
we boldly dug it in. Of course, like all other beginners, I
did not half prune the plants, but the result was beyond my
wildest hopes. Probably such Roses as Xavier Olibo and
Prince Camille de Rohan came about the colour we wish to
see Marie Baumann, while Marie herself would be about five
degrees lighter than she ought to have been. But I knew
no such distinctions at that time — “where ignorance was
bliss ’twas folly to be wise and up to then I had seen no
Roses so fresh, so bright, or so clean as mine. The results of
this first season were found to be that it was almost impossible
to have too much wind, and that if one has a clear atmosphere
and plenty of fresh air that fine Roses may be grown even on
a poor soil with plenty of manure.

The second season was much the same as the first ; the
treatment was the same except that we put on four or five
loads of clay in the autumn, and dug it in in the spring.
But whether it was that I was getting more critical and hard
to please, or that the soil or the plants were deteriorating, I

No. 317. — Vol. XIII., Third Series.

cannot say, but I was not so well satisfied. At this time,
too, I began to haunt the local flower shows, and the Roses
there may have made me discontented with my own.

The third year the plants were much troubled with insect
pests (another sign that things were not going all right).
In the spring, just when the first leaves were making their
appearance, I discovered that many of the plants had every
leaf and bud eaten off. I watched them all day, and that
being no use I got a dark lantern and resolved to watch
them all night if necessary. Going out the first night about
10 p m., to my surprise I found the stems and shoots literally
alive with insects, which, on my touching the first plant, all
fell to the ground and disappeared as if by magic. With
the other plants I was more cautious, and managed to kill
about 150 of the insects. In the course of a few evenings
they were all cleared out. On examination I found that they
were weevils or small beetles. I cannot understand why these
weevils should attack the Roses for one season only, for I
never had any trouble with them since, and they have not
emigrated, as I sometimes see them strolling about.

Green fly, which rarely appears in quantity at Sandygate,
began to bother me that season, and for some time I used to
always carry a painter’s brush in my pocket, with which, first
laying the shoot in the palm of the hand, I lightly brushed
off the insects. We never require brushes or anything else
for that purpose now. Caterpillars seemed more plentiful
too, and added to these the plants were getting old and
feeble, and a good many of them died during the winter. I
should have said before that the ground I had planted was
intended for a permanent plantation, and the shrubs, which
were at first very small, were gradually growing and sending
their roots out here and there, and so getting possession of
the manure which was put there for the Roses.

After this I launched out more boldly, and getting pos¬
session of a large piece of land without any trees or shrubs
of any kind on it we laid it down with grass. On this grass I
made beds to contain one dozen plants each, and in each bed
only one variety was planted. Round the boundaries were
placed shrubs to break the wind, but these were never allowed
to grow so high as to shut out light or air. This plan of the
beds I still carry out, but instead of one bed of one variety
I place about four or six beds of the same kind together,
using only the best and most free-blooming kinds for the
purpose, and we find the effect is much better. For instance,
what can b9 finer than a great mass of Baronne de Roth¬
schild, or La France, or A. K. Williams, or Charles Lefebvre,
or Merveille de Lyon, or Marquise de Castellane ? all of which
are excellent for the purpose, C. Lefebvre being the most
unsuitable in consequence of its straggling growth. Of course
I planted these beds with a lot of unsuitable varieties, and
have made many changes, but the best bit of experience I
have picked up yet in the case of Rose beds on a lawn is the
necessity of planting few varieties and massing these few
together. As we renew the plants or change the varieties in
these beds the soil is renewed and manure added, and lately
clay has been placed at the bottom to hold the moisture,
while it has also been mixed with the soil composing the bed.
Lime, Beeson’s manure, night soil, sewage — in fact, anything
that contains manure — is added at the proper time. Under
this treatment the land should become better year by year
and should give better results, and I think does so — in one
particular I am sure of it — that is, in the foliage. For years
the foliage was very poor and a bad colour ; now we get
^rind leaves and plenty of them, and of a good healthy dark
green. Most gardeners will know that without good leaves
there can be no good flowers, and so when I say we get
better leaves I think I am safe in saying we get better flowers
also. The colour of the darker varieties is very different of
later years too. Formerly Xavier Olibo, Louis Van Houtte,
and similar varieties came the colour of Marie Baumann,
and the lighter coloured ones were equally affected; now
we can gather blooms as black as they are seen anywhere,

No. 1973.— Vol. LXXV., Old Series

60

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 22, 1886.

while the scarlet Roses come magnificent in colour and true
to description.

Manure is good, and so is good soil, and these we can
supply to our Roses if we will ; but in this neighbourhood
there is one thing we cannot buy, or bfg, or borrow, or steal,
or come at in any way — that is sunshine. The rich deep
shade of the darker varieties, or the beautiful tint of the
lighter Roses grown in the south and west of England — and
I should not forget their wonderful depth too — can in my
opinion never be equalled by us in this neighbourhood. I
may be wrong in saying this — I hope I am ; but I do not
intend to be disheartened, and I do not intend to leave off
trying to equal them until I have thoroughly proved it, and
perhaps not then.

There is a theory, and I believe a true one, that plants
part with a certain amount of useless matter; I do not refer
to what is exhaled through the leaves, but something that
passes out through the roots. This is part of the theory of
rotation of crops, and this rotation business, as far as Roses
are concerned, is carried out in most of the large nurseries.
It is a fact further bearing on this subject, that when natural
forests decay other forests spring up of a different kind of
tree. I do not need to tell a society of gardeners that when
land is apparently exhausted by repeated crops of one vege¬
table, that good crops of another kind may still be grown
there ; and probably you have all heard of land being Clover-
sick. All this, in my opinion, goes to prove that the soil you
wish to grow Roses on must be renewed now and again.
This is easy in a large garden, where they are grown in
rows like Cabbage or Kidney Beans, but is not the case
where they are in permanent beds on lawns. In the latter
case the only plan is to lift the plants, and after renewing
the soil to replant them again.

Roses cannot have too much manure, that I am sure of ;
but do not please rush away with the idea that I advocate
your getting a load of fresh stable manure and planting your
Roses in that. No gardener would do this of course, but
m$,ny would do what is nearly as bad, and that is to place
fresh manure in such a position that the roots of the newly
planted Roses would be in contact with it. I may as well
give the reason why this is bad practice, and that is that
fresh manure will rot the roots, and particularly if they
happen to be dormant, as is the case when most Roses are
planted. Half soil and half manure is not too rich for Roses.
The few pot Tea Roses we grow are all potted in old sods
and cow manure in equal parts, both well decayed. This is
the first season they have been so treated, and they are far
finer and healthier than I ever remember to have seen them.

Now, as to stocks. Being on light poor soil I was
advised when I began to grow all on the Manetci, and have
done so until lately, but I am now trying the seedling Briar ;
but while I am of opinion that it will answer, I cannot
say that I have tested it sufficiently to pronounce an opinion.
All I can say is that a severe winter kills off a great number
of Manetti, while I am told that the Briar is very hardy and
long lived. I hope it is. Standards, I am pleased to say,
are going out of fashion. I think a standard Rose tree in
this neighbourhood is one of the most ridiculous things I
know, generally more resembling a mopstick than any¬
thing else. There are very few varieties of Roses suitable
for standards, and the average winters cut them back so,
that it is useless to attempt to form a good head. In milder
neighbourhoods I have seen them something in shape like an
open umbrella, with probably twenty long branches, the
whole one mass of bloom, the branches drooping gracefully
on every side. There I confess I was delighted with them,
but I never yet saw a properly grown standard Rose tree
about Sheffield, and I do not believe I ever shall. If it is
absolutely necessary to have standards, the best plan is to
da strong shoot grow up in the spring, when it is high
enough top it, and you will soon have a standard.

Do not have too many varieties. Amateurs generally
seem to prefer collecting together a lot of absurd names in

preference to having fewer sorts well proved, good growers,
and bloomers, and — mark this — sorts that do well with them.
Among all the Roses that are grown in all our gardens there
is in each case one or two Roses that take the lead of all the
others. They are more at home, they grow better, and they
bloom better than other varieties. This is a theory of mine,
and will, I think, be borne out by those who will use their
power of observation. With me La France is No. 1, a loDg
way ahead of all the others ; so it ought to be, being a Hybrid
Tea which should be at home in a hot dry burning soil in
which Teas flourish. Baronne de Rothschild does splendidly
with me too, probably only second to La France. On light
soils I think the pink and white Roses will always come
nearer perfection than the dark ones. I have nearly as many
La France and Baronne de Rothschild as I have of all the
other varieties put together. I would advise all growers to
grow more of the Rose that does best with them. Which
looks best — twelve splendid blooms of one variety <x twelve
varieties of inferior merit ? I know which I prefer.

A word about pruning. Mr. Wm. Paul says it is the most
important part of Rose culture, because without it there can
be no result. He gives long directions, which a man might
thoroughly master if he had about two years to devote to
them — not less ! No doubt in the case of standards it is
necessary to study the matter, but not so in the eass of
dwarfs. My system of pruning is very simple ; anybody can
learn it in five minutes. I learnt it myself in that time. A
very severe winter killed the whole of my plants down to the
ground, and all the pruning I had to do that year was to cut
away the dead wood. The following season the Roses came
so fine — the wood was so strong and healthy — that ever
afterwards I imitated Nature, and shall continue to do so
until I come across someone who can teach me better.

One word more. My very latest experience of the Rose
is that no other flower can be grown with so little trouble,
and which gives such grand results.

CULTIVATION OF THE STRAWBERRY.

C Continued, from page 37.)

WINTER TREATMENT.

Beyond a light stirring of the surface to render it more per¬
meable to air and rain, nothing is required. Digging between
the rows with a spade or even with a fork deeply is positively
injurious, but a close surface that will not allow the water to
enter freely is equally, if not more, objectionable. A mulch of
partially decayed manure is beneficial in enriching the soil and
in assisting the plants to withstand severe weather, it being a
well-known fact that plants not having the roots frozen or pro¬
tected with a mulch will suffer less injury at the top than those
with bare soil about them.

DURATION OF THE PLANTATIONS.

Soil and treatment influence the necessity or otherwise of
renewal. On shallow and fight soils they are best treated as
annuals— viz , planted in July one year and removed after fruiting
the nest, it is the only way to get fine fruit, the cultivation
requiring to he of the highest order in manuring, in mulching,
and watering. In the second year they will give good fruits,
quantities for preserving, and in the third it is so small as scarcely
to be worth gathering. In medium loams the plants are fairly
satisfactory up to the third year; but even in these the treat¬
ment must be liberal, and good surface dressing being given so
as to encourage rooting from the base of the plants. Beyond
the fourth year they are not profitable. Deep loams will support
plants for a long time, but I have not found the results after the
third season equal those preceding. In five, or at most six years,
they should be off the ground. Strong loams, especially those
on limestone formations, will continue in bearing and profitably
over a very lengthened period. I have known them bring good
crops up to ten and a dozen years, but then they were cultivated,
not allowed to go wild — an entangled mass of runners. Five or
six years is, however, as long as they ought to remain to l ave
fruit of a size suited to modern tastes Nearly everything
depends on how the plants are managed. If kept free from runners
and divested of the old leaves after the fruit is gathered, mulched,
watered, and properly attended to, the beds or plantations may
be allowed to remain much longer ;fihan plants that are negleated

Jnly 23, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

61

from the commencement. One of the greatest evils is in taking
runners from the one vear-old plants for forcing. The runners
weaken the parents, so that it is best to take runners from plants
especially set apart for the purpose. I have heard it remarked
often that the plants inputs always afford the largest fruits, and
no wonder, as they have no strain upon them. Treat them fairly,
and they will give fruit of the largest size and finest quality.

SURFACE DRESSINGS.

These are much neglected. I do not allude to dressings of
decayed manure. Road scrapings, sidings, ditch and pond
cleanings are very useful, but everybody seems to have given up
scouring ditches and plashing hedges. We see few compost
heaps nowadays mixed with a sixth to a tenth of lime and turned
over a time or two. What a change such effects in the herbage
of grass land, and in none more than Strawberries. The Straw¬
berry has its stems elougated more or less yearly through the
growth being made at the top, and these stems, if stripped of the
lower leaves, have a number of white points, which in a favourable
medium form roots. Now, by giving a top-dressing of manuie,
leaf soil, or other material the stems will push roots from the
part buried, and the plants will in consequence be much invigo¬
rated. A surface dressing over the plants, as well as the ground,
of fresh loam or the compost indicated above, free of weeds, in
March is of considerable benefit, and an old practice fast becoming
obsolete since the idea has begun to obtain that labour is a super¬
fluity in cultivation. Soil from the alleys or anywhere so as to
cover the stems and allow of the embryo roots pushing has a
considerable effect upon the health and continuance of the
plantations.

VARIETIES.

There are now so many varie ies that it is extremely difficult to
select the best for every description of soil and situation, and
classing them is impossible, through the varieties being so
much intermingled by cross-fertilisation. For general purposes
they are best divided into early, midseason, and late. Twenty-
four of the best are : —

Bakly.— King of the Eavlies (Laxton), Yicomtesse Hericart
de Thury, Ne Plus Ultra (Browsho), Sir Joseph Paxton (Bradley),
Eclipse (Reeves), Duke of Edinburgh (Moffatt) Bothwell Bank
Prolific Keens’ Seedling or Sir Harry (Underhill), which is best
on light soil-

Midseason. — President (Green'', Marshal MacMahon, Sir C.
Napier (Smith), Marguerite (Lebretonl, James Veitch, Dr. Hogg
(Bradley), Seedling Eliza (Rivers), La Constante (De Jonghe),
British Queen only does well in some soils.

L\te. — Crimson Queen (Myatt), Oxonian, Loxford Hall
Seedling (Douglas), Filbert Pine (Myatt), on light soils a good
substitute for British Queen, Frogmore Late Pine (Ingram),
Anna de Rothschild, Eleanor (Myatt). Elton (Knight).

Hautbois. — Belle Bordelaise (Prolific Hautbois), Royal
Hautbois (Rivers), Ama'eur (Bradley), stated to have a distinct
smack of Hautbois is difficult to detect.

Three of the best Strawberries, one of each class. — King of
the Ecirlies, President, and Oxonian Six, two of each class. —
King of the Earlies and Eclipse, President and Dr. Hogg,
Oxonian and Elton. Nine, three of each class. — King of the
Earlies, Eclipse, and Bothwell Bank Prolific; President, Sir vj-
Rapier, and Dr. Hogg; Oxonian, Crimson Queen, and Elton.
Twelve, four of each class. — King of the Earlies, Eclipse, Duke
of Edinburgh, and Sir Joseph Paxton; President, Sir C. Napier,
Dr. Hogg, and Marshal MacMahon; Oxonian, Crimson Queen,
Eleanor, and Elton Amy Robsart and Pauline are good early
sorts Of late Enchantress is large and fine. Bicton Pine is the
ouly white fctrawberry worth growing, and does well on light
soils

Perpetual or continuous bearing sorts are considered to have
merits, but l think the one-full crop and-over are much the best
for general purposes. Of this class is Early Prolific (Roden),
Amateur (Bradley), and The Captain (Laxton). They are con¬
sidered good for market purposes. The best market sorts are
King of the Earlies, President, Sir C. Napier, and Oxonian.
These are Mr. R. Gilbert’s, of Burghley Gardens, selection, and
I can vouch for their being first rate All the varie' ies named
in the selections are useful market sorts, having fine colour, firm
flesh, and good quality. Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury is omitted
from the selections, because it is considered superseded by King
of the Earlies. It is, however, a capital sort and very productive,
but it did not succaed with me on light soil.

The best on light soil I found to be Sir Harry, President, Sir
Joseph Paxton, and Filbert Pine(Myatt’s Seedling). Of varieties
not inc'uded in the selection mention should be made of Sir John
Falstaff, fine handsome fruit, very bright in colour, and a great
cropper, it is a fine market sort Unzer Fritz, glossy crimson,

solid, and rich, often very large. Kitley’s Goliath, hardy,
vigorous, great cropper, fine market sort. Fidbasket is also a
great cropper. Nimrod, large and fine, deep scarlet, often con¬
founded with Eleanor. Souvenir de Kieff, after La Constante,
better grower, great cropper, shining red skin, a taking sort of
excellent flavour. Cockscomb, very large and very good quality.
Early Crimson Pine, telling colour and heavy cropper.

Varieties with smaller compact foliage are — Mammoth, very
large, prolific, and hardy. Lucas, large, capital quality, produc¬
tive. Gipsy Queen, large and prolific. Carolina Superba, large,
of the British Queen race, hardy, and excellent. Marguerite
also has small foliage.

Varieties with very large fruit — Empress Eugenie, Marguerite,
Mammoth, James Veitch, Eleanor, and Enchantress. Due de
Malakoff his very large fruit, very dull bad c lour, but capital
quality. It is very different from the variety grown so exten¬
sively about Liverpool under that name for forcing, which is a
very fine form of Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury or Garibaldi
British Queen, Dr. Hogg, and Cockscomb are the very best of
the large Strawberries.

For culinary or preserving purposes Deptford Pine, The
Sultan, Newton’s Seedling, Oxonian Eleanor, and Elton.
Pioneer, Gipsy Queen, and Oscar may be mentioned as having
nearly black fruit. Good packers are Oscar, Gipsy Queen, and
The Countess All the kinds in the selections have firm flesh
and are good packers.

ALPINE STRAWBERRIES.

These are best raised from seed, which should be saved from
the best plants, giving the most prolific crop and finest fruits.
It may be sown so soon as ripe, or in July either in pans or a
sheltered spot outside. Any good light soil will suit them,
sowing in shallow drills about 3 inches apirt and covering lightly
with fine soil. If in pans, place in a frame ; in any case keep
them moist The plants will appear within a month. Keep
those in pans well up to the light ; ha' den and prick them off
about 3 inches apart outdoors ; shading and keeping moist until
esta1 dished. Outdoor plants may be treated similarly. They
may be transferred to their permanent quarters when they have
made four to six leaves. They may be planted in rows a foot
apart and the same distance asunder in the rows, every fifth row
being left out. The plants should have a mulching of leaf soil
before sharp weather sets in. They will fruit the following year.
Seeds are, however, mostly sown in February or March under
glass, pricking off and growing on in gentle heat, and hardening
off so as to plant out early in June. I he plants will give fruit
in autumn. The runners should be kept off the seedlings, none
being allowed to grow, only the first for stock if wanted. Mulch¬
ings of partially decayed leaves or manure are necessary, and
very copious supplies of water in dry weather. They are very
often grown on north borders with a view to affording a late
supply of fruit. They are, however, best flavoured in the open.
Plants grown in pots are fine for decoration, seedlings from a
spring sowing fruiting until a late period in a cool house, but are
best flavoured in gentle heat with a free circulation of air.
There are only the red and white varieties, the variety of the
ter— viz., Blanche d’Orleans, being larger and very prolific.
Bush Alpine does not produce runners.

ENEMIES.

Snails and slugs are very troublesome in Strawberry planta¬
tions. There is no better remedy than dusting with quicklime
in the early stages of growth in spring and after the crops are
gathered. The best preventives are dressings of nitrate of soda,
gas lime, soot and lime prior to putting in the plants. Millipedes
are very troublesome in some soils. Where these pests abound
some Potatoes cut in halves, and placed in the mulching about
the plants before the fruit begins to ripen will attract them, and
a stick being thrust in each bait they can readily be examined,
the stocks serving as indicators, and the millipedes destroyed.
The grubs of the spotted garden gnat (Tipula maculosa) are
sometimes very destructive, cutting off the flower stalks close to
the ground. Handpicking is the only remedy, the pest usually
being ensconced in the Soil near where it commits its depreda¬
tions. There are also grubs or larvae that feed on the roots.
Ammoniacal liquor diluted with six times its bulk of wa' er seems
the only cure for them. Caterpillars sometimes eat the foliage,
they are removed by handpicking and squeezing. The worst
pest of all is mice. If the gardener is near where game is pre¬
served, and cats and weasles are not allowed to live I pity him.
Grass mice will eat all the best fruit —i e., the seeds, collecting the
fruit in heaps, nipping the fruit off. Have piifall traps in
winter, and in summer small steel spring traps, the table baited
with crust or hard cheese. Rats are great devourers of Straw-

62

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 22 ,RS6.

berries. Ferrets and terriers are the best for these. Insects do
not trouble much, the cuckoo spit insect is sometimes a nuisance.
Crushing the pests with the hand is the best cure, and sometimes
aphides infest the trusses. A softsoap solution, 2 ozs. to the
gallon syringed over the plants before they come into flower, will
destroy them.

Strawberry blight or mildew is a consequence of drought.
There is no remedy but forcible waterings, mulching, and plenty
of moisture at the roots. A thorough rain generally clears it
away. — G. Abbey.

CHRYSANTHEMUMS AND THEIR CULTURE.

( Continued from page 37.)

FEEDING AND TOP-DRESSING.

Feeding and top-dressing are two points in the cultivation of
Chrysanthemums which are of the utmost importance. The term
“ feeding ” means the application of stimulants at a time when the
plants are supposed to have exhausted the greater part of the
manurial matter in the soil. When the plants are potted in new soil
they grow freely for a time if clear water only is given, and they
assume a colour in the leaves natural to the variety ; but after a
time if nothing is applied to the roots but clear water the foliage
changes to a sickly yellow, and the lower leaves fall. It is just at
the time when the roots have taken full possession of the soil that
feeding should commence. Many growers advise that stimulants
be not applied until the flower buds are formed ; but after having
fully considered the matter I think this is a mistake, because in
some cases the flower buds do not form till the middle and end of
September, and sometimes later than that. From this stage to the
time the plants are in bloom is much too short a space to allow
them a chance of deriving much benefit from the application of
artificial support. The plants ought to be fed long before the time
arrives for the buds to form, so as they may be strong at that
critical period. If the plants are not sufficiently fed that they may
retain their former vigour, how can they be expected to form strong
and healthy flower buds ? Weakly plants never produce flower
buds of the same quality as stronger plants of the same variety ;
and if the buds are not produced in proportion to the necessary
qualities of each variety, how can the flowers be properly developed ?
When the plants are growing well do not let them deteriorate by
lack of attention in this point, but keep them advancing ; allow no
check to take place, or a breakdown will assuredly occur when least
expected. Feeding should commence as soon as the pots in which
the plants are to flower are full of roots — that is to say, as soon as
the roots have pushed through the new soil and are being entwined
around the sides of the pot. When in this condition the roots
appear to be searching for fresh food, and that is the best description
I can give of the time to begin the use of stimulants. The
time that the plants were potted, the size of the pots, and
the kind of soil used, the manner in which potting was per¬
formed, and what varieties are grown, all tend to alter the time
when feeding is required. No one can make a mistake by doing as
I advise, for he can easily convince himself as to how the rooting
process is going on by turning a few of the plants carefully out.
The strongest growing varieties always make roots most quickly,
and the more delicate growers most slowly ; therefore select some
of the medium- habited plants and judge from these the manner in
which the remainder is progressing.

The best stimulants, and how to apply them, are the next con¬
siderations. Local circumstances, in some instances, must be taken
into account, as well as the means at the disposal of the cultivator.
Various kinds of liquid manures, such as the drainings from the
cow houses and stables, are excellent. I prefer the former as
being cooler than the latter. Where liquid manure cannot be had
from tanks direct from the places named, a very good substitute
may be had from a heap of manure by throwing clean water over it,
allowing it to soak through the manure, and collect in a pit at the
side of the heap. Sheep manure gathered fresh from the fields may
be placed in a bag to prevent the manure dissolving and mixing
with the water, which renders it too thick. Place the bag in a
tank or tub of water, allow it to soak for twelve hours, when the
water will be ready for use, and by moving the bag about in the
water occasionally a regular supply maybe maintained until the
qualities of the manure are exhausted. Liquid manure made in the
same way from deer droppings or cow manure, all make excellent
stimulants for the plants. Soot is almost indispensable to the
growth of these plants. Applied in a liquid form it soon produces
a change in the colour of the foliage of pale-looking plants. Some
place a quantity in a waterpot of water, stirring it to dissolve, then
pour it on to the soil in the pots ; but this method is wrong, as the
sediment remaining on the top of the soil seals at once the passage

way for future watering. The correct method of using soot in a
liquid form is to place as much as is required into a sack sufficiently
close to prevent the soot being washed out, the water soaking
through the soot within the bag becomes charged with the manurial
properties. Water used in this manner may be given to the plants
at every time they require watering, for a week after which time
it is better to withhold soot water for three weeks, then give them
another course of soot water. One bushel of soot in a bag will be
ample in a tank holding 100 gallons of water along with other
manures given at the same time.

It is difficult to define the quantity of manure to use for
making liquids, as so much depends upon the requirements of
the cultivator. A safer guide is to use the liquid made from
animal manures about the colour of brown brandy. Guano finds
favour with some growers ; it is easily prepared, and its efficacy is
undoubted. A 4-inch potful to thirty-six gallons of water is a safe
quantity to use. Nitrate of soda applied at the rate of a half tea¬
spoonful to a 10-inch pot, and watered in, has a remarkably quick
effect on the foliage and growth of the plants. No doubt if used
once or twice in a season it is beneficial ; but given in excess of the
quantity named it would be positively dangerous, tending, as it
does, to force the growth too rapidly at the expense of solidity and
maturity. Sulphate of ammonia in careful hands is an excellent
manure, perhaps unequalled ; but the per-centage of ammonia
contained in the different samples varies so much that it is
decidedly risky to use it. I have seen plants killed by one or two
doses, given of course without judgment as to its safety ; but, as
before stated, when applied properly excellent results are obtained.
Before using any the cultivator must be positive that his plants
are thoroughly well rooted. The pots should be full of roots.
The best way to apply it is as follows : — Dissolve one tablespoonful
in four gallons of liquid manure and apply it"*to the plants once a
week. The alteration in the colour of the leaves after its appli¬
cation can be quickly discerned if they were pale before. The main
veins or arteries quickly assume a deep green, which rapidly spreads
all over the leaf ; the colour of the blooms is much improved also.
The pinks, lilacs and darker shades are rendered much richer by the
use of this manure. Some growers sprinkle the ammonia on the
surface of the soil and water it in, but this is dangerous to the
surface roots of the plants.

The only matter now remaining is to note the time it should
be applied. The time it should commence I pointed out. It is not
wise to give the plants the same kind of stimulant continually ; it
should be varied, using one sort for, say, a week, then make a change
in favour of another. To the strongest growing varieties stimulants
should be applied every time they require water, commencing the
application in a weak state, increasing the strength gradually until
the maximum is reached. Some growers advise that feeding be
discontinued as soon as the bloom buds show colour, but in my
opinion that is just the stage when assistance is required to develope
the blooms. Continue to feed the plants until the blooms are three
parts expanded. For the weaker-growing sorts possessing fewer
roots than the more robust varieties feeding should continue until
the flowers are in the same stage as before named, but the liquid
must not be given quite so strong nor so often, occasionally giving
clear water only.

Top-dressing means placing on to the surface of the soil some¬
thing to encourage root action. Various kinds of materials find
favour, such as bonemeal, turfy loam which has been previously
well soaked in liquid manure, decomposed cow manure, fresh horse
droppings, leaf soil, and dissolved bones. Where the soil in which
the plants are growing is of a strong retentive nature a covering of
half an inch thick of leaf soil and finely crushed bones, two parts of
the former to one of the latter, may be used with advantage ; but
where the soil is inclined to be sandy two parts of turfy loam, with
only the fibre retained, and that soaked as advised, to one of bones
laid on three-quarters of an inch thick and pressed down firmly is
excellent. If there was not sufficient space left at potting time to
allow of this quantity being added, build up around the edge of the
pot with thin pieces of turf to make space for the application of
water after the top-dressing is laid on. This should be done when
the roots appear on the surface of the soil after the final potting,
which will be some time during August.— E. Molyneux.

MADRESFIELD COURT GRAPE CRACKING.

My advice was recently requested concerning the cause of this Grape
cracking. A friend brought me a few cracked berries, the finest fruit I
have ever seen, just beginning to colour as usual. The advice I gave him
was to provide tree ventilation at front and top, the front to be lelt open
a little all night, and to cover the roots with a shutter to keep them dry,
most of the roots being outside. However, to completely satisfy him, I
returned with him, and I will just note down a few fuitber particulars
which may prove of benefit to someone. The Vine is planted at the west

July 22, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

63

comer of a home inside, but most of the border is outside, the crop is
fairly good for weight, and the top bunches are colouring well.

In every case the cracking taking place in the top berries of the
hunches led me to suppose that it was the result of either early afternoon
closing or want of air in the day, and on looking outside I found the
foliage all up the centre of the Vine burnt very much, as if freshly done. I
then discovered that this was only the second day of cracking, after a
very heavy rain. I came away with the conviction that if the Vine is
treated now according to instructions not a berry should crack. I was
disappointed to see two of the finest bunches on one lateral the worse for
cracking, a9 I find heavy-cropping suits this Vine the best ; but these

many years, and was once thought that it might be employed to “effect
that improvement in the worn-out garden Calceolarias which the Cape
species of Pelargonium brought about in the case of the enfeebled florists’
breed of the latter popular flower. If its properties can at all be brought
to bear upon the domesticated Slipperwort, we may yet hope to see some
of their acquired beauty of flower united with a vigorous constitution and
good habit of growth.” This hint does not seem to have 'produced any
good results, though, no doubt, ’’much might be done with ’th island other
species if subjected to a well-considered system of hybridisation.

Fig. 10.— Calceolaria tetragona.

bunches being in the corner damp or steam gathers on them. Perhaps
some grower may give his notes on the above. Feeding had been attended
to at stoning time with lime, soot, and sheep dung. — Stephen Castle,
West Lynn.

CALCEOLARIA TETRAGONA.

The Peruvian and Chilian Calceolarias comprise several ornamental
species that are much neglected as garden plants, although the ordinary
type of florists’ Calceolarias and those employed for bedding still maintain
their position. The shrubby evergreen species are especially worthy of
farther notice, yet only in a few private gardens do we see them repre¬
sented. The late Mr. Joad had a small collection in his Wimbledon
garden, and they often attracted the admiration of plant lovers who
visited that interesting establishment. In some of the botanic gardens
they also have some space devoted to them, but outside those gariens
they are comparatively scarce. One of these that is well worth more
attention is Calceolaria tetragona (fig 10), which has been known for

The flowers are bright Dale yellow an I are borne lreely in loose
corymbs. The plant can be readily increase I by cuttings in a green¬
house or other cool structure.

NORRIS GREEN.

Norris Green, the Lancashire seat of Mrs. Heywood, is one of the
best gardening establishments in the north of England. Neatness, or er,
and good culture prevail. Some time since the gardener, Mr. Bardney,
entered into a controversy in the pages of the Journal as to the advisa¬
bility of lifting Peach trees annually, and I must say that healthier or
better balanced trees I have never seen, and this was the unanimous
opinion of other practical gardeners present. In these gardens lime as
played an important part in causing productiveness, and cer am y
healthier or better produce could not be desired. The soil is of a boggy
or peaty nature, and lime is not used in excess, as the crops and rui
trees testify. On the open walls are healthy and well trained trees o
Pears and Morello Cherries, and in the open quarters there are goo
bush-shaped Apple trees, and around the quarters are healthy espalier-
trained Pear trees carrying what appears to be good crops of fruit, In a

64

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 22, 1888.

fouth border is a good breadth of Pea American Wonder, one part of
which has been dressed with fine i'One flour, and it can be seen to an inch
where it has been applied. In the winter garden are several handsome
shaped Camellias in excellent health. These are planted in the large
centre beds, and have a very imposing appearance. The side stage? are
occupied with decorative plaut°, of which large numbers are required,
principally during the winter and spring months. In this house a large
plant of the old Luculia gratissima is also noticeable. The Ro°e house i?
well filled with healthy plant0, which are quite free from mildew. The
plants are well syringed with the mixture recommended by Mr. Bardney.
A collection of Orchids is being formed. In the cool house are numbers
of healthy plants of Odontoglossum Alexandra, O. Pescat >rei, O. Rossi
inajus, and good plants of Disa grandiflora advancing into bloom. In
another house are healthy pieces of Dendrobium crassinode, D.
Wardianum, Laelia purpuraia, Cattleya Mossise, C. Trianas, Cypripedium
Spicerianum, C. Lawrencianum, & The stove has quite a tropical
appearance, being filled with healthy and well pitchered plants of
Nepenthes, several Dracrena Goldieana, of which Mr. Bardney speaks very
highly, D. Lindeni, D. gracilis, Phalfenopsis, &o. The back wall of this
house is covertd with Selaginella umbrosa, which has a pleasing appear¬
ance, as well a9 being u-etul for cutting purposes. Another house is
occupied with Cucumbers and Melons, which also does duty for a pro¬
pagating house. A large house is filled with Azaleas. In the vineries
good crops of Grapes are hanging. These houses also do duty for plant¬
growing, in one of which were several good useful plants of Imanto-
phyllums, which Mr. Bardney finds useful for winter flowering. Each
plant is grown singly in a 6-inch pot, and is shaken out and repotted
into the same sized pots annually. Heaths for winter flowering are
largely grown, and I also noticed some healthy Chrysanthemums.
Visitors to Norris Green could not fail to be impressed with the feeling
that Mrs. Heywood is a great patron of horticulture, and that in Mr.
Bardney she has a worthy gardener. — A. Y.

THOUGHTS ON CURRENT TOPICS.

The last topic touched on in these random jottings was the then
^pending, but now passed, yet not forgotten, provincial Show of the R. H.S.
What I thought of the Show can be of small moment, and all I will say is
that it was far too great and too good for the occasion— a grand Show,
4>ut unfortunate. Whethtr it was the oppressively hot weather, the un¬
welcome “ election,” the greater temptations of the Shipperies, a want of
adequate publicity, faulty management, a lack of local interest in horti¬
culture, or a combination of all these circumstances I cannot tell ; but
this I know, the attendance of visitors was of the most meagre descrip¬
tion, and the financial loss incuired by the venture must of necessity be
considerable.

It is hard for those who labour, not for gain, but in the promotion of
an object good in itself, and believed to be fraught with good to others, to
find their labour so ill tequited. Almost everyone believed the directorate
of the Society took a right step iu g' ing to the provinces, and there was a
consensus of opinion that they bad fixed on the right place if not the best
time for holding the Show. Tie fix ore, however, proved a mistake, and
it is to be feared the experience gained has been rather dearly pur¬
chased.

It was thought, I believe, by not a few, and especially local promoters
of the undertaking, that the “ Shipperies ” would prove a feeder to the
horticultural exhioition. It i-eems to have been exactly the reverse, and
proved a most powerful comp ti»or. A? the Colonial Exhibition in
London overshadows evoiything else provided for the delectation of the
public, so does the great affair at Liverpood. It is a question of the fat
eating up the lean kine in both cities.

Persons are not inrr* quently taunted with being wise after events.
But they ought to be wi er than netore, or what is the use of experience ?
and in all probability the tents of the Royal Horticultural 8oc'ety will
not soon be pitched again in any place where there is a greater exhibition
or centre of attraction established than the resources of horticulture can
provide. Ascendancy appears neces-ary to command success.

Then, again, the lesson is enforced that while it may be philanthropic
to educate the public in the pursuit of h rticulture by a gigantic effort, it
is costly. The masses and classes, which are ins parable for ordinary
purposes, must be first educated in the only sure way — by degrees, locally,
before they can feel sufficient interrst in and appreciate that which is
presented to them in its higher forms. The publ o must “ want ” a great
national horticultural show before they will flock to one when it is pro¬
vided. A certain amount of local enihusiasm must be manifested and
zealous local leaders secured before a decision is anived at. It is not all
towns that have such diiect and active workers in a cause of this kind as
Manchester and Birmingham in their Bruce Findlays and Badgers ; or
at least they are not develop d. And, fur her, local and capable officials
are the best judges of the time at which exhibit! ns sR uld be held, and
such successes would not be won at Manchester, York, Shrewsbury, New¬
castle and other place0, if the >>e~t po ail le da'es were not selec'ed. Smell
are a few “thoughts” to which the great Show has given birth ; and it
is earnestly hoped that the ntxt “ptovincial” will be financially
successful.

I went to see the boiler trials at Liverpool, and did not think them

very conclusive. The preparations must have involved great cost ; that,
however, is a competitor’s question. The trials were, perhaps, as in¬
teresting to gardeners as an\ thing on the ground, but as an old stoker
I could see very well that this work was not equally well done. The
man who smashed his coke and threw it on in small particles and
thin layers, so as not to check the flame, heated the water quicks than
he could possibly have done had he thrown it into the furnace in large
lumps and great heaps. In this matter Btoking must have, and I
believe at Liverpool did have, an important iufluence on the results,
though I do not suggest that anyone lost a prize by bad stukrng
alone, though I do think that at least one boiler would have been
nearer winning with different stoking. Th-n there is this to be re¬
membered, that only a few boilers were tried, and it is a question if
some others are not frilly equal to any that were in operation. I shall be
curious to see how the iudges arrive at their deeisons, for it is certain
that some of the pipes from the same boiler and on tbe same level were
hotter than others, and thermometers were not inserted in all.

I HAVE not hitherto referred to the subject of ammonia in vineries
and p'ant houses that hair b en introduced as if it were a new notion. It
has been brought before the readers of the Journal repeatedly, and even
more prominently than recently. I wrote on the fubjeet twenty years ago,
and was a follower of others. I was under the impression that many of
our most successful cultivators are fully alive to the importance of damping
their vineries with liquid manure, and many of tR m I know do so with
excellent results. The practice of iniroi uciDg fermenting materials in
vineries for inciting a strong and even “ break ” is also a very old
custom. I can remember it tor forty years. It is not all growers who
can adopt it, but all who can should do so, for it is undeniably good.
When adopting that practice I have never had occasion to syringe the
rods, and with an ammonia-impregnated atmosphere afterwards it was
not necessary to syringe the foliage for the prevention or destruction of
insects.

That the leaves of Vines absorb both ammonia and carbonic acid gas
is, I think, beyond question. It is certain they absorb something that is
evolved by liquid manure, and are eith r benefited or injured atcor ling to
circumstances. I have seen striking examples of both good and evil
result from the practice in question. The best time to use liquid manure
in vintries is in the evening. Leaves transpire in the day, absorb at
night. Vines have been very seriously injured by the excessive use of
ammonia in the daytime. Night, l repeat, is the time for the applicate n ;
quite a pungent smell in the bouse then does good, and is perfectly safe
with early morning ventilation, this being an important condition — the
safety valve, in fact, of the whole process.

Roses have naturally been in the ascendant during tbe pa°t few
weeks. No new and striking varieties appear to have been forthcoming.
Amongst the lights Lady Mary Fitzwilliam seems to have held her own ;
and amongst the darks A. K. Williams has not diminished in numb' rs nor
brilliancy. Both theBe Roses were last year referred to as “ bad growers."
This year the plants are reported as growing freely. Is it not the old
case over again of express propagation impairing tbe constitution of the
plants, for a time at leasi, and tbeir recovery under a better system of
propagation — that is, plants raised from better wood and well fed and de¬
veloped buds ?

Professional gardeners if not too “ bumptious” may often pmfit by
a hint from earnest amateurs. The last hint 1 have gathered was dropped
in a casual manner by a sell-taught rosarian, who his begun to take or z s
at the “National” Shows. Speaking ot the requirements of diff-ieut
Roses, he remaiked he had found out one thing — namely, that light Ro°es
as a rule like light soil, and dark R ses stronger land, anl he int nds
preparing his bed? accordingly. He contemplates having one bed ot Her
Maje-ty, which Rose he has bought and is propagating freely. Other
growers are presumably doing tbe same, so that at last there s ems a
I robability of the hiddeu beauty “coming out” in England, ti e
“ almighty dollar ” having nearly spent its force iu keepiug her m
obscurity in her native land.

Mr. Abbey is evidently a very ingenious man, but he sometimes
misses the mark. His comparison of pulling up twitch “ every time it got
large enough to lay hold of,” to kill it, does not apply to cutting the
young growths of Asparagus wben they appear above ground, ti r the
simple reason that these, wben cut at all are only cut oi.ee, and not
repeatedly “as they can be got hold ot." Tbe question is, whethei a'-er
this first cutting, as soon as they are a few inches high, say early in May,
other growths do not spring from the crowns and get even strong r the
sitne season than the originals W' uld if they were left to grow udcI ei ked.
That is the question, and it is not to be dispo ed of in the light tr i p eg
manner adopted by your corre-pon lent on page 42. Asparagus beds
from which the you g growth or ■■ sprue” has been cut iu th. in i uer
suggested l. r thriy years still produce splendid head-*, so that tbe ci.tt ng
mu-t kill very slowly. Some good growers for market believe that the
practice alluded to is the best, and when my jaunty critic has had auothi r
*• rut in ” ( 1 thiuk he had better s.-tile this matter bef .re demolishing me
on the fru t bud question) I may, perhaps, reemd a little exoenu.eut
bearing on the subject now under notice, and which tends to sh ov that
the good old- ashamed vegetable growers of the past were uot so tar
wrong as some m dern scientists ai>p «r to imagine. Try again, Mr.
Abbey, and you will oblige. — A Thinker.

July 22, 1836. 1

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

65

Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons hare now an extensive display of
Carnations and Picotees in their Chelsea Nursery, and an excellent
opportunity is afforded for amateurs to compare the numerous varieties
and make selections according to their taste or requirements. Carnations
generally are promising well, and we hear that the National Society’s
Show at South Kensington next week is likely to be a good one.

- We are informed that Messrs. Sutton &; Sons, Reading, and

Messrs. Webb & Sons, Stourbridge, had extensive and magnificent
Stands of Flowers, Seeds, and Roots at the Royal Agricultural
Society’s Norwich Show, and tint Mr. Sbarman, manager to Messrs
James Carter & Co., presented to H.R.H. the Princess of Wales a hand¬
some bouquet of Roses from their Rose grounds in Kent.

- Some attention was drawn to Statice Suworowi a year or two

since, but there was a general impression that the plant was difficult of
cultivation and that its merits had been overrated. Good evidence is
afforded at Kew that both these opinions are unfounded, for a little group
of plants in the Cape house are extremely healthy and beau ifully
flowered. The bright rose-coloured flowers are small individually, but
very numerous and ' clustered densely round the c\ lindrical branches of
the panicles, which are frequently 2 feet or more in length. The plants
are grown in small pots in a cold frame until the flowers are showing
when they are removed to a corner of the house, where they remain attrac¬
tive for some time.

- At the Ea9t Gloucestershire Rose Society ’s Show, held at Moretou-

in-the-Mar^h, and noted more fully in another column, the two Silver
Medals of the National Rose Society for ths best H.P. and the best
Tea or Noisette bloom, exhibited in the classes open to amateurs of All
England, were awarded to W. J. Grant, Esq., Ledbury, and T. W. Girdle-
stone, Esq., Sunningdale. The blooms selected for these honours being
H irace Vernet for the best H.P. from the Ledbury stand, and Mar&thal
Niel from that of the latter. At the same Show the special prize of £10,
given by A. B. Mitford, E q., C.B., for the best stand of Roses exhibited,
provided a task of some difficulty for the Judges, who finally awarded a
division of the prize between the Cranston Co. and T. W. Girdle-done, Esq.,
to both of whom a prize of £5 had been previously awarded in their
respective classes.

- In the north-west territory of Canada a Mr. W. H. Hooper of

Brandon is giving some attention to the exportation of Buffalo
Berries (Shepherdia argentea) for pickling or other purposes,
Some have already been sent to London pickle merchants as samples,
and it is said the supp'y is abundant, as the plant grows luxurian'ly on
the prairies, where the Indians have long used the berries. The fruit
grows in clusters the size of a Red Currant, is more or less acid, and of
somewhat pleasant flavour. The plant is also known in the United States
as Rabbit Berry and Beef Suet Tree, and at one time an attempt was made
to cultivate it in Britain for the sake of its fruit, but the results were not
satisfactory.

- The Annual Flower Show held in connection with the

Aldenham Street Sunday Schools, St. Pancras, was held recently, and
was attended by the Earl and Countess of Iddesleigh. The former, in
addressing the youthful competitors, spoke of the humanising influence
engendered by the love of plants, pointing out that the common pas-ion
for flowers tended to bring all classes together. There was a great deal
t) be learned, he thought, from the mere circumstance of contact with
flowers, and it was a loss, greater than some people supposed, for the
people of our great cities to be cut off to such an ex ent as they were
from this happy association with the fair things of Nature. He could
well remember when it was once thought a strange thing— hardly a right
thing, indeed — to plant flowers in our West End parks. It was said that
the people would not appreciate them, and would even spoil them, but
all experience had shown that the people had worked no harm to the
flowers, while the flowers had done a great deal of good to the people.

- Mr. J. W. Mallender sends the following Summary of

Meteorological Observations at Hodsock Priory, Worksop >
Notts, May, 1886. — Mean temperature ofmooth, 49 6° ; maximum on the
5th, 75T° ; minimum on the 2nd, 28-3°. Maximum in the sun on the
3rd, 127-3° ; minimum on the grass on the 2nd, 22 9°. Mean temperature
of the air at 9 A.M., 50-9"’ ; mean temperature of the soil 1 foot deep,
50-3°. Number of nights below 32°, in shade two, on grass five. Total
duration of sunshine in month, 106 5 hoars, or 22 per cent, of possible
duration. We had ten suuless days. Total rainfall, 6 15 inches. Rain
fell on twenty -three days. Maximum fall in twenty-four hours, on the
13th 2 02 inches, and 1 31 inch on the 12tb, causing very high floods,
doing serious damage to growing crop on low land, and starved to death
scores of swallows. Average velocity of wind, 9 7 miles per hour ;
exceeded 400 miles on four days, and fell short of 100 miles on two days.
June, 1886. — Mean tempsrature of the month, 54 9°; maximum on the
29th, 75-1° ; minimum on the 4th, 35-0°. Maximum in the sun on the
30th, 134-5°; minimum on the grass on the 4 h, 31-5°- Mean tempera¬
ture of the air at 9 A M., 56 0° ; mean temperature of the soil 1 foot deep,
55 3°. Number of nights below 32°, in shade none, on grass one. Total
duration of sunshine in month, 1-30 hours, or 26 per cent, of possible
duration. We had four sunless days. Total rainfall, 0 74 inch. Maximum
fall in twenty-four hours on the 1st, 0-37 inch. Riin fell on eight days.
Average velocity of wind, 8-4 miles per hour ; exceeded 400 miles on three
days, fell short of 100 miles on ten days. Colder anl less rain than any
of the last ten years ; less sunshine than any of the last five years.

- Messrs. W. Paul & Son, Waltham Cross, send us a Quar¬
tette of beautiful new Hoses, which affard most satisfactory
proof of the success that has attended the efforts of this firm to obtain
novelties of sterling merit. Most notable amongst them is Grand Mogul,
which was certificated at the last meeting of the Royal H irticultural
Society, and whioh gives ample promise of taking a prominent position
amongst dark Hybrid Pepetuals both for exhibition and as a garden
Rose. It attracted some attention at the National Rose Society’s Metro¬
politan Show, but was not then quite at its best, as shown subsequently ;
it was, however, in capital form, and the blooms now before us fully
confirm the good opinion we then formed of it. The fact that it is
a seedling from A. K. Williams would be suffi dent to recommend it
to many rosarians ; but while resembling that variety in form, it is
widely different in col mr, being a rich dark scarlet maroon shaded
with crimson, of good substance, and much stronger and more reliable
in habit. Florence Paul is another gtod HP. of flue substance, full,
and well built ; colour a warm crimson scarlet. Lady of the Lake is
a full pink H.P. Rase, the petals light on the under surface, very
fragrant, and of vigorous habit. Silver Q ieen is a floriferou3 pale pink
delicately tinted variety, very pretty when half expanded, and likely
to be a useful garden variety. These are only a few of the many fine
Roses raised at Waltham Cross, and of which a remarkable display was
provided at Kensington recently.

ORCHID NOMENCLATURE-

WHAr IS KEW ABOUT ?

On reading the article on page 35 last week, the question that came
involuntarily to my mind was this — What is Kew about?

Our position as a nation appears to be this : We grow more Orchids
and grow them better than any other nation does, we expend more money
on specimens and varieties, introduce the great v-t number of plants from
abroad, and raise more from seed at home, yet we appear to have no
person to whom we can appeal to determine their d st'nctness or merits,
describe them accurately, and name them authorativoly in this country.
Is not that sufficiently humiliating 1

A greater number of new species or varieties flower for the first time
in England than in any other kingdom in Europe. They are obtained
at great cost, tended with great care, wa-ched with great anxiety,
and as soon as flowers of supposed new varieties expand they are
sent out of the country and kept out of it, so tha’ a splendid foreign
museum is beiog formed at the expense of Briti h orchidists. No
one will begrudge Professor Reichenbach his possess'ons ; he has
fairly won them by his zeal, industry, an 1 ability. All Europe is
indebted to him, but that is not a sufficient reason for the position in
whioh we are placed. One would have thought that endeavour would
have been made long ago in our great national garden to master the
mysteries pertaining to the subject in question. The researches of the
famed professor may not always be tea dly aeces-ible to British growers.
The gieat work “ Reichenbaehia,” probably wt’l become the medium
through which his communications will r ach the w Hi, and it is not
unreasonable that it sh mid be since it is presented in three languages ; but
not oue Orchid grower in fifty can have this work at his elbow, and I
think with all our wealth ami enterprise we ought to have same home
authority on a question of this importance, and with which we are so

GG

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER

[ July 22, 1886.

closely identified, capable of settling disputed points ; and, again, I ask,
Wbat is Kew about 1

Surely with all their resources the authorities there might have
educated themselves ere this, or some official should be encouraged to do
so. Is nothing being done anywhere or by anyone ? It is true there has
been a conference, but it appears to have come to nothing. I was not
there, but heard it was “ just a jumble.” It seems as if everybody wanted
something done, and no one knew exactly what. So far as I can learn
no plan was formulated, no basis of action decided on, but everything
was left open, and any persons could “ chop in ” according to fancy,
or nurse their little schemes to their heart’s content, or discontent, for
there appears to have been as much of this as the other, as I heard of
no one being satisfied. The whole thing seems to have been very much of
a farce.

If there is any one place in England to which we have a right to look
for light on a subject on which we appear so much in the dark, it is Kew.
It is supported by the country for the benefit of the country, and I am
one of the many who think that everything that is ascertained in the
establishment that is of interest to the horticultural community should
be made known in the widest possible manner in the shape of reports
issued periodically for insertion in all the gardening papers.

There must be a great amount of knowledge locked up, so to say, at
Kew, and amongst this much about Orchids, for it will be conceded that
very little is given to the world. What do others say ? — A Taxpayer.

It appears that the rather perplexing subject of Orchid nomenclature
is still under consideration by the Committee appointed for the purpose,
and if this is so it is somewhat strange that the Floral Committee of the
Royal Horticultural Society should take the alteration of names into their
own hands, pending an authoritative decision. At the last meeting at
South Kensington an Oncidium was exhibi'ed under the name of 0. ma-
cranthum Southgatei which was certificated, the name being altered by
the Committee to “ Southgate’s Variety.” An Odontoglossum crispum
variety was also certificated under the name of Mrs. C. Dorman. On the
other hand, another variety of O. crispum was certificated as Hrubyanum,
and a vote of thanks was accorded for an Odontoglossum vexillarium
named Hollingtoni. There is a very strange inconsistency in this naming,
and if the Committee thought fit to alter the names to popular designations
in one case why were they allowed to remain in the botanical form in the
others ? I think we have a right to expect some explanation of this course,
and in the absence of a decision on the part of the Nomenclature Com¬
mittee, I fail to recognise the right of the Floral Committee to alter the
names of plants brought before them. — Ax Orchid Grower.

ROSE SHOWS.

THE NATIONAL ROSE SOCIETY.— July 15th.

NOTHER provincial Ex.
hibition has passed awray,
and the 1886 meeting at
the Botanical Gardens, Birming¬
ham, must be written down as a
success so far as the Roses and
gathering of Rose-growers were
concerned. Heavy rains in some
districts prevented some exhibi¬
tors who had entered from put¬
ting in an appearance. Still, there was
a large representative gathering of lead¬
ing growers, as our report of the prize¬
winners will show, and there was
quality in a large proportion of the blooms
staged, and in many instances the competition
was very close. The general impression amongst the
Birmingham visitors was that it was a grand display of
Roses, and expressions were freely made that it was the best
all-round exhibition of Roses seen in Birmingham. Merveille de
Lyon Rose was in grand form, and the stands of twelve blooms
were an attractive feature. The Tea Roses also were fine, such as we rarely
see in the midlands, and some Roses, such as A. K. Williams, Ulrich
Brunner, Mdlle. Marie Verdier, and others, were in splendid form every¬
where. Amongst the Teas Madame de Watteville and Madame Cusin were
written down in notebooks frequently, and no wonder, for both are great
acquisitions in new colours.

The executive of the Botanical Society did all they could to make
effective arrangements, and Mr. W. B. Latham must bs thanked for what
he did to secure success. The large glass exhibition building was crowded
with exhibits, and the day was fortunately cool and moderately cloudy.
There was a capital attendance, but as the subscribers to the gardens
and their families are admitted free, and the expenses of the Botanical
Society in various ways, including a bonus of £100 to the National Rose
Society, it will entail a loss of quite £100, as the receipts for the one day did
not exceed £50.

Division A (nurserymen) for seventy-two trusses, the Cranston Nursery
Company,’ Limited, were placed first, their best blooms being Abel Carriere,

Mrs. Baker, Mrs. Jowitt, Pride of Waltham, Mdlle. S. Rodonanche very fine,
Henri Ledechaux, President Senelar fine, Ulrich Biunner, Prince Arthur,
Princess Charlotte de la Tremouille, John Stuart Mill, Merveille de Lyon,
and Duchesse de Morny. Mr. B. R. Cant was second with smaller blooms,
but good also. Third Mr. Frank Cano, Colchester; fourth Messrs. Paul
and Son, Cheshunt, and then there was one other box staged. In class 2, for
thirty-six, three trusses of each, there were five exhibits. First Mr. B. R.
Cant, his best being Reynolds Hole, Niphetos, Ulrich Brunner, Franpois
Louvat, Prince Arthur, A. K. Williams, Souvenir d'Elise, Countess of
Oxford, Duke of Edinburgh, Dr. Sewell, Madame Gabriel Luizet, Duke of
Wellington, Alfred Colomb, Mons. Noman, Souvenir d’un Ami, Comtesse de
Nadaillac, Louis Van Houtte, Mdlle. Marie Verdier, Madame Hippolyte
Jamain, Charles Lefebvre, Merveille de Lyon, and Teas Madame de Walte-
ville and Madame Cusin. This was a very fine stand of clean bright
flowers. Second Mr. Frank Cant ; third Messrs. Paul & Son ; fourth Mr.
C. Turner, Slough.

In class 3, eighteen Teas and Noisettes, single trusses, ther-e were five
exhibitors, and this class was well represented and much admired. First,
Mr. Frank Cant, with very fine blooms, consisting of Madame Willermoz,
Catherine Mermet, La Boule d’Or, Madame Lambard, Niphetos, Souvenir
d’Eiise, Comtesse de Nadaillac, Madame Margottin, Souvenir d’un Ami,
Marechal Niel, Devoniensis, Madame Caroline Kuster, Marie VaD Houtte,
Madame Welche, Madame Bravy, Madame Cusin, Madame Angele Jacquier,
and Innocente Pirola. Second, Mr. George Prince, Oxford, Catherine
Mermet, Madame Cusin, Francisca Kruger, Marie Van Houtte, Madame
Lambard, and Marcillin Rhoda were all very fine. Third, Mr. B. R. Cant.

In class 4, thirty-six distinct Roses, single trusses, there were seven
exhibits. First, Messrs. Harkness & Son, nurserymen, Bedale, with back
row — Etienne Lamy, Merveille de Lyon, no name, Lady Mary Fitzwilliam,
Franpois Michelon, Charles Darwin, Marie Rady, Marie Verdier, Charles
Lsfebvre, Madame Hippolyte Jamain, E. Y. Teas, Ulrich Brunner. Second
row — Souvenir de Paul Neyron, Le Havre, Tea Jean Duoher, Louis Van
Houtte, Tea Catherine Mermet, Alfred Colomb, Madame Hippolyte Jamain
(Query. — I have it so in my notes, but in the hurry of taking them I did
not notice the repeat) Pierre Notting, Elie Morel, Beauty of Waltham,
Marechal Niel, Prince Arthur. Front row — Duke of Teck, Captain Christy,
Avocat Duvivier, Tea Souvenir d’un Ami, Horace Vernet, Countess of Rose¬
bery, Duke of Edinburgh, Mons. Alfred Dumesnil, Lord Macaulay, La
France, Dupuy J amain, and Princess Beatrice. Second Messrs. J. Burrell and
Son, nurserymen, Cambridge, with Reynolds Hole, Victor Verdier, Etienne
Levet, Duchesse de Morny, and Madame Clemence Joigneaux all very fine
blooms. Third, Messrs. John Jefferies «fe Son, nurserymen, Cirencester. Fourth,
Mr. T. Mattock, Headingham, Oxford. In class 5, for eighteen distinct trebles,
there were six lots staged. First, Messrs. John Jefferies & Son, with a fine
stand of blooms — viz., Countess of Oxford, Dr. Andry, Baroness Rothschild,
Beauty of Waltham, Merveille de Lyon, Ulrich Brunner, Queen of Queens,
Louis Van Houtte, Madame Gabriel Luizet. Second row — Alfred Colomb,
Marie Verdier, Rosieriste Jacobs, Marguerite de St. Amand, Marie Baumann,
Lady Mary Fitzwilliam, A. K. Williams, La France, and Ferdinand de
L'sseps. Second, Messrs. G. Cooling & Son, Bath, with a smaller but good
lot. Third, Messrs. Harkness & Son. Class 6. twelve Teas or Noisettes
single trusses, brought out five exhibitors. Mr. J. Mattock was placed first
with Jean Ducher, Hippolyte Jamain, David Pradel, Innocente Pirola,
Souvenir d’Eiise Vardon, Madame de Watteville. Front row — Marechal
Niel, Souvenir d’un Ami, Comtesse de Nadaillac, Cornelia Koch, Catherine
Mermet, and Marie Van Houtte. Second, Messrs. Harkne.-s & Son; third,
Messrs. G. Cooling & Son.

The following are the amateurs’ classes. Class 7, thirty-six distinct,
single trusses. Five exhibitors. First, The Rev. J. H. Pemberton,
Havering, Romford, with a very fine lot of blooms — viz., Comte Raimbaud,
Madame Charles Wood, Alfred Colomb, Madame Eugene Verdier, Marie
Baumann, Ulrich Brunner, Marquise de Castellane. Madame Charles
Crapelet, Alphonse Soupert, Xavier Olibo, Niphetos, Countess of Oxford.
Second row — Mdlle. Eugenie Verdier, Mdlle. Victor Verdier, Madame
Gabriel Luizet, Charles Lefebvre, Merveille de Lyon, Auguste Rigotard,
Pierre Notting, Belle Lyonnaise, A. K. Williams, Baroness Rothschild,
Horace Vernet, Franpois Michelon. Front row — Mdlle. Annie Wood,
Madame Bravy, Abel Carriere, Tea Comtesse de Nadaillac, Comtesse de
Camondo, Souvenir d’Eiise Vardon, and others. Second, Mr. T. B. Hall,
Rock Ferry, Birkenhead, Ulrich Brunner, Beauty of Waltham, Etienne
Levet, and Etoile de Lyon being very fine. Third, T. W. Girdlestone, Esq.,
Sunningdale, with an excellent stand ; and fourth, Mr. W. J. Grant, Hope
End Farm, Ledbury, with exceptionally good blooms. The exhibits in this
class were all fine.

In class 8, twelve varieties, three blooms of each, four exhibitors, first
Mr. W. J. Grant with a very fine stand — viz., Marie Verdier, Alfred Colomb,
Baroness Rothschild, Horace Vernet, Merveille de Lyon. Marie Baumann.
Front row — A. K. Williams, Souvenir d’un Ami, Louis Van Houtte, Marie
Van Houtt°, Marie Rady, and Abel Carriere. Second, Mr. T. B. Hall, with
very fine blooms, especially Marie Verdier, A. K. Williams, Louis Van Houtte,
Captain Christy, Merveille de Lyon, and Etienne Levet. Third, Rev. J. H.
Pemberton. Class 9, twelve Teas or Noisettes, Bingle trusses, first Mr. T. B.
Hall, with a very fine stand of Madame Willermoz, Souvenir d’un Ami, Alba
Rosea, Madame Cusin. Second row — Comtesse de Nadaillac, Hon. Edith
Giffard, very fine; Jean Ducher, Etoile de Lyon. Third row — Madame Van
Houtte, Madame Lambard, Madame Welche, and Catherine Mermet.
Second, the Rev. E. G. King, D.D., Madingley Vicarage, Cambridge, who
had a grand bloom of Souvenir d’Eiise Vardon. Third, the Rev. J. H.
Pemberton. There were two other boxes staged in this class.

In class 10, twenty-four, single trusses, distinct, there were five exhibits,
and Mr. C. Williams, Lower Eaton, Hereford, was placed first with
Madame Charles Crapelet, Comtesse de Serenye, Rosieriste Jacobs, Mdlle.
Marie Verdier, Prince Arthur, Lady Sheffield, Merveille de Lyon, John
Stuart Mdl. Second row — Beauty of Waltham, Duke of Wellington, Ulrich
Brunner, Marie Rady, Duchesse de Morny, A. K. Williams, Star of Waltham,
Abel Carriere. Front row' — La Rosiere, Boroness Rothschild, Fisher
Holmes, Marhehal Niel, Reynolds Hole, Mdlle. Marie Closon, Pride of
Waltham, and Maurice Bernardin. Second, the Rev. L. Garnet, Chester,
with an even good lot, Heinrich Schultheis, Ulrich BrunLer, Mr. lie. Eugenie
Verdier, Etienne Levet, and Duke of Wellingto being his finest blooms

July 22, If 86. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

67

Third, the Rev. E. N. Pochin, Barkby Vicarage, Leicester ; fourth, the Rev.
H. W. Watson, Birkswell.

In class 11, eighteen distinct, single trusses, five exhibitors, first, Mr. W.
Narroway, Headington Quarry, Oxon, with Marie Baumann, Madame
Eugenie Verdier. Duchess of Bedford, Franqois Michelon, Madame Charles
Wood, Captain Christy. Second row — Baroness Rothschild, Marie Rady,
Marie Verdier, A. K. Williams, Royal Standard, Rosieriste Jacobs. Front
row — Dr. Hogg, Madame Noman, Duke of Edinburgh, Auguste Rigotard,
Auguste Neumann, and Star of India. Second. Mr. G. Taylor, Old Heading-
ton, Oxon, with clean, even, good blooms. Third, Mr. W. Boys, Milford,
Derby. Fourth, Mr. R. Ramsden, Chadwick Manor, Knowle.

Class 12, nine Teas or Noisettes, single trusses, five exhibits. First,
Mr. W. Narroway, with Comtesse de Nadaillac, Niphetos, Madame Cusin,
Marechal Niel, Catherine Mermet, Jean Ducher, Souvenir d’un Ami, Inno-
cente Pirola, and Devoniensis. Second, the Rev. L. Garnet ; third, the Rev.
H. W. Watson. Class 13, twelve distinct Roses, single trusses, five exhi¬
bitors. First, Lieut.-Colonel Standish Hore, St. Asaph, with Charles
Lefebvre, Marquise de Castellane, Dupuy Jamain, Duchesse de Vallom-
brosa ; second row — Marie Finger, Louis Van Houtte, Madame Gabriel
Lnizet, Alfred Colomh ; third row — Camille Bernardin, Tea Anna Ollivier
Tuihess of Bedford, and Dr. Andry. Second, Mr. W. R. Bland, Duffield,’
Derby ; third, Mr. J. Sladden, Badsey, Worcestershire ; fourth, the Rev.
E. L. Fellowes, Wimpole Rectory, Royston. Class 14, six Roses, single
trusses. First, the Rev. F. R. Burnside, Chipping Camden, with Merveille
de Lyon, Etienne Levet, Baroness Rothschild, Reynolds Hole, Duchesse de
Vallombrosa, and Marquise de Castellane. Second, the Rev. F. S. Taylor,
Evesham; third, Mr. E. Mawley, Berkhampstead. Class 15, six Teas or
Noisettes, single trusses, six exhibits. First, the Rev. F. R. Burnside, with
Catherine Mermet, Madame Bravy, Souvenir d’un Ami, Souvenir de Paul
Neyron, Madame Cusin, and Innocente Pirola. Second, Mr. J. Sladden ;
third, Lieut.-Colonel Hore. Class 16, six new Roses, distinct, single trusses,
offered for the first time in English nurserymen’s lists in the spring of 1884
and subsequently. First, T. W. Girdlestone, Eiq., with Etendard de Jeanne
•d’Arc, Grace Darling, Alphonse Soupert, Princess de Bearne, Madame de
Watteville, and Madame Massicault. Second, Mr. William Boys, with
Mrs. C. Swailes, Alphonse Soupert (both very fine blooms), Mary Bennett,
Sunset, Etendard de Jeanne d’Arc, and Grace Darling.

The following were open classes. — Class 17, twelve new Roses, single
trusses, offered for the first time in the spring of 1884, first Messrs. George
Paul & Son, with beautiful blooms — viz., Benoit Comte, very fine ; Madame
Julie Gontin, Marshal P. Wilder, very fine ; Madame Massicault, fine
form; Alphonse Soupert, fine; Longfellow, dark velvety crimson;
Etendard de Jeanne d’Arc. a fine bloom , Directeur Alphand, Pride of Reigate,
in fine character; Tea Madame de Watteville, Ella Gordon, fine form;
and Madame Norman Neruda. Two other exhibitors in this class were
disqualified, as Roses sent out beyond this date were exhibited, such as
Lady Mary Fitzwilliam and Queen of Roses.

Class 18, twelve Teas or Noisettes, three trusses of each, first, Mr. B. R.
Cant, Colchester, with a grand lot — viz., Niphetos, Madame de Watteville,
Hon. Edith Gifford, Souvenir d’Elise, Marechal Niel, Souvenir d’un Ami.
Second row — Catherine Mermet, Marie Van Houtte, Madame A. Jacquier,
very fine : Innocente Pirola, Madame Cusin, and Comtesse de Nadaillac.
Second Mr. G. Prince, and in this stand Comtesse de Nadaillac, Madame
Cus'n, and Souvenir d’Elise Vardon were fine. Third Messrs. George Paul
and Son, this stand containing fine blooms of Madame Angele Jacquier,
Comtesse de Nadaillac, Souvenir d’Elise Vardon, and Madame de Watte¬
ville.

Class 19, twelve single trusses of any yellow Rose. First Mr. B. R.
Cant, second Mr. Frank Cant, third Messrs. J. Burrell & Co., Cambridge, all
with Marshal Niels. Two other stands were staged, one of Etoile de Lyon
the other Gloire de Dijon. Class 20, twelve single trusses of any white
Roses, seven grand lots of Merveille de Lyon were staged and won great
admiration. First Mr. George Prince, second the Cranston Nursery Com¬
pany, third Messrs. George Paul Son. A stand of La France was also
staged in this class. Class 21, twelve single trusses of any crimson Rose ;
these were twelve exhibitors. First Mr. B. R. Cant with A. K. Williams ;
second Mr. Frank Cant with the same variety ; third Mr. George Prince with
Alfred Colomb, who also staged twelve grand blooms of Marie Baumann.
Class 22, twelve dark velvety crimsons, eight exhibits. First Mr. B. R. Cant
with a fine lot of Reynolds Hole ; second the Cranston Nursery Company
with Prince Camille de Rohan ; third Messrs. George Cooling & Son with
Aavier Olibo. Class 23, twelve single trusses of any Roses, six exhibitors.
First Mr. B. Cant with Marshal Niel ; second Mr. W. J. Grant with Baroness
Rothschild ; third the Cranston Nursery Company with Prince Arthur.
Class 24, three trusses of any new seedling Rose ; no entries.

Class 25, for district grown Roses. First A. H. Griffiths, Esq , Harborne,
for an excellent lot ; second Mr. Wm. Brown, Elmdon Hall Gardens; third
Mr. Docker, Kings Norton.

Class 26, six distinct trusses for distinct growers. First Mr. J. Richards,
Edgbaston ; second Charles Snowell, Esq., Edgbaston.

Premiers, for best Hybrid Perpetual, A. K. Williams in the Rev. J. H.
Pemberton’s stand : best Tea or Noisette, MarechalNiel, a grand bloom,
which also took the premier at Moreton-in-the-Marsh two days previously,
shown in Mr, Girdlestone’s lot.

It is very much to be regretted that this superb display throughout could
not have been seen by the thousands of Rose lovers in this district, and
could a two- days exhibition have been arranged the reports in the evening
and morning Birmingham papers would have brought a great attendance on
the second day. 6

MAIDSTONE.

This is one of those exhibitions where the amateurs have it all to them¬
selves, and where those who compete are confined, if not to the neighbour¬
hood at any rate to the county. They generally come out in good form,
and one is always sure to find good Roses in the stands ; but time works its
changes, and that which formed always one of the pleasures of the Show — the
meeting of our veteran Rose grower, always full of cheeriness and enthusiasm
for his favourite flower, Mr. John Holling worth — was denied us this time.
Age and its infirmities kept him at home, and although he is still able to get
about his own place and bestow his many gifts of kindness to others, he is no
longer able to enter into the busier scenes of life. He has been and is

still the mainstay of the Show. He gives as usual his cup to be competed
for ; and as long as he is spared, at any rate, the Maidstone Rose Club will
continue to flourish.

The Exhibition was held this year later than usual. It is generally one
of the earliest, but it took place this year on the 9th, and did not lo3e by the
delay. The w'eather had become somewhat cooler, and as the room was cool
and well ventilated RoseB promised to keep well. I had to leave early, so do
not know how they looked at the end of the day.

The principal class was for twenty-four Roses, twelve Teas and twelve
Hybrid Perpetuals, and in this Mr. Warde of East Farleigh took first with
an excellent box containing Madame Gabriel Luizet, Marie Baumann, * Jean
Ducher, * Catherine Mermet, * Souvenir de Paul Neyron, * Marechal Niel,
very fine, taking also the medal for the best Rose in the Show, Prince
Camille de Rohan, * Madame Hippolyte Jamain, A. K. Williams, * Souvenir
d’un Ami, Prince Arthur, Marquise de Castellane, Charles Lefebvre,
* Triomphe de Rennes, an excellent bloom, Duke of Edinburgh, * Perle de
Lyon, Eugene Fiirst, Francis Michelon, * Comtesse de Nadaillac, * Madame
Margottin, Caroline Kuster, Marie Rady, and * Belle Lyonnaise. Those
marked * being Teas or Noisettes.

In the class for eighteen a fine box was shown by Mr. H. Foster of Brad¬
ford, so good that it obtained the medal of the National Rose Society for
the best box in the Show, containing Baroness Rothschild, A. K. Williams,
William Koelle, a flower rarely seen and still more rarely in the beautiful
form of this bloom ; Mabel Morrison, Abel Carriers, Marie Baumann,
Eugene Fiirst, Marie Verdier, Jean Liabaud, Dupuy Jamain, Baron Haus-
mann, Marie Rady, Madame Marguerite D’Ombrain, Alfred Colomb, Paul
Verdier, Red Dragon, a remarkable bloom of a Rose not generally con¬
sidered an exhibition Rose ; Hippolyte Jamain, and Duke of Edinburgh.
In class 3, for twelve Teas, Mr. Warde was again first with a good box of
blooms csntaining Madame Margottin, Triomphe de Rennes, Marie Van
Houtte, Marechal Niel, Comtesse de Nadaillac, Madams Caroline Kuster,
Jean Ducher, Etoile de Lyon, Madame Hippolyte Jamain, Souvenir d’un
Ami, and Souvenir de Paul Neyron. In class 4, for twelve blooms, Mr. R. E.
West of Reigate was first with Ulrich Brunner, Alfred Colomb, Reynolds
Hole, Baroness Rothschild, Duke of Edinburgh, Louis Van Houtte,
Camille Bernardin, Abel Carriere, Marie Rady, Marie Baumann, Star of
Waltham, and Merveille de Lyon. In class 5, for eight trebles, Mr. Warde
was again first with fine blooms of Marie Rady, Prince Arthur, Mons.
Noman, Duke of Teck, very good; Franqois Michelon, Eugene Fiirst, Alfred
Colomb, and Louis Van Houtte. In the class for six Teas Mrs. Fuller of
Bexley Vicarage was first with good blooms of Comtesse de Nadaillac,
Marie Van Houtte, Hon. Edith Gifford, Marechal Neil, Jean Ducher, and
Etoile de Lyon. She was also first in the class for six trebles with Charles
Lefebvre, Gabriel Luizet, Marquise de Castellane, Captain Christy, Duke of
Edinburgh, and Marie Finger. In the class for nine varieties Messrs.
Ashunt & Tucker of Farningham were first with Marie Rady, Charles
Lefebvre, Mons. Noman, Abel Carriere, Captain Christy, Alfred Colomb,
Etienne Levet, and Baroness Rothschild. In the class for six trebles of Teas
and Noisettes Mr. F. Warde was again first with Caroline Kuster, Comtesse
de Nadaillac, La Boule d’Or, Innocente Pirola, and Princess of Wales. In
class 6, for six of any one variety, Mr. W. H. Wakeley was first with good
blooms of Marechal Neil, and Mr. F. Warde second with the same variety.

There are always some good devices, or rather stands of Roses with
foliage, the first prize going to Miss Bensted with a very light and tasteful
arrangement of Tea Roses with the Briar and Bramble foliage ; the second
to Miss Lawrence with blooms of A. K. Richardson and other Roses. In
buttonholes the first prize was won by Miss Sandley, and in shoulder knot3
Mrs. Biron displayed her usual taste in one composed of A. K. Richardson.

I have said that this is solely an amateurs’ show, but Messrs. Geo.
Bunyard & Co. and Messrs. Frost & Sons contributed many things to
decorate the room, the former firm sending some Peach tre-s in pots,
notably Alexander and Waterloo, of Russian origin, which prove themselves
to be very early bloomers, with fruit of fine quality ; they also sent six boxes
of Rose blooms, containing most of the leading varieties in good form and
colour ; the dry season has, however, been unfavourable to their soil and
situation.

The Society owes much to the energy and courtesy of their excellent
Secretary, Mr. H. Bensted, under whose fostering care the Society has for
so many years prospered, and under which all lovers of the Rose hope it
may for many years continue. — D., Deal.

SUTTON.

The enterprising Committee of this flourishing Rose Society made an
excellent change this year in removing their show from the room which
was far too small for their exhibits and holding it in a tent in the grounds
of Sutton Hall, an unfinished mansion close to the town, and as the weathtr
was brilliant the change was very pleasant. It is true the tent was trying
enough for the Roses, but it was well ventilated, and in the early part of
the day the Roses stood it better than might have been expected. The Com¬
mittee of the Society have not merely endeavoured to get up a show where
prizes may be taken, but have also tried, by publishing information and
other means, to get the lovers of gardens in Sutton and the neighbourhood
to take an intelligent interest in the culture of the Rose. I have had the
pleasure of assisting at each of their exhibitions, and while at first it seemed
as if their efforts would be in vain, the last two years have witnessed an
advance, and the local exhibits this year showed a most decided improve¬
ment both in the manner of setting up and in the qualities of the Roses
ttl6D] S©1 V68«

When such growers as Messrs. Girdlestone, Slaughter, Cheales, Cuthell,
&c., contend in rivalry, it may be taken for granted that good Roses would be
staged, and although difference of soil and situation must tell in such
weather as we have experienced lately, the stands were in every way good.
Perhaps the flowers were a little small owing to the rapid manner in which
the hot sun had brought them into bloom. In class 1 for twenty- four blooms,
Mr. Girdlestone was first with A. K. Williams, Souvenir de Paul Neyron,
General Jacqueminot, Captain Christy, Mdlle. Mane Rady, Madame Mane
Finger, Reynolds Hole, Beauty of Waltham, Souvenir d’Elise, Countess of
Rosebery, Duchess of Bedford, Xavier Olibo, Catherine Mermet, Marie
Rady, Prince of Wales, Prince Arthur, Annie Laxton, Alfred Colomb, Lady

68

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 22, 1686.

Mary Fitzwilliam, Caroline Kuster. Horace Yernet, and two others. In
class for twelve blooms, Mr. Alfred Slaughter was first with Horace Yernet,
Lord Macaulay, Countess of Rosebery, A. K. Williams, Souvenir d’Elise,
Marie Rady, Duke of Wellington, Camille Bernardin, Marie Baumann,
Baronne de Rothschild, Marquise de Castellane, La France ; Mr. Bethune
second, the Rev. Cox Hales third. In class 3for eight trebles, Mr. Girdlestone
was first with Innocente Pirola, Dr. Andry, Gabriel Luizet, Dr. Baillon,
Catherine Mermet, Marie Baumann, Eugenie Verdier, and A. K. Williams.
In class 4 for twelve Teas or Noisettes, Mr. Girdlestone was first with
Francisca Kruger, Paul Neyron, La Boule d’Or, Madame Margottin, Catherine
Mermet, Innocente Pirola, Madime de Watteville. Jean Ducher, Madame
Bravy, Caroline Kuster, and Souvenir d’Elise Vardon. In class 5 for nine
blooms, Mr. Cuthell was first with Duke of Connaught, Marie Finger,
Ferdinand de Lesseps, Madame Hippolyte Jamain, Francis Louvat,
Marhchal Yaillant, Marie Rady, and Gabriel Luizet. In class 6 for six
blooms, Mr. E. Mawley was first with Lady Mary Fitzwilliam, Captain
Christy, Duchess of Vallombrosa, Xavier Olibo, Marie Finger, and Countess
of Oxford. In class 8 for six Teas, the Rev. A. Cheales was first with
Souvenir d’un Ami, Reve d’Or, Niphetos, Etoile de Lyon, Gloire de Dijon,
and Marechal Niel. In class 9, for twelve blooms of any one sort, Mr.
Girdlestone was first with Duchess of Yallambrosa ; Mr. Cuthell second
with Captain Christy. In class 10 for six new Roses, Mr. Girdlestone was
first with Queen of Queens, Princess of Bearn (?), Mrs. Caroline Swailes,
Lord Frederick Cavendish, Gloire Lyonnaise, and Lord Bacon. The N.R.S.
silver medal for the best H P. was awarded to Mr. Girdlestone for A. K.
Williams, and for the best Tea to Mr. Slaughter for Souvenir d’Elise.

In the local class for the best twelve blooms the first prize was awarded
to Mr. Foster for Le Havre, La France, Madame Yictor Verdier, Souvenir
de la Malmaison, Alfred Colomb, Jules Toumay, Duke of Welhngton,
Captain Christy, Sir Garnet Wolseley, and Marechal Niel. In cla9B 12
for the best nine, Mr. Hughes was fi^st with Dupuy Jamain. La France,
Marie Rady, Captain Christy, Star of Waltham, Merveille de Lyon, Baron
Bonstettin, Belle Lyonnaise, and Jean Cherpin. In class 16, for six blooms
of one variety, Mr. P. Wate>-er was first with La France. In class 15, for six
blooms, Mr. Barrett won the ladies’ cup with Alfred Colomb, Gabriel Luizet,
Captain Christy, Countess of Oxford. Charles Lefebvre, and Marie Rady.

In the nurserymen’s class Mr. B R. Cant was first for thirty-six blooms
with Merveille de Lyon, Duke of Edinburgh, Mons. Noman, Etienne Levet,
Prince of Wales, Fisher Holmes, La France, Star of Waltham, Lady Mary
Fitzwilliam, Sultan of Zanzibar, Mardchal Niel, Lord Macaulay, Duke of
Wellington, Madame Marie Cointet, Annie Laxton, Mrs. Baker, Violette
Bouyer, Madame Marie Verdier, Marchioness of Exeter, Comtesse d’Oxford,
A. K. Williams, Captain Christy, Antoine Ducber. Souvenir d’Elise, Earl of
Pembroke, Francois Micbe'on, Pride of Waltham, Madame Angdle Jacquier,
Reynolds Hole, Madame Gabriel Luizet, Marie Biumann, Madame Eugene
Verdier, and Madame de Watteville. H ■ was also first for twelve Teas with
Etoile de Lyon, Madame Cusin, Souvenir d’Elise, Souvenir d’un Ami,
Catherine Mermet, Innocente Pirola, Marechal Niel, Jean Ducher, Prince of
Wales, Marie Van Houtte, Ni| hetos, and La Boule d’Or.

Sutton always comes out very strong in the classes for table decorations,
bouquets, sprays, buttonholes, baskets of Roses, <fcc., but they are classes of
which it is impossible to give any desciiption, and it will be therefore suffi¬
cient to say that the principal honours were taken by Mrs. Ernest Wilkins,
Miss Russell, Miss Shaw, Mrs. Dart, and Miss M. Fisher. A great deal of
good taste was displayed in many of these exhibits, but after all it must be
sorrowfully confessed that the Ros > does not lend itself so easily to decora¬
tive purposes as many other flowers do. The Exhibition was manag'd in
its usual excellent manner, ai d its indefatigable and courteous Secretary,
Mr. Ernest Wilkins, is to be congratulated on the success which has attended
his and the Committee’s efforts to popularise the Rose at Sutton. — D.,
Beal.

[Our correspondent accidentally omitted to give the name of the chief
prizewinner in class 7.]

HITCHIN.

I am puzzled to decide whether one gets more enjoyment from visiting
places where one has beenbefore, meeting old friends, hearing of all their
doings, roseally and otherwise, or of breaking into fresh ground. However this
may be, I had a very r< al pleasure in breaking up fresh ground on my visit to
Hitchin, where indeed I whs sure to meet old friends, but where the place it°elf
was as yet unknown. And yet what a pleasant spot it is 1 and what a bustling
place it must have been in the old coaching dayB, when it was one of the
posting stations on the Great Northern Road, and where the fine old hotel,
which still retains signs of its forme1- state, when county magnates did not
venture to London but were satiBfi d with the milder gaieties of county
balls, &c., — now, alas 1 all departed ; but they managed very well in those
olden days, and in some ways the change of manners and customs is to be
lamented. London was not then the ail absorbing monster that it is now,
and county towns Bhone with Borne rtflected lustre which has now all been
absorbed.

The Hitchin Rose Show owes its origin to our energetic and cheery

friend, the Rev. F. H. Gall, who for many years ha9 managed it, and

who must be pleased to see how it has improv d and increased under bis
fostering care. As I have ne'er been there b fore I can make no com¬
parisons with former years, but I do know that it was a very excellent
show, and that some very good blooms were exhibited. It was held in the
grounds of S. Delmd Ratcuffe, Esq., cl se to the town, and, although com¬
pared with some shows it was small, yet several very good growers com¬
peted; Messrs. Burrell & Co., Merryweather, <fcc., amongst nurserymen;
Messrs. Lindsell, Fellowes. Jackson. KiDg, Curds, and the worthy Secretary
amongst amateurs. I have not this season as yet seen a more lovely box
than the twenty-four set up by Mr. Lindee'l. Some of the blooms were
magnificent spicimens, and there was little difficulty in picking out the

premier blooms in it. The other exhibitors named showed well, but Mr.

Lindsell was facile prinreps. The following is the list of awards : —

For forty-eight distinct Messrs. J Burrell <fe Co. were first with Madame
Prosper Laugier, Lacy Mary Fitzwil ban, A. K. Williams, Mons Noman,
Prince Arthur, La France, Mrs. Baker, Henrich Schultheis, Princ> ss
Beatrice, Mons. Boncenne, Annie Tiaxton Mr. Harry Turner, Marie

Baumann, Jean Liabaud, Duchesse de Vallombrosa, Depuv Jamam,
Alphonse Soupert, Marbchal Niel, Louis Van Houtte, Marie Cointet, Dr.
Andre, Pri e of Waltham, Alfred Colomb, Jean Soupert, Due de Welling¬
ton, Madame Hippolyte Jamain, Charles Lefebvre, Queen of Queens, Dr.
Sewell, Merveille de Lyon, Abel Carriere, Madame Eugdce Verdier
Franpois Michelon, Marie Rady, Jean Ducher, Comtesse d’Oxford, Madame
Monte t, Duke of Teck, Marquise de Castellane, Star of Waltham. Beauty of
Waltbam, Violette Bouyer, Prince Camille de Rohan, Marie Verdier, Queen
of Waltham, Marguerite de St. Amand, Duchess of Bedford, and Abel
Grand. Messrs. Merryweather, Southwell were second ; Messrs. Francis and
Co., Hertford, third ; and Messrs. Geo. Bunyard & Co., Maidstone, taking
an extra prize. _ _

For eighteen Teas, Messrs. Burrell tfe Co. were again first with Jean
Ducher, Niphetos, Catherine M rmet, Amazone, Princess of Wa’es, La
Boule d’Or, Souvenir d’un Ami, Reve o’Or, Made Van Houtte, Souvenir
d’Elise Vardon, Souvenir de Paul Neron, Madame Angele Jacquier,
Caroline Kuster, Comtesse de Nadaillac, Souvenir de Gabriel Driver, Etoile
de Lyon, Madame Lambard, Devoniensis. The Rev. W. H. Jackson was
second ; Messrs. Merryweather, Southwell, third.

In the class for twenty-four distinct Mr. E. B. Lindsell had a very grand
box of perfect blooms, containing Souvenir d’ Elise Vardon, Prince Arthur,
Duchesse de Vallombrosa, Xavier Olibo, Marguerite de St. Amand, Lord
Macaulay, Madame Gabriel Luizet, Ulrich Brunner, Duchesse de Morny,
Baroness Ro'hschild, A. K. Williams, La France, Alfred Colomb, Comtesse
d’Oxford. Alphonse Soupert, Lady Mary Fitzwilliam, Innocen e Pirola,
Ho ace Vernet, Madame Lacharme, Heinrich Schultheis. Anna Ollivier,
Violette Bouyer, Marie Baumann, Marquise de Castellane. In this box were
the best H.P. Ulrich Brunner and the best Tea Anna Ollivier, and which
also obtained the silver medal for the best box in the Show. The Rev.
W. H. Jackson was a good second, and the Rev. E. L. Fellowes, Wimpole,
third. _

Iu eight tr bles Mr. E. B. Lindsell was again first with Alfred Colomb,
Duchesse de Vallombrosa, Caroline Kuster, La France, A. K. Williims,
Merveille de Lyon. Dr. Andre, Violette Bouyer. The Rev. W. H. Jackson
was second, and Mr. L. L. Curtis, Chatteris, third.

In class 5, for twelve distinct varieties, Mr. S. Tuke was first with Madame
Charles Wood, MervAUe de Lyon, A. K. Williams, Beauty of Wal'ham, La
France, Marie Rady, Baroness Ro'hschild, C. Lefebvr-, Duke of Edinburgh,
Marie Van Houtte, Louis V n Houtte, Lady Mary Fitzwilliam ; the Rev.
F. Fox Lambert se ond, and Mr. F. Gosling third. In class 6, for four
trebles, the Rev. F. Gall was first with Marquise de Castellan--, Aba) Carriere,
Madame Marie Finger, Madame Gabriel Luizet ; and the Rev. F. G. Jennyns
second.

In class 7, for nine distinct varieties, Mrs. Times was first with Charles
Lefebvre. A If r d Colomb, Madame Gabriel Luizet, Marie Baumann, Emily
Laxton, Eugdnie Verdier, Queen of Queens, Abel Carriere, Souvenir de Paul
Neyron ; Mr. John Burton, Sawtry, second ; the Rev. E. T. Cavy third, and
Mr. G. MonkR extra. In class 8, for six distinct varieties, Miss A. M. Lucas
was first with Marquise de Castellane, Ulrich Brunner, Mons. Noman, Duke
of Wellington, La France, Alfred Colomb; the Rev. E. King, Madingley,
second, Mrs. Times third, and M s Wilson extra. In class 9, for twelve
Teas, the Rev. W. H. Jackson was first with Jean Ducher, Souvenir d’E ise,
Souv-nir de Paul Net ron, Madame A. J acquu-r, Souvenir d’un Ami, Niph> tos,
Catherine Merme , Triomphe de Rennes, Alba rosea, Madame Lambard,
Peile des Jardins, Hon. Edith Giffard; the Rev. F. King second, and the
Rev. C L Fellowes third.

In the class for nine Teas, Mr. E. B. Lindsell was first with Souvenir
d'Elise Varr'on, Anna Olliver, Innocente Pirola, Etoile de L- on, Souvenir
d’un Ami. E ise Snuvage, Grace Darling, Hippolyte Jamain, Jean Ducher ;
and the Rev. C. T. Jennyns second. In the class for six Teas, the Rev. F.
Fox Lambert was first with B lie Lyonnaise, Madame Lambard. Marie Van
Houtte, Anna Ollivier, Hon. Edith Gff i d, Jean Ducher ; the R v. F. H.
Gall was second, and Mr. H. Ransom third. Mr. E. B. Lind-.ell was first
with Maiie Van Houtte in the class for six of one sort.

With tub'e decorations, Miss Tuke and Miss A. M. Lucas were equal
firsts, Miss L. Littl tree se-ond, Mrs. M. Pryer third, and Mrs. Hutson extra.
For band bouquet, Miss Grace Lucas was first, Mrs. Pryer second, MiBS
Florence Lucas third. In class 14 for buttonholes, &c , Miss Jennyns was
first, and Miss McNeil second, and Miss Baily-Denton third.

HEREFORD AND WEST OF ENGLAND.

The twentieth Exhibition of this old Society was held in the Shire Hall,
Hereford. We regiet to state that neither the competition nor the attend¬
ance of the public was up to the average. Perhaps it would hardly be
light to expect ‘he large Rose growers to compete at such distant, places
as Hereford during the few important davs of the Rose, exhibition
campaign, still prizes of large money value are offered in a special class, to
the exclusion of Herefordshire nurserymen, and in former years ti'is plan
was found to work most succesi-fully, always two and occasiorally th'ee or
four of the leading r sarian professionals putting in an appearance against
the far-famed local Kingacre Nurseries. Your reporter pleasingly remembers
on one occasion six grand seventy-twos being staged after t ue Nati nal
Rose Show fashion. May history repeat itself, though from present appear¬
ances, this appears hardly likely.

In the proiessional class the Cranston Company carried all before them,
and -eldom have this celebrated firm exhibit'd better, there being bar ly an
inferior bloom staged. Their Beventy-two var eties were as follows : —
Comtesse de Hi renyi, Exposition de Brie. Merveille de Lyon. Prince Arthur,
La France, Reynolds Hole, Dr. Andry, Queen of Queens, Marie Baumann,
Paul Neron, Princess Beatrice, Alfred Colomb, Henrich Scbuhhiee, Louis
Van ELnut'e, Alfred K. Williams, Mdlle. Eugdnie Verdier, Marqui-e de Castel-
lain ■, Abel Carriere, Mdlle. Sector, Gdndral Jacqueminot, Mdlle. Marie
Co nte’, Countess of Oxford, Duchesse de Vallombrosa, Marie Rady,
Constantin Tretiakoff, Maidehal Niel, Mons. Alfred Dune snil, Eiie Morel,
Auguste Neumann, Maiguerite de St. Amand, Baroness Rothschild,
Senateur Vaisse, Devoniensis, Star of Waltham, Prid6 of Waliham,
La Duchess- de Morny, Madame Vidot, Madame Chas. Crapel-t, M dame
Lacharme, Thos. Mills, Mdll-. Ha- guerite Manion, Mardchal VaiLant,
Dineee Conaid, H5g ia. Jeanne Sury, Victor Verdier, Madame Cbarl- s Wood,
Madame Georges Schwartz, Catherine Mermet, Countess of Rosebery,

July 22, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF EORTTGULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

69

Madame Therese L-tvet, Masterp:ece, Princess Mary of Cambridge, Jean
L'abaud. President Wi'lermoz, Mons. Noman, Mons. Edenne Levet, Royal
Standard, Duo de Wellington, Beauty of Waltham, Midame Gabriel Uuizet,
Mons. Francois Rive, Lady Sheffi-ld, Franijois Louvit, Marquise de Rohan,
Duke of Edinburgh. Fisher Holmes, Marquise de Mortemnt, Le Havre,
Cloth of Gold, Prince Camille de Rohan, Hippolyta Jaraain. Specially gr md
in size, colour, and substance were the d irk H.P.’s R ynolds Hole aud Abel
Carribre, H.P. Auguste Neumann, smooth and fine, superbly shown; H P.
Dingbe Conard, magnificent, but of poor habit and very uncertain ; Madame
Chav. Crane'et, grand bloom of this fine old Rose; aud Madame E irnne
Levet. Messrs. Davison & Co. took second prize, H.P.’s E npress of India
and Rosy Morn were especially noticeable among their blooms. In thirty-
six varieties, three trusses, Cranston Co. first prize, and Messrs. Davison
and Co. second prize. In twenty-four varieties Mr. Thomas Griffiths,
Til'ington Nurseries, fi st prize, and also in eighteen varieties, three truss s ;
while the second priz» fell to Messrs. Harkness & Son, Bedaie, and Messrs.
G. Cooling and Son in the order named.

In class A2, excluding Herefordshire nurserymen, seventy- two varieties)
single trusses, first prize Messrs. Harkness <fe Son, second prize M*ssrs.
Cooling & Son. Coming to the amateur class, the fi st prize for thirty-Bix
variet’es, single trusses, fell to Mr. Grant, the second prizewinner at the
N.R. Show last week, and seldom if ever has this spirited exhibitor st-ged
finer blooms. We noticed as specially grand H.P. Marie RaUy, Captain
Christy, Franpois Miohelon, Ulrich Brunner, magnificent ; Souvenir d’un
Ami, exquisite; H.P Duchesae de Vallombrosa, and Madame Eugene Yerdi r.
This gentleman’s box was almost faultless, cleverly staged, and had the
honour of containing the first and second prizes for the ’ wo be-t blooms i i
the Hall— viz., first H.P. A. K. Williams, and second H.P. Duch sse de
Morny. This exhibit also carried of! the National Rose S cietv’s silver
m dal. Miss Bulraer took second prize with more loosely built but fin- ly
coloured and well-arranged blooms. The class restricted to Herefor Bhire
was w 11 filled. The leading prizewinners being J. Pulley, E?q., J. Rankin,
Esq., and W. Farrar Ecroyd, Esq., in the order named.

The floral decontions were not quite so keenly or numerously contested
as usual. Lord Bute’s special prizes, first prize Miss E. M. Burrow, second
prize Miss Watkins. In class D, open, the collection of twelve new Ros-s
not in commerce previous to 1883, always a most interesting and us ful
exhibit, fell to Cranston Co., also twelve trusses of any new Rose not in
commerce previous to 1883, with H.P. Duke of Albany, a most promising
dark variety. Twelve Teas and Noisettes were deservedly won bv Mr.
Cant with splendid blooms of mostly old favourites — Siuvenir de Paul
Neyron, Jean Dueher, Niphetos, Souvenir d’un Ami, Madame Lambard,
Alba Rosea, Noisette Caroline Kuster, Devoniensis, Catherine Mermet, Marie
Yan Houtte, and Rubens. Second prize Messrs. Jeffries & Son. Highly com-
mended, Mr. F. R. Burnside and Messrs. Harkness & Son. This was a very
fine class indeed of eight exhibitors. In twenty-four blooms of any one
R >ve, equal first Messrs. Cooling <t Son and Mr. Grant with H.P. Alfred
Dumesnil and H.P. Marie Rady, second Cranston & Co., H P. Reynolds
Hole.

May your reporter be allowed to suggest in the most friendly spirit, that
a little more attention be paid to the artistic decoration, not to say dom Stic
requirements, of the Exhibition Hall and its precincts. A grievous falling off
in this resoect cannot fail to produce a bad impression on visitors who are
accustomed to associate so lovely a spectacle as a Rose i-how and all its
surroundings with everything that is in perfect order, taste, and beauty
He would suggest also that a good string band be added as on former occa¬
sions to the floral attractions. Drawbacks aud alterations like these in th
opinion of the general public are apt to be dangerous experiments and bad
economv. The Judges were the Rev. C. H. Bulmer, Credenhill Re tory,
Hereford; Mr. W. J. Grant, Ledbury; Mr. Cooling, Bath: Mr. Ha>kness,
Bedaie; and Mr. Tresider, Cardiff. — The Herefordshire Incumbent.

SHREWSBURY.— July 15th.

The fourth annual Exhibition of this spirited Society was he’d in the
lovely Quarry Grounds, and taking into consideration the counter-attract on
of the N.R.S ’s provincial Exhibition at Birmingham on the same day,
proved a marked success. Ninety-five entries were made, and although
severe storms iu the North kept off some intending exhibitors, we learn
that over 3000 blooms were staged. Suffice it to say, as speaking volumes
for the energies of the management, in spite of the formidable rivalry
aPeady alluded to, no less than five excellent s<-venty-twos (single
trusses') were staged, a signal proof of what can he done in the wav of
administrative talent. The exhibits, which were staged iu a magnificent
well-ven’ilat-d tent 48 feet in breadth, iucluded a few flows s of other
varieties besides Roses and Borne excellent Strawberries. The interior of the
tent was decrated with ornameutal foliage plants, and good taste, c'eanli-
ness, and order were the rule everywhere. To proceed with the divis on
list : —

Iu cla°s 1, seventy-two varieties single trusses, Cranston Co , Hereford,
we e first. The'r collection consisted of the following varieties, very fresh,
bright, and of fine size, chieflv noticeable for the revival of some old or
disused varieties : H.P. Pierre Notting, Madame Vidor, Prince Arthur fine,
Mdme. Schwartz, Star of Waltham, M *rv il e de Lyon, M I me. Coiutet, Ulr ch
Bruntier, Dr Andre, D ike of Wellington, Pride of Waltham superb, Xtv er
O'ibo. J sn Liabaud, Baronne de Rothschild, J. S. Mills grand, Doctiesse de
Mornv, M idame Ciillat, Marguerite de Rohan (great acquisition), Duk • of
Edinburgh. Lady Sheffield superb, Alfred Colomb, Princess Beatrice,
Countess of Oxford, Catherine Soupert, Eugenie Verdier, L mis Yan Houtte,
Marquise d ■ Castellane fine, Madame C. Crapelet, Captain Cu isty. Lord
Macaulay, Le Havre. Midime Lacliarmn, Beauty of Waltham g'or ous, D ike
of Albany. Madame Jonn Twomhley fine, Lrelia, Marie Baumann, Reyno d<
Hole grand, Prujc-ss Mary of Cambridge, Duchusse de Yallonhrosa,
M idame S Ro ‘ochanaei for once perfect, Tea Jean Duch-r, D ike of Con¬
naught Vic or Verdier, Abel Carrere splendid, Viromte de V'gier perf ct,
Egeria. A. K. Williams, Tea Souvenir d’Elise, Henrich Schultneis, Prince
Camille de Rohan, Marie Verdier good, Fisher Holmes, Et eouc Levet.
Madame Alfred Dumesnil (this Rose’s year), Mdllp. de Sc. Ama d, Madame
C. Wood, Co ntesse de Serenye, Madame Victor Verdier, Docteur Ctialus,
Sultan of Zanzibar, Queen of Waltham, Madame Masscault guod new,

Charles Darwin, Queen of Queens, Gabriel Luizet exquisite, Countess of
Rosebery, La France, Madune Neman. Second Messrs. Keynes & Co.,
Salisbury ; third Messrs. Mack & Son, Catterick Bridge, Yorkshire. Class
2, twenty-four, three trusses, first Cranston Co.; second Mr. Thomas
Griffiths, Tillington, Hereford; third Mr. E. Murrell, Portland Nursery,
Shrewsbury. Class 3, twenty-four varieties, single, first Mr. Griffiths with
a very grand lot of blooms ; second Mr. Murrell ; third Messrs. Davison -mi
Co., Hereford. In the amateur class in both divisions B and C, the latter
open, the competition was very lvrge, and most of the prizes keenly con¬
tested. The blooms were, as a rule, smooth and fresh and very nicely
set up.

In division D, restricted to the county (rather exclusive on the part of
the proud Salopians), the first prize for Teas and Noisettes fell to a very
creditable collection exhibited by Colonel Wingfield, who also won first
prize for twelve Roses of any one variety. At this Exhibition there are no
prizes offered for decorative floral art of any description whatever — a com¬
mendable exception to the general rule at Rose shows, except where snffi-
c ient money can be add d to the schedule to attract floral artists ; otherwise
the standard of merit aimed at is low, and the taste of the public not likely
io be improved. The Judges were the Rtv. C. H. Bulmer, Credenhill
Rectory, Hereford, and Mr. Farrant, Monklands, Shrewsbury. — The
Herefordshire Incumbent.

BOILER CONTEST, LIVERPOOL.

We should like, with your kind permission, to make a few remarks on
the above. First, What is i hie coute-t for ? To prove which boiler most
nearly approaches the locomotive boiler in power to make steam ; or
which is the most suitable for a gardener’s use and economical for his
master’s pocket? If the latter, why are not the conditions of the trial
made as much as possible to correspond with the common conditions
under which boilers are worked every day ? Will the result obtained by
one or two men firing a boiler as hard as they can, never leaving it, and
pu' ting on every shovelful of coke the boiler can be made to take, be much
guide to a gardener who wants a boiler be can leave for hours ? The
boilers should only be fired at stated intervals, and special attention given
io the point of maintaining a stea ly heat. We think the Judges should
at once record their views on any improvements that can be made in the
conditions of trial, and they will thus greatly assist those who may
conduct such contests in future. If also some of our leading horticul¬
turists and gardeners would ventilate the suhject in your columns, while
it is fresh in men’s minds, it would enable the Council of the Royal
Horticultural Society to draw up t-uoh conditions that the result should be
generally accepted and add materially to our knowledge. This boiler
question is most important to honicul ure, and if the Royal Horticultural
Society will organise a trial another year on more suitable conditions we
will at our own cost erect a terminal end saddle with 2000 feet of 4-inch
pipe as a standard to compare the other boilers with. This letter is a
month too late, but we know rather more about a boiler contest now than
we did before the trials at Liverpool. One word as to the Judges. No
praise can be too high for the care, attention, courtesy, and downright hard
work they gave to this subject, even if we disagree with their verdict. —
Foster and Pearson.

SUMMER TREATMENT OF OUTDOOR CHRYSANTHEMUMS

Last season I drew attention in the Journal of Horticulture to the
more extended culture of Chrysanthemums lor cutting, and the decoration
of walls and borders, where practicable. I shall now say a few words as
to early border Chrysauthemums. I have received so many communica¬
tions in reference to outdoor Chrysanthemums, especially these, that
although there are so many other brilliant flowers during August and
September, they must have many admrers. Some of the most gorgeous
summer flowers only last a day or two when cut, but the Chrysanthemum
will last three weeks if the water is changed and the stem dressed. Only
the early varieties should be grown in borders, as. if October and November
varieties are planted there, premature frost may spoil all the care of the
previous nine months. My first bloom will be from Precocity, a really
good free-growing yellow. Toe next from La Petite Marie, blooms very
large for the size of the plant, white and pr ttily recurved. At present
the former is 10 inches high aud the latter only 6, beautifully studded
with buds. 1 intend having a bed of each next season. Fiberta,
G. Wermig, and Salter’s Early Blu-h I have had this year for the first
time, and cannot yet speak definitely of them. Others having their buds
now well formed, and that I tan recommend, are Frederick Pd'e, Golden
Madame Domage, Madame Piccol and Pumponium. Whites are always
useful, and the beauty of the dwarf Chrysanthemum is that they can be
lifted without diffimlty, potted, shaded, kept moist, and never lose a leaf.
Best of all early whites is M»da ne D sgranges, but a month later
than those named, bloom ng from September onwards. For lifting or
cutting grow also La VallA-, Mr-. Cullmgford, St. Croats (dwarf), and
Madame Jollivart. La Vierge (later) should be included, but Soeur
Melanie, Felicite, Mandarin, aud Alex. Dufour. and a few of the taller
Pompons I prefer growing by a wall, otherwise the wind makes a sad
havoc among them. I recently saw plaats out of pots from Mr. Cannell.
Hwanley, for thus planting out, and they grew on without check, Thinning
the bud-, training and watering as usual are neoessary.

Wall Chrysanthemums. — I may premise tnat summer and autumn
Chrysanthemums will always be u-eful and have their admirers, success
being almost certain with ordinary treatment; but give me the man who
will grow blooms fit for an exhibition table, planted in the open air. Can it

70

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 22. 1888.

be done ? Some say “ No,” but I am certain it can. There are some
late varieties that may not bloom until December, such as Eve, Duke of
Teck, Fleur de Marie, and Daimio, say as representing the different sec¬
tions. Well, I admit without a piece of strained canvas, tiffany, wall
coping, or other protection over them, I never succeeded with those. But
before I come to speak of their treatment one word as to the query, Why
try to grow blooms fit for exhibition outdoors ? First, to make their
culture more general, so that every amateur and cottager with a piece of
a wall and the desire to have superior blooms to cut either for himself or
his neighbours, or for the local flower show, may do so. Secondly, success
is more certain, and a greater profusion of blooms, even with imperfect
treatment ; and, thirdly, constant daily and hourly attention, which
amateurs cannot generally afford, is not so indispensable. In my own
case this is only a pastime, a variation from other duties, and if I am
absent any small boy can water the plants. Even if not watered for a
day or two, though there may be scorching sunshine, in my prepared
border the plants do not suffer to the same extent, if at all. Fully ex¬
posed in pots this would be fatal to success. At present I have some 300
planted out, about two-thirds against a south wall and the remainder in
other aspects, in, say, 100 varieties, not including some seedlings raised
by myself. Every section is represented, and all are doing well, with
that bright glossy dark green foliage down to the very soil that Chrysan¬
themum growers like to see. Many of the Japanese, as M. E. Pynaert
Van Geert (early), Madame Audiguier, Agrdments de la Nature, Fabian
de Medians, and Lord Beaconsfield I may mention as types, and tall-
growing, they are about 3 feet high and otherwise in proportion. Every
stem and branch is carefully Bpread out to catch every ray of sunshine, and
then nailed with shreds of tape to the wall. When I commenced this
system of growth the wind and storms were my great opponents. Now,
as the stem-shoots progress I tie or nail them in, and the storm has nothing
to catch hold of and consequently nothing to snap off. I have used no
stimulants or chemical manures, as the bordtrwas specially made last
winter of several loads of well-decayed manure and half a dozen loads of
the purest yellow loam, in addition to what was there already. This was
put in the bottom, so that the roots are only now reaching this. Recently
I put out a thermometer (Fahr.), registered to only 120c full in the sun
on this wall. The mercury quickly run up to that limit, and th»n
smashed the bulb ; the Chrysanthemum did not seem to suffer in the
least, and the result I attribute to the specially prepared border. With
the facility of thus getting the wood thoroughly ripened and matured I
expect healthy foliage of leathery texture, and the stems are so woody
and durable that I am using some of last year’s for stakes for those I grow
in pots. Growth is so rapid, but at the same time so matured, that constant
attention is desirable, if not necessary. I have thinned out some of the
lower shoots, what I may call the “ breast wood,” and later on I will
thin the buds. Beyond this general eye to them now and then, and of
course a plentiful supply of soft water and syringing the foliage in the
evenings now and then, no further care is necessary for some months to
come. What I do with some difficulties to contend with, thousands who
never have a Chrysanthemum can do as well. — W. J. Murphy,
Clonmel.

MASDEVALLIA ROSEA.

“ Queen of the Masdevallias ” is the title with which Professor
Reichenbach has honoured the species named above, and although all
orchidists may not be willing to accord it the same dignity, yet all
will admit that M. rosea is, when well growD, one of the prettiest of
its type. Few were, however, prepared to see such a specimen as that
shown by Sidney Courtauld, Esq., Booking Place, Braintree, at the
Royal Horticultural Society’s meeting on June the 8th this y6ar. Well
deserved was the cultural commendation awarded for it by the Floral
Committee, and no doubt many of those who saw the plant in question
were surprised at its vigorous floriferous condition. This specimen,
which is represented in the woodcut (fig. 11), was in a 48-size pot, was
furnished with numerous healthy leaves, and bore over 120 expanded
flowers, with other young flowers to open. These were curiously dis¬
posed round the sides of the plant near the rim of the pot, and thus im¬
parted an appearance of a fiioge of rosy flowers, very distinct from the
habit of other Masdevallias related to this species. The flowers are of
good size and easily recognised, the lower sepals elliptical and tapering
into narrow points, which curve slightly outwards ; the upper or dorsal
sepal tapeis very slightly from the base, being nearly linear and very
narrow, curving over and between the two other sepals. The colour is a
rather pleasing rosy hue, with a tinge of lilac in the lower sepals, and of
crimson in the upper one. In some of the small Masdevallias the scapeg
are so short that the flowers are hidden amongst the leaves, but this is
not the case with M. rosea, as the flowers are borne well above the points
of the leaves, and are consequently seen to the best advantage.

M rosea is interesting in several respects apart from its cultural value,
as, although known for about forty yearp, it was not introduced to gardens
until 1880. The species was discovered by Theodcr Hartweg at Loxa,
and was described in 1845 by Lindley in the “Annals of Natural History,”
xvo page 257 ; it was also described in “ Walpers Annales Botanices ”

some time after — namely, in 1861, vol. vi., page 192, where reference is given
to a description by Reichenbach in the “ Bonplandia ” (11, 116). In
“Walpers Annales” it is grouped with M. coccinea, M. amabilis, M. mili-
taris, and M. racemosa, as of the first-named type, an arrangement which
I believe, was adopted by Lindley. The plant was subsequently described
in other works, but although found by Professor Jameson and collected
by several travellers, all attempts to import it had been unsatisfactory
until a few years back, when a healthy consignment made its appearance
at Mr. Stevens’ sale rooms. It seems that owing to the species frequenting
a very cool region the transportation through hot tracts on its way to the
ports for shipment causes the loss of numbers ; but this matter should also
be a guide to cultivators, for it requires a low temperature to ensure its
success, being impatient of artificial heat.— L. C.

WALK EDGINGS.

Whatever may be the merits of the various articles used as edgings
to walkp, it seems agreed on, by usage, that one of Box stands pre¬
eminent ; and whether we take it for its hardihood, durability, or general
appearance, as a live edging it would seem the first in its class. Never¬
theless, there are places where it is inexpedient to have Box ; places
where neither that nor anything else will grow ; and places where it
almost refuses to grow, from a dislike to the soil. Now, though we profess
to advocate the use of Box in all cases where it will thrive, unless other
circumstances render another edging necessary, we will, nevertheless,
advert to other kinds for the special purposes for which they may be
wanted.

From time immemorial edgings for paths have been deemed requisite
for appearance, and in some respects for stability. The various Roman
causeways, which intersected the cultivated parts of this country during
the time that wonderful people held possession of it, have all a row of
larger stones at the edge than in the centre, showing that “ an edging ”
was not unknown at that early period ; and from them, down to the
present period, some sort of margin seems to be considered necessary to
all sorts of pathways, be that a turnpike foot road, a street pavement, or
the more humble crossing that carries the cottager from his backdoor to
some outhouse. To all an “ edging ” of some sort seems requisite, and
all have tbeir edging accordingly.

Like many other plants, more noticed perhaps, the Box has divided
itself into varieties, differing in their dwarf or robustness of habit, the
extremes being denominated “tree,” and “edging Box;” but, in¬
dependent of these extremes, there are (as in most other things) inter¬
mediate kinds, too coarse for edging purposes in many places, though not
in all ; and in those situations where the very dwarfest kind refuses to
grow, this stronger growing one may be introduced to advantage. Which¬
ever may be used, be sure that all the edging planted in one place be all
of a kind ; for though we advocated cutting and trimming, yet the jagged
and very uneven growth that takes place when the dwarf and robust are
intermixed, or, what is equally bad, half one, and half the other, in the
same line, renders it necessary to be very exact in having it true. We
will not here go into the details of planting, which are well known, but
merely say that we cut but little (seldom any) of the top at the time of
planting. It is likewise necessary to be careful that the ground on which
it is planted be all alike in quality, and not to have the roots of one piece
luxuriating in the rich soil of the kitchen garden squares, and another
struggling for existence amongst the hungry gravel and other substances
the walk may be made of. These matters are often neglected, and the
edging presents afterwards a diversity of growth not to be wondered at
when we consider the circumstances in which it was placed. It is scarcely
necessary here to point out the best season for this duty, fer it rarely
happens that any regard can be had to that ; we have planted it at
all seasons, but prefer the month of April. Whenever it is planted in dry
weather, it should have the advantage of water for some time afterwards,
and it will seldom fail to grow, even when its roots have been much
curtailed. In moist, cool districts, large quantities are often put in
wiihout any root at all. The middle of the growing season is the worst
for planting, but we have done that in a case of necessity, and been
tolerably successful.

Notwithstanding the reputed hardihood of Box, we have seen it show
more signs of suffering from spring frosts than many things supposed to
be more tender. Some frosts we had in the early part of one spring,
followed by a blight sun, “cut up ” the tender growth of Box edging on
the east sides of those lines which run north and south, and were exposed
to the morning sun. This, we suppose, to be owing to the cold air floating
neatest the ground, and the sudden exposure to unclouded sunshine after.
Nevertheless, we need not be afraid to plant it in exposed situations ; for,
though it suffered severely, and for some days was quite black, still it
recovered itself without any portion falling a victim to the ordeal to which
it had been subjected.

We have heard it said, “ There cannot be any good gardening where
Bi x edging will not grow.” From this we entirely dissent, as we have
seen an excellent and well-kept garden, where, alter repeated trials, in
which the Box perished piecemeal, its use was given up, and a dead edging,
we believe of timber, substituted in its place. This proves that there are
some soils which do not possess in sufficient quantities the necessary
iogredients on which Box lives, or some which it dislikes ; consequently,
afier dragging out a miserable existence, it dies, piece after piece, until
the edging becomes no edging. It would be difficult to describe the

Jnly 22, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

71

precise kind of soil the Box dislikes, but we may say that where Sorrel is
found very abundantly it is often a proof that the Box will not be at home
there ; while we have seen it thrive on a sandy soil that would almost
drift before the wind, and it thrives equally on a retentive loam.

Though it cannot be planted at this season, yet it may be successfully
trimmed into order, which is a point equally necessary to its general
appearance. For this purpose damp, dull weather is the most suitable
time. Its mutilated leaves are not then subjected to the scorching influ¬
ence of the sun until a partial recovery takes place ; and the same may be
said of those interior leaves which, having been long concealed, are not
able to bear exposure to hot sunshine with impunity. By cutting Box at
this season a part of its summer’s growth also will be retained, which will
look well the remainder of the year.

As we have before said, every walk ought to have some visible edging,
or margin, whereby its outline is distinguished from the ground which

things, all employed for that purpose ; but, excepting the last, it is
seldom that any good is derived from them. — Gardener.

GROWING CALANTHES IN MOSS.

Your excellent engraving on page 47, and notes of culture of
Calanthes on page 46, recalls to my mind how excellently Colonel R.
Trevor Clarke, the veteran horticulturist, Welton Place, Daveotry, grows
Calanthes vestita vars., C. Veitchi, &c., in common hedgebank or wood
moss. The pseudo-bulbs are placed aside after flowering until they push
fresh growth and roots in spring, when they are potted in the moss freshly
gathered, the bulbs being placed on the moss, which is also rammed
firmly at the sides to keep them erect, and low down, so as to allow space
for watering, the surface of the moss being at least a couple of inches
below the rim of the pots. No other material is used besides the moss.

Fig. 11— Masdevallia rosea.

adjoins it. Even the back paths, or thoroughfares, ought to have boundary
marks to denote how far they ought legitimately to extend ; these, how¬
ever, had better be either brick, or stone of some sort 6unk in the ground.
Common bricks make a very good edging, laid either edge or endways up,
where traffic is supposed to pass over them ; but they look best when laid
angle-ways up, like the ridge of a hou«e, and. if done carefully, they look
remarkably neat. Rough stones or flints will do in certain situations
where there is not much traffic to displace them ; but in a wilderness or
other romantic situation they are the most proper ; while in the precincts
of the mansion, or dressed grounds, a prepared kerb-stone, or something
that represents it in the terra cotta or plaster way, will doubtless be
preferred ; the increasing uses to which the last of these has adapted
itself will most likely lead to many pleasant forms of edging and other
ornamental work, so that we have no doubt but the o'hers will be even¬
tually driven out of the market. Slate may be used in some places, and
so, likewise, may cast iron ; but the first is too thin to look well, and the
last liable to many objections — not the least being its expense, where
perhaps a mile of it be wanted.

We are aware that in a kitchen garden many live edgings are turned
to profit, or intended to be so, but their disorderly appearance more than
counterbalances any good likely to be derived from them. We have seen
Thyme, Hyssop, Pennyroyal, Strawberries, Parsley, and many other

and as this decays it is forced down around the sides of the pots, and fresh
moss added at the surface. In this the Calanthes make enormous pseudo¬
bulbs, and the spikes of bloom are correspondingly fine. The decom¬
position of the moss must be a source of food to the Calanthes, and that
is wbat we seek by mixing sphagnum with the material used in potting
Orchids and Aroids. The gentleman named proves wood moss superior
to sphagnum, he having a dislike to the latter for mixing with the com¬
post, and only uses it, and that sparingly, for surfacing. Orchids grow
with him like weeds. He has scores of Phalmnopses growing on bare
board or a piece of stick not thicker than the thumb, as many roots in
the air as on the wood. The plants were suspended over a tank, and in
front of a wall covered with Ficus repens kept constantly damp. The
Phalcenopses are in the best possible condition, very strong and
healthy.

On a painted roof support was a Dendrobium sp., the roots running
riot on the painted surface, they being quite fixed on the painted (white
lead) surface without any moisture-holding substance, and this, not for an
isolated root or two, but upon a length of between 2 and 3 yards of plant,
or plants, it being a remarkable specimen. These matters I thought
would be interesting to your readers, especially “ L. C .” who may be in¬
terested to know that the Colonel uses chemicals largely. Is that the
secret of his success ? I saw the many different varieties of Cotton by

72

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDEN ER.

[ July 22, 1888.

which the Colonel has laid Cotton growers under sneh obligations to him,
also Tobacco, green and manufactured, with Cape and other bulbs of
which I shall not attempt description, the Colonel following in the steps
of Dean Herbert, and I fancy outside Kew possesses an unrivalled collec¬
tion, besides curious and interesting plants without number, everyone with
a history.

Colonel Clarke also showed me his home-manufactured super¬
phosphate in three degrees of fineness, and he has hope of manufacturing
a home manure that will answer all purposes, and such as may be used by
a lady. Superphosphate from bones, amm mia in soot, pota-h from night
soil and urme, enough on every place for its requirements. I only wish
the Colonel would inform us on some at least of the many subjects he is
so experienced in, and is so accomplished an expositor. It would indeed
be a treat to the readers of the Journal of Horticulture, which holds a
foremost place in his esteem, and from which he told me he had derived
much valuable information. I spent the best part of two days and a
night at his charming place, and regret not being able to tell more of the
many rarities that are loved and tended by their gifted owner, and whose
kindness and hospitality will never be effaced from my memory. — 6.
Abbey,

HORTICULTURAL SHOWS.

CHISWICK SHOW. — July 15th.

The local Horticultural Society, which has its headquarters in Chiswick,
but includes Tnruham Green and district within its sphere of operations,
appears to be making substantial progress judging fiom th • steadily im¬
proving exhibitions provided each summer. The one held on Thursday last
was the most extensive and meritorious the Society has yet held, and was in
every respect satisfactory, plants, flowers, fruit, and vegetables being fairly
represent-d. Two marquees were devoted to plants ; the large conservatory
contained the floral decorations, fruit, vegeta’oles, and miBcellaneousexbibits,
the old orchard house being appropriated to the cottagers’ clashes and special
prize competitions. The latter are being made a feature in this Show, as at
Richmond eleven classes being provided, in which th- prizes are offered by
the Duke of Devo-shire, the Marquis of Bute, Lady George Hami ton,
Leopold de Rothschild, Esq., G. F. Tautz, Esq., W. J. Compton, Esq., E. H
Watts, Ejq., J. R. Starling. Esq., H. G. Lake, Esq., and Messrs. Sutton and
Sons, and James Carter & Co., all of which brought numerous cnmpatito s.

The leading attractions on the occasion under notice were the groups of
p’ants arranged for effect, and the large marquee devoted to these comprised
a disp’ay that is very seldom equalled even at the best shows in the country.
Few exhibits give more general sati-faction to the public than groups of
plants tastefully arranged. All c m understand and appreciate them, and they
constitute an admirable foundation to a show, besides being reallv instruc¬
tive. The principal class was for a group arranged in a spac of 100 square
feet, and in this Messrs. Hooper & Co., Covent Garden and Twickenham,
were first with one of their customary handsome groups, but their tasteful
manager had even surpassed his previous efforts. The taller and back¬
ground plants were Palms, Cocos L eddelliana at the sides, Ac»r Negnn o
variegata, and the br ght red narrow-leaved Draoseua sup-rba. These
larger specimens were surrounded by Petunias, Hydrangea paniculata and
Caladium argyrites, which showed them off admirably. The groundwork
was formed of Adiantums, Asparagus plumosus, Carnations, a few Tuber ms
Begonias, and Coreopsis. Pha'asnopsis, Cattleyas, Sophronites, and Disas,
the margin consisting of Gloxinias with Isolepis and Panicum, very in
formal and beautiful. The second place was taken by Messrs. W. Froraow
and Sons, Chiswick, who also had a charming contribution of Palms,
Crotons, Lilies, Orchids, Petunias, and other plants, together with Fe ns
arranged in a similar style to the first, but with a little more colour. Mr.
W. Brown, Richmond, was thirl with an effective group, very bright and
well arranged, but not quite so light and free as the two p eceding.

In the class for a group to occupy a space of 60 square feet there were
four competitors, Mr. Hudson, gardener to H. J. Atkinson, Esq , Gunners-
bnrv Hnus», Acton, securing chief honours with one of the lovely groups for
which he is famed. The background consisted of Crotons, Humeaa, Palms,
with Lilium longiflorum, a ground of Adiantums, Caladium a’gyrites, and
Kalosanthes. a few Dracaenas, Gloxinias, Str-ptocarpns, and Clerodendron
fallax, edged with Gloxinias, Caladium argyrites, and Panicum. Mr. Chad¬
wick, gardener to E. M. Nels n, Esq., Hanger Hill, Ealing, f dlowed, and
Mr. Wright, gardener to E. H. Wa ts, Esq., Devonhu-st, Chiswick, was
third, both showing well Several other groups were staged in a third c ass,
the prizetakers being G. F. Atkins, Esq., H. G. Lake, Esq., and B Hardy,
Esq., who secured the prizes in the ord rnarned. Non-competing groups we e
entered by several firms, very notable being a grand contribution from
Messrs. C. Lee & Son, Hammersmith, which was highly commended by the
Judges. It comprised a number of Pain*. Cycads, ornamental shrubs, and
Ivi s at the back, with a foreground of Lilium auratum, the hlu-h-tinted
C. Krameri, fine banks of the rosv Spirsea palmata, the blue Station fl iri-
bunda, and the white Spirsei paniculata flonbunda, wi'h abundant small
Roses in pots formed a charming contrast of colours, edged with Bambn-a
Fortune! variegata, an excellent plant for margins. From the same firm
came a large group of variegated sh ubs and trees, including many tine
varieties. Messrs. W. Fromow & Sons also had a handsome group of
Hydrangeas, Crotons, Lilies, and miscellaneous plants. Messrs. J. Vei ch
and Sons, Chelsea, had eight boxes of fresh and beautiful Rose blooms,
representing a large number of vari ties. Mr. J. Roberts, gardener toMes- s.
Rothschild, Guunersbu'-y Park, Acton, and Mr. May, gardener to the
Marquis of Bute, Cciswick House, also staged large and handsome groups
that wee highly commended. In the general plant classes the prm ipal
prizewinners were Mr. Bates, gardener to Mrs. Meek, Poulett Lod_e,
Twickenham, E. H. Watt-, Esq.. E. M. Nelson, Esq., and H. G. Lake, Esq. ;
fine-foliage plants aDd Feins heing es ; eciaby -veil shown.

The vas s and stands of flowers in the conservatory were mostly very
good, especially those in competition for the Duke of Devonshire's prizes,
offered fo- three vases. Mrs. Hu son w>s awarded the first honours fur a
tasteful arrangement; of Humes floweis, Grasses, Rhodanthes, and Lonicera
sempervirens at the top, Stephanotis, Roses, and Tacsonias in the second

stage, with base of Water Lilies and other flowers. Mr. J. R. Chard,
Clapham, was second with a simple yet very pleasing arrangement of white
Rhodanthes, Miss Jolliffe Carnations, Bouvardias, with a base of white
Lilies, Chrysanthemum frntescens, and Rose La France ; the centre stand
was furnished with red, wh'te, and yellow flowers, the side stand with piuk
and white flowers only. Mr J. Prewett, Hammersmith, was third, Leu-
taureas, Rhodanthes, white Lilies, Water Lilies, Cattleyas and Allamandas
forming the chief features. A stand from Mrs. Phippen of Reading was
highly commended. Mr. J. Compton’s prizes for one Btand of flowers were
gained by Miss S. A. Fromow, J. Prewett, and Miss H. Havwood ; the
awards for three bouquets being secured by Messrs. J. R. Chard, J. ^ A.
Morris, and W. Brown. The priz-s for cut Rose blooms were adjudged to
Messrs. Rumsey, Bunyard, and Turner iu the order named.

The best collection of fruit came fiom Mr. W. Bates, of white Grapes
from Mr. J. Coombes, and black Grapes from W. Lind-11, Esq.; the vege¬
table prizes going to Mr. C. J Waite, Mr. J. Coombes, and J. R. Tindall,
E-q. Me-srs. J. Car er & Co., High Holborn, offered prizes for a collection
of six dishes of vegetables, which brought seven competitors, Messrs. R. J.
Waite, A. J. Robbins, and J. R. Tindall taking the honours. Messrs.
Sutton’s prizes for vegetables were gained by Messrs. Waite, Coombes, and
Tindall amongst six exhibitors. The Royal Horticultural Society’s silver
m-da's for the two h ading prizewinn rs were awarded to E. H. Watts, Esq,,
and Mr. C. J. Waite.

The day was an extremely fine one, and a number of visitors assembled
during the afternoon. Much credit is due to the Hon. Sec., Mr. Fromow,
and the Committee, for the success of the Show.

BEDFORD AND BEDFORDSHIRE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

The third annual Exhibition of this Society was held on Wednesday
last in grounds on the Goldington Road, Be iford, when a large and in moat
respects a satisfactory display resulted. As, however, the aims and objects
of this Society are mostly confined to the county the show of plants was
ineffective and ba ely mediocie, the prizes offered being meagre, and had it
not been for an extensive and tastily arranged collection from Mr. J. C.
Sheppard of the Be Iford Nurseries, exhibited not for competition, and a tew
good Ferns from the ga dens of Mr. F. Howard and Miss R ce Trevor of
Burnham Hall, the plmt t nt would not have appeared to advantage, the
few plants that were put in competition being mounted on a most unsig it'y
and us le-s wooden stage. It is. however, to the credit of some of the local
arnat urs that they wer abl ■ successfully to compete in the gardeners’ class,
the Pelargoniums from Mr. J. W. D. Hirrison of Bedford being esp cially
noticeaole. In the classes for fruit som - good collections were staged, tne
chief prizes falling to Mr. J. R. Allis, gardener to Major Shuttlewortb, Old
Wardea ; Mr. Galloway of Buruhim Hall Gardens ; and Mr. Waller,
gardener to James Howard, Esq. Th prizes for black Grapes were awarded
to Mr. Allis, Mr. Galloway, and C. Howaid, Esq., of Biddenham ; and those
for while Grapes to Mr. C. Howard, Waller, and Galloway in the order
named. Mr. Allis was also successful in the classes for Melons, Peaches,
and Strawberries, the fruit upon the whole being an advance in quality
and quantity upon the la-t year’s display.

Vegetables were w II represented for the season, Mr. Waller in the
leading class for twelve kinds s cured first place, closely followed by Mr.
Robinson, gardener ro F Howa d E-q., Abbey Close, Bedford, and Mr.
E lis, gardener io — Nixon, Esq , Pe in berley, Bedford. Fine collections of Peas
were also put up, Mr. Waller taking first place with very fine and handsome
specimens, the most nofc-ab e amoiigit which were Duke of Aluauy,
Laxton’s British Lion, and Sir A. F. Milbank. M ■. Waller was also first for
a collection of Potatoes, but here and throughout the Show the “noble"
tuber was somewhat ignoble both in size and appearance.

Tue cottagers’ department was most satisfactorily represented and well
contested in the classes for fruits, vegetables and flowers, showi ‘g that the
Society’s fforts in this direction are well appreciated both in Bedford and
the rural parishes. A noticeable feature of the Show was the well-
represented exhi its of wilt fl >wers aud Grapes, botanieally named, both
mounted dry and iu the natural, classes beiug provided both for boys and
girls. The collections, which were generally conectly mmed, showed a
con-iderable and increasing botanical taste, for which there is ample scope
amongst the large number of boys aud girls who receive their education iu
Bedford, and ns this taste has hsen ah y aud zealously fostere i by Mr. A.
Ransome and a few other residents, it is gratifying to find their labours
bearing s ch good fruit.

The Ro-es an i cut herbaceous and bulbous flowers iu the special cla=s
open to ail E igland, were, as laBt y ar at Bedford, the most attractive aud
important part of the Scow, the fl iwers h ing above the average shown
tnis season, and the competition good. In the class for forty-eight cut
Roses (open to all) Mr. B. R. Cant of Colchester set up a stand which hts
been perhaps only surpass d by himself on one occasion ill s sea-on ; the
blooms Were remarkably fresh, high coloured, of lar^e size, aud evenly
matched ; to this stand the Judies had no difficulty in awarding tt.e cup.
Mr. Cant's most s>r king flowers were Mary Puchrn, a beautiful shelly
petal'ed bloom ; Reynods Hole, Countess of Rosebery, Annie Last >n, Jean
Soupert, Marie Verifier, U'rich Brunner, Jule» Chretien, Hartison Weir,
Marseille de Lyon, A. K. Wiliams, Lady Sheffield, Mons. Benoit Comte,
Prince Atthur, and Madame de V -tteville. For second and third p'aces the
competition betw en Mess s. J. B -rrell & Co of How House Nurseries,
Cambridge, aud Messrs. Paul & Son, the 0 d Nurseries, Chf shunt, was
close, the foimer firm b-ing ultima ely pao d second and the latt r third.
In Messrs. Burnell's stand. Marie Brnma n, Mdlle. E Verdi r, Madame
N .chnry, Comtesse d’Oxford, Cbas. T.efebvre, Dr. Sewell, Henri Led' chanx,
Julie Touvais, and J. S. M II showed to best advantage, and in Mestrs.
Paul’s, Niphe'os, Mad m de Wattevilie, Pr de of Reigate, A. K. Williams,
Boiel lieu, and Abel Carrie'-- were conspicuously good. For the eighteen
Teas, open to all, Mr B. R. Cint was again fi st, having Comtesse de
Nadaillac, Innocent Piroa, Souvenir d’Elise, Devoniensis, Sou'emr d’nu
Ami, Madame Cusin, M dame B avy, and Beauts de l'Burope in good form.
The R -v. W. H. Jack-ou of Stagsden Vion-agi was second with v- ry cl an
aud beautiful blootuB of mostly the tame varieties; aud Messrs. Paul and
S m third.

In the amateurs' open class for twenty -four cut Roses Mr. E. B. L ndsel
of Bearton, Hitchin, well sustained the prominent position he has assume!

July 22, 1896. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

73

this season, and was deservedly first with a very fine stand, his flowers
being very clean and fresh, the most a' tractive of which were Heinrich
Schulthei->, Horace Vernet, Marechal Niel, Madame Lnizet, Merveille de
Lyon, Beauty of Waltham, Due de Wellington, Chas. Darwin, Catherine
Mermet, and Lady Mary Fitzwilliam. Mr. E. Mawley, Reigate, was second,
having good blooms of Madame Lacharme, H. Ledechaux, Fran§ois
Mich-lon, Marie Yerdier, and Horace Vernet. Mr. J. L. Curtis, Chatteris,
Cambridgeshire, was an approximate third. In the same division for twelve
Teas and Noisettes Mr. Lindsell was again first, Mr. Jackson second,
and Mr. Curtis third. Mr. Jacksou was also successful with a fine stand of
twenty-four Roses in the local class for amateurs, and in several other local
classes. For the collection of cut hardy herbaceous or bulbous Sowers
there was a fine display and good competition, Messrs. Burrell & Co. and
Messrs. Paul & Son being nearly equally matched, the Judges, however,
placing Messrs. Burrell’s very attractive stand first, and Messrs. Paul second ;
the latter firm, however, had a largi collection richer in rarities. Altogether
the Show was a decided success, and although there is room for a consider¬
able improvement in the plant department, a material advance on last vear’s
display in most departments was apparent. In connection with the Show
the Bedfordshire Bee-keepers’ Association had their annual gathering.

NOTTS HORTICULTURAL AND BOTANICAL SOCIETY SHOW.

In dull but otherwise pleasant weather the fourth annual Show of this
Society was held in the charming grounds of Mapperley Hall, the pic¬
turesque residence of his worship the Mayor of Nottingham, Alderman
William Lambert, J.P., which is distant from the heart of the town about
one mile, and readily reached by trains which run frequently to the Show
ground. The Mayor personally attended, and in a few well-chosen remarks
declared the Show open, which during the afternoon was visited by a good
number of the elite of the neighbourhood, and in the evening by the general
public. The arrangements reflected the greatest credit upon the inde¬
fatigable Secretary, Mr. E. Steward ; th • Treasurer, Mr. Alfred Page ; and
the energetic Chairman of Committee, Mr. F. W. Cooper, whose untiring
eSorts on behalf of the Society is worthy of the greatest praise. The Show
remained open two days, about 2000 people attending on the second, whilst
10 000 persons paid for admission in the evening to witness a display of
fireworks by Pain of London, plainly showing the desirability of introducing
popular am us -ments at popular priceB in connection with flower shows where
a good financial result is needed.

Class 1. — Groups of plants, in a space of 255 super, fpet, brought three
exhibitors, £15, £10, and £7 being the amounts off red. The first prize was
worthily taken by Lady Ossington of Ossington Hill, Newark (gardener,
Mr. Lyons). The centre plant was a well-furnished example of Aveca
lutescens well raised above the level of the ground, and was backed up
with many well coloured Crotons, Pandauus Veitchi, Eulalia japonica
variegata, and a few pre.ty Saccolabiums were suspended over the group.
Standing prominently in bold relief were seveial pretty plants of Dracasua
Goldieana, and Asparagus plumosus with berried plants of Nertera depressa
peeping from a groundwork of common wood moss. The second prize was
secur d by that noted competitor, who on all former occasions occupied the
premier positions, Mr. Samuel Thacker. The specimens were fresh and
healthy. A large Seaforthia elegans was the centre plant, which was
surrounded by Cycas revuluta and Cocos Weddelliana, and many well-
coloured Crotons and Dracaenas were work d into a massive bank of foliage,
from which sprung some Lilium auratum, which did not furnish any addi¬
tional charm to the whole. Smaller plants in great variety were judiciously
employed near the sides. The group was a very striking one, and had it
not contained too many bulky specimens in the cent's it would no doubt
have taken a higher position. The third prize went to T. H. Oakes, Esq.,
Riddings House, Alfreton (gardener, Mr. Ward), who put a most creditable
group, containing many fine examples, many of which were too large as in
the previous cise.

In cla^s 2, for a croup of plants in a space of 120 feet, the prizes being
£8, £5, and £3, William Lambert, E-q., J.P., Mapperley Hall, Nottingham
(gardener, Mr. Massey), carried off the first award with a very evenly
balanced group, which was arranged w.th a groundwork of comm m moss.
Crotons, Dracaenas, Caladiums, and Palms were conspicuous amongst foliage
plants, whilst Canterbury Bells, Gladiolus, and Francoa ramosa were tne
chief amongst flow-ring plants with a good sprinkling of Nertera depressa.
Second honours fell to Lieut.-Col. Seely of Sherwood Lodge, Nottingham
(gardener, Mr. Swanwick), who had an effective arrangement, a number of
Cocos Weddelliana giving a beautifu finish to a combination of fine-foliage
and flowering plants very skilfully disposed. The third award went to Mr.
Samuel Thacker with a rather heavy group. For six stove and greenhouse
plants, three in flower and three fine or ornamental foliage, the first fell to
T. H. Oakes, Esq., with good examples of Erica ventricosa and Kalosanthus
coccinea, &c.; Becond C. J. Cox, E-q., Basford (gardener, Mr. Meadows),
whose chief plants were a good Bougainvillea and Stephanoiis, Lady
Ossington being third. For six ornamental foliage plants C. J. Cox. Esq.,
was first with a well-balanced collection, his best plants being Arena
lut-scens and Alocasia gigantea; Lady Ossington was Becond with a good
half dozen, amongst which was remarkably well-grown plant of Pandanus
Yeitchi. For a single specimen stove plant in flower Mes-rs. J. R. Pearson
and Sons, Chilwell, gained the first honours with a huge fairlv well flowered
Dipladenia boliviensis ; no other prize being awarded in this class. For
one ornamental foliage plant Mr. S. Thacker was first with a fine Croton
Queen Victoria, the second falling to C. J. Cox, Esq. Table plants were
well shown, T. H. Oakes, Esq., leading with fresh healthy plants, Lady
Ossington second, and Lieut.-Col. Seely third.

Ferns were well represented. Lady Ossington was first with six, her
best plants being Davallia Mooreana, Adiantum Sanct® Catherine, P aty-
cerium ale corn e, and a good Gymnogramma ; C. J. Cox, Esq., was second.
For three Ferns C. J. Cox, Esq., was the only exhibitor; and for a pair of
Tree Ferns W. H. Farmer, Etq., Alexandra Park (gardener, Mr. Atten¬
borough), was first with small Dicksonias ; and J. Booth, Esq., Fern House
(gardener, Mr. Ralph), second with the same species. Caladiums, Pelar¬
goniums, Fuchsias, and Begonias we-e all poorly represented. Orchids
were also poorly shown, C. J. Cox, Esq., being the only exhibitor with
three plants and one specimen.

Cut stove and greenhouse flowers were well shown. For twelve varieties

T. H. Oakes. Esq., was first ; Mr. C. J. Ince, Wollaton Hall Gardens, second;
and C. J. Cox, Esq., third. Bouquets, wreaths, and head dresses were
excellent, Messrs. Perkins & Sons, Coventry, carrying all leading honours.
In the class for dinner tables laid for ten persons there were two entries,
each table being heavily laden with plate and glass, little attention being
paid to fruits and flowers. Alderman Manning was first, and Mr. J. R.
Bingham second. Messrs. J. R. Pearson & Sons obtained first honours for
a charming collec'ion of herbaceous flow, rs ; C. J. Ince and H. Ashwell,
Esq., Woodthorpe Grange, sharing the remaining honours.

Fruit was well represented. For collections of six distinct varieties the
Duke of St. All ans, B-stwood Lodge (gardener, Mr. Edmonds), secured the
first prize with remukably well-coloured Black Hamburgh Grapes, Royal
George Peaches, Lord Napier Nectarines, Brown Tuikey Figs, Prestagne
M 1 m, and a Queen Pine. Second, Hussy Packe. Esq., Prestwold Hall
(gardener. Mr. Roberts) ; third, T. H. Oakes, Esq. The Duke of St. Albans
obtained leading honours with single dishes of Royal George P. aches and
Lord Nap’er Nectarines. For two bunches of Black Grapes Hussy Packe,
Esq., was first with well coloured Black Hamburgh; J. T. Fairfield, Esq.,
Staplefield (gardener, Mr. Forrests) being a close s-cond. For two bunches
of white Grapes Hussy Packe, Esq., was again first with well-finished
Muscat of Alexandria ; and T. H. Oakes, Esq., second. Melons and Pines
were good, the Duke of St. Albans being the chief prizewinner. Vege¬
tables were fairly well shown, T. H. Oakes, Esq., and Mrs. Hornsby,
Grantham, being the principal prizetaker *.

Mr. B S. Williams, Holloway, had a large and varied collection of new
and rar- plants, for which the Society’s certificate of merit was awarded.
Messrs. J R. Pearson & Sons, Chilwell, also sent a fine group ; and Mr. S.
BarJell of Stapleford had a large collection of hardy shrubs, summer
arbours, rustic chairs, and rockwork. — J. H. W.

HULL.

It is not easy to imagine a more suitable place for an exhibition of the
products of horticulture than the Botanic Gardens, Hull. The inhabitants
of the town ought to be proud of these garden3, and support them well, for
they are assuredly very enjoyable. Though only planted some six years,
the trees have made such satisfactory progress that the appearance of
“newness” is fa3t passing from the grounds. Mr. McMahon, the energetic
and ta.ented curator, has worked wonders in completing and b autifying
the gardens. The clumo of trees, margined with a profusion of hardy
flowers in formal masses of annuals, groups of Canterbury Bells, and mag¬
nificent Foxgloves, are quite imposing, the grounds being altogether most
cheerful and in excellent order.

Great preparations had been made for the Exhibition, which opened on
Thursday last, the schedule containing no les3 than 127 classes, apart from
nineteen more in the implement, &c., department. The plants, flowers, and
fruit were arranged in four marquees, two of them of great magnitude ; and if
tuese had not been of great strength too they must have been blown away,
for the wind swept like a tornado across the level country and caused some
ii jurv. The fruit tent could with difficulty be kept up till the judging was
completed, and the produce was then removed to safer quarters. A great
portion of one side of the marquee that contained the specimen plants and
Roses was blown out, plants were knocked over like ninepins, and if the lids
hid not been quickly placed over the Roses the blooms would have been
driven out of the stands. Mr. Cypher’s grand plants were iu great jeopardy,
but had not sustained material injury when we left the grounds. Everything
was done that could be done to mitigate the inconvenience arising from the
boisterous day, which was fortunately fine, and a goodly company attended
the opening ceremony. This, in the unavoidable absence of the Mayor, was
conducted by Mr. George Bohn, C.E., the esteemed Chairman of the Hull,
East Riding, and North Lincolnshire Agricultural Society, and a supporter
of all good woiks.

It is not po-sible to give anything like a complete report of the exhibits,
as no prize cards were attached to them for some hours after the judging
was completed. This is disappointing to early visitors, who are the best
supporters of shows, and are naturally desirous of seeing to whom the
honours are awarded. The Secretaries worked laboriously, but the “ system ”
was against them, and r. cannot be very difficult to devise a m thod that
would be easi r for the officials and better for all. The S cretary is still
young, and the competitors have perhaps yet to learn that experienced and in-
dep n ent judges would as soon put their fingers into a fire as tu n up a card
containing the name of an exhibitor on the other side. All they care to see
are the class and exhibitor’s number on the back of the cards, and as soon
as the awirds are made the prize table's can be attached in a moment. T’>at
plan, rr some modification of it, is adopted at all the best shows in the king¬
dom and answers Well.

Apart from the grand plants with which Mr. Cypher of Che’tenham won
the Society’s gold medal and first prize of £15, perhaps the mo-t interesting
and successful department ofthe Show as regards p1 ants was that embracing
the groups arranged for effect ; not that the arrangements were of the
highe t po-sible merit, or anything of that kind, but because the competi¬
tion was good. The groups were semicircular in form and disposed at
intervals round the sides of the tent, decorated dinner tables being placed at
intervals down the centre, separated by Tree Ferns and tall Palms, abund¬
ance of room being left for visitors to inspect the exhibits.

Four groups of 200 square feet were plac d in competition, the prizes
being awarded to Sir A. R. Roilir, M.P., Mr. G. Cottam, and Mr. R. Simpson,
in the order named. The first prize group was composed mainly of Palms,
White L' ie«, A^apauthuses, Tuberous Begonias, Orchids. Crotons, <fec.,
edged w th I-olepis, Gloxinias, small Coleuses, and Ferns. The plants were
fresb, cl- an, h-altby, and not crowded, but too smoothly airai ged towards
the front. The back was pirticularly good, and the group undoubted y
merited its position. We regret our inability to give the Dame of the
gamener who grew the plants and arranged them so well. The seoond
prize group consisted of Palms, Ferns, Yuccas, and Dracsenas, rising from
a bed of low Ferns and flowering plants, edg-d with Isolepis, Pauieum,
and Sedum Sieboldi variegata, all clean and healthy, but the base too ' uch
packed, s-veral of the flowering plants being almost buried. Tbethid
group was at the first glance very formidable by prominent Tree Ferns, ^ a
good Coidylin-, and several variegattd Maples, but the arrangement was in
a gnat measure spoilt by the “crushing in” of Pelargoniums, Petunias,

74

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Jit-y 22. 1888.

and Coleuses. In the smaller group class, space 100 square feet, Messrs. G.
Cottam, R. Simpson, and W. Glossop were the successful competitors, the
first named being far ahead with a free, elegant, yet bright ariangement
of flowering and fine-foliagid plants. The second prize group was weakened
by packing plants of variegated grass on the top of other pots, imparting
an artificial appearance that nearly lost it its position. The third prize
arrangement was a bold mass of, or hank of, plants, but all the pots in the
front row visible, a great fault in arranging plants for effect. While
noticing these collections it will not be inappropriate to refer to a parti¬
cularly meritorious and diversified assortment of plants arranged by Messrs.
E. P. Dixon & Son, nurserymen, notfor competition. Very striking amongst
other healthy stove and greenhouse plants were Hydrangea hortensis and
Paniculata grandiflora. Orchids imparted riohness and choice Conifers
massiveness to this valuable contribution to the Show. It was very highly
commended by the Judges.

Mr. Cypher was without a competitor in the class for sixteen specimen
plants, ten in flower, but he none the less merited the prize above men¬
tioned, for he staged splendidly. His plants have so often been mentioned
that it would be superfluous to repeat their names. Mr. Cypher was also
the only exhibitor of Orchids, winning the chief prize offered for six plants
with Saccolabium guttatum, Cattleyas Mossise, and Wallisi, Dendrobium
Pierardi, Epidendrum vitellinum majus, and Cypripedium Lawrencianum,
all of medium size and well flowered. Sir A. R. Rollit secured the first
prize for ten ornamental-foliaged plants with fine specimens, followed by
Mr. Simpson. Prizes in other classes for stove and greenhouse plants were
won by Mr. Glossop, Mrs. Ross, Mr. A. Wilson, and Mr. W. F. Jameson.
The Rev. Canon Newton staged very fine Lycopodiums, and well won the
first prize. Passing the minor classes for plants we come to the cut
flowers.

Roses were both numerous and good, not a few stands being of first-class
merit, notably those of Messrs. Harkness & Son, Bedale, who received the
first prize for thirty-six, and Mr. Ismay Fisher, Scawby, who was the
premier exhibitor of twenty-four blooms ; Mr. Swailes, Beverlev, and Mr.
May having the remaining prizes in those classes. The Bedale Roses were
very fine indeed, and included the finest Rose of the Show, if not of the
season, a magnificent bloom of Merveille de Lyon. Mr. Fisher far out¬
distanced all other amateurs and, as intimated, some nurserymen. His
varieties consisted of Louis Van Houtte, La France, Souvenir d’Elise (all
very fine), Felix Genero, Princess Beatrice, Queen of Queens, Madame
Gabriel Luizet, Egeria, Charles Lefebvre, Therese Levet, E. Y. Teas, Fisher
Holmes, Jean Cherpin, Belle Lyonnaise (beautiful), Richard Wallace,
Senateur Vaisse (very bright), Dupuy Jamain, Jean Ducher, Madame Lam-
bard, Madame Cusin, Princess of Wales, Marie Baumann, Marie Verdier,
and Marie Rady. Messrs. H. May, H. Norton, J. H. Fisher, R. Simpson,
and H. Staunton were successful in the smaller classes.

Hardy flowers were well exhibited by Messrs. A. Wilson, H. Staunton,
and G. Cottam, who were adjudged the prizes in the order named ; and
Messrs. Harkness & Sons, W. Hotham, and J. H. Fisher were the prize¬
winners with bright and excellent stands of Pansies.

The display of fruit was limited but generally good. Mr. A. Wilson was
awarded the first prize for a collection, the best Grapes, and very fine they
were, coming from the gardens of Lord Hotham, Black Prince, Buckland
Sweetwater, Foster’s Seedling, and Black Hamburgh being specially meri¬
torious. Mr. A. Wilson, Mr. G. E. Shaw, Mr. W. Glossop, and Mrs. E. Smith
also exhibited successfully and well. Mr. Wilson staged the best Melon,
Mr. A. Swanson the best Peaches, and Mr. Ridsdale, gardener to the
Marquis of Ripon, the best bush fruits. He was also the most successful
exhibitor in the vegetable classes with excellent produce.

The display of garden structures, implements, and appliances was some¬
what extensive. The greatest aggregate contributions were from Messrs.
Richardson & Co.. Darlington, and King & Co., Hull, to whom silver medals
were awarded. Messrs. Richardson were also awarded a certificate for their
Ivanhoe boiler for heating small greenhouses — an excellent little apparatus,
square in form, two sides lined with fire clay to retain heat, the other two
sides containing water. The Darlington powerful hooded tubular boiler
was also exhibited ; also useful span-roofed frames, for which a bronze medal
was adjudged. A similar award was granted to Messrs. Inman for garden
seats and rustic work, also to Messrs. Alfred Peel & Sons for amateurs’
greenhouses, and a certificate was awarded to the Horticultural and Agricul¬
tural Chemical Company, Tonbridge, for their syringing stand, used for
dressing plants with insecticide without wasting it. The above is an outline
of the Show, anything like a complete report being impossible under the
circumstances. We trust the event would prove very successful.

BRISTOL SUMMER SHOW. — July 14th and 15th.

It is some years since the Clifton Society held a summer show, and in
ail probability the experiment will not again be repeated. No better place
than the Zoological Gardens for holding an horticultural exhibition could
well be found, while everything was done on the part of the Secretary,
Mr. Polkinhorn, and Committee of practical gardeners to make the Show
a success ; but all apparently to no purpose, the attendance of visitors in
the early part of the opening day being very thin indeed.

Stove and Greenhouse Plants were well shown by local growers,
the fine-foliaged section being the most creditable. With nine specimens
of these Mr. W. Rye, gardener to J. Derham, Esq., Sneyd Park, was easily
first, these including very fine Crotons Weismanni and irregulare, Cyca's
revoluta, Arcca sapida, and A. lutescens. Mr. A. Hancock, gardener to
A. W. Summers, Esq., was a creditable second, his best plants being Latania
borbonica, Croton undulatum, and Croton Youngi; the remaining prizes
being well won by Mr. F. Edwards, gardener to J. Lvsaght, Esq. With six
varieties, Mr. R. Morse, gardener to S. Budgett, Esq., was first, Croton
pictus, Dracaena Greigi, and Areca lutescens being most noteworthy.
Mr. Rye was second, and Mr. J. Lee, gardener to T. M. Miller, Esq., third.
The first prize for six flowering plants was awarded to Mr. Rye, who had
Bougainvillea glabra, Statice Holfordi, Dipladenia Brearleyana, and Alla-
manda Hendersoni in fairly good condition. Mr. W. Dobson was a credit¬
able second, his best being Cierodendron Balfourianum and Stephanotis
floribunda. Mr. Rye was also first for three specimens ; Mr. F. Perry,
gardener to H. C. Miles, Esq., second, and Mr. J. Lee third.

Table plants were well Bhown, though the majority were rather large r

tliaD are usua’ly preferred. Mr. R. Morse was first, having Croton Johannis,
C. Warreni, Dracaena Wilsoni, D. nigro-rubra, Pandanus Veitchi, and Cocos
Weddelliana in good condition. Mr. W. H. Bannister, gardener to
H. St. Vincent Ames, Esq., was a good second; and Mr. G. Shelton, gar¬
dener to W. K. Wait, Esq., third. The best six Caladiums were shown by
Mr. Rye, the second prize going to Mr. J. H. Vallance, gardener to J. C.
Wall, Esq. ; and the third to Mr. J. Lee. Coleuses were largely shown and
in good variety. With these Mr. Vallance was first, Mr. Bannister second,
anu Mr. E. T. Hill third. Mr. F. Edwards was first for Gloxinias, and Mr.
Rye for Achimenes. Begonias were well shown by several growers, but
the varieties, as a rule, were very poor. Mr. G. Shelton was first ; Mr.
H. Maidmont, gardener to Mrs. Naish, second ; Mr. F. Perry third, and an
extra was given to Mr. R. Morse. Only a few Orchids were shown, and
some of these were poor. Mr. F. Perry was first with four varieties, these
consisting of Disa grandiflora, Epidendrum vitellinum, Odontoglossum
Lindhyanum, and Aerides odoratum. With a single plant Mr. J. Lee was
first with a strongly flowered Oncidium flexuosum, Mr. Perry second with a
good pan of Disa grandiflora, and Mr. J. Stapleton third with Oncidium
flexuosum, extra strong. Fuchsias were principally exhibited by Mr. J.
Harris, garuener to the Zoological Society, and his plants fully merited the
awards of first and extra prizes. Mr. Rye was first for Ferns, and Mr. Ban¬
nister second, both having good examples of well-known varieties.

Cut Roses. — On the whole the display of these was highly creditable,
though the lateness of the fixture evidently affected the quality of the
exhibits in nearly every case. The best forty-eight distinct varieties were
shown by Mr. J. Mattock, Oxford, and included good fresh examples of
Madame Ferrier, Sophie Tropot, Marie Baumann, Alfred Colomb, Marechal
Niel, Merveille de Lyon, Madame Rothschild, Senateur Vaisse, Souvenir
d’Elise Vardon, Comtesse de Nadaillac, Souvenir d’un Ami, Dapuy Jamain,
Therese Levet, Mons. E. Y. Teas, and Etienne Levet. Messrs. Cooling and
Sons, Bath, were a good second, their best being Duke of Wellington,
Framjois Michelon, Duke of Teck, Maurice Bernardin, Alfred Dumesnil, and
Fisher Holmes. Messrs. Keynes, Williams & Co., Salisbury, were third,
and three other lots were brought. Messrs. Curtis, Sanford & Co., Tor¬
quay, had the best twenty-four distinct varieties, the pick of the lot as we
saw them consisting of Duke of Edinburgh, Annie Wood, Ulrich Brunner,
Alfred Colomb, and Charles Lefebvre. Messrs. Cooling & Son were again
second, and Mr. J. Mattock third. The best twelve varieties were staged
by Messrs. Cooling dr Son, who had fine fresh examples of Lady Sheffield,
Julie Touvais, Lady Mary Fitzwilliam, A. Dumesnil, Madame L. Pernet.
H. P. Wilder, Lady McKeith, Franpois Michelon, and Marie Baumann.
Messrs. Curtis, Sanford <fc Co. were second, and Mr. J. Mattock third. Mr.
J. Mattock was very easily first for eighteen Teas, distinct, these including
fine fresh blooms of Niphetos, Souvenir d’Elise Vardon, Marechal Niel,
Madame Hippolyte Jamain, Souvenir d’un Ami, Catherine Mermet, David
Pradel, La Boule d’Or (a lovely yellow), Comtesse de Nadaillac, and
Madame Willermoz. Messrs. Cooling & Sons were second, and Mr. W. Smith
third. The amateurs’ exhibits, with one exception — viz., those which won
nearly all the first prizes — were very poor. Mr. J. Campbell, gardener to
S. P. Budd, Esq., Bath, had firsts for twenty-four distinct, twelve distinct,
and six distinct varieties, and also for twelve Teas. Other successful
exhibitors were Mr. E. S. Cole, gardener to W. Pethick, E-q. ; Mr. J. Pearce,
gardener to H. Derham, Esq. ; Mr. F. Edwards ; Mr. J. Clarke, gardener to
J. S. Pope, Esq. Mr. E. S. Cole was also most successful with baskets and
bouquets of Roses, and also with epergoes and bouquets of mixed flowers,
displaying excellent taste in each insiance. Messrs. Hookings and E. T.
Hill were also prizewinners in this department, while the successful exhi¬
bitors of coll ctions of hardy perennials and hardy annuals, of which there
was a grand display, were respectively Messrs. A. A. Walters. R. Richards,
and W. Smith, and Messrs. W. Smith, A. A. Walters, and F. Perry, who
received the awards in the order given in each instance.

Fruit and Vegetables.— Nine fairly good stands of Black Hamburgh
Grapes were shown, the first prize going to Mr. J. H. Vallance, who had
medium-sized well-finished bunches; Captain Alcock, who had smaller
bunches and larger berries following, and Mr. W. H. Bannister was a credit¬
able third. Fewer white Grapes were shown, and none were really ripe.
Mr. Vallance was first for Foster’s Seedling, Mr. E. Robinson second with
Golden Champion, berries large but spotted som-what, and Mr. J. Stapletoa
third. Melons were not very good. Mr. J. Gaskel), gardener to W. A.
Jones, Esq., was first with Blenheim Orange ; Mr. Rye second with the same
variety, and Mr. E. Miller, gardener to F. Tagart, Esq., third. The latter
exhibitor was first in the class for Peaches, having fairly good Royal George,
and Mr. Vallance was second, and Mr. Miller was also first for Nectarines,
winning with a pretty dish of Pine Apple. The display of Strawberries,
considering the season, was remarkably good. Mr. J. House had the best
four varieties, these consisting of Loxford Hall Seedling, Countess, Souvenir
de Kieff, and British Queen, all in fine condition. Mr. J. Fudge was second
and Mr. W. H. Bannister third. Mr. Bannister was first with a single dish,
having a fine dish of Countess, a flat-fruited variety with seeds very pro¬
minent and of fairly good quality ; Mr. Garraway, Bath, being second with
Goliath, large and good, and Mr. Fudge third with Loxford Hall Seedling.
The best collection of vegetables was staged by Mr. G. Garraway, Mr.
W. H. Bannister being second and Mr. E. Miller third. Mr. R. Bow,
gardener to F. W. George, Esq., had the best Cucumbers, a fairly good brace
of Carter’s Champion, and a pretty dish of Tomato Hathaway’s Excelsior,
staged by Mr. P. Garnish, also won a first prize. Mr. R. Bow was first for
both round and kidney Potatoes, showing Sutton’s Early Regent and Sutton’s
Kidney respective1}".

Miscellaneous Exh. bits.— Messrs. Garraway & Co., Durdham Down
Nursery, Clifton, arranged a pretty group of flowering and fine-foliaged
plants and Ferns, and Mr. T. Bush, nurseryman, Bristol, also sent a number
of good plants, which were effectively grouped in different places. A good
strain of Petunias was exhibited by Mr. J. Bradner, Arley Hill Nursery, and
several stands of cut Roses were also contributed by a few growers.

THE FLOWER AND FRUIT SHOWS.

As far as my memory serves the subject of borrowing and buying
fruits and vegetables by would-be exhibitors was slightly ventilated last
summer or in autumn, and now is the time to draw attention of secretaries

Jalj SS, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

75

and judges to the same subject, one that will stand considerable thrashing
just now if you can find space in our valuable Journal. In a flourishing
town in the midlands, and at their successful flower, fruit, and vegetable
Show last September, two greengrocers told me they had been applied
to for International Kidney Potatoes to make up dishes and numbers of
sets by exhibitors who could not quite make up the number for the dish,
be it six or twelve. In the same town and county a gardener of a friend of
mine was asked to lend a Melon for the day. The variety, I think, was
Eastnor Castle, seed of which I gave to the said friend, and he had much
■finer specimens than I saw at the Show. This practice is an old one, but
means ought to be found to stop it. It is not confined to professional
gardeners, it has been done by both amateurs and cottagers. Some
cottagers’ exhibits of International Kidney Potatoes were so remarkably
fine they attracted my attention. I thought these exhibitors were
decidedly going ahead, better samples were not produced from some of
the first Potato growers. I found out that at least two exhibits were
made up to the required number by purchases from shop-keepers who buy
from some of the first gardeners in the midland county referred to. Now
is the time to give a caution.

Another subject might also be mentioned, in all fairness to the real
amateurs, of those who are now obliged to show in classes where other
persons claim to be amateurs, but who show their Roses from Rose
farms of acres of extent — a la Cranston, Cant, Paul, Rivers, Jefferies
and Co., who keep professional Rose gardeners, who do all the budding
and grafting. Amateur gardeners used to be understood to consist of
ladies and gentlemen, the clergy to a large extent, who do all the culture
themselves with members of their families, but who cannot indulge
■their floricultural tastes in acres, professional gardeners, &c., and who do
all the work con amore without acres of Roses, and without help, quite
different from those who are now showing one day at Liverpool, next at
■Crystal Palace, next at Hereford, next, perhaps, far north or far south.
Do not you agree with me that things are not at present quite fair to the
Teal amateurs, and want a little supervision by those whom it concerns
to keep each class as it ought to be— purely professional, and purely
amateur ? I apologise for the length of this letter, but I have not
troubled you with one for the past two years, though I read my Journal
Tegularly, and bind it, too, for reference. — Saxoring.

[No apology is needed for a letter of this kind, and everything that
can be done should be done to check the reprehensible practices above
indicated where they are found to exist.]

PENLLERGARE.

The residence of J. T. D. Llewelyn, E q., stands on one of the finest
sites for natural beauty that could be found in the county of Glamorgan.
The elevation is some 300 feet above the level of the sea. The house, a
commodious building of two storeys, commands extensive views from all
sides, embracing rock, wood, water, hill and dale, acd rich pasture land.
The principal entrance to the demesne is a mile and a half from the
Cockett station on the Great Western Railway, and about four miles from
the town of Swansea. The private approach is a mile and a half in
length. It is conducted through the park and along the breast of a
wooded hill, and cut out of the solid rock in many places. As it ascends
the hill the scenery increases in grandeur till the house is reached. On
the left the ground rises to a considerable height above the drive, and on
the right it descends far down to the valley, where flows the river Llan,
a rapid trout stream, which passes through two lakes at different
levels as it winds its way through the picturesque grounds of Penllergare
on its course to the sea. The banks on both sides of the valley are covered
with heavy timber, principally Oaks, in the best of health, while here and
there large trees of Hemlock Spruce (Abies canadensis), Taxodium
■sempervirens, Wellingtonia gigantea, and Cryptomeria japonica stand out
in bold relief, lit up in many places by a glorious undergrowth of the best
species and varieties of Rhododendrons and hardy Azaleas, some of
which are of large dimensions and in the most luxuriant health, the soil
and situation being favourable to their growth.

As the house is neared the scenery becomes still grander. The valley
narrows and deepens, and the drive for some distance runs close to the
■edge of a precipice, with only a frail rustic wooden rail between the road
and it for protection ; or, what is more reasonable, to mark the edge of
the cliff, which descends perpendicularly 100 feet or more below the road.
The view from this point, looking to the right over the tops of the trees
and down to the bottom of the glen, is charming. The ground from the
foot of the precipice sweeps boldly down to the river, and then rises
rapidly to a great height on the opposite side, completely shutting in the
view. The view from the left side of the road is hemmed in by the rock
out of which it is cut, and the rising ground above it. Advantage has
been taken of the narrowness of the valley here to make a lake by throw¬
ing a bank across it and damming the stream. The lake is beautifully
situated, and its surface along the margin is covered with different kinds
of Water Lilies, while the steep banks on all sides are wooded down to
the water’s edge. In the middle of the bank, at the lower end of the
lake, there is a strong bulwark composed of large blocks of stone, which
forms the resisting power to the heavy weight of water at a point where
the lake forms a cascade, which leaps boldly over a fall of 18 feet, and
then the river assumes its natural course down the valley till it is again
interrupted, where it forms another lake of greater dimensions. Both
lakes are well stocked with trout, which afford good sport to Mr. Llewelyn
and his friends from boats during the fishing season. From this point the
drive continues to rise gradually till it emerges in front of the mansion on

a small open plateau, which is neatly laid out in shrubberies, flower beds
and plots of well-kept short grass. Here the ground immediately to the
right descends to the lake, and for some distance past the east side of the
house. Shady winding walks lead from the mansion down to the lake,
and along its side nearest tbe house, past the cascade, and down the right
side of the stream for a great distance till it is crossed by a bridge, where
the walks diverge into the woods and ascend the opposite bank.
Osmunda regalis and other British Ferns in great variety grow luxuriantly
in every available spot, and fringe the banks and sides of the stream
abundantly.

The immense quantities of Rhododendrons, species and hybrids, that
are grown here form one of the principal features of the place. Rhodo¬
dendrons are growing everywhere about the grounds — in shrubberies,
woods, and in clumps on the open lawn, with a luxuriance to be met with
only in a few places favoured by soil and climate. Mr. Llewelyn
and his father before him have taken great interest in the cultivation and
introduction of new species and varieties of Rhododendrons that will stand
the climate of Penllergare, and their efforts in this, as evidenced by the fine
collections, have been crowned with no small degree of success.
Thousands of seedlings from the best species and varieties are raised
annually in boxes and planted out in nursery lines in succession, where
they remain until they are large enough to be planted permanently in
favourable situations in the woods or elsewhere. The seeds are sown
early in spring and the boxes placed in a vinery for the seeds to germinate,
which they do freely to judge from the boxes I saw covered with young
plants as thickly as if it had been Mustard and Cress. The varieties con¬
sisted of the choicest kinds in cultivation, amongst which I observed the
following : — R. Viviani, R. eximium, R. Hodgsoni, R. barbatum, R.
fulgens, R. cinnabarinum, R. ciliatum, R. Fortunei, R. Thompsoni, R.
arboreum, R. calopbyllum, and many others. In passing, I may say
the Rbododendrons, at the time of my visit, were in full flower. I am
sorry, however, that time did not permit of my noting the names and
giving the dimensions of some of the adult plants which are growing
here so plentifully.

The forcing and plant houses, with the exception of the conservatory,
which is attached to the west side of the mansion, and some small plant
hou-es to the right of it, are all in the kitchen garden, which lies on a
h;gher level a little to tbe south of the residence, and is hidden from it
and the finely kept grounds around it by a plantation of large trees.

The conservatory, a substantially built half-spanroofed structure, is
slightly curved in its length to suit the wing of the building to which it
is attached. It is about 60 feet long, 20 feet high, and broad in propor¬
tion, with a fountain and beds in the centre, and a narrow stage at tihe
side of the path round the back wall. The wall is covered with Camellias
and Orange trees, and the bed in the centre of the house is planted w.th
large Camellias, Tree Ferns, and other greenhouse plants. Fuchsias
ana various climbers cover tbe rafters in front, and hang down in graceful
festoons. Tbe house contained a general collection of greenhouse plants,
which were clean and healthy, and everything looked neat and orderly.
Besides the plants in the conservatory the entrance hall of the mansion
was neatly furnished with a miscellaneous collection of flowering plants,
amongst which were a batch of well-grown plants of an extra fine strain
of Calceolaria.

Mr. Llewelyn devotes a great deal of time to the pursuit of natural
history. He is a good entomologist, a keen florist, hybridiser, and arbori¬
culturist and it is but right to say he is ably assisted in horticulture and
arboriculture by his genial and intelligent gardener, Mr. Warmington.

The observatory garden, which is entirely devoted to the culture of
the rarest and choicest florist flowers, is laid out in small oblong beds for
minutely observing the plants and flowers at all stages of their growth.
Besides these and rockeries, it contains a great many pits and frames for
growing rare and tender varieties. The large collections of Auricula,
Carnation, Primula, Pansy, and other florist flowers grown here can
scarcely be surpassed, if indeed equalled, in any private place in the
kingdom. What is called the new garden adjoins this, and is partly
enclosed by large shrubberies. It is a delightful piece of undulating
pleasure ground tastefully laid out and planted with the choicest kinds of
trees and shrubs. Amongst coniferous trees were good specimens of
Cryptomeria japonica, Thuiopsis borealis, Cupressus Lawsoniana,
Wellingtonia gigantea, Araucaria imbricata, Hemlock Spruce, and many
others, ranging in heights from 30 to 60 feet, and furnished to the ground
with the most luxuriant growth. The bank of Rhododendrons and
Azaleas were magnificent, and arranged in colour so as to produce the
best effect while in flower. The broad gravel walks which wind through
it are bordered by rich shrubberies, rare flowering plants and well kept
short grass. The garden contains a good lawn tennis grouna for recrea¬
tion, and a cosy summerhouse to rest in and shun the heat, or to shelter
from pelting showers. In an adjacent shady Pine plantation Mr. Llewelyn
showed us a collection of some of the new and more tender kinds of
Rhododendrons that he is trying to inure to the climate of Penllergare.
The plants were making strong healthy growths, and Mr. Llewelyn is
sanguine that many of them will prove hardy when planted in sheltered
situations in the woods.

The kitchen garden, which lies high and exposed to the north-east,
contains five acres, the forcing and plant houses, Melon ground, gardener’s
house, and bothy. The inner portion of the garden is enclosed by walls,
and the outer portion by tall hedges and shrubberies for shelter. The
ground is laid out in convenient quarters for cropping, which are divided
by gravel walks. The borders on either side of the principal walks are
planted with espalier and pyramidal fruit trees at suitable distances from
the walk. The trees, however, do not grow freely n r bear fruit satisfac-

76

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

t July 22, 1886.

torily on account of the exposed situation of the garden. It is different
with the trees on the walls, which grow vigorously and mature heavy
crops of fruit in good seasons. There is a good Peach wall here with a
projecting framework of glass under the coping, which affor Is protection
toa fiDe lot of trees in the best of health, and at the time of my visit were
ladened with fruit the size of pigeons’ eggs. The varieties consisted of
Lord Palmerston, one of the best of the large late varieties which ripen in
the end of September ; Prince of Wales, another excellent late variety,
fruit tender, melting, and juicy ; Barrington, an old standard variety that
should be grown in every collection ; Early Alfred, which ripens in the
beginning of August ; Dr. Hogg, an excellent variety ripen'ng in August ;
and Hardwick Nectarine, which is one of the hardiest and most prolific
in cultivation. The different quarters in the kitchen garden were cropped
systematically, each bemg filled with vegetables of one kind, the
dwarfer and choicer sorts by themselves, and the cooler and stronger-
growing kinds were treated in like manner, a quarter being devoted to
Rhubarb, Artichokes, Asparagus, Peas, &c. The smaller fruits — Goose¬
berries, Currants, Raspberries, and Strawberries — were grown on the same
principle.

The Melon ground is one of the best I have seen for some time. It is
convenient to the forcing and plant houses, and is completely shut in and
sheltered by high hedges. It contains a good many pits and frames for
bedding and other plants, and plenty of open space for growing and
plunging plants during the summer, and for storing hardy plants in winter.
It is here that the seedling Rhododendrons, Azaleas, and coniferous plants
are grown in boxes until they are sufficiently large to be bedded out in
nursery lines. Mr. Warmington had growing here an excellent assortment
of Liliums in 11-inch pots, amongst which were L. Fortunei.jL. speciosum,
L. longifl irum bicolor, L. marmoratum, L. sanguineum, and others. They
were growing in a oompost of equal parts of peat and loam, which seemed
to suit them admirably.

After leaving the Melon ground with its many objects of interest, we
were shown through the forcing and plant houses. Tne first of these, a
lean-to greenh >use, was furnished with a good selection of Tuberous
Begonias, Vallotis, Pelargoniums, and a choice collection of cool Orchids.
The roof was partly covered by a large plant of Lapageria alba, which
grows vigorously and flowers freely, the flowers lasting for a long time in
perfection before fading. Next to this is an Orchid house, which contains
a rich collection of well-grown plants, clean and healthy. Mr. Llewelyn
is a good orchidist, and perhaps it would not be too much to say that he
inherits his love for them from his late father, who was deeply interested
in their introduction and cultivation, that he and another gentleman em¬
ployed a collector of Orchids between them long before Orchidese became
so common in this country. The following are a few of the varieties that
were in fl >wer or throwing up spikes at tne time of my visit — Cypri-
pedium barbatum, C. Lowi, C. niveum, C. caudatum, C. Pearcei. C. super-
biens, C. Lawrencianum, C. Parishi, C. concolor, C. hirsutissimum, C.
venustum, C. purpuratum, and C. Stonei. In close proximity to the latter
wasalarge plantof Peristeria elata throwing tip five spikesof great strength,
and five large clumps of Dendrobium nobile in 14-inch pots, each pot having
a little forest of pseudo-bulbs. Besides these, there were fine pieces of
L. Dalhou-ianum, D. Wardianum, D. maeropbyllum, D. pulcheliurn, and
others growing in boxes 2 feet square. There were also good pieces of
Aerides odoratum, A. crispum, and a large plant of A. odoratum purpu-
rascens, with seventy spikes, Phalaenopsis grandiflora, Vanda Cathcarii,
Phaius ma'ulatus, Dendiochilnm filiforme, Oncidium ampliatum, with
strong spikes 2 feet long. Besides these, there were large batches of
Calanthes and other winter flowering varieties, some large plants of
Eucharis strong and healthy, and a few specimen Pitcher Plants.

The next range consists of three lean-to vineries, each about 50 feet in
length. The first of these was filled with a Black Hamburgh Vine some
eighty years old. It is planted in an inside border and produces heavy
crops of medium-sized bunches yearly. The second division is planted
with Lady Downe’s Seedling and Black Hamburgh, which were carrying
heavy crops of large bunches. The third division is planted with late
varieties, which prolong the supply of Grapes to the end of March. The
Vines in all the divisions were clean and healthy, and showed signs of
good culture throughout.

In conclusion, I have to thank Mr. Llewelyn and his courteous
gardener for my enjoyable visit to Penllergare. — A. Pettigeew, Cardiff j

VIOLETS IN POTS.

I There are various methods of growing Violets in pots which will be
treated of separately, each having- its par'icular advantages.

I. Plants Geown Outdoors and Lifted in Late Summer.
— These afford the largest plants, the largest blooms, and are most
useful for general purposes. The plants are treated in every respect
the same as for lifting to plant in frames. Select the most pro¬
mising — i.e., those plants wi'h strong central crowns, sturdy habit,
and hold persistent f diage, clean and healthy. Lift carefully about
the middle of September, preserving all the roots possible, and
with the hand reduce the ball to a size that will allow of its being
placed in the pots with a couple of inches clear space all ar und, and
preserving xhe roots. The large-growing varieties will require pits
8 or 9 inches in diameter, and the medium growers 6 or 7 inches, the
small growers being accommodated in 5 or 6-inch pots. Place one large
crock or an oyster shell at the bottom of the pot, and two or three of
larger size over it, and then some rough leaf soil and lumpy loam to raise
it to the required height, so that the neck of the plant will be just level

with the rim of the pot. Use turfy loam, with a fourth of ra her roug h
leaf soil, and a quart of soot to a bushel of compost for potting. The
compost is best rongh so as to admit of the plants rootiag freely through
it, and the air that is taken down through using the rough soil and
frequent watering seems to exert a beneficial effect upon the roots, and
with these feeding can be practised largely. In a close soil there is
danger of its becoming sodden, the roots are sparse, and the flowers are
poor. Work the soil in amongst the roots, and make it moderately firm,
leaving about an inch space below the rim of the pot for holding water in
the larger size, and less in those of smaller size. Stand on a north
border on a bed of ashes, and sprinkle them morning and evening with
water from a rose pot. a good supply being given directly the plants are
placed in position after potting, and the soil being moist when potted,
they will not require any water but the sprinklings overhead for a week,
when roots being emitted, supplies will be required at intervals. The
soil must not be made too wet, and it must not be allowed to become
too dry.

In a fortnight remove them to a pit or frame with a sunny aspect. If
frost can be kept out, stand oa ashos, otherwise plunge the pots in ashes
to the rim. The plants should not be crowded, but have space every way,
and n it more than 6 inches clear of the glass. Here they will need water
when necessary, a th rough supply when the soil is getting dry and before
the foliage flags. Air should be admitted as advised for Violets in frames.
Fiom the frames the plants can be taken to the greenhouse for accelerating
the flowerin/ preparatory to use in the house, &c. Assign a position near
the glass and near the ventilators, the temperature artificially not exceed¬
ing 45° to 50°. Afford weak liquid manure, and clear, every time water is
required.

Varieties for the Lifting System of Pot Culture. — Victoria Regina,
September to spring. Princess of Prussia, September to spring. This is
the finest shaped of all single Violets ; purple ; flowers of great sub¬
stance, very sweet. Raised by Mr. G. Lee, and not sent out by him. I
have, however, grown it many years. Prince Consort, September to
spring. Foliage large, round or cordate ; bluish purple ; large flowers,
footstalks very long, the longest in Violets. Not in commerce ; raised by
Lee. White Czar, September to spring. Those have all large foliage
and flowers, and require ihe largest size pots. In those that are useful for
dec irative purposes we have D mble Pink, September to spring; New York,
September to spring ; White Neapolitan, September to spring ; De Parme,
September to spring. Those suitable for the second size pets are —
Patrie, September to spring ; and Russian, winter, only given because a
great favourite with many. These are suitable for the lesser sized pots.
If a light one be wanted, Parmaensis plena may be added. The spring
b'oomers are omitted. N B. — The very best for pots are New York,
White Neapolitan, Di Parme, and Patrie, a quartette of gems, flowering
from September to March inclusive.

II. Peemanent Pot Cultivation of Violets. — This may be
annual or perennial. We take the lirst as best. Early runners or suckers
are taken in spring from plants in frames or otherwise, and rooted in
gentle heat as advised previously, and instead of planting them out they
are pitted, first into 3-inch pots, and plunged in ashes duly watered and
attended to. When the plants are established, and have filled the pots
with roots, they are shifted into their largest pots before they become
much root-bound, or early in June. Five and six-inch pots are most suit-
atde. The pots should be clean, have a large crock over he h le, and
then a few balf-inch bones. The soil may consist of turfy loam of
medium texture, torn up with the hand into moderately small portions,
four parts, one part leaf soil or thoroughly decayed manure, h ilf a part
old mortar rubbish, and a similar proportion of charcoal broken so as to
pass a half-inch sieve. Mix, and add a quart of soot to every bushel of
soil, and a similar quanuty of Amies’, Clay’s, Beeson’s, Jensen’s, or other
artificial manure. Pot moderately firm. Stand on ashes, and plunge in the
same in a i-beltered situation. Water as necessary, not over-watering so
as to sodden the soil, Hnd do not withhold it so as to cripple ihe growth.
Feed with liquid manure so soon as the pots are filled with roots. Sprinkle
the foliage in the evening of hot days. Keep the plants clear of all
runners and weeds, stirring ihe surface of the sod if it becomes green with
a label pointed so as to form a spud. Remove the loose soil an I surface-
dress with leaf soil or decayed cowdung, and repeat as necessary. If red
spider attack the plants dipthecu in asolution of S' ftsoap, 2 ozs.to the gallon,
commencing with its first appearance. It is equally efficacious against
aphides. Remove to cold frames in October, and to the greenhouse as
required. In a cool house they will flower through the winter, or a cord¬
ing to the variety. Frames erected against the sides of greenhouses are
the mi st euiab e, and should be of a kind that will afford a free circula¬
tion of air in favmnahle wea'ber.

Varieties for Pots Flowering in Autumn. — Neapolitan, New York,
Marie Louise, VVbi'e Neap titan, De Parme, Patrie, Tree (Viola odorata
arborea plena, doutile, bluish purple, and var. aloa), Double Pink, Par¬
maensis plena, and lilandy ana, purple, striped white, aud Duchess of
Edinburgh, a Neapolitan of very variable character, but when in con lition
lovely.

Varieties for Pots Flowering in Early Spring. — King of Violets,
Douole Purple or Scotch, D mble White or Compacta, Q ieeu of Violets,
Double Russian, an l Empress, double blue, a form of Belle lie Chatenay
or Queen of Violets, very closely allied to the variety of the latter mmed
ccerulea plena. Very fine. Single varieties: — Neapolitan, lavender,
white eye, very sweet, flowering with the double varieties ; Russian or
Scotch; rubia, Spring; and Devoniensis, winter. The singles are not so
much valued in pots as the doubles.

All Violets maybe kept many years in pots. After hardening the

July 22, 1838. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

77

plants in the frames, take them to the potting bench, turn them out,
reduce t^e ball two-thirds, cutting it clean away with a knife, and at the
base ju»t clear of ihe drainage. Replace them in clean pots, making
the fresh soil rather firm. Arrange them ou’doors, and treat as in the
previous season. Another plan is to turn the plants out of the pots, shake
away all the soil, trim in the roots, and return to the same size of pot, or
preferably a smaller one, and afterwards transfer to the flowering size
when the roots have taken possession of the soil. Such plants are not in
any sense equsl to what they are in the first year, hence treating them
as annuals is advised.

III. Bouquets of Violets in Pots. — Plants that have flowered in pots
may be turned out in late April or early May in good rich soil in an
open situation, planting 2 feet apart every way for the small and medium
growers, and the large growers in rows 3 feet apart, making the soil firm
about the roots, and supply water until established. Old plants that have
passed the winter outdoors may have every alternate plant and row taken
out, leaving the others undisturbed, and the ground should have a good
dressing of manure, and have it pointed in. Strong runners of the current
year and suckers rooted early in gentle heat and grown on being placed out
in May at the distances named are equally available for our purpose — viz.,
to get well-rooted runners in quantity of the current year. Instead of
removing the runners make a slight cavity when the runners show leaves
at the end of the bine, and place the runner wire in it just below the
runner plant, securing with a peg. Repeat this with every runner that
shows up to Sep’ember, disposing them ov-r the ground so that each will
have a fair share of space, and if likely to become crowded cut away the
superfluous runners. It is essential that the runners have exposure to
light so as to make a sturdy, thoroughly solidified growth. In early
October lift all the runners, detaching them from the parent, and arrange
them into two kinds — viz., early runners or strong plants, and late runners
or small plants. Shake all the soil from them, but preserve a good
amount of root, being careful not to break them off ngar the runner. The
roots, if long, may be trimmed, and the runner wire cut away or that part
unrooted. About 2 inches of runner wire is sufficient to reserve. Prepare
some pots as for lifted plants and some of the same soil, and fid
the pots with runners as thickly as they can be placed together without
touching, the outer ones close to the rims of the pots all around, and only
slightly below it, the crowns just clear of the soil. The old leaves may
be removed, but care must be taken not to damage the centre ones and
crowns. Stand them in a cold frame, give a good watering, and shade
from sun until established. Afterwards keap them well up to the light,
and freely ventilated as advised for Violets in frames generally. Re¬
move all decayed leaves as they appear, and whenever water is necessary
afford liquid manure.

These plants will develope freely, bearing blooms abundantly, and by
introducing them to a house after November with a temperature of 45° to
50° art.fioially they will come in early or at midwinter, and by intro¬
ducing fresh hatches a succession for the boud "ir and drawing room can
he secured. Neapolitan varieties are the best for this purpose — viz., New
York, Marie Loui-e, De Parme, and White Neapolitan. All others are
amenable to the practice. Of all Violets for pots De Parme is the best.

Tree Violets — Violets naturally in old plan’s form stems, growth
taking place by the apex. The stems are elongated by each succeeding
year’s addition, and it is accelerated by removing the side growths — i.e.,
the runners and suckers. The tendency to form stems is inherent in
some varieties, or they keep the central or main crown longer than others.
There are many that possess this characteristic, but there are some that
have it in a marked degree, and as a rule are not much given to runner
or sucker prod uc’ ion, but most Violets by keeping off the side growths
■can be had with stems, but what purpose is served thereby I could never
see. They are not remarkably pretty, and in no sense useful above
Violets grown in other manner. The Tree Violet is very like our wild
Violet (Violet odorata), if not a variety of it, and distinguished by the
appellation of aroor«-a, or arborescens, and I believe is a native of Spain.
I have, ho *ever, had the d. uble form from the Levant and Greece. The
single term is hardy, and so is the double, but, fl iwering in winter, pro¬
tection is nece-sary to insure its blooms coming in perfection. The single
form is not worth growing except as a curiosity; flowers light purple.
The double varieties are much the best, and should be grown in pots,
though they succeed very well planted out in May after being hardened
An 1 lilted and potted in autumn, but as some like these best in pots we
will advi e accordingly.

In spring the plants are potte 1 after flowering or in late April. The balls
«re reduc d and most of the old soil removed, returning them to pots that
■will hoi i the r cits easily, they being trimmed in to an inch or two of the
stem. Place in a frame, shade, and keep them ra’her close and moist
until es ablished, then harden off and shit into the larger size in June,
standing in a sheltered situation indoors. Keep off all runners, off-ets,
•or tide gr iwths and suckers. Remove them to cold frames in October, or
place in a light airy po-dtion in the greenhouse. If t'e crown divide cut
away all but one stem, re-erviug the most erect. D imp should be care¬
fully guaided against, as if it get into the crown it will decay, theref re
aent lite free'y, and remove all decayed leaves and flowers. The white
variety is mo t tender.

The best for forming “trees” are Viola odnrida arborea, fl.-pl,
double blue ; V ola odora’a arborea alba, fl.-pl., douMe white, and K ng
of Violets, double indigo-blue, but by selecting plants of other varie¬
ties with t-iugle stems or crowns in spring, shaking them out, cutting
in the roots to an inch or two of the. stem removing all suckers or side
growths and planting out a loot apart every way, keeping off all site
growths during the summer, pretty little trees wilt be bad lor lifting and

potting in autumn. The Neapolitans are amenable to this practice, and
treated in other respects as pot p'ants, they flower all the winter, and are
much app eciated by ladies for the pendant flowers through 'the stems of
the plants being kept clear of the soil. With care they live several years,
adding to the stem annually, but drip or damp in the centre will spoil a
year’s labour.— Viola.

1X0RA GRIFFITH!.

This is known to many gardeners by the more descriptive name of
hydrangeseformis, for both in its heads of flowers and its foliage it has
considerable likeness to the Hydrangea. It was discovered by Mr.
(Griffiths at M--rgui, and in'roduced in the year 1845 by Messrs. Low of
the Clapton Nurseries. It is a large branching shrub, the branches
terete, rich brown. Leaves large, oblong-ovate, aecuminate, somewhat
cuneate at Ihe base, taperiEg into a short stout petiole, penninerved, with

Fig. 12.

numerous transverse veinlets, glabrous, as is every part of the plant.
S ipules broad, Bhort, acme. Cyme large, broad, nearly flat at the top,
compound, with a great number of salmon-coloured (or sometimes yellow
and scarlet) flowers, with a pair of leafy bracts at its base. Calyx very
small, with four i-h >rt blunt tteih. Corolla salver-shaped, salmon colour
(or at first orange yellow, then red orange) ; the tube long, slender ; the
limb of four rotundate, very obtuse, spreading lobes.

Numerous Ixoras are grown, but that name! above is seldom seen in
gardens, yet, as will be seen from the cut, it is, when treated well, a
handsome plant.

CHOICE PERENNIALS.

( Continued from page 509 last vol.)

Primula Sieboldi (P. cortusoides amoena). — All the varieties of this
section are beautifully adapted either for culture in pots for conservatory
decoration, or tor the open border, and comprise some charming colours.
We have pure while flowers in grandifl *ra alba borne in grand trussep,
very free and fragrant. The type is an excellent free-flowering plant,
having long trusses of crimson magenta flowers, with a faint band of
white suffused with rose in the centre. This is of good habit and vigorous
constitution. Lilacina has flowers of a deep lilac hue, distinctly fringed,
and one of the most effective of the colour. There are many other forms,
but theie are among the most distim t in colour.

Doronicums. — That sharp bit ng fret which we experienced late
tnis spuug played sad havoc with these flowers, and their seasoa was in
consequence a short one. The mo-t handsome of all perhaps in D.
H irpur-Crewe (Syn. Clusii), the flowers of which »re «.f rich gold, and
from 3 to 4 inches in diameter, height 2£ feet. D. austriac um and D.
caucasicum are both highly ornamen al, and may be classed as among our
earlie-t C mpos'tes to flowers.

Senecio Dobonicum. — A plant growing a foot, having large entire
somewhat d iwny leaves and flowers of a rich gol ien yellow. This is a
highly decorative K rder perennial, and one which cannot be too strongly
recommended. It delights in abundant moisture, but ihat is not abso¬
lutely es-ential in its culti vatiou.

Fair Maids of France and St. Bruno's Lily.— In pissing from
these we may find some highly valuable plants with pure white flowers,
These two piants are the Fair Maids of France (Rinuuculus aconitifolius.
fl.-pl.) and the St. Bruno’s Lily (Antbericum lilmstrum) The foimer
has p> arly white button-like fl wers, which are borne in profu-ion for
some time on branching spikes. The latter are br'anged on trect r pikes,
and take the form of a drooping bell. Of the lat er plant 1 mui-t not
omit the major variety, which grows 2£ feet high, and which just row is
one of the gems in the border. It is much more vigorous and latger in
all its parts than the type.

78

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 2!, 1886.

The Double White Rocket. — Another plant among old favourites
is the double White Rocket (Hesperis matronalis fl -pi.), with sturdy
spikes of milky white flowers 2 feet or more high. The density of these
fragrant spikes, combined with their massive appearance, render it one of
of the best of our hardy flowering plants. Indeed, so freely does it
flower that it is not uncommon for it to die in very hot seasons in exposed
positions, and for this reason it must not be allowed to retain the flower
stems too long, unless there is plenty of good plants in reserve. A word,
by the way, as to planting it to insure success. Presuming good sized
plants are preferred to quantity, it may be divided sufficiently for the
purpose, the plants having been cut down as soon as the flowers commence
fading will have the effect of hastening the young growths about the base
of the plants. By the end of August these growths will have reached a
good size with several leaves each, and at this time, with favourable
weather, they may best be planted. By the appearance of frost they will
have a good hold upon the soil. It is by planting in spring time that
causes this Rocket too often to assume a puny miserable growth and pro¬
duce poor spikes of bloom in place of the giant massive spikes which at
the present time make it so conspicuous. — J. H. E.

(To be continued.)

HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

Strawberries. — Care should now be taken to induce runners to put
forth roots freely, so as to have plenty of vigorous young plants for making
new beds by the end of the month or early in August. Soil that is
mellow, rich, and tolerably firm, but not hard, is the best for our purpose,
and however rich we may have made the soil of the bed in which the old
plants are established, it will have been trampled so much in the gathering
of the fruit that the runner roots cannot easily lay hold of it. We have
tried many plans in the preparation of runners for planting, and have loDg
had strong reason to prefer the use of small pots filled with rich loam
pressed firmly into them. The pots are then plunged to the rim in the
soil between the old plants, and a strong runner pegged down so securely
upon the soil in the pot that as the roots grow they must enter it. If the
weather proves very hot and dry frequent waterings through the rose of
a waterpot help the runners to become established in the pots quickly.
When the roots have spread to the sides and bottoms of the pots the
stolons bear separation from the old plants, and they are imme¬
diately taken to the new bed, turned out of the pots, and planted
in permanent quarters. Deep rich soil, in which vegetables grow and
thrive, answers well for Strawberries, but if the soil does not contain
plenty of small stones it should have enough coal ashes mixed with it to
insure porosity, a heavy soil very retentive of moisture often proving
fatal to Strawberry roots in a cold wet winter, as we have found to our
cost. Turn out the plants carefully, so as not to break the ball of soil,
make a hole with a trowel, press the soil gently but securely around the
roots, cover the top of the hall with a little fine soil, but do not bury the
crown of the plant, and water well at once through a coarse rose to settle
the plants well in the soil. The use of flower pots involves a little extra
labour, but it prevents any check being given to the plants during the
transplantation, and tends materially to insure success. By success we
mean the formation of new beds which shall afford a supply of fine large
early fruits the first season, instead of a few small fruit or none at all till
the second year after planting. The fruit of new beds ripens early
because it is not so much shaded by foliage as that of old beds. Two
feet apart is the best distance for the plants, but in small gardens the
rows should be 2 feet apart, and the plants a foot apart in the rows. We
have made new beds with the plants and rows only a foot apart, and after
the fruit was gathered the first season every alternate row was hoed up.
Myth's method double the quantity of fruit is obtained in the first season
and the permanent plants sustain no injury, a dressing of manure being
dug in between the rows as the extra plants are cleared off. Do not
forget to plant beds of early sorts both on sunny slopes and out in the
open quarters of the garden, and the late sorts in the open and on north
borders, so as to prolong the season of ripe fruit as much as possible.
JNew sorts of Strawberries are introduced every year, and all which have
reliable recommendations should be tried. Of sorts of proved excellence
we recommend as being the most useful dozen sorts in general cultivation
—Black Prince, Marguerite, Sir Joseph Paxton, James Veitch, Bicton
Pine (white), Lucas, Dr. Hogar, President, Hammonia, Unzer Fritz,
Frogmore Late Pine, and Loxford Hall Seedling,

FRUIT FORCING.

Vines. Earliest Vines. — Ihe Vines will now require a dry atmo-
sphere to thoroughly ripen the wood, but it will not be necessary to em-
ploy artificial heat to insure the requisite warmth, as that can be effected
by regulating the ventilators according to the weather, but avoiding a
close atmosphere, especially at night, which would have the effect orin-
ducing lateral growths that must now be restrained, keeping the laterals
and all late growths well in hand, and seek complete rest by keeping the
border cool and dry. To effect this cover the outside border with dry

bracken or litter, and in case of heavy rain use tarpaulin, and keep the
inside border dry.

Vines in Pots for Early Foreing. — Those for next season’s early fruit¬
ing will have completed their growth, and cannot have too much light.
The watering should not be more than necessary to keep the leaves fresh.
Keeping the soil too dry will induce premature ripening. If they do not
ripen freely keep them rather warm during the day, and ventilate freely
at night.

Young Vines. — Vines of this season’s planting should, if the light is
not too much obstructed, he allowed to grow unchecked, it being pre¬
sumed they will be cut back to the bottom of the trellis, or to three or
four eyes at the winter pruning. Any supernumeraries intended for next
year’s fruiting should be regularly stopped at a length of 7 or 8 feet,
removing the laterals from the buds intended to give fruit next year,
preserving the old leaves, and encouraging lateral extension above the
part it is intended to prune to, so as to stimulate root-action, and pre¬
vent the eyes starting from an excess of sap. If required for starting
early the wood must bo tborougly ripened, admitting a free circula¬
tion of air, and if the weather should prove wet and cold gentle fire heat
will be necessary.

Scalding. — At this period when scalding occurs we may repeat our
advice to afford increased night temperature and abundant ventilation
by day, so as to reduce the atmospheric moisture until the critical
stage is past. After then fire heat may be economised by closing
early, so as to admit of the sun raising the temperature to 90° or 95° on
fine afternoons.

Regulating Growths. — Keep these so disposed that light and air will
have access to the foliage equally. Adopt the extension rather than the
restrictive system where there is room for it wiihout crowding, keeping
gross laterals stopped so as to cause an equal flow of sap throughout the
Vines. Avoid large reductions of foliage at a time, it only tends to check
root-action, and has an evil effect on the fruit, very often resulting in
canker and other ills.

Grapes Ripening. — Houses in which the Grapes are ripening should
have a free circulation of air constantly, less of course at night than
during the day, and pr vide less moisture in the atmosphere. A minimum
temperature of 70° to 75° will be necessary for Muscats, and 5° less for
other varieties, air being given freely whenever the weather admits.

Late Grapes. — The bunches must have a final examination, removing
all the small seedless berries, and thinning where likely to he too crowded,
and small berries and lack of symmetry are great defects, often spoiling
the appearance of an otherwise fine bunch. Allow a liberal extension of
the laterals, but permit no more foliage to form than can have full exposure
to light.

Watering. — Vines with the Grapes swelling will require water fre¬
quently, inside borders not more distantly than once a fortnight, and
where they are somewhat restricted and well drained it may be given once
a week, as it is scarcely possible to overwater Vines in full growth, pro¬
vided they are in well-drained borders of porous material and are not too
luxuriant in growth. Outside borders will scarcely require any water as
yet, hut they must not be allowed to get too dry, or the roots will descend
in quest of moisture, and so be seeking it at the drainage when it should
be provided for them at the surface.

Feeding. — Besides water it will be necessary to give a stimulant of
some kind, especially where the crops are heavy, than which nothing
answers better than the liquid from manure tanks, the drainings of
stables, manure heaps, &c. This diluted when too strong with tepid:
water will make a wonderful difference in the size of the Grapes, and we
may mention sulphate of ammonia as a capital stimulant for weakly
Vines, applying it at the rate of 1 lb. to 30 gallons of water. Guano is
also good, 1 lb. to 20 gallons of water. The best mulch is fresh horse
droppings scattered rather thinly, and renewed from time to time,
especially for inside borders, on account of the ammonia supplied to the
atmosphere. Care should be taken not to give an overdose, as it is highly
inimical to the foliage when powerful. A slight sprinkling once a week is
sufficient.

Cucumbers. — Pot the seedlings for autumn fruiting as they become
ready, pinching out the growing point above the second rough leaf of such
plants as are required for growing in pits, but for trelliswork place a
small stick to each plant as they advance. Prepare fermenting materials
to afford bottom heat to plants in pits, and have the structure thoroughly
cleaned, especially houses, cleansing the woodwork with hot water, soap,
and a brush, the glass with clear water, and limewash the walls. All old
soil must be removed, and all made as clean and sweet as possible-
Nothing answers better than light turfy loam stacked until the grass is
dead, and if at all strong add an equal quantity of fibrous peat, a tenth
part of charcoal, and a sixth of old mortar rubbish thoroughly incorporated-

Although fire heat is not at this time of year necessary, especially in
bright weather, yet in prolonged dull periods of dull damp weather the
nights are cold, and the low temperature induces stunted yellow fruits,
canker at the collar, and mildew oa the foliage. In such weather employ
gentle fire heat at night, and by day if dull and cold. Sulphur dusted
freely about the foliage is the best cure for mildew, and against canker
there is nothing better than quicklime tubbed well into the affected parts
until dry. Upon a return to bright weather after a dull period shade Irom
bright Bun, so as to prevent flagging, which if allowed wastes the energies
of the plants, resulting in ill-shaped stunted fruits, and offers a Btrong in¬
ducement to red spider. Keep the growths regularly attended to twice a
week, and keep up a succession of bearing wood by removing exhausted
growths and replacing with young fruitful growths. Close early, running
up to 90° to 100°.

July 22, 1886.

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

79

PLANT HOUSES.

Celosias. — Young plants intended for winter decoration, and now in
•small pots, or still in pans and boxes, should be potted as they require
mere root room. If in the latter, transfer them into 3-inch pots, but if in
small pots already they may be transferred into 5 and 6 inch pots. They
are free-rooting, and no harm will be done by giving them a liberal shift,
provided they are carefully watered until they are rooting freely in the
new soil. They should be hardened at once to cool treatment, for they
are soon ruined if kept in a close atmosphere. The object should be to
produce dwarf sturdy growth, and then finely developed plumes are
certain. Seed may still be sown if sufficient plants have not been
raised.

Primula ohconica. — All plants that are well advanced in their largest
pots may be stood on a bed of ashes outside. Select a situation with a
northern aspect where they will be shaded from direct sunshine. The
ashes upon which they are stood should be kept moist, so as to keep the
surroundings of the plants as cool as p issible. This plant cannot endure
a dry hot position where they are fully exposed to the sun. If well cared
for in the position indicated the plants will do better than if confined in a
frame.

Calceolarias. — If seed was sown as directed, the seedlings will be ready
for pricking oil singly into pans or boxes. They should be placed from
1 to 2 inches apart in a compost of light moderately rich material, and
when this space has been filled they will be ready for 3-inch pots. They
must be grown in a frame with a northern aspect, and stood upon a cool
moist bottom. If the stock from the first-sown seed is insufficient for
the various successional batches required, sow a little more at once.

Cinerarias. — These must be potted as they require more root room, for
if checked in small pots they seldom do well, as they become a prey to
insects. Grow the plants in a similar position to that advised for Calceo¬
larias, and give them rcom to develope their foliage. Abundance of air
must be admitted, and as much light as the plants will bear, or the foliage
will soon become drawn and weakly, when no after treatment will remedy
the evil. Seedlings should be pricked into pans and boxes, and a little
more seed sown at once for succession.

Rhodanthes. — These are amongst the most useful of plants for various
purposes of decoration, and they last in good condition for a considerable
period of time. A good batch should be sown at once, and they will be
found most useful indoors from the early part of October, and will last
in good condition into the following month. They are usually three
months before they are in bloom from the time of sowing the seed — that
is, when cool treatment is given. The seed should be sown in 5-inch
pots that have been nearly filled with rich soil composed of good loam,
-one-third leaf mould, one-seventh of manure, and a little sand. The pots
should be placed in a cold frame until the seed has germinated, then
harden the young plants, and grow them cool ; in fact, when they are
1 inch high they should be grown without any lights over them. It is
useless sowing seed after the close of this month.

ttochs. — Very useful in pots, and a little seed of Ten-Weeks Stocks
and intermediate varieties of various colours should be sown in a box at
once in a cold frame. Directly the seed has germinated the box or pan
must be stood outside, for Stocks are very liable and certain to damp if
kept close. When the seedlings are large enough they may either be
potted singly, or pricked into boxes to be afterwards placed in pots. They
do not transplant well, and therefore it is better to sow in small to
commence with.

Chrysanthemums. — The varieties of C. tricolor, which are of various
shades of colour, are very beautiful when well grown in pots for conserva¬
tory decoration. Seed of each should be sown separately in 6-inch pots,
and when the seedlings are large enough thin them out to five or six
plants, and then grow them perfectly cool ; in fact, they are best outside
when once the seed has germinated. In the early part of the year they
are best grown singly ; two or three seeds should be sown in each small
pot, and then thinned out to one. The leading shoot of the plant should be
pinched to induce them to branch, and they will by this treatment form
dwarf bushy specimens when they come into flower. At this season sow
the seed as directed, and grow the plants without pinching.

m BEE-KEEPER.

M

SEASONABLE NOTES.

The season has until the last few weeks been one of
unprecedented severity. Far and wide the cry of despair has
gone up from numerous bee-keepers who had not sufficient
buoyancy to hope against hope for a change in the weather
and their prospects. Those who have given proper attention
to their bees during the last two months, who have supplied
them with food when necessary, and kept them warm and
snug, will now almost certainly be able to reap a small but
welcome harvest. The white Clover is in full bloom, and
the tropical heat of this month so far, following on a cold
wet May and dull sunless June, will enable the bees not
only to replenish their empty cells but to store an average
quantity of surplus for the benefit of their master. In my

own apiary honey is already being stored in quantity in
supers, and a continuance of fine weather for even ten days
longer will enable me to repay myself for the little extra
trouble bestowed upon the stocks in their hour of need.
During the last few days scores of swarms have been thrown
off, but it is absolutely hopeless to expect any surplus from
either the swarms or old stock this year, and almost impos¬
sible without great care and attention to get the swarm and
old stock in a proper condition for wintering. The swarms
given in May and June, if proper attention has been paid to
their wants, will now be at work in supers, but where no
assistance has been given the Clover will be gone and all
hope of supers be lost before they are in a fit state for super-
ing. Those who had swarms not later than early June, and
have fed them carefully but sufficiently, returning the casts
to the old hive on the day of issue, will now be able to place
supers with success on both swarm and stock, and it will
not be at all surprising if a great success attends their efforts.
It is, of course, impossible, and certainly not wise, to attempt
to say what the weather of this month will be ; but I am
only considering our prospects in the event of a fine warm
sunny month after the bleak, cold, wet, and miserable weather
we have experienced since last September.

At the close of the Clover season, unless it is intended to
try for a harvest from the Heather, attention must be given
to every stock, and later on a supply of food be afforded
sufficient to last not only over the winter months but well
into spring. No one can imagine the trouble and anxiety
saved by having a sufficiency of stores in every hive to tide
over periods of adversity ; but it is perhaps early to consider
the question of wintering, although the foundation for success
in a future year must be laid in the preceding summer or
autumn, and if no such pains are taken for the welfare of
the bees in the winter months no profit can fairly be expected
in the summer season. Success follows energy.

It may be well to warn those who are this year attempt¬
ing to follow the tiering system, that great judgment will be
required in order that the super room may not be in excess
of what it may reasonably be hoped the bees will require,
while on the other hand no stock must be in the least cramped
for room, or the swarming impulse will be awakened. At
present my stocks are working sixty-three 1-lb. sections each
in various stages of completion, but if fine weather continues
it may be necessary to considerably augment this number;
while, on the other hand, if wet again follows, the number
will be reduced and the comb carefully stowed away for
another season. Sections filled with clean white comb are
invaluable, especially for placing in the racks of sections at
the beginning of the season. The honey, if any is in them,
must first of course be cleared by the bees unless sufficient
in quantity to make the honey more valuable than the comb.
Let each one use discretion and judgment. — Felix.

THE HONEY SEASON.

Notwithstanding the hot weather at the beginning of
July, owing to the arid winds very little honey has at yet, July
12th, been stored in supers ; consequently where hives are in
good condition bees in tiered hives have had an inclination to
swarm. Wherever this occurs we will keep the swarm off
and place it on the site of the old stock. The combed supers
on the old stock will be transferred to the swarm in two
hours after hiving. This little delay will enable the bees to
prepare the comb foundation for the reception of eggs, which
we have seen deposited in foundation in less than an hour
after hiving. The old stock, after getting as many bees
outside as possible, will be removed to some secret place
until the flying bees have all taken to the swarm. When
this precaution is not taken and carefully carried out, both
in natural and artificial swarming, many of the bees will
search out and return to the old stock. The other day, in a
case I had, the hive was carried inside the house, and yet
the flying bees found it. As the much-needed rain both
for bees and vegetation has now fallen, one week’s fine

80

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 22, 1886.

weather will, with the combed supers, give us a fair honey
harvest, and two weeks a large one. In my remarks lately
upon the superiority of the Syrian and Carniolian bees, I
omitted to state that superior to either of these sorts is the
crossed Cyprians, which, as usual, is far ahead of every other
variety. So superior are they in honey- gathering that
strangers notice it the moment they enter and scan the
apiary.

It is with deep regret I learn that Mr. F. Benton is
Beriously ill at Cyprus, and approve of the proposition to
present him with a testimonial for his energy in hunting up
the different races of the eastern bees, which give promise of
great superiority over some other varieties. But honour
must only be given to whom honour is due. It was not Mr.
Benton that introduced the Carniolian bee. I had these
from Mr. A. Neighbour a number of years before Messrs.
Jones and Benton set out for the East. I had also a stock
of Cyprians from the same gentleman about that same time.
The present capital honey gatherers I have are descended
from them. The foregoing need not hinder any who has a
mind to pay a tribute to Mr. Benton for the courage he has
displayed and the great risk he has incurred in the aid of
bee- keeping.

In all cases where hives are to he removed to the Heather
a young and fertile queen should supersede the present reign¬
ing ones not later than the third week of July. I observe in
many cases this season, owing to so long-continued a strain
on the queen keeping up the population this cold year, many
of them are already old-looking, with ragged wings, though
not twelve months old yet. All such queens if not deposed
are sure to be deposed before next spring, which would result
in having queenless stocks at the very time the presence of a
prolific one is most desired. — A Lanarkshire Bee-keeper.

*„* All correspondence should be directed either to “The Editor”
or to “ The Publisher.” Letters addressed to Dr. Hogg or
members of the staff often remain unopened unavoidably. We
request that no one will write privately to any of our correspon¬
dents, as doing so subjects them to unjustifiable trouble and
expense.

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions relat¬
ing to Gardening and those on Bee subjects, and should never
send more than two or three questions at once. All articles in¬
tended for insertion should be written on one side of the paper
only. We cannot reply to questions through the post, and we
do not undertake to return rejected communications.

TO CORRESPONDENTS. — We desire to assure those of our corre¬
spondents whose letters and communications are not promptly
inserted that they are not the less appreciated on that account.
Our pages are practically filled several days prior to publication,
and letters arriving on Wednesday morning, except by special
arrangement, are invariaoly too late for insertion. The delay in
the publication of some of these is not of material importance,
but reports of meetings and shows held a week previously lose
much or all of their value if not received in time to appear
in the current issue.

Water Lilies and Filmy Ferns (A. C.).— Your letter arrived too late to
receive attention this week. Full particulars will be given in next issue.

Secretaries of Flower Shows (D. 3.).— We regret that we cannot oblige
you, but if letters are addressed “The Secretary” at each of the towns
mentioned, naming the Society, they will probably reach the right
person.

Making Tennis Court ( Young Gardener).— A. court for single-handed
tennis should be 27 feet wide and 78 feet long ; for double-hanoed tennis
36 feet wide and 78 feet long. We do not think you could make a court
satisfactorily without proper implements and some knowledge of how the
work is performed. The better plan would be to communicate with one of
the large makers of tenniB requisites, such as P H. Ayres, 111, Aldersgite
Street, London, E.C., who probably sends out assistants to do such work.

Rhyncospermum (W. G.). — As the plant is not healthy, its root-action
is probably defective, and fresh soil is ne ded to incite free growth. The
stems and foliage may also be infested with insects, and, if so, every part
must be thoroughly cleansed. If the soil is loose much of it may be
removed, and a mixture of turfy loam, peat, and sand applied, working it
well amongst the roots, then pressing it down firmly. If the roots are
materially disturbed in the process of potting the plant must be shaded
afterwards, and frequently syringed to keep the foliage fresh. It will be
better in a warm than a cool house, and when growth starts freely it must
have light and air for its solidification, this being essential to flori-
ferousness.

Insects on Leaves (C. I)., Holywell). — The leaves enclosed have upon
them the tiny knobs or purses, as they are sometimes called, produe d by a
species of Phytoptus or gall mite. These galls are generally attached to
the veins of the h-avt s, and each contains one or more of these mites, the
transformations and history of which are as yet imperfectly understood.
There is no remedy, and they disfigure, rather than injure, in most cases
where they appear on leaves. We presume these were the insects about
which you inquire, no others were to be found in the box.

Grapes Scalded [Omega). — The berries sent us are scalded. It is caused
by excessive evaporation from the berries, the sun acting upon them power¬
fully whilst cold, the berries not absorbing heat nearly so quickly as the
atmosph re. Tbe only remedy we know is to maintain a rath- r warm
atmosphere at night with enough ventilation to insure a circulation of air,
the temperature being about 70°, or between that and 65°. Air should be
freely admitted throughout the day, increasing it early and with the sun
heat. When the berries commence ripening dauger from scalding is usually
past, but there is no need to keep the house close, as a free circulation of
warm air is highly favourable to a good finish in the Grapes.

Mushrooms Decaying ( M . A. Scott). — Mushrooms can only be grown
large, fresh, and fleshy in summer under exceptional conditions by which
they are kept cool. Containing much nitrogen, th°y naturally putrify
quickly in hot weath r, the same as meat does. You had better pur¬
chase a copy of the fourth edition, with supplement, of “ Mushrooms for
the Million.” It is much larger than the previous editions, but the same
price, and contains much valuable information that you may turn to profit¬
able account if you read attentively and act acco) ding to its teachings. The
supplement contains the solution of many difficulties that have heen
experienced by amateurs, and earlier editions are on that account necessarily
incomplete.

Root-pruning ( F . •/.). — If the Plums are growing very exuberantly you
may sever a few of the strong roots now to check the vigour of the trees,
and root-prune more systematically when the leaves change in the autumn.
Thin out the branches if crowded, so that the sun can shine on the leaves
towards the base of the shoots. Overcrowding the growths is as great
an obstacle to productiveness as excessive root-action is. You have
perhaps been giving the trees sewage, which you say does no good in your
garden.

Strawberries [Idem). — After the crops are gathered all runners and
decayed leaves should be removed, retaining healthy foliage for the support
of the crowns. It is an excellent plan to spread manure between the rows
in the autumn, not packing it round the crowns so as to blanch them, and
the surface dressing will be washed clean by the spring, only bleached
particles of straw remaining for the fruit to rest on. You cannot adopt a
better practice than that in light soil. If the sewage does no good do not
use it. It is perhaps too strong. We find it beneficial to many crops in
light soil.

Clay for Roses {Delta). — The clay or marl would be best procured now
and spread out thinly in the open, so that by exposure to the atmosphere it
will become ameliorated and in a better condition for mixing with the loam.
The clay exposed to the sun so as to get dried through will tall in pieces on
rain falling, being acted on much in the same manner as by frost, and is
similar to what the brickmakers term tempering, and what farmers seek for
their clayland by fallow, the land being thrown up roughly with the plough
so as to expose it as much as possible to the influences of the atmosphere,
thereby securing a better tilth than is effected by frost. Get the clay now,
expose it to the atmosphere, and turn it over in the lump3,hut always when
dry, then smash it. In the autumn it should be mixed with the loam in fine
particles when the soil is in good working order. It would be well to mix
the clay and soil together before putting in the bed, and so insure th ir
thorough incorporation. There is no better plan than drying the clay till it
can be smashed into small particles, then store it in a dry shed till it is
required for use.

Strawberries Dying (E. D 0.). — The most probable cause of the plants
dying suddenly i„ being attacked at the roots by the grubs of the spotted
garden gnat (Tipula maculo-a), which is, however, most fatal to the crop
hy cutting off the flow r stalks near the ground. The larvae of various other
insects prey upon the roots, the plants attacked are marked by decreased
vigour and suddenly collapse. There is no remedy but searching for the
grubs, which are usually secreted in the soil about the plants. As the
plants are so unfruitful we should make a new plantation, selecting runners
from fruitful plants only, and if done at once a good crop may be had from
them next year. Plants that have been layered in small pots or turves are
the most suitable. Destroy the old plantation, burning the plants on the
giound, using some brushwood to assist in the burning, and ttnn dress the
ground with gas lime at the rate of a peck per rod, distributing it evenly
on the surface, and after allowing it to lie a couple of days point in lightly
with a fork. In the course of a week or ten days after the ground may be
dug and used for vegetable crops. Three years on many soils is as long as
Strawberries are profitable.

Black Tartarian Cherry (R. G.). — The excellent Cherry to which you
refer is known under a variety of nam's, Black Circassian being one of the
most frequently used ; others are Fraser’s Black, Ronalds’ Black, and Black
Russian. The following description and history are given in the new
edition of the “ Fiuit Manual : ” — “Fruit very large, obtuse heart-shaped.
Skin shining, of a dark blackish brown, becoming quite black when ripe.

July 22, 1886. ]

JOU FINAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER

81

Stalk to 2 inches long, inserted in a flattened cavity. Flesh purplish,
rather tender than firm, juicy, and very richly flavoured. The ston" is small
for the size of the fruit, and obtuse heart-shaped. This most delicious
Cherry is ripe the end of June and beginning of July, and is in greatest
perfection when grown against a wall. The tree is quite hardy, a free and
vigorous grower, at first having an upright habit, but more spreading as it
becomes aged. The leaves are large, and well sustained on stout footstalks.
It is an abundant bearer, and well adapted for forcing. The merit of
having introduced this excellent Cherry is due to the late Mr. Hugh Ronalds
of Brentford, who, in 1794, issued a circular, a copy of which is in my
possession, in which he signifies his intention of distributing it at 5s. each
plant. It was subsequently brought from Russia by the late Mr. John
Fraser, who distinguished himself first by his botanical discoveries in North
America, and afterwards by his travels in Russia. He purchased it from a
German, by whom it was cultivated in St. Petersburg, and introduced it to
this country in 1796.”

Propagating Roses from Cuttings {Omega). — Immediately the flowers
are shed is the best time to insert Rose cuttings, as the wood is then suffi¬
ciently ripe. They succeed well under handlights or in a cold frame in a
compost of three parts loam and a fourth of leaf soil, and a fifth of sand
well incorporated, surfacing with an inch of sand. Cuttings of two or at
most three joints are best, cutting them transvtrse'y below the lowest
joint and removing the leaf from it, also the next if the cutting have more
than two joints; but the leaf at the uppermost joint should be preserved
entire, and the cuttings inserted so that the uppermost joint with its bud is
clear of the sand. Make the compost firm about the cuttings, and supply
water so as to settle the sand about them. Place on the lights and shade
from bright sun ; a size of whiting and skim milk placed on with a brush is
suitable, and saves much trouble. The cuttings should be sprinkled
lightly every morning, and the lights at once replaced. In a month or six
weeks the cuttings will be rooted, and should then have ventilation, gradu¬
ally increasing it from the b"ginning, so as to thoroughly harden them. If
wanted for pots they may be lifted carefully, potted singly, and placed in a
frame, kept close, and shaded until established, when they should be
hardened. All the Tea-scented and China Roses succeed well on their own
roots, and the more vigorous kinds of Perpetuals, as Alfred Colomb. Beauty
of Waltham, Charles Lefebvre, Boule de Neige, Auguste Neumann, Countess
of Rosebery, Duke of Connaught, Duchess of Connaught, John Hopper, La
France, Mens. E. Y. Teas, Madame Yictor Verdier, Princess Mary of Cam¬
bridge, Reine du Midi, Senateur Vaisse, Souvenir de Madame Berthier,
White Baroness, and Royal Standard.

Myrrh (IF., Surrey). — The plants that yield the gum resin known as
Myrrh are species of Balsamodendron, chiefly B. Myrrha, which produces
African Myrrh, and B. Opobalsamum, which affords Arabian Myrrb. The
former is a small tree, with a stunt d trunk, covered with a whitish-grey
bark, and furnished with rough abortive branches, terminating in spines. It
grows in Arabia Felix, in the neighbourhood of Gison, in dwarfish thickets,
interspersed among Acacias and Euphorbias. The juice exudes spon¬
taneously, and hardens on the bark. Myrrh is in small irregular fragments,
or tears, or in larger masses very irregular in shape and size, being some¬
times not larger than a pea, and sometimes though rarely as large as the
fist ; when of good quality it iR reddish yellow, or reddish brown, and
translucent, of a strong, peculiar, somewhat fragrant odour, and a bitter
aromatic taste. It is brittle and pulverisable, presenting, when broken, a
shining surface, which in the larger masses is very irregular, and sometimes
exhibits opaque, whitish, or yellowish veins. It is partly soluble in water,
alcohol, and ether ; and either alcohol or water will extract the whole of its
odour and taste. By distillation a volatile oil rises, having the peculiar
flavour of myrrh, and leaving the residue simply bitter. Myrrh is a
stimulant tome, and is employed in debilitated states of the system, in the
absence of febrile excitement or acute inflammation. The plants are
membe s of the natural order Burseracese.

Grapes Shanking {Merchant). — We doubt if your Grapes are “ shanked.”
Shanking is a gangrene of the footstalks of the berries, commencing as a
small speck which spreads round the stem like a wire. Sometimes the
should r of a bunch is affected in that way, but mor ■ frequently the foot¬
stalks of some of the berries. When “ whole shoulders ” turn black, and re¬
mainder of the bunch being quite healthy, it is often the result of a twist of
the stem in thinning or other manipulation to which the bunch may have
been subjected. We have known much injury arise from rough handling
and the consequent rupturing of the sap vessels, though it did not show
itself immediately or until the demands of the fruit were considerable.
Shoulders of Grapes also “ turn black ” through the direct action of the sun
on them after the removal of a number of laterals. We have seen a very
striking and destructive instance of this during the present week. If your
Vine border is well drained it is not likely to be so wet as to cause the
injury you complain of if you have, as you say, followed the instructions
that have been given in our “ Work for the vVeek still, the character of
the soil must always be taken into consideration when watering, some loam
being much more retentive than others, and consequently require less water
to keep them moist. Moist they must be from the surface downwards right
to the drainage, but must not be made sour by excessive watering. This is
a question on which cultivators must exercise judgment, and more of them
fail in keeping the borders too dry in summer than too wet. As your Vines
are old the probability is that there are more roots outride what you term
the border than in it. Do you find an abundance of surface roots ? If bo,
your treatment is right, and the root of the evil is not in the soil.

Names of Plants. — We only undertake to name species of plants, not
varieties that have originated from seed and termed florists’ flowers.
Flowering specimens are necessary of flowering plants, and Fern fronds
should b-ar spores. Specimens should arrive in a fresh state in firm
boxes. Slightly damp moss or soft green leaves form the best packing, dry
cotton wo' 1 the worst. Not more than six specimens can be named at once.
{Pen and, Ink). — Veronica Traversi. (T.). — Veronica loDgifolia. ( 0. M.). —
1, The Ro^e resembles the Garland, a hybrid Musk Rose, often classed with
R. multiflora; 2, Malva moschata alba; 3, Common Fennel, Foeniculum
vulgare ; 4, Colutea arborescens ; 5, Centaurea montana ; 6, BBcallonia
macrantha. Hybrid Perpetual Rosgs are so named because they usjially

flower more than once in the season, and occasionally three times. {C. B.).
— 1. Brassia verrucosa; 2, Francoa ramosa ; 3, Cannot be identified without
spores, but it resembles a Polypodium ; 4, Davallia elegans ; 5, Gardenia
florida.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— July 21st.

Our. market heavily supplied, with prices lower. Business dull.

FRUIT.

s.

d.

S.

d.

s.

d.

s.

a.

Apples .

£ sieve

0

0

to 0

0

Melon . . . .

1

0

;o 2

6

Cherries .

£ sieve

2

0

4

0

Oranges ..

6

0

12

0

Currants, B’ack ..

$ sieve

3

0

3

6

Peaches . .

4

0

10

0

„ Red

\ sieve

2

6

3

6

Pine Apples English., lb.

2

0

3

0

Figs .

dozen

s

0

4

0

Plums .

. £ sieve

0

0

0

0

Grapes .

1

0

3

0

St. Michael Pines

. .each

4

0

6

0

Lemons .

0

15

0

Strawberries . .

. . per lb.

0

6

1

0

VEGETABLES.

8.

d.

8.

d

B.

d.

8

a

Artichokes .. .

. dozen

l

0

to 0

0

Lettuce . . ••

l

0

to 1

6

Asparagus ..

. bundle

2

0

5

0

Mushrooms ..

. . punnet

0

6

l

0

Beans, Kidney

lb.

0

6

0

0

Mustard and Cress punnet

0

3

0

0

Beet, Red .. ,

dozen

1

0

2

0

Onions .. ..

0

3

0

0

Broccoli .

. bundle

0

0

0

0

Parsley .. dozen bunches

2

0

s

0

Brussels Sprouts .

. £ sieve

0

0

0

0

Parsnips .. ..

1

0

3

0

Cabbage .

. dozen

1

6

0

0

Potatoes.. ..

4

0

5

0

Capsicums .. .

100

1

6

2

0

,, Kidney

.. cwt.

4

e

5

0

Carrots .

bunch

0

6

0

9

Rhubarb . . . .

0

2

0

0

Cauliflowers ,, .

. dozen

4

0

6

0

Salsafy .. . .

1

0

i

6

Celery .

bundle

I

0

2

0

Scorzonera

.. bundle

1

6

0

0

Coleworts dcz.

bunches

2

0

4

0

Seakale . .

per basket

0

0

0

0

Cucumbers . . .

. each

0

3

0

6

Shallots . .

.. .. lb.

0

3

0

0

Endive .

. dozen

1

0

2

0

Spinach

3

0

4

0

Her os .

0

2

0

0

Tomatoes ..

0

4

0

6

Leeks .

0

3

0

4

Turnips .. ..

0

4

0

6

PLANTS IN POTS.

s.

a.

&. a.

s.

d.

8.

d.

Aralia Sieboldi

. . dozen

9

0 to 18 0

Ficus elastica

. . each

i

6 to

7

0

Arbor vitas (golden) dozen

0

0

0 0

Fuchsia

per dozen

4

0

9

0

„ (common) dozen

6

0

12 0

Foliage Plants, var. each

2

0

10

0

Arum Lilies . .

. . dozen

0

0

0 0

Heliotrope

per dozen

4

0

8

0

Bedding Plants,

var. doz.

1

0

2 0

Hydrangea ..

per dozen

6

0

12

0

Begonias

. . dozen

6

0

9 0

Ivy Geraniums

per dozen

3

0

6

0

Calceolaria . .

per dozen

4

0

9 0

Lilium auratum

per doz. 2i

0

60

0

Cineraria

. . dozen

0

0

0 0

„ lanoifnlium per doz.

9

0

18

0

Cockscombs

per dozen

4

0

6 0

„ longifloiam per doz. 18

0

SO

0

Cyclamen

. . dozen

0

0

0 0

Lobelias . .

per dozen

3

0

4

0

Cy perus . . . .

. . dozen

4

0

12 0

Marguerite Daisy dozen

6

0 •

9

0

Dracaena terminalis, dozen 30

0

60 0

Mignonette . .

per dozen

3

0

6

0

„ viridis

. . dozen 12

0

24 0

Musk . . . .

per dozen

2

0

4

0

Erica, various

.. dozen 12

0

24 0

Myrtles . . . .

6

0

12

0

Eaonymus, in var. dozen

6

0

18 0

Palms, in var.

. . each

2

6

21

0

Evergreeus, in var. dozen

6

0

24 0

Pelargoniums, scarlet, doz.

3

0

6

0

Ferns, in variety

. , dozen

4

0

18 0

Pelargoniums

per dozen

6

0

15

0

CUT FLOWERS.

s.

d.

B. d.

s.

d.

s.

d.

Abntilons

12 bunches

2

0

to 4 0

Lily of the Valley, 12 sprays

0

0 to 0

0

Anemone . . doz. bunches

0

0

0 0

Marguerites ..

12 bunches

8

0

6

0

Arum Lilies . .

12 blooms

4

0

6 0

Mignonette . .

12 bunches

1

6

4

0

Azalea .. ..

12 sprays

0

0

0 0

Myosotis

12 bunches

2

0

3

0

Bouvardias . .

per bunch

0

6

1 0

Pelargoniums, per 12 trusses

0

9

1

0

Camellias

12 blooms

0

0

0 0

„ scarlet, 12 trusses

0

4

0

8

Carnations . .

12 blooms

1

0

3 0

Roses

12 bunches

2

0

9

0

12 bunches

3

0

6 0

,, (indoor),

per dozen

0

6

2

0

Chrysanthemums 12 blooms

0

0

0 0

„ Tea.. ..

0

9

2

0

Cornflower . .

12 bunches

1

6

3 0

„ red

.. dozen

1

0

2

0

Cowhlips . . doz. bunches

0

0

0 0

„ Moss

12 bunches

6

0

12

0

Daffodils

12 bunches

0

0

0 0

Primrose^, Yellow, dozen

Epiphyllum . .

doz. blooms

0

0

0 0

dozen bunches

0

0

0

0

Eucharis

per dozen

2

0

4 0

Pyrethrum . .

12 bunches

4

0

9

0

Gardenias

12 blooms

2

0

4 0

Spiraea . . . .

12 spray 8

9

0

0

0

Hellebore

doz. blooms

0

0

0 0

Stephanotis ..

12 sprays

2

0

3

0

Hvacinths.Roman, 12 sprays

0

0

0 0

Stocks, various

12 bunches

3

0

6

0

Iris .

12 bunches

0

0

0 0

Sweet Peas ..

1 2 bunches

0

4

0

Lapageria, white, 12 blooms

0

0

0 0

Sweet Sultan

12 bunches

3

0

4

0

Lapageria, red

12 bloom3

1

0

2 0

Tropaeolum ..

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Lilac

per bunch

0

0

0 0

Tuberoses

12 blooms

0

6

1

0

Lilium candid urn 12 blms.

0

6

1 0

Violets . . . .

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

12 bches.

9

0

18 0

„ Czar, Fr.

bunch

0

0

0

0

„ longiflorum,12blms.

3

0

6 0

CLEAN SOIL.

The term “clean soil,” so frequently used when mention
is made of farm improvements, is a comprehensive one,
pointing unmistakeably to a clearance of all noxious weeds
that rob the soil of fertility, and which may possibly prove a
serious hindrance to the growth of whatever crops we may
have in cultivation. Of such weeds the perennials are
undoubtedly the most difficult to eradicate, but there are
annuals suoh as Charlock, which, if suffered to ripen a seed

82

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Ju'y 2-?, 1688.

for a year or two, require years of careful culture to get rid
of them. Surely if we could only realise the cost of negli¬
gence in letting Charlock become established in the soil, we
should always be on the alert to prevent the use of unclean
seed corn, and to destroy those first few hundreds of Char¬
lock plants which so often are left to ripen and deposit seed
in the soil which so often springs up next season by tens of
thousands.

Readers of the Journal must know full well how repeatedly
and strongly we condemn fallows, more especially long
summer fallows. There are, however, exceptions to all rules,
and we have known land farmed out and left out of cultiva¬
tion for a year or two, in the reclamation of which a long
fallow and steam cultivation proved indispensable. It is in
the regular course of good practice in farming that we con¬
sider fallows so objectionable; yet as it is quite probable
that many of our readers have to deal with foul land now,
a few hints may prove useful at the present time. We may
as well own that we have to deal with a somewhat large area
of foul land this summer, and our own difficulties doubtless
render us sympathetic, for it is no light matter to reclaim
neglected farm land.

If steam tackle can be had it is preferable to horses both
on the score of economy and utility. Take, for example,
Fowler’s Grubber. By means of it we can break up soil to
a depth of 2 feet, or if necessary a foot deeper. If used in
the ordinary way, to stir the soil and subsoil to a depth of
2 feet, we have the surface well broken up in readiness for
subsequent cleaning, the subsoil stirred and aerated, and the
quick action of drainage insured. Then, too, we have various
cultivators — horse hoes, harrows, and clod- crushers, with
which to break up and clear the soil of weeds, In a hot dry
summer we are able to destroy most of the roots near the
surface by simply stirring the soil occasionally ; but failing
such assistance from the harrows we have recourse to burn¬
ing couch grass and any other roots we are able to collect.
Very highly do we value the effects of fire upon foul land,
and whenever paring and burning of the surface is possible
we do it. The advantages of burning are self-evident. We
effect a total destruction of roots and seeds of weeds as well
as of the larva of insects, and we impart much fertility to the
soil by means of the ashes. This process of paring and
burning would probably prove a cure for Clover- sick land,
and also tend to impart great vigour to the next crop of
Clover.

No special rules can be laid down for the cleaning of
land ; rather should we resolve to turn every opportunity to
account for doing so. Before all things we must have the
soil clean, or it cannot yield full crops. A free use of horse
and hand hoes among root crops is a valuable means to that
end at the present time ; and later on, as the corn is har¬
vested, a prompt use of implements for breaking up and
clearing stubbles is most important. Most misleading and
faulty was the advice given last season in some agricultural
papers, to leave all land intended for spriug corn undisturbed
till spring ; the reason given for such advice being the sin¬
gular one that when soil is ploughed in autumn there is some
risk of a loss of nitrogen through the drains in winter. It
may be that there is a trifling loss of fertility, Sir J. B.
Lawes claims to have proved it ; but we are quite willing to
incur such a loss if only we can get the soil broken up, well
stirred, and cleaned before winter sets in ; for we cannot
forget how very speculative a matter the doing such work in
spring is, and if a heavy rainfall during winter does carry
off some nutriment down the drain pipes it also leaves much
behind it in the soil. Let us not forget that the fact of rain
water imparting fertility to the soil should lead us to expect
to find some fertilising matter in the superfluous water
carried off by drains.

Not a day should be lost, then, in breaking up the land
immediately as it is cleared of the summer crops. Golden
is the opportunity of a few weeks of fine weather in autumn
for such work, and we should now try and make arrange¬

ments to be ready to turn such weather to full account if we
are so fortunate as to be favoured with it. If only we can
obtain steam tackle it could at once be set at work to follow’
the harvest waggon, for which all our horses are usually
required.

WORK ON THE HOME FARM.

The heating of hayricks has been so moderate this season that thatch¬
ing soon followed the rick-building, and the whole of the work has been
done quickly and well. We have been surprised to see the hay put into
cocks on so many farms this year, for with such settled weather haycocks
were unnecessary, and were, therefore, the cause of a waste of time and
labour. Still more surprised were we to see much hay carted from the
cocks to the ricks, for we know that when this is done there is a risk of
musty hay. When hay is put into cocks and so left for a day or two, the
hay in contact with the soil is certain to become damp, and it therefor©
requires to be shaken about and dried before it is put upon the waggons.
Before the thatching is done all loose hay is pulled by hand from the
sides and ends of the rick. Especial care is taken to have the thatching
done well and neatly, and if the ricks have been well made upon a double
layer of faggots they may be left undisturbed for a year or two if neces¬
sary. When the ricks are finished they should at once be insured in order
to avoid all risk of loss by fire. The rate of insurance for a year is 5s.
per £100 worth of hay. Hoeing by hand and with horse hoes among
root crops has had attention. Mangolds and the early-sown Swedes are
now thinned, hoed, and in full growth. As Mustard becomes ready —
that is to say, when the seed pods are formed, it is ploughed in. On the
whole we have been successful with our early crops of Mustard, and
much good work has been done in ploughing-in this green crop to impart
fertility to the soil. Winter Oats are fast passing out of the milky stage,
and will now soon be ready for harvesting. This useful crop is a good
one upon each of our farms this year, a remarkable improvement having
taken place in it when real summer weather set in. The straw is long,
and the grain abundant. Spring Oats, on the contrary, will have very
short straw, nor can the crop at all equal that of Winter Oats. As the
horses could be spared from the haymaking, carting of coal and coke for
storing for winter has been done. We like to get such odd jobs well out
of hand before harvest, so as to be able to keep the horses upon the land
after harvest as long as fine weather lasts, and thus get the land clean,
ploughed, and also be ready to sow winter corn early.

OUR LETTER BOX.

Improvement of Farm Land (A Young Gardener). — If the weeds in the
field where Buckwheat was grown last year are only annuals, then w©
approve of your intention to plough them in at once with some stable
manure. If, on the contrary, there are perennial weeds among them, such
as couch grass, plough the land, get out the weeds by using harrows, horse
hoes or forks, burn the weeds, and apply the manure and plough it in.
You may then sow White Mustard — 20 lbs. of seed per acre, to be ploughed
in when the seed pods are well developed. If you are successful with the
Mustard crop ycu will have done much to store the soil with fertility, but
with hot and dry weather now and in August there is much risk of the
Mustard proving a failure. With land in such poor condition you cannot
hope to obtain a really useful green crop for the cows so late in the Beascn
in your northern county ; it will be well, therefore, to confine your efforts-
to doing all you can to render it clean and fertile for next season. Two
courses are open to you in your treatment of the poor pasture— either apply
early in March a few pounds per acre of mixed grass seed and Clover seed,
procured from one of our best seed firms, and well worked in by bush
harrows, or pare and burn the poor pasture, plough in the ashes, and as
early as possible next spring sow about 40 lbs. per acre of the best sorts of
grass and Clover, with a dressing of artificial manure. We shall soon write
another paper on permanent pastures, in which the names and quantities of
the grasses and manures we use will be given.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATION?.
Camden Square, London.

Lat. 51° 32' 40" N.; Long. 0° 8' 0" W. ; Altitude, 111 feet.

DATE.

y a.m.

IN THE DAY.

Rain

1886.

July.

Barome¬
ter at 32«
and Sea
Level

Hygrome¬

ter.

Direction
of Wind.

Temp, of
Boil at

1 foot.

Shade Tem¬
perature.

Radiation

Temperature.

Dry.

Wet.

Max.

Min.

In

sun.

On

grass

Inches.

deg.

deg.

deg.

dee.

df.g

dee.

deg

In.

Sunday .

30.181

63.3

56.6

S.W.

62.8

75.2

49.4

115.1

438

0.168

Monday .

1‘2

30.005

62.1

61.4

S.W.

63.4

68.2

59.9

83.0

58.8

0.249'

Tuesday .

29.983

62.5

58.6

N.E.

61.9

73.2

50.1

121.3

46.1

0 242

Wednesday .

14

29.416

65.4

61.2

W.

61.4

69.7

53.4

120.6

53.7

—

Thursday ...

15

29.804

59.0

52.1

w.

60.8

70.3

51.3

110.5

46.3

—

Friday .

29.759

65.2

58.0

w.

60.4

73.4

5 .2

130.2

44.8

—

Saturday ...

IV

30.031

63.4

57.2

s.

61.2

67.1

53.7

93.8

46.7

0.254

29.883

63.0

57.9

61.7

71.0

52.6

110.6

48.6

0.913-

REMARKS.

llth.— Generally fine, and rather windy ; a few drops of rain about 7 P.M.

12th.— Heavy ruin early ; dull drizzly morning ; soaking afternoon and evening.

13th.— Fine and bright early, but frequently cloudy during day. Heavy rain from
11.30 P.M. and 2 A.M. ~

llth.— Unsettled morning— sunshine, cloud, and showers ; fine altar noon and evening,
loth.— Fine, but rather cloudy morn ; bright afternoon ; cloudless night,
lfith.— Bright pleasant day.

17th.— Cloudy early ; heavy rain all the morning ; fair, but damp after.

A dull damp week, and much cooler than the two previous ones. — G. J. SYMONS.

July 29. 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

F3

S9

TH

Salisbury Show.

30

p

SI

s

Sontbaropton Show (two days).

1

SUN

6tii Sunday after Trinity.

‘2

M

Bank Holiday.

3

TU

4

W

CARNATIONS AND PICOTEES.

ULY-FLOWER is an erroneous rendering of the
Gilloflower or Gilliflower of the old writers ; but
though it originated in mistaking the anglicised
form of the French Girofle or Giroflee for the
correct name, the title is to some extent an
appropriate one, for with very little variation we
have our Carnations and Picotees at their best
from the middle to the end of July. Following
the Roses so closely, flowers of less beauty would
suffer greatly by the comparison, but if the Carnations can¬
not equal their regal predecessors in imposing attractions,
they yet possess very much to recommend them. Rich, bright,
soft, and delicate tints are represented ; in the more refined
varieties the florist obtains that symmetry of form which is
requisite to satisfy his critical eye; the garden lover who does
not strive after such exactitude is delighted with the fragrance
and beauty of more robust varieties ; and the gardener finds
the plants invaluable as affording an abundant supply of
flowers acceptable to all, useful for buttonholes, bouquets, or
vases, and possessing the important quality of great durability
when cut. The whole group of Carnations, Picotees, and
Pinks constitute one of the most useful series of garden plants,
for with the Tree or Perpetual Carnations now grown so
extensively under glass, we secure flowers throughout a great
portion of the year, and it is not surprising that they are
rapidly gaining more admirers, especially in the neighbour¬
hood of towns where plants that will succeed are so restricted
in numbers.

There is some uncertainty in the early history of the
Carnation, as indeed there is in that of most cultivated
plants ; but the earliest mention we have seems to refer to
the Clove Carnation, the spicy fragrance and rich dark colour
of which render it a favourite in many gardens. The old
poets, Chaucer and Spenser, notice the “ Sops in Wine,” a
popular name applied to this plant from the fact of the flowers
being used to impart an agreeable flavour to wine and other
beverages. “ Coronations ” was another designation that
appears to have been applied to these plants, and some have
thought the more modern title of Carnation was derived from
this source ; but whereas in the case of the Clove the name
indicates the distinctive fragrance, in the Carnation it has
reference to the colour or what was probably the prevailing
tint of the earliest varieties — viz., a flesh or pinkish hue,
something like we have now in that charming variety Miss
Jolliffe. When the Clove Carnation was first cultivated in
England I do nut know, but the introduction of the other
Carnations seems to date from the middle of the sixteenth
century — at least, we have it on the authority of Stow that
they were brought here from the Low Countries in 15G7.

Thirty years later Gerard’s “Herball” appeared, and in
that several varieties of Carnations and Gilloflowers were
described, their introduction being ascribed to a Master
Nicholas Lete. Then followed Parkinson’s works, in which
many forms were enumerated, and it seems that the plants

No. 318. — Vol. XIII., Third Series.

were then finding their way into the gardens of many persons,
for they are mentioned in some of Shakspeare’s plays in a
manner that implied they were by no means strangers. Their
numbers must have been very rapidly increased, either by
seedlings or introductions, for in 1676 Rea gives 360 varieties,
considerably more than are named in catalogues of the present
time. As garden plants they undoubtedly steadily advanced
in popularity, but it was not until many years later that
special attention was paid to them by the florists, and the
real history of the plants commenced.

At the end of the eighteenth and the commencement of
the nineteenth century professional and trade growers were
increasing, and a race of varieties of Carnations and Picotees
distinguished by their refinement of form and colour was
gradually constituted. Early in the nineteenth century Mr.
Hogg of Paddington became noted as a cultivator and raiser
of these plants, and in 1820 he issued a work which embodied
the principles of his practice, together with much of a gene¬
rally interesting character in reference to exhibiting Carna¬
tions and Picotees. A short time ago I was fortunate enough
to procure a copy of this book that had been originally in the
possession of W. B. Williams, M.A., of Ilomerton, who was
a devoted admirer of Carnations, and had grown them for
forty years. The book is interleaved, and abounds in manu¬
script notes elucidating the culture, or with apposite quota¬
tions and remarks of a general character that testify to the
observation and knowledge of the writer. Thus, appended to
the chapter on “ the description of a fine Carnation ” is the
following note, that appears to me worthy of reproduction.
“ There is no doubt that whilst we are indebted originally to
the Dutch and Flemings for the improvement of the Tulip,
Hyacinth, and other bulbous roots, the French (whatever they
may be now) were much before us in the cultivation of the
Carnation. The old English flowers, and in such estimation
with our forefathers, were chiefly what is termed ‘ Burstins,’
and one double pod made, we are told, a very grand display,
but these are entirely superseded by the superior properties of
the ‘ French Flakes,’ as they were first called. It may not
be irrelevant to give the estimate as to the properties of a
fine flower which our neighbours bad about one hundred years
since. ‘ The Carnation has its stripes formed in the strongest
opposition to the predominant colour, into which they never
should be softened They are greatly prized when they have
a multitude of leaves, because they form a more elegant head.
It is also much more graceful when the head is beautifully
rounded than when it is only flat. Too great a number of
spots is a deficiency as it creates confusion in the flower, and
when indented instead of being properly arched or round, the
whole makes a wretched appearance.’ ” This quotation must
refer to a date early in the eighteenth century, if the writer's
statement be correct that it indicates the standard amongst
the French florists one hundred years before the publication
of Hogg’s book, and is therefore especially interesting.

About 1826 the Shows devoted to Carnations and Picotees,
or at which they constituted the chief features, became
numerous, and in “Loudon’s Magazine” of the year
named are reports of such exhibitions at Lancaster, Man¬
chester, Preston, York, Windsor, and Uxbridge, all held from
July 12th to 21st. At most of these the prizes were offered
for single specimens of blooms and not for collections, as at
the National Society’s exhibitions at the present time, yet
the competition was sometimes very keen and much interest
was excited. Hogg tells with what eagerness the principal
London florists would enter the lists at Windsor for instance,
where they could compete with Mr. Gould, then in charge of
the Royal Gardens there, and how earnestly they endeavoured
to defeat him. We could scarcely imagine now seeing Mr.
Jones, of Frogmore, or Mr. Penny of Sandringham, entering
the lists of the Carnation Show at South Kensington against
Mr. J. Douglas or Mr. Turner of Slough ; but we can fancy
how much it would add to the interest of the competition .
About this time there were several noted growers besides

No. 1974 — Yol. LXXV., Old Series

84

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 29, 1886.

Hogg, for at Northampton Hr. Cornfield had snch a large
and excellent collection that he challenged all England to
surpass him ; and Mr. J Knight of Chelsea is reported to
have said that he might challenge all Europe. There were
also a Mr. Woollard at Ipswich, and a Mr. Weltjie at Ham¬
mersmith, who had gained some fame as cultivators, and
who took prominent places at the chief shows. The rapidity
with which the varieties were being increased is indicated by
the fact that a Paddington catalogue of 1827 enumerates
700 forms, the majority of which are now lost, or only a very
small per-centage can be found in collections.

A rather important event, as bearing on what may be
termed the modern history of the Carnation, occurred in
1832, for in that year the late Mr. Charles Turner, then only
a lad fourteen years of age, secured his first prize for Pinks,
and this induced him to turn his attention to a family of
plants that in subsequent years he did so much to improve
and popularise. One result of these efforts was that a Show
wa3 held at Slough in July, 1850, the National Carnation
and Picotee Society was instituted, and a second Show was
held the same year at Derby. The annual exhibitions held
since that date at which Messrs. Turner, Douglas, and
Dodwell became such successful competitors, have served to
maintain the popularity of the flowers, for though the number
of florist competitors does not increase, the amateur cultivators
advance steadily, and they value these shows as fixing a
standard of quality and as a direction to them in their efforts
to develope the best characters of the flowers. — Amateur.

THINNING THE FRUIT CROPS.

There would appear to be extra heavy crops of some fruits this
season, and more especially Pears and Plums. It seems to me there
are really too many of the former, not only for the good of the trees,
but also for the good of the owners where these market all or a
certain proportion of the crops. A heavy crop of fruit exhausts the
trees more than we sometimes anticipate, and the consequence is a
failure in the next, and it may be following seasons. We had a few
trees which perfected an extra quantity of fruit last season, but
although these bloomed freely, more so in fact than others near them
which bore few or no fruit last year, yet they have completely failed
to set any fruit worth preserving. The bloom was imperfectly
formed, hence the failure to set. I find that there is every prospect
of abundance of Pear and Apple blossom next season, but in order
that this bloom shall be of a nature likely, weather permitting, to set
properly, we must see that the trees are not unduly weakened at the
present time. Apples will not require much thinning, the only note¬
worthy exception being the invaluable Lord Suffield ; but the case is
very different with the Pears, as the crops of these are simply
enormous. It is true if the trees are left to themselves a certain
amount of natural thinning will take place, and with orchard trees
this may be the only course open, but it is a “ bad business ” to
weaken trained trees to such an extent as this.

It has been remarked in my hearing, “I wonder if Iggulden
practises what he preaches ?” Well, I admit I have not thinned
crops of choice fruit under glass nearly so much as I ought, but I am
not making this mistake with the Pear and Plum trees, for at least
t.vo-thirds of the fruit of the former have in many instances been re¬
moved. A quantity are cut away every time I pass by the trees, and
that too after a thinning given when all the lateral growths were
shortened to about 5 inches of the main branches. Nearly every
cluster of two or three is reduced to one fruit, and even then there are
too manj' on such sorts as Williams’ Bon Chretien, Beurre d'Amanlis,
Beurre Diel, Beurre Clairgeau, Easter Beurre, Doytnn4 du Comic9,
Doyenne Boussoch, Marie Louise, Pitmaston Duchess, Duchesse
d’Angouleme, Glou Monjeau, Ne plus Meuris, General Todleben, and
other large or medium-sized varieties which are generally of poor
quality unless fully developed. Not merely is it necessary to thin
out the Pears freely in order to prevent an undue exhaustion of the
t ees, but this thinning must be resorted to if the crops are to be of
any marketable value. The market will be flooded with inferior
poduce, much of which will be almost given away, at any rate so far
as the growers are concerned, and it is only the very prime
s miples that will sell at a fair rate. This alone ought to induce
many to thin their crops who are usually very careless in the matter.
Young trees, again, that have been planted recently ought not to be
cropped this season, or if any fruits are left on them they should be
only sufficient to test the sort. Let them grow vigorously, and
thereby lay the foundation for future profitable bearing. One of the

best gardeners in the country recently told me in a conversation
about fruit trees that he was never in a hurry to crop them. “ Let
them grow,” he remarked, “ th-y will become fruitful enough by the
time they have arrived at something near their natural size.” He
finds that if the knife is not too freely used there is little or no
necessity to severely root-prune the trees with a view of causing them
to be fruitful. Boot pruned trees are wonderfully fruitful this
season, but as might be expected they are making little or no growth,
and unless the crops are severely thinned out a check will be given to
the trees from which they may never recover. Stunted pigmies are
of but little service, and overworked large trees in the long run are
not nearly so profitable as those that are cropped judiciously.

Plums are very heavily laden with fruit, such free-bearing sorts
as Victoria, Magnum Bonum, Washington, Rivers’ Prolific, Orleans,
and Goliath being much too plentiful ; while the Green Gages, Jeffer¬
son, Coe’s Golden Drop, and Kirke’s, are all carrying good crops. On
some of the farmers’ houses in this neighbourhood there are some
very fine Plum trees, but nothing I can say to persuade the owners to
thin the crops has much effect ; yet, unless they are freely thinned,
the fruit will be small and poor in quality. A Plum cannot be too
large, as the finer they are, according to the respective sorts, the
richer they are. If all are allowed to ripen that the trees can support
only a very few of the fruit will be of a presentable size and quality,
and the tree’s attempt to perfect such heavy crops is bound to
materially weaken them. The market growers thin their crops when
the green fruit is large enough for tarts and other purposes, and
many tons of green fruit will this season find their way into the
markets. It does not follow that if the thinnings cannot be sold that
it does not pay to thin out, but on the contrary it is the surest plan of
securing plenty of fine produce of the best description for either home
use or for sale. — W. Iggulden.

CUTTING ASPARAGUS.

My first brief note on this subject does not appear to have been
sufficient for “A Thinker,” and I am asked to “Try again.” Well,
anything to oblige. There is no question of other growths springmg
from the same crowns if the first heads are cut, nor is there any
doubt of other growths appearing if the first are not cut. It is the
same whether there is cutting or no cutting. The heads or growths
are produced successionally up to a certain time, and we get from the
same crown or stool a number of growths without any cutting what¬
ever. By cutting the first heads other growths are produced more
quickly than if the first were retained. Are these other growths
likely to get even stronger than the originals would if they were left
unchecked ? The growths rise in priority of their formation. The
first growths are fruitful (make a note of the fact, Mr. Thinker), the
later growths are less fruitful or sterile ; but the early growths or
heads are of consequence for cutting. Suppose, however, the first
growth is weak, it may be a seedling, a weak plant that produces it.
It makes a poor growth without seeding. Cut off its head. _ It will
only take support from the other growth. Put on your thinking cap
Mr. Thinker, and tell us what you think about that phase ol the
subject. I see the fruit bud question is uppermost in his mind. I
may tell him the “ cut in ” on that subject is in the hands of the
Editors, and has been for some days, awaiting publication. To
resume. The first growth of Asparagus is weak. Leave it. Another
growth will follow, and be much stronger. Why ? Did you ever
raise Asparagus from seed, Mr. Thinker ? It only sent up a tiny
thread like head ; it grew larger, and formed a lovely spray. Did you
cut its tiny head off ? No, otherwise you would not have seen the
beautiful spray. Yet before summer is out the tiny thing has pushed
other shoots as strong again as itself. It has formed buds at its
base, the soil is good, and the buds cannot wait until another year.
The first growth ought to be cut away if the other growth gets
stronger without it. You do not do that, however, nor cut any
“ grass ” the following year. How is this ?

The growths of seedling Asparagus are not cut at all in the first,
the second, and very often third year, and in the fourth the plants
have, by retaining all growths, sufficient strength for forcing or
giving heads fit for cutting. Oh ! but had the first growths been cut
in the second and third years would not the grass have been much
stronger in the fourth ? How many beds have been ruined by too
early cutting of the grass ? If any are cut at all it is the first heads,
so that others do not get any larger for it. Then have you never had
the first heads cut off by frost or damaged, if not broken off, in
transplanting. Yes, many times in a forty-years experience, and the
plants always made a strong second growth and did well afterwards.
The plants made the strongest growth after the weather became warm ;
therefore the first growth cut gave a much stronger aftergrowth than
when the first growths were allowed to remain. We have seen that
it does not answer with young Asparagus wanted to get strong as
soon as possible, and yet it answers with frosted or transplanted.

July 29, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER .

85

Nothing of the sort. It is a difficulty that cannot be overcome in
any other way, and establishes no fact in this case.

Now for cutting the young growth or “sprue.” When I was a
lad my place was to serve the kitcheD. The chief was nearly four¬
score. Cut all the heads as thick or thicker than the thumb for th3
“room,” any smaller cut for the pigs; cut all. These were my
instructions, yet there were, I think, twenty beds I was not to cut at
all. These were for forcing, and I certainly should have liked to
have had a “ cut in ” at them many a time, for the heads were neither
too large nor too plentiful for the supply ia the permitted ground.
After a time I was told to leave some of the grass ; only cut the
strongest, and where there were many together thin some of them
out. Peas came in in June. The Asparagus was less called for, but
I was to keep on cutting until the 10th Juue, then I was not to cut
any without consulting him. Peas did not come on fast enough. I
had many a “ cut in ” at the Asparagus after the 10th ; in fac^, we
ceased on the 21st. The bed or plantation was too thick of grass.
We cut so that the grass could have light and air, thinned it where
thick, cutting away the weak, and leaving the strong. The Aspara¬
gus had been so treated the last fifty years, the old man said, and he
was considered clever in a kitchen garden, but I hardly think the
beds in quesiion were more than twenty -nine years old. We did not
let the grass grow up in any shape until May was far spent, certainly
none until after the middle of the month in an early season, and the
earlier the season the sooner we left off cutting the grass. Did the
practice answer ? It answered well for those times, but I have grown
much finer Asparagus heads in three years than were then grown in six
— i e., from seed. I followed the old plan on ray own account some
years, but as “sprue” was never much valued I gave up growing it,
and simply let the grass grow until it gave heads fit to cut, and I have
every reason to be satisfied with the result ; only seeding was pre¬
vented as much as possible by cutting first growths having that
tendency, as seeding weakens the plants considerably. There is
much to be said both for and against both practices. Gutting small
early grass is no great injury — it may even strengthen the buds that
remain ; but I find a good haulm iufinitely more so, especially ti
young plants : yet thinning, judiciously practised, can only have one
effect — namely, strengthening those growths that are to remain for
forming buds to furnish the next year’s crop. There is one thing,
however, that cannot be too strongly impressed upon the minds of
growers of this esteemed vegetable, and that is not to cut more grass
after the beginning of June than can be helped, and none at all after
the middle of that month. The necessity of thinning at that time
or soon after will be apparent ; but this is not so important bow as
thirty years ago, through the plants being now given fully twice the
space or more as obtained at that period. — G. Abbey.

I should like to have a line in on the above subject. I have a
fine piece of Asparagus sown in 1832, and planted in 1884, 2 feet
apart in rows, the same distance asunder on the level, and I have not
seen anything yet to match it. Last year, it being fairly strong, I
was foidi&h enough to cut it too late— u> to July, with the result that
this spring I saw it was wrong. Then I decided not to cut for use
or sale, but simply to keep all weak growths down. I did so weekly,
and the sight now is good. However, having a quantity, I varied
my treatment by cutting a few in the usual wav, cutting all the heads
down of some others, except two or three of the stronger, and these
are undoubtedly the best, and are now throwing up heads as thick as
my fingers. Some I left entirely alone, but I think this is wrong, at
they are now a mass of crowded growths. In the case of the two or
three best first crowns which were left the strength of growth is
marvellous, standing 6 or 7 feet high, with the finest seed pods 1 ever saw.

When commencing cutting, I ihiuk if two or three of the strongest
crowns were left alone, and all but these cut away as usual, we
should he on the right track. I think cutting the strong and leaving
the weak is wrong. I have gone so far as to select one crown only,
and left it to grow alone. The result I will note next year. I
believe there is more in the cutting than growing. My main bed is
36 yards by 17 yards. I have also a bed the same length, 4 yards
wide, just as it was sown. The rows, howev r, are 3 feet apart, as I
took up every alternate row for planting. This seed bed, though not
so strong, caused by the plants being thicker, looks very' promising.
Some of this I have thiuned and kept to three or four crowns, but
most of it I have let grow wild. I expect something good will come
from my single crowns, and also the two or three or four clu ups. In
any case I fail to see what good the weak sprue can be to the
plant. I prefer keeping all down until I have done cutting, then
leaving a few good shoots. Anyreider of the Journal is welcome
to see my Asparagus. — Stephen Castle Went Lynn.

ORCHID NOMENCLATURE.

In reference to Onci tium raacrun'hum Souttuatei, mentioned in t^e
Journal, p. 66, I think that the Royal Horticultural Society has no right

to authorise a Latin name of this character, because the use of a Latin
name, constructed as this wa=, would imply that the plant had been duly
named, registered, and described or figured by competent authority;
whereas it was clear that this was a chance variety which made its
appearance in the exhibitor’s Orchid house, and to which the exhibitor or
his gardener had applied the name without attempting to describe it.

If a botanical name be given it should he in conformity with botanical
usage, if a garden name be given there i9 no law to prevent anyone doing
as be pleases. 0. crispum Hrubyanum was, I believe, authoritatively
named and described by Prof. Reichenbach. If so the name must stand,
if not it should be called Hruby’s variety. The Committee should, for
the avoidance of confusion, uphold law and order, but, of course, it cannot
control individuals, and if Baron Hruby or Mr. Southgate choose to call
their plants Hrubyanum or Southgatei there is nothing to prevent them,
only the Society should not recognise unau'horised names. — A Botanist.

CULTIVATION OF THE STRAWBERRY.

( Continued, from page G2 .)

FORCING STRAWBERRIES.

Varieties. — Perhaps no fruit is so generally acceptable as
forced Strawberries. It is the first ripe, and the most readily
accommodated, for the amateur can have good dishes from
plants on the shelves of bis greenhouse. It is essential that
free setters, goodfswellers, free cropping varieties be selected for
forcing, the fruit large and highly coloured, bright, shining, and
fresh. Dull-coloured fruits, however good in flavour, find no
favour at table or market. The varieties are best divided into
sections, as they are not all equally influenced by beat, and are
differently affected by time of forcing.

I. — Varieties for starting before the new year for the early
crops — La Grosse Sucree, Vicomtesse Hericart de Thux-y
(Garibaldi), Princess Frederick William.

II. — Varieties for starting with the new year for second early
crops — Sir Harry, Bothwell Bank Prolific, Empress Eugenie.

III. — Varieties for starting by the middle of February for
midseason crops — President, Marshal MacMahon, Sir Charles
Napier.

IV. — Varieties for late crops requiring to be brought forward
very gently and not subjected to artificial beat before early
March —British Queen, Dr. Hogg Cockscomb.

The best of each section are, all points considered, I, Vicom-
tesse Hericart de T bury ; 1 1, Bothwell Bank Prolific; III, Pre¬
sident; IV, Dr. Hogg. Two of each section — I, La Grosse
Sucree and Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury ; I1, Sir Harry
Bothwell Bank Prolific ; III, President and Sir Charles Napier
IV, British Queen and Dr. Hogg. A few good sorts grown well
are better than a number of varieties. Three of each section
are .—

I —King of the Earlies, Black Prince, and Pauline. II —
Ne Plus Ultra Duke of Edinburgh (Moffat), and Sir Joseph
Paxton. Ilf. — Sir John Falstaff, James Veitch, and Prince of
Wales (Ingram). IV — Mr. Radclyffe, Premier, and La Con-
stante. Perhaps the richest in flavour of all forced Straw¬
berries are Filbert Pine and Myatt’s Eliza.

A dozen varieties for very large fruit in cool houses, such as
orchard houses. Peach cases, &c , irrespective of quality, are
Marguerite, Abd el Kader, Mammoth, Goliath (Kitley’s),
Eleanor, James Veitch, Sir Charles Napier, President, Dr. Hogg,
Cockscomb. British Queen, and Carolina Superba. The king
fruit should be retained of each truss, and not more than three
or four fruits taken on each plant. For general purposes a few
reliable sorts are much the best. Mr. R. Gilbert, wiio grows
Strawberries well, relies on four sorts— La Grosse Sucree,
Vicomte se Hericart de Thury, Burgbley President, and Sir
Charles Napier. All are of good size, colour, set and swell
freely, and finish well Burgbley President is a selected form
of that popular variety, the one Strawberry for any soil and
purpose.

Plants for Forcing. — Early runners are always desired
by the Strawberry forcer. Late runners of the previous year
kept in small pots, or pricked out in nursery beds and placed in
spring into small pots, and transferred to the larger size in
June, have been advocated with a view to obtaining an early
mitured growth. These have two great faults — 1, Forming a
number of crowns or fruit buds; 2, Ripening early the plants
start the buds prematurely, often as early as September. These
are fata1 objections. Runners are sometimes taken from forced
plants, being detached when they have a leaf or two and are
showing roots, pottel, and establish din a close frame, haidened,
and given the largest p ts in July. These also have a tendency
to form a number of crowns, and to start into fruit prematurely
These plants are not advisable. They with late runners are
weak, and do not form a strong central crown or bud. Stron

86

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 29, 1886.

runners of healthy plants are the only suitable ones for forcing.
There is a difficulty sometimes in procuring runners sufficiently
early, but I have not experienced any difficulty when strong
healthy runners have been placed out in the previous year and
well attended to The plants, in fact, must be the first runners
of plants ihat were placed out the year before. Healthy, strong,
fruitful plants only should be selected from ; weakly, sparse-
fruiting, and not vigorous plants are no good for affording
runners.

Rooting the Runners. — Some detach the runners as soon
as they have formed a joint, a leaf or two, and are showing
roots, potting and placing them in a frame, keeping them moist
and shaded until rooted, then hardening them, and shifting
into the large pots. This is not a good plan, as everything
depends upon the care and skill of the cultivator. Some layer
the runners into large pots at once. It is not a commendable
practice through the soil having to be made so firm that the
roots do not permeate it f eely, and the plants are slow in
becoming established, the main or radical roots pass to the sides
of the pot, leaving the mass of the soil unoccupied, the drainage
is liable to be clogged by worms through having to remain so
long on the ground, and the labour is much greater than layer¬
ing in small pints. Carrying water to a thousand runners in
large pots for six weeks is a much more serious affair than for
the same number in 3-inch pots for half the time It is a lumber¬
ing system ; not nearly so many plants can be had in the same
space, and is not advised, as it affords no advantage correspond¬
ing to the increased labour.

Layering the runners in small or 3-inch pots is the most
suitable plan. A few p ants in fruiting pots near water may
answer, but even then the objections given above are not re¬
moved. Early runners layered in small pots or in turf are the
best, and to get these the parent plants should be mulched with
decayed manure and some dry or long litter if fruit is wanted.
It is preferable, however, to dispense with more than dessert
fruit if strong runners are desired cutting off all others, and it is
better still not allowing fruiting, setting plants apart for afford¬
ing runners only. Supply water freely, as the plants otherwise
cannot give early runners nor nourish them afterwards.

Potting. — When the runners are well rooted detach them.
Stand them on ashes on a north border, keeping the soil moist
at the roots, and sprinkle over the foliage it' dry morning and
evening. They will root rapidly, and must be transferred to the
fruiting pots before the soil is too hard. A week or ten days at
most will be sufficient time to allow for recovering the detach¬
ment, or to wean ” them. The plants must be moist at the
roots, so that they will turn out readily.

Five-inch pots are employed for plants to be started early,
or before and with the new year, and 6-inch pots for those to
be started afterwards. Different makers have different sizes.
Some 48’s only measure 5 inches in diameter at the rim inside,
some only measure 5 inches including the rim. The measure¬
ment should be taken three-quarters to an inch below the rim, or
the pots should measure respectively 51 andGHnches inside at the
rim at the top. It does not matter, the potters tell us, but I find
it makes all the difference between success and failure. The pots
should be clean inside and out ; if new, soaked in water, and
drained before use. Hard are preferable to soft pots, as the
former keep clean longer. The hole should be three-quarters
of an inch in diameter ; less is useless, larger unnecessary. One
large crock, so as to cover about half the bottom of the pot, and
concave side downwards, with three or four pieces of a little
smaller size to form a layer over it, and then a thin layer of
small pieces sifted so as to remove the dust, or, better, a thin
layei of half- inch bones An inch to 1^ inch depth for the
smaller si'e of pot, and about li inch for the larger size is
sufficient drainage. An oystershell concave over the hole and
some crushed bones make capital drainage.

. Compost.— Loam from turves cut 2 inches thick where the
soil L of a good friab’e nature, neither light nor heavy, and
stac.-.e 1 in spring grass side downwards, or not longer than the
Previous autumn, is the best material. To this torn up roughly,
or in pieces of an inch or 2 inches, add a fifth of well-decayed
manuie free from worms, or failing this horse droppings that
have been turned in a shed a few times as is done in preparation
for making Mushroom beds and a quart of soot to every bushel
of the loam. . If the soil be deficient of grit add a tenth of old
mortar lubbish, and if bones are not used for drainage a quart
of bonemeal may be added. Loam varies considerably in
different localities. Heavy loams are improved by an addition
of a fifth of burned c ay or lime rubb’e, and light loams by an
admixture of a fifth of heavy loam. The best result I have had
in forced Strawberries was from using a compost heap for
potting. The materials were mixed well together, turned several

times, and passed through an inch sieve. This just suited
Melons, and it passed through a half-inch sieve, gave a fine
mould, to which was added a tenth of quicklime also passed
through a half-inch sieve, and a little soot. Six cartloads of
this greatly improved a lawn that was previously spoiled by
moss and lack of grass. The rough poi’tion enabled us to grow
Asparagus, and what was thought quite as much of — viz.,
Horseradish.

Place enough of the rough of the compost in the pots and
ram it— I use a potting stick made out of a broom handle about
9 inches long — firmly so that the plants will have the roo's
setting just level with the soil, half to three-quarters of an
inch below the rim for the 5-inch, and three-quarters to 1 inch for
the 6-inch pots below the rim of the pot. The soil must neither
be wet nor dry. Some use dry soil, and others use wet soil, but
both are objectionable. Earn the soil hard about the roots, and
finish off at the height named below the rim. The plant will
stand in the centre, all the roots covered with soil, and the whole
of the plant to the base of the leaves above the soil. That is as
it should be, the roots in the soil, and no part of the plant, not
even its neck, buried.

Situation for the Plants. — Every ray of light from dawn
till eve is wanted to insure a sturdy thoroughly solidified growth ;
therefore the situation must be open alike to the sun and air,
but winds must be broken, as the leaves brushed to and fro
against the rims of the pots by wind are seriously injured, hence
shelter afforded hedges or walls without being so near as to shade
the plants is desirable. The situation mu3t be made impervious
to worms. A concrete or cement bottom is best, and a scatter¬
ing of ashes to stand the pots on is better than standing the pots
on the hard bottom, as it lets the water pass off freely and
retains moisture. Ashes 6 to 9 inches thick form a good standage
for the plants, and is easily secured in most places by a little
forethought. The pots are often stood on garden walks, but
they spoil the look of the borders, and worms attracted by the
moisture ruin the walks, and very often the Strawberries. If no
better place offers the best must be made of it, but if there are
fruit trees that shade the Strawberries, or the site is windy and
the walk is not impervious to worms, it is no use expecting fine
forced Strawberries.

Place the plants on the ashe3, but do not plunge them. If
the plants stand just clear it will do for the present, leaving
space between the rows for watering. In about three weeks the
plants will have the roots at the sides of the pots, then plunge
them and give all the room intended, say 12 to 15 inches apart.
The plunging will economise watering, and it will protect the
roots in autumn from being injured by early frosts. I have
seen Strawberries left on garden walks until the soil was frozen
through, many of the pots burst, and the roots quite brown
when turned out in January, the consequence being that the
plants pushed weakly leaves, and never give full crops of pro¬
perly swelled berries. Ashes and cocoa-nut fibre refuse are good
materials for plunging in, preferably the latter. Sometimes the
plants are placed on a north border for a few days. I do not
think anything is gained thereby, for what is secured m shade
and moisture is lo t in heat, and by using a little tiffany on hot
days the plants soon recover from the potting

Watering. — The plants must never lack water. None ought
to be given until the plants need, but before they flag a thorough
supply must be given. The plants should be examined in the
morning, noon, and late afternoon, not nece.-sarily to supply
water, but to see that none is suffering. On hot days sprinkle
the folia e in the evening Cutoff all runners as soon as they
show a joint. They take no support until the plantlets show on
the runner, and up to this stage they encourage root- action, but
once the plants are fairly on the wav keep runners off as they
appear. Weeds must not be tolerated, but be cleareda way, and
the surface of the soil he kept free from moss.

Feeding.— This will hardly be necessary, but if the plants do
not become as strong as desired and the crowns are not plump¬
ing well, weak liquid manure may be given at every alternate
watering, or three times a week I find stable and farmyard
drainings diluted with six times the quantity of water suitable.
That alternating with soot water, a peck to 69 gallons of water,
the soot put in a bag and stirred two or three time3 a day for
three days, is capital. I have tried surface dressings of nearly
every manure, both stirred in and washed in, without much benefit.
The best I have used is fresh horse droppings rubbed through
the h inds and sprinkled on the surface of the pots. It surpasses
everything in maintaining the roots, and that washed out helps
those that are down. Short manure free from worms is
excel’ent

Removing Side Crowns. — One crown, a strong well deve¬
loped plump bud, is requisite to ensure fine fruits. As soon,

July 39, 1888.

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

87

therefore, as side buds become visible remove them. Some varie¬
ties are much given to form side issues, especially Vicomtesse
Hericart de Thury, and unless they are removed we get many
crowns, which all take support, and a correspondingly weak
central one. Take care in removing the side buds from the
axils of the leaves not to injure the leaves or the central bud.
They are best pushed sideways with a knife point, or pointed
piece of hard wood. The central bud will then become strong
and more highly developed, pushing strong trusses and more
readily than those with many crowns when placed in heat. Sir
Harry and La Grosse Sucrt'e are not much given to forming
side issues, but they are the best looked over not later than the
early part of September ; indeed, all should be so treated where
fine fruits are desired, continuing it up to October, but the
earlier it is attended to the better chance of the crowns becoming
well developed.

Wintering. — By early November, or in cold seasons the
middle of October, the earliest plants must be placed in their
winter quarters in frames or pits, and plunged to the rims of the
pots. The lights need only be used in the case of heavy rains,
then tilted top and bottom, and in case of snow or frost. When¬
ever the temperature is above 35° outside withdraw the lights.
All that is wanted is protection from heavy rains, snow, and
severe frost— complete rest as far as it can be effected without
drought. The plants must be looked over for water, and given
whenever necessary. The frames or pits must be where they
will receive all the light possible. In severe weather protection
should be over the lights.

Midseason plants should be remivedto a sheltered situation,
and be plunged to the rim in ashes or other material, but if they
are in a position such as advised for growing they will be best
left alone, seeing that the mulching is brought up to the rim of
the pots or over them. In very severe weather they can be pro¬
tected with a little dry soft straw, to be removed in mild
weather is all the protection necessary.

Late plants require similar treatment to the last named.
The roots must be protected, but the tops are hardy, or the
little attention indicated in severe weather is all that is desir¬
able. All plants should be in their winter quarters before the
setting in of severe weather. It does not answer to let the roots
get frozen in the pots, they must be removed before that occcurs.
No amount of rain or snow will injure them if the drainage is
clear. Stacking the plants against walls in sawdust is an
obsolete practice, also keeping them in orchard and Peach
houses dry, and with a current of air passing through the
structures. — G. Abbey.

NEW PEAS CERTIFICATED.

At a meeting of the Fruit and Vegetable Comitteee held at Chiswick
recently, present, C. Silverlock, Esq., in the chair ; Messrs. Weir, Sutton,
Miles, Norman, Denning, Warren, Law, and Barron (Secretary), the
collection of Peas growing in the garden was examined, and first-class
certificates awarded to the following : —

Fame (Eckford).— A green wrinkled Marrow, with large deep green
well-filled pods ; height 5 feet.

Empress (Eckford). — White wrinkled Marrow, well filled large broad
pods, vigorous grower ; height 5 feet.

Eeelling No. 16 (Wildsmith). — White wrinkled Marrow, very long
pods, strong grower, good cropper ; height 4 feet.

President Garfield (Veitch). — White wrinkled, large well-filled pods,
heavy cropper ; height 3 feet 6 inches.

FLOWER SHOWS AND “AMATEURS.”

It was with much satisfaction that I read in this week’s Journal the
letter signed by “ Saxoring,” and very cordially do I agree with his re¬
mark that “ things are not at present quite fair to the real amateurs,
and want a little supervision by those whom it concerns to keep each class
as it ought to be, purely professional and purely amateur,” and it seems
to me that this is peculiarly true with reference to exhibits of cut Roses,
whether at shows of Roses exclusively, or in classes at mixed flower
showe.

As an illustration let me mention my own case. I am engaged in the
city every day from 9 to 6 — that is to say, I am away from home from
8.20 A.m. till 6.40 P.M., and as my salary is too small to allow me to
engage help, I have to do all my work — planting, budding, pruning,
manuring — myself. In addition to this my garden is within five miles
of St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Well, now, desiring to try my strength at the shows, I go to the
Crystal Palace, and in the smallest class (twelve singles) I have to
compete with the gardener to a gentleman who has a large estate in the
most lovely part of Surrey, and who counts his Roses by thousands, and
with four similarly situated gentlemen from other parts of the country.
At the National it is the same, although they have done something to
meet the difficulty by providing a number of divisions, and not allowing
the sane man to compete in more than one. But still, in most cases my

competitors are gentlemen who have ample means, good situations, and
regular gardeners. It dees seem to me that a distinction should be made
between gentlemen so situated and those, like myself, who have to do all
their work with their own hands.

Well, sir, I would not have troubled you with this letter if I had not
had a suggestion to offer which I think would at least partly meet the
case. I was looking over the schedule of a large local show, in which after
Two or three open classes there was one provided “ confined to those
amateur members who do not have assistance more than two days a week.”
Now, I think that is an example which might well be followed by the
Crystal Palace managers, and particularly by the National Rose Society,
which seeks to promote interest in the Rose in all possible ways. Let
there be a class provided, say, for twelve blooms, confined to those who
only have the help of a gardener once or twice a week. I believe there
would be a good entry when it became known, aud would prove a real
encouragement to the small men who under present circumstances feel
that it would be labour in vain to think of exhibiting. I commend the idea
to the proper authorities, and hope it may be well discussed and favour¬
ably received. — A Small Rose-grower.

DENDROBIUM WILLIAMSIANUM.

On Tuesday, July 13t\ Mr. B. 8. Williams, Upper Holloway
exhibited at South Kensington a plant in flower of the remarkably

/

St

Fig. 13.— Dendrobium Williamsiatum.

distinct and handsome Dendrobium named above, which the Blora
Committee very deservedly honoured with a first-class certificate. Ihe
appearance of sterling novelties like this add surprisingly to the interest
of the meetings, and the general question addressed to horticultural
visitors on the day named was “ Have you seen Mr. Williams grand new
Dendrobium ? ” But perhaps the plant can scarcely be termed a novelty,
though its flowers are, for it baa been in cultivation for eight years, having
been introduced to the Upper Holloway nursery by Mr. Goldie, who,
when collecting in New Guinea discovered this species, and it was named
in honour of the well-known genial orchidist, Mr. B. S. Williams. At
first sight the flowers in form are suggestive of the Rainy Month Flower
of Ceylon, Dendrobium McCarthise, but the colour is different, and upon
a closer examination some structural differences are noticeable. The
plant has slender tapering terete pseudo-bulbs, vri h a few small leaves
scattered along them. The racemes are produced from the upper portion
of the pseudo-bulbs, and the one from which our engraving was prepared
(fig. 13) had six flowers and buds, but the uppermost one had been

83

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER

[ July 29, 1886.

removed. The sepals End petals are oval, nearly equal in size, pure
white, and depressed over the lip, which is proportionately large, scoop¬
shaped, and of a beautiful rich violet purple hue, with a prominent
central ridge of a similar colour. It appears that the plant is somewhat
shy of flowering, but now it has at last revealed its beauties it may be
hoped that its peculiar requirement has been discovered, and that we shall
not have so long to wait for the re-appearance of the flowers.

The annual Exhibition of the National Carnation and
Picotee Society (Northern Section) will be held in the Royal Botanic
Garden, Manchester, on Saturday, August the 18th.

- A CURIOUS typographical error occurred in the report of the

Hull Show on page 73 last week. It is stated in the third paragraph
that the “ Secretary is still young.” If the sentence had been accurately
printed it would have read, the “ Society ” is still young. The Secre¬
taries are in the vigour of manhood, and it will not he through their
shortcomings if the Society does not have a vigorous career. Mr.
McMahon sends us a card showing the plan adopted three years ago of
affixing the exhibitors’ names in the manner practised at most large shows,
hut local prejudice was too powerful for the continuance of the practice.
In this case small numbered cards might be provided for judging, and the
larger, with the exhibitors’ names and addresses previously written,
placed in position, with prize tablets, immediately the awards were made.
A show, minus the prize cards, is shorn of half its interest to visitors.

- The Cucumber house in Messrs, Veitch & Sons’ seed grounds at

Turnham Green, presents a remarkable appearance at the present time .
250 fine fruits are now ripening, for, it is perhaps almost needless to add
the Cucumbers are grown solely for seed. The variety is a selected strain
of Telegraph, and we have never seen a better. The fine crop reflects much
credit on the grower, Mr. Hickman.

- The ANNUALS in these seed grounds look very pretty now. They

are not grown in large quantities to provide seed for sale — the seed farm
proper is at Langley near Slough — but in small beds for trial and com¬
parison. The diversity is great, however, if the quantity is not, and col¬
lectively they are very gay. Some very fine double Zinnias especially
attract attention, and beds of handsome Stocks, of which several selected
strains are being grown for trial, were admired.

- The second annual Show of the Sheffield and West

Riding Chrysanthemum Society will beheld in the Corn Exchange,
Sieffield, on Friday and Saturday, November 19th and 20th. There are
nine open classes, in which the chief prizes are £5 to £2 and £1 in two
separate classes for twenty-four incurved blooms and twenty-four
Japanese in eighteen varieties respectively. The National Chrysan¬
themum Society’s certificate will be awarded to the premier plant in the
Exhibition.

Mr. James Strachan, Oakbank, Comrie, Perthshire, writes : —
Last season I observed in the Journal of Horticulture some notes re¬
garding James Veitch Strawberry. A sample I now send per parcels
p>tt. If I remember rightly the article in question stated this Straw¬
berry would only do in the sunny south. H- re it does remarkably well
is a fair cropper, and of good colour. The ground on which they are
grown is a light loam resting on gravel, and ihe sample sent is from three-
year-old plants. This place nestles within a rifle shot of that range of
mountains which extends from Crieff to Lochearn-head. President does
favourably here, and compass favourably with those I have grown when
living in Noifolk and Kent (Sevenoaks). This place is much frequented
by tourists and summer visitors, and all have been of opinion the size and
qu dity here have been as good as any in the south of England or Scot¬
land.” The fruits sent were exi-e>dingly fine, the largest being 2f inches
and 3 inches in their longest diameter. They were also of good colour,
and though slightly damaged in transit were of good flavour.

- Taking Chrysanthemum Buds. — In reading Mr. Molyneux’s

rrticle_on this, subject in, the Journal, it apptars to me that the time he

names is quite too late to enable growers in the north to have their
flowers in form in time for the exhibitions, say from 15th to 25th November-
I do not pretend to sufficient experience to advise on the point, but if such
well-known northern growers as Mr. Lindsay, Mr. Mease, or Mr. Tun-
nmgton would give their opinions on the point, I am sure it would be
greatly appreciated. — North Lincoln.

- “ S. C.” writes as follows on Loxford Hall Seedling

Strawberry : — “ I little thought there was a Strawberry that could
surpass the old British Queen in quality, but so it is. Sir Joseph Paxton
is very good, also President, and a much heavier cropper ; then grow a
large batch of British Queen for main late consumption, but Loxford Hall
surpasses them all. What will make Loxford Hall more valuable as a
late fruit is the fact of its ripening and colouring so thoroughly. With
me British Queen, unless the fruits are off the ground, colours badly at the
tips and is inclined to be hard. Lcxford Hall has a fine aromatic flavour,
and it appears to be strong in constitution.”

- On Tuesday, July 20 Ih, favoured with glorious weather, the

twelve Belgian, French, and Dutch Horticulturists, including
Messrs. H. Van Hulle, E. Lemoine, Besson, Delaux, C. Havenith, and
L. Walthery-HalkiD, now in England on an excursion to seek information
and instruction from the various establishments, paid a visit to Messrs.
Cannell & Sons, Swanley. On arrival the nursery and greenhouses were
thrown open, and they were allowed to ramble at their leisure and remain
as long as they chose over any special object wbieh interested them. The
construction of houses, heating apparatus, &c., came in for their share of
in-pection. Dishes of Strawberries were placed in a central position, and
as the visitors passed in and out of the several houses they freely indulged
in the fruit, with which the neighbourhood abounds. Having passed
through the various departments, luncheon was served at the Lullington
Castle Hotel, after which the fruit-growing portion of the locality was
inspected (at present in full pick) and the quantities now being dispatched
to every large town in the north of England appeared to astonish them.
Finishing with a run through Mr. Ladd’s immense fruit-growing establish¬
ment they returned to London highly delighted with the day’s outing,
several asking permission to come again to glean further information.

- A correspondent states that “ the annual Lichfield Horti¬
cultural Exhibition was held in the Museum grounds on Wednesday,
21st inst., and proved to be one of the best ever held by the Society. The
day was fine and the attendance numerous. There were many entries in
the principal classes, and most of the exhibits were of excellent quality.
Plants were well represented by Messrs, Chapman of Hawkesyaid (not
for competition), and G. Meakin, Esq., of Burton-on-Trent. Flowers by
Messrs. Perkins of Coventry, and Trevor of Lichfield ; fruit by Messrs.
Gilman of Ingestrie, Udale of Eiford, and Sir G. Wilmot, Horton. Mr.
Gilman, gardener to the Earl of Shrewsbury and Talbot, taking the lead
with vegetables. The leading prizes in classes for plants were awarded as
follows : — Fi r four stove plants, four greenhouse plants, and six Fuchsias,
first G. Meakin, Esq. For six Gold and Silver Tricolor and six Bronze
Pelargoniums, first A. Hinckley, Esq. Six Ferns. — First G. Meakin, Esq-
Six Selaginellas. — First G. Scckham, Esq. For a collection fruit, six
dishes, distinct. — First Mr. Gilman, second Sir G. Wilmot. Grapes, two
bunches, black. — First Mr. J. Udale, with large and well finished bunches
of Hamburghs. Second Sir G. Wilmot. Grapes, two bunches, white. — First
Mr. J. Udale, large and well coloured berries of Muscat of Alexandria.
Second Sir G. Wilmot. Best flavoured Melon. — First Mr. Gilman. Dish
of six Peaches — First Sir G. Wilmot ; second Mr. J. Udale. Dish of six
Nectarines. — First Sir G. Wilmot, Horton; second Mr. J. Udale, highly
coloured, but scarcely ripe. C llection. — Vegetables, six distinct kinds.
First Mr. Gilman with splendid Tomatoes, Mushrooms, and Turnips, &c.

- “We regret to learn,” says Nature, “of the probable early

recall of the Commissioner of the Philippine Forest Department, and
the practical suspension of the work in which he is engaged. The step
is mucR to be regretted on many grounds, and it is to be hoped the
Spaui-h Government will reconsider its decision in the matter. Until
recently our knowledge of Philippine vegetation was extremely scanty,
n twitbstandiog the collections made by the late Mr. Hugh Cuming.
Even these it remained for Don Sebastian Vidal, Commissioner of Forests
tbere, to place in accessible form, the materials for his recently published
‘ Pbanerogamae Cumingianse Philippinarum ’ having been collected
whilst engaged in working up his collections at Kew some two or three
years ago. The extensive ci 'flections recently made by the Forest Depart¬
ment, a portion of which has been transmitted to Kew for determination,

July 29, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

89

lias, we believe, yielded a considerable proportion of novelties, including a
number of genera not hitherto known from the islands. Information
respecting these additions will probably be forthcoming in due course, as
■already we have an outline of the flora at the hands of one of the Kew
Stas'. The above, together with the fact that the large island of Mindanao,
and several others, is practically unexplored, shows how much yet remains
to be done in this direction. From an economic standpoint, and for the
development of the natural resources of the islands, the work of the
department is an important one. The demand for timber, owing to the
exhaustion of the forests in various directions, is assuredly forcing the
forestry question into the foreground. As an example of how little we
know of the Philippine flora, we may mention the St. Ignatius’s Bean,
of which until recently nothing was known beyond the fact that it finds
its way into the markets of this country as a source of the deadly poison
-strychnine, and was said to be sold in the market at Manila. Now, we
believe, the plant has been discovered, and information respecting it will
•doubtless be shortly forthcoming. Such matters as these naturally en¬
gage the attention of the Forest Department, and it will be a matter for
sincere regret if the work so well begun should come to a sudden termina¬
tion just at a time when its importance is beginning to be realised.”

FLOWERS FOR THE MILLION.

One of the pleasing characteristics of public taste is the increasing
disposition of the inhabitants of towns especially, but not exclusively,
to render the surroundings of their homes cheerful with flowers. This is
not the outburst of mere fashion that predominates for a time, then
subsides, but is, without doubt, the steady progressive growth of a fixed
idea that flowers, like sunshine, are essential factors in contributing to
-domestic enjoyment and human happiness.

That the love of flowers is ever widening and deepening there is
abundant evidence all around, and it is nowhere more apparent than in
those establishments for producing them that the public demand has
created. Roses have of lata held the pride of plaoe. They are seen in
gardens large and small almost everywhere, and each year in greater
numbers than before, but to comprehend anything like the full measure
•of interest that is centered in them, the great homes of manufacture
must be visited. There the acres of ground occupied with millions of
plants appeal with overwhelming force to the convictions, and the great
fact is, and must be acknowledged, that flowers, as represented by this
one flower, have come to be regarded as necessities of life.

Various other flowers bear testimony to this fact. If anyone
should question, for instance, the established popularity of Orchids, let
him visit the great trade emporiums, and when he sees house after h >use
packed with plants, stages crowded, roofs laden, and floors covered with
them, he will doubt no longer. They are provided because the demand
for them is so great. It is the same with plants of more familiar type,
and acre is added to acre yearly to satisfy the requirements for old and
new favourites among hardy plants — Violets, Primroses, Daffodils, Ane¬
mones, &c., in the spring; Irises, Stocks, Pinks, Carnations, Liliums, and
■‘border” plants innumerable in the summer; Asters and Corysan-
themums in the autumn ; Christmas Roses in the winter — more of each and
of all have to be grown yearly to satisfy the wants of the flower-loving
multitude. And if this is so in respect to those more or less costly kinds
that are more or less difficult to preserve and cultivate, it would be strange
indeed if the most easily raised and cheapest of all, the graceful and gay
annuals, and other flowers readily raised from seed, were not propor¬
tionately appreciated. That these flowers are in the very van of popu¬
larity one example will suffice. It is probably the greatest example that
can be found in this if not in any other country, and on that account is
the more conclusive. Let us, then, take such of our readers who care
to accompany us to a fertile corner in Essex, where at the present time
is to be seen what may be fairly described as the most extensive and
varied floral display in the dominions of the Queen.

The flower seed farms of Messrs. James Carter & Co. at Dedham and
St. Osyth are widely and justly celebrated. They are not in the “bea en
tracks of tourists,” and on that account it is the more incumbent that the
few who visit them should endeavour to give some idea of their magnitude
and appearance for the information of the many who are unable to inspect
what is undoubtedly one of the most wonderful in its way, and certainly
most beautiful tights in the kingdom. In one respect it seems a pity that
these farms, or the chief of them, should be so inaccessible, but viewing
the case from another — that is, a business standpoint, it is probably well
that they are out of the way of the crowd, or visitors would prove
seriously obstructive. Those Belgian horticulturists now visiting our
shores on a gardening tour will doubtless see much to gratify them, but
nothing that would probably astonish them more than the fields of flowers
in question. But a long journey and a long day must be spent in accom¬
plishing the object, and time, nowadays, is a precious item that has to
be considered in the execution of a programme. If all the flowers in
Belgium were crowded together they would not approach the number to
be seen at St. Os>th, and the excellence of cultuie, the sciupulous care
that is exercised ia maintaining the purity of the stocks, with the admir¬
able system of management that is apparent, are commensurate with the
magnitude of the display. That is the simple statement of a sober fact,
and there is no fear of its being questioned by any competent and im¬

partial person who may be fortunate enough to examine the fields on a
fine day in July before the flowers are faded.

The route to this land of flowers, starting from London, is by the
Great Eastern Railway from Liverpool Street to Manningtree, a distance
of about sixty miles. A well-appointed service of express trains, however,
renders the journey pleasant rather than tedious, and travellers to the
Continent via Harwich, with a day at their disposal, might break their
journey homewards, see the flowers, and go on by the favourite night
continental express. It is fourteen miles by road from Manningtree to
St. Osyth, a delightful drive on a fine day, and it is no use going on any
other, for apart from the discomfort to travellers of a fourteen-miles rain,
annuals are flowers of the snn, and do not show to advantage in wet
weather. It may be too late for our visitors to make further engagements,
but on any future visit of a similar nature about midsummer, this, the
head quarters of flower-seed-growing in England, might be kept in mind
as a place of call, and it is certain the proprietors, if communicated with
on the subject, would afford every facility for an inspection of their
farms.

Dedham is only a short distance from Manningtree, probably less than
two miles ; and representative horticulturists who rest for a little time at
Stour House, the beautiful and charmingly situated residence of Mr.
Dunnett, the esteemed senior partner of the firm of (Carter) Dunnett and
Beale, will not be disappointed. Mr. Dunnett is a fine type of an English
gentleman, and gives a genuine and hospitable reception to his friends
that lingers in the memory — a sort of a help-yourself kind of welcome,
go where you like and see what you can. We saw what we could in an
hour. The gardener showed with pride, and well he might, young and
old trees of the Champion Black Currant. The crop of fruit was mar¬
vellous, hanging in huge black clusters from old and young wood just in
the same way that Red Currants hang on well-managed bushes ; and the
fruit, on the young trees especially, was of such enormous size there is no
wonder that the Fruit Committee of the R.H.S. with similar samples
before them granted a first-class certificate. Then we inspected the Coni¬
fers that have been planted in almost a prodigal manner as an irregular
and broad fringe round the grounds, affording at once excellent shelter
and a beautiful background to the spacious lawn and its bright flower
beds. The soil is strong and deep, and the trees, eighteen years planted,
have grown marvellously. A Wellingtonia may be adduced as a type,
now over 40 feet high, perfectly furnished, and of the deepest green.
Abies lasiocarpa is rarely seen in such fine condition. A. Douglassi,
A. Nordmanniana, and A. pinsapo are in splendid form, while the Cupres-
suses and Junipers have made equally satisfactory growth. In effective
contrast are some wonderfully fine variegated Maples and handsome
golden pyramids of Thuiaaurea elegantissima 8 feet high, while here and
there on the lawn beehive-shape i Golden Yews have a remarkable effect.
This is a delightful and obviously cherished garden, kept in excellent
order, and preparations are being made* for the erection of glass
stru dures.

But where are the flowers we went to see— the annuals ? Well, there
are not many at Dedham, perhaps not fifty acres. The first to arrest
attention is a new variety of Chrysanthemum carinatum, one of the
tricolor varieties, with a rosette-like centre and broad margin of ray
florets of a pale peach colour and dark brown or claret at the base — a
singular combination of colours, attractive and distinct from all others in
the grounds. From this neutral tint the eye is irresistibly drawn to a
fiery mas3 of orange scarlet, a selected variety of the scarlet Tom Thumb
Tropseolum, often mis-called Nasturtium, so bright that workmen can
only spend an hour or two at a time for weeding and “roguing,” the
intensity of the colour affecting their eyes. Large breadths of French
Poppies are gorgeous, but less dazzling, for being in mixture the effect of
the richly coloured varieties are subdued by the neutral tints. Next we
find a quiet bed of a charming annual not very common in gardens —
Calendula Pongei, or, as it was named in the bed, C. Pongei flore-pleno, a
mistake that also appears in the catalogue of the firm. The flowers bear
no resemblance to Marigolds, as the generic name would suggest, but are
Cmeraria-like with ivory white florets dark on the under side. They have
alight and charming appearance, and would be suitable for the decoration
of vases. In bold contrast is a great mass of Malope grandiflora, much
the finest type of this annual we have seen, both as regards the size and
depth of colour of the flowers. It must be a very select stock. Very fine
indeed also is a choice selection of the Tom Thumb variety of Clarkia
integripetala, the great breadth of petals and the dark colour of the flowers
reudering the bed highly effective. Mesembryanthemum tricolor was
charm ng, its lovely flowers glistening in the sun ; as a low carpet plant
for sunny positions it is worthy of cultivation, and is decidedly attractive
when well grown in pots ; but “time” is called and we must haste to
S-. Osyth.

The road traverses a fertile and generally well farmed district, the
grain crops being particularly full and good as a rule, though some are
inferior ; and the same remarks apply to the fields of roots — Mangolds.
The fields are not bounded by neat hedges, as in the best agricultural
counties of the north, but are picturesque as festooned with Brambles,
Honeysuckles, and Rises. Roses festoon the cottages, too, by the way-
side, an't the little front gardens sparkle with flowers, while here and
there are family clumps of white Lilies springing from a Potato patch.
The drive though long is pleasant, and eventually we reach i ur destina¬
tion, and we are among the annuals once again. Toe first to be examined
is of a substantial kind — a new Pea named “ Anticipation ” when
txamined in the field. That will, no uoubt, be its tradename, but when
tasted a few hours afterwards “ Realisation ” appeared to be the mo e
appropriate, for its great excellence was realised and unanimously ad-

90

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 29, 1886.

mitted. It is a dwarf Pea, growing 2 feet high, but its large pods dragged
it to the ground. They are of the colour of Telephone, which is pre¬
sumably one of its parents, but square ended, and packed with large fat
peas. It is a splendid dwarf Pea without a doubt, and it is anticipated
will become a general favourite, that being possibly the secret of its
name. Still another floral impediment, for we have to examine the
hybrid Wheats. It is a remarkable fact that while so much has been
accomplished in the improvement of garden crops by artificial fertilisation
and the resultant new varieties, the most important crop of all — Wheat —
has been practically left to itself. It is true that varietal forms have been
established, but this is by selection. From the peculiar form of the
organs of fructification cross-fertilisation of the important cereal is not
effected in an artificial manner. It is safe to say that not one person in
ten thousand knows when Wheat is “ coming into flower.” “Wbat!” does
some reader exclaim, “ are we blind ? Cannot we see the floral appendages
protruding from the ears, little miniature tassels ? ” Yes, you may see them
clearly enough ; that, however, is no sign that the Wheat is “ coming
into flower,” but, on the contrary, conclusive evidence that it has “ gone
out of flower,” which is quite another thing. Artificial fertilisation must
be effected before the plants have reached the stage that is popularly
known as flowering. The operation is one of great nicety, but that it
has been successfully accomplished is apparent, especially in the case of
one variety named “ Birdproof.” One of the parents of this was the
American Mammoth, having long “ horns ” like Barley ; the other,
Carter’s Fillmeasure, a fine smooth velvet chaff Wheat, this latter being
the seed bearer. The influence of the long-bearded pollen parent can
be both seen and felt, for sure enough the chaff of the resulting variety
terminates in short bristles, and it is found that when birds alight on
ears they fly off again in a moment, the sharp erect appendages “ tickling
their feet.” The name “Birdproof” is thus not meaningless, and apart
from the peculiar characteristic indicated the variety promises to be abun¬
dantly prolific. Another variety, the result of a cross between Carter’s Royal
Prize red, and the white Talavera, is remarkable as being a fortnight
earlier than ordinary Wheats. This is quite evident, and is a fact of no
small importance. The ripe seed or grain, too, is intermediate in colour
between the two parents. A third variety established is from the square¬
headed red and Hunter’s White, and unites the characters of both.
Messrs. Carter have great reason to be proud of what they have accom¬
plished, and though the main object of our visit was to see the flowers it
was impossible to overlook these very interesting and highly important
achievements in the intercrossing of Wheats.

To resume. It is no figure of speech to say that in this and adjoining
fields there are flowers by and for the million. It is impossible to
adequately describe the effect produced by great blocks of colour in one
field alone. This must be quite half a mile long, and as the ground slopes
gently from east to west and also from the sides to the centre the visitor
taking his stand at the lower end has a grand panorama of flowers before
him. As far as the eye can reach there is nothing but flowers — new, rare,
or not extensively grown kinds in small patches ; popular sorts covering
from one to ten acres of ground, according to the demand for seed.
Fancy ten acres of ground covered with Larkspurs in “lands” ot
separate colours, with intervening blocks of Saponarias, for preventing
any accidental mixing of the Larkspur seed. It is a beautiful sight.
Look again at the grand masses of Godetias. There are acres of them,
each variety separa e, and every plant “ tiue.” Lady Albemarle, Princess
of Wales, Lady Satin Rose, The Bride, divided by breaks of other flowers,
are simpiy magnificent. So are the similarly large masses of Chrysan¬
themum carinatum or tricolor varieties, than which few, if any, tall-
growing annuals are more charmingly gay. Candytufts are grown on
the same extensive scale — sheets of white, purple, and other colours, but,
now fading ; and so it is with other favourite annuals, seed of which is
harvested by the sack, and ihe aggregate amount can only be repressed
in tons. Mignonette is in great force, so are the dwarf Trapseolums, and
whoever may be fortunate enough to catch a bed of, say, five acres of
King of Tom Thumbs in full beauty, a dense mass of dazzling crimson
scarlet, will not s' on forget the spectacle. The sight cannot be said to
be “good for sore eyes,” for the optic nerve must be strong to endure it
for any length ol time ; and equally glittering are masses of its effective
congener Golden King, while others of the family are scarcely less
imposing. Then we see in the distance a great block of silvery white
and “cannot make ir out ; ” on a closer approach it proves to be White
Rhodanthe, and not far distant is a corresponding mass of R. Manglesi
and R. maculata. The seed appears to have been sown where the plants
stand, in drills a foot apart. Their sturdiness is remarkable, and there
must be waggenloads of flowers.

There are acres of Antirrhinums grown from and for seed. Some
selected varieties are kept distinct in large squares of yellow, white, and
crimson seifs. These are very fine, the yellow particularly striking.
Then there are squares of flowers with white tubes, yellow tubes, and
striped forms, also a marbled strain. The number astonishes, and nothing
approaching an inferior variety can be seen.

Pansies surprise by their numbers, still more by their freshness. A
bed of several acres in mixed varieties in every conceivable variety
of colour in which these flowers are represented is as gay as in spring,
and the plants are as healthy as it is customary to see them in Scotland.
They were raised from seed sown under glass early in the season, and
planted a foot or more asunder. They now cover the ground, and are, in
turn, covered with myriads of flowers, while not a speck of mildew can be
feen on the leaves ; yet they are exposed to the full sun, in light ra her
than heavy soil, and in one of the driest districts in the kingdom. The
s-.cret of their condition rests in their being seedlings instead of having

been raised from cuttings. A bed of varieties 6triped and flaked like
Carnations has a distinct and pretty effect ; and not less effective are the
improved Magpie Pansies, such as Countess of Kintore, Unique, and Lord
Beacrnsfield, that are worthy of extensive cultivation.

Among plants in smaller beds are some beautiful selected forms of
Phlox Drummondi ; a sparkling mass of Linaria reticulata aurea covered
with diminutive crimson and gold Snapdragon-like flowers ; Silene com-
pacta, single and double, dense cushions of pink and white ; Golden Cloth
Dwarf Tropoeolum, with small leaves the colour of Golden Feather;
Phacelia campanularia, the brightest of blue with white stamens ; it is of
the character of a Whitlavia, but dwarfer, and with much larger flowers;
one of the most attractive of annuals ; Anchusa capensis, 18 inches high,
its trusses of blue flowers covered with bees — a hint for apiarians ; Statice
Suworowi, by far the best of the border forms, and should be grown more
freely in pots and beds ; and so we might go on for half a dozen pages ;
but enough has been said to indicate, necessarily imperfectly, the magni¬
tude of the display, and only one other bed can be noticed — a splendid
mass of Lychnis Haageana, with trusses and flowers more than twice the
size of Phlox Drummondi and in various shades of scarlet and yellow.
The plants were raised from seed early last year, planted out, flowered
slightly in the summer, were cut down in the autumn, and the bed is now
like a brilliaut bouquet. The soil in which they are established is rather
sandy and the position sheltered from the north. This gay Lychnis is
worthy of being tried more generally in gardens, but it may not succeed
equally in all gardens, soils, and districts.

Nothing can exceed the care that is exercised to preserve the purity of
the s ocks of everything grown on this great flower farm. The labour
must be enormous in keeping all so clean and the plants so true to
character ; in a word, everything is thoroughly well done, and both the
firm and their experienced “grower” are to be congratulated on the
excellence of their work.

A very simple yet important practical lesson in growing annuals is
“ writ large ” at St. Osyth. The plants are afforded space for develop¬
ment. Take Mignonette, for instance. Each plant has most of a foot of
space to grow in, and it produces many strong branches and flue spikes ; if
packed together, as in scores of private gardens, the plants are confined to
single stems, terminating in small spikes, and when these fade all is over.
It is the same with annuals generally ; they are spoiled by overcrowding,
and are said to be weedy and transient. That is not so much the fault of
the plants as of the so-called cultivators, and a more rational system of
management would produce infinitely better results.

THE VALUE OF FRUIT AS FOOD.

Few people are aware of the value of fruit as an article of food.
Many persons look on fruit a3 a luxury, whilst some shudder at the idea of
it, and conjure up internal tortures at the name. Children, on the contrary,
will eat fruit at any time, and undergo much discomfort to get it. It is
elderly people, or those past their first youtb, who cannot eat fruit and
enjoy it. Cooked foods, highly seasoned meats, and alcoholic liquors have
spoiled their taste, and in many instances a ripe Strawberry or Plum
would inconvenience them sadly. But the person who values health, and who
knows a little of the value of fruit, will make it a point to eat it daily, and
ev-n on occasions to make a meal almost entirely of it. Another cause why
ripe and wholesome fruits are given a bad name is because they are eaten
at the wrong end of a meal. After many courses of heavy foods and
strong drinks, a few harmless Strawberries are indulged in, and then when
these rich foods and stimulating drinks upset the stomach the blame is
put on the innocent Strawberry. The real place of fruit is at the beginning
of a feast, and not at the end. A better plan still is to make a meal of
bread and ripe fruit. The best meals to make thus are breakfast, lunch,
or early tea. The bread should be brown and dry, and the fruit ripe and
raw. Dry brown bread cleans the tongue and brings out the flavour of the
fruit. Butter on the bread would give its own flavour, or even the salt in
the butter wou'd destroy the pure taste of the fruit.

Again, the fruit should be raw if possible, as many delicious odour3
and delicate flavours are lost in the cooking. This weather, then, a meal
of brown bread and ripe Strawberries, Cherries, Gooseberries, Raspberries,
&c., should be looked upon as a wholesome corrective tr high living.
Those who want to be ccol this warm weather, and who wish to retain
their mental clearness all day, cannot do better than lunch off fruit and
bread, leaving heavier and solider food until evening. Children may be
given plenty of fruit, and as loDg as it is ripe no harm will result; on the
contrary, it clears the complexion and skin, and acts as a laxative and a
ccoltr. When children have a half-holiday, and they are in the way at
home, yon should buy them some fruit and send them to the nearest park,
common, or open space, where they can romp and play, and, instead of
sickly and often poisonous sweets, they may regale themselves with the
fruit you gave them. A picnic party should never depart without a basket
of fju't, and that fruit should start the meal. It is astonishing how
exhilarating and enlivening a meal of fruit is, and instead of feeling dull
after it, as you do after ordinary food, you feel stimulated aud brightened
up. It is not wise to eat raw fruit too late at night, as this does not digest
so easily or lie so lightly as food we are constantly taking. Fruit is best
in the morning. I have many patients who take an Oiange, Apple, or
other fresh fruit the first thing in the morning, the same as many people
take their early cup of tea. This early fruit-eating is to be commended,
it clears the tongue, stimulates gently, and with many it is the cause of
regulsr laxation.

Many people — a good number of whom are doctors — are of opinion that
utumnal diarrhoea is due to fiuit. This is an idea not borne out by facts. I

July 29, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

91

inquired into the subject, and found that in every case the diarrhoea was
due to meat or fish, but never to fruit alone. I have experimented on
myself, and got other friends to test the result of free fruit-eating on
themselves, but in no case as yet have I got a report of diarrhoea from it.
I lived one day last summer on Strawberries, managing to eat 7 lbs.
during the day, but I had no diarrhoea. Other times I have lived on
Plums and milk, and have eaten freely of Cherries and other fruits in
their seasons, but never had looseness of the bowels in consequence. The
true explanation of autumnal diarrhoea lies in the fact that in hot weather
flesh putrifies very quickly, during putrefaction alkaloids called ptomaines
are formed ; these are emetic and purgative, and give rise to distressing
symptoms. These alkaloids are found in meat at all times, but more
especially during hot weather.

Fruit has the composition of a perfect food, containing all the sub¬
stances required by the body. Here is the composition of Strawberries : —

Water . 87 per cent.

Sugar . 4 per cent.

Free Acid . 1J per cent.

Nitrogen . 5 per cent.

Insoluble matter (A per cent, of which is ash) 7 per cent.

100

From this table we can see that fruit is a perfect food, as it contains
everything needed, including water. We may also gather that it is a food
for the indolent, and not for hard work. In a hot clime it would be all
that is necessary ; but in a temperate clime grain is needed as well.
There is one thing worthy of notice, and that is the amount of free acid
in fruit. This is anti-scorbutic, and also very useful for dissolving out
any surplus of lime or other salts that may be in the system. Were fruits
used daily by all there would be less gout, rheumatism, gall stones, stone
in the bladder, and calcareous degeneration than there is now. In con¬
nection with the curative power of fruit, we must mention the “ Grape
cure.” This is practised in France and Germany in the autumn, and is
a cure for many diseases due to high feeding. The patient is given a
pound of Grapes to eat the first day. This amount is added to until the
person can eat 5 or 6 lbs. a day. The other food is gradually lessened,
and the diet at last consists entirely of Grapes. It cures obesity and
many other complaints, and starts the person off on a new lease of life.
In this country we may partly carry out this cure, usiDg Strawberries,
Gooseberries, Cherries, and Plums in place of Grapes. Fruit is thus seen
to be a necessity in a rational diet and of immense value in dietetic medicine.
— T. R. All insox, L.RC.P .,20, Charlotte Street, Portland Place, W.
(in the Echo').

CARNATIONS AND PICOTEES AT CHELSEA.

The annual Exhibition of these plants in Messrs. J. Veitcli & Sons’
nursery at Chelsea is an attraction of considerable importance, and for
which many amateur cultivators look as eagerly as the florists do for the
National Society’s Show. The great objects of the display have been to
prove that Carnations and their relatives are plants that can be grown by
everyone with ordinary care, that possess invaluable floral qualities, and
that they may be employed to beautify many town gardens at a time of
year when few plants look satisfactory in such positions. These charac¬
teristics have been abundantly proved, first by the selection of the most
effective and strongest habited varieties, and secondly by growing them
well as border plants, and it is only fair to say that Messrs. Yeitch and
Sons have contributed in great measure to the increased popularity of the
Carnation for this purpose.

Tnirty-six beds, each 20 feet long by 4 feet wide, are devoted to the
plants, and though the flower stems are necessarily secured to sticks these
are made as light and inconspicuous as possible, consistently with suffi¬
cient strength to prevent the stems being broken by wind. At a conve¬
nient height above the beds is a skeleton frame supported on posts at the
sides, and upon this is run a tiffany shading during hot days to assist in
the preservation of the flowers. The objectionable “collars” are dis¬
pensed with, and the only artificial aid the flowers receive is placing a
small indiarubber ring over the calyx to prevent it bursting and spoiling
the bloom. Most of the varieties represented are those especially a lapted
for culture in borders, and though some may be defective in minute points
compared with a florist’s rigid standard, yet when the varieties are seen
together the preference is at once given to the former for all substantial
qualities. The choice varieties, of which the blooms appear so beautiful
in a stand of twelve or six at a competitive show, are too frequently of
weakly habit, and but few flowers are produced or allowed to remain on
the plants. The others, on the contrary, bear scores of blooms that can
be cut in bunches, and in addition the growth is usually much more
vigorous, facilitating the increase of the variety. The show varieties are
lovely, and should be grown in pots, well deserving the extra care re¬
quired ; but where profusion of flowers is of more importance than refine¬
ment of form or colouring the border varieties must take the most
prominent place.

For effectiveness the Carnations are much superior to the Picotees, as
the latter have a delicacy of appearance that, except in the deep-edged
forms, scarcely fits them for borders. The self and fancy Carnations are
very showy, especially the former, of which there is an excelhnt collec¬
tion, and to these a few notes may be devoted. One ot the first 1 1 attract
attention is the excellent white W. P. Milner, a grand variety that cannot
be too widely known. One of the beds mentioned above is devoted to
this, the plants being remarkable for their even growth and the prolu¬

sion of flowers. The height of the flower stems is about 2 feet, and the
majority of the plants have a dozen fully expanded blooms, with two or
three dozen buds. For beds and for cutting this is an admirable Carna¬
tion, and the blooms individually are very neatly formed. Another pretty
white variety is Virgo, which is free and especially useful for buttonholes,
as the blooms are rather smaller than the preceding and very symme¬
trical. Hodge’s Bride is dwarf white variety, with larger flowers and
petals than W. P. Miluer. Miss Marianne North is a full white, flower
large, and the plant of medium height; and Exquisite is an excellent
free white variety in the way of W. P. Milner, which, however, we should
prefer to all those named if only one sort is needed. Amongst the bright
coloured varieties a new one named Beauty of Whitby is noteworthy, a
brilliant scarlet very floriferous and charming. Heeter Robinson, a dark
red clove-scented variety, is also handsome. General Stewart, dark
maroon, wonderfully free, something like the Tree Carnation Mrs. Keens.
Brilliant is a remarkably glowing rosy-scarlet self that has been honoured
with a certificate. Celia is a tall-growing clear rose self of very fine sub¬
stance and broad clear petals. Royal Purple, rich warm purple self, very-
profuse and of good growth. Black Knight, intensely rich scarlet self.
Magnum Bonum, a capital dwarf scarlet self, exceedingly free. John
Burnett, large full bright rose, a b Id flower and handsome variety.
Florence is a good yellow self, as also are King of the Yellows, which is
of a paler sulphury tint ; and Belle Halliday, bright yellow ; and Pride
of Penshurst ; the last hamed a useful variety for culture in pots.

The show varieties of Carnations and Picotees were enumerated fully
last year, a selection being also given of the best for general culture in
each class. These need not be repeated, bnt a few additional notes on
the principal novelties may be contributed on anothsr occasion. —
VlSITOE.

VIOLAS.

At Messrs. Collins Brothers & Gabriel’s nursery at New Hampton,
Violas may be seen in great beauty just now, and that is saying a great
deal, as the season has been a trying one, so hot and dry, and Violas are
not looked upon with great favour as summer decorative plants in the
south. The manager of the nursery, Mr. R. Jenkins, who is one of your
frequent correspondents, got in a collection of the leading kinds last
spring and planted them out in beds in the nursery. The soil at New
Hampton suits Pansies and Violas very well, but being on gravel and the
beds fully exposed to the sun, Mr. Jenkins thought it advisable to use a
good quantity of cow manure in the beds, not actually planting in it, but
where the roots could reach it, and he surfaced the beds with the decayed
foliage of the Narcissus, which they cultivate extensively at Hampton.
I am an old turnd at Viola culture, and grow them by the "thousand in the
Midland districts, but I have rarely met with Violas in such perfection
as at New Hampton. I was surprised to see them so in the south, and it
clearly proves that if the borders and beds are well prepared on the plan
adopted by Mr. Jenkins, that the Viola is an invaluable spring and early
summer decorative plant about London, but where planted on the starva¬
tion principle it fails.

The principal varieties growing at Messrs. Collins and Gabriel’s
nursery are Countess of Hopetoun, a wonderfully fine white, large-sized
flowers without a speck of black in the flower, and of close robust habP,
and a good bloomer. Mrs. Gray, another good useful white, very free
blooming, but has a tendency to flush in colour in hot weather, assuming
a pleasing lilac tint. Notwithstanding this it is a fine variety, a great
bloomer, good constitution, and as fragrant as any Violet. True Blue, one
of my seedlings, is a capital bedder ; and Queen of Lilacs, also one of my
raising, is a grand bedder and a great improvement on the old favourite.
Blue Bell. Queen of Spring and Goldrn Queen of Spring are two grand
yellows ; and Ardwell Gem is a first-cla-s pale yellow or primrose
coloured variety. Archie Grant is very fine violet-purple, a splendi l
bedder, and Queen of Purples is an improved Cliveden Purple, with a
closer and better habit, a very fine purple. Countess of Kintore is a great
favourite everywhere, pale lilac purple with conspicuous white blotches, a
grand bedder ; and Unique is a crimson-purple with a large greyish
white blotch on each top petal. These are some of the best. Having for
many years written about the Viola and endeavoured to make it popular.
I was truly and most pleasantly surprised to see plants doing so well ami
forming brilliant masses of colour in a very exposed dry situation.

I have also met with another striking instance of the successful cultiva¬
tion of the Viola under adverse circumstances. At Harefield Grove, near
Rickmanswortb, Mr. John Gough, the manager of these extensive gardens,
has two rows of Dean’s True Blue, each row 150 yards in length, planted
out in the spring, but a spit of soil was thrown out and cow manure
worked in the full length of each row. It has been a great success, and even
now, in the midst of the hot July weather we have had, they are very
beautiful.

In the Midland districts and further north Violas and Pansies do
much better than in the south, although they have been proved to do well
in the south if proper care is t.ken in planting them. In the public park
at Wolverhampton very long lines of Holyrood and Lutea grandiflora are
now masses of colour, and have been so since the spring, and villa gardens
are to be met with in so many places where the Viola is grown extensively.
I was also somewhat surprised to see our old friend Thomas Grainger
Pansy growing like “a weed” in the park and masses of rich brownish
red flowers.

With me at Walsall they are in fine character, but cutting down for
stock is now going on, as the demand increases, and Violas ought to be in
every garden for spring and early summer work. Unfortunately Violas

92

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 29, lB(r 6.

are too often ordered in May and June, Pansies also, and then they can¬
not get hold of the ground to withstand heat and drought. Autumn
planting or planting in March is best, and if on dry soils and exposed
situations mulch them with cocoa refuse, decayed manure, short grass, or
anything available, to keep them as cool as possible at the roots. With
this I send you a box of blooms, to show you what progress is beiDg
made in the Viola, and how we are succeeding in obtaining self-coloured
varieties and getting them free from black blotches or centres. — William
Dean, Florist, Walsall.

[Violas received are very beautiful ; so are bunches seDt by Messrs.
Collins & Gabriel, and we think the excellent varieties named above
should be more extensively cultivated in the manner described,]

IMPATIENS HAWKERI.

Few new plants of recent introduction have so rapidly advanced in
popular favour as Impatiens Sultani, and owing to the readiness with
which it is increased it can now be found in hundreds of gardens.
Another new Impatiens is now brought before the public, and as an
ornamental plant it is likely to soon become even a greater favourite than
I. Sultani. In the size and colour of the flowers it is far superior, and is
one of the most handsome species yet intro luced. At South Kensington
on the 13th of July a plant was shown by the introducer, and a first-class
certificate was awarded for it at once. Mr. W. Bull thus describes the
plant, and has kindly supplied us with the woodcut (fig. 14), which shares
the general character fairly well, but does not represent the flowers of
their full size, as on the plant exhibited they were 2 inches in diameter.

“ It is a native of the South Sea Islands, where it was discovered by
Lieutenant Hawker. The sharply serrate leaves are elliptic acuminate.
The flowers are very large, flatly expanded, and of the most brilliant rich
deep carmine colour, this is relieved by a lustrous bluish tinge round the
small white eye ; the dorsal petal is roundish and the two lateral lobes
oblong and bilobed, the spur is red and about 2 inches long. The flowers
of this Impatiens are produced in the greatest profusion from March until
October. The plant is of free growth and of good habit.”

ROSE SHOWS.

MORE TON- IN-THE-MARSH.

This does not sound a very lively place for a Rose Show, but it is one
of those cases in which a misnomer giv s an entirely false impression. There
is no appearance of a marsh in or about the place nor ever was. It is, in
fact, a corruption of Moreton-in-the-Marches, and the term applies to the
fact that the old fosse road ran through the place. This I did not know
until the time of my visit, for although in passing through it by rail one saw
no sign of marsh, yet I supposed it must have had them at some time, and
that like many places in the Fen Country its character had been changed.
It is apparently much out of the wav, yet in this quiet place has been got
up a very extensive Rose Society, which drew exhibitors from all Quarters,
and at which the Lrgest prize for the year had to be awarded — £10 for the
best box of Rose-* in the Show. This has been mainly owing to the fact that
a very successful and energetic Rose grower has come into the neighbour¬
hood, the Rev. F. Burnside, »ho used so successfully to act as Secretary for
the Farningham Rose Soc’et.y, but who has migrated to Chipping Campden,
two stations nearer to Worcester than Moreton, a very pretty Glou¬
cestershire country town, with a long, straggling, and picturesque-looking
Btreet in which hardly two houses are alike, and all more or less of what is
now called the Queen Anne stylo A fine church of the perpendicular style
in the somewhat debased manner of the Tudor times stands at one end, and
what with trees standing in the street and an old disused market home,
there are the e'ementB of a thoroughly English country town, which happily
even railways have not as yet got rid of. Mr. Burnside’s house and garden
stands in the middle of th ■ street, and reminds me very much of my dear
old friend Mr. Radclyffe’s g*rd- n. It runs up as did rising ground at the
back, although not so exposed, and often as I strolled through it the old
“ crackB ” at Okeford Firzpaine came to my mind. Mr. Burnside is only just
settled here, and I have no doubt in a short time will grow Roses which will
eclipse those he used to show at Farningham ; indeed, the records of this
year’s exhibitions show that, h» has begun well. Not many miles f om here
live two energetic rosari ns, Mr. Williams at Alderminster near Stratford-
on-Avon, and Mr. Sladden at Badsey near Evesham, so that the Society
established for East Gloucestershire is not wanting in elements of success.

The Exhibition at Moreton was held on a very picturesque ground
belonging to the chi f hotel in the town. A good tent was provided foi the
Ro°es, and a very excellent exhibition was the result. The cooler weather
had materially helped the later blooms, and greater freshness and better
colour were in consequence to be sum in the flowers exhibited.

In class 1, for thirty-six varieties, the Cranston Nursery an! Seed Co.
were first with a very fine stand, containing Reynolds Hole, John Stuart
Mill, Constantin Tretiakoff Marguerit; de St Amand. Alfred Colomb,
Heinrich Sohu'theis, Mari Rady, Baronne de Rothschild, Ulrich Brunner,
Mardchal Niel, Louis Van Hoatte. La France, Mdlle. Annie Wood, Pride of
Waltham, La Rosiere, Mdlle. Marie VerJier, Maiie Baumann, Merveille de
Lyon, Horace Ve net, Pri *ce Arthur, Alphonse Souperr, Fisher Holmes,
Etoile de Lvon, E Y. Teas. Jean Ducher. Pierre Notting, Lmlia, Maurice
Bernardin, Queeu of Qu ens, General Jacqueminot, Princess Beatrice,
Beauty of Waltham. Lady Sheffield, and Le Havre. Mr. B. R. Cant was
second, and Me-srs. Jefferies & Co. third.

In the class for eignteen Teas Mr. B. R. Cant was first with Souvenir

d’un Ami, Souvenir d’Elise, Hon. Edith Gifford, Comtesse Nadaillac, Mada,me
de Watteville, Madame Cusin, Catherine Mermet, Marhchal Niel, Moire,
Madame Villermoz, President, Boule d’Or, Comte Panisse, Niphetos, M dame
Angele Jacquier, Innocente Pirola, Madame Lambard, and Belle Lyonnaise.
Mr. George Prince second, and Mr. J. Mattock third.

In the class for twelve Roses of one variety (dark) Mr. B. R. Cant was
first with Reynolds Hole. This was a splendid stand of flowers in fine
condition and bright in colour. Messrs. CranBton & Co. second, and Mr.
George Prince third.

In class 4, for twelve Roses (light), Mr. George Prince was first with a
fine stand of Merveille de Lyon. Mr. G. Hopkins second, and Messrs.
Jefferies & Co. third.

In the amateurs’ class for twenty-four varieties Mr. T. W. Girdlestone
was first with an excellent stand of Louis Van Houtte, Madame Charles
Crapelet, E. Y. Teas, Ulrich Brunner, Star ofJWaltham, Madame Bravy,
Duke of Teck, Niphetos, Dr. Sewell, Henrich Schultheis, Reynolds Hole,
Jean Ducher, Alfred Colomb, Marechal Niel (a grand bloom, which had the
unusual honour of gaining the National Rose Society’s silver medal for the
best Tea or Noisette in the amateurs’ class, and of doing the same two days
after at the National Rose Society’s Provincial Show at Birmingham),
Madame Paul Dumesnil, Comtesse de Nadaillac, Xavier Olibo, Merveille de
Lyon, Prince Arthur, Countess of Rosebery, John Stuart Mill, Lady
Sheffield, Horace Yernet, and Marie Baumann. Mr. W. J. Grant of Ledbury
was second : and the Rev. J. H. Pemberton third. In class 6, for eighteen
varieties, Mr. W. J. Grant was first ; his varieties were Caroline Kuster,
S nateur Vaisse, Marie Rady, Horace Vernet, Beauty of Waltham, Marquise,
de St. Amand, Merveille de Lyon, Catherine Mermet, Lady Sheffield, Captain
Christy, Madame Charles Crapelet, Madame Gabriel Luizet, and Senateur
Vaiste. Mr. Girdlestone was second ; ann Dr. Budd, Bath, third. In class 7,
for twelve varieties, Mr. Julius Sladdou of Badsey was first with good
blooms of La France, Dupuy Jamain, Baronne de Rothschild, Marie Rady,
Alba Rosea, Annie Wood, Merveille de Lyon, Henri Ledechaux, Madame
Gabriel Luizet, Baron Hausmann, Marguerite de St. Amand, and Marechal
Niel. Mr. W. Narroway was second, and the Rev. F. S. Taylor third. In
class 8, for nine vari-ties, Mr. W. Narroway was first with Horace Yernet,
Madame Rollet, Xavier Olibo, Madame Marie Finger, John S. Mill, Baronne
de Rothschild, Marie Baumann, Madame Gabriel Luizet, and Duke of Wel¬
lington. The Rev. F. R. Burnside was second ; and Mr. J. Sladden third.

In class 9, for six varieties, Capt. H. Montague Spencer was first, and
Mr. J. R. Reve second. In class 10, twelve Teas or Noisettes, Mr. W.
Grant was first with Caroline Kuster, Souvenir d’un Ami, Souvenir de
Thdre3e Levet, Souvenir de Paul Neyron, La Boule d’Or, Catherine Mermet,
Marie Van Houtte, Comtesse de Nadaillac, Amazone, Marechal Niel,
Madame Lambard, and Jean Ducher. The Rev. J. H. Pemberton was
second, and Mr. T. W. Girdlestone third. In the class for six Teas the
Rev. F. R. Burnside took first prize with Jean Ducher, La Boule d’Or. (a
flower that se-ms to open better in these western districts), Catherine.
Mermet, Souvenir de Paul Neyron, Comtesse de Nadaillac, and Souvenir
d’Elise. In class 12, for six Roses of any so' t, Mr. W. J. Grant was first
with Marie Baumann; the Rev. J. H. Pemberton second; and Mr. W.
Narroway third.

In the decorative classes there was not much competition. Mrs. Morse
was first for hand bouquets, and Mrs. Morse second. For a centrepiece Miss
M. A. Bousop was first with a very light and graceful stand, and Mrs.
Morse second. When will ladies learn tnat huge masses of flowers is not
what is required ? The first prize in this class was a good example of what
centrepieces ought lo be — light and graceful.

The prize of £10 offered by A. B. Mitford, Esq., for the best box of Roses
in the Show gave rise to a long examination and judgment, and was at last
divided between the Cranston Co. and Mr. T. W. Girdlestone. The whole
subject of the best box requires ventilating, and I have heard so many
different opinions as to the canon of judging that it seems almost impos¬
sible to determine the best way in whicn it should be decided. There are
reasons why I do not at all like the prize, and most certainly do not like
such a prize as £10 to be given for it. It was ultimately decided to divide
it. The National Rose Society’s silver medal for the b st Hybrid Perpetual
in the amateurs’ class was awarded to Mr. J. W. Grant for Horace Vernet,
and one for the best Tea or Noisette to Mr. T. W. Girdlestone for Marbchal
Niel.

The Revs. J. W. Clark and F. R. Burnside, the Hon. Secretaries, were
indefatigable in their endeavours to make matters go smoothly, and all
seemed thoroughly satisfied with the arrangements which had been made.
The day was lovely, and the scene a bright pleasant one. — D., Deal.

WIRRAL.

I pbepabed and forwarded by post a full report of this Show, but it has
apparently miscarried. Inquiries have been instituted, and I hope that it
may turn up ; if not, I must again write it. For the present let it suffice
to say that the Show wa9 eminently successful, that the leading honours
in the nurserymen’s classes fell to Messrs. F Cant, F. & A. Dickson and
Sons, Messrs. Paul & Son, Jefferies and Prince, and Burrell & Son; that
amongst amateurs, Mr. Pemberton, Mr. T. B. Hall, the Rev. Lionel Garrett,
Mr. Hall taking the gold medal ; hut, good as his flowers were, they were,
I believe, greatly surpassed by those he exhibited at Manchester on the
Saturday following. Mr. Findlay, who has s en too many flowers to be
haBiily carried away, says “ they were simply superb,” and thus, as I pre¬
dicted last year, he has taken the po-ution I was sure he would one day
occupy — the head of the amateurs. The list of awards is appended, and I
hope details may appear next week.

Section A, open to a 1 nurserymen. — Seventy-two varieties (single
blooms). — First, Mr. F. Cant ; s cond, Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshunt.
Thirty-six varieties (three blooms each). — First, Mr. F. Cant; second,
Messrs. Paul A Son. Thirty-six varieties (9'ngle blooms).— -First, Messrs.
F & A. Dickson & Sons, Chester ; second, Messrs. James Dickson & Sons,
Chester ; third, Mr. G. Prince, Oxford. Eighteen varieties (three blooms
each). — First. M ssrs. John Jefferies & Son, Cirencester ; second, Mr. George
Prince and Messrs. James Dickson & Son ; third, Messrs. John Burrell & Co.,
Cambridge. Eighteen varieties (single blooms), Tea or Noisette.— First,
Mr. George Prince ; second, Mr. F. Cant; third, Messrs. John Jefferies and

July 29, 1836. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

93

Son. Twelve varieties (single blooms') new Roses. — First, Messrs. Paul
and Son.

Section B. open to all amateurs. — Thirty-six varieties (single blooms). —
First, Kev. J. H. Pemberton, Romford ; second, Mr. T. B. Hall, Rock Ferry;
third, Mr. W. J. Grant, Ledbury ; fourth, Mr. C. J. Day, Rowton. Twenty-
four varieties (single blooms). — First, Rev. L. Garnet, Christleton, near
Chester. Twelve varieties (three blooms each). — First, Rev. J. H. Pember¬
ton ; second, Mr. T. B. Hall ; third, Mr. W. J. Grant. Twelve varieties
(single blooms) Tea or Noisette. — First, Rev. Dr. King, Madingley, Cam¬
bridge; second, Mr. C. J. Day; third, Rev. J. H. Pemberton. Twelve single
blooms of any one dark Rose. — First, Mr. T. B. Hall; stcond, Mr. W. J.
Grant. Twelve single blooms of any one light Rose. — First, Mr. T. B. Hall ;
second, Rev. L. Garnett ; third, Mr. W. J. Grant. Six single blooms (new
Roses). — First, Mr. T. B. Hall. Three baskets of Roses. — First, Miss Hall,
Rock Ferry.

Section C, gold medal, open to all amateurs in Cheshire and Lancashire,

The arrangements of the Committee were perfect, and gave every
satisfaction. — D., Deal.

CHOICE PERENNIALS.

( Continued from, page 78.)

MISCELLANEOUS.

Of other white flowers the Candytufts or Iberises are still very good.
These are all dwarf-growing and of sbiubby habit, bearing innumerable
pure white flowers on short sturdy stems, and arianged in compact
globular umbels. These are all very pleasing, either for the rockery, the
border, or for edgings, the best being I. corifulia, I. sempervirens, I.
gibraltarica, and I. Pruiti.

The HSthionemas, a genus closely allied, but for the most part having
flowers of a light pink, are best suited for warm sunny positions of rock.

Fig. 14. — Impatiexs Hawkeri.

twenty-four varieties (single blooms). — First, Mr. T. B. Hall ; second, Mr.
C. J. Day ; third, Rev. J. Garnett.

Section D, silver medal, open only to amateurs within the Hundred of
Wirral and >en miles round the Liverpool Exchange.— Eighteen varieties
(single blooms) : First, Mr. J. G. Churton, We-toti. Second, Mr. W. E.
Hall, Higher Bebington. Third. Mi. T. Raffles, Bailey, Liscard.

Section E, bronze medal. — Twelve varieties (single booms): First, Mr*
T. W. Crowtber, Oxton. Second Mr. T. Raynes, Ruck Ferry. Third, Mr-
Jos. Rimmer, Fvrmby. Fourth, Rev. Cinon Fielden, Bebiugton.

Section F — Sixva ieties (s ugle blooms) : First, Mr. Joseph Armstrong,
Bebington. Second, Mr. C. K. Hall. Oxton.

Section G, silver medal. — Twelve vaiieties (single blooms), Tea or
Nois tte) : First, Mr. E. Claxton, Ailerton. Second, Mr. T. B. Hall. Rock
Feiry. Six varieties (single blooms) Tea or Noisette : First, Mr. W. E. Hall.
Second, Rev. Canon Fielden.

Section H. — Best box of six Tea and six H brid Perpe'ual Rose blooms,
distinct varieties. — First, Mr T. B. Hall. Twelve v rieties, single blooms. —
First, Mr. Desborough Walford, Rock Ferry. Second, Mr. W. E. Hall. Third,
Rev. Cannon Fielden.

Prize of £1 for best Hybrid Perpetual Rose in sections C, D, E, F,
and A awarded to Mr. C. J. Day.

Prize of £1 for best Tea or Noisette Rose in sections G and U,
awarded to Mr. Ecroyde Claxton.

8pecial prize for Btove and greenhouse plants awarded to Mr. S. Johnson,
Oxton.

Special p-ize for seven boxes of Roses, not fur competition, awarded to
Mr. 8. Johnson, Oxton.

But one of the most lovely sights in the hardy plant garden now is Geum
miniatum. In colour it is a light orange red, so pleasing, and yet so
widely distinct from all else. It flowers in the greatest profusion ; in
fact, equally as freely in this respect as tho well-known double scarlet
Geum, G. coccineum, fl.-pl. There is the yellow flowered species, which
comes early in bloom, of dwarfer habit and larger golden blossomp, but
this is on the wane. This la«t remark applies to the Dodecatheons, which
ars lovely plants for peat and loam in moist partially shaded placep.
Diolytra spectabilis, which was terribly cut by the late spring frosts, is
now fl iwering profusely. Two orange-coloured flowers are just beginning
to expand ; the one is Erigeron aurantiacum, the other Hieracium auran-
'iacum. The first is one of the most charming of dwarf-habited early
summer flowering plants, remarkably free at.d robust, hut only 9 inches
high. Its flower stems issue from compact tults of glossy green leaves,
the individual flower heads being nearly as large as a crown piece. It is
quite hardy, is propagat d freely by division and seeds, and is in all
respects a first-class plant. It is suited either for put culture, the rockery,
or the border, and should always be iucluded in an exhibition group at
this season of the year. The Hieracium also has a telling colour, height
2 fee’, with a spreading rootstock, and while if is not a weedy plant,
it ernnot be regarded in the light, ot the first-named, either as so desirable
nr showy. Tho Alpine Phloxes, P. sttacea and it > forms, with P. frondoea,
P. amoena, P. Nelsoni, and others, always so lovely in the spring time, are
now past their best, the sheets of varii m coloured flowers which are pro¬
duced upon them having no equal among spring plants.

94

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER .

[ July 29, 1886.

Very effective now and for some time are tlie rosy red flowers of
Lychnis diurna fl.-pl., which are so freely produced on stems barely
2 feet high from amidst a dense cushion-like tuft of leaves. The colour is
effective, and the plant a most desirable one. Another of this genus with
flowers of lighter colour is L. viscaria splendens plena, a very neat
compact and effective variety, in height about 15 inches. This is just
commencing to flower, its topmost flower being first to expand.

The showiest among the Geraniums or Cranesbills is G. armenum,
with large handsome deeply lobed leaves, symmetrical in form, 2 feet
high, and flowers of a crimson hue interspersed with purple. This is a
very effective species, which should be in all collections of choice plants.
Columbines, too, are coming in fast, and very elegant plants they are,
and of which one can have abundance for two or three months to
come. This fact will give the reader some idea of their free-flowering
properties.

Among the Hemerocallis, a genus noted for its showy flowers in
summer time, H. flava is the best at present. It is earlier than the Day
Lilies proper, for the flowers of this species last fully two days, and some¬
times longer, and the profusion with which they are produced keeps up a
good display of its rich yellow trumpet-shaped and highly fragrant
flowers. It is a fine conservatory plant of graceful habit, about 2 feet
high ; it also forces well. In the border in deep loamy soil it grows
freely, and produces its golden bells for several weeks.

Speaking of yellow flowers reminds us of our native Marsh Marigolds,
bright and beautiful and of a rich golden hue so lovely in their native
pastures, mingling with grassy blades which seem to show to even greater
advantage than when only accompanied by its own foliage. In cultivation
we have double varieties firstly of the type, and then the major an d minor
forms, none, however, more brilliant if more durable than the wildspecies.
In Liliums a yellow variety maybe found in L. pyrenaicum flavum, which
possesses an overpowering fragrance which hardly fits it for much service
as a cut flower ; while as a plant of sterling merit, very hardy, sturdy,
and of elegant habit, and only 18 inches high, it is one of the very best.
L. pyrenaicum rubrum comes a little later, and has bright orange-red
flowers, and grows 3 feet high. These both succeed well in any ordinary
loamy soil.

I will only briefly, in passing, note the lovely flowers that we find in
the great army of German Irises, in which may be found every conceivable
shade of blue, lavender, and mauve, with pure white, and others of a creamy
shade, others still of purple and violet hues, and many more in chrome
and yellow. All lovely, and in the great majority of cases exceedingly
handsome. This is rendered all the more conspicuous by the extremely
elegant reticulations and marblings which may be found more or less in
all the varieties. These Irises are the grandest plants in the flower
garden now, and as the Cattleyas and Lfelias are justly regarded the
Queens of the Orchids, so also these Irises in the hardy plant garden
surpass all other flowers ; they are always admired.

In that choice alpine Onosma taurica, we have both beauty and grace
combined. It grows a foot high, and from a compact tuft of lanceolate,
slightly spathulate, and rough hairy leaves, the flower stems spring.
These are also hairy, and upon them the clear yellow fragrant flowers are
arranged in cymes, and are produced with great freedom. It is
a grand ornament for the rockwork or border, especially when
well established. It delights in a deep but not too rich soil, as in this
it grows too freely and suddenly collapses at times. A deep fissure of
rock where its tufts can overhang some projecting ledge will suit it well,
or a thoroughly drained position in the border. It is worth any care, for
no alpine repays good cultivation better than this. Another fine alpine
just now is Anemone alpina, difficult to establish sometimes; but when
in good condition it is a picture. It forms tufts of leaves from 18 inches
to 2 feet high, and has beautiful white flowers which are suffused with
pale blue externally. Plant it in a deep rich soil and let it alone, and the
same remark applies to the sulphur-coloured variety.

Among Campanulas, C. glomerata dahurica, with its large clustered
heads of rich purple flowers, is most effective, free, and of good habit.
The varieties of the perennial Cornflower are also very showy and distinct,
and are now seen in the red, white, and blue, each very effective and
useful as cut flowers. Beyond those I have named we have the gorgeous
flowers of Papaver orientale and its varieties, with dazzling scarlet,
crimson, and orange flowers ; single and double Pyrethrums, so extremely
useful either in the border or as cut flowers. Potentillas are also very
handsome and useful. — J. H. E.

HORTICULTURAL SHOWS.

NEWPORT.

This was held in the King’s Hill Field, Newport, Mon., on July 20th
The Show was the best the Society ever held, the exhibits being very
numerous and uncommonly good in quality throughout. Messrs. Lewis and
Dixon of the London and Provincial Bank again acted as Hon. Secretaries,
and they are to he congratulated on bringing the Show up to such a high
standard. The Committee include several keen amateurs and one or two
gentlemen’s gardeners, who also take a deep interest in the Show, and
altogether it could not possibly be in better hands. The chief plant tent was
190 feet in length and 40 feet in width. The principal plants were most
eff ctively staged in the centre and smaller ones round the edge, the whole
having a most pleasing appearance. In the class for eight stove and green¬
house plants in flower Mr. Cypher of Cheltenham came first with healthy
plants of moderate size, finely bloomed, the best being Erica Shannoni,
E. Irbyana, E. tricolor major, Ixora Pilgrimi, Allamanda grandiflora, ami
A. Hendersoni. Mr. J. F. Monld was second, having a remarkably showy
and well-bloomed Katosanthes coccinea, Bougainvillea glabra, and" Statice

profusa. Mr. W. Jones was third. For six ornamental foliaged plants Mr.
Cypher was first with Palms, Crotons, &c., and Mr. E. J. Grice was a very
close second, his plants being exceedingly clean and healthy. Mr. Mould
came third, and we are glad to note a decided improvement in these im¬
portant plant classes by local exhibitors. In former days Mr. Cypher was
almost always beaten here by Mr. Wattie, a first-rate local plantsman, and
.some of the others appear to have the same object in view. Achimenes
were shown in fine condition by Mr. J. W. Jones, Mr. T. Watson, and Mr.
C. T. Wallis. Fuchsias were mostly large in size, but not very well bloomed,
the prizes going to Mr. W. E. Heard, Mr. Grice, and Mr. H. J. Davis. Exotic
Ferns were very well developed and beautiful and fresh, especially those
from Mr. E. J. Grice and Mr. T. Watson.

Selaginellas are always a fine feature of the Newport Show, the specimens
being shown in pans about a yard across, fresh and well coloured, and the
best came from Mr. C. T. Wallis, Mr. H. J. Davies, and Mr. W. Graham.
Zonal Pelargoniums were wonderfully attractive, being finely trained and
profusely bloomed, and Mrs. Wallis had no difficulty in gaining the first
prize, as her plants were extra gocd, and were followed by those from Mr.
Graham and Mr. G. J. Jones. In exotic Heaths Mr Cypher came first and
Mr. Mould second with medium-sized plants, well bloom d and fresh, one or
two plants not gaining prizes being past their best. A class of six Caladiums
terminated the open section, and here some medium-sized plants, very
robust and highly coloured, from Mr. J. W. Jones, were placed first; and
some much larger ones, drawn up and a poor colour, from Mr. Heard second;
third Mr. Watson.

In the amateur plant classes many fine specimens were shown, and the
first prize for four distinct stove and greenhouse went to Mr. C. T. Wallis,
second to Mr. J. W. Jones, and third Mr. G. J. Jones, the competition being
keen and close. Orchids were not numerous but highly attractive, Mr. F.
Fowler of Pontypool winning first prize for six specimens with Aerides
Lobbi, Oneidium macranthum, Cypnpedium barbatum, C. Parishi, Cattleya
Gaskelliana, and C. gigas Sanderiana, all medium-sized plants, profusely
flowered. Mr. T. Watson was second with a meritorious collection. Coleus
were very numerous, the first prize half-dozrn from Mr. C. T. Wallis being
dwarf, spreading, and finely coloured. Mr. Fowler was first in exotic Ferns,
and in Gloxinias Mr. H. J. Davies, Mr. A. J. Woodcock, and Mr. W. H. Lewis
were the prizewinners, there being little to choose between the three lots, all
having good varieties. Liliums were scarce, Petunias good, and Tuberous
Begonias very fine, especially the prize groups from Mr. W. Powell, Mr. T.
Watson, and Mr. W. H. Lewis.

The cut flower section began with Roses, twenty-four blooms distinct,
Messrs. Griffiths & Sons, Hereford, being first with massive blooms, finely
coloured and in prime condition. Mr. J. Pulley was second, and Mr. William
Treseder, Cardiff, third, all showing well, but some of the blooms in the
latter two were past their best. Tea Roses were poor, Carnations and
Picotees few, but the bunches of cut flowers were grand and comprised many
excellent boxes, in which Orchids were very conspicuous. This was par¬
ticularly the case in the first prize box from Mr. F. Fowler and the second
from Mr. Watson. Dahlias were not well represented, but some good
"Verbenas were shown from Mr. W. Graham and Mr. H. J. Davis. Bouquets
were numerous, the best coming from Mrs. W. Jones and “ Loadstone,” the
lady florist from Llanelly, Carmarthenshire. This lady also exhibited a
first-rate collection of cut annuals and herbaceous plants, which were greatly
admired. Wild flowers were admirably shown by Miss Lloyd and Miss C.
Evans. The last of the decorative classes was a collection of plants, open
to amateurs having no regular gardener, and here Mr. A. J. Woodcock and
Mr. H. Dixon exhibited healthy well-bloomed lots which reflected much
credit on the growers.

Fruit was extensively shown and very good in quality. Mr. Hawkins,
gardener to Col. Turberville, Ewenny Priory, Bridgend was first in the lead¬
ing collection, his Madresfield Court and Muscat of Alexandria Grapes being
very good, Melon fine, Peaches grand, Brock worth Park Pear extremely fine.
Mr. J. Pulley was second, and Mr. Moon, Coldriglan, Cardiff, third. Mr. H.
Morris, gardener to A. P. Vivian, Esq., Taibach, was first in Pine Apples,
showing a fine brace of Queens. White Grapes were well shown by Mr.
Hawkins and Mr. J. Morrell, and the best black came from Mr. J. Williams
and Mr. Morrell. Mr. Pulley and Mr. Hawkins divided the Peach prizes,
and the Nectarines were fine specimens from Mr. Pulley and Mr. Graham.
Melons were numerous but poor in quality, Mr. Case, Cardiff, being first
in a class remarkable for poor flavour. Gooseberries were numerous and
finely ripened, indeed the most forward we have seen this season.

Vegetables were better than we ever saw them at Newport. Mr. Morris
was first for nine dishes, with good Celery, Cauliflower, Peas, Beans,
Tomatoes, Potatoes, Globe Artichokes, Cucumbers, and Carrots. Mr. Moor
was a close second, and Mr. T. Gibson third. Tomatoes were very fine from
Mr. Pulley and Mr. J. Jones ; Cucumbers were numerous, but mostly too
old, with the exception of the first-prize brace from Mrs. Wallis, which were
good specimens of Telegraph. Potatoes were very good, the hest coming
from Mr. Morris. Peas were extensively shown, Telegraph being the best
and leading variety. The cottagers had a tent to thunselves, and filled it
admirably, their fruit, cut flowers, pot plants, and vegetables being re¬
markably good and numerous. In vegetables especially many of the
exhibits here would have made their mark in the open classes. Messrs.
James Carter & Co., Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Messrs. Francis & Arthur
Dickson. Messrs. John Laing & Co , Messrs. James Dickson & Sons, Messrs.
J. C. "Wheeler <fc Son, Messrs. Richard Smith & Co, Messrs. Daniel Bros.,
Mes-rs. Garraway it Co., Mr. Dick, and Mr. Crossling gave special prizes for
various exhibits, and in most instances the competition for these was very
keen and highly creditable.

LUTON.— July 21st.

This Show, which was held in conjunction with the Bels Agricultural
Exhibition on Wednesday last, well maintained the reputation secured by
Luton on former occasions for doing things horticultural in first-rate style.
The Beds Agricultural Soc'ety holds an exhibition at Luton triennially. and
on the last occasion, in 1883, we had to record in connection with it one of
the finest displays of plants ever brought together, no less than seven com¬
petitors having Btaged collections in the chief cUsb. At the Show on Wed¬
nesday, iu r-sponse to a very liberal schedule, which offe ed upwards of .£140
in twelve open classes only for plants, fruits, and Roses, the plants were

July 29, 1888. 1

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

95

again very fine, although the number of competitors were less than at the
former show. Fruit also was remarkably good, as might be expected when
the names of Messrs. Roberts, G-oodacre, Mills, Mundy, Elphinstone and
Allis were amongst the competitors. Roses, too, were equally well repre¬
sented. All the classes were open and the prizes offered extremely liberal ;
but originally, at a show held in connection with that of an agricultural
society, no classes were provided for vegetables, and local growers were in
every way ignored except as competitors in the open classes. As, however,
there is a local horticultural society at Luton, which holds an annual exhibi¬
tion, as already announced for next month, the omission is probably thus
accounted for. The labours of the Committee and the zeal of the exhibitors
was somewhat marred by an unfortunate breakdown of the large marquee
under which the Show was arranged just at the time of judging. The site
selected was on the side of one of the chalk hills so characteristic of the
Luton district, and in a gully open to the S.W. wind, and as the iron stays
of the tent were on that side insecurely fixed into the hard chalk, the
windward side of the canvas was by a sudden gust upraised and blown into
the tent, breaking down the side stage and sweeping in its course stage,
Roses, committeemen and all, doing material damage to some of Mr.
Cypher’s finest plants in the centre, and upsetting some of the best fruit,
including a magnificent pair of bunches of Madresfield Court Grape belong¬
ing to Mr. Roberts, which were so far annihilated as to be put b ;yond the
recognition of the Judges. The marquee was promptly secured, eventually
raised into position, and the damage as far as possible rectified.

The fine display of Roses, however, of Messrs. W. Paul & Son of
Waltham Cross (not in competition), and the stands of Messrs. Burrell,
Rurnsey, and others, were practically demolished. Fortunately the Judges
had just completed their labours in this department before the occurrence.
For forty-eight Roses, distinct, Mr. F. Cant of Colchester took the lead
with one of the best stands he has exhibited this season. His blooms were
very fresh and even-sized, and fortunately his stand was but slightly injured
by the downfall of canvas. His finest flowers were Marie Baumann,
Horace Yernet, Charles Darwin, Rosieriste Jacobs, A. K. Williams, Gabriel
Luizet, Dupuy Jamain, Niphetos, E. Y. Teas, Madame Alphonse Lavallee
(as shown of the Dupuy Jamain type), Duke of Connaught, Catherine
Mermet, Magna Charta, Ulrich Brunner, Madame Angele Jacquier (large
and fine, Star of Waltham, Jean Soupert (very good), Marie Rady, and
Franqois Michelon. Messrs. J. Burrell & Co., of Cambridge, were placed
second, having good flowers of A. K. Williams, Ernilie Hausbsrg, Benoit
Comte, Due de Wellington, Annie Laxton, Duke of Teck, and Hippolyte
Jamain in the stand. Mr. W. Rurnsey of Waltham Cross showed a good
third; and the Rev. W. H. Jackson, of Stagaden Vicarag’, Bedford, was
awarded an extra for a highly meritorious collection. For the forty-eight
trusses of Roses the same exhibitors competed, showing mostly the same
varieties, and, with the exception of the Rev. W. H. Jackson, making no
attempt to construe the word “ truss ” in its natural sense. The awards
were made in the same order as in the previous class. Messrs. W. Paul
and Son of Waltham Cross exhibited a large and very beautiful collection
in boxes and baskets, showing to great advantage masses of the following
varieties — viz., Souvenir d’Elise, Madame de Watteville, Marie Van Houtte,
Xavier Olibo, Perle des Jardins, Duchess of Bedford, Catherine Mermet,
A. K. Williams, Baroness Rothschild, and Merveille de Lyon; also their
magnificent new dark velvety seedling, “ Grand Mogul,” which recently
received a first-class certificate from the Royal Horticultural Society ; and
Silver Queen, an improvement on Caroline de Sansal. For twelve and six
exotic Orchids, Mr. J. Cypher, Exotic Nurseries, Cheltenham, was the only
exhibitor, receiving first in each class, having good examples of Cattleyas
Gaskelliana, superba, splendens, Leopoldi, and Sanderiana, Epidendrum
vit llinum, Saccolabium Blumei, Oncidiums crispnm and pretextum, and
Cypripedium barbatum. For twelve stove and greenhouse plants, six
flowering, Mr. Cypher was also first, having grand specimens of Latania
borbonica, Ixora Williamsi, Allamanda grandiflora, Kentias formosa and
australis, Crotons Victoria and longifolium, but several fine plants in this
collection were much injured. Mr. J. F. Mould of Pewsey, Wilts, was
second with very beautiful, but rather smaller specimens, including Frede¬
rick de Boise (very finely flowered), Gleichenia Mendelli, Allamanda nobilis,
Cycas revoluta, and Cocos Weddelliana, in fine health and vigour. An extra
prize were also awarded in this class to Mr. Baillie, gardener to Madame de
Falbe, Luton Hoo, for a good collection.

For six stove and greenhouse plants, three in flower, Mr. Cypher was
again first, Mr. Mould second, and Mr. G. Underwood, gardener to C. Fen¬
wick, Esq., Harpend n, third. The latter collection was also awarded extra
recognition for good cultivation. The class for six Fuchsias was only
moderately represented, and the second prize was awarded to John Cumber¬
land, Esq., Luton.

For six stove and greenhouse Ferns, Mr. Cypher was first with worthy
specimens, some of which were damaged by the breakdown. For second
place W. Tindall Lucas, Esq., Foxholes, Hitchin, staged a remarkably
beautiful collection, consisting of Adiantum cardiochlaenum, concinnum,
c. latum, farleyense, cuneatum, and trapeziforme. Mr. J. F. Mould was
third. For the collection of fruit, eight sorts, Pine3 excluded, Mr. Roberts,
gardener to Messrs. Rothschild, Gunnersbury, was first with two splendid
bunches of Madresfield Court black Grape, also Muscat of Alexandria, good;
Golden Perfection Melon, Violette Hative Peaches, Lord Napier Nectarines,
very fine ; Brown Turkey Fig, well ripened and large ; British Queen
Strawberries, and Bigarreau Napoleon Cherries. He was closely followed
for second place by Mr. J. Edmonds, gardener to the Duke of St. Alb ms,
Bestwood, Notts, who bad good Hamburgh and Muscat of Alexandria
Grapes, and splendid Bellegarde Peaches in his collection. Mr. J. Good-
acre, gardener to the Earl of Harrington, Elvaston Castle, was a good third.
Mr. Elphinstone, gardener to E. M. Mundy, Esq., Shipley Hall, Derby, and
Mr. Allis, gardener to Major Shuttleworth, Old Warden, Biggleswade, also
staged highly meritorious collections in this class.

For two bunches of black Grapes Mr. Elphinstone was first with very
fine Hamburghs (Mr. Roberts’ superb Madresfield Court having been de¬
stroyed before judging) ; Mr. Goodacre was second with Muscat Hamburgh,
and Mr. G. T. Miles, ga-dener to Lord Carrington, Wycombe Abbey, third
with Gros Maroc. For two bunches of white Grapes, Mr. H. Folkes, gar-
d- ner to T. F. Halsey, Esq., Gaddesden Place, Herts, was first with Foster’s
Seedling, a variety shown well by more than one exhibitor. Mr. Roberts

was second with Muscat of Alexandria, and Mr. Goodacre third with
Foster’s.

For two Pines, Mr. Miles staged fine Queens in prime condition, and
was placed first, Mr. Roberts was second, and Mr. Goodacre third.

DURHAM, NORTHUMBERLAND, AND NEWCASTLE
HORTICULTURAL AND BOTANICAL SOCIETY.

The summer Exhibition of the above Society wa3 opened on the 21st
inst. in the Leazes Pa:k, Newcastle, and continued for three days. The
Park i3 well adapted for holding a horticultutal exhibition— it is easy of
access, commands an extensive view of the vale of the Tyne, and extends
far over some of the best Bcenery in Durham. The exhibition as a whole
was a splendid one, considerably exceeding in merit any of the former
exhibitions of the Society. The staging arrangements were, as usual, of a
very satisfactory nature. The Show was held in a series of marquees
arranged parallel with each other with their sides removed, hence forming
a large open space. The effect was very imposing and every part easily
accessible by visitors.

Plants. — The Society offered for eight plants in bloom £26, divided into
.£12, £8, £4, and £2 prizes respectively. Mr. E. H. Letts, gardener to E irl
Zetland, Aske Hall, Richmond, was first with well-finished examples of
Phoenocoma prolifera Barnesii, Ericas Parmenteriana rosea, Wilsoni, and
obbata, Pimelea decussata, Anthurium Schertzerianum, and Allamanda no¬
bilis, both stove and greenhouse varieties, maintaining the fame of Mr. Letts
as a first-class exhibitor. Mr. H. Johnson, gardener to J. B. Hodgkin, Esq.,
Darlington, was second. This exhibitor had two good Ericas, Ixora Regina,

I. Dayana, and Allamanda nobilis in fine form. Mr. J. Noble, gardener to
Theo. Fry, Esq., Woodside, Darlington, was third, his best plants being a
good Stephanoiis with large flowers, and Dracophyllum gracile. For eight
foliage plants, Mr. E. H. Lett3 was also first ; Crotons Johannis, majesticus,
and Victorise , were well finished and highly coloured, and with the Palms and
Cycads, Kentia Fosteriana, Cycas revoluta, Stevensonia grandifolia, and
Encephalartos retusa, formed a noble and majestic group of tropical plants,
for which the Knightian medal of the Royal Horticultural Society was
granted. Mr. J. Hammond, gardener to Sir W. Lawson, Bart., Brayton Hal1,
followed, Crotons Victorise and interruptus, Kentia Fosteriana, and Dasy-
lirion glaucum being excellent. Mr. J. Noble was third in this cla-s.

For a group of miscellaneous plants (20 feet by 10 feet) Mr. J. M’Intyre,
gardener to Mrs. J. Pease, Woodside Hall, Darlington, was first. The
arrangement was faultless, and somewhat departed from the usual style by
not having a special groundwork. It was the great centre of attraction, and
elicited nothing but admiration from friend3 and critics, the richness of Mr.
McIntyre’s arrangement consisting in half-specimen Crotons perfectly
coloured, tastefully associated with Ferns, Palms, Lycopods, Eulalias, and
while Lilies margined with Panicum variegatum and Brighton Blue Lobelia.
There was no crowding, no vacancies, nor bad or weak plants, but the whole
formed a most charming arrangement. Mr. J. Hammond was second also
with a capital group, creditable to any exhibitor, but we think with
rather too many red Celosias. Messrs. Clark Bros., Carlisle, were third
with a similar arrangement to that the firm won honours at Edinburgh with.

For six exotic Ferns Mr. H. J ohnson secured the first position with a hand¬
some Davallia, Dicksonia antarctica, Gleichenias Mendeli and rupestris,
Microlepia hirta cristata, and Davallia Mooreana, Messrs. J. Noble and

J. McIntyre following in the order named. For three Crotons Mr. Hammond
scored first with finely coloured specimens of Evansianus, Chelsoni, and
Hammondi, Mr. Letts following with angustifolius, Morti, and Johannis,
also fine. In the class for three Dracaenas Mr. J. Noble was first, Gladstoni
being splendidly finished and Shepherdi good. For four Ericas Mr. H.
Johnson was first. Bedding plants were good, Mr. J. Richardson being first
with a fine collection. The same exhibitor was also first with rock and
alpine plants, as well as for Sempervivums and Sedums, all of which prizes he
well deserved.

Cut Flowebs and Table Decorations. — Roses were good for the
north, the exhibitors being confined exclusively to the district, southern
growers not appearing. For forty-eight Roses Slessrs. Harkness Brothers,
Bedall, were first with a splendid collection. These young men were tailors
in a rural district in Allendale, Northumberland, and commenced by invest-
ina all their pocket money in Gladioli, and by much perseverance have “ got
on,” and have now 12 acres of ground, suitable for the growth of Dahlias,
Roses, and their favourite florist’s flowers. This is encouraging and worthy
of record. In their stand were Etienne Levet, Merveille de Lyon, Francis
Michelon, E. Y. Teas, Madame Cusiu, Prince Arthur, La Franca, Innocente
Pirola, Jean Ducher, Princess Beatrice, Madame Gabriel Luizet, all good
flowers, large and fine in form. Messrs. Mack & Son, Catterick, were second
with good blooms of Dupuy Jamain, Duchess of Bedford, Souvenir d’un Ami,
Etienne Levet, Xavier Olibo ; Mr. Henry May, Hops Nursersies, Bedale,
being third. For thirty-six Roses, Messrs. Harkness followed up their former
success with splendid blooms, Mr. Henry May following. For yellow Roses,
Mr. J. Short, Hammersknott, was first with Gloire de Dijon; and for twelve
of any sort Messrs. Mack & Son, with E. Y. Teas. For Tea-scented Roses
Messrs. Harkness were again first, Etoile de Lyon, Marshal Niel, Souverrr
d’un Ami, and Bouquet d’ Or being very fine. Messrs. Mack were second.
For twenty-four show Pansies Mr. R. R. Atkinson was first ; and for
twenty-four Fancy, Mr. J. Silksworth, Sunderland. For twelve bunche3 of
cut flowers Mr. J. Mclndoe (gardener to Sir Jos. Pease, Hutton Hall) was
first, the flowers of Dipladenia amabilis, Cypripedium barbatum, AUaraanda
Wardleiana, Bignonia grandiflora., Anthurium Schertzerianum, and the
curious stove plant, Attacia cristata, commonly called Devil’s Plants,
being all good. Herbaceous flowers were a most excellent display, the first
prize again falling to Mr. Thomas Battensby, Hagg Hill, Blaydon-on-Tyne,
and we never remember him staging more effectively. Mr. J. Short was
second in this class.

Table Decorations and Epergnes.— There was some filling off in
these, several local exhibitors not showing, Mr. W. R. Armstrong exhibit¬
ing a good epergne filled with the usual flowers used for such occasions.
For a bridal bouquet Mr. J. R. Chard, Chase Corner, Clapham Common,
with a neat arrangement in which Asters were judiciously used. For the
best buttonhole Mr. J. Corbett, Benwell Hall, was first with a pleasing
arrangement of Hoya bella, Forget-me-nots, and Adiantum gracillimum.

In classes from which nurserymen were excluded some excellent plants

96

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

[ July 29, 1886.

were staged. Mr. E. H. Letts was first for six witlr superior examples of
culture ; Mr. E. Adams second, Kalosanthes coccinea with seventy trasses
being good. For six stove Ferns Mr. J. McIntyre was first, also for hardy
Ferns. For six foliage plants Mr. J. Hammond was first. Table plants were
very good, Mr. H. Johnson being the most successful exhibitor. Roses were
successfully shown in this section by Mr. George Finlay, East Layton Hall,
and bouquets by Mr. J. Corbett and Mr. G. Webster.

Fruit. — Fruit formed an excellent show, but some of the Grapes would
have been better for a little more time to finish, especially some of the
Muscats. For eight dishes Mr. J. Mclndoe was first with good Black
Hamburgh and Muscat of Alexandria Grapes, Pitmaston Orange Nectarines
and Royal George Peaches, Queen Pine, and a Scarlet Premier Melon. Mr.
J. Edmonds, gardener to the Duke of St. Albans, was second with a fine
even lot. For four dishes of fruit, Pines excluded, Mr. Mclndoe was again
first with Black Hamburgh, Duke of Buccleucb Grapes (splendid berries),
Goshawk Peach, and Scarlet Premier Melon. Mr. Edmonds was second
again with Muscat and Black Hamburgh Grapes, Yiolette Hative Nectarines,
and Bellegarde Pi aches. For two bunches of white Grapes Mr Mclndoe
was first with Foster’s Seedling. For three bunches of black Grapes Mr.
Jno. Potter, gardener to Mrs. George Moore, Carlisle, was first with splendid
samples in size and shape. Mr. Thomas Jenkins, gardener to B. Cochrane,
Esq., was second and Mr. Mclndoe third. There were five lots staged. Mr.
Edmonds was first with Peaches and Mr. Mclndoe with Tomatoes.

Local nurserymen all exhibited grand stands of plants. Mr. J. Wardle
of the City Nurseries, Newcastle, shovvid an excellent stand. Mr. Ward'e
was well known many years as a practical gardener at Colcnel Josing’s,
Newton Hall; his plants were principally stove, greenhouse, and hardy plants
for town decoration. Mr. William Sell, Hexham, showed a grand lot of
hardy Conifer®, and Mr. Joseph Robson of the same place had a similar
stand, including branches showing the productiveness of the Whinham
Gooseberry. Mr. La ing, Forest Hill, showed a grand stand of Begonias in
bloom.

After the judging the Committee, Judges, &c., dined in the adjoining
tents. The Chairman announced it was the intention of the Com¬
mittee to raise £50 alone for Orchids. Great pra’se is due to the Com¬
mittee, Secretary, and Treasurer for the time they spend in the interests of
the Society, and is only regrettable that the weather should have been so
unfortunate, the losses at the gates amounting to £100.

WEST OF SCOTLAND PANSY SOCIETY’S SHOW.

The seventh annual Exhibition of Pansies, Roses, and Pinks was held in
the City Hall, Glasgow, on the 23rd and 24th inst., under the auspices of
this Society. The display of Pansies, which may be rega ded as the chief
feature of the Show, wai very fine, notwithstanding the unfavourable
nature of the weather of the last two or three days, tha size, form, colour,
and texture being almost all that could be desired. There was also an
excellent display of Roses and Pinks.

Pansies (nurserymen only), twenty-four blooms of Show Pansies, dis¬
tinct varieties. — The first prize in this class was won by Mr. John Suth r-
land, Lenzie. The blooms were very fine, and were D. Malcolm, M'ss
Ritchie, Mrs. Gladstone, Jeanie Grieve, Miss Hel n Douglas, J. B. Robircson,
Jessie Foot, Mauve Queen, Mr. M'Farlane, John Wilkie, A. Miller, Annie
Dowie, Sir W. Collins, Lady Rosebery, Harvey Paul, W. Anderson, W.
Robin, Mrs. Lister, and Mrs. Dobbie. Mr. A. Lister, Rothesay, was Becond ;
and Mr. M. Campbell, Blantyre, third. Twenty-four blooms of Fancy
Pansies, distinct varieties. — The first prize in this class was a'so gained by
Mr. John Sutherland. The names of the blooms were Pilrig, Neil McKay,
Mrs. J. Downie, Mrs. G. P. Frame, Peter Fox, Mrs. John Wyllie, William
Dick, Chas. Stansell, Princess Beatrice, John Bryce, May Tate, Mrs.
Findlay, John Lamont, Mrs. Goodwin, Endymion, E. Bruce, Lord Rose¬
bery, W. Cuthbertson, Catherine Agnes, G. Henderson, G. Carlaw. and J.
Paterson. Mr. A. Lister was again second ; he had some ve y fine blooms on
his stand, among which were Pilrig, Princess Beatrice, Mrs. J. Downie (this
was the best bloom of Fancy Pansy in the Hall), John Bryce, also a splen¬
did seedling, which was not named. Mr. Campbell was third. In this
stand was exhibited a very fine seedling, which was named Mrs. D. D.
Crookston.

Gardeners’ Class. — In this class Messrs. J. Harper, Dreghorn ; R.
Stewart, Lenzie; and J»Milne, Hurlford, were the principal priz oak rs.

Amateurs’ Class. — In this class Messrs. Wm. Storrie, Lenzie; J.
J. Stewart, Lennoxtown ; P. Lyle, Kilbarchan ; and W. Buchanan, Balmore,
were the principal prizetakers. In the open to all class the competition was
very keen. Mr. P. Lyle won the first prize for twenty-four biooms show
Pansies, distinct varieties, with a Bplendid lot of blooms. Mr. W. Storrie
was second, Mr. J. Sutherland third.

A gold medal was given for twenty-four blooms of fancy Pansies, distinct
varieties, which was won by Mr. A. Lister. Among the blooms on this
stand were E. Bruce, D. McBean, Mrs. J. Downie, Catherine Agnes, Wm.
Dick, A. Ashcroft, Prince s Beatrice, Ave Ready, L. McCormick, Mis.
Findlay, R. Duncan, J. Bryce, Mrs. A. D. Black, Mrs. G P Frame, Mrs.
Howard, Lord Rosebery, Mrs. G. Couper, Mrs. J. Wyllie, J. Sutherland, N.
Cuthbertson, C. Stansell, Pilrig, W. Stewart, Mrs. Sword. Mr. Wm. Storrie
second and Mr. J. Sutherland third. In the class for amateurs only the
prizetakers were Mr. J. Hastie, Mr. R. M’Naught, Mr. Wm. McLaren, all of
Albert Gardens, Glasgow, and Mr. J. Stewart, Shawlands.

Violas, open to all. — Twelve bunches of Violas, distinct varieties. Mr.
Baxter, gardener, Broomhouse, carrie i all before him in the class, most of
the varieties being of his own raising. H- was first with Mrs. Baxter,
Skylark, York-and-Lancaster, Bullion, Ethel Baxter, Dawn of Day, Countess
of Kintore, A. Grant, Countess of Hopetoun, Merchiston Ciste, Duchess
of Sutherland, and Ctimson Gem. Second p ize Mr. T. Brown, Carluke;
third Mr. T. Brown. Uddingstone. For six bunches Violas, distinct vari.ti- s,
first Mr. J. Baxter, second no name, third Mr. J. Stewart.

Roses. — The chief exhibitors of Roses were Messrs. Dickson, Belfast
and Newtonards ; Mr. Bryson, Helensburgh ; Mr. Montgomery, Caidro-s ;
Mr. Anderson, Helensburgh : and Mr. M'Gredy, an Irish grower. The ex¬
hibits of Messrs. Dickson were, as usual, of superior quality, but the Scotch,
it is evident, are fast making up on the I ish growers. The display, as a
whole, was exceedingly fine, and on account of the advantage of a week’s

time the blooms shown were far superior to those exhibited at Helensburgh.
In the nurserymen’s class of forty-eight blooms, distinct varieties, Mr. Hugh
Dickson, B-lmont, Belfast, was first with a very fine lot. Among the best
were A. K. Williams, Alfred Colomb, Beauty of Waltham, Captain Christy,
Charles Lefebvre, Duchess of Bedford, Duke of Edinburgh, Franrjois
Michelon, John Stuart Mill, La France, Madame Eugene Verdier, Mdlle.
Eugbnie Verdier, Marie Baumann, Merveille de Lyon, Mrs. Caroline Swailes,
(extra fine). Princess Mary of Cambridge, Ulrich Brunner, White Baroness.
Messrs. A. Dickson & Son, Newtonards, Belfast, were second, Mr. Wm. Mont¬
gomery, Cardross, third, and Messrs. M. Gredy & Son, Portadown, Ireland
fourth. Twenty-four Roses, distinct varieties. — Messrs. A. Dickson & Son
were first with splendid blooms, notably the following being very fine : —
Alfred Colomb, A. K. Williams, Beauty of Waltham, Charles Lefebvre,
Comtesso de Serenye, Duchess of Bedford, Henrich Schultheis, La France,
Madame Charles Wood, Mdlle. Eugenie Verdier, Merveille de Lyon, Mons.
Noman, Prince Arthur, Princess Mary of Cambridge, Reynolds Hole,
Thomas Mills. Mr. Hugh Dickson second, and Mr. Wm. Montgomery
third.

In the gardeners’ classes the most successful competitors were Messrs.
A. Park, Cardross ; W. Parlane, Helensburgh ; and P. McColl, Row. In the
amateurs’ classes Messrs. J. Kidd & Wallace, Rothesay, and Mr. T. McCrorie,
Kilbarchan, had it all their own way. In the competition for twenty-four
blooms, York-and-Lancaster Roses, Mr. Wm. Thorburn was first, Mr. J.
McColl second, and Mr. J. Baxter third.

Pinks. — There was a good show of these, and about the average number
of exhibitors. Messrs. M. Campbell, W. Dickson, Paisley, and J. Suther¬
land took the honours in the nurserymen’s class as they are placed. In the
gardeners’ and amateurs’ class Messrs. T. McCrorie, W. Storrie, andD. Keir
were the principal prizetakers. In the class for lady members Miss Lizzie
A. Sutherland, L nzie, was principal prizetaker.

Certificates of Merit. — A first-class certificate was awarded to
Mr. Campbell, nurseryman, Blantyre, for a fine collection of Picotees and
Carnations, also some stands of Pansies. First-class certificates weie
awarded to Messrs. A. Dickson & Sons for two seedling Roses of great merit.
Lord LJufferin, deep rich claret, with bright vermilion reflex of petals, of
beaut ful form and great substance; decidedly tne finest dark Ross. A
bloom of this variety was awarded the prize for the best bloom in the hall.
Caroline Darden, a very deep rich R se of fine size and form, and very
highly perfumed. A first-class certificate was also awarded to Mr. G. Bain-
bridge, nurseryman, Rutherglen. for a collection of some thirty varieties of
Pelargoniums; and Mr. William Dickson, nurseryman, Paisley, was awarded
a certificate for three seedling Pinks, Miss A. Gordon. — Albert, Glasgow.

THE NATIONAL CARNATION AND PICOTEE SOCIETY.
SOUTHERN SECTION.

July 27th.

The annual Exhibition for the southern growers of Carnations and
Picotees was held at South Kensington last Tuesday, and provided a good
representative display in all the classes. The Slough and Ufo.d blooms
were in first-rate condition, and so nearly equal were they that in the large
class for twenty-four Picotees two first prizes were awarded for them.
Amongst tk- Carnations Mr. Turner had slightly the advantage in point oE
size, but the blooms staged by Mr. Douglas were extremely fresh, young,
though well developed, the colours very bright and clearly defined.
The latt r character was s rongly marked throughout the Exhibition, even
amongst the weaker collections, although in some gardens the number of
run blooms this season has been unusually great. There were a few Bueh
instances at the Show, but they were chiefly amongst the single specimens.
Th - general form of arranging the blooms on stands was adopted, but the
graceful and natural manner in which Mr. T. S. Ware disposed his non¬
competing collection of blooms with their own or pink foliage attracted so
much attention and admiration that the Society would do well to add a
class to their schedule for Carnations and Picotees arranged in a similar
way. A very pleasing feature might thus be added to the Exhibition with¬
out in any way affecting the classes specially for show varieties that could
not be so well compared in any other way than when on stands as at
pres nt. Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons’ wonderful collection of blooms also
constituted an important addition both to the extent and beauty of the
Show, for visitors had an opportunity of comparing the respective qualities
of a 1 the best show and border varieties in cultivation.

After a careful search the Judges selected two blooni3 in Mr. Turner's
collections for premier honours, the Carnation being a grand well-built and
brightly coloured bloom of Rob Roy, a corner bloom in the first twenty-
four, and the Picotee was the beautiful heavy rose-edged variety Mrs.
Payne (Fetlowes), a fine representative bloom of this variety. First-class
certificates were awarded for the following novelties : —

Picotee Polie Brazil (Anstiss). — A heavy purple-edged variety with
beautifully formed petds, symmetrically arranged, the white very pure, and
the edge rich. This was also awirded the first prize as a seedling.

Picotee Annie Douglas (J. Douglas). — A yellow ground variety with a
bright rose edge, a very pret y neat variety.

Carnation General Stewart (J. Veitch it Sons). — A Clove variety with
substantial smooth blooms of a rich maroon colour and very fragrant.

CARNATIONS.

The leading class in the schedule was that for twenty-four b’ooms, not
less than twelve varieties. Mr. C. Turner, Slough, took the first honours
in this class with very handsome blooms of good size, and rep'e-enting the
following varieties. Back row— Edwaid Adams, John Ball, A. K Mayor,
Mrs. Bridgewa'er, Jas. Douglas, Robert Lord, A. K. Mayor, and Rob Roy.
Src md row— Miss E. Wernyss, Jas. Douglas, Rob Roy, H Canmll, Wm.
Skirving, Mrs. Tomes, Georce. and Jas. Taylor. Front r w— Matador,
Itdleinan, A. Medhurst, E S. D >dwe:l, A M dku-st, Sarah P-iyne Sporting
Lass, and Matador. Mr. J. Douglas, gardener to J. VVhitbourn, Esq., Gri at
Uearie.-, Ilford, secured the second prizs with a beautiful stand of blooms,
rath or fresher than the first, but slightly smaller. The varie’i*" were as
fo lows : — Back row — J. Douglas, Mrs. Barlow, Matador, Felicity. Corisande,
Matador Felicity, and Jas. Cross'and. Second row — ?. Barlow, Thalia,

July 29, 1883. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

97

Unexpected, Alisemond, Jag. Douglas, sport from James^Merry weather, Tim
Bobbin, and Squire Whitbourn. Front row — Diana, Fred, Squire Whit-
bourn, Thetis, Corisande, Sarah Payne, Dnc d’Aumale, and Seedling. Mr.
John Hines was third. Mr. T. Garratt, Bishops Stortford, fourth, and
Mr. T. Hooper, Bath, fifth, that being the number of competitors.

For twelve blooms, distinct varieties, the first prize was s»cured by
Mr. J. Douglas with a charming collection of blooms, exceedingly bright
and of good substance. Back row — Thalia, Unexpected, Jas. Douglas, and
Matador. Second row — Sarah Payne, Fred, Due d’Aumale (Douglas),
John Keet. Front row — A crimson bizarre sport from James Merry-
weather (Douglas), Alisemond (Douglas), Squire Whitbourn, and Arthur
Medhurst (Douglas). Mr. John Hines, 81, Bramford Road, Ipswich, was
second with good flowers, but not so well finished as the first, Tim Bobbin
and Sporting Lass, as corner blooms, were very bright. Third Mr. Joseph
Lakin, Temple Cowley, Oxon, with a neat collection. To the fourth prize
collection the name of the exhibitor was not attached. There were five
entries.

For six blooms the prizes were awarded in the following order. First
Mr. C. Phillips, Hamilton Road, Beading, with W. Gawn, Robert Morris,
W. K. Mayer, John Harlaud, Tom Power, and George Melville. Second
Mr. T. E. Harwood, Hamilton Road, Reading. Third Mr. T. Anstiss, Brill ;
and fourth, Aubrey Spurling, Esq., The Nest, Blackheath, There were
eleven entries.

Single Specimens. — Scarlet Bizarres. — Mr. C. Turner, first and second
with Robert Lord. Mr. J. Douglas third with Arthur Medhurst, and
fourth with Master Stanley ; Mr. 0. Phillips fifth with George.

Crimson Bizarres. — Mr. J. Douglas first with Due d’Aumale, and third
with Merryweather sport ; Mr. C. Turner second with Rifleman ; Mr. J.
Lakin fourth with Master Fred ; Mr. T. Anstiss fifth with Master Fr d.

Pink and Purple Bizarres. — Mr. C. Turner first and second with Sarah
Payne ; Mr. J. Douglas third with Unexpected ; Mr. J. Lakin fourth with
Squire Llewelyn ; and Mr Rowan fifth with W. Skirving.

Purple Flakes. — Mr. C. Turner first with Mayor of Nottingham, and
fourth with Sporting LasB ; Mr. J. Lakin second with Squire Mejnell, and
fifth with Major Gane ; Mr. C. Phillips third with Sarah Paine.

Scarlet Flakes. — Mr. J. Douglas first with Matador, and fifth with a
seedling ; Mr. C. Turner second with H. Cannell, and fourth with Figaro ;
and Mr. C. Phillips third with Sportsman.

Bose Flakes. — Mr. C. Turner first and second with Rob Roy. Mr. J.
Lakin third with Tim Bobbin; and Mr. J. Douglas fourth with Diana, and
fifth with seedling from Thalia.

The number of single blooms entered was not quite so large as usual.

PICOTEES.

The first-class in the schedule for Picotees was that for twenty-four
blooms, not less than twelve varieties, and in this Mr. J. Douglas showed
some very handsome blooms, being awarded an rqnal firrt prize with Mr.
C. Turner. The Ilford blooms were arranged as follows : — Back row : Her
Majesty, Heureuse, J. B. Bryant, Alice, seedling 13, Clara Penaon, seedling,
Liddington’s Favourite. Second row : Mrs. Payne, Clara Liddington, Mrs.
Chancellor, T. Williams, Muriel, Mrs. Payne, Mrs. Williams. Front row;
Princess of Wales, Her Majesty, Constance Heron, Dr. Horner, Muriel,
Brunette, Mrs. Gorton, and Princess of Wales. An equal first prize was
accorded to Mr. C. Turner for a charming collection of blooms, comprising
the following : — Back row : Orlando, Her Majesty, Juliette, Favourite, Her
Majesty, Favourite, J uliett0, and Orlando. Second row: J. B. Bryant,
Lucy, Edith Dombrain, J. B. Bryant, Duchess, Dr. Epps, Mrs. Pavne, and
Princess of Wales. Front row : Mrs. Payne, Mrs. Williams. Mrs. A.
Chancellor, Constance Heron, Brunette, Louisa, Muriel, and Maud. Mr.
John Hines was second with much smaller blooms, Mr. F. Hooper third,
and Mr. T. Garratt fourth There was considerable difference in the quality
of the two first stands of blooms and the others, but t oth the Slough and
Ilford Picotees were in capital condition. For twelve b'ooms, di similar
varieties, Mr. J. Douglas was first with Her M-jesty, Princess of Wales,
Alice, a seedling, Constance Heron, Mrs. Gorton, Favourite, Muriel, Thomas
Williams, John Smith, Clara Penson, and Mrs. Payne; second, Mr. J.
Lakin ; third, Mr. John Buxton ; fourth, Mr. Rowan. Clapham ; and fifth,
Mr. J. Hines. Nine entries. With six blooms the prizes wei e awarded in
this order : — First, Mr. T. Anstiss ; second, Mr. T. E. Harwood; third, no
name ; fourth, Mr. C. Phillips ; fifth, Mr. Glasscock. Thirteen entries.

Single Specimens. — Bed heavy-edged. — Mr. C. Turner firBt and second
with Henry, Mr. J. Douglas third and fifth with Princess of Wales, Mr.
Henwood fourth with Mrs. Dodwell.

Bed light-edged. — Mr. C. Turner first and second with Mrs. Gorton, Mr.
J. Douglas third and fourth with Thos. Williams, Mr. C. Phillips fifth with
Clara.

Purple heavy-edged. — Mr. C. Turner first and second with Muriel, Mr. J.
Douglas third with Mrs. Chancellor, Mr. A. J. Sanders fourth and fifth with

Zerfcna.

Purple light-edged.— Mr. C. Turner first and second with Juliette, Mr. J.
Douglas third with Her Majesty, Mr. A. J. Sanders fourth and fifth with
Nymphs and Pride of Leyton.

Bose or Scarlet heavy ertged. — Mr. C. Turner first and second with Mrs.
Payne, Mr. Rowan third with the same, Mr. J. Hines fourth with Edith
Dombrain, and Mr. J. Don. las fifth with Mrs. Payne.

Rose and Scarlet light-edged. — Mr. J. Douglas first and third with
Liddington’s Favourit e, Mr. J. Lakin second, Mr. T. Anstiss fourth, and Mr.
C. Turner fifth with the same.

Yellow Ground — Mr. J. Douglas first and second with Agnes Chambers ;
Mr. C. Turner third and fourth with Prince of Orange ; fifth (no name) with
Lord Rothschild (Finlayson).

SELFS, FANCIES, OR YELLOW GROUNDS.

These classes formed a b’ight display, the colours being so varied and
rich. Mr. C. Turner secured the first prize for twenty-four varieties with a
charming collection, very clean and substantial blooms. The most notable
varieties were Mary Morris, Guardsman Th • Governor, Edith, Syt.il, Master
Stanley, Rob Boy, and W. P. Milner. Mr. J. Douglas followed with twenty-
four seedlings, very pret'y, and of good substance. Mr. W. Toby, Fulham
Road, was third; Mr. Hooper fourth, and Mr. H. Catley, 16, Claverton

Buildings, Bath, fifth. In class K, for twelve blooms, Aubrey Spurling, Esq.
was awarded the first prize for handsome blooms of Sir Toby Beech, Edith,
The Bride, Robert Lord, seedling, Trojan, Mrs. H. Morris, Bride of Black-
heath, Mark Antony, Matador, and Jessica; second, Mr. J. Lakin, and an
equal second to another stand ; third, Mr. T. Anstiss ; fourth, Mr. W.
Rowan, 36, Manor Street, Clapham, and Mr. W. E. Walker; fifth, Mr. C.
Phillips; sixth, Mr. vVm. Meddick, Bath. Eleven entries. For twelve
yellow ground Picotees, Mr. J. Douglas was first with pretty blooms ; Mr. C.
Turner second, Mr. A. Spurling third, Mr. H. Hooper fourth, and Mr. H.
Catley fifth.

A class was provided as usual for Carnations and Picotees in pots, in
which Mr. J. Douglas and Mr. C. Turner were the two exhibitors, and the
prizetakers in the order named. Of the nine plants shown by Mr. Douglas
one of the most noteworthy varieties was Colonial Beauty, a fancy seedling
raised at Ilford, and something like the one named Terra Cotta, for which a
certificate was awarded by the Floral Committee. The appearance of the
plants was greatly improved by the absence of the large collars that have
been usually employed on previous occasions.

Miscellaneous. — There were several non-competing contributions from
nurserymen that added materially to the beauty of the exhibition.
Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, had an excellent collection of Carna¬
tion and Picotee blooms. Eight boxes were shown, containing about forty
bloomB each, and representing all the best varieties in the various classes of
show flowers, as well as the most effective border varieties. There was a
cleanness, substance, and brightness of colour that was most satisfactory,
and this remarkable exhibit formed one of the leading features of the show.
As the principal varieties are referred to in another column they need not
be given here. Mr. T. S. Ware, Tottenham, exhibited six boxes of hardy
border Carnations, most tastefully arranged with their own and pink
foliage, in little clusters raised above the moss in the boxes, and had a most
ch rming effect. Messrs Hooper & Co., Covent Garden, sent five boxes of
Carnation blooms. Mr. H. G Smyth, 21, Goldsmith Street, Drury Lane,
showed flowers of a new border Carnation named H. G. Smyth, bright
scarlet in colour and described as very free. Mr. C. Turner had some stands
of blooms, and excellent plants of Souvenir de la Malmaison, and others
of that type.

VIOLETS FOR MARKET.

Sweet Violets are much appreciated by all. As buttonholes the
meet a ready sale in cities, towns, and populous districts, bringing fairly
remunerative leturns to the grower. Little knots of flowers arranged so
that the blooms face one way, shaped like an inverted heart slightly raised
in the centre, and backed by their own leaves or those of the Ivy.
Bouquets do not find much favour with townspeople, and the returns
from them are not nearly so encouraging as those from the buttonholes,
which are readily disposable by the dozen bunches wholesale, with a few
bunches thrown in in favour of the retailer.

Situation. — The position should be open, as the plants have the fu’l
benefit of sun, air, rain, and dew, and the plants cannot be too sturdy or
the growth too well solidified if large blooms are to be forthcoming, as
their presence depends greatly, if not entirely, on the hardiness of the
plant. The intervening spaces between rows of fruit trees may be
utilised with rows or beds of Violets, and vacant ground under young
standard trees may be requisitioned, but these are not nearly so good as
open spaces.

Soil. — Any good loam will grow Violets well. Medium-textured loam
is best, and light soil may be rendered suitable by following the instruc¬
tions given under the head of “ Cultivated Violets.” Ground that has been
some time under a rotation of vegetable crops and duly cultivated will
answer, and if in good heart no manure need be given, reserving it for
mulching after the plants become established. If following an exhausting
crop afford a liberal dressing of manure, leaf soil, or the debris of the
rubbi-h heap, rejecting the woody portions or charring them before appli¬
cation. Avoid using a large quantity of wood ashes, as much potash
causes a luxuriance that does not favour floriferousness. A bushel of
lime, soot, wood a-hes, and half a bushel of salt, all dry and mixed, form
a good dressing for ground to be planted with Violets, applying at the
rate of a peck per rod. It should be spread evenly, and only just pointed
in. The manure need only be mixed with the top 6 or 9 inches of the
surface soil. Violets will follow most crops in a kitchen garden except
Strawberries. Tbey do well in newly broken ground, and on the site
of a prevous wood or orchard.

Planting. — Choose runners or suckers from plants that have been
grown in the open ground, sturdy and well rooted. Plant the strong
growers in rows 18 inches apait and 15 inches asunder in the rows ;
medium growers 15 inches apart and 12 inches asunder in the rows. For
facility of cultivation every fourth or fifth row may be omitted. The
small growers are not profitable. Choose a moist time for planting with
a view to saving labour in watering, but it is not well to defer planting
later than the early part of May. In dry weather supply water until
established.

Summer Treatment. — Hoe frequently, alike to keep down weeds and
insure a loose Burface up to midsummer. Tread the ground then if light,
and mulch before or by July with partially decayed manure, or spent
Mushroom beds, or partially decayed leaves. Lawn mowings, or other
loose material of a decaying nature and not generating weeds are useful,
repbnis’iing from time to time, but never having a greater thickness
than a e uple of inches. Water over the foliage in the evening of hot
dai s, and give a good soaking once a week between the rows if the rain¬
fall is leas than an inch in any for'night to June to September inclusive.
L quid manure may be given in lieu of the water if the plants need
invigorating. Hand-weed after the mulching is placed on, and removeall
runners. Du-t with Boot if red spider appear, and as much as possible on
the under side of the leaves. Syringings in the evenings of hot days are

98

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER

[ July 29, 1866.

also useful against red spider. It is poverty and lack of moisture, how¬
ever, that cause attacks of red spider.

Autumn and Winter Treatment. — In October trim the plants by
removing any bad or decayed leaves, but do not strip off any green leaves.
Turn the mulch in with a fork lightly, not damaging the surface roots,
and being careful not to place any soil on the leaves or flower buds.
Varieties that flower at that season will need to be very carefully handled.
Mulch again before sharp weather or by the middle of November with
some half-decayed manure or litter, an I place it neatly about the plants
and not so as to huddle the leaves together. The mulching will retain
the earth’s heat or prevent its loss, and with the roots safe from frost
the tops will endure many more degrees of cold without injury than
when the soil is bare and frozen through. Avoid working amongst the
plants in wet weather, as the soil is then made vary close at the surface,
and water is prevented percolating freely through it and carrying down
air. Remove all spent blooms, and do not allow seed to form.

Protection. — All the winter bloomers require protection against frost.
Rain does not injure Violet blooms unless it is very prolonged, but frost
damages the buds and flowers. Frames afford the best protection, as the
lights can be withdrawn in fine warm weather. Mats or other covering
should be available for placing over the frames in frosty weather. Straw
mats supported on lattice frames above the plants, and sloping so as to
throw off wet, are useful, only care is taken to remove them in mild
weather. Old lights supported on bricks and so as to throw off rain are
preferable. Spruce and other evergreen branches stuck in the ground
and leaning over the plants during the prevalence of cold cutting winds
and sharp frosts in spring will often save the flowers, and make all the
difference between the profitableness or unprofitableness of Violets. Do
not give protection until it is necessary, but always have it in readiness
for application in case of emergency. It is more particularly necessary in
sharp weather succeeding a period of mild weather, particularly in a
cold spring after a mild winter, a few hours’ sharp frost spoiling the
anticipated harvest of bloom, if indeed there is not a great loss of plants.
Violet growers must have hardy plants, and not rest satisfied with that
but protect.

Gathering the Flowers. — Never gather the flowers until they are at
least three parts expanded. Some gather them in the bud. It is a great
waste of substance, for though the buds will expand somewhat after
gathering they never attain to the size they do on the plant, supported
by it until of full size, and the bud and over-blown Violet have not the
scent of the Violet when approaching full expansion. Full-blown, or
very nearly so, is the proper condition to gather a Violet. Allowing it
to remain after it becomes fully expanded only weakens the plants, and
is a loss to the possessor from lessened fragrance and endurance. Just
before attaining full expansion and until fructification is effected, the
Violet has most perfume and is always sweetest in the morning, and
their endurance is greater than when gathered limp in midday or afterwards.

Varieties for Market.— Russian (London and Scotch), bluish purple ;
spring. Floribunda (Boothby), flowers large, bluish purple, free-flower¬
ing ; autumn, winter, and spring. Victoria Regina (Lee), very large,
purple ; autumn, winter, and spring. Odoratissima (Lee), bluish purple,
very large ; spring, very floriferous. Patrie, double, deep purple, violet ;
September to April ; extra fine. Double Russian, purple ; spring.
King of Violets, double, indigo blue ; spring. Neapolitan vars., all have
double flowers. New York, deep mauve, streaked red ; September to
April. Marie Louise, lavender blue, white eye; September to April.
De Parme, deep lavender, white eye ; September to April. White Neapo¬
litan, September to April. The last four require to be grown in frames,
as it is only on the southern coast that flowers are had with certainty
outdoors at the time named, and only there in sheltered spots. Patrie
also requires frame protection to insure flowers in the winter.— Viola.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

July 27th.

((The National Carnation and Picotee Society’s Show, with the hardy
flowers and Roses brought before the Floral Committee, Messrs. Rivers’
beautiful fruit trees, and the vegetables in competition, filled the conserva¬
tory, and afforded abundance to interest the numerous visitors.

Fruit Committee. — Present : T. Francis Rivers, Esq., in the chair, and
Messrs. J. G. Saltmarsh, J. Willard, W. Dinning, H. J. Veitch, G. Norman,
G. Bunyard, John E. Lane, Philip Crowley, J. Ellam, J. Woodbridge, G. T.
Miles, A. W. Sutton, and Dr. Robert Hogg.

The principal fruit exhibit was a collection of Cherry, Peach, Nectarine,
and Plum trees in pots from Messrs. Rivers & Son, Sawbridge worth, for
which a silver Knightian medal was awarded. There were about a dozen
fine healthy trees 5 or 6 feet high in 10 and 12-inch pots, and bearing ex¬
tremely fine fruits, which in the case of the Cherries were also remarkably
abundant. Several of the varieties were those raised at Sawbridgewoi th,
and were extremely handsome, as for example the Goldoni Nectarine, of
which there were two trees, Sea Eagle and Nectarine Peaches, Monarch
Plum, and Beacon Pears. Other varieties well represented were Cherries
Bigarreau, Gros Coeuret, and Black Hawk, both loaded with fruits, and
Louise Bonne of Jersey Pears. In addition to these eleven dishes of Cherries
were shown, which comprised the varieties Ludwig’s Bigarreau, Bigarreiu
Noir de Guben, Late Black Bigarreau, Bigarreau Napoleon, Bedford Pro¬
lific, MonBtreuse de Mezel, Geante d’Heidelfingen, Griott Imperials,
Turkey Black Heart (very handsome), Emperor Francois, and Etriy Rivers,
a 3uperb collection, together with Rivers’ Nectarine Peach and Early
Louise Peach, the latter of good size and colour, from trees grown in a cold
house. Reginald Kelly, Esq., Lifton, Devon, sent a seedling Melon wh'ch
was over-rip-. Mr. G. Humphrey, Nash Court Gardens, Faver^him, showed
a seedling Melon, a cross between Sutton’s Invincible and Masterpiece,
which was passed. Mr. Wm. Barlow, St. Ann’s Road, Stamford Hill, had a

twin Cucumber, the two fruits being united their whole length side by side,
and he stated that he had seven other similar fruits in the same house, and
all of the Telegraph variety. From the Royal Horticultural Society's
Gardens at Chiswick came five varieties of Cabbages, including Very Early
Etampes, St. John’s Day, Early Dwarf, and Winningstadt, all Vilmorin’s,
and Wheeler’s Imperial and Barr's Sugar Loaf. The two first-named
appeared to be good early Cabbages.

Messrs. Hansen and Larsin, 4, Hermitage Road, St. Ann’s Road, Stamford
Hill, N., exhibited a model of their “ Automatic Ventilator and Temperature
Regulator,” which is so contrived that the expansion or contraction of a
specially prepared bent metal rod is made to supply the power by which the
lights are opened or closed according to the varying temperature. A vote of
thanks was awarded to the exhibitors.

Floral Committee. — Present : G. F. Wilson, Esq., in the chair, and
Messrs. J. Hudson, H. M. Pollett, J. Dominy, H. J. Lendry, E. Hill, C. Noble,
W. Holmes, H. Herbst, W. Bealby, W. Wilks, Amos Perry, H. Bennett, T.
Baines, H. Cannell, W. B. Kellock, G. Duffield, J. Walker, H. Ballantine,
H. Turner, Shirley Hibberd, R. Dean, J. Douglas, and Dr. M. T. Masters.

W. Lee, Esq., Leatherhead, exhibited two grand racemes of Laelia elegans
Turneri with large flowers, the sepals and petals warm purplish crimson
and intensely rich crimson lips, well meriting the award of a cultural com¬
mendation. Baron Schioder, The Dell, S aines (gardener, Mr. Ballantine),
showed a scape of the celebrated and beautiful Cypripedium Morganite with
three fine flowers. This, it may be remembered, is a hybrid between
C. superbiens (Veitchi) and C. Stonei, and is remarkable for the length
of the handsome petals, which in the flowers under notice were
4j inches long by nearly three quarters of an inch broad in the widest
part, densely spotted with dark purplish mauve on a whits ground.
The dorsal sepal is white with a few very fine purplish veins, and
the lip is large like C. Stonei, and pale purple with a few darker veins. Mr.
T. Jannoch, Lily Nursery, Dersiugham, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, showed plants
of a new Maidenhair Fern, Adiantum Capillus-Veneris grande, a fine bold
form with handsome dark green substantial fronds, the pinnules broad and
very distinct from the ordinary A. Capillus-Veneris. It is said to be very
useful for decoration, a9 it stands well in rooms. Mr. R. Owen, Maidenhead,
was awarded a vote of thanks for a collection of double and single Begonias,
varied in colours and of large size. The Rev. A. Rawson, Bromley, Kent,
sent a flower, Papaver somniferum var., white and scarlet, with deeply
fringed petals, very pretty. A vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. H. B.
May for Pteris cretica H. B. May, a compact useful Fern that has been
noted several times before. A cultural commendation was awarded to Mr.
Bealby for Tuberous Begonia Louis d’Or, a double pale yellow variety, with
numerous fine flowers. Messrs. H. Cannell & Son, Swanley, showed plants
of the excellent Carnation Pride of Penshurst, with b ight yellow flowers,
very free. Mr. R. Dean, Ealing, exhibited some Intermediate Stock, Mauve
Beauty and a white variety being uncommonly fine, the former a fine double
flower of a charming mauve tint (vote of thanks). Mr. C. Noble, Bagehot,
sent some Clematis flowers ; from Chiswick came a number of fine Holly¬
hocks ; and from Messrs. E. H. Krelage & Son, Haarlem, Holland, some
seedling Gladiolus of bright colours.

Several large collections of hardy flowers and Roses were supplied by
nurserymen, and very prominent amongst these was a magnificent group
from Mr. T. S. Ware, Tottenham, which not only contained a number of
excellent plants, but they were most tastefully arranged. Thus there were
clusters of Papaver nudicaule and its varietiei miniatum and album ; then
there were groups of many-coloured Phloxes, with the puie white Princess
Beatrice very notable. From clusters of the elegant Gypsophila paniculata
peeped out the brilliant scarlet Lilium chalcedomcum, with a taller plant of
the lovely Lilium auratum piatyphyllum album. Of other good Lilium?,
L. longiflorum eximium, L. Martagon dalmaticum, L. croceum, L. canadense,
with such useful garden plants as Helenium pumilum, Polemonium
Richardsoni, the pale pink free Veronica elegans, Gatilardias, Erigeron
amethystinum, the pale yellow Montbretia Feu d’Or, the large-floweri d
Campanula grandiflora plena, and the pure white Matiicaria inodora grandi-
flora plena, which was certificated. Messrs. Barr & Son, Covent Garden,
also contributed an effective group of hardy flowers, amongst which Lilies,
Japanese Irises, Alstroemerias, and Poppies weie the chief features, with
numerous other choice and beautiful p ants. A superb collection of Rose3
from Messrs. W. Paul & Son, Waltham Cross, was greatly admired. Twelve
boxes and the same number of baskets were shown, including handsome
blooms representing a great number of varieties. Messrs. Paul & Son,
Cheshunt, staged an extensive and beautiful collection of Roses and hardy
flowers, which formed a brilliant and varied array of colours on one Bide of
the conservatory.

PLANTS CERTIFICATED.

Cattleya gigas, HilVs variety (C. G. Hill, Esq., Arnot Hill, Notts ; gardener,
Mr. Davenpoit). — A grand variety with flowers 7 inches in diameter, the
sepals and petals are rich crimson purple, the latter very broad ; the lip is
3 inches in diameter, something like C. Dowiana, being rich gold at the
base and sides, the uppcr or apical por .ion of an intensely rich crimson
shade, the margin undulated. It was first labelled C. Dowiana Hilli, but it
was subsequently altered to that given above.

Oncidium stelligerum Ernesti ( R. F. Measures, Esq., Cambridge Lodge,
Flodden Road, Camberwell ; gardener, Mr. Simpkins). — A pretty variety,
rather suggestive of some of the Miltonias, the sepals and petals pale
yellowish green, barred and spotted with brown, the lip proportionately
large, somewhat three-Iobed, white at the base, and the upper half purplisl
with a ridge in the centre.

Rhododendron balsamaflorum Rajah (Messrs. J. Veitch Sc Sons). — A
charming double variety with outer broad round guard petals orange tipped
with red, the centre petals tmal1, crumpled, and of a reddish tint. I", is
quite distinct from the other forms, but is said to have been obtained from
the same pod of seed as the double white and pink varieties previously
shown. We understand that the teed was obtained by fertilising with its
own pollen a flower which accidentally showed a tendency to become double.

Todea grandipinmila (Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons). — A supposed hybrid
between T. Fraseri and T. hymenophylloides, with graceful bipinnate fronL
8 to 9 inches long and about 8 inches broad at the widest part.

Carnation Terra Cotta (Mr. J. Douglas). — A fancy variety with a buff
ground colour edged with a pale rosy purple tint, the b' o ns well formed.

July 29, 1888. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

99

Matricaria inodora grandiflora plena (Mr. T. S. Ware). — An improved
seedling form of a well-known plant, the flowers double the ordinary Bize
and pure white,

Special Prizes. — Seven cla=ses were provided, in which prizes were
offered by the leading seedsmen for Peas and other vegetables. Messrs. J.
Carter and Co., High Holborn, offered three prizes for twelve pods of their
Leviathan Bean, which were won by Mr. K. Timbs, Amersham ; Mr. T. A.
Beckett, Penn, Bucks ; and Mr. C. J. Waite, in the order named, all showing
very fine pods, as did also most of the other six exhibitors. For the best
Lettuces, comprising two heads of Giant White Cos, Longstander, and All
the Year Round, the sam’ firm offered three prizes, which were won by Mr.
Beckett, Mr. Waite, and Mr. Harris, amongst five competitors. There were
eight exhibitors of Carter's Heartwell Cabbage, Messrs. C. Osman, Waite,
and W. Jacob, Petworth, being awarded the prizes in that order with firm
handsome specimens.

Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading, provided three classes for Peas, Cauli¬
flowers, and Cabbages, in which the competition was close. For the best six
dishes of Peas, to include Sutton’s Satisfaction and Duke of Albany, Mr. H.
Marriott was first with fine samples of Trlegraph, Telephone, Duke of
Albany, Evolution, Charmer, and Satisfaction ; Mr. H. Marriott, jun ,
was second, his dishes of Satisfaction and Duke of Albany being note¬
worthy. Mr. E. Walter and Mr. J. Cook, Boston, followed, and in all
the seven collections staged the two Peas stipulated for were represented by
good pods. The prizes for Sutton’s First Crop Cauliflower were awarded to
Messrs. Beckett, Waite, and Osman, for medium size, but solid, pure white
heads (five exhibitors). A class was also devoted to three specimens each
of Sutton’s Little Gem and All Heart, which brought nine competitors ; Mr.
Cornish. The Shrubbery Gardens, Enfield ; Mr. G. Woodham, Model Farm,
North Dulwich, and Mr. Osman securing the awards with excellent well-
hearted Cabbages. The first and second prizes for the Chancellor Peas,
offered by Messrs. Webb <fc Sons, Stourbridge, were awarded to Mr. H. Mar¬
riott and H. Marriott, jun., both of whom had large well-filled pods. In
addition to those in competition Mr. Marriott had fourteen dishes of hand¬
some Peas, mostly new or recent varieties, and comprising Wordsley
AYonder, Laxton's Charmer, Duke of Albany, Webb’s Chancellor, Evolution,
Stratagem, and Carter’s Telegraph, and Pride of the Market.

SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE.

Dr. M. T. Masters in the chair. Present — Mr. Pascoe, Prof. Boulger,
Mr. Worthington G. Smith, Mr. Wilson, Mr. O’Brien, and Rev. G. Henslow,
Hon. Sec.

Selenipedium , Uropedium, and Cypripedium. — Observations were made
upon these forms, that while the first and the last differ very slightly in
morphological characters, having one and three-cehed ovaries respectively,
yet, as Mr. O’Brien observed, they refuse to cross, though Sdenipediums
cross readily, as do also Cypripediums, with one another. Uropedium is a
peloric variety of Selenipedium — i e., a natural tendency to a reversion to a
regular and more ancestral form.

Cypripedium snperbiens ( Veitchi). — Dr. Masters exhibited a blossom having
two labella ; another from the same plant had one within the other. In the
former (being side by side) it waB an additional petal to the ordinary
number, but in the latter case the inner labellum represented an anterior
stamen.

Cattleya Loddigesi. — Dr. Masters remarked on the specimen shown at
the last meeting, which he had examined, and which proved to have two
BepalB, two petals, one stamen, and no pistil ; hence it was a flower which
had degraded to a dimerous condition.

Lilium lancifolium ( speciosum ). — Mr. O’Brien exhibited a plant which
had been grown solely in moss for two years, with only a slight quantity of
Clay’s fertiliser added when the bulbs began to sprout. He remarked on
the importance of potting fresh imported bulbs in some porouB material,
such as cocoanut fibre, &c., and to avoid burying them in the ground, in
order that there might be a free circulation of air about the bulb. The
common practice of planting in the ground often caused the bulbs to dis¬
appear entirely. The interpretation of the advice seemed to be the same
as for seeds : that if planted too deeply, or so that air could not reach them
to set up respiration, they would perish from asphyxia and rot.

Grapes with “ Oidium TucJceri.” — Mr. Plowright forwarded specimens
attacked by this fungus, now known to be Erysiphe communis, on the
stalks, the Grapes themselves having some peculiar dendritic spots of a dark
colour. There did not appear to be any mycelium. The dark lines, less
than a quarter of an inch, are formed by reddish brown discolorations of
the epidermal tissue. They were generally considered by the Committee
not to be fungoid, but only natural changes of the character of the
epidermis on ripening.

Nematoid Worms in Cereals. — Mr. Worthington G. Smith exhibited
specimens of cereals from Midlothian, the roots of which were attacked by
Heterodera radicicola. It was called Tulip-root, Thick-root, and Segging
in Oats in Scotland, and appeared to be widely spread, all crops being
totally destroyed on damp clay soils for several years. On stony soils the
crops were not so severely attacked.

Larix Griffilhii loith Cones.— Dr. M. T. Masters exhibited a branch
bearing several cones. They were from 3 to 4 inches long, of a rich purple
colour, while the pointed bracts behind each scale were of a golden brown.
It wa,3 rec ived from Mr. Nanscawen of Cornwall. It is believed to be the
first instance of this Himalayan species of Larch to have borne cones in this
country. He observed that the leaves were readily distinguished from
those of Larix europaea by having stomata on the lower side only, while
those of the common Larch are on both sides.

Clematis "Proteus," Double and Single. — Mr. Noble sent an illustration
of this Clematis, which is remarkable for always bearing double flowers at
the first flowering season, but later in the autumn only single flowers. It
illustrated conditions of a temporary exhaustion in the plant, which is
chiracteristic of this variety, but not of other forms of Clematis.

Clematis viticella rubra grandijlora sub virescens. — Mr. Noble also for¬
warded sprays of this plant with semi-foliaceous sepals, they being usually
of a deep crimson ; the green foliaceous character commenced at the apex
of the sepal and more or less descended to the base.

Achillea Millefolium, dimorphism in. — Rev. G. Henslow called attention
to the hitherto unobserved fact of this plant being gyno-dicecious. The

heads are very distinct when in blossom, as in the hermaphrodite flowers
the yellow anthers when shedding their pollen protrude from the corolla,
though they become withdrawn later on through the contraction of the
filaments. This form has been carefully described by H. Miiller (“ Fert. of
FIs.,” p. 325-G), but he does not appear to have noticed the female form. In
the first stage of blossoming of this kind the long style arms of the ray
florets are very conspicuous, but later when they shrivel those of the
disk florets rise up, but are of the same form as in the corresponding florets
of the hermaphrodite flowers, being provided with the terminal brushes,
the papillae of which, however, seem to be less prominent. The anthers of
the fema'e are abortive and contain no pollen, and are often scarcely coherent.
Another feature is the frequent reduction of petals and stamens in number
to fours and threes in the female flowers ; and, lastly, there is a slight differ¬
ence in the length of the ovaries, that of the female being a trifle longer
and the tube of the correspondingly a little shorter than in the hermaphrodite
flowers.

Strawberry with foliaceous epicalyx. — Mr. Henslow exhibited a specimen
in which each of the divisions of the epicalyx consisted of a three-lobed
leaflet. They are ordinary bract-like or sometimes cleft at the apex, which
has given rise to the theory that they represent pairs of coherent stipules.
The present example would seem to point to their being a whorl of true
leaves in their primitive condition, and before separation into three leaflets
to form the usual compound leaf.

KITCHEN GARDEN.

Thinning Vegetables.— All vegetables intended for late autumn
and winter use should be well thinned during the early part of their
growth, that they may become very hardy and able to bear severe
weather. Late Turnips now require much thinning, and Spinach should
also be freely thinned. As a rule, field roots are much hardier than those
in the garden, and this is mainly due to the system of giving them more
room in the fields. Some are inclined to think that by growing them
close they will get more of them, and this is certainly true, but we always
prefer quality to quantity, as giving the greatest satisfaction everywhere.

Staking and Tying Asparagus. — There is nothing more injurious
to Asparagus plants, or more detrimental to the crop, than allowing the
growths to be blown about and broken by the wind. The stems do not
break, but they snap at their connection with the crown, and it is this
which injures the roots so much. The best mode of treating them is to
stake and tie them up from the first, but it is now, when the steni9 are
becoming fully grown, that they are heaviest and most apt to fall over,
and if staking and tying has not had attention, no time should be lo9t in
giving it. Any kind of stakes will do, and strong soft matting is the best
material for tying with.

Tomatoes. — Plants growing under glass are now bearing fruit,
and as good crops are formed the main object should be to get them
matured. Superfluous shoots must be kept constantly pinched off, and
where the foliage is luxuriant and shading the crop, a quantity of it should
be removed. It is astonishing how well the lruit swells and ripens when
the foliage is very thin. Now that we have more rain open air plants
are growing rapidly, and the main stems require to be staked and tied,
or nailed to the wall as the case may be, frequently. Taking off the
shoots and thinning the leaves also applies forcibly to these, but the fruit
need never be thinned unless it is required for exhibition or a special
purpose.

Late Parsley. — All gardeners know that it is most important that
a supply of Parsley be kept up all the year round, and amateurs and
small garden holders also know that it is very desirable that they should
be able to gather Parsley throughout every week in the year. Spring-sown
Parsley has done very well this season, very little of it having been
destroyed by the maggot, but early spring plants are very liable to
become rough and poor before the winter is over, and to have a supply
of robust green leaves a quantity of seed should be sown now to produce
the winter and spring crop. Where it is not convenient to do this,
however, take all the old leaves from the spring plants, dress them with
a little artificial manure, and allow them to form young leaves for winter
use. Where a quantity of seed was sown about midsummer the plants
will now be ready for transplanting, and a number of them should be put
into a frame where they can be easily protected in winter. This is a great
advantage, especially in localities where the winter is generally severe.
In all cases of sowing or planting always introduce a quantity of lime or
soot into the soil, as it is most important that the maggot should nevi r
gain a footing in the neighbourhood of Parsley.

Saving Seed. — Where it is intended to save seed of Peas, Beans, &c.,
the whole of the best produce should not be gathered, and only allow the
inferior to remain to ripen for seed, as this is a sure way of degenerating
the crop0, but when seed is saved from the very be$t of tho produce the
succeeding crop is almost sure to be supeiior, and there is no better way
than this of improving crops generally. Indeed it iB impossible to be to i
careful in selecting seed, and the best only should be dealt with. It is an
as advantage to have it ripened and harvested before the fineweather is over,
few kitchen garden seeds can be secured in good condition in late autumn.

Late Carrots. — Where early sown Carrots have not done well, or
where young Carrots are greatly valued at all times, it is a good plan to

100

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 29, 1886.

make a sowing of the Early English or Early French Horn at this time.
They will he ready for use by October and remain good throughout the
winter. They may be sown on ground recently cleared of Potatoes,
merely levelling the soil down and sowing without further manuring.
The rows should be 15 inches apart and the drills 2 inches deep. The
young plants must be thinned as soon as they can be handled, as it is
only by a'tention to this that early roots are formed.

Lettuce and Endive. — The plants raised from seed sown some
weeks ago are now ready for transplanting, and as these will give a supply
in late autumn and early winter they may be regarded as an imp >rtant
crop requiring good attention. In lifting them from the seed rows put a
label or something else under the roots to ease them without breaking too
many of the fibres. Select soil for them in some favourable part of the
garden, and put them in rows 1 foot apart each way. Sow more seed of the
Improved Broad-leaved Batavian Endive and Hardy Winter White C is
Lettuce. This sowing is the one which produces plants for a supply
throughout ihe whole winter. Do it well.

Drying Herbs. — Dried herbs are most u«eful in winter ; indeed,
cooks cannot get on without them, and a supply should always be pr vided
Now is a g >od time to cut and dry them. Large quantities of such herbs
as Sage, Mint, and Thyme should be cut, as these are always in demand.
Growths without blossoms are the best. They should always be cut when
quite dry, and if they are spread out in some airy place, but not exposed
to the sun, it will be found they dry well and retain their colour. They
should not be tied up until quite dry.

FRUIT FORCING.

Melons. — Late Fruit. — If Melons are required very late a last sowing
should now be made. Plants from this sowing will be fit to place out in
about a month, and they will set their fruit in September, and the fruit
will be ripe in November ; therefore, it will he necessary to employ a
light well heated structure for this crop, otherwise fruit of high quality
will not be assured. Bottom heat will be necessary ; therefore, if it is
afforded by fermenting materials they must be thrown in a heap, turned,
and watered, sj as to secure the needful ftrmentation, and escape of rank
steam.

October Fruit. — Melons are acceptable at dessert for shooting parties
if only from a decorative point of view, some having a partiality for the
aroma. The plants for this crop must be placed out at once, giving them
about a couple of barrowfuls of soil each, made into a flattened cone or
ridge, the soil being about 12 inches deep. Good loam, neither heavy nor
light, is most suitable, and if not over fermenting material add a fifth of
fresh hor*e manure and a sixth of old mortar rue bish. Make the compost
very firm, and have it in a moist state before planting. Turn the plants
out carefully, they having been watered overnight, so that the roots will
come away freely from the sides of the pots and make the soil firm about
the ball. Keep the stem slightly raised, and water to settle the soil
about the roots. The plants must be encouraged to make a free growth
by syringing at closing, and damping avadable surfaces in the morning
and in the evening of hot days. Ventilate between 70° and 75° and keep
the temperature through the day at those figures by artificial means,
85° to 90° from sun heat, and close so aa to raise it to 95° or 100°. Through
the night the temperature may fall to 65°.

Crops Swelling Off. — The plants must not be over-burdened with
fruit. When the fruit is fairly swelling reduce the number to two on a
weak plant, three on one moderately vigorous, and four on a strong plant.
Very strong ( r large plants may be allowed to carry six fruits. Over¬
cropping is highly prejudicial to quality, and the truit requires all the
solidity that can be given it ; theiefore keep the growth tairly thin, all
having full exposure to light. Earth up the plants, giving copious
supplies of liquid manure, and damp available surfaces with liquid manure
once or twice a week, but it is best to give it more frequently and weak.
Stop laterals to one joint, and if this is likely to crowd them too much
thin th-m. Place supports to the fruit in good time, and slanting so that
water will not lotge upon them. Syringe from 3 to 4 p m. or earlier, and
rai>e the temperature to 95° or more. Wi'h due supplies of water at the
roots shading will not be necessary, only the houses have the en Is north
and south the sun will be so powerful in the afternoon on the west side
that a slight shade becomes necessary.

Late Plants in Pits and Frames. — The latest plants are setting their
fruit, it heiuri important that the fruit be st-t at the close of July or early
in August to allow time for its swe'ling and ripening. Give a good
watering before the flowers opeD, and line the sides of the frame and bed
with hot dung or the mowings of lawns, and give a little ventilation con¬
stantly at ihe top (so as to prevent the deposition of moisture on the
bloiwoms) until the fruit is set and commences sw-lling. Impiegnate the
bloss ms daily, and when a sufficient number of fruits are obtained on a
plant on about an equal age remove all flowers and keep the growths well
stopped, main'ainmg a warm moist but not stagnant atmosphere by early
clo-ing wi h sun heat, sprinkle oveihevd on fine attem ions, and affording
water in bright weather about twice a week.

piruit /* ipening. — Keep the a’mosphere dry, and a top hest of 70°
to 75° by art fical means, admitting a little air constantly, a free circula-
laticin of ra her dry warm air greatly improving the quality and finish
when 'he fruit is ripening. Water should he withheld from the hou-e
i nt 1 there is fruit advancing in swelling, when au occasion-il damping
wib be necessary for the benefit of the foliage

Peaches and Nectarines. — Early Houses — If possible, remove
the rout lights so as to expose the tree-* to tl e refreshing influences o
the atmosphere, rain hav ng a particula'ly cleansing effect, ant ti e
borders wiih the late summer rams get thoroughly moistened, the buds

in consequence plump well, and are not likely to be cast, besides complete
rest is assured.

Second Early Houses. — The fruit is now cleared off the trees. The
wood on which it has been borne this season should be cut away to the
shoots, trained in from the base, except they are extensions, and if there
is more wood than will be needed for next year’s fruiting, or the duo
furnishing of the trees, cut it away so as to let in light and air to those
that remain, and admit of the better application of water for the cleansing
of the foliage of red spider by means of the syringe or engine. Ventilate
freely day and night, and keep the inside borders well watered. Weakly
trees must have liquid manure, and over-luxuriant trees must have the
roots pruned when the trees have completed their growth and the foliage
is getting ma’ure. They should also be kept rather warm in the daytime,
and the ventilators throwD open at night.

Fruit Ripening. — Keep water from the fruit, but maintain a moderate
amount of moisture by damping available surfaces occasionally, and do
not allow the trees to become dry at their roots. Keep the leaves clear
of the fruit, and place some soft netting beneath the trees, and looped up
so that the fruit will not damage each other in falling. This is an old
but lazy practice. The better plan is to look over the trees every morning
for ripe fruit, and remove it carefully, keeping it in a cool airy fruit room.
When dead ripe the fruit is soon damaged, and is not nearly equal in
flavour to that gathered at the right time.

Succession Houses. — Every needful attention must be given to syring¬
ing to keep off red spider, and the inside borders must be well watered
and mulched, also outside borders if the rainfall be inadequate. The
shoots must be regularly tied in, and to assist the colouring and ripening
of ihe fruits they should be exposed as much as possible to the influence
of the sun and air by shortening the foliage overhanging it. When the.
fruit is on the under side of the trellis the shoots may be untied and
regulated so as to bring the apex to the light, supporting the fruit by thin
laths placed across the wires of the trellis.

Latest Houses. — SyriDge morning and afternoon on fine days. Water
the inside borders once a week, and mulch with short manure. The
outside borders must Dot lack moisture. Feed weakly trees with liquid
manure, but not those having a tendency to over-luxuriance. Tie in the
shoots regularly, and keep them rather thin. S'op gross shoots so as to
equalise the sap, or remove t"em altogether. When the fruit is swelling
after s'oning close the houses somewhat early in the afternooD, so as to
run up to 85° or 90°, and admit a little air at the top of the hou-:e before
nightfall. Admit air early, and increase it with the sun’s power, and
reduce in like manner, keeping at 80° to 85° through the day fiom sun
heat.

£3

HE BEE-KEEPER.

NOTES ON BEES.

Not until the 17th of July did we experience genial
weather, which was the first good honey- gathering day of the
season, and in fact the first one we could get to advantage
to divide several stocks into nuclei with safety and success.
That was just the kind of day to manipulate, when several
hives queens were piping and others swarming — a rather
common occurrence this season with stocks not intended to
swarm. The hitherto barren season and scarcity of honey
had encouraged more breeding than would have been had
the honey been more plentiful, which a3 a rule induces the
bees to swarm more readily than when honey is abundant.
With the matured queens and advanced worker brood of our
pure stocks I should have managed very well to have formed
sufficient nuclei for my purpose, and with the assistance of
frames of brood and young bees from swarmed stocks after
the royal cells in formation had been excised I have more
young queens than are required for my purpose. Many of
these nuclei are strong, and will without further assistance,
if the weather be favourable, gather surplus honey.

During the time of manipulation all went well. Not a
bpe was killed nor was there any stinging, but one remark¬
able incident occurred. One of the hives had been preparing
for swarming before I began manipulation, and after all was
fiuished and without the slightest appearance of commotion
or swarming one appeared amongst the trees, doubtless made
up by the bees from all the nuclei along with the queen that
had intended to swarm first, thus proving that the bees do
pre arrange those that are to leave ; confirmed by the fact,
too, that although the old stock is removed a distance in
order to strengthen the swarm, the bees of the former wilL
not join the latter as wanted, but will persistently refuse-,
seek the old stock and enter it, and hum briskly to attract

July 29, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

101

the rest of the bees to their old home. I know that this
trait in the character of bees is disbelieved by some, but let
those who wish to test the matter try the experiment.

QUEBN INTRODUCTION.

A pure Carniolian was hived about three weeks before the
date of the foregoing manipulations, but the queen was so
large and heavy she could not fly. It had made several
attempts to swarm with the same result, the bees returning
and the queen creeping from the ground into the hive. I
removed the supers, excised all the royal cells, and ventilated.
This had the desired effect, preventing further inclination to
swarm. From the appearance of the queen, along with the
great number of eggs in the hive, I thought her perfectly
healthy. Still, I am quite convinced that the bees are better
judges in that respect than we can be, and I had my dread,
so I gave the hive a royal cell, and in a short time after the
old queen was deposed.

Already this year many queens not more than eleven
months old have been deposed and young ones reign in their
stead. If bee-keepers would only become impressed by the
great importance of having young queens at the head of all
their stocks, and follow it up, they would be astonished with
the results and extra profits ; and if teachers of bee-hus¬
bandry would refrain from writing on the marking and
mutilating queens’ wings for four or five years, they would
be doing good service towards the advancement of sensible
and profitable bee-keeping, instead of being the direct means
of causing disaster amongst the hives of those who receive
their instruction. Equally bad in its consequences is remov¬
ing queens for the supposed purpose of causing bees to collect
more honey. Bees never work better than when the hive is
in a normal state with a young queen at its head. This
subject requires all the attention bee-keepers can give to it.
It is, therefore, au opportune time for the discussion of queen
introduction. When writing and advising beginners on any
subject connected with bees, I describe a plan with the least
risk, and which is most likely to succeed, refraining at all
times from advising anything that is likely to lead to disaster.
It is, therefore, not for the want of knowledge I am silent,
but for the reasons mentioned above. I have been prompted
to enlarge upon queen introduction through the remarks of
“ A Surreyshire Bee-keeper,” page 56, where he alludes to
Mr. Abbott and his plan of introducing queens successfully to
hives having eggs. I have had much longer experience in
introducing queens than that gentleman has had, therefore
I warn your readers against adopting his plan as stated by
“A. S. B. K.”

It was the late Mr. T. W. Woodbury’s frank admission
of failures that was the means of advancing bee-husbandry
so much during the short time that gentleman wrote on bee-
husbandry in this Journal. It is because of failure that I
possess the knowledge to guide others. I am perfectly
cognisant of many cases where the novice acted in the most
stupid and risky manner in the introduction of queens, yet
was successful. I remember well the rejoinder an apprentice
gave to his master when the latter pulled to pieces an article
of furniture the former had put together in a defective
manner. It was in the following words : — “ Had you not 1
committed a similar blunder, you would not have known !
where to look for mine.”

When the Ligurian bee was introduced I was £25 out of
pocket before I got one to succeed. The first one 1 had
from Mr. J. Swan of Dunse, it was simply a mongrel, not a
pure queen ; but he refused to give me the slightest satis¬
faction, not even answering a single letter — five guineas
lost ! I put the queen to a stock two days queenless, yet
she was deposed. My second one, another five guineas, this
time a swarm I put in a hive containing brood and eggs ;
there was also a queen cell newly commenced, which I did
not destroy. It was brought forward, duly hatched, and my
Ligurian queen wa3 deposed. I killed the young one, and
raised a number of young queens, two of which were purely

fertilised. I had them removed to a distance near Ligurian
drones, and after a month brought them homo still virgins.
The weather had been stormy the most of the time. It was
in the afternoon of a warm day in August when I arrived at
home with them. There were not many common drones,
and these were past flying for the day, and two were fertilised
pure. This was, however, at the time when foul brood made
such a scourge in my apiary, and before any Italian bees
were introduced, so they fell victims to the scourge. A third
one met with an accident, over which I had no control, so
I had to procure a fourth, but immediately after I had large
supplies at a cheap rate from Messrs. Neighbour.

I now gained much experience in introducing queens, and
soon learned that successful introduction could not be
depended upon if larvae or eggs were in the hive. It was
about this time that Mr. Woodbury wrote advising bee¬
keepers rather to get a swarm with a queen than risk a queen
to bo joined to a hive of bees by the novice. Queen cages
then become a necessity, the pipe cover was called into
requisition, and Mr. Ferguson of Stewarton and a Mauchline
bee-keeper described what an efficient cage should be like.
These gentlemen’s ideas were the same, and the plan of the
cage was identical with what is termed the “ Raynor queen
cage.” I have not the number of the Journal containing the
description, but I remember it well. Then we have the
“ Renfrewshire Bee-keeper’s ” cage of a like sort, also in use
long before we heard of the “ Raynor.”

After the Ligurian queens became cheaper and more
plentiful many complaints reached me that what they had
were either crosses or only a common black queen. This I
denied. In all honour to the foreigner I never knew of a
black or crossed queen coming into my possession until
lately I received some Italians, half Cyprians. Once or
twice I had a greyish bee, not unlike the Carniolians, void of
stripes, but having otherwise all the characteristics of the
Ligurian bee. It was easy to explain how the Ligurian queens
were supposed to be only crosses or the common black bee.
Those who received the genuine Ligurian queens, like Mr.
Abbott, had not acquired the knowledge how bees receive and
treat stranger queens. We all know that the reigning queen
must first be deposed before introducing another. But every
one does not know that in certain cases it is not necessary to
depose the reigning queen. If the bees are beginning to be
dissatisfied with their reigning monarch a queen may be
introduced without any danger of her being killed. J ust the
same as in the case described above with queen cell bees
treat queen-cells and queens very much alike, We do not
know the time when a queen will be accepted, but I have
experienced cases of the kind often.

It is a fact, too, that queens may be well received at first,
yet after she begins to lay queen-cells will be raised, and in
due course she will be deposed. The same thing occurs if
eggs are in the hive when she is introduced, hence the reason
that the superseding queen turns out either a cross or pure
black, and why valuable queens should not be introduced to
hives where eggs or larva are present. If a queen is intro¬
duced to a hive having eggs or larva, the hive should be
examined eight days thereafter.

Queens have, in addition to their functions and station in
life, the same nature as the worker bees, subject like them
to excitement, fear, and anger, which, if present when
liberated, either causes the bees to attack her, or if she
escapes leaves the hive. Young bees that never were near
a queen, one may be given to them with perfect safety at
any time.

Old bees must first know their loss before introducing an
alien, but as it is their instinct to start royal cells when they
have the opportunity they will depose the reigning one the
moment the young one is hatched, if not earlier. Therefore
do not risk any queen in a hive having eggs or larvae. Not¬
withstanding the natural instinct of bees to do that they
sometimes permit a stranger queen to enter the hive and
allow her to live unmolested for many months.

102

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

r July 29, 181-6.

Bees remember their old site or entrance for more than a
month, and no doubt would recognise their own queen if
presented to them many days after having been deprived of
her. I have witnessed bees searching for their killed queen
when placed 50 yards from their hive. Bees are sometimes very
hostile to alien queens for a long time, doing this perhaps in the
hopes of their own appearing again. I have often quailed
the bees on the attack of a stranger, and soothed their temper
by introducing their own queen in a dead state at the same
time I set the alien at liberty amongst them. I never knew
this to fail, and it insured the safety of the alien queen. I
have seen so many instances of reckless, yet successful intro¬
duction of queens, that I feel certain that lessons from failures
as to the introduction of queens will be of more service to
those requiring hints than if I was to mislead by recording
successful introduction in cases I did not approve of in the
manner it was done.

BEES BUILDING COMBS IN AN ISOLATED HIVE.

I have it on record where a hive of bees belonging to me
stored honey at the time of a glut in combs 4 feet from the
tenanted hive, and “ R, S.” the same year had a beautiful
bellglass filled under similar circumstances. It is a common
occurrence for bees to clean out and dress up old combs in
isolated hives before swarming. But this year a gentleman
at Port Glasgow had a hive, the bees of which frequented an
empty hive standing a good distance from the other, and
actually built combs in it before it swarmed, after which they
took possession of it. This looks more like reason than instinct

PREPABING FOR THE MOORS.

My hives are now mostly in capital order for gathering
Burplus honey at home, and, being supplied with young
queens, will be extra when set down at the Heather. The
precautions to be observed to prevent mishaps are — I shall
prepare them some days previous to departure with them, and
have their external appearance the same as they will b9 when
released. If this is not attended to many bees, and perhaps
queens too, will be lost when set down at the Heather. So I
will guard against that, and keep the external appearance of
every hive the same as it was at home.

The Clover season will be past here about the end of July.
The weather has been extremely changeable, with high and
low temperatures, neither of which is good for honey secre¬
tion. The only days they have got in the honey season was
on the 17th and 18th July. Yet for all that to day (19th) I
had a crossed Cyprian swarm, three weeks swarmed, which
weighed — bees, combs, and their contents— 65 lbs., which is
at least double that any other variety has made during the
same time.

Being unable to attend to my bees properly, about two
weeks ago a huge swarm issued from a Syrian stock. Not
expecting it, and not having a hive ready for its reception, I
threw it back ; but it has remained comparatively idle ever
since. It is a rule that after bees prepare for swarming they
discontinue working.

While tiered hives are undoubtedly the largest producers,
still it is a loss to attempt frustrating the swarming mania,
and as swarms always work best we should take them the
first opportunity, and make the most of them. — A Lanarkshire
Bee-keeper.

QUEEN INTRODUCTION.

It may be interesting to your readers to learn the result of my first
attempt at queen introduction, the method adopted being that recom¬
mended (No. 1) by Mr. Simmins. I had two stocks from which swarms
had issued on the 1st and 2nd inst. respectively, and on the 9th I cut out
all the queen cells I could find ; I again examined them on the 12tb, and
found they had started others, these I also destroyed. On the morning of the
15th I received two Ligurian queens, and at 10 P.M., by lamp light, I
raised one corner of the quilt, and using only sufficient smoke to keep the
bees down, I allowed a queen to run down into each hive. I did not
again disturb them until 11 A.M. on the 19th, when I found I had been
completely successful in both cases. Perhaps other bee-keepers will give
Mr. Simmins’ method a fair trial. — T. Moss.

All correspondence should be directed either to “The Editor”
or to “The Publisher.” Letters addressed to Dr. Hogg or
members of the staff often remain unopened unavoidably. We
request that no one will write privately to any of our correspon¬
dents, as doing so subjects them to unjustifiable trouble and
expense.

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions relat¬
ing to Gardening and those on Bee subjects, and should never
send more than two or three questions at once. All articles in¬
tended for insertion should be written on one side of the paper
only. We cannot reply to questions through the post, and we
do not undertake to return rejected communications.

TO CORRESPONDENTS. — We desire to assure those of our corre¬
spondents whose letters and communications are not promptly
inserted that they are not the less appreciated on that account.
Our pages are practically filled several days prior to publication,
and letters arriving on Wednesday morning, except by special
arrangement, are invariably too late for insertion. The delay in
the publication of some of these is not of material importance,
hue reports of meetings and shows held a week previously lose
much or all of their value if not received in time to appear
in the current issue.

Seedling Gloxinia ( T . TV.). — The flowers sent are pretty, and the variety
is worth keeping, but there are many others in cultivation equally as good.

Dwarf Kidney Beans (M. A. B.). — You need have no fear of the Scarlet
Runners in an adjoining garden affecting the purity of the seed of the
variety you wish to preserve.

Exhibiting Roses (Chester Subscriber). — The remark of our correspon.
dent had no doubt reference to the probabililty of the exhibitor to whom
you refer taking more prizes for Roses. We believe he has taken prizes
since the remark was published, and if you look down page 118 of the same
volume to which you direct our attention you will find a record of some
of them. See also report of Wirral Show in the present issue.

Bran as Manure ( Pen and Ink). — No doubt bran possesses manurial
properties, and we can quite understand it would be good for Potatoes in
strong land, spreading it in the drills with the sets ; but at the same time
we should not think of purchasing it for that purpose, as we could spend
our money better on kiln dust for spreading in with Potatoes in the same
way — a large handful to every 5 or 6 yards of the trench.

Mushroom (A Subscriber). — The specimen you have sent is Agaricus
arvensis, the Horse Mushroom. Cooked just in the stage of the one before
us — that is, just after the veil has broken from the pileus, and before the
gills change colour, they are safe to eat, but should not be eaten in button
form, nor when quite expanded and getting old. They are good for
ketchup.

Peaches Falling (TV. A.). — The stone of the ripe fruit sent is very
defective, and sufficient to account for the fruit falling from the tree. It
may be the result of imperfect fertilisation, also of a deficiency of calcareous
matter in the border. The tree would probably be benefited by raising the
roots and placing them in good loam to which a tenth part of lime rubbish
is added, making the border firm, and surfacing with manure for keeping
it moist in the summer, and inciting the production of surface roots.

Tarragon (B. P. cj- Sons). — The plants you have sent are Tarragon. To
have plants possessing the full flavour of the herb they should always be
raised by division. The plants flower freely, but seed seldom, and when
plants are raised from seed they are practically flavourless, in their young
stages at least; whether they eventually possess the desired property we do
not know, but this you can ascertain. When the leaves of the plants you
have sent are slightly dried or withered the Tarragon flavour is apparent.

Nectarine Tree Unhealthy (TV. T.). — The leaves of your tree are yellow
because they are not sufficiently nourished, the sap vessels of the stock are
contracted, and probably the roots are not working freely in good soil. If
you wind a thick hayband round the contracted part of the stem, and keep
it moist, it wiU do good, and you would do well also to carefully place the
roots in good loamy soil in the autumn, not letting them get dry during the
process of lifting, and removing the requisite portion of the old border.
A liberal application of liquid manure might benefit the tree now.

Water Lilies (A. C.). — Nymphma odorata, which has flowers rather
larger than the common white Water Lily N. alba, is hardy in the southern
districts of England, and the blooms have a reddish tinge, but the variety
rosea is much more deeply coloured though the flowers are smaller. It is a
native of North America, and could be procured from nurserymen who make
a specialty of hardy plants. Your other questions are too indefini e, but
Todea superba, Trichomane3 trichoideum, and Hymenophyllum hirsutum
are favourites with most Fern lovers.

Tomatoes ( Cambridge ). — Take off the growths that spring from the fruit
bunches at once. They are the result of vigour of the plants. If fruit does
not set on bunches from the main stems let a few tiuBses form on laterals,
pinching the growths immediately beyond them. When six or eight
trusses of fruit set top the plants and suppress all subsequent lateral

July 29, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

103

growths ; indeed, some of the large leaves may be shortened, not all at
once, but by degrees if they are very large and quite overshadow the fruit.
Some of the large leaves below the fruit may also be shortened, a few at a
time, so as not to give a check to the flow of sap for supporting the crop.

Datura suaveolens (S A.). — This, no donbt, is the plant to which you
refer. It grows well in rich fibrous loam with a little sand, wood ashes, or
gritty matter intermixed to render it porous. It should be potted firmly
and syringed frequ/ntly to keep down red spider, and is benefited by being
stood outside in the summer in a rather shaded place at first to prevent the
sun scorching the foliage, and eventually in the full sun to ripen the growth,
but the leaves must not flag by an insufficiency of water at the roots. The
pot should be shaded. Gradually reduce the supply of water towards the
autumn, and keep the soil rather dry than wet in the winter.

Cucumbers for Market (.4 Young Beginner). — All we can do is to advise
you to adopt a different system of management in future, as it is clear you
cannot grow Cucumbers on the non-ventilating plan, though others may do
so. It not a safe plan for “ beginners,” nor is it equally adaptable for all
houses and districts. You cannot do better than consult the “ Work for the
Week” pages in back numbers of this Journal, and you will find sound
advice on Cucumber culture and management about every fortnight. Weak
liquid manure is very good for Cucumbers when they are bearing freely,
and they should be encouraged to produce fresh roots by periodical top-
dressings of rough rich soil. ■

Destroying Queen Wasps {James Watts). — You are quite right in
supposing that all wasps appearing in spring are queens, which would, if no
accident occured to them, produce a similar number of nests. The number
of young wasp3 produced, however, appears to depend very much on the
weather experienced during the month of May. Wasps were exceedingly
numerous during the early part of this year, but owing to the weather
being very wet at the time they generally commence building the chances
are that they will not be proporlionately abundant during the summer.
The plan of offering prizes or otherwise paying for queens collected is a
good one, and if generally acted on would keep down these disagreeable
insects considerably.

PJum Trees on North Wall (A Young Gardener). — Train in all the
growths that will be required for furnishing the trees their full length,
and stop all others to within three joints or leaves of their base. They should
be trained so as to cover the wall with the branches about 9 inches apart,
not nearer, and they need not exceed 12 inches. If the side growths break
after being once stopped pinch them again at the first joint of growth, and
repeatedly through the summer. In the autumn they may be cut back to a
couple of buds, or an inch or so of their bases, but the main shoots need
not be shortened unless it be necessary to originate other shoots, when they
should be cut back accordingly. Depressed or brought into their proper
position they will no doubt give sufficient Bhoots for furnishing the space
without cutting back, and form fruit buds on short stubby growths through¬
out their length by pinchiDg those not required for space-filling at the
third joint.

Difference of Growth and Bloom of Roses (Bolton). — We think the
difference is due in some degree to soil, and in part also to climate. We
find a great difference both in the growth and flowers of the same varieties
in the same garden. In soil that is light and rich the growth is strong and
the buds large, also the flosvers.bat they have not nearly the same substance
of petal, nor nearly so full and lasting as those grown where the soil had the
addition of a third of clay or marl in making the beds, the Boses in this
making sturdier, shorter jointed wood, with much finer and cleaner foliage.
We think the soil of your friend’s garden is better suited for Roses than
yours, and the climate may also be better for Roses. We do not know of
any other cause likely to influence the Roses in the way you describe.
Give them a stronger soil with rich surface dressings, more particularly
those containing potash and lime.

Tomatoes not Setting ( B . S. -/.). — Some varieties naturally set better
than others. Excessive vigour and a damp atmosphere are impediments
to the setting of the fruit. Growers for market keep the atmosphere of
their Tomato houses dry, and give only sufficient water to prevent the
plants flagging till a good number of the flower trusses are set, then give
water freely to support the fruit. There is nothing antagonistic in this to
the practice described by our correspondent of syringing the plants now and
then when in flower, as we can quite understand that a good dash with a
syringe when the air of the house is dry would conduce to the settiug of
the fruit by dispersing of the pollen. Some cultivators syringe the bunches
of Muscat Grapes when flowering with the same object. Tomatoes grown
in pots often set better than plants that are growing luxuriantly in beds of
rich soil. We Buspect you have given your plants too much water, and
they have in consequence grown too luxuriantly.

will save the present crop. A 4£-inch wall will be sufficient for confining
the roots.

Names of Fruits.— The names and addresses of senders of fruit to
be named must in all cases be enclosed with the specimens, whether
letters referring to the fruit are sent by post or not. The names are
not necessarily required for publication, initials sufficing for that.
Only six specimens can be named at once, and surplus fruits beyond that
number cannot be preserved. (W. It., Wimbledon). — The Strawberries, in
consequence of being loosely packed in a large box, were smashed into jam
by shaking in transit, and we can only say the leaf resembles Dr. Hogg.
(Thomas Joyce). — 5, Yicar of Winkfield; 7,Duchesse d’Angouleme; 8, Beurre
d’Aremberg; 11, Nouveau Poiteau; 18, Jargonelle ; 27, Van Mona L6on Le
Clerc.

Names of Plants. — We only undertake to name species of plants, not
varieties that have originated from seed and termed florists’ flowers.
Flowering specimens are necessary of flowering plants, and Fern fronds
should bear spores. Specimens should arrive in a fresh state in firm
boxes. Slightly d.amp moss or soft green leaves form the best packing, dry
cotton wool the worst. Not more than six specimens can be named at once.
(Miss Barnes). — Your plant is a Clianthus, probably C. puniceus. It is a
greenhouse plant, but grows well in a frame in the summer. If it is kept in
a house it should be syringed well occasionally, as it is liable to be attacked
with red spider. (J. Beadle). — 1, Phytolacca decandra ; 2, Stachys lanata ;
3, Aloe speciosa ; 4, Adiantum pubescens. (J. L.). — The specimen sent is a
poor one, but it resembles Melampyrum pratense, the Yellow Cow Wheat.

Driving Bees (Alpha). — Your letter, with “ A Lanarkshire Bee-keeper’s
reply to it, will be published in an early issue of this Journal.

COYENT GARDEN MARKET.— July 28th.

Heavy supplies reaching us, and, with business dull, prices are lower.

FRUIT,
s. d. s. d.

Apples . £ sieve 0 0 to 0 0

Cherries . £ Bieve SO 4 0

Currants, B'ack .. J sieve 2 3 2 6

„ Red . . £ sieve 2 6 0 0

Figs . dozen 16 2 0

Grapes . lb. 1 0 SO

Lemons . case 10 0 15 0

s. d. s. d.

Melon . each 1 0 to 2 0

Oranges . 100 6 0 12 o

Peaches . perdoz. 4 0 10 0

Pine Apples English.. It). 2 0 3 0

Plums . £ sieve 0 0 0 0

St. Michael Fines ..each 4 0 6 0

Strawberries.. .. per lb. 0 6 10

VEGETABLES.

Artichokes .

. dozen

s.

1

d.

0

S.

to 0

d

0

Lettuce .. ..

s.

1

d.

0

s.
to 1

d

6

Asparagus .. .

. bundle

0

0

0

0

Mushrooms ..

.. punnet

0

8

1

0

Beans, Kidney

lb.

0

3

0

0

Mustard and Cress punnet

0

2

0

0

Beet, Red .. .

dozen

1

0

2

0

Onions ,. ..

0

3

0

0

Broccoli .

bundle

0

0

0

0

Parsley .. dozen bunches

2

0

3

e

Brussels Sprouts .

. £ sieve

0

0

0

0

Parsnips .. ..

1

0

3

0

Cabbage .

dozen

1

6

0

0

Potatoes . . ..

4

0

6

0

Capsicums .. .

100

1

6

2

0

,, Kidney

.. cwt.

4

e

6

0

Carrots .

bunch

0

6

0

0

Rhubarb . . ..

0

2

0

0

Cauliflowers .. .

. dozen

3

0

4

0

Salsafy .. ..

1

0

1

6

Celery .

bundle

1

6

2

0

Scorzonera ..

.. bundle

1

6

0

0

Coleworts doz.

bunches

2

0

4

0

Seakale .. ..

per basket

0

0

0

0

Cucumbers .. .

. each

0

3

0

6

Shallots .. ..

0

3

0

0

Endive .

dozen

1

0

s

0

Spinach .. ..

8

0

4

0

Herbs .

. bunch

0

2

0

0

Tomatoes

0

4

0

6

Leeks .

. bunch

0

8

0

4

Turnips ..

0

4

0

6

PLANTS IN POTS.

e. d. s. d.

Aralia Sieboldi .. dozen 9 0 to 18 0

Arbor vita1 (golden) dozen 0 0 0 0

„ (common) dozen 6 0 12 0

Arum Lilies . . . . dozen 0 0 0 0

Bedding Plants, var. doz. 10 2 0

Begonias .. .. dozen 6 0 9 0

Calceolaria . . per dozen 4 0 9 0

Cineraria .. .. dozen 0 0 0 0

Cockscombs per dozen 4 0 6 0

Crassula .. per dozen 12 0 24 0

Cyperus . dozen 4 0 12 0

Dracfflna terminalis, dozen 30 0 60 0

„ viridis .. dozen 12 0 24 0

Erica, various . . dozen 12 0 24 0

Euonymus, in var. dozen 6 0 18 0

Evergreens, in var. dozen 6 0 24 0

Ferns, in variety .. dozen 4 0 18 0

s.

a.

B.

d.

Ficus elastica

. . each

1

6

to 7

0

Fuchsia

per dozen

4

0

9

0

Foliage Plants, var. each

2

0

10

0

Heliotropo

per dozen

4

0

8

0

Hydrangea . .

per dozen

6

0

12

0

Ivy Geraniums

per dozen

3

0

6

0

Lilium auratum

per doz.

24

0

60

0

„ lancifolium per doz.

9

0

18

0

„ longiflomm per doz.

18

0

SO

0

Lobelias . .

per dozen

S

0

4

0

Marguerite Daisy dozen

6

0

9

0

Mignonette . .

per dozen

3

0

6

0

Musk .. ..

per dozen

2

0

4

0

Myrtles . .

6

0

12

0

Palms, in var.

each

2

6

21

0

Pelargoniums, scarlet, doz.

3

0

6

0

Pelargoniums

per dozen

6

0

15

e

Figs Failing (Cranfordian) — The Figs sent are abortive. They are in
that condition known as flowering, when the fruit opens at its apex or eye
for the admission of air to the organs of fructification. The most probable
cause of the condition of the fruit is excessive luxuriance of the tree. This
is fatal to seeding, and is analogous to stoning in Peaches, &c. The only
remedy is to diminish the vigour of the tree, or give it more heat with
corresponding air, so as to secure the better elaboration of the sap and its
consequent assimilation. As the tree is in a cool house we should keep the
growths thin, in order that air and light may have free access, and in
autumn cut the roots about 2 feet from the stem and quite down to the
bottom of the border. This, if done early in October, will check late
growth, the wood then having a better chance of ripening. The soil
removed should be returned and made firm. In case the roots have the
run of a wide border it would be the best plan to lift the tree in autumn
so soon as the leaves tnrn yellow, and, taking out the soil, put in a wall so
as to confine the roots to a space of not more than 3 feet wide and double
the length, or 6 feet, putting in a foot of drainage and 30 inches depth of
compost, which should consist of good turfy loam of medium texture,
adding a fifth of old mortar rubbish and a sixth of road scrapings
thoroughly incorporated. In this lay the roots near the surface and make
the soil firm. This will induce a sturdy short-jointed growth, and with
plenty of light and air the wood will be thoroughly solidified as made, and
fruitful. Mulching and feeding will be necessary during growth. Nothing

CUT FLOWERS.

a.

d.

s.

d.

s.

d.

S.

d.

Abntilons

12 bunches

a

0 to 4

0

Lily of the Valley, 12 sprays

0

0

to 0

0

Arum Lilies .

12 blooms

4

0

6

0

Marguerites ..

12 bunches

8

0

6

0

Asters . . .

. doz. blooms

0

6

0

9

Mignonette . .

12 bunches

1

6

4

0

Azalea . . .

12 sprays

0

0

0

0

Myosotis

12 bunches

a

0

3

0

Bouvardias .

per bunch

0

e

1

0

Pelargoniums, per 12 trusses

0

9

1

0

Camellias

12 blooms

0

0

0

0

„ scarlet, 12 trusses

0

s

0

6

Carnations .

12 blooms

1

0

8

0

Roses

12 bunches

2

0

9

0

1 2 bunohes

8

0

6

0

„ (indoor),

per dozen

0

6

a

0

Chrysanthemums 12 blooms

0

0

0

0

„ Tea.. ..

0

9

l

0

Cornflower .

12 bunches

1

6

8

0

„ red

.. dozen

1

0

2

0

Cowslips

doz. bunches

0

0

0

0

,, Moss

12 bunches

9

0

12

0

Daffodils

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Primroses, Yellow, dozen

Epiphyllam . .

doz. blooms

0

0

0

0

dozen bunches

0

0

0

0

Eucharis

per dozen

2

0

4

0

Pyrethrum . .

12 bunches

4

0

9

0

Gardenias

12 blooms

2

0

4

0

Spiraea . . . .

12 sprays

0

0

0

0

Hellebore . .

doz. blooms

0

0

0

0

Stephan otis ..

12 sprays

2

0

3

0

Hyacinths,Roman,12 spray3

0

0

0

0

Stocks, various

12 bunches

3

0

5

0

Iris .

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Sunflowers

0

6

1

0

Lapageria, white, 12 blooms

0

0

0

0

Sweet Pea? . .

12 bunches

2

0

4

0

Lapageria, red

. . 12 blooms

1

0

a

0

Sweet Saltan

12 bunches

s

0

4

0

Lavender dozen bunches

4

0

7

0

Tropseolam . .

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Lilium candidum 12 blms.

0

6

1

0

Tuberoses

12 blooms

0

6

1

0

12 bches. 24

0

30

0

Violets . . . .

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

„ longi florum, 1 2 blms.

s

0

<

0

„ Czsr, Fr.

• • bunch

0

0

0

0

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 29, 1886.

104

FARMED OUT.

“ All the farms in our parish are in hand, and we are
losing money upon them every year,” said an estate agent to
us, and he evidently by his manner intended to imply that
the loss was inevitable, that it was impossible to prevent it
while farm produce was so cheap. Without presuming to
question the wisdom of submission to the inevitable, we
certainly do claim a right to inquire whether in our own
practice such losses may not be reduced and gradually be
avoided. We may go further than this, and assert that
farms thrown upon the landlords' hands farmed-out, may be
brought into condition again and rendered profitable by
judicious treatment, if a reasonable amount of capital be
applied to the work of reclamation. Advisedly do we say
that the work should be done gradually rather than hastily,
step by step, year by year, only taking especial care to effect
real improvements each season.

It is by no means intended to infer that a radical change
may not be effected in a single season, and there are doubt¬
less circumstances in which such a course would be best, as,
for example, in the case of a single farm falling upon the
landlord’s hands. But having regard to the present general
reduction of rent, and the consequent diminution of the land¬
lord’s income, it would be unwise — even rash — to recommend
an expenditure of money upon which the return might be
rendered more than doubtful by bad weather. Yet it is well
to know what may be done in a single season to land farmed-
out, foul with weeds, badly drained, and altogether in a foul,
wet, poverty-stricken condition. If the land could be had
now, and it proved to be foul with perennial weed roots
mingled with a growth of annuals, we should at once see if
the surface could be pared and burnt. The late showery
weather should have rendered paring possible, but it can
hardly be done during a drought, for the surface is then
usually so hard the paring share will not answer. For
expeditious paring the three-shared implement exhibited by
Howard of Bedford at the Norwich meeting of the Royal
Agricultural Society appeared admirably adapted. After
the paring the soil should be broken up, preferably by a
steam cultivator, thrown up roughly and left fully exposed to
sun and air. After a few weeks of such exposure, the clod
crusher, cultivator, and barrows should enable the farm to
get a fine seed bed for winter corn, but before that is sown
due attention must be given to drainage. Pipe drains are,
of course, preferable both for durability and efficiency. Bush
drains though not so durable are equally efficient for a few
years. We are using them to good purpose upon four of the
farms which we have in hand, and we were only too glad to
find materials for this work ready to our hands in the over¬
grown neglected hedges which we found upon these farms.
In heavy land we would make them as close as from 4 to
6 yards apart, knowing as we do that the money so expended
is a safe investment for a quick and profitable return, and
not until wet land is so drained should we venture to begin
storing it with fertility. Having regard, however, to the
fact that drains could hardly now be made till after harvest,
if the land is clean, it will be well to see what can be done
to impart fertility to it by means of green crops.

Of such, White Mustard by its free germination and
quick strong growth lends itself most readily to our purpose,
if only showery weather can be had to give it a good start.
When it is up and growing freely, if the weather is so
unsettled that we may fairly reckon upon some showers, a
hundredweight of nitrate of soda per acre will impart much |

vigour to the Mustard, and we must take care and plough it
in when the seed pods are well developed, but while they
are still green. If this only can be managed we shall have
gained a step in advance for another season, when the sowing
and ploughing in of green crops should have no inconsider¬
able share in our work of storing the soil with fertility.
Mustard, Clover, Tares, Coleseed, Rye, are all excellent
green crops for ploughing in, and we should so reclaim a
considerable proportion of the farm in order to avoid a heavy
outlay upon chemical manures. A certain quantity of such
manures must be had ; be it our special care to see that they
are genuine, that they are had separately from reliable
sources, and mixed at the farm in due proportions to the
requirements of the soil. If dealers in chemical manures
would only cease to press their special mixtures upon
farmers, and would Bupply genuine manures separately, it
would be to the mutual advantage of buyer and seller. We
are convinced that there is a wide field open to enterprising
manure merchants in the direction we indicate, for if once
they can gain the confidence of the farming world by selling
at a low rate manures that render the soil so rich in fertility
as to render crops more abundant and, therefore, more pro¬
fitable, the demand for such manures would grow with our
knowledge of their value.

WORK ON THE HOME FARM.

Mangolds have been gone over for the last time both with hand and
horse hoes ; Swedes and early White Turnips have been thinned, and the
soil between the plants well stirred. Part of the Swedes thinned and
hoed before the haying have made such rapid progress that the plants are
twice the size of the remainder which we were obliged to leave unthinned
till after the haymaking. We regret this unavoidable delay with this
work, for we regard a good root crop as the crown and finish of our
summer cropping. The recent rain has done much good to grass, corn
and roots. We have a vigorous tender green aftermath upon the
meadows, and so free a growth of green food that our bailiffs are crying
out for more sheep than we can well afford to procure for them. Spring
Oats have improved very much of late, Earley and Wheat too are all full
of promise, so that even with low prices we hope to do something more
than pay our way this year. Hedges are being clipped as men esn be
spared for the work, and we like to get through as much of it as we can
before harvest. We regret to see such general negligence in the manage¬
ment of hedges at the present time among tenant farmers ; it is a token
of a want of means for such work, yet we question if any real saving will
be effected in the end, for the work of setting a rough neglected hedge
in order is so great that it costs almost as much as if it had been done in
the ordinary way, and the appearance of the hedge is spoilt for some
time.

The dairy oows are now kept out upon the meadows where hay was
made. Living as they now do upon the fresh succulent growth of Grasses
and Clover, the milk cannot possibly have any impure taint, and the
butter is of a rich yellow colour with a delicious flavour. Now, therefore,
is the best time for potting batter for winter use, care being taken to put
it in glazed pots, and to fill each pot at once and not gtadually. Fat
calves are now cheaper perhaps than they have been for several years,
really fine calves being sold in the markets at from 80s. to 90s. The
whole of the sheep and lambs have now been dipped in Cooper’s
mixture.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
CAMDEN SQUARE, LONDON.

Lat. 51° 32' 40" N.; Long. 0° 8' 0" W. ; Altitude, 111 feet.

DATE.

9 A.M.

IN THE DAT.

Rain

1886.

July.

Barome¬
ter at 32«
and Sea
Level

Hygrome¬

ter.

Direction
of Wind.

Temp, of
Soil at

1 foot.

Shade Tem¬
perature.

Radiation

Temperature.

Dry.

Wet.

Max.

Min.

in

sun.

On

grass

Inches.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg

deg.

deg.

In.

Sunday .

18

29.912

68.3

62.8

S.

61.0

81.3

56.2

120.8

61.8

—

Monday .

19

29.788

65.6

61.9

S.

62.4

71.9

58.8

119.2

54.4

0.321

Tuesday .

20

30.053

64.1

57.9

s.w.

62.0

76.3

53.4

12L.7

50.7

—

Wednesday ..

21

29.885

73 3

66.5

E.

G2.2

86.4

57.6

133.4

51.6

—

Thursday ...

22

29.847

68.4

60.2

S.W.

63.5

73.3

59.6

123.7

53.8

Friday .

23

29.757

63.8

57.9

s.

63.4

65 2

57.9

82.1

54.1

0 358

Saturday ...

24

29.609

65.9

59.8

w.

62.3

70 4

57.3

124.4

54 3

0 03&

29.836

67.1

61.0

62.4

75.0

57.3

117.9

53.0

0.718

REMARKS.

18th.— Fine throughout, and hot In afternoon.

10th.— Cloudv, with slight showers in morn ; heavy showers in afternoon anti evening.
20th.— Dull early; fine bright day.

21st.— Hot and rather close ; occasional spots of rain.

22nd.— Generally bright, but a few drops of rain.

23rd. — Cloudy morning, showery afternoon, wet evening and night. Cooler.

21th.— Generally tine, hut dense clonds frequent. . _ T

A variable week, blit temperature on the whole above the average.— G. J. SIMONS.

August 5, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

105

t. ■■ —

COMING EVENTS

\A A

5

6

Th

p

s

SUN

St. Ires (Hants) Show

8

7tu Sunday after Trinity.

9

M

Darlastou Show (two days)

10

TU

Royal Horticultural Society (Committees at 11 a m.) Show of Plants.

11

w

PREPARING FOR SPRING.
CAULIFLOWERS, CABBAGES, AND LETTUCES.

ALE the failures and disappointments that
occur in gardens are the result of undue delay,
forgetfulness, or procrastination, and may be
traced to the time of commencing preparations
a week or a fortnight too late. That may not
appear a long period, and easy going or inex¬
perienced persons fail to see the importance of
the loss of a few days ; but even that short
time is momentous and much too precious to
lose. Failures undoubtedly arise occasionally from too early
action, but over-haste if perceived in time may be remedied
by supplementary work. There is no such chance of rectify¬
ing errors of the opposite character, and if there is a doubt
as to the exact time for commencing any operation in gar¬
dening it is always better to be a little too soon than too late.
An instance of this may be cited to make the matter clear,
while an example of the greater evil of being too late may
also be adduced. Both pertain to what may be termed
common crops, yet not on that account the less important.

A young gardener, in every respect a worthy man — com¬
petent in plant culture and the duties of his calling generally
under glass — has recently taken charge of a very good garden.
He is sensible of his shortcomings, for unfortunately he has
not had much experience in kitchen gardening, and regrets
that he has not made the most of such opportunities as were
afforded him to acquire knowledge on this branch of his
vocation. Knowing that Broccolis were over in the spring
a considerable time before Cauliflowers were ready, he deter¬
mined to reduce the blank next May by having Cauliflowers
sooner ; hence sowed his stock of seed for raising plants for
passing the winter in frames on July 15th. That was an
error, but remediable, and more seed will be sown during
the present month, a little about the 15th, and the remainder
about the 25th. No one knows which sowing will produce
plants of the greatest service, as everything depends on the
weather. If the autumn is mild and prolonged the earlier-
sown plants will get too advanced before winter, and if this
should be severe and long the plants will “ button ” after
being put out in spring, if they live to be put out at all. The
conditions that are unfavourable for the earlier plants will
be favourable for the later, as with a genial autumn these
will be quite large enough and be in good condition for
planting from frames in the spring or wherever they may
have been preserved through the winter. It is always a
good plan to make two sowings of autumn Cauliflowers, at
least so experience has taught me, and the young gardener
will carry out the plan. As he appeared grateful for the
hint afforded him its record may possibly be of service to
others, apart from illustrating the point that it is better to
be too early than too late.

He was told to plant out his July-sown Cauliflowers in
good soil in a sheltered border, or where a little protection
could be afforded from early frosts, and they might yet get

No. 319. — Von, XIII., Third Series.

large enough to commence turning in just before winter;
and in that case, if dug up and packed closely together in
frames, or even in a convenient position in the open where
freshly fallen leaves might be thrown over them on the
approach of severe weather, they would very likely give a
number of white close heads about the size of teacups in
midwinter before his early Broccoli are ready for use. This
is what I have found on several occasions with plants raised
from a sowing made before the middle of July.

The example of the greater error of too late action also
pertains to one of the most serviceable, even indispensable
crops of the garden — Cabbages. He who fails in having a
supply of spring Cabbages, and having them early, is to be
pitied, for he will not have an enjoyable time in April and
May after the winter greens are eaten, killed, or expanding
their flowers on long tough shoots. In July, 1884, an in¬
dustrious man having a large garden was desirous of making
a little money. He was advised to grow amongst other
things a good plot of Ellam’s Early Cabbage, and to sow the
seed during the second week in July. He did sow then, and
was laughed at by his neighbours on the ground that all the
plants would “bolt.” The gardener at the Hall joined in
the chorus ; but before he was many months older h8 was
glad to give the grower 2 d. each for small plump Cabbages
for a month, until his month-later-sown and later sorts were
ready for cutting. This fine early breadth of a thousand
plants was very profitable, as there were no other Cabbages
ready within miles of them, hence they were readily sold,
and as they were grown only a little more than a foot apart
in rows 18 inches asunder they did not occupy much ground,
and this was vacated in time for cropping with Scarlet
Runners. It is too late for sowing to insure a similarly
earlv crop, but yet while there is time let seed be sown of
approved varieties, and let no one fear they are sowing too
early.

Equally valuable in its way is an abundant and early
supply of Lettuces in spring from autumn-sown plants. It
is a calamity to have to wait for Lettuces from spring- sown
seed. Half the summer is over before they are ready.
Sweet crisp Lettuces are never more welcome than in April
and May, and they can be had then by sowing in August and
growing as many plants as possible close to walls or fences
with a southerly aspect ; failing such shelter something can
be done, even a great deal, by throwing up soil so as to form
a bank having a sharp slope to the south. This is well worth
doing when there are no walls and Lettuces are wanted
early, as they are by most families.

About the 15th of the month is a good time for sow¬
ing for transplanting, sowing again towards the end of the
month or the beginning of September for remaining in the
seed beds till spriug. I have known the earlier plants killed
while the latter survived, simply because these were covered
with snow, while the others were not, but ought to have been,
by a few hours’ work bestowed in time when the snow was
light and dry. If the larger plants survive, as they may be
expected to do, they will be of great service, and the smaller
will form a natural succession, not much less valuable in
turn, for it is not altogether pleasant to have a blank of
three weeks after the first few early salads have been enjoyed.
The two best Cos Lettuces for sowing in August are Hicks'
Hardy Bath Cos, and Old Black-seeded Brown Cos, the
former generally being ready for cutting first if both pass
the winter equally well, though it is not more hardy than the
latter ; indeed, if I were limited to one of them I should rely
on the old favourite. Of Cabbage varieties the Hardy Ham¬
mersmith, Tom Thumb, and the Early Paris Market are all
good, and any or all may be grown. So long as families are
supplied with early spring salads they do not trouble much
about the names of Lettuces.

For insuring a continuance and a certain succession after
the August and September-raised Lettuces are over and pre¬
venting a break in the supply which often occurs then, and

No. 1975 — Yoi . LXXV., Olt> Series

103

[ August 5, 1816.

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDEN Eh.

an awkward one it is, seed of one of the white Cos varieties
should be sown in a framo in October on soil raised to within
8 inches of the glass by a firm bed of leaves. These plants
being properly thinned, diip prevented, and the requisite
protection afforded in severe weather, the lights drawn off
when the days are mild, will be ready for planting on the
departure of winter. This is one of the staple crops of the
London market gardeners, and is often of great value to
them, and is not less acceptable to owners of private gardens.
A little attentive care is necessary for preserving the plants
and preparing them for removal, but they are more than
worth it all.

A word as to the hardiness of Lettuces and other plants.
This depends as much on the treatment to which they are
subjected as on the varieties. A golden rule in preparing
plants for the winter, no matter what they are — Cauliflowers,
Cabbage, Lettuces, Spinach — is to sow very thinly in firm
soil from which water passes quickly, in a very open posi¬
tion. I would, if choice were afforded, much prefer the
middle of a fifty-acre field to a warm south border for raising
the plants. In the ordinary course of sowing, about ten
seedlings spring up on 6very square inch of the bed, and not
infrequently twice that number. Let it be clearly understood
that that practice is wrong. It is thoughtless, ruinous, and
wasteful to throw down the seed so recklessly. One plant to
each square inch is ample, and if more appear they should
be drawn out the moment they can be handled. A rule easy
to be remembered is this, Never allow plants in preparation
for winter and spring to touch each other till they are nearly
ready for use ; then will their tissues be so firm that they
will resist five times the amount of frost that crowded plants
will that are thereby made flabby, soft, and tender. Undue
delay in thinning plants that come up too thickly is a fatal
mistake, and in this work especially there is no fear of com¬
mencing too early, but great danger in being too late. —
Experientia docit.

GRAPES FOR LATEST SUPPLIES.

There is a notion among some amateur cultivators and others
that when they desire to keep Grapes late in the season they
should be ripened late in the autumn, and if fairly well coloured
they are matured and prepared to remain in good condition till,
say, April. No one underrates the very desirable property of
good colour in Grapes, but that may be present while flavour and
keeping qualities are absent. One who has frequently judged
late Grapes is very cognisant of acidity being objectionally
present when colour may be at its best.

It used to be considered the fault of the system of keeping
Grapes over the winter with their stems in water, which made
the fruit so unpleasant to eat during spring, and some of the
most sugary varieties obtained a bad name, and in many crse3
they had to be discarded as worthless. Since the system had
fair play in this country and has become generally understood,
opinions of both proprietors and practical men have materially
changed. A considerable per-centage of cultivators (by prejudice
or something else) will insist on keeping their Vines dragging on
into the autumn unfinished, and have to ripen as best they cm
when sun has almost ceased to have power. The ripening fruit
often assumes a fair appearance, but is almost worthless for
eating; at least, so we think after having tasted samples which
have been grown hundreds of miles apart, it is nearly a quarter
of a century since we (over a course of several seasons) made
numerous experiments in keeping late Grapes One lesson we
were taught which was of much value — viz., that those which
were ripened early in September kept much better than the
Grapes ripened at the end of October and in November. A high
temperature with a current of fresh air for some weeks after
LadyIDowne’s, West’s St. Peter’s, Mi s ’at Hamburgh Burchardt s
Prince, and Alicante had assume 1 their dark coatings changed
the characters completely of these from their ordinary tlavour
and texture of their substance. Lady Downe’s when ripened in a
Muscat house becomes one of the most sugary and richest of
Grapes, and under such conditions keeps in the best possible
condition (if managed well during the months in which it is
preserved) till May I have tasted it of fine quality, free from
shrivelling, in June, and have exhibited the bunches in that
month.

Last year we prepared a quantity for keeping late of the
following, more for the sake of testing some new Grape cup¬
boards than for any other advantage : — Barbarossa (Gros Guil¬
laume), Alnwick Seedling, Alicante. Gros Maroc, Gros Colman,
White Tokay, and Lady Downe’s Seedling. Gros Guillaume
kept in fine condition to the end of March, it then began to get
limp. Alnwick Seedling became very tough after February, ana
its tlavour (which we never have tasted of high palatable order)
was very inferior. Alicante did well till the end of April, keeping
its fine dense bloom till the last. Gros Maroc was good to the
end of March, but some which were kept to the end of April
were very “ leathery ” and inferior, but not shrivelled. Gros
Colman was unchanged at the end of April and one of the best,
being sugary, and the large berries did not become limp. White
Tokay is the best keening white kind which we have tried, except
white Lady Downe’s ; this kind did not change in appearance,
flavour, or texture, and was used up at end of April. Lady Downe s
Seedling we give the preference to beyond all others, and did we
only grow one Grape for use during the spring months this would
be the one which would have especial favour. It was rich, sugary,
and bloom as perfect as in October well into May. This kind
gave special satisfaction to those who used them at dessert during
May. These were mostly well ripened in a Muscat house during
September, cut and bottled in December, placed in their winter
quarters, which are cupboards fixed in the garden office (a some¬
what spacious one, heated with hot water), but the heat was
seldom turned on for the sake of the Grapes. The loss from
decay or other causes was almost nil.- — M. Temple, Carronhouse.

CHRYSANTHEMUMS AND THEIft CULTURE.

( Continue i from page 62.)

TIME FOR HOUSING PLANTS.

Inexperienced growers of Chrysanthemums do not understand
at what date to house their plants so as to have them in bloom at
any given period. Without some knowledge as to the length of
time particular varieties require to develope their flowers it is
extremely difficult to have the plants in perfection exactly when
wanted for exhibiting. This applies both to cut blooms and speci¬
men plants, and is of the utmost importance, as freshness of the
flowers goes a long way towards gaining success. _ Some varieties
require a much longer time after they reach a certain stage in the
growth of the flowei buds to develope than others do from the
same point of growth. Practical experience, which means incessant
watching to detect the peculiarities of varieties, alone can render
a new grower perfect in this detail ; but a few hints on this subject
will possibly bo of advantage to the inexperienced. Circumstances
do not sometimes admit of the plants being housed at exactly the
time wished. The locality, too, in which the grower is situated
has to be considered. If it be a low damp situation a grower should
remove his plants inside earlier than another person located on a
hill, for the reason that in the low-lying district early frosts are
more to be feared than where the position is high, and consequently
drier. _

Many plants are spoilt annually through being left outside a
few days too long. The tender swelling flower buds are easily
destroyed by early frosts. When such an accident as this occurs
the flowers produced are always crippled and are never perfect.
Growers living in a district a considerable length of time know
when to expect these early frosts, and it is seldom that any very
great alteration takes place in the time of their arrival ; therefore
careful persons are not often caught napping with regard to the
proper housing of their plants.

Presuming, then, that a show is to take place from the 10th to
the 20th of November, all plants should be housed by the 8th of
October, and so on in proportion to the dates fixed. No plants
should remain outside without protection a longer period than that
named. If they begin to show the colour of the flower by the
unfolding of their florets it is useless to allow them to remain longer
outside in the hope of retarding them, without means of warding
off rains, frosts, and heavy dews, because as the flowers if continu¬
ally wet quickly damp when placed under cover. Some varieties
require moving inside much earlier than the dates named. These
I propose to place by themselves, and those which require to remain
outside as long as it is considered safe to do so are also named
together. Any that are not named require housing at what I will
call the general time, say October 1st ; those requiring the longest
time to develope their flowers are to be housed first, say about
September 16th. Before their removal inside the plants should be
examined for mildew, which generally infests the under side of
the leaves in autumn, and is more difficult to eradicate than when
on the outer surface. The best remedy is to lay the plants on their
sides and syringe them as previously directed ; remove all dead

August 5, 1886, ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

107

leaves also and wash the pots clean, so that no more moisture need
be given after housing than is absolutely required in watering.
Plants arranged in a clean manner as to leaves and pots have a
much better appearance than when put away in a dirty state.

Varieties requiring housing early (September 10th). — Boule
d’Or, Meg Merrilees, Mabel Ward, Eve, Duchess of Albany, Gran-
diflora, Golden Dragon, Sarnia, Cherub.

If a grower fails to get buds at the time he requires of some
varieties he then takes the next buds : this makes the late bud slow
in developing, aud he should house the said plants at the early date
to make up for lost time in “ taking ” the buds.

Varieties requiring a short time to develops : — Beverley, George
Rundle, Mrs. Dixon, George Glenny, Mr. Bunn, Prince Alfred,
Lord Wolseley, Refulgence, Bouquet Fait, Madame Berthie Ren-
datler, and Elaine.

ARRANGING THE PLANTS.

The manner in which the plants are arranged when placed inside
must depend upon circumstances, such as the means at the command
of the cultivator and personal taste. Where practicable an effective
manner of grouping them is much the best, in this way considerable
pleasure is derived in examining them and comparing varieties.
Some growers simply place them on the floor of the house in any
fashion, this is a slovenly manner. No position suits them better
than vineries or Peach houses after the fruit has been gathered ;
the leaves about the time the Chrysanthemums are placed under
cover will he falling, thus admitting more light to the plants. A
span-roofed greenhouse is a capital place for them, but it is seldom
that such a house can be devoted to the purpose. Nowhere are
they more effective than in a large conservatory, where Palms are
the chief inmates. Some of the tallest plants of Japanese Chrys¬
anthemums standing amongst the green foliage of the Palms are
very effective, but where the convenience is limited to Vine and
Peach houses the most must be made of the means at command by
effectively grouping the plants, arranging the colours according to
taste. A long sloping bank arrangement is the best in such a
position, both for observation, convenience, and the welfare of the
plants. With the object of exhibiting as the chief point to consider
it is wise to place the Japanese varieties in a house by themselves,
so that more fire heat can be given to them during the time the
blooms are developing. The flowers are improved, the colours are
brighter, and the florets come out cleaner and more regularly than
they do where no fire heat is employed. When all sections are
arranged together this additional heat cannot be given without
detriment to others which do not require extra heat. In all cases
place the plants as near to the glass as possible, so that they may
have the full benefit of all available light. The colours of each are
by this means brought out more in their true characters than they
can be where light is diffused. The flower stems do not either
become drawn weakly, as they do when the plants are far from the
glass. The strength of the flower stem is a good indication of what
is to follow in the shape of large blooms. The plants may be stood
quite close together. The leaves of one may touch its neighbour, as
seldom it is that space can be given to each plant to stand clear,
though it is much more satisfactory where this can be done. When
arranged in a solid bank the bottom leaves of the inside plants will
quickly turn yellow and fall, but I do not know that so much harm
can happen to the plants in consequence, because by the time that
takes place the bottom leaves of the plants will have carried out
their functions. The back walls of any cool houses which are bare
in the winter may be utilised by training some of the tallest plants
upon them. Often it is difficult to dispose of the very tall-growing
varieties, but in such a manner it is easily done, and the plants
always seem to thrive well when so placed.

AUTUMN TREATMENT UNDER GLASS.

Under this head the chief details consist of watering the plants
and ventilating in a proper manner. Feeding the plants should
continue as previously directed. It is seldom that they will require
water more than once a day, and not always that. The pots being
placed closer together air does not pass among them so freely, and
the sun does not so readily reach them, therefore the soil does not
dry so quickly as when the plants are outside. A dry atmosphere
prevents the spread of mildew more than a close damp one.
Whatever watering is required should be done in the morning, so
that the paths and floors of the house will have time to become dry
before night. In damp or foggy weather less air may be admitted,
and the hot water pipes should be warmed during the day, when
air can be freely given to prevent the atmosphere becoming stagnant.
If mildew shows signs of spreading, dust the parts affected with
sulphur at once. When they are housed ventilate abundantly both
night and day until the florets are unfolding ; then at that stage it
is wise to decrease the supply. If any plants are backward in
growth so much that they cannot be fully in flower at an appointed

time they should be placed in the warmest part of the house, or,
what is better, have a house to themselves where special treatment
can be given to them as is required. The glass in the roof of the
house should be kept as clean as possible that the plants may receive
the full benefit of whatever light there is, which is often scarce at
this season of the year. By constantly removing the dead leaves
from the plants and keeping all sweet and clean the risks of damping
among the petals is reduced to aminimum.

“TIMING” THE BLOOMS.

Where it is the intention of a cultivator to exhibit cut blooms
of Chrysanthemums, “ timing ” them is an important matter to
study, for without considerable forethought it is next to impossible
to achieve the object in view. “ Timing ” the blooms means having
all in perfection at any given date. An experienced exhibitor
knows well it is of no use whatever to have some varieties past
their best and many others not expanded. What is required is
that all varieties, or nearly so, should be in full perfection at the
time appointed, so that a good selection can be made, for indeed it
is seldom that too many varieties are available. Three weeks pre¬
vious to the date which they are required great watchfulness is
necessary, and very much labour in moving the plants about from
place to place to hasten or retard others. This requires doing in
a systematic manner, simple as it appears to be, for without care
much damage may be done to the tender florets. The best way to
carry a tall plant when in bloom is this : One person takes the pot
and a second manages the branches and flowers, which are carried
in a horizontal manner. The blooms hanging down and being held
securely, the gentle swinging does not harm them in the least. It
is difficult laying down any guide as to how long each variety
requires to reach a certain stage of development ; but as a rule the
large-flowering varieties, such as the Queen family, require from
a fortnight to three weeks, according to the size of each flower, to
develope thoroughly after they are, say, one-quarter out. Such
flowers are very deceptive in appearance. Buds which at opening
look thin and promise to be only small flowers often develope into
very fine deep blooms — that is, if the buds were set at the proper
time ; taking then any of the Queen type in the stage which I have
named, if the plants are in an ordinary cool house with a little
fire heat occasionally to dry the air they will not require moving ;
but if they are more forward, say three parts developed at the
same date, such plants must be kept quite cool and be shaded from
bright sun, which is best done by hanging newspapers over them
during the day. It would not be wise, perhaps, to shade the whole
house from the outside, as some varieties will require the full sun’s
rays to develope them in time. When blooms of any sort are
thought to be backward and it is feared they will not be expanded
in time, remove the plants at once into a gentle heat where there
is not much atmospheric moisture, and give such plants an extra
supply or two of sulphate of ammonia : this forces them into
bloom quicker than ordinary treatment. It is far better to remove
such plants into gentle heat in good time, when it is seen that they
cannot be fully out as needed, than to defer their removal till the
last few days and then be compelled to place the plants into a
strong heat in the vain hope of bringing them out, which is next
to impossible ; even if it were the blooms would suffer in colour,
particularly the dark varieties. Chrysanthemums being hardy
plants, it is more natural for the flowers to expand in a cool place
than in a strong heat. Let all beginners bear this in mind, that
the colour of each variety, if it is in its proper character, has a
much better effect than when they are “ washed out,” so to speak,
by being subjected to undue heat, and that, perhaps, owing to not
commencing soon enough to assist development.

As before stated the Japanese varieties, as a rule, take rather
longer to unfold their florets than do the Incurved and other
sections ; they are also assisted by giving more fire heat, they
develope more freely under such conditions. So quaint-looking are
they that they seem to require a little aid to unravel their peculiar
florets, and this is best done with the aid of enough fire heat to
keep the air of the house warm, ventilating night and day. —
E. Molyneux.

MADRESFIELD COURT GRAPE CRACKING.

In reply to “ S. C., West Lynn ,” we have growing here a Vine under
nearly the same conditions as ilie one he refers to, only it is planted in a
late house with Mrs. Pince, Lady DowneV, and Black Alicante. Its
position is the west end, and there are ins de and t uts de borders. I
treat this variety in the following manner. A< soon as the berries are
stoned I let the laterals grow without stopping much longer than any of
the others, which answers two purpo-es— v z., to shield the berries
from the strong roys of the afternoon sun, which are most felt at that end
of the house, and also helps to uso up the sap from the bunch; for
it is my opinion that it is a strong fl )W of sap which causes the berries of
this Grape to split, the skin being thinner aud of less strength than in

103

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 5, 18S6.

others. Ju<-t as the colouring stage arrives I bore two holes with a
bradawl below the bunch, and I have never had cause to complain,
for they carry about twelve good bunches of good flavour and colour. The
only feeding I use at all stages is cowhouse drainage, with one good
dressing of dissolved bones once a year. I leave a little ventilation all
night, with fire heat on dull days and cold nights. — W. Moseley.

This is by no means a new subject to the readers of the Journal, but
notes are invited upon the subject, and being a sufferer, I beg to lay my
case before your readers. In a vinery under my charge Madresfield
Court occupies one end. For eleven days previous to July 12th we had
no fire, the weather being very hot. On Saturday the 10 h the weather
changed, and next day in the evening rain fell heavily in this neighbour¬
hood, and on Monday the 12th, on going into the vinery in the morning
I found a considerable per-centage of the berries cracked. The fire was
lighted early and the injured berries removed, and not one has cracked
since. The reason I give is this, that the outside atmosphere being so
highly charged with moisture, and no fire heat in the vinery to help it,
the moisture could not get away, although there was ventilation at the
back and front. I think “ S. C.” attributes the cause in his case to a
great extent to the heavy rain on the Vine border the day before, which
was not the case with me, as the borders and roots are inside. I think it
will take a great deal more water at the roots to crack the berries than
many people think it does, and “ 3. C.,” in the latter part of his note,
speaks of two of the finest bunches being cracked with the damp and
steam gathering on them, which bears out the fact that the presence of
staguant moisture in the house is the cause of it. Being interested in the
matter I have tried the water at the root experiment since the above dates
by soaking that end of the border in which Madresfield Court is growing
with water three days in succession, over and above the general watering
of the whole of the borders, but I have had no cracked berries since.
This seems to me to support the endosmosic theory, which was so keenly
argued in these pages more than a year since. — R. M.

ORCHID NOMENCLATURE.

11 A Botanist’s ” letter (page 85) in reply to my note is not quite satis¬
factory, and farther explanation is required. In the first place he says,
“ The use of a Laiiu name constructed as this (Oncidium macranthum
Southgatei) was1 would imply that the plant had been duly named, re¬
gistered, and described or figured by competent authority.” Will “A
Botanist kindly state where he obtains this rule ? I have always under¬
stood that the botanist’s name or the abbreviation of that attached to the
name of the plant was the indication that it had been “ duly named, re-
gistered, and described or figured by competent authority,” and the idea
that the form of the name itself shows this is new to me. But admitting
this as a rule, why was 0 dontoglossum vexillarium Hollingtoni recog¬
nised ? for although the plant was not certificated yet a vote of thanks
was awarded for i', and that can only be regarded as an official recogni¬
tion. There seems to be a peculiar inconsistency there. If Southgatei
was wrong^why was Hollingtoni passed 1 Again, at the following meeting,
on July 27th an Orchid was certificated named Oncidium stelligerum
firnesii. V hy was that name passed had the plant been described by
competent authority ?” If “ A Botanist ” can answer these questions
satisfactorily he will place the action of the Committee in a more
favourable light than it is at present, and greatly oblige those who, like
myself, merely wish to see a consistent method of some kind adopted.

There can be no reason why naming Orchids should not be conducted
in the same manner as that of other plants, and if the Latin form
for unauthorised names is objectionable when applied to an Orchid it
should be equally so when given to a plant of garden origin, yet the Floral
Committee awarded a first-class certificate at their recent meeting for
Matricaria inodora grandiflora pDna, a seedling variety of a common
plant and refused to certificate Cattleya gigas Hilli in that form, but
transformed it into Hill’s variety, although it was an introduced wild
variety. Why was not the Matricaria termed Ware’s variety ?

I have no desire to criticise the Committee, but it is evident to many
persons that in acting without any rules to guide them they are likely to
lancet the nomenclature of plants still more cumbrous and confusing than
it is at present. The isolated action of two or three members of the Com-
iniUee is insufficient. If they wish to introduce changes it soould be done
in a te.nlar manner, and the first step to be taken is to form a few simple
lul'is, andas a small contribution towards that allow me to suggest that
all introduced plants should have Latin names, and all those raised in
Britain, whether seedlings or sports, have popular names, except hybrids
•l) i! ween recognised species, which should, where possible, have titles in-
Licitmg their parentage.— An Orchid Grower.

Thl suggestion on page G5 that the Kew authorities must be locked
j.1' 8<?me enlightenment on the subject of describing and naming
Oichids is an admirable one, and I hope it will receive the attention it
deserves in the pioper quarters. No establishment in the world could
have greater facilities for determining Orchids as well as other plants, for
not only is there an herbarium of wonderlul extent, but there are also
living collections of plants to aid them, and in the case of the Orchids
these might be readily extended if necessary. As a public department
supported by the country, horticulturists have a right to expect some
assistance, and the Director, Mr. Dyer, is so earnestly desirous of popu¬
larising the esta' I shmeut, and lias already introduced so mauy improve¬
ments that we may confidently expect that something will be done in the
dtrec'i m indicated by ” Taxpayer.” ‘j

The concluding suggestion that the work of the Gardens should be
issued as periodical reports to be published in all the horticultuial papers
is very important, for if this scheme were carried out it would do more to
popularise the place and bring its work before the public than has yet
been adopted. The fact is, we hear too little of what transpires in our
national garden, and except the fragmentary notes occasional visitors
send to the papers, and the annual reports which appear in such an
erratic manner, we learn nothing of the interesting and imoortant work
performed both in the gardens and the herbarium. The official staff mast
include some able men who could contribute to a monthly report much
that presumably they, as public servants, are not permitted to send for
publication in any one paper, and which, in consequence, is lost to
British horticulturists and botanists. — F. L. S.

IVY-LEAVED PELARGONIUM, ROBERT OWEN.

Mr. Robert Owen, the Floral Nursery, Maidenhead, has been success¬
ful in raising several varieties of this much-improved and highly attrac¬
tive section of Pelargoniums, hut the one figured (fig. 15) he regards as his
masterpiece. The truss sent was certainly very fin \ the flowers large, full*
without being crowded, rich salmon pink in colour, with a faint suffusion
of violet. Mr. Owen describes the habit of the plant as dwarf, free, and
erect-flowering, and he anticipates it will make a fine specimen plant for
exhibition, as well as be valuable in a small s ate for d corative pur¬
poses. The size and form of the flowers are accurately represented in the
engraving.

THOUGHTS ON CURRENT TOPICS.

' It has been difficult to find anything to think about in the Journal of
late except Roses. I am as great an admirer of these flowers as is the
most ardent rosarian, but almost got tired of co'umu after column of the
same kind of literary fare. A feast, however, so rich, cann *t last tor long.
It seems just to last long enough for everybody to be satofiid, and by
this time I cannot help thinking that exhibitors, judges, and reporters
must be glad that the term is about over, for whit is pleasure to the
many means hard work to the few whose duty it is to a, tend a crowd of
shows over a wide field in a little time.

By the way, I perceive the judges have been in a dilemma at one
show, and it seems the only way of escape w is to divide a £10 prize
offered for the best s’and into two prizes of equal valu“, and grant them
to two stands considered of equal merit. Toe late Mr. Charles Turner
used to say there never were two stands containing an equal number of
any kind of flowers staged exactly equal in value, but that there was a
point between them somewhere, and only required to !e sought for to be
found. I strongly suspect the great florist was right. When competition
is close some judges have a disposition to “make things pleasant ” by
awarding equal prizes. That is an easy way out of a difficulty. It is
not suggested that the judges in the show alluded to acted on that
principle. By no means. If there was no stipulation as to number of
blooms, but that all stands, whether of six, twelve, or twenty-four, were
eligible for competition, the difficulty of awarding the prize justly must
have been nearly or quite insurmountable, for it is obviously easier to
stage twelve superior flowers than twice that number, yet the aggregate
merit of the larger stand may be equal to the slightly superior blooms in
the smaller.

If the framers of schedules of shows, not of Rose shows alone, when
determining on classes and apportioning prizes were to ask themselves on
what principle the awards are to be made there would not be so many
“ judges’ puzzles ” as there are. Schedules cannot be too well considered
nor classes too clearly defined. When stipulations are clear and all the
exhibitors placed on an equal footing as to the number of flowers or
dishes in a class competent judges can do justice, and are not driven to
resort to a compromising policy which is satisfactory to no one except,
possibly, to some lucky individual who is granted a piize to which he is
scarcely entitled, and that is not exactly the object for which shows are
instituted.

Though I have had about enough of Roses lately I cannot very well
get away from them, or at least from Mr. Gilmour’s article on page 59.
There is a freshness about it that is quite enjoyable. It is neither of the
dry conventional type on the one hand that is read by six lines at once,
nor overladen with flummery on the other that makes one feel it is a pity
the writer did not turn his “ talents ” in another direction, but is free and
readable, because a narration of experience of mistakes ma'ie and
reedfied, difficulties encountered and overcome. It is at once entertaining
and bristles with suggestive hints from end to end. Tne persevering
author seems to have succeeded in growing aphis-proof Roses, as he n w
neither requires “ brushes or anything else ” for clearing off insects. Is
that because the growths are so strong that the little pest can make no
impre-sion on them ? I ask this question seriously and believe it to be
a valid one.

" But the best hint in the paper is that on a limitation of varieties to
those that succeed the best on a given so 1, and of tnese growing many.
That is the surest way to take a garden full of hands ime blooms and to

August 5, 1856. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

109

win prizes at exhibitions. Not a few “ new beginners ” in Rose-growing
fquander money, waste space, lose time, and miss prizes through persisting
in growing all the varieties in the catalogues. They may try th-m, but
to determine to grov those that are evidently not suited for a certain
position is a great mistake i£ superior blooms are the main object of the
cultivator.

It is curious to observe that the same idea, and what I vainly thought
a new one, should have been brought forward by two writers in the same
journal. On page 64 1 recorded an amateur’s “find” that light Roses
as a rule succeed with him best in light soil ; and here is Mr. Gilmour
dividing the honours by saying on page 60 that “ On light soils pink and
white Roses will always come nearer perfection than the dark ones.” It
is evidently no use trying to say anything new on Roses when so many
earnest and observant amateurs are working and watching and finding
out things at the same time. Well, let us be thankful for any useful
hint, come from whence it may, and that so many are engaged in various
parts of the country in developing the peerless beauty of the Rose. I
now “ tear my thoughts away ” from a fascinating theme, and direct
them to Mr. Abbey and Asparagus.

I HAVE had to deal with this adroit writer before, and it appears shall

be exact, or he will “have ” me. The next is an amusing bit. Here it
is. “ Did you ever raise Asparagus from seed, Mr. Thinker P ” Answer.
“ Yes.” Then my friend observes — he evidently knows all about it — “ It
sent up a tiny thread-like head ; it got larger, and formed a lovely spray.
Did you cut its head off ? No ; otherwise you would not have seen the
beautiful spray.” Who authorised my imaginative friend to put that
“ No ” into my mouth ? I did not. Then he continues, “ Yet before the
summer is over the tiny thing has pushed other shoots as strong again as
itself. It has formed buds at its base, the soil is good, and the buds
cannot wait till another year. The first growth has to be cut away if the
other growth gets stronger without it. You do not do that, however, nor
cut any ‘grass’ the following year. How is this?” Let me ask in
reply how my prophetic interlocutor acquired his knowledge as to what I
do or leave undone ? I assure him I have done precisely what he says
I have not done, and seen the “ beautiful spray ” resulting that he says I
could not see. I begin to feel that instead of this “ old hand” teaching
me a lesson on Asparagus that it is in my power to teach him one— a
great honour.

It is quite true, as Mr. Abbey observes, that from the “ tiny sprays ”
of seedling Asparagus other shoots will spring as “ strong agarn ” before
the summer is over. Yes, and they will spring the sooner and grow the

Fig. 15. — Ivy-leaf Pelargonium Robert Owen.

have to deal with him again. He is an “ old hand ” evidently, and it is
necessary to proceed cautiously, for he finds every chink in one’s armour.
An initial difficulty in an encounter is to know when he is striking home
or only making a feint ; when he is serious or when indulging in a little
harmless banter ; when he is using his own words or only pretending
to use mine, then making a bash of them. However, I will take him as he
is and make the best of him. He agrees with me and disagrees on page
84 ; supports me and condemns in a pretty well balanced alternation of
sentences ; but on the whole agrees with me if anything a little more
than he agrees with himself. First we are informed, “Growths will
spring from the crowns whether the first heads are cut or not. It is the
same whether there is cutting or no cutting.” Verdict, “no difference.”
Next, we are reminded that “ the growths ot seedling Asparagus are not
cnt at all in the first, second, and often the third year, and by retaining
1 all growths ’ the plants have sufficient strength for cutting or f rcing the
fourth year.” Verdict, “ cutting weakens.” Again lower down, thirteen
lines from the bottom, we find “ cutting small early grass is no great
injury — it may even strengthen the buds that remain.” Verdict, “ cutting
strengthens.” I cannot help jotting down a thought that springs up on
that free method of reasoni g. I hope it is not a very wild thought. It
is this : — Your facile O' rrespondent is so exhaustive — writes so much in
proving his point — that he forgets what he has penned at the top before i
he finishes at the bottom.

Anyone can see whether I have quoted correctly or not, and I am
now going to quote again, for I must mind my points, and take care to

stronger if the first “ sprays ” are cut off ; at least, that is what I have
found. Some half rows from which all the growths were cut produced
shoots that overtopped all others in the bed, and these cut portions
pushed up the strongest heads the following spring and were the first to
flower and produce seed, because the others were not strong enough to do
so, All this may be contrary to science and theory, as it is understood
by your correspondent. Be that as it may, I believe in facts, and my ex¬
periment proved what Mr. Abbey admits in part of his peculiar mixture
that “ cutting small gra-s early is no great injury — it may even strengthen
tbe buds that remain.” That, too, is what Mr. Stephen Castle appears to
have found, and it represents the practice of old vegetable growers, also of
the most present cultivators of Asparagus for market. “ Cut the weak
and leave the strong ” is what Mr. Castle believes is the right practice ;
it was Mr. Abbey’s tutor’s practice, too, in thinning. That is just the
point of the question I first put on this subject on page 12— namely, “ Is
Asparagus strengthened by cutting tbe small growths or 1 sprue ’ till, say
the beginning of June or not ?” So far the evidence is in the affirmative,
yet in hundreds of beds all the large is cut often till July, and all the
“ small stuff ” allowed to grow from the beginning ; hence, I think tbe
overcrowded and weak beds that are far too common.

Mr. Stephen Castle’s plan of growing thinly on the level is the
best, encouraging strong growths and suppressing the weak. This, too,
appears to be Mr. Abbey’s practice, so far as can be ascertained from an
elaborate yet somewhat erratic argument tending to prove it wroDg.
In my opinion it is right, and the less the strong growths are cut in J une

110

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 5, 1888.

the better for the plants. Having “ made the best ’’ of my clever oppo¬
nent as far as I have gone, I will wait with all possible equanimity his
impending slashing on the fruit bud question, on which I do not intend
to be pulverised without a struggle.

N.B. — On perusing the above lines I see I have left a small chink in
my armour which I will not attempt to repair, as I feel I can endure the
little punishment that may be inflicted as the result of my temerity. —
Thinkek.

HARDY ORNAMENTAL TREES AND SHRUBS.

Visitoks to the recent Show of the Chiswick Horticultural Society
doubtless noted a fine group of hardy ornamental trees and shrubs
exhibited by Messrs. Charles Lee & Son, from their large collection at the
Arboretum, Isleworth. They well served to illustrate the wealth of
lants at our command for the adornment of parks, pleasure grounds, &c.

I note only a few of the most striking: — Oaks were represented in
variety. Quercus Daimio, the very large-leaved and fine Japanese
variety, stood out from amongst its compeers boldly and distinctly.
Q. argenteus pictus, the base of shoots dark green, young shoots punctated
with white, very pretty; Q. Mirbecki or Zan, fine glossy foliage;
Q. atropurpurea, beautiful dark purple leaves, one of the choicest Oaks;
Q. concordia, this has been well named the Golden Oak, the leaves pure
golden yellow of splendid effect. Acers too were very showy. What a
striking subject is A. Negundo variegata, with its almost white leaves,
one of the most beautiful trees ever introduced. A. platanoides Sch wedleri,
young growth, bright purple; A. striatum, the pretty “snake-harked”
Maple. A. laciniatum, “ Eagle’s claw ” variety, very curious Corylus
Avellana fol. aurea, the new Golden Filbert. Prunus Pissardi, the new
purple Plum, a great acquisition ; P. aeconomica, golden variegated Plum.
Alnus glutinosa aurea, the Golden Alder, its large yellow leaves very
showy. Cerasus padus elegans, a very pretty variety of Bird Cherry.
Cornus aurea elegantissima, one of the prettiest of the Dogwoods. Robinia
angustifolia elegans, a very elegant small-leaved Acacia. Fraxinus
aucubsefolia, golden variegated Ash ; F. alba variegata, the “ Silver ”
variety. Ulmus Roxelsii (Golden Elm), an indeed striking object for
purposes of ornamental planting. Catalpa syringtefolia aurea, very large
bright golden leaves. Persica purpurea, purple Peach. iEsculus
rubicunda, the scarlet Horse Chestnut. A seedling jEsculus, unnamed,
having very prttty foliage, the leaves being green-and-white, was note¬
worthy. Amongst other fine varieties, too numerous to mention, may be
named some handsome standard Euonymus radicans variety, a beautiful
silvery sort, which, introduced at fitting “ points,” added much to the
charm of this noble group. — B.

RIPE VERSUS UNRIPE WOOD-FRUIT VERSUS

WOOD BUDS.

I take “A Thinker’s ” silence on the question of the wood ripening
arter the leaves are off and in subsequent seasons as giving consent to my
views as expressed on page 458 of last volume — viz , “ I have no doubt
of the wood hardening, but of its ripening I have very grave doubts, for
ripening — that is, solidification — during growth or with foliage is very
different.” That being so, how is it reconcilable with his statement that
he had in view an aspect of the case on which I appear to “ lack expe¬
rience ?” Experience of what ? Ripe wood in autumn when the leaves
fall studded with fruit buds, and unripe wood on which the wood buds
are conspicuous through there being few fruit buds to mark the contrast
and give zest to the examinati n 1 I maintain, despite “ the experiment
of an observant student of fruit trees and an expert cultivator, or the
lesson the owner of the trees, his gardener, and their several visitors are
not likely to forget, and that it was impossible to ignore,” that the buds
of fruit trees when the leaves fall are either fruit buds or wood buds, and
that they do not change during the winter. It is not a question of theory
at all, but of fact; and as for “ A Thinker’s ” charge of 11 lack of expe¬
rience” he would, perhap0, think differently had he, as I have, had to
grow fruit in two localities, both about 500 feet above sea level — one
midway betwten the North and Irish Sea, and the other not four mih s
as the crow flies from the former — for twenty years, especially if he
add twenty years plodding on low ground.

If “ A Thinker” thought to escape from the dilemma by such theory
I am not disposed to have so important a subject “ put on the shelf” to
gratify his rhetorical proclivities some other time. The question is a
very important one to gardeners, affecting as it does the health, fruitful¬
ness, and longevity of the trees. The question is, “ Does unripe wood
jipen after the leaves are off and in subsequent seasons ? ” Debateable
as it is, it does not on that account lose its importance. Unripe wood
■either ripens or hardens after the leaves are off, and though it seems like
“ hair splitting ” they are different ; and I am pleased to notice “ A
Tlrnker” admits the distinction — viz., ripe wood is effected with foliage
duly exposed to light and air, the sap thoroughly elaborated and assimi¬
lated, and the material so formed is sound, healthy, fruitful, long-lived ;
unripe wood may be due to too rich soil, food supplied in excess of the
leives’ power of elaboration, ailed by weather unfavourable to evapora¬
tion, so that the material deposited as wood is soft and pithy, unhealthy,
unfruitful, short-lived. “ Go on,” exclaims “ A Thinker,” “ there is hard
wood.” Well, hard wood is — what? Soft wood with a large pith hard¬
ened? Nothing of the kind. It is not the wood, “ A Thinker” tells
us, will get “ harder and harder as the years roll round,” hut soft sappy
growth that is common enough on over-fed trees, and not necessarily
overcrowded, sappy, and ill-fed.” Young trees have it plentifully,

though the “ sun or light can act directly on the leaves ” at the base of
the shoots and to their extremities. It is the wood your correspondent
thinks it necessary to shorten “ the first year or two from planting.”
Why ? To give the needful growths for furnishing the space ; to form
the basis of the future tree ? Rather is it not to get rid of the soft sappy
extremities by cutting back to “ hard ripe wood ” at the base ? “ There

is no need to remove the soft growth,” “A Thinker” may say, and, in
fact, it is wbat he does say ; “ they will ripen.” They will harden, which
is different from ripening, as I take ripening, so far as any benefit result¬
ing to the buds and the wood in the deposition of cambium is concerned,
to be effected with the foliage, and by that only. Wood or growth-harden¬
ing is the means by which acclimatising is effected. Plants are inured
gradually to the influences of a colder climate. Our “hardening off”
is only acclimatising by inuring plants to the influences of light and air
before they are subjected to outdoor influences. Placing plants in frames
from a warm and moist hothouse hardens them, they suffer no injury
when placed outdoors ; but place o hers direct from the hothouse into the
open air, and are they not chilled by the cold and scalded by the heat ?

The wood hardens, as has been known from time immemorial, find¬
ing exemplification in the loosening of fruit trees from walls in winter,
the exposure of fruit trees grown under glass by the removal of the roof-
lights. and in the standing of plants outdoors in summer after the growth
is made. The wood hardens in winter, especially if dry and sunny, and
soft wood more than firm through the greater evaporation taking place
from the soft wood ; but the soft bark does not elaborate the sap, and it
is not assimilated simply because there are no leaves to separate or convert
the crude matter into sound and transmit the latter to the wood ; in fact,
there is an ascending but no descending current. The sap evaporated
by the soft bark passes into air and is lost, the wood shrinks in proportion
to the evaporation, an t it is simply harder because shrunk. It contains
less moisture, and is not so susceptible to injury from cold, and its cells
are contracted, contain lets sap, and frost does not rupture them so
quickly. But what of the wood hardening if the winter be wet ? What
if the weather be frosty and snowy from November to Maroh ? “A
Thinker’s ” winter-hardening is like his bud-transformation, it only
occurs “ when the conditions are favourable,” which, unfortunately, has
not occurred once within the last forty years in this country to convert
unripe into ripe wood. As it is made, so it remains — soft, unhealthy. If it
escape being destroyed by frost it is affected by gum and canker. Some
fruit trees are notoriously affected by canker and gum all their days,
losing whole branches at a time from no apparent cause. Sometimes one
tree is barren and another of the same variety fruitful, and some timber
trees are black at heart long before the woodman under ordinary circum¬
stances would think of applying his axe, to say nothing of flaws in timber
traceable to umipe wood in the early stages of the forest free. The
lesson is clear. Unripe wood, however it may harden, is never healthy,
fruitful, or long-lived. It goes to the rubbish heap sooner or later, and
it is best to have nothing to do with it. If it be present in young trees
at planting cut it away ; rely entirely on “ ripe hard wood ” as the only
sure foundation of a healthy, fruitful, and durable tree. None other is
of any good for a crop of fruit.

We have seen that there is hard wood — i.e ., unripe wood hardened ;
but this is not what your correspondent means by hard wood at the base
of the shoots. We get a stage higher, or from unripe wood with wood
buds only, to soft wood with fruit buds. On the “ upper, softer, greener,
and younger portions” of shoots “A Thinker” tells us “fruit buds
form, in point of fact they do not form so well on the lower, older, and
harder parts of annual shoots.” Perhaps not, but the fruit buds on the
soft extremity growths are not comparable in any sense with the fruit
huds at the base of the shoots where the wood is “ hard and brown.”
In practice the pruner cuts away all the manufactured wood. One, or at
most two buds on the “hard ripe wood” of Vine shoots, are found to
afford more compact hunches, finer in berry and finish, than can be
had from buds a yard away from the rod or base. Why ? Think
again. Manufacture “ breast wood ” or extension wood as you may —
experience will cut it all away. If Vines are not a fair example, take
the Peach. Here the experienced gardener will seek growth thoroughly
exposed from its base to its extremity to the influences of light and air ;
be will endeavour to procure the “hard ripe wood” which your cor¬
respondent asserts “ is a gigantic waste.” Ripe wood is produced under
full exposure to light and air sustained by the action of the roots, and
from end to end is a ma5s of fruit buds ; unripe wood is a consequence
of excess of nutrition over the power of evaporation and elaboration ;
luxuriant growth, though exposed to full atmospheric influences, is not
nearly so well solidified at the extremity as at the base, and fruit buds,
though not lacking, are not nearly sc prominent as in the ripe shoot,
but it has fruit buds at the base as well as at or near the extremity.
Now the wood at the base is what gardeners term “ hard ripe wood,”
and that at the extremity is soft and unripe; at least the wood is much
firmer at the base than at the extremity, yet your correspondent asks us
to accept as a fact, that the extremity will store sufficient nutriment for
the formation of fiuit buds, “ whilst the wood below and three months
old — and which consequently ought to be riper — is barren.” Then, no
doubt, thinking to clench his argument, he states, “ Ripe wood does
not necessarily mean hard wood, but wood stored with nutriment by
the leaves.” Now, Mr. Thinker, which is likely to store most nutrition
— wood put forth in spring with the full force of the cambium or ripened
wood, and that made after midsummer? According t .< “A Thinker”
we have fruit buds at the extremity because more nutrition is stored
there, oren what I shall without fear of question call unripe wood, and
on the “ bard wo'd ” at the base, which 1 shall term ripe wood, we have

August 5 1 8S-6. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

Ill

wood buds. Assuming that we get fruit buds on the extremity, and they
escape collapsing with the wood if the winter be severe, they may
develope blossoms with splendid petals, beautiful to look at, but look
inside — the stamens have no anthers, they shrivel when brought to the
light of day ; having no pollen, the pistils have styles scarcely extend¬
ing beyond the nec ary ; have twin or triple pistils ; the blossoms
do not, as a rule, set, what sets does not swell, and that swelling does not
stone. Now for the “ ripe hard wood ” buds at the base. The fruit is
there or nowhere, and that no one knows better than “ A Thinker.” He
only wanted to show the evil of the extension system overdone, and its
inapplicability to the Peach and other fruit trees outdoors without atten¬
tion to the prevention of over-luxuriance, for he states, “ the less the
branches are shortened the better, after the first year or two from planting,
provided — and this is important — they are so thinly disposed that sun and
air can act directly on the foliage. It is assumed the roots are in good
and well drained soil, and not mutilated by digging amongst them.”
The lesson to be drawn from this is, Peaches, Nectarines, Figs, Apricots,
and the better varieties of Plums, with the tender Cherries, are all better
grown under glass. It is the only way to have fruit equal to the accept¬
able standard in size and quality with certainty in cold localities, and in
most of those where the extension system is practised. This is a safe
solution of the problem why we have so' much bare wall space now. We
provide strong wood, and long wood, known as extension, only to find
that it requires more heat, more light and air, for its solidification than
obtained under the old system, and which our climate at no time aff orded,
si that our old gardeners were not so wrong after all in cutting back to
■“ hard ripe wood” at the base. Experience had taught that the soft
extremity wood would not give fruit, even “when the conditions are
favourable,” whilst a severe winter would kill it, and it was found better
to cut it away altogether, as if remaining it could only result in gum and
canker.

There is another aspect of the case — viz., your correspondent did not
mean his “ thoughts ” to apply to Peaches and other trees producing fruit
•on annual shoots, but to Plums, Pears, and Apples, and his remarks justify
that interpretation. True enough is it that we very often see trees with
as much wood overtopping a wall and taking as much support from the
soil as the foliage and fruit on the tree itself, where there is so much
u breastwood ” as to keep every ray of light from the base of the shoots.
Now it is here again that I join issue with “ A Thinker ” — viz., there
must be and is a manipulation some time, usually after midsummer, with
the result that more growth is made, and continued until checked by cold.
The crowded growth generally is firm at the base — it gets its firmness
from the solidified wood of the previous year — and it is still further pro¬
vided against disaster by latent buds, the wood is drawn, long-jointed,
and unsolidified as the leaves have not the needful air and light. “ A
Thinker ” advises thinning the branches or shoots. In his own words
“ Ripe wood does not necessarily mean hard wood, but rather wood stored
with nutriment by the leaves.” This points to the necessity of “ thinning
the branches and shoots whenever they are so crowded that the sun or
light cannot act directly on the leaves at the base.” I see the base buds
are going to be of consequence ; in fact he says, 11 It is better, safer, and
more profitable.” Capital advice as far as it goes, yet it is not of any
use “ while the roots are permitted to extend unrestrictedly therefore
we are driven to the ex'remity of deducing that summer pruning is of no
value in the formation of fruit buds, as “ cutting oil luxuriant laterals is
not averting growth, but directly encouraging it, for if the roots are left
intact their force is concentrated on a small area, and just as that is re-
s'ricted in the same proportion is strong growth incited.” Just so,
whether the growths are thinned or the breastwood removed we get more
wood, and instead of concentrating the food supplies on the extremities
we only cause fresh growth, and increase the harvest of unripe wood and
wood buds ; therefore I am bound to deduce that summer pruning is of no
value in the formation of fruit buds only in that it keeps the growths
from becoming crowded and permits the access of light and air to the
foliage, so that the rap is duly elaborated and in the buds at the base of
the leaves, converting what would otherwise be wood buds into fruit
buds. “ A Thinker ” clenches the argument again— viz., 11 when fruit, and
fruit alone, is the main object it is best secured by having the branches
thmly disposed and not shortened, as then a miximnm number of spurs
is eventually produced with a minimum quantity of breastwool.”
Exactly, branches thinly disposed so that sun and air can act directly
on the foliage. “ Then will fruit buds form in the greatest numbers, and
the ripening of the wood maybe left to take care of itself.” Justsu
Make sure of the fruit buds in summer, and there will be no need of the
“ metamorphosis ” in winter. Unfortunately there is, and I am afraid
A Ihinker ” has not slulied — perhaps he has not been a reader long
enough- his Juurnul of JJovticulture , or he might have observed the
timely instructions about root-pruning in reply to inquirers respecting the
unfruitfulness of their trees, which clearly have not been rendered fruit¬
ful by summer pruning.

It is, however, clear that 11 A Thinker ” knows what he is about — viz,,
fakes the best means of securing fruit buds in summer, and if ihe foliage
does not riptn kindly or the buds do not plump he lifts in autumn. He
takes care, like a wise man, to have two strings to his bow, if the knife
fails there is the spade. The question is, when? In autumn after the
leaves fall ? I think not. Your correspondent’s advice as to thinning
the shoats to let in air and light, which is sound as far as it goes, but it
dots not go far enough. I may supply the omission, and cannot do better
than quote from the distinguished pomologist Dr. Hogg, who in
writing of the Moor Park Apricot in the “ Fruit Manual,” fourth edition,

page 177, states, “ The tree is a free grower in its early stages, producing
long and strong shoots, and acquiring a luxuriance which is not conducive
to the production of fruit. To counteract this should be the chief aim of
the cultivator. The way to do this is to root-prune the tree about the
beginning of August by removing a portion of the soil and cutting some
of the strongest of the roots. This will check the too abundant supply of
sap, diminish the excessive production of wood, regulate the development
of the free, and consequently tend to a production of fruit.” This I
think is most appropriate, and “ A Thinker ” must acquiesce with the
difference that it would be best to defer it until the early part of September
for the Apples and Pears. It will arrest the flow of the sap ; ” the
number of buds in the intermediate state to which a further check by root-
pruning will settle the matter,” and new roots will be formed before
winter, so that there is no fear of their lacking support in spring.

So far good. Now for “ A Thinker’s ” statement that “ the buds of
fruit trees do change after the leaves fall.” In the first place he states
nothing of his own experience, only he saw the 11 results of the experi¬
ment,” but he leaves us entirely in the dark as to when. It might be the
April following the November in which the pyramid Pears and bush
Apples were lifted, root-pruned, and replanted, or it may have been a year
after the transplanting. I have no doubt he saw the trees with blossoms
at least five times more in number than these that had not been disturbed,
but I think he has skipped a year, though that can hardly be justified, as
he wiites of November and the following April. There is some ambiguity
here, but it is not of consequence to the issue, for it is diametrically
opposed to my experience of fruit trees, and it is a question that anyone
can soon settle for themselves. For my part I can only state that I have
never missed a year during the last thirty of either planting fruit trees or
lifting established ones, and in no instance have I known a recognised
wood bud being converted into a fruit bud between the fall of the leaf and
the following April. I have also made and planted five kitchen and fruit
gardens with young trees, and never found a fruit blossom truss more on
them than they had fruit buds in November. So much then for the
practical part of the question — viz., the buds are either fruit or wood buds
in November, or when the leaves fall, and so they remain during the
winter under any conditions, developing in spring blossoms or shoots.
The experiment “ A Thinker ” mentions as having the result alleged is
completely at variance with my practice. I readily grant that it is not
always possible to tell precisely whether the buds are fruit or wood when
the leaves fall, but a practised eye can tell even then nine out of ten of
the buds, or if not the observer is good for nothing, being neither an
observant student nor expert cultivator of fruit trees.

Whilst denying the “ metamorphosis,” I gTant root-pruning, or rather
lifiing has a tendency to cause more blossoms to appear than would be
the case were the trees not lifted for arresting the sap, which gees
on circulating during the winter, more or less is taken from the wood
buds, and whatever takes from the wood buds is concentrated on the fruit
buds or their formation, as everything tending to jeopardise the life of
the subject only tends to increased effort to continuance. I have observed
that many buds which I thought could only be wood buds have developed
blossoms in spring, hut then they were practically sterile, and without
the lifting would no doubt have remained latent for that year at least, if
they had not perished in the bud, through the wood buds taking all the
support from them, they not being sufficiently developed to make the first
demand, as fruit buds of the kind under discussion invariably do, they
being in advance of the wood buds to a very noticeable degree. In that
way, and no other, are the lifted trees with five times as many blossoms
as the unlifted to be accounted for. Your correspondent says nothiug
about fruit, and wisely, I think, for latent buds, even if fruit buds, are sot
usually fruitful.

These latent blossom buds are not by any means common. In the
case of fruit trees they usually perish in the year succeeding their forma¬
tion, but there are instances in the Vine, and there are the Aristolochias,
some Passifloras, and Ipomteas, that push floweiing growths, either with,
but mostly without leaves, yet I do not suppose anyone would ask us to
believe they were when first formed wood buds, and by some meta¬
morphosis have been transformed into flowering buds, for they are really
not flower buds but flowering shoots.

Further, if ‘A Thinker” is right in his metamorphosis doctrine, we
have only to lift late Strawberry runners in October and replant. The
leaf growth will be arrested, a truss of flowers will form a leaf as a heart
bud, and every plant will flower in spring, at least there will be five times
more flowers than on unlifted plants. Everybody knows they are no
good for the next year, they must have a year’s growth ere they will form
the essential fruit buds. Take another example. We lift Lily of the
Valley in autumn, and we can tell to a nicety which crowns are flowering
and those that are not. Why should not the non-flowering crown or leaf
bud cbaDge into a flower hud if we transplant it and allow it favourable
c nditions until spring ? If your correspondent’s doctrine be worth any¬
thing, this ought to take place, but the fact is it does not. No ; it wants
a year’s growth; it wants haves to elaborate and assimilate the sap;
store up nutriment in a flower spike perfect in embryo at the base of the
accompanying growth. In choosing Lilac for forcing, select those with
flower buds for early forcing, and keep those with nothing but wood buds
under favourable conditions until spring, and see what arresting a wood
bud has done for them. Your correspondent asks, “ What is a fruit bud ? ”
He answers, “ It is an arrested wood bud, and nothing else.” I really
cannot accept the definition. “ Whether the cessation of extension is
natural or artificial matters not, the result is the same ; the embryo leaves
are transformed into petals and organs of reproduction.” What arrests
the growth in nature “ causes the cessation 9f extgnsjor,” What can es

112

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 5, 1886.

fruit buds to form on the laterals of Vines ? You are getting a long way
cn to “ first causes,” therefore, I am content to leave it as it stands, as I
have no intention to be “ drawn ” beyond my depth.

“ Scores of fruit trees are planted annually,” writes “ A Thinker,”
“ and their branches not shortened, that make little or no growth ” (surely
he does not mean growth in winter, but the summer following planting)
“ but are studded with fruit buds that would not have formed if the trees
had not been disturbed.” This affords the key, “ Force has been lacking
for extension into shoots, hence the metamorphosis.” It was not in the
winter following a November planting, but in the summer, after the trees
had failed to have more trusses of blossom in April than they had fruit
buds in the November when planted. If a tree fails to fruit, lift it. It
will be transformed into a fruitful tree, therefore “A Thinker's” advice
is sound, for failing the fruit buds in the winter you are sure of them by
the following autumn.— G. Abbey.

SMALL ROSE GROWERS.

I HAVE read with much interest the letters of “ Saxoring ” and “ A
Small Rose Grower ” on exhibitions, and especially with reference to the
question, How to deal with amateurs who have but small gardens and
tend them personally. It would be a great pity if such men as the latter
who, if interest in his favourite flower would bring success, would possibly
take a high rank in the prize list, were to continue to be excluded from b,
and his place were taken by those who beat him by sheer weight of
metal.

Is it impossible for the National Rose Society so to frame their prize
list as to put him on fairly equal terms in some classes with all those who
are allowed to compete ? In our local shows there are two special
classes to meet such cases. Prizes for twelve, “ within so many miles ”
(with the understanding that neither the Secretary nor Pcompete), and for
six for “ amateurs not employing a regular gardener.” Possibly the
latter rule or some modifica'ion of it would meet “ A Small Rote
Grower’s ” wishes, or the number of Roses might be limited, “ open to
amateurs not possessing more than 300 plants.” Either of these rules
would give “ A Small R >se Grower” a chance of the distinction he covets,
and I hope he may yet see his name in the list of prizewinners.

But as the larger classes, “ Saxoring ” seems to forget that many,
perhaps most, of the largely successful exhibitors are amateurs in the
fullest sense of the word, doing all the work or nearly all with their own
hands, and with only the amount of land which they themselves can
manage. The “ eighth of an acre ” of Mr. Slaughter is historical, and
I fancy Mr. Pemberton would smile at the idea of keeping an “ army of
gardeners,” yet they hold their own, and it would be easy to multiply
examples. Indeed, when I see a middle-aged clergyman and his
daughters in the tent setting up a box I expect to find something difficult
to beat. No rule of exclusion can, I think, be fairly devised for the
larger classes ; but in the smaller, let the “ big men ” be kept away
and the lesser fight it out. — Duckwing.

I sympathise most heartily with “ A Small Rose Grower.” Iam not
quite 6 feet high myself, either by Nature or Rosa-culturally, but I do
not see how we can do more than make a class or clashes for “ those who
do not employ a regular gardener.” The “two- day” limit would not
work. No, we little fellows must not be too ambitious. It is no use
running our heads against a wall, as it were, by showing at the Crystal
Palace and the larger country shows, but the National Rose Society does
provide classes for the smallest Rose-growers, as he will see by carefully
looking over their schedules. I should further advise him to try his luck
at some smaller country shows open to amateurs of all England. If I
were not afraid of bemg c msidered to be advertising I could mention one
in Herts and several in other counties easily accessible by rail. “ Sm .11
Rose Grower ” need not be afraid of going even 100 miles ; he would then
have a chance of winning enough to pay railway fare, plus a hundred¬
weight of honour and glory which he would bear lightly. I speak from
experience. I am a small Rose grower, I consider, myself, cultivating
15 poles of ground, employing a man only twice a year — once in spring
and once in autumn — to dig, and a boy occasionally to weed, and do
budding, pruning, planting myself with only one hand (a half), and enjoy

THE BOG GARDEN.

Unless it be in the garden of a bardy-plant specialist the
bog garden is rarely seen, a fact much to be regretted, seeing
that so many hardy plants are admirably adapted for such a
situation, and indeed luxuriate under the treatment they thus
receive, it is little known to what extent these bog beds improve
the condition of many plants, otherwise we should see their more
frequent adoption. There are few gardens which do not offer
a suitable position for forming a bed for these moisture-
loving plants, positions, too, which not unfrequently have becom 3
neglected spots. I was once informed that the position now
occupied by that noble example of rockworkin the York Nurseries
was once a stagnant pool, but now in its stead we have one of the
most famous rockery formations which skill has raised. So, too,
with the bog garden; any ow- lying neglected spot may, if it can
be ^drained, be converted into one of the most pleasurable and

interesting spots in the whole of the garden, not at the expense
necessary to form a gigantic rockery, such as would make it a
byword in horticultural circles for this comes within the reach
of but few. No, there is no need for elaborate expenditure at all,
for the primary cost would be little m ire than that of preparing
an ordinary border for the reception of any collection of plants.

I will endeavour briefly to describe my idea of the formation
of one of these spots, and at the same time to cite a series of
useful free-flowering and interesting plants for its future embel¬
lishment. The exact position it sh ill occupy will depend entirely
upon circumstances, but for an example we will imagine a cir¬
cuitous walk encompassing a lawn and flower garden, and at its
furthest extremity from the house a corner of irregular shape
and which hitherto has been anything but pleasing. Such a
place will afford an excellent opportunity for m iking an artificial
bog. Presuming this spot is on the level, the fir-t step w 11 be to
remove the soil; in doing so. avoid all pretensions to a formal
margin, let this be as irregular as po-sible. Remove sufficient
soil so that the surface of ihe bog be several inches, or a foot
even, below the ordinary level, th; sides sloping inwards and
thereby insuring the rain dra ning into it Upon the character
of the soil will depend the next step if this be of a stiff reten¬
tive nature, and facilities for obtaining cheap peat suitable for
the purpose be not great, it will be advisable to grow only those
plants which delight in stiff soils; but if cheap peat can be had
in plenty, the best plan will be to remove the original soil to a
depth of about 9 inches and replace it by peat. This miy constitute
the one half, and allow the other half to be of the original soil, to
which manure and leaf soil with plenty of road grit sweepings
may be added. If fears are entertained respecting stagnation,
place a drainpipe through the bed and convey it to some neigh¬
bouring drain, or, if ihis is not convenient, a good drainage may
be made of brickbats, broken pots, or the like; this should be
covered with rough material, as, for example heather or bracken,
and so guarantee a perfect drainage, for, be it understood, that
though a plant may be decidedly moisture-loving it is not many
that can endure stagnation, and none a e benefited by it. One
of the chief points to aim at is a plentiful supply of water,
sufficient to keep the soil in a state of semi saturation, and this
with a comparatively free drainage, in such a place will bog
plants thrive. As I have pointed out, the bog may consist of
two parts, the one for peat-loving and the other for such as prefer
stiffer or loamy soils. This, of course, will have to be settled at
the outset, and a'so whether it is intended to grow the smaller
types of vegetation, as, for example, the Androsaces, the smaller
Gentians, Rhexias, Dentarias, and so on or whether such pic¬
turesque plants as Bamboos, Spirasas, Gunneras, Osmundas, and
the like. By the adoption of the former we may embrace many
of the loveliest of alpine gems so full of pleasure and interest,
and by the latter it is possible to produce in some hitherto
neglected spot a picture of tropical beauty. For the dwarfer
plants a position fully exposed to the sun will be preferable, and
if a rockery already exists the bog should be hard by For Cypri-
pediums, Trilliums, Orchises generally, and others to which I
shall presently refer, a shady spot will be found beneficial, it
sometimes happens that naturally wet borgy spots exist in
gardens, and wherever this be so they should be turned to good
account. Besides plants which are strictly bog loving subjects,
there are many more which are suited for the margins of lakes,
streams, and the like, and which water only reaches in very wet
weather, notwithstanding which, however, their roots are kept
well supplied with moisture from the surrounding soil These
plants maybe used for the margin of the artificial bog, so placed
that their roots may penetrate into the moisture below. In the
great majority of gardens there will be no great difficulty in
obtaining a plentiful supply of water, either from the overflow of
some ornamental fountain or the lake, and failing these, it will
be no great task to convey it to any given spot by means of pipes.
A perforated pipe round the margin may easily be concealed, or
a central jet throwing the water in various direc’ions would
suffice; in either case, the water supply should be under con'rol,
so that soil may at any time be saturated if occasion required.

There is little else in the construction of the artifi dal bog
which needs special comment, save a word or two respecting the
surface. This need not be level, indeed it will be better if
slightly undulated, and will thereby accommodate a greater
variety of plants. On ihe slightly raised mounds and their sides
may be placed pi mts which give preference to the drier portions
of the bog. In such a position several species of Primula delight,
among which are P. f irinosa, P. Floerkiana, P. cashmiriana,
P. rosea, and also P. Munroi ; Ma us pumilio, Epigaja repens and
others are also suitable occupants for the sides of these mounds,
and many small Ferns, liere and there in the little valleys
stepping stones may be placed permanently for convenience sake

August 5, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

113

for getting abont on. We will now imagine the bog in readiness
to receive the plants, of which I will name some of the most
suitable, the height varying from 1 or 2 inches to 2 feet. Among
very dwarf plants are Campanula liederacea, Gentiana bavarica
and G. verna, G. pneumonanthe, G. Andrewsi, Anagallis tenella,
Spigelia mar . landica, Swertia perennis, any of the Soldanellas,
these are choice gems, and will require select spots in the drier
portions ; Parnassias in variety for the moister parts, Pingui-
cults ditto; all the Calthas or Marsh Marigolds, Rhexia vir-
ginica, Dentarias, Gypripedium spectabile and C. acaule, Saxi-
fraga granulata plena and S. Hirculus on the margins, and
S. peltata for the moister portion. All the Primulas above
named and also P. sikkimensis. This latter will do well in the
wetter portions of the bog Then we have Trillium grandiflorum
and its forms prsecox and maximum, than which we have no more
delightful plants in spring. Sundews and Sarracenia purpurea
for the wettest spots; the last named must be abundantly sup¬
plied with water to succeed with it. Erpetion reniforme is a
good plant for shade and moisture, while Linnsea borealis and
Ourisia coccinea are very pleasing in the drier parts. The
Ourisia should be planted so that its rhizomes can overhang the
side of a stone, and plant it in equal parts of peat and loam it
will do well. My experience of this plant grown in pots is that
it seldom flowers at the centre, whereas the rhizomes overhang¬
ing the sides of the pot flower remarkably free. I prefer a rather
shady spot for it. Then among Ferns we have Lastrea thelypteris,
Onoclea sensibilis, Struthiopteris, and others. These will be
found a good selection of the dwarfer bog plants. With regard
to taller plants we have Spirsea venusta, Astilbe rivularis,
Orchis foliosa, Habenaria ciliaris, the last two may be included
in the first set, as though they attain a height of 3 feet they
have to be very strong examples. Osmunda regalis, Gunnera
scabra, Bambusa Metake, Thamnocalmus Falconeri which will
attain 12 feet; Cyperus longus, Lysimachia clethroides, Poly¬
gonum Sieboldi and P. japonicum, Spirsea Aruncus, S. Ulmaria
a id varieties, Iris ochroleuca and I. Ksempferi in variety, Lobelia
cardinalis and L syphilitica with their varieties, and Chryso
bactron Hookeri Phormium tenax may also be used in places
where it is considered sufficiently hardy, Ly thrums and others.
It may be well to observe probably that many of these included
in the above list grow to a considerable height, such for instance
as the Gunnera, and iu which case an isolated position would be
best suited to its requirements; these taller plants for the most
part while delighting in abundant moisture do not require to be
constantly satui’ated. In both sets will be found a good variety
of the best bog and marsh plants best adapted for making a
permanent and pleasing feature in any garden. — Gentiana.

We are informed that Her Majesty’s Commissioners of Works have
accepted the tender of Mr. B. S. Williams, Victoria and Paradise
Nurstr es, Upper Holloway, N., for supplying Hyacinths, Tulips,
Crocus, Daffodils, &c., for the following London Parks, See. : — Hyde Park,
Regent’s Park, Victoria Park, Bethnal Green Museum, Battersea Park,
Kennington Park, and Hampton Court Palace Gardens.

- “ W. B., Leek,” sends the following on The late Alex.

Meiklejohn’s Collection of Auriculas “ In your issue of the 14th
ult., ‘ D., Deal,' refers to his collection as being in the hands of Mr. J. B.
Young, Bridge of Allan. I may say in March last the whole of the col-
le t on, containing about 500 plants, was purchased by a few Auricula
growers in Leek from Mr. Young. This in some measure accounted for
our Auricula Show in the Town Hall on the 1st of May last, of which a
report appeared in the Journal. We have amongst us over 1000 plants
containing all the choicest named varieties in commerce, and our Show
promises well to become one of our institutions, as within one week of
the i--ue of admission tickets over 200 was sold, and the Committee, after
paying all expanses, hauded over a balance of £3 15s. for the benefit
of our cottage hospital.”

- Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons’ new Rhododendron Balsams-

flokum Rajah is one of the most distinct of the greenhouse hybrids yet
obtained. It is also especially interesting owing to the fact that it was

obtained from the pod of seed which yielded the beautiful pink and white
varieties that have already been certificated ; and of about seventeen
varieties obtained from the same pod, all those that have flowered have
proved to be distinct and worthy of preservation. The variety Rajah has
a novel appearance owing to the outer petals or lobes being much larger
than the others, round and flat, while the inner ones are small and
clustered. The colour is bright orange tipped with red, the central
petals being the darkest.

- “X.” writes, “ The Double Mayweed, Matricaria inodora

GRANDIFLORA plena, shown by Mr. T. S. Ware, Tottenham, at
South Kensington last week, will probably become a useful plant. The
old double form is well known, but the improved variety has much larger
flowers, nearly twice the size, pure white, and without the greenish yellow
centre that mars the other. It is free and strong in growth, and will be
a capital plant for cutting.”

- Certificated Peas.— It appears that the list of Peas, page 87

sent to us from Chiswick, was incomplete, and we are requested to add
that a “ Seedling ” unnamed (Sharpe & Co.), a dwarf, wrinkled blue
Marrow, was also awarded a first-class certificate.

- A Dundee correspondent states that the Fruit Crop in

Scotland “ will this year be a complete failure. The early part of the
season was favourable for the fruit trees, and there was abundance of
blossom ; but more trying months than May and June have not been
experienced by fruit-growers for a generation. The almost continuous
frosts of these months have ruined the crop of Apples and Pears. This
will prove serious to growers in such districts as the Carse of Gowrie,
where there are large orchards. The bush fruit will be an average yield,
but prices are very low, and thus those farmers who looked to this crop
as an aid in paying their rents will be disappointed.”

- Souvenir de la Malmaison Carnations at Rangemore. —

An object of great beauty, which has excited the interest and admiration
of the many visitors to these well-known gardens during the past few
weeks, is the grand batch of Carnations (Souvenir de la Malmaison) now
in bloom there. The plants, comprising some five hundred in number, are
staged in a large span-roofed house, several of the two-year-old plants
carrying upwards of sixty blooms each, the flowers measuring from 4 to
nearly 6 inches across, the colours ranging from very pale salmon to deep
rosy pink. Though the plants are now past their full beauty the effect i3
still very fine, while their vigorous and healthy appearance reflects great
credit on the cultivators.

- We are requested to state that Messrs. Merryweather & Sons,

the originators of the “autimonial” garden hose, which has gained a
character for strength and long usage during the past nine years, have
made for Baron Rothschild a new lawn and garden apparatus after the
Paris system, with various improvements.

- We have received the following notification from Mr, Richard

Bremridge, Registrar of the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain re¬
lative to the sale of Cyanide of Potassium “ The public danger
arising from the sale of insect-killing bottles containing cyanide of
potassium by naturalists and other persons not registered as chemists and
druggists, and without compliance with other provisions of the Pharmacy
Act, 1868, has recently been brought under the notice of the Council of
this Society, and I bave been instructed to call the immediate attention of
such persons to the fact that the sa'e of these insect-killing bottles by
them is contrary to the provisions of the above-mentioned Act of Parlia¬
ment, and that the penalty to which they render themselves liable is £5
for every sale.”

- National Co-operative Flower Show. — The various

co-operative societies in the north and south of England have decided
to hold their first annual National Exhibition of plants, flowers, and
vegetables on August the 24th, in the conservatory of the Royal Horti¬
cultural Society, South Kensington. The various exhibits are to be the
l/ona fide productions of working men co-operators, and the cost of
packing and transmission of the plants, &c., to South Kensington will
be entirely defrayed by the societies to which the exhibitors belong.
The Royal Horticultural Society not only grant the use of the building,
but arrange the exhibits, and find two ot the judges free of charge, and
also offer one or more medals to be competed for. Liberal prizes are also
offered by the Agricultural and Horticultural Association, the managing
director of which, Mr. Ed. Owen Greening, is the chief promoter. Under

114

JOURNAL OF EORTIGULFURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER

[ August 5, 1886.

such favourable conditions as these there will, no doubt, be an excellent
exhibition of amateur horticultural productions,

- Value op the Olive Tree. — A gentleman, says the San

Francisco Herald, has recently collected 12,000 cuttings of the Olive tree
for planting. The Olive is most successfully grown from cuttings, and
the 12,000 will make a fine grove. When set in an orchard in the usual
form they will cover 100 acres. An Olive tree when ten years old is
estimated to be worth 10 dollars, and a grove of 100 acres, or 12,000 trees,
will aggregate a value of 120,000 dollars. These are estimates made upon
the value and profits made upon Olive trees in Santa Barbara, and single
trees elsewhere. The Olive grows well throughout this region, and the
demand for its fruit and oil is good and increasing.

ROOT-PRUNING PEAR TREES.

We some time ago received a small pamphlet of thirty-one pages
from the pen of Mr. Robert Smith, Yalding, Kent, a very successful fruit
grower, describing his practice of growing Peaches, Nectarines, and Pears
on open walls. A letter from a correspondent who desires “ practical
hints ” on root-pruning Pear trees, suggests to us the citation of a portion
of the chapter on that subject. It will be seen that the author’s practice
not only rendered the trees fruitful, but cured them of canker. His
teachings on Peach culture are sound and good.

On root-pruning Pear trees to induce fruitfulness, Mr. Smith
observes : —

“ This operation consists in shortening, more or less, the roots of a tree.
Its immediate effect is a reduction of the supply of nourishment, and con¬
sequently a less rapid development of woody shoo's, within certain limits;
for if root-pruning is practis- d too severely a general debility will result,
and the tree, however pre disposed by the operation to produce buds, is
unable to bring fruit to maturity. It is advantageous to have the principal
feeders of the tree near the surface. Take for example a tree planted
against a wall and in a rich border ; left to nature it would grow perpen¬
dicularly, and throw out most of its branches near the top of the wall,
while, its roots would extend horizontally, tap roots vertically, and the
principal feeders would be found near the outer limits of the border. Root-
pruning induces fibrous roots ; cutting coarse roots that have a tendency to
extend themselves a long way from the bole will cause fibres ; to promote
this is the object of root-pruning.

“I was led to root-prune a ‘ Beurre Ranee ’ Pear tree on a south wall
“ere a large tree, with sev- n tiers of branches, S3 feet long, in 1880. This
tree was not fertile for many years. It made so much breastwood every
year that the tree seemed determined to grow wood and nothing else. I
took to summer-pruning it, and that helped a little to get the tree into a
bearing state, but even then I found that the fruit cracked and blistered,
and not a clean one was to be had from the tree. Under these circumstances
I determined to examine the roots, which I did in the autumn of 1880, when
1 found it had three large tap-roots. I had pieces cut out of these, two
measuring inches, and the oilier 1J inch in diameter. These pieces were
cut out sufficiently long to admit of half a brick being put into their places,
instead of putting the old soil back I had fresh put in, then the tree was
mulched with good rotten dung, and a good watering settled the soil round
the roots. In the following year we had t°n dozen well-ripened and good-
flavoured fruit from this tree ; and the second year, after tap-root- pruning,
we had twenty dozen splendid Pears, and it has gone on bearing every year
there were over thirty dozen grand specimens, and in the
Hardy h rurt Competitions, open to all England, at South Kensington, in the
autumn of 1885, the first prize for 1 Beurrb Ranee’ Pears was awarded to
my fruit. This success should tempt others to follow my example, as I
cannot heq thinking there are many old Pear trees about the country that
might be made profitable by tap-root-pruning.

‘‘ Although most gardeners know the good results that arise from careful
root-pruning, judging from the majority of gardens which we see from time
to time, it is not half carried out, as is evidenced by the mass of breast-
wood or the paucity of fruit on the extremities of the branches. -The best
results are probably obtained by preparing a year previously in the case of
wall trees and two years before in the case of espaliers. In the former the
roots are certainly confined by the wall, while the latter have the power of
teeding themselves on all sides ; and if the roots are shortened on the face
ot the tree one year, the next season the back can be operated on, and so
treated it will feel no check. Fertility will thus be induced, and the fruit
also gains in quality. The warmth of the surface soil will greatly benefit
the newly-formed roots, which should be protected and encouraged by
summer mulching with good rotten dung and leaf soil-leaf soil put over
the dung.

There is scarcely a Pear tree in these gardens but what has been root-
pruned, or bodily transferred, after preparation, to more suitable sites, and
all ot them have done well ever since. I had a large Pear tree of 1 Marie
Louise transferred from a north to a south wall, without any preparation,
four years ago last November ; it did not fruit on the north site. This has
borne most excellent fruit, very clean and handsome. The First Prize open
to all England, at South Kensington, in the autumn of 1885, was awarded
to fruit taken from this tree ; and the press took notice of this dish by
saying— -‘A very handsome dish of “ Marie Louise ” Pears from the Gardens,
Hen ward, which took first honours. ’

“ I have had many Pear trees cankered badly, but by carefully lifting
and planting again on the same site, with fresh soil, I have cured it— that
is, the trees have outgrown it, so to speak. The fresh soil has given new
life and vigour to the trees operated upon, and the new growth has r.ot yet
shown any tendency to canker.

c?urse root-pruning wants doing well, and should be carried out in
a thorough manner, and the operators want to be interested in their work.
Any rough-and-ready manner will not answer, nor because the employer

wishes it done. The gardener should feel satisfied that it would be the best
to be done with unfruitful trees. The soil taken out in the operation should
be wheeled away, that would give more room for the workmen to work up
under the tree’s roots, as it requires a large opening to come at the tap- roots
of large trees. It is of great importance in commencing to start imme¬
diately after breakfast-time, so that it might be completed before dinner,
because it is of the utmost importance that the roots should not be left
uncovered longer than is necessary for the operation. Having a large open
space about the tree’s roots, the workman will require a large chisel and
mallet, and if the tap-root is very large, a pruning saw. The American saw
is a most handy implement for this work, as I have found from experience.
This saw will cut through a large root very speedily ; I have very easily cut
through a tap-root 3£ inches diameter. I make two cuts thus — ^ taking
the pieces away. These pieces I cut sufficiently large to admit of half a
brick being put into their place. This is of more importance than it appears
at first sight. If no tap-roots are found, and the tree has made a quantity
of breastwood year after year, giving no fiuit, it will be well to cut pieces
out of the two largest roots found, and shorten a few of the smaller ones ;
this will cause fibres to form very readily if the tree is healthy. On trans¬
planting tree3 two or three years after they were thus operated upon I have
found a grand lot of good fibres. Trees carefully transplanted, however
large, will do well the first year. I have on a south wall a large ‘ Chau-
montel, ’-twenty years old, transplanted last autumn, and at the present time
(8th of April), it is as forward in bud as any other trees. This is only one
instance out of many carried out here, for if a tree does not bear fruit I
examine the roots in November to try and find out the cause. If I decide
not to cut the roots I should have fresh soil to fill in with, instead of putting
that back which came out when examining the roots. Fresh soil does a
great deal of good, it gives a start to the tree, even if nothing more is
done.

“ I am writing from experience the satisfactory results obtained here
from root-pruning for the last six years. It is so marked that I consider
it worth publicity. The fruit is improved in size aud flavour in a wonderful
degree.

“ To give my readers some idea of the size of the trees bodily transferred
to other sites, I may mention two horizontal-trained trees that were moved
in the autumn of 1884— one, ‘ Pitmaston Duchess,’ the other, ‘ Williams’
Bon Chretien.’ One had nine tiers of branches, the other eight ; the
branches were 16 feet long. These trees were too large to get through the
doorway of the garden wall, consequently had to be got over the wall by a
staff of men. These trees were prepared two years before by root-pruning
and giving of new soil, and are now looking as though they had been in
their present places for many years, and show great promise of fruiting this
season, having a full crop of bold bloom bunches. This says much for root-
pruning and preparing of fruit trees, and removing to more suitable sites,
after very dry summers, as 1884-5 proved to be.”

We have seen the fruit grown by Mr. R. Smith, and it was very superior
in size and quality. The pamphlet is published by Simpkin, Marshall
and C Stationers’ Hall Court.

FUCHSIA MADAME TIIIBAUT.

Amongst a collection of Fuchsias growing for testing the merits
of old and new varieties in the gardens of the Royal Horticultural
Society, Chiswick, earlier in the season, Madame Thibaut was so conspicuous
that we procured the top of a dowering stem for engraving. Our artist
was instructed to represent it as exactly as possible, both as regards the
number, size, and arrangement of the flowers, so as to show the character
of the variety and its adaptability for decorative purposes. This Fuchsia
was raised by M. Lemoine and is new ; it is in all probability destined to
become popular as a conservatory and “ market plant,” this la9t being the
best test of the merits of a variety for home decoration. Madame Thibaut
is a sturdy, upright, vigorous grower, and will not readily lend itself to
the twisting and bending that is adopted by fl rral milliners in producin'
plants as if cast in a mould and nearly as smooth as sugar loaves. Let
it be well grown anl assume its natural habit, and it will be regarded as
an acquisition when associated with other plants for producing a pleasing
effect in rooms, greenhouses, or conservatories, or wherever attractive
arrangements may be desired in the summer months. There are many
varieties of Fuchsias with more symmetrical and perfectly formed
flowers, but we have seen none to surpass and few equal Madame Thibaut
for sturdiness of growth with floriferousn sss. It is a dark Fuchsia, the
prevailing colour being red, tube and sepa’s crimson, corolla reddish
vermilion.

WIRRAL ROSE SHOW.

The Wirral Rose Show has gone through many vicissitudes, commencing
at the Birkenhead side of the Mersey, where its exhibitions, although
excellent in the number and quality, failed to attract the general public in
sufficient numbers. It was then removed to Liverpool, in the hope that an
extended patronage would be given to it. The maguificent Hall, St. George’s,
grand in itself, has about the worst light for Rose shows that can be con¬
ceived ; and notwithstanding increased efforts the Exhibition failed to
attract. Indeed Liverpool does not seem to value flower shows, if we may
judge from the spl ndid failure of the Royal Horticultural Society this year.
It was then removed b >ck to Birkenhead, and has been held for the last two
years in Hamilton Square, and I believe with much better financial results.
There was one thing the Committee have, amidst all these changes, been
very persist mt iu— they have always managed to get wet days for tliir

August 5, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER

115 i

Pig. 1C. —Fuchsia Madaaie Thib'.ut.

116

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 5, 1886.

exhibitions. This year, however, made a break in their ill luck in this
respect, as the day was just the perfection of a day for Roses — bright, yet
cool; and as a result the Roses stood the crdeal of the Exhibition well, and
I hope that their chancellor of the exchequer will not have to report a
deficit in his budget.

The prizes offered by the Society are such as to tempt many of the
leading nurserymen to exhibit, and as it will be seen by last week’s Journal,
they came from north and south to contend in friendly rivalry. Although
Mr. B. R. Cant was not pr sent, Mr. F. Cant was. Messrs. Paul & Son,
Prince, and others exhibited, while nearer home the Messrs. Dicksons
showed in good form. The Show, however, is strongest in the amateur
classes, hut not so strong in numbers as in some former years ; but there
was a manifest improvement in the quality of the blooms, and indifferent
blooms were the exception. Thus, as in many places, showing the great
improvement that has taken place in the culture of the Rose, good examples
not being confined to the larger growers, hut being also found in the smaller
ones ; and those who have been so assiduous in endeavouring to stimulate
the zeal of others have been amply awarded.

In the class for seventy-two Mr. F. Cant of Colchester was first with a
good stand, perhaps a little wanting in size, though bright in colour, of the
following varieties : — Souvenir d’um Ami, Countess of Rosebery, Madame
John Twomhly, Dupuy Jamain, Madame Caroline Kuster, Rosieriste Jacobs,
Merveille de Lyon, Duke of Teck, Countess of Falmouth, Ulrich Brunner,
Madame Hippolyte Jamain, Sultan of Zanzibar, Francois Louvat, Dr.
Sewell, Madame Angele Jacquier, General Jacqueminot, Marechal Niel, Mrs.
Laxton, Heinrich Schultheis, Earl of Pembi oke, Marie Van Houtte, A. K.
Williams, Niphetos, Fisher Holmes, Mons. Noman, Mrs. Prince, Madame
Cusin, Star of Waltham, Marie Finger, Mary Rady, Madame E. Verdier,
Victor Verdier, Marguerite de St. Amand, Prince Arthur, La France, Le
Havre, Hippolyte Jamain, Marie Verdier, Marie Louis Van Houtte, Madame
de Watteville, Abel Carribre, Innocente Pirola, Horace Vernet, Marie
Baumann, Marii- Cointet, Madame George Paul, Edouard Morren, Mons.

E. Y. Teas, Madame Bravy, Exposition de Brie, Capitaine Christy, John
Bright, Lady Mary Fitzwilliam Duchesse de Morny, Madame Lambard,
Countess of Oxford, Eg ria, Dr. Hogg, Pride of Waltham, Prince Camille de
Rohan, Duchess of Vallombrosa, Madame Charles Wood, Souvenir d’Elise,
Harrison Weir, Marquise de Castellane, Dr. Andry, La Boule d’Or, Alfred
Colomb, Catherine Mermet, and Frangois Michelon.

In class 2, for thirty-six trebles, Mr. F. Cant was again first with Duke
of Teck, Marie Finger, Heinrich Schultheis, Horace Vernet, Charles Lefebvre,
Marechal Niel, Baronne de Rothschild, Ulrich Brunner, Marguerite de St.
Amand, Caroline Kuster, General Jacqueminot, Marie Verdier, Catherine
Mermet, Duke of Wellington, Dr. Sewell, Madame Margottin, Souvenir
d’Elise, Marie Baumann, Maurice Bernardin, Rosieriste Jacobs, Souvenir
d’un Ami, Marquise de Castellane, Rubens, Alfred Colomb, Madame Bravy,
Merveille de Lyon, Alfred Dumesnil, Louis Van Houtte, Marie Van Houtte,
La France, Alphonse Soupert, A. K. Williams, InnoceDte Pirola, Pride of
Waltham, and Reynolds Hole. In class 3, for thirty-six singles, Messrs.

F. and A Dickson & Son, Chester, were first with Fisher Holmes, Hippolyte
Jamain, Camille de Rohan, Frangois Michelon, Senateur Vaisse, Constantin
Tretiakoff, Dr. Andry. Jules Finge’-, A. K. Williams, Antoine Mouton. Duke
of Wellington, Marguerite de St. Amand, Marie Baumann, Eugenie Verdier,
Charles Lefebvre, Merveille de Lyon, Lord Macaulay, Violette Bouyer,
Xavier Olibo, Elie Morel, Alfred Colomb, La France, Abel Carriere, Gabriel
Luizet, Ulrich Brunner, Captain Christy, Rosieriste Jacobs, Lady Mary
Fitzwilliam, Mons. E. Y. Teas, Louis Van Houtte, General Jacqueminot,
Marquise de Castellane, Alba Rosea, Duchesse de Vallombrosa, Dr. Sewell,
and Beauty of Waltham. In class 4, Messrs. Jefferies & Sons were first
with Horace Vernet, La France, Lady Marie Fitzwilliam, Alphonse Soup-rt,
Beauty of Waltham, Madame Gabriel Luizet, Marguerite de St. Amand,
Louis Van Houtte, Marie Baumann, Marie Verdier, Baronne de Rothschild,
Xavier Olibo, Ulrich Brunner, Queen of Queens, Merveille de Lyon, A. K.
Williams, Abel CarrHre, and Countess of Oxford.

In class 5, for eighteen Teas, Mr. George Prince was first with Princess
of Wales, Etoile de Lyon, Madame Angele Jacquier, Catherine Mermet,
Madame Hippolyte Jamain, Jean Ducher, Niphetos, La Boule d’Or, Souvenir
de Paul Neyron, Marechal Niel. Madame Cusin, Marie Van Houtte, Souvenir
d’Elise Vardon, Madame Furtado, Madame Lambard, Comtesse de Nadaillac,
Madame de Watteville, and Innocente Pirola. In class 6, for twelve new
Roses, Messrs. Paul & Son were first with Baronne Nathalie de Rothschild,
Pride of Reigate, Grandeur of Cheshunt, Lady Mary Fitzwilliam, Frangois
Reve, Marshall P. Wilder, Ella Gordon, Merveille de Lyon, Longfellow, and
Lady Darnley.

We now come to the open classes for amateurs. In the stand for thirty-
six blooms, distinct, the Rev. J. H. Pemberton was first with Horace
Vernet, Annie Wood. Magna Charta, Alfred Colomb, Lady Mary Fitzwilliam,
Duke of Teck, Pride of Waltham, Charles Lefebvre, Niphetos, Louis Van
Houtte, Merveille de Lyon, Comtesse de Camando, Captain Christy, Expo¬
sition de Brie, Madam- Lambard, Ulrich Brunner, Madame Eugene Verdier,
Marie Baumann, Marquise de Castellane, Madame Charles Crap-let,
Alphonse Soupert, Comte Raimbaud, Marechal Niel, Reynolds Hole, La
France, Beauty of Waltham, William Marsden, A. K. Williams, Madame
Montet, Madame Victor Vernier, Mdlle. Marie Finger, Auguste Rigotard,
Madame Bravy, Miss Hassard, and Madame Gab iel Luizet. In class 8, for
twenty-four varieties, the Rev. Lionel Garnet was first with Magna Charta,
Mons. E. Y. Teas, Viol tte Bouyer, Edouard Morren, Madame Gabriel
Luizet, Rosieriste Jacobs, Hippolyte Jamain, Countess of Oxford, Captain
Chusty, F angois Michelon, Xavier Olibo, Marquise de Castellane, Dr. Sewell,
La France, Louis Van Houtte, Merveille de Lyon, Le Havre, Madame L. de
Laplace, A. K. Williams, Alpho' se Soupert, Mons. Noman, Ulrich Brunner,
Engine Verdier, and Camille Bernardin. In cla^s 9, twelve varieties bulbs,
the Rev. J. H. Pemberton was again first with Horace Vernet, Baroness
Rothschild, Pride of Waltham, Beauty of Waltham, Alfred Colomb,
Madame Caroline KuBter, La France, Louis VaD Houtte, Merveille de
Lyon, Mane Baumann, Marquise de Castellane. In class 10, for twelve
Teas, the Rev. Dr. King of MadiDgley, Cambridge, was fir.-t with Marechal
Niel, Niphetos. Comt-SBe de Nadaillac, Souvenir d’Elise Vardon, Souvenir
d’un Ami, Caroline Kuster, Souvenir de Paul Neyron, Madame Angele
Jacquier, Princess of Wales, Innocente Pirola, and Jean Ducher.

In the class for twenty- four varieties, the first prize being the gold medal

of the National Rose Society for growers in Lancashire and Cheshire, was
awarded to T. B. Hall, Esq., of Larkwood, Rockferry, for a splendid box of
blooms, large, fresh, and brilliant in colour. The varieties were Violette
Bouyer, Le Havre, Madame Georges Schwartz, Marie Rady, Mons.
Noman, Prince Arthur, Annie Laxton, General Jacqueminot, Merveille de
Lyon, A. K. Williams, Madame Hippolyte JainaiD, Duke of Wellington,
Captain Christy, Louis Van Houtte, Etienne Levet, Xavier Olibo, Dupuy
Jamain, Duchesse de Vallombrosa, Marquise de Castellane, Marie Finger,
Marie Baumann, La France, Beauty of Waltham, and Charles Lefebvre.
In section D, the silver medal for twelve varieties grown within the Hun¬
dred of Wirral or ten miles from the Liverpool Exchange, was awarded to
J. W. Crowther, Esq., for Marie Baumann, Star of Waltham, Dr. Andry,
Captain Christy, A. K. Williams, Le Havre, Xavier O'.ibo, Madame Gabriel
Luizet, Lord F. Cavendish, Duke of Teck, Fisher Holmes, and Merveille de
Lyon. In the class for six varieties Jos. Armstrong, Esq., was first with Lady
Mary Fitzwilliam, Duke of Wellington, Lord Macaulay, Merveille de Lyon,
La France, and Fisher Holmes. In class 19, for twelve Teas or Noisettes,
E. Claxton, Esq., was first with excellent blooms of Comtesse do Nadaillac,
Madame de Watteville, Madame Willermoz, Caroline Kuster, Princess of
Wales, Jean Ducher, Anna Ollivier, Madame Cusin, Niphetos, David Pradel,
Madame Hippolyte Jamain, and Souvenir d’Elise Vardon. For the best
six Teas, the first prize went to W. E. Hall, Esq., for Madame Cusin,
Madame Willermoz, Anna Ollivier, Catherine Mermet, Marie Van Houtte,
and Niphetos.

I have not added the names of the other prizewinners, as the full score
was given in last week’s Journal. — D., Deal.

CARNATIONS AND PICOTEES.

It is very pleasing to admirers of these popular flowers to see the
great interest taken in their culture, and also the prominent position
given to them in the gardening papers. “ Amateur’s ” remarks at page
84 are very interesting and instructive, dealing as they do with the long
past history of the Carnation and Picotee. In reference to the present, I
may be permitted to remark that the southern section of the National
Carnation and Picotee Society was established in 1877, and the first, exhi¬
bition was held in the Royal Aquarium at Westminster on July 18th of
that year. A good deal has been said rather wide of the mark as to who
promoted the first exhibition. To those requiring information on this
point I would refer them to the Journal oj Horticulture, vol xxxii., new
series, page 154. It is there staled that the “ proposed show is due
directly to the suggestion of Mr. Charles Turner ” and another admirer
of the Carnation. It was a very successful exhibition. About twelve
competitors took part in it, and a great impetus was given to the culture
of these beautiful flowers. The subsequent exhibitions have been held
at the gardens of the Royal Horticultural Society at South Kensington,
and have all been more or lees successful. The last exhibition has been
the most successful of the whole series. No less than twenty-nine exhi¬
bitors took part in it. All the exhibitors were from the southern di-tricts ;
it was impossible to get in any flowers from the north. The Manchester
Exhibition has been fixed for August 14th. Some of the members write
to say it is rather late for them, others that it will be right, and some of
the very latest districts will ecarcely be in. One hears the same com¬
plaint in the south. One grower told me the show was ten days too late
for him, but I made him confess that he had placed his plants under glass
too soon, thinking they would not be in in time. An error in judgment
this, which even experienced growers will commit, although not always
willing to hear the blame.

It is stated in your report of the exhibition that the number of single
blooms entered was not so large as usual. This is owing to an alteration
in the schedule. Exhibitors at one time were allowed to exhibit as many
blooms in a class as they liked, and many of them entered six ; this is
not allowed now. No exhibitor must stage more than two blooms, and
can take two prizes only ; at one time he might have taken six in one
class.

I would also like to r-fer to Mr. T. S. Ware’s exhibits. The flowers
are very effective shown in that way, but I doubt if srna 1 growers
could exhibit in a class of that kind, as not only does it require a large
number of blooms, but must also he very destructive to the “ grass ”
which has to produce the plants for next year. On Mr. Ware’s plan about
seventy-two blooms and the material for seventy-t^o plants would be
requin d to make up a stand of twelve bunches. This initial difficulty
few amateurs would care to face. The fourth prize in twelve Carnati ms,
third for si Picotees, and second for twelve Fancy Carnations were
awarded to Huson Morris, Esq., The Nest, Hayes, Kent. The cards
were not placed to the exhibits, and your reporter could not get the
name on that account. After such a successful exhibition all must admit
'hat wondertul progress has been made in the last decade. What will it
be at the end of another ? or who will live to see it ? We need not look so
far into the misty future. I was greatly pleased to see so many young
growers taking part in the fray, and especially in the small classes. This
bodes well lor the future of the Society. — J. Douglas.

ROSES AND ROSES.

I can endorse on a limited scale most of the experiences
clearly and practically described in the opening article of the
Journal for July 22nd, and with the writer’s (Mr. Duncan
Gilmour) concluding words about the Rose I cordially agree.
Sitting now within reach of my Rose table, a round one standing
rather low in a bay window looking out on the Roses outside,
the eye enjoys the glow and brilliancy of the Rose, and appre-

August 5. 1856. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

117

ciates the freshness and fragrance in a measure I think above
that of all other flowers. Our own home Rose shows do indeed
repay for the attention and assiduity the Roses require, but then
for almost the greater part of the year the Rose only wants
proper feeding or protection beforehand, and then she rests by
herself.

Dark Roses with me, until the recent rains came, were not so
large or so velvety as usual. The paler Roses and the white ones
were very satisfactory; Teas later and smaller. Mildew appeared
in the very hot weather; it seems to come on in dry heat, as
well as in chill and cloudy days. We had few insect pests and
no aphides. Amongst 'he richest dark Roses in form and sub¬
stance is Louis Van Houtte. It did good service as a trophy
made up as a centre surrounded by the small but pure and beau¬
tifully formed Boule de Neige and relieved with spikes of Imperial
Blue Delphinium. Another grand bouquet was composed entirely
of the Rose Marquise de Castellane and edged with the exquisite
buds of the common English Moss Rose.

So much for the bouquets our Rose garden gave us when we
wanted those bouquets to be significant and distinctive. I must
not intrude longer on your space, but shall hope some other time
to say a word about our Rose table. — A. M. B.

HORTICULTURAL SHOWS.

WILTS HORTICULTURAL.— July 29th.

The above Society held its annual Show of plants, fruits, flowers, and
vegetables in the Bishop’s Palace grounds, Salisbury, on the above date,
and the Committee and courteous Hou. Secretary (Mr. W. H. Williams) are
to be congratulated upon the result of their efforts, though, in consequence
of the weather having been somewhat showery in the afternoon, the takings
at the gates were less than last year. In the majority of the classes the
competition _wa3 keen, and the exhibits generally of excellent quality.
Fruit was fairly well shown.

Plants. — For twelve stove and greenhouse flowering plants there were
only two entries — n imely, Mr. James F. Cypher, Cheltenham, and Mr. Rann,
Handcross Park, Crawley, who took the prizes in that order with grandly
flowered plants. Mr. Cypher’s dozen contained similar plants to those he
had at Southampton. In the corresponding class for a like number of
variegated and fine-foliage st >ve and greenhouse plants four collections of
grand plants were staged by Mr. J. Lock, gardener to W. B. Cleav.q Esq ,
Newcombe House, Crediton, Devon ; Mr. J. Cypher, Mr. C. Rann, Mr. Lock
being placed first, and thj two exhibitors nam-d equal second. And the
Judges must have had no easy task in determining the relative positions of
three such excellent collections of plants. Mr. Lock’s best plants, if one
may particularise in a collection so uniformly good, were Gleichenia
Speluncae, 12 feet over, C otons Warreni, Disraeli, Johinis, Chelsoni, and
AVilliamsi, all highly coloured; Cocos Weddeliana, a grand plant of the
kind ; Dasylirion acrotrichum, Cycas revoluta, Latania borbonica, and
Kentia Belmoreana. Mr. J. Mould was awarded an extra prize in this class
for a very neat collection of fresh clean-looking plants.

For six stove and greenhouse flowering plants, distinct, first Mr. Lock,
showing flesh well flowered plants of Erica coccinea, Dipladenia amabilis,
Erica ampullacea, E. Barnesi, E. Thompsoni, and Anthurium Schertzerianum.
Second Mr. Mould, whose best plants were Erica Austiniana and Cleroden-
dron Balfourianum. Only two lots were staged. In the corresponding
class for a like number of foliage stove and greenhouse plants two lots were
staged, first Mr. Lock, whose best plants were Alocasia macrorhiza variegata,
Thrinax elegans, and Kentia Fosteriana. Mr. F. Smith, gardener to the
Lord Bishop of Salisbury, was a good second, showing in his collection
good Pandanus Yeitchi and Crotons. Miessrs. Lock and Smith occupied the
same position in the class for nine exotic Ferns and Mosses, Microlepia
hirta cristata, Nephrolepis davallioides, and Cyathea riealbata being his best,
and Mr. Smith’s best plants were Adiantum farleyense, Gymnogramma
chrysophylla, and Lomaria gibba. In the class for six pots of Liliums Mr.
H. W. Ward, gardener to the Earl of Radnor, Longford Castle, Salisbury,
was first, showing well-flowered plants of L. speciosum Kratigeri. In the
class for six Tuberous-rooted Begonias Dr. F. W. Coates, Salisbury, was a
capital first with fresh well-flowered plants, and Mr. Thornton, gardener
to Mrs. Greenwood, Harnham, Salisbury, second. Mr. Lock had the best
nine plants of Gloxinias, Mr. T. Wilkins, gardener to Lady Th odore Guest,
Inwood House, Shaftesbury, the second best, and Dr. Coates the third
best.

In the amateurs’ classes Mr. Currie, gardener to Colonel Pepper, Salis¬
bury, had the best six stove and greenhouse plants, distinct. Second Mr.
Lovibond, St. Anne Street, Salisbury, both showing well. There were three
collections of six Ferns staged. First Mr. J. Currie, with small but fresh
plants of Gymnogramma chrysophylla, Adimtum g'acillimum, &c. Second
Mr. Gregory, third Mr. Lovibond, all showing well. Four lots of six Coleus,
distinct, were staged. First Mr. T. S. Futcher, second Mr. J. Rockett,
gardener to G. Smith, Esq., third Mi. Lovibond, all of Salisbury, for well-
trained and highly coloured plants. Dr. Coates had the b st three pots of
Liliums, showing good plants of Harrisi. Second Mr. Gregory. Messrs.
Currie, J. S. Futcher, and Lovibond took the prizes for six Zonal Pelar¬
goniums, distinct, in that o der ; as also did Messrs. E. L. Brown, Portland
Place, Salisbury, and T. S Futcher for four distinct varieties of variegated
foliaged plants. Dr. Coates was again victorious in the class for six Begonias,
showing good and profusely flowered plants. Second Mr. Currie, who also
showed well.

Fruit. — Three collections of eight kinds were Btaged here. The collec-
tions staged by Mr. W. Iggulden, gardener to the Earl of Cork, Marston
House, Frome, and Mr. H. W. Ward, were very close in point of merit, but
after some time had been spent over the two the first prize was award’ d to
the Marston collection, second to Mr. Ward, and third to Mr. Evans,
gardener to Lady Ashburton ,”Melchet Court, Romsey. Mr. Iggulden

showed a neat Queen Pine, Black Hamburgh, and Foster’s S edliug Grapes,
good Gros Mignonne Peaches and Victoria Nectarines, Brown Turkey
F' gs, a good Blenheim Orange Melon, and Moor Park Apricots. Mr.
Ward’s best dishes were Black Hamburgh and Muse it of Alexandria
Grapes, Pine, Brown Turkey Figs, and Moor Park Apricots. Mr. Evans’s
b’ st dishes beiug hie Birrington Peaches, Elruge Nectarine, and Best of All
Melon. Mr. Ward had the best Pine Apple and Mr. Evans the second best,
both showing Queens. Seven three-bunch stands of Muscats were staged,
the majority of which were very green. Mr. Pratt, gardener to the
Marquis of Bath, Longleat, Warminster, was easily first, showing three
large well-coloured bunches for their size and season. Second Mr. James
Budd, gardener to F. C. Dalgety, Esq., Lockerby Hall, Romsey, with well
rip med bunches. Thi' d Mr. Thomas Northeast, Norton House, Warminster.
For a like number of bunches of Black Hamburghs Mr. Pratt was again to
the front, showing three large well-coloured hunches, Mr. Warden, gardener
to Sir F. H. Bathurst, Bart., Clarendon Park, Salisbury, being a good second,
and Mr. Iggulden a close third with smaller but will fin'shed bunches. In
the corresponding classes for any other white than Muscat of A'exandria,
and any other black than Black Hamburgh, Mr. Ward was fi st with well-
ripened bunches of Buckland Sweetwater, followed closely by Mr. Warden
with the same variety. Mr. Buid was third with Mrs. Pearson ; several
gre-n lots of “Foster’s” were shown in this. Mr. Budd was first with
Madresfield Court, Mr. Warden second, showing the same variety, and Mr.
AV ard third with Black Prince. Several Melons were staged, the first prize
going to Mr. Prate for a large, well-colour d, and finely flavoured fruit of
Longleat Perfection, Mr. Iggulden being second with the same variety.
Out of several dishes of Peaches Mr. Evans secured first honours with
splendidly coloured Royal George, the second going to Mr. Thos. Wilkins.
In the class for Nectarines Mr. Budd was first with large well-coloured fruits
of Elruge, and Mr. Iggulden second with fine fruits of Victoria. There was
only one entry in each of the classes for Apricots and Plums, Mr. Iggulden
deservedly obtaining the first prize in both.

For a collection of fruit, six kinds, in the amateur class, first Mr.
Gregory, second Mr. John Currie. Messrs. Lovibond and Gregory were first
and second respectively f r two bunches of black Grapss. both showing
fairly good bunches, Mr. Gregory and Mr. Currie taking first and second
respectively in the corresponding class for two bunches of white. Mr. E. L.
Brown was the exhibitor in the Peach class, and he showed the best dish
of this fruit in the Show, Dr. Hogg. Mr. Gregory was the only exhibitor
of a Melon in this class.

Vegetables. — There was only one class provided for these — namely, a
collection of twelve kinds — the result being a capital competition of really
good kitch -n garden produce set up in really good style, though the
awards in the first and second prize collections, which were very c ore to
each other in point of merit, did not give general satisfac.ion to gardeners
present at the Show. First Mr. Thomas Wilkens; second Mr. Haines, gar¬
dener to th • Earl of Radnor, Coleshill House, Highworth, B rks ; third Mr.
A. Miller, gardener to W. H. Long, E--q, Rood Ashton Park, Trowbridge.
Mr. Wilkens’ best d shes were Cauliflowers, White Elephant Onions, small
but even Tomatoes, good Canadian Wonder Beans, Marrows, and Leviathan
Beans, his Globe Artichokes being very small, Cucumbers rath-r old, and
somewhat irregular International Kidney Potatoes. Mr. H lines' only weak
dish was Beet, his Intern itional Carrots (very fine), Duke of Albany Peas,
Tomatoes, Woodstock Kidney Potatoes, and Leviathan and Canadian
Wonder Beans being very fine. Mr. Pratt, who made his debut as an exhi¬
bitor of vegetaoles, also showed well in this class.

Cut Flowers. — Roses were shown largely and well for the time of year.
For thirty-six single trusse.-, distinct, T. W. Girdleston, Esq , Sunningdale,
Berks, was first with fresh even blooms ; Mr G. Campbell, gardener to S. P.
Budd, Esq., Bath, was a close second ; third Mr. H. J. Gibbs, Stratford Sub-
Castle, Sal sb iry. showing good bloom t. Each exhibitor ia this class secured
a position in the prize list In the next class for twenty-four trebles, distinct,
Mr. Campbell and Mr. T. W. Girdlestoue exchanged places, and Mr. C. Warden
was third. In the corresponding class for a like number of single trusses,
distinct (not open to exhibi ors in the two preceding c'asses), first Mr.
J. Marlow, gardener to Mrs. Paxton, Cholderton House, Salisbury, showing
even blooms; Mr. F. W. Flight, Twyford, Winchester, was second; and
Mr. F. Smith was third. In the class for twelve spikes of Gladiolus, not
less than six varieties, Mr. J. Evans was first, and Mr. R. West, gardener to
J. R.Wigram, Esq., Northlands, Salisbury, was second. The class for eighteen
bunches of cut flowers, distinct, was a good one. First Mr. J Budd, with
a very good collection of choice flowers — Cattleya crispa, Thunia alba,
Stephanotis floribunda, and Pancratium fragrans; second Mr. J. Evans;
and Mr. W. Iggulden third, both showing well. Mr. T. Hatch, jun.,
Salisbury, was first for eighteen Carnations or Picotees, not 1 ss than nine
varieties, showing Mr. Dodwell, Yellow Queen, Charles Phillips, Pride of
Penshurst, &c. ; Dr. F. W. Coates a close second, and Mr. J. Evans was a
good third.

For eighteen Roses, distinct, in the local amateurs’ classes Mr. H. J. Gibbs
was first with very good blooms ; second Mr. F. Hatch ; third Captain Napier,
Elm Grove, Salisbury. With twelve Roses, distinct, Mr. F. Marlow, Fisher-
ton, Salisbury, was first; Mr. H. G. Gregory second ; and Mr. J. E Night¬
ingale, \yilton, third, all showing well. Zinnias were shown well by the
Rev. A. B. Burnett, Winterbourne Sauntsey, and Mr. T. S. Futcher ; as also
were twelve bunches of cut flowers, distinct, by Messrs. Nightingde.
Gregory, and Aylward, who secured the prizes in that ord-r. For <ighteen
Carnations or Picotees Mr. T. Hatch nd Dr. F. W. Coates were again first
and second respectively, and Mr. Gibbs third.

For a dressed flower vase for d coration of dinner table there was a good
competition. First Mrs. C ard Clapham Common, Londoc, with a very
light arrangement of choice flowers; Miss Bessie Fiigh', Twyford, Win¬
chester, being an excellent second; and Miss Lily Bets, Grove Hous-,
Salisbury, a good third. In the correspond ng class for dressed flower va-e
for decoration of drawing room Mrs. Chard was again first with an equ Uy
light neat arrangement ; Mi-s Agnes Flight, Twyford, a c'o.se second; and
Miss Lily Betts thi’d. Mrs. Chard was also first for three buttonhole
bouquets, two lady’s shoulder spravs; M st Pievvett, Hammersmith, London,
being a good second ; and M ss Mathews, Salisbury, third.

Miscellaneous — In the top end of the large tint in which the flowering
plants were placed in the centre, and the fruit and vegetables on raised

118

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 5, 18S6.

stages on either side, the group of miscellaneous plants, Boses, and other
cut flowers tastefully arranged by Messrs. Keynes, Williams & Co. of the
Castle Street Nurseries, and having a miniature fountain playing in their
midst, attracted a great deal of attention from visitors. The stands of Boses
were backed up by decorative plants in variety staged by Messrs. Brittan
and Son, The Waterloo Nurseries, Salisbury, at the lower end of the tent,
containing the grand foliage plants in the centre, and having the Boses and
other cut flowers arranged on the side stages.

SOUTHAMPTON SHOW.

July 31st and August 2nd.

The Boyal Southampton Horticultural Society has during the twenty-
four years of its existence made a steady and satisfactory progress ; its
shows during that period have gradually improved, until they now rank
amongst the best in the south of England, and are attended by a large
number of the leading horticulturists as competitors. The Society is under
the presidentship of the Right Hon. Lord Montagu of Beaulieu, and the list
of lady and genthmen patrons includes the names of most of the leading
inhabitants in the district. The summer exhibition has for some years been
held in Westwood Park, and now that the Society has acquired this grouud
they enjoy especial facilities for holding an extensive and handsome ex¬
hibition, and of which the Committee and hard-working Secretary, Mr.
C. S. Fuidge, know full well how to take advantage. Substantial prizes are,
however, very needful to secure the attendance of competitors, and recog¬
nising this fact the Society provided in the most important classes three and
in some cases four prizes of sufficient amount to render it worth an
exhibitor’s time and trouble to enter the lists. Thus in the open class for
twelve stove and greenhouse plants £15, £12, and £10 constituted the
prizes, and the slight difference in ths value of the three prizes is an item
of importance that other Societies might do well to consider in framing their
schedules. Then in the nurserymen’s and' gardeners’ classes for the same
number of plants the prizes were in each case £10, £7, and £5. The
President offered a prize of £5 for a collection of nine miscellaneous plants,
three others being contributed by the Society. The Mayor and Corporation
of the town gave a prize of similar amount for a group arranged for effect,
and classes were also devoted to Orchids, Begonias, Ferns, Fuchsias, Pelar¬
goniums, Achimenes, Celosias, Gloxinias, and Balsams, all of which con¬
stituted interesting features. The table decorations and cut flowers were
similarly well provided for, fruit and vegetables having a number of classes
devoted to them.

An excellent show was provided on Saturday last, one of the best the
Society has held for some years. Two large tents, each about 150 feet long,
were devoted to the specimen plants and groups, which formed a most
beautiful display. The stove and greenhouse plants in particular were
admirably represented, the competition being keen in nearly all the classes.
There was a good proportion of flowering and fine-foliage plants, the
Crotons, highly coloured, Ixoras, Allamandas, Statices, Bougainvilleas, and
Heaths predominating amongst the former, and Palms and Cycads amongst
the latter. Seven tasteful groups of plants were staged for the Mayor’s
prize, and these nearly filled one of the two tents named. One of the most
remarkable specimens shown was a plant of Trachelium coeruleum from
Mr. Molyneux, which we have never seen in such fine condition at any
exhibition, and those who are only familiar with the plant as it is grown
for conservatory decor ition could form no idea as to its beauty when of
specimen size and in such condition as that referred to. It was about 4 feet
high and as much in diameter, with fifty or sixty grand trusses of its purple
flowers 6 inches and more in diameter. The stems were secured to stakes,
but they were not too conspicuous, and the plant altogether was very satis¬
factory. Mr. Cypher also had an exceedingly handsome specimen of Phce-
nocoma prolifera Barn si, 4 feet high, 5 feet in diameter, wonderfully
vigorous, growing as freely as a Pelargonium, and showing nothing of the
sickliness too often apparent in such plants. Many other specimens might
be particularised, but they are mostly mentioned in the following notes.
Tents were also devoted to fruit, vegetables, and cut flowers, which were
numerously shown, and of excellent quality throughout the classes.

The Hants Bee Society held their Show in the same ground, and the
Patroness. H.R.H. Princess Beatrice, visited Southampton, accompanied by
Prince Battenberg, to open both exhibitions. It was quite a gala day in the
town, which was profusely decorated with flags and bunting, triumphal
arches, &c., and the weather being remarkably fine rendered the event a
great success. There was a very large attendance of visitors on Saturday
and again on Monday, special attractions in the way of fireworks, bands,
&c , being provided in addition to the Show.

Plants. — In the great class for twelve stove and greenhouse plants, Mr.
Lock, gardener to B. W. Cleave, Esq., Newcombe House, Crediton, was first
with a gigantic Latania borbonica, Kentia Belmoreana, and Cycas revoluta,
a large and highly coloured Croton Warreni 5 feet in diameter, Ixora coc-
ctnea very fresh and well fltwered, Statice Holfordi, and a magnificent
Croton Williamsi 6 feet in diameter, and excellently coloured. Other plants
were Dipladenta amabilis, Erica Thompsoni, aud Authurium Schertzerianum,
much smaller ; a large Encepalartos villosus, and a good Erica ampullacea
Barnesi. Mr. J. Cypher, Cheltenham, took the second place, but few points
behind the first, his Phcenoeoma, already noted, being his best specimen.
Mr. C. Bann, gardener to J. Warren, Esq., Handcros3 Park, Sussex, was
third with strong plants, the Palms being especially fine, but the Crotons
were rather deficient in colour.

Class 2 was for the same number of plants from nurserymen, and in this
Mr J. F. Mould, Pewsey, was first with mediutn-sieed plants. Erica Mar-
nockiana, Clerodendron Balfourianum, and Kalosanthes coccinea were the
best. Croton AndreanttB, though of good size, was poorly coloured, and Alla-
manda nobilis had few flowerB. Mr. H. James, West Norwood, wa3 second
with well-grown plants of Allamandas, Dipladenias, Kalosanthes, &a.
Messrs. J. C. & H. Bansom, Hill Lane, Southampton, were third, having
Croton Morti finely coloured.

In the amateurs’ class for twelve specimens Mr. E. Wills, gardener to
Mrs. Pearce, The Firs, Bassett, secured first honours, showing Cycas
revoluta in good health, Statice profusa finely flowered, Pboenocoma pro-
lifera Barnesi of good size and very healthy, Clerodendron Balfourianum
very handsome, and several other good plants, Bougainvillea glabra being
the weakest. Mr. Amys, gardener to the Hm. Mrs. E. York, Hamble Cl If,

was a good second with large handsome plants, a Rhyncospermum being
one of the best. The third place was taken by Mr. N. Blandford, Moor Hill,
West-end, who had two fine Allamandas named Hendersoni and Schotti
but thought to be the same.

For nine miscellaneous plants, Mr. E. Molyneux, gardener to W. H.
Myers, Esq., Swanmore Park, Bishops Waltham, won chief honours with
capital plants, including the Trachelium previously described, Crotons
Queen Victoria and variegatus, 5 and 6 feet in diameter respectively, and
both grandly coloured, Allamanda Hendersoni well flowered, a rather yellow
Bougainvillea glabra, with vigorous plants of Alocasia macrorhiza variegata,
Latania borbonica, Seaforthia elegans, and Areca lutescens. It was a
surprise to many to see Mr. Molyneux showing so well in this class, and it
is to be hoped that he will be seen more frequently at such exhibitions.
Mr. J. Reynolds, gardener to Col. the Hon. H. Crichton, Netley Castle, and
Mr. W. Peel, gardener to Miss Todd, Sedford Lodge, Shirley, followed in
the order named, both exhibiting well.

The display of Orchids was necessarily limited at this season, but there
was one beautiful group of well grown plants and choice varieties from
H. J. Buchan, Esq., Wilton House, Southampton, including some profusely
flowered plants of Dendrobium Deari and a wonderfully fine Cattleya crispa
superba with six racemes of eight flowers each. Other notable plants were
Oncidium Lanceanum, Odontoglossum Uro-SkinDeri, Miltonia Begnelli,
Epidendrum vitellinum majus, and Odontoglossum crDpurn varieties. For
this group Mr. Buchan obtained the premier prize in class G provided for a
group of Orchids and Ferns arranged for effect in a space 6 feet by 4 feet,
and it was surprising what a pretty effect was produced in so small a space.
From the same garden came a good specimen of Calanthe veratrifolia with
ten spikes. Mr. Budd had strong plant of Dendrobium moschatum with
eleven racemes of twelve and fourteen flowers each. Mr. Budd showed
Aerides quinquevulnerum with three fine spikes, and Mr. H. Jame3 had an
example of the curious Acineta Barkeri bearing a stout spike of twenty-four
powerfully fragrant flowers.

An interesting and important feature of the Show was formed by the
seven groups in competition for the prize offered by the Mayor and Corpora¬
tion of Southampton. The plants were required to be artanged for effect in
a half-circle measuring 16 feet in diameter, and th: tallest plants were not
to exceed 7 feet in height. Much difference was noticeable in the style
adopted by the different exhibitors, but Mr. H. James, Castle Nursery,
Norwood, was rightly awarded the premier prize for a light and graceful
arrangement. Cocos Weddelliana was freely employed as the background
with Adiantum and Asparagus tenuissimus as the foundation, and a neat
margin of Caladium argyrites, Isolepis gracilis, and Cyrtodeira fulgida, the
flowering plants forming the body of the group consisting of Carnations,
Ixoras, Disas, Cattleyas, Odontoglossums, Dendrobium Deari, Epidendrum
vitellinum, and Cypripediums. Messrs. J. & H. Ramson, Hill Lane,
Southampton, were placed second with an effective and varied group, but not
so light as the first. The Hon. II. Crichton, Netley Abbey, was third, Mr.
E. Wills fourth, and Mr. J. Amys fifth. In the other classes of Fern3
Begonias, &c., the entries were numerous and the plants good, the local
competitors well maintaining their reputation as skilful cultivators.

The premier exhibitor in the table decoration aud bouquet classes was
Mr. J. Cypher, who had some very tasteful contributions. Mr. A. J. Trow¬
bridge and Mr. H. Rogers of Balharn also exhibited well. Messrs. Keynes,
Williams & Co., Salisbury, were the premier exhibitors of cut Roses, show¬
ing some handsome, fresh, highly coloured blooms, and Mr. Molyneux took
the lead with a pretty collection of hardy flowers.

Fruit. — For eight dishe3 of fruit Mr. H. W. Ward, gardener to the
Right Hon. Earl of Radnor, Longford Castle, Salisoury, was first with
Black Hamburgh Grapes, well coloured ; Muscat of Alexandria, bunches and
berries good, but not highly coloured ; Moor Park Apricots, Victoria Nec¬
tarines. Elton Cherries, Brown Turkey Figs, Dr. Hogg Peaches, and a Melon.
Mr. J. Evans, gadener to Louisa, Lady Ashburton, Melchet Court, Bomsey,
followed, Gros Colman Grapes, very large, but one bunch had suffered on its
journey; good bunchete of Muscat of Alexandria, but rather green; a fine
Best of All Melon, and large Barrington Peaches.

Ttiere was good competition in the Grape classes, especially for three
bunches of black Grapes, in which there were eight entries. Mr. W. Pratt,
gardener to the Marquis of Bath, Longleat, Salisbury, led with large bunches
of Black Hamburgh, well coloured ; Mr. E. Molyneux waB second with
smaller bunches, but admirably coloured ; Mr. Warden, gardener to Sir F. II.
Bathurst, Bart., Clarendon Park, Salisbury, was third with Black Hamburgh,
even bunches of medium size, the berries large and colour good ; the fourth
prize was taken by Mr. W. Sanders, gardener to J. Erst, Esq., Longstock
House, Stockbridge, who had Madresfield Court in fair condition but wanting
colour. For two bunches of black Grapes, Mr. W. Browning, gardener to
J. Wylie, Etq., West Cliff Hill, Hythe, was first, showing Black Hamburgh,
well ripened but small in berry ; Mr. Axford and Mr. J. Allen followed.

Five exhibitors contributed three bunches of white Grapes, Mr. W. Pratt
leading with grand bunches of Muscat of Alexandria, but not at their best
as regards colour. Mr. J. Budd, gardener to F. G. Dalgety, Esq., Lockerly
Hall, near Romsev, was second with the same variety, much smaller. Mr.
W. Wtldsmith, gardeurr to Viscount Everslev, Heckfield Place, Winchfield,
was third with Golden Queen, and Mr. C. Warden fourth with Buckland
Sweetwater. With two bunches of whit" Grapes Mr. J. Allen, gardener to
J. Bailey, Esq., Elmfield Hill ; Mr. W. Sanders; Mr. A. Richards, gardener
to D. Norton, Esq., The Dell, Bonchurch, Isle of Wight ; and Mr. J. E.
Axford, gardener to C. M. Shipley, E?q., Twyford Moors, Winchester, was
fourth, none of the exhibits being remarkable With one bunch Mr. T.
Budd was first for Muscat of Alexandria, a large hunch ; second Mr. W.
Sanders ; third Mr. W. Hills. For a scarlet flesh Melon Messrs. W. & G.
Drewer were first, and for a green flesh variety Mr. W. Sanders took the
first place. Hatdy fruits were also well shown by local exhibitors.

Vegetables. — These were excellently shown by several exhibitors, the
produce being all very clean and well grown. For a collection of twelve
varieties, Mr. Cox, gardener to R. K. Wyndham, Esq., Corhampton Housp,
Bishops Waltham, taking the lead with good Onions, Cauliflowers, Tomatoes,
Beet, Beans, Cucumbers, Potatoes, Celery, Peas, Vegetable Marrows, Atti-
chokes, and Carrots. Mr. Richards, gardener to the Earl of Normanton,
Ringwood, Hants, was placed second, but several experienced growers
thought he was entitled to the first prize, though after being vary carefully

Anp;nst 5, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

119

“pointed” it was found that they were exactly the same. He had fine
samples of White Elephant Onions, Perfection Tomatoes, Moore’s Cream
Vegetable Marrow, Canadian Wonder Beans, Lapstone Kidney Potatoes,
Sutton’s Gem Carrots, Early London Cauliflowers, Green Globe Artichokes,
Snowball Turnips, Pragnell’s Exhibition Beet, Duke of Albany Peas, and
Vicar of Lalehara Potatoes. Mr. W. Sanders was third, having Perfection
Tomatoes fine, Mr. J. Amys being fourth. For nine dishes of vegetables
Mr. Molyneux took the lead w.th excellent samples, very similar to those
shown bv Mr. Cox in character and quality — Daniel’s White Elephant
Onions, Trophy Tomatoes, and Duke of Albany PeaB being very fine, fol¬
lowed by Messrs. Allen and Axford.

Miscellaneous non-competing exhibits were not very abundant in the
tents, but outside the local tradesmen showed garden implements and appli¬
ances very numerously. Messrs. J. Laing & Co., Forest Hill, had collections
of Tuberous Begonia and Hollyhock blooms, both fine and rich in colours,
the former well representing the excellent varieties for which the firm is
noted. The collections were very highly commended. Messrs. W. H.
Rogers, Southampton, contributed a beautiful group of Humeas and Conifers,
witu variegated Euonymus and Coprosma Baueriana, Hydrangea paniculata
grandiflora, and other plants tastefully arranged. This was also very
highly commended. Mr. F. Webber, Tunbridge, Kent, showed a handsome
bouquet of the lovely yellow Carnation Pride of Penshurst. which was
greatly admired and commended. Mr. W. Gilbert, Bishops Waltham, also
had some Carnations, which were commended.

PHAJUS HUMBLOTr.

Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., M.P., sent a plant of this distinct
Orchid from his rich collection at Burford Lodge, Dorking, to the meeting
ot the Royal Horticultural Society on July the 13th, when the Floral
Committee awarded a first-class certificate for it, and to which it was
indisputably entitled.

We have several notable species of Phajus in cultivation, P. grandi-
folius, for example, be ng one of the really useful Orchidp, easily grown,

Fig. 17. — Phajus Humbloti.

and though not so attractive as many other members of the family, its
tall racemes of flowers have a good appearance and last well. It is an
old gnrden plant, and was known many years ago as Bletia or Limodorum
Tankervilliae, under which title it is found in most of the publications
early in the century. Phajus Blumei is another old plant, which as
Limodorum Incarvillei was grown by the earlier cultivators of Orchids.
But one of the most beautiful is P. tuberculosus, which awakened the
interest of Orchid growers when it first flowered in this country a year or
two since.

P. Humbloti bears the name of a traveller and collector who found the
plant, and though the name has been given as Humboldti under the suppo¬
sition that it referred to the great traveller and writer, Humboldt. It is
a handsome plant with long plaited leaves and stout globular pseudo¬
bulbs. The scapes rise well above the leaves, and bear six to eight flowers,
which are about 2 inches in diameter (fig. 17), the sepals and petals of
equal size, oval, and of a pale rose colour, the lip curiously winged at the
base, contracted in the centre and bright rosy purple, white at the base
and with yellow central crest, the column being slender, curved, and
bright green. It is a valuable addition to the cultivated speciee.

CHANGES IN FLOWERS.

Enclosed herewith you hive a specimen flower of Hyacinthus non-
scriptus. It is one of many similar forms. But what interests me most
is a clump of a blue variety embosomed in a hedge, but exposed to the east.
It has gradually changed from dark blue to light blue, then striped, then to
nearly white. This year one spike has come pure white, but it is so near
the original clump that I • anuot say whether it is a seedling or from a
bulb of the original. Some six or seven years ago I transplanted, early in
May, a lot of the Pheasant-eyed Narcissus, and they have gradually
changed from single to double, being highly tinged with the red of the
eye, while a yellowish colour is suffused throughout the petals, resembling
a good deal the “ Butter and Egg ” Daffodil.

Is the custom of growing many of these old-fashioned flowers in woods
and shrubberies dying out ? I remember when I was a boy many flowers
now to be seen only in gardens grew profusely in the woods, on the lawn,

and in the shiubbery near mansions, but now few are setn. Most of the
bulbous roots succeed in the woods, and basketfuls of flowers can be
pulled therefrom wiihout baring the place too much or interfering with
those in the garden. It was only the other day I was on a visit to a place
a few miles from here. The lady with whom I am acquainted passed
through the conservatory, all the other houses, and the garden. She then
entered the wood, an 1 there the found and pulled a nosegay of Hyacinths
and Narcissuses, more to her taste than all the other flowers in the houses
and garden. She wafted it towards me, so that I felt and enjoyed the
fragrance that is not easily surpassed. I entered into conversation with
her as to (he desirability of extending the varieties and culture of these
sweet and homely7 flowers, to which she agreed, and orders were given to
the gardener to carry her wish out.

The times are changed now from what they were fifty years ago. Then
fruit and flowers could be grown safely in situations where everything
is destroyed now. A sample of home rule, I suppose. In Scotland we
are told to grow fruit, but we get no protection from 'he police when we
do so. I have caught the thieves over and over again, but the police
have never as yet made a case. I used to sell £30 of fruit from my
garden ; I do not sell £1 worth now.

There is amongst a certain class a wholesale Vandalism — nothing of
beauty can be let alone. I will only mention one case of hundreds that
I could cite. Eight years ago a proprietor near me threw his house open
to a trip. The fruit and e ther trees were in bloom at the time, which
were completely destroyed, and so completely were the trees denuded of
their branches that many of them yet stand as if they had been pollarded
without any growth following.

Your remarks to “Wilfrid” on wild flowers, page 520, brings me to
another evil. Two years ago I was on a visit to a gentleman whose place
is situated near an orphan’s home. When I went the wayside i were
lovely with a profuse bloom of many varieties of wild flowers. Amongst
these beauties I spotted a lovely white large Campanula which I intended
to appropriate on my way hack, but to my disgust what was a carpet of
flowers and loveliness in the morning was as bare and barren-looking as
if a swarm of locusts had passed over the place — every flower and green
thing destroyed, and my Campanula amongst them. A little way further
on I met with the depredators, who were the orphans and nurses or
teachers, and in the breast of one I spied my drooping white Harebell ;
others carritd a few of the now languid and withered flowers, and the
road was strewn with the remainder, and the place that would have been
beautiful and pleasant lor others to see and admire for long was ruth¬
lessly destroyed by the very persons that should have taught otherwise.
But this is not the woist. Boys from the same home entered private
grounds and pulled the flowers. When the superintendent was spoken to
on the subject he said his boys would not be guilty of such a thing ; but
I saw them.

Some years ago a liberal gentleman in England threw his garden
open to the public, but so ungrateful were they for the privilege that
instead of guard ng plants from harm, they wrought much destruction.
At last a notice wa9 put up that the first depredator would be punished.
A woman was caught pmlling a flower valued at a few pence. She was
taken before a Judge. To him the case appeared a had one owing to so
much previous destruction. lie gave her a severe sentence. A Glasgow
paper commented upon it, and the strictures were severe upon the Judge.
The edi'or of the paper rolled the ball so long, which be thought was a
goo l one to get sympathy from those who do not respect property, and
the result was that he managed to work upon the feelings of the Lord
Advocate, who got an Act passed against punishing youths below a certain
age, hence the canse of so much detraction in gardens and to private pro¬
perty by youths, and the habits of fiscals being against making a case
against youths committing crime trains them to be oriminals. Whencrimeis
allowed to go unpunished, it is safe to say that we live in troublesome
times, and have great need of reform. — W. T., Blantyre.

[The (lower enclosed in the letter of our correspondent was so dried
and crushed in transit that all we can say of it is it was an extraordinary
conglomeration of distorted petals and abortive stamens, the change from
the normal condition being so great that we suspect no bitanist could
have recognised the species. The change of the Narcissus recorded is
a very interesting circumstance.]

WORKJorthe WEEK..

IfPSL,

HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

Strawberries,— Early runners should be used for every purpose, in
order that all the plants may be strong and have large full crowns when
growth is practically over in autumn. In our note a fortnight ago we
cnly mentioned the planting of new beds, early attention to which is of
the utmost impoitance. It must not be forgotten that there are many
gardens wherein space cannot be afforded for new bods at this season of
the year. For such gardens spring planting is recommended, and pro¬
vision of plants should be made now by making nursery beds of strong
runners. We have often had. to do this, and we find it convenient to use

120

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDEHER.

[ Angu t P, 1886.

a spare piece of ground in the soil yard. A raised bed is made of leaf
mould and coal ashes, in which the runners root freely, and the plants are
subsequently transplanted with a large mass of roots and soil. Old beds,
when the fruit is all gathered, should have all the runners cut off and
cleared away with any weeds or rubbish ; a dressing of old stable or farm¬
yard manure is then dug in among the plants without loss of time, our
object being to promote a strong growth of roots, foliage, and crowns, and
thus lay the foundation of a fine crop of fruit next season. Exhausted
beds should be hoed up at once, and the space turned to account for
vegetable culture. We may mention that there is no reason why Straw¬
berries may not be grown in the same place for an indefinite period if
the soil is porous, well drained, and has an annual dressing of manure.

Peaches and Nectarines — The fruit is now swelling fast, the
crop is a full one, and we take care to give the whole of the border a
thorough drenching with sewage every week to promote the growth of
fruit, foliage, and wood. A close watch is kept upon the foliage, and
syringing with clean water is resorted to to keep down red spider, especial
care being taken to force the water well among and underneath the
leaves. Sub-lateral growth is now carefully kept down by judicious
pinching, but we do not remove foliage which covers fruit till the fruit is
fully grown, then full exposure to sun and air for a week or two imparts
both colour and flavour. The fruit of Early Beatrice Peach is exposed
fully to the sun sooner than that of most other sorts, for we have found
attention to this matter well repaid by colour so beautiful and flavour so
excellent as renders this Peach worthy of a place among the best sorts.
Grown under glass its fruit is insipid and altogether inferior, but from
the open wall it is quite delicious.

FRUIT FORCING.

Pines. — Preparing Houses for Plants. — Houses as they become
vacant should be thoroughly cleansed before being re-occupied with
plants. The first thing to be seen to is the bed. If the bottom heat is
furnished by hot-water pipes there will still be the plunging material, and
if tan or leaves be employed for bottom heat they should be removed, or
part of them, at least once a year, for predatory vermin, particularly
woodlice, incease rapidly, and are a source of much annoyance. Some¬
times tan with hot-water pipes beneath is provided for bottom heat. In
any case everything should be placed into thorough order. Brush brick¬
work with hot lime, the wood aud iron work with soap and water, keeping
the soapy water as much as possible from the glass, which ought to be
cleansed with water only. Any necessary repairs should be eff cted, and
the wood and iron work painted. Beds that are chambered — ie., the
hot-water pipes covered with slates or other material, are much in advance
of those surrouuded and passing through rubble. The beds composed of
the latter must be turned over, and any dirt or small parts removed to
allow the heat given off by the pipes to penetrate the whole and diffuse
uniform temperature to the bed. New material will be required for beds.
Provide fresh tan, of which 3 feet in depth is ample, where there are
pipes placed beneath. If wet turn it a few times, especially on fine
sunny days.

Potting Rooted Suclters. — Plants started as suckers in June will soon
have filled the pots with roots, and should be shifted into larger pots
before the roots become very closely matted. Queens should have 9 and
10-inch pots, and varieties of stronger growth 11-inch pots. There is no
belter comp >st than rather strong turfy loam stacked long enough to
destroy vegetation. This, torn with the hand, and a quart of soot added
to each bushel of compost, will grow Pines exceeding well. Pot firmly,
and keep the plants well down. Supply water immediately after potting,
and plunge in a bed having a temperature of 90° to 95° at the base of
the pots. Allow the plants plenty of room, there not being a greater
mistake in Pine-growing than crowding young plants. The plants, when
crowded, become drawn and weakly instead of being sturdy.

Re arranged Plants. — Look to the bottom heat of beds that have
been recently upset by the removal of plants, not allowing the he it to
exceed 95° at the base of the pots without immediately raising them,
as too much bottom heat will disastrously effect plants with fruit, or those
having the pots filled with roots. Water the plants about twice a week,
and maintain a moist, genial, well- ventilated atmosphere. The weather
is now so favo rable that Pine plants grow luxuriantly, therefore dis¬
continue auy shading such as may have been employed for an hour or two
at mid-day when the sun was powerful through the months of May, June,
and July, the plants after this having the benefit of every ray of light,
admitting air plentifully when the temperature reaches 85°, but not to
lower if, but keep it between 85° and 95°, affording fruiting plants a
night temperature of 70° to 75°, and succession 65° to 70°. Reserve,
if possible, suckers on the stools for starting at the commencement of
September.

Cucumbers. — Any frames at liberty may yet be filled with young
plants upon a bed of fermenting materials, which will give a supply of
fruit in September, and continue it to near Christmas if due regard be
paid to lining the bed and to protecting the plants by mats over the lights
in cold weather. Let plants in frames or bouses be cut regularly once
or twice a week, removing exhausted growths to make room for young
bearing shoots. Keep the shoots stopped to one joint beyond the fruit,
or, if the plants are vigorous and showing no signs of exhaustion, stop at
the fruit. Enfeebled plants must have the young growth encouraged,
lightly cropped, and a‘sist root-action by a surface dressing of fresh loam
and a mulcting of short manure. Afford liquid manure twice a week to
plants carry ng full crops, and water as necessary, being guided by the
state of the soil, over-watering making the soil sodden and soar,
and too little causing a stunted growth. SyriDge in the af'ernoon of

bright days, and close early, but avoid late syringing, having the foliage
fairly dry before sunset, and commence ventilating early in the morning,
keeping through the day at 85° to 95°, 75° by artificial means, and 65° to
70° at night. Preparation must be made for getting out the autumn
fruiters without delay.

Strawberries for Forcing. — The plants will by this time have
been rooted in small pot=. or layered in the large pots, both systems
having their advocates. If layered in small pots they should be trans¬
ferred into the larger sizes as soon as they become well rooted, 5-in-h
being most suitable for early forcing, aud 6-ineh for midseasou and late
work. Good turfy loam with a fifth of well-decayed manure and a quart
of soot, or any of the advertised fertilisers, to each bushel of compost,
will grow them well. Drain efficiently, and pot firmly. Stand them on a
base impervious to worms, and keep them duly supplied with water,
removing all runners. Tney should have an open situation, but if
possible, sheltered from winds. Good for early forcing are La Grosse
Sucrde and Yicomtesse Hericart de Thury ; for mid“eason, Sir Harry,
B ithwell Bank Prolific, and President ; for late, Sir Charles Napier and
Dr. Hogg.

Vines. — Late Grapes. — To insure these keeping well the Vines need
to be started early and thoroughly ripened. The Grapes in houses started
in February will now be colouring. Good Colman and Gros Guillaume
take a longer time t > ripen than most others, and they should have a house
to themselves, where they can be given plenty of heat and abundant
supplies of water. Muscats and Lady Downe’s cannot stand the direct
ravs of the sun through large panes of glass, but there is a considerable
difference in their requirements — viz,, Muscats must have plenty of light
to give them the golden colour that denotes high finish ; Lady Downe’s
finishes well under foliage ; inde d, black Grapes colour in proportion to
the foliage, but white Grapes appear to require more light and the shoots
thinner. A night temperature of 70° should be maintained, with a little
ventilation at the upper part of the house, and very free ventilation by day
until all danger from scalding is past. When the colouring commences
fire hea' will be nececsary to induce a minimum temperature of 70?, aud 85&
in the daytime, with moderate ventilation at night and in dull weather, so as
to secure a circulation of rather dry warm air, proportionately increased
on fine days. The roots must not be neglected in the supply of water,
but if they have been too dry during the swelling period an excess of
water will only accelerate shanking— indeed, neglect of water in swelling
and mulching, so as to keep the roots active near the surface, are prolific
of disaster, as Vines carrying heavy crops afford a plentiful hardest of
shanked berries. Let the borders in-ide and out have a good soaking with
liquid manure in a tepid state, or water as may be considered advisable,
for the roots will require a good supply of nutriment for some time yet.

Regulating Growths. — Although we advise the extension system in
preference to the restrictive, it is not desirable to allow the laterals to be
crowded before pinching them, as it gives a severe check, large reductions
of foliage at a time often resulting in shanking through loss of roots ;
therefore keep the laterals well in hand, and do Dot allow more foliage to
be made than can have exposure to light to elaborate the sap and feed
the buds at their ba«e.

Young Vines. — Keep these in full growth by maintaining a moist
atmosphere, and encourage all the growth practicable, subject to the part
that is to be retained for next year’s fruiting having the principal leaves
fully exposed to light, the laterals being stepped, so as to con -entrate the
force of the Vines in the buds that will be reserved for fruiting next
season. Supernumeraries should have the laterals stopped to about
8 feet up the canes, above which lateral extension may be allowed. Close
early with plenty of sun heat, a id keep the surface of the border moist
and mulched, so as to keep the roots active near the surface.

Ripe Grapes. — In order t > preserve black Grapes at this season as
long as possible it it essential that the Vines have good f liage, so as to
prevent the sun taking the colout out of them, or if the foliage be thin a
slight shading will be necessary. Examine the bunches occasionally for
shanked or decayed berries, and keep the house cool, well ventilated, and
moderately dry, slight moisture not being injurious to the Grapes.

PLANT HOUSES.

Hybrid Perpetual Roses.— All plants intended for early forcing next
season may with safety be repotted. Young planis pot'ed last au umn
in 7 and 8-inch pots may be transferred into others 2 and 3 inches larger.
The drainage from these need only be removed, and loose soil from the
surface of the ball unless the soil is sour or has become saturated. If in
this state shake the whole from the ro its, and return the plants to the
same size pots in which 'hey have been growing. Plants in 10-inch
pots should have their roots reduced about one-third, and then be returned
into the same size pols, or smaller, according to their condition. It the
stock upon which the youngest plants are worked was not completely
buried when they were first potted, they should be placed as low tu their
pots as possible. The soil should be pressed firmly roun i the roots.
Before potting be careful that the roo's of the plants are in an intermediate
state for moisture. These varieties do well in fibry loam, one-seventh of
decayed manure, one 6-ineh potful of bonemeal, and the same quanti y of
soot to each barrowful of sni1. If the loam is light, dry some clay, and
then reduce it to powder, and add one-seventh to the loam bef re the
other ingredients are incorporated. Alter potting plunge the pots and
ccver the surface of the soil to prevent, evaporation. If this is done, and
the plants liberally syringed twice daily during dry weather, they will
need no water at their roots. The roots will have filled the pots before
it becomes necessary to place them under cover in autumn.

Tea Varieties. — Tnose that ere planted out under gla^s, and icteade

Angasfc 5, 1S83. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

121

for early forcing, must have abundance of air day and night to harden
and ripen their wood. They must be syringed at least once daily to keep
their ioliaae clean, and watered at their roots whenever they need it.
If the last is not attended to they are certain to become a prey to mildew,
which if once established in the house may prove a source of trouble for a
long time. All the flower buds that appear from this date should be re¬
moved, so as to give the plants every opportunity of growing and flowering
well when they are required to do so. Plants in pots may now be turned
out and repotted. The soil used for these should be of a lighter
nature than advised for Hybrid Perpetual?. If the loam is modera'ely light
add about one-third of leaf mould to it, and it may require a little sand.
These plants should be restaked and their branches tied, and then either
plunged outside and treated the same as the H.P.’s or placed again under
glass until they are partially established in their pots. They are better
outside, when once established, for two months, and then if properly
treated when housed will yield abundance of buds until Christmas. The
remaining portion can be started into growth to succeed them. The plants
harden and ripen their growth outside, and when placed in a temperature
of 50° to 55° break quickly into growth and flower freely.

Young plants that it may be necessary to grow on and are now
vigorous in C or 8-inch pots may be transferred into others 2 inches
larger. These plants, if grown under glass, will give a good autumn
supply of flowers and bloom again abundantly towards the end of March
or early in April. Young plants rooted in the spring and now in 5-inch
pots may be placed into 7- inch pots. They should be grown under glass,
removing all flower buds as they appear, so as not to induce the plants
to make growth until the end of September, when they may be allowed to
flower. Gloire de Dijon, William Allen Richardson, and all of similar
growth that have been trained up the roof close to the glass will have
made abundance of firm wood by this time. When these are well
ripened early in the season and kept under glass they often start into
growth in autumn and flower irregularly. To prevent this the plants
should be turned outside and secured to a wall until the end of September.
They can then be trained round stakes ready for housing after the first
frost or two. When removed the position they occupied can be given to
others of later growth.

Exhausted Plants. — Any plant?, whether Tea or Hybrid Perpetuals,
that have become bare or exhausted from continuous forcing, may be stood
outside and left in the pots in which they have been growing. They can
either be taken out and repotted now or left until the spring, which is
preferable. They should be partially pruned in autumn, so that they will
stand in a cold frame and finally pruned close back to near the surface of
the soil early in January. These old plants will, if given cold frame treat¬
ment, produce very strong shoots, and during the season make bushy
healthy specimens.

Striking Cuttings. — For growing on in the place of any plants that
may be discarded after flowering in spring a good batch of cuttings should
now be rooted. In order to maintain a healthy stock of Gloire de Dijon,
Mardchal Niel, Rove d’Or, and others, cuttings should always be rooted at
this season of the year. Plants established in 5-ioch pots and wintered in
a cold house make earlier and stronger growth than if propagation was
deferred until the early part of the year. If half-ripened wood is selected
for cuttings they will root freely at this season, either in a handlight
under glass in a cool vinery or behind a north wall. Two or three joints
are ample for a cutting, and may be inserted in all sand in preference to
a mixture of soil and sand. When rooted the tender brittle roots can be
lifted out "f sand without breaking them with greater freedom than out
of soil. The roots also appear to extend more rapidly in sand than soil.
A g od s aking of water should be given when inserted, and the hand-
light? kept air-tight until they are rooted. Directly they are rooted place
them singly into 3-inch pats, and prow them on in a close frame until
they are ready for 5-inch, and when 'r 'iheyare established in these
they may have cool treatment under .

THE FLOWER GARDEN AND PLEASURE GROUND.

Propagating Boses. — Dwarf plants on their own roots are the best
for most soil?, but as these cannot often be procured, those who can get
suitable cuttings should endeavour to raise their own stock. There are
two ways of striking cutting?, one being under handlights at the present
time, and the other with well ripened growth in October and November,
much as we would Gooseberry cuttings. It is to the former and least
practised method we will at p eser.t confii e our remarks. The best
position for striking cuttings at this time of the year is at the back of a
north wall, and either handlights or bottomless hexes, closely covered
with squares of glass, are required for -he purpose. In these should be
placed 3 or 4 inches of gritty 1 amy soil faced over with more of the
road grit, or failing this silver sand. The cuttings to be preferred are
short firm shoots that have recently perfected a bloom, and these should
be taken off with a heel, and if necessary shortened so as to reduce them
to about four joints. If a sufficiency of these cannot be procured, then
medium-sized firm shoots may be cut up into lengths of three or more
joints, trimminsr off the lower leaves, and cutting clean across below the
lowest joint. The lowest buds ought not to be removed, as these will
eventually pu«h up strong shoots, thereby greatly improving the plants.
As fast a? the cuttings are made they should be dibbled in firmly and
about 4 inches apart each way. If allowed to lay about for an hour or
two after tk-ey are cut from the parent plants, a failure to strike will be
almost certain. They should be watered in, and the glass kept closely
over them until they are rooted, which may take place in about a month,
when they ought to receive ple.nty of air. If the position is at all open
to the lull sunshine at the hottest part of the day, the cuttings must be

carefully shaded at that time, or they will lose their leaves and fail to
strike. These summer-rooted plants may either be potted or bedded
out on good ground where they will be sheltered somewhat, this being
done in October or early in November before the leaves fall, and they
may then form a few fresh roots before the weather sets in. In cold
districts it may be advisable to allow them to remain where they were
struck, as they can then be more readily protected in severe weather.
We are alluding principally to the Hybrid Perpetuals, but we have struck
Gloire de Dijon, Mardcbal Niel, Souvenir de la Malmaison, Safrano,
Devoniensis, Catherine Mermet, and other Teas in a similar manner,
only the cuttings were obtained from plants trained on sunny walls.
It is useless to attempt striking soft nnripened growth.

Budding Briars. — The recent rains will have been favourable to this
work. In dry hot weather the buds do not separate readily from the
wood, neither do the bark of the shoots to be budded open freely. The
rains or heavy soakings of water correct this, and directly it is found
that they are in good condition a start should be made. About three
shoots on each Briar is ample. Select plump but not far advanced buds,
use a sharp knife for cutting this away from the wood, the small piece of
wood accompanying the bud being carefully separated, without, however,
removing the heart. If the latter comes away with the wood it useless to
insert the bud into the Briar. Insert the bud in a T cut, and between the
bark and the wood of the Briar shoot, the smooth bone handle of a
budding knife being the best for opening the bark. The bud should be
carefully slid in so as to be near the main stem of the Briar as possible,
and should face outwards. Many novices are apt to fix the buds 1 inch
and even 2 inches from the main stem, where the shoots which eventually
form are much more liable to be blown out than they would be if only
one-quarter inch, or rather more from the stems. The closer they are to
the stems the sooner they become firmly attached. The buds, whether on
the branches or remozed, ought to be kept moist till they are inserted,
should at once be bound in with matting or worsted, and in very hot
weather are best shaded with Cabbage or Rhubarb leaves.

Late Bloom on Boses. — The very hot and dry wea'her experienced
late in June and early in July had the effect of rapidly opening all the
Roses, and the season was much shortened thereby. The dwarfs were
the least affected, and these are now pushing up strong young shoots,
which will give a good succession of bloom till injured by frosts. In
order to assist the plants and to improve the quality of the blooms it is
advisable to lightly shorten all the old strong-flowering growths, picking
off all dead blooms, and at the same time any deformed buds that may be
formed. Then if sufficient rain has not fallen a good soaking of soft
water or weak liquid manure may be given with advantage. We also
make a point of disbudding early and freely, so as to concentrate the
strength of the plant on a few well-formed buds, and the superior blooms
resulting give more pleasure than do clusters of thin and much smaller
blooms. It is useless to do this disbudding after the buds are far ad¬
vanced, but it should be done as soon as they are large enough to be
rubbed out without injuring those reserved. No trimming should be
resorted to in the case of the Mardchal Niel on walls, but the long strong
shoots should be reiained to their full length, and carefully tied or nailed
in, and unless injured by very severe frosts will next seas-m develope
fine blooms at nearly every joint. Gloire de Dijon shoots formed early
will, if preserved, frequently develope a strong bloom at the ends and
many late blooms throughout their entire lengths. It is only the earliest
shoots that do this, but many of the later ones may also with advantage
be laid in to their full length, these blooming early next year. It should
be remembered that this fine old Rose is very apt to become exhausted,
and large trees may be irreparably ruined before their owners have
realised that they ought to have been well fed at the roots.

Boilers. — I should be pleased to know if any of the readers of the
Journal have had experience wit-h K ith’s patent sectional challenge boiler,
and if it is suitable for heating horticultural buildings, and what fuel is the
best for it? My employer wants me to have one, but I have had no
experience with it. — A. S.

SEASONABLE NOTES.

The weather up till the 26th July was very changeable.
The honey season seldom extends beyond this date, and this
year with us it has not yet appeared. There have only been
seven days in July that bees stored any surplus, and these days
occurred at intervals being all the worse for the secretion of
honey. There have been only two consecutive fine days, and the
weather is, while I write, gloomy with a low temperature. There
are some localities where a fair surplus has been gathered, but
with us it is much below the average.

During ihe height of the Clover season, and for three days
in succession, the wind blew a perfect hurricane, never before
experienced here in July. At least 50 per cent, of my hives have
swarmed, which not only gave extra labour, but taxed my
ingenuity to make the most of them. I have often stated the

122

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Atignet 5, 1885.

impossibility of preventing bees swarming when once they have
made up their minds to raise queens, which I still adhere to. I
therefore need not say more on that at present, further than do
not try to prevent it. Bees will not work much while queen-rearing
is going on, but the swarm will, and two joined will go ahead in
fine style. Seconds or after-casts, unless required for the increase
of stocks, should be prevented, but this can only be done by
excising all royal cells unless one. Syrians and Cyprians are
very troublesome, by throwing otf many after-oasts, owing to
the great number of queens raised, while both them and Carnio-
lians will send out a swarm from but one or two combs placed in
a full-sized hive. Of how little worth, then, is the theory that
swarming can be prevented by giving room.

There are many assertions made that have nothing to substan¬
tiate them, and bee-keepers often draw false conclusions from
the appearances of a casual visit, and then put them in print
in perfect good faith, but not with accuracy, hence are misleading.
Huber and other great naturalists devoted much time in taking
notes and watching the movements of their bees — the only way
facts can be arrived at and the true workings of the bees set
down. Many things o'cur amongst bees of which the casual ob¬
server has no knowledge. I have been often puzzled at times, but
confess I have a weakness for knowing the exact nature of
abnormal appearances and occurrences in my apiary. To solve
these I have, to my loss, watched my bees for weeks together
from sunrise to sunset without being many minutes absent, the
result being that I can now tell from the conduct of the bees
what is their intention, and what is the cause of any supposed
or real aberration on their part.

Saturday, the 17th July, was the first day of the season that
was favourable for dividing into nuclei. The weather and the
conduct of the bees that day was all that could be desired.
Queens were piping and a huge swarm came off a non-swarming
hive, a dozen of nuclei were formed, and combs of swarmed stock
overhauled, all its royal cells were excised, and its combs taken
to strengthen nuclei. While in the act of dividing, a Syrian
stock sent off a swarm of the usual sort common with these
prolific queens. It was hived and thrown back quickly to allow
me to go on with the mare important work of securing what I
had hope to be pure-breeding Garniolians, but owing to its being
Saturday must take their chance at home for fertilisation, and
even should they not mate with pure drones, they will be none
the worse for honey-gathering next year. The Carniolians have
only one fault — viz , that of dying a long time when swarming
before settling or clustering. Neither veil, gloves, nor any quieter
is necessary whatever when manipulating these bees if anything
like care and caution is used. They are first-class honey gatherers
too, leaving nothing else to be desired that we wish bees to
possess. I observe, too, that they are capital at super work,
which some of the other varieties lack; but for honey-gathe'ing
the crossed Cyprians excel all others ; were it not that I prefer
pui’e breeds to crosses, for appearance’ sake, I should not desire
any other kind of bee

All my crossed Cyprians are heavy, much heavier than any
other sort, having finished supers, an 1 a first swarm of these
four weeks hived with the untoward weather and few honey days
already described. The bees, combs, and their contents ( minus
the hive) weigh 80 lbs. As I am on the eve of departing for the
Highland and Agriculturil Show at Dumfries, will leave over till
another paper the difficulties 1 encountered with queens from
other hives entering my nuclei, as well as some vagaries of the
Syrian bees, also an account of the Caledonian Apiarian Show
at Dumfries. — A Lanarkshire Bee-keeper.

PRESERVING BEES DURING WINTER.

That success follows well wintered hives where the bees of autumn
or summer have been preserved until the following summer no sensible
person will attempt to deny. Where that is not the case, then bee-keeping
becomes a failure. Ac the present time I have bees which are to my
certain knowledge fourteen montns old, and I believe they are some
months older, as I count only from the time I hived them last year. I
can describe the best system of managing bees without the slightest fear
of contradiction from any important bee-keeper. This was not always
the case, although I have never deviated from the c;urse I have pursued
nearly ail the term of my bee-keeping life. I remember well the advice
upon this point given by Mr. Petiigrew, and he was right and in ac ;ord-
anca with my own experience. It may be summed up in the following
words : — Do not feed be.e< if it can be avoided. When required feed at
once as quickly as possible, and in quantity sufficient to tide the bees
over till all danger is past. Feed no later than September, and it is better
it bo finished in August. Fe- d swarms if the weather is unfavourable,
an 1 when there is a danger of the bees drawing the brood. Feed at a
time ani in such a mauner that stranger bee3 are not a'tracted to the fed
ones.

Feeding in October, if carried out, the bee would soon become extinct
in many districts After hives are filled in August with new worker
combs, well provisioned, the hive of a size to admit both stores and brood
of a healthy, young, fertile, and prolific queen, there remains little else to
be done but to protect the bees and hive from damp, both internally and
externally, for the rest of the winter. From what I have seen written in
bee periodicals, and what I have witnessed in apiaries, there is no doubt
that the successful plan of wintering bees is but little understood, especially
amongst modern bee-keepers.

Although I can form a fair knowledge how a hive is likely to stand
well and survive the winter when under my direct supervision, it is not
quite so easy a task to give instructions for the management of those I
have never seen. I have just been looking at a hive of bees which have
been located in a roof for a year. They seem strong, and apparently in
good heart. Some people will probably come to the conclusion that to
keep bees under similar circumstances success would be sure to follow, but
after imitaung them to the letter nothing but disappointment would result.
I speak advisedly upon this point. The roof of a house is dry, and being
a long way above ground is, in a great measure, away from the exhalations
of the earth ; and from the position of bees and combs they are, com¬
paratively speaking, free from the moist atmosphere, at least the air does
not afEect bees in a roof as it does in structures made specially for them ;
moreover, it is always warmer close to the roof of a house than it is away
from it. But if we give bees the same treatment in hives as those located
in roofs disaster is sure to follow. If it was the damp from the respiration
of bees only that we had to contend with, we should have little difficulty ;
but when the humidity of the air is combined with that of the bees, it
baffles us in the treatment we should necessarily give for a successful issue.
I have often witnessed bees come successfully through severe winters that
had little attention or protection, while those evidently cared for were in
a poor state. Our changeable and variable climate, no doubt, tends t o
puzzle us as to the way hives should really be protected.

I have witnessed hives standing side by side one lot in hives open at
every joint and the air whistling through the hive, yet that had preserved
the bees healthy as they were, because others that were well wrapped up
suffered much, having many dead bees. A more frosty and drier winter
might, however, have reversed things. The great question at issue is how
should bees be protected to wi h3tand the vicissitudes of any winter. I
have often pointed out how I have successfully wintered my own bees ;
still, there are some important points that I may have overlooked.

The late Mr. T. W. Woodbury demon9tra'ed one thing fully in his ex¬
perience of sending a hive of bees to tbe Antipodes, which on nearing the
line commenced to breed, and thereby exhausted the stores intended for
the adult bees only, consequently the hive perished. Heat is the main
factor which encourages bees to breed, not stimulative feeding, and when
stores are abundant in the hive, together with the conserved heat com¬
bined, bees naturally begin to breed soon after the shortest day, and con¬
tinue doing so if all is well until the end of season. Some writers have
expressed their fears that bees sometimes begin to breed too early. I
never knew a case where loss was sustained through that cause, but have
known of much disaster by October and stimulative spring feeding. If
bees are kept at a low temperature and donreiled in a hive subject to
change of atmosphere through any defect in make or covering, the adult
bees becomes languid, and whenever they leave the hive they perish.
Then, on the other hand, if breeding is going on under similar circum¬
stances, hatching is retarded and the young bees are often tender and
defective in the wings, are therefore useless, or so tender that they fall
victims to the chilling winds which occur in spring and early summer,
and so the hive thereby dwindles away either to nothing or to be so late as
to be utterly profi leso. Bee-keepers should therefore perceive the import¬
ance of having their hives covered so as not to be influence! internally by
any change of temperature a - 1 of such material as will carry off all
moisture fiom the interior; the hive. Non-porous material on the
crown and a close-fitting floor form a slaughter-house for the bees.

The position of the bees in the hive during winter is also of importance.
A hive having its entrance in tbs centre, if a wide hive, and a severe
winer, the bees by travelling to one side may be unable to return to
the other when the side first gone to is cleared of honey, and the bees will
die. No such disaster will follow bees in deep hives. I always work my
entrances from the side, and when the bees take up their position close to
the entrance there is never any danger of their perishing of want, as they
need only to travel inward for what they require ; besides, when located
near the doorway the humidity from the air is not so ready to enter, and
the bees and brood are more comfortable than if they were located at the
beck, where they are subjected to the cold playing against them from the
doorway. — A Lanarkshire Bee-keeper,

DRIVEN BEES

STRAW AND FRAME HIVES.

Would ‘ A Lanarkshire Bee-keeper” kindly answer me the following;
questions ?

Au old-fashioned bee-keeper has offered, at the end of the season, to
let me have the bees out of six of his straw hives, as he wishes to take
the honey and doesn’t want to keep the bees through the winter. I
thought of driving them into two hives and feeding them. Would you
recommend straw hives or bar-frame hives ? How would you proceed to
drive them ? Is it necessary to scent the bees in uniting them ? if so,
what would you use? How would you do about the queens? Also,
could you tell me of any solution, not hurtful to tbe Qesh, to put on the

August 5, 1886. 1

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

123

hands to prevent the bees stinging when handling them 1 Any informa¬
tion will greatly oblige. — Alpha.

[Pat your b es into straw hives at first, feeding them up to the required
weight. Next year when they swarm put them into one of the tiering
hives recommended in this Journal. F r about twenty years I used the
Lanarkshire tiering hive on the same principle as the Stewarton, and I
am going in more for it again. It is now as it was then, the most satis¬
factory hive, especially when placed in an outside case to draw in and out.
Swarms always work better than old stocks unswarmed. To have suffi¬
cient of these and to get good results would advise keeping three or more
eto tks to swarm.

When you begin driving the bees smear a very little carbolic acid at
the entrance, having a stout wing feather also smeared a little ; push it
into the entrance, this will quiet the bees, when the hive may be
inverted and an empty one placed on the top. A band of cloth should
now be wound round the junction of the two. Meanwhile, an empty
hive should be placed on the site of the old stock to attract the flying
bees, which, however, may be very few if the hive is deftly inverted and
the carbo'icised feather judiciously used. After the two hives are secured
to each other, and the bottom one steadied in a bucket or stakes in the
ground, rap gently on the sides of the full hive. The bees will first gorge
themselves whh honey, then will creep up to the empty hive, occupying
only a few minutes altogether, providing the day is a favourable one.
The above is the close method of driving, which is the best one for you
to adopt.

It will be safer to scent the two lots of bees before uniting. After
they are driven have ready some very thin syrup, to which add a drop or
two of oil of peppermint. Invert first one hive then the other, quickly
but cautiously, sprinkling both thoroughly, then shake the one into the
other, then the two on to a cloth, having two cross sticks laid on it to
prevent crnsh;ng bees when the hive is placed over them. The whole
thing should be performed quickly, and the best way to shake the bees
from the hive is to catch it in both hands, throw it lightly upwards,
catching it with a bump from both hands when descending. If both
queens are young ones let them fight it out themselves ; but if one is old
and the other a young one, depose the old one.

A solution of honey on the hands helps to keep bees from stinging, but
when properly handled and at the right time, no precautions are necessary.
A pair of mits, going right over the vest sleeves and leaving the fingers
bare, is the best protection when manipulating, and does not hinder the
operator. The German Masque, sold by Messrs. Neighbour, is the best
protection for the face. A little experience will soon enable you to over¬
come all difficulties.— Lanarkshike Bee-keeper ]

HANTS AND ISLE OF WIGHT BEE-KEEPERS’

ASSOCIATION EXHIBITION OF HONEY, &c.— July 31st.

One of the Exhibitions held during the year by the above Society took
place as usual in connection with the Royal Horticultural Society of South¬
ampton, in WeBtwood Park, of that town, and was in every way a great
success. It was, without doubt, much the best Show yet held by this useful and
flourishing Society. Perhaps this is accounted for, in some measure, by the
reason that the President ut the Bee Society is H.R.H. Princess Beatrice, who
visited the Exhibition for the purpose of declaring it open, and distributing
the prizes to the successful competitors. Under such conditions it was to be
expected that bej-keepers would put forth their whole strength to make the
Exhibition worthy of its name. The result was a grand display of honey,
bees, and appliance s. The honey as a whole was particularly good in quality,
some of it exceptionally so. Amongst the appliances were to be found every
conceivable article that could assist bee-keepers. The manipulation of the
bees was successfully performed during the day at intervals by the Rev.
W. E. Medlicott and Mr. E. H. Bellairs, and was watched by a numerous
company with evident interest. The duties of Hon. S cretary were ably
performed by E. H. Bellairs, Esq., who laboured hard to make the Show
what it was — a decided success.

Class 1 for 24 lbs. of super honey, in sections not exceeding 2 lbs. ea"h.
A silver medal was awarded as the first prize to Mr. W. Woodley, Worlds
End, Newbury, for twelve supers of 2 lbs. each of excellent quality, even in
build, extra good in colour, in fact it was the best super honey in the Show.
Second prize, a bronze medal, to Mr. E. Ainsley, Swanmore, Bishop’s
Waltham, for sections of the same size a3 the former, little inferior to the
first prize lot. Third prize t) the Hon. Secretary, E. H. Bellairs, Esq., for
excellent honey. For the best 24 lbB. extracted honey, in 1 lb. or 2 lb.
vessels, first E. H. Bellairs, Esq., for honey of good quality. Second prize
was awarded to Mr. W. vVoodl y. Equal third prizes were awarded to Mr.
James Lee and Mr. W. E. Duffin. Mr. W. Woodley gained the first prize
for the best design in honeycomb, consisting of the initials of H.R.H P.B.B.,
the second prize not being awarded through the design not being complet ly
worked, but a third prize was awarded Mr. J. J. Candy, Commercial Road,
Land port.

Class 5 was devoted to bee furniture, but owing to a misunderstanding of
the rules the prizes were not competed for so largely as they ought to have
been, but the fir^t prize, gained by Mr. J. B. Blow, Welwyn, Herts, consisted
of an excellent assortment of goods, all of which were of the best workman¬
ship, in fact everything that is of use to bee-keepers was shown. Mr. C. T.
Overton, Lowsfield, Crawley, Su=sex, was awarded the second prize for an
excellent stock of goods. Messrs. Abbott Brothers, Southall, London, had
an extensive collection of b.e furniture on view, but owing to the misun¬
derstanding named did not compete.

Prizes were gained by Mr. T. B. Blow and Mr. Overton id the order
named for the best observatory hive stocked with bees and queen. This
to visitors was an interesting class. Mr. J. S. Baldwin, The Apiary,
Bromley, Kent, had the best 2 lbs. of brood foundation, and the
same quantity of super foundation, which required to be manufactured
by the exhibitor, closely followed by Mr. T. B. Blow. The most

complete bar-frame hive, the price not to exceed 35s., was shown
by Mr. T. Tanner, Southampton Street, Ringwood, of the Cheshire pattern,
being well made. Mr. T. B. Blow was second. For a hive of more modest
price, 25s., the first was awarded Mr. T. B. Blow ; while the second was
given to Mr. A. D. Woodley ; third to Mr. Oveiton. The best cottager’s
hive, price 10s. Gd., was shown by Mr. H. D. Woodley ; the second prize was
awarded to Mr. Blow, and the third to Mr. Baldwin. An improved honey
extractor was shown by Mr. W. T. Meadows, Sjston, Leicester, which
combined all points essential to satisfactory extraction of honey in any
form. Mr. Blow gained first prize for section rack, prepared for putting on
the hive with an excellent manufacture. Second prize, Mr. Overton.

Class 1G of the schedule was the champion class — viz., for 12 lbs. of
super in sections not exceeding 2 lbs. each, and 12 lbs. of extracted honey
in vessels not exceeding 2 lbs. each. The first prize was the silver medal
of the British Bee-keepers’ Association and £1 given by H. and I.W.B.K.A.
This was considered to be the leading class. Most interest was concen¬
trated here, as showing the different qualities of the honey in both sections
(super and extracted) as gathered in the same place and by the same bees,
which produced fourteen entries. After a close scrutiny the Judges
awarded the first prize to Mr. H. Puzey, Farringdon, Alton, Hants, whose
super honey was grandly built, uniform in colour, and of excellent appear¬
ance ; the extracted also was of high character. A bronze medal given
by the same Society as second prize was awarded to Mr. W. Hunt, South
Wainborough, Odiham, Hants, who was a close competitor for the first
prize. The third prize was taken by Mr. C. Richmond, Swanmore House
Farm, Bishops Waltham.

For the same quantity as in the foregoing class, open to cottagers and
artisans only, Mr. E. Ainsley gained the award with a splendid exhibit, good in
colour, quality and build. Second Mr. T. Giles, Cowsfield, Salisbury ; third
Mr. J. Downton, Abbotts Anne, Andover. Miss Evelyn Myers, Swanmore
House, Bishop’s Waltham, gained the first prize for 12 lbs. of super honey,
not exceeding 1 lb. each, with honey in every way most satisfactory. Miss
Medlicott, Swanmore Vicarage, Bishop’s Waltham, gained the second prize
with a capital exhibit. Miss Johnson, Northgate Place, Winchester, was
third in this class, which was largely represented by no less than eighteen
entries, thus it was no little honour to gain a prize where the competition
was so spirited. The following class was on the same conditions as former
one, except it was confined to cottagers and artisans only, Mr. AinBley
followed up his previous successes by taking the first prize, followed by Mr.
Giles and Mr. A. Roots, Morestead, Winchester. For 24 lbs. extracted
honey, in vessels of any size, Mrs. Hughes, Longstock, Stockbridge, gained
the first prize with honey which was bright and clear, and of excellent
appearance. Mr. J. Downton and Mr. Giles received the remaining awards
in the order named. Mrs. Hughes followed up her previous success by again
taking the first prize for 12 lbs of extracted honey in 1 lb. or 2 lb. vessels,
with a sample as good as io the former class. Mr. Broom was second, and
Miss Martin, Swanmore, Bishop’s Waltham, third. Ditto cootagers and
artisans, Mr. Broom first; second Mr. Downton; third Mr. E. Ainsley.
For a super of honey, not in sections, and exceeding 10 lbs. in weight, Mrs.
Burgess, Hinton, was the only competitor who was awarded the first prize
for a good samp'e.

Rev. W. E. Medlicott gained the first prize for the best display in the
most ornamental manner, to be under 100 lbs. in weight, with a good
exhibit, tastefully arranged, followed by Mr. J. J. Candy and Mi3s Myers,
Swanmore House, in the order named. The best sample of beeswax, not
less than 2 lb. weight, was staged by Mrs. Burgess ; second Mr. J. Forward,
Newtown, Christchurch ; third Mr. A. Stephens, Newtown, Christchurch,
all very good in quality. The best home made hive, the work of an amateur
not being a carpenter or jointr, was shown by Mr. W. Welch, West End,
Southampton ; second Mr. E. Maberly, Avonmouth, Christchurch ; third
Mr. A. Stephen.

THE BRITISH BEE-KEEPERS’ ASSOCIATION’S TENTH

METROPOLITAN EXHIBITION OF HONEY, HIVES, &C.

The B.B.K.A. are to be cordially congratulated on the success of their
tenth Exhibition, as for quality and quantity it far exceeded any of their
previous shows. When the question was hinted of holding a show at the
Oolinderies, it was pointed out that there would have to be a large sum of
money guaranteed for expenses, as the only income would be the entrance
fees, no gate money being obtainable.

However, by the eDd of June, the fund had reached to nearly £160, and there
being over 300 entrance fees, the financial success of the Show was assured.
A novel feature in the Show wa3 the county competition, open to all county
associations affiliated to the B.B.K.A. which produced eleven entries.

Unfortunately several of our best honey-producing counties have not
competed — namely, Devonshire, Dorsetshire, Lincolnshire, and Hampshire,
the latter county having held a large Show at Southampton at the same
time.

The Lancashire and Cheshire Association scored an easy first, followed
by Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Buckinghamshire, and Wiltshire. The conditions
being that honey in any form was to be displayed on a table G feet by 6 feet
and 3 feet in height, and that ten members at least should contribute the
honey. It was very unfortunate that the winning association had not com¬
plied with the regulation that all honey in bottles should be corked, and a
formal protest was lodged against the Judges’ decision, which will be con¬
sidered by the Committee, though we have been informed that if the
protest is upheld that the first prize will be withheld, and not awarded to
Hertfordshire. We are strongly of opinion that the decision of the Judges
should be always upheld, unless it can be shown that they have contravened
the schedule. Judges like others of us are only mortal, and fallible, and if they
awarded a prize for smokers to thirty-six 1-lb. sections of honey, we think
the Committee would be perfectly justified in over-riding their decision, as
well as in such a case as the present.

Class 2 was for thirty-six 1 lb. sections of honey, which included forty-
thr^e entries, and the prizes were awarded to Messrs. W. G. Preec“, T. Elder-
kin, T. Sells, and Mrs. Tom ; while Messrs. Drake, Read, and Stanford were
highly commended. For twenty-four 2 lb sections there were only six entries,
and Messrs. Sells and Woodley and Miss Gayton were the prizewinners in the
order named. For run honey, the Revs. J. A. Kemp, Anderson, and Sun-

124

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 5, 1886,

de.land, Mias Gayton, and M S3ra. Sell*, Kendle, Lloyd, and Clowes were
the successful competitors. The Committee, with a wise discretion,
eliminated the usual class for collections of bee furniture, and had only two
class ;s for hives, the first class to include hives not exceeding 20s , and the
second class los.

Bee-keeping nowadays has become more of an industry and less of a
hobby, and expensive prices, except for the dilet'ante bee-keeper, are things
of the past. In these classes Messrs. Neighbour, Blow, Baldwin, Overton,
Dines, Abbott, Howard, and Meadows were successful ; while in the class
for extractors, T. B. Blow took a silver and two bronze medals, and C. T.
Overton a silver medal. Bronze medals were awarded to Messrs. Abbott,
Overton, and Webster for smokers, and appliances for quieting bees, and we
think that the carbolic acid fumigator will be the fumigator of the future,
For feeders, Messrs. Howard and Meadows gained a silver medal and a
bronze medal, which was also obtained by Messrs. Blow and Baldwin. For
section racks Messrs. Neighbour and Abbott were awarded prize medals;
while Messrs. Abbott secured the silver medal for a travelling crate.

In the class of useful inventions introduced since 1883, Messrs. Abbott,
showed a very neat contrivance for fixing foundation. A groove, the under
surface of the top bar is cut into one side, perpendicular, and the other side
slanting ; the sheet has the npper end placed in this grove, and is kept in
position by a thin strip of wood, which jams it so tightly that the founda¬
tion will bear the strain of several pounds.

Mr. C. X. Weston showed a Bertrand fumigator, which we can bear
testimony to as being a very efficacious way of curing foul brood. The
price (14s. 6d.) is rather prohibitive, but the county associations could
easily let it out on hire to their members. The Self-Opening Tin Box
Company showed some cheap useful tins for storing honey, which supplies
a very great want, as all sorts of utensils, from washing basins to bread
pans, have to be pressed into the service of bee-keepers, very much to the
detriment of the temper of the careful housewife.

In the miscellaneous class there were various exhibits from medallions
to medicine, from bottles to bee flora, from comb foundation to cakes and
confectionery. Most of the honey shown was for sale, and a brisk trade
was carried on by the exhibitors, as well as by Messrs. Neighbour, the
Bee and Fruit Farming Company, and the British Honey Company, who
respectively showed very attractive exhibits of honey of all kinds and
qualities, from the ancient glass super to the modern section, the most con¬
venient and saleable form of comb honey.

[The complete prize list of the above Show was not received on our going
to press, and the report of the Caledonian Society’s Apiarian Exhibition
arrived too late for insertion this week.]

TRADE CATALOGUE RECEIVED.

L. Spiith, Rixdorf, Berlin. — Catalogue of Bulbs , Roses, cj -c., 188G.

%* All correspondence should be directed either to “The Editor”
or to “ The Publisher.’' Letters addressed to Dr. Hogg or
members of the staff often remain unopened unavoidably. We
request that no one will write privately to any of our correspon¬
dents, as doing so subjects them to unjustifiable trouble and
expense.

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions relat¬
ing to Gardening and those on Bee subjects, and should never
send more than two or three questions at once. All articles in¬
tended for insertion should be written on one side of the paper
only. We cannot reply to questions through the post, and we
do not undertake to return rejected communications.

UNANSWERED LETTERS. — We find it necessary to state that letters
to which replies are expected in this Journal should be addressed to
the “ Editor of the JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE,-’ and in NO
OTHER WAY, to insure attention.

Royal Caledonian Society (Show). — We cannot give you the date you
require ; the best course would be to write to Mr. J. Stewart, 4, Albyn Place,
Edinburgh.

Princess Frederick William Strawberry (H. Mills). — We for¬
warded your letter to our correspondent, who replies : — “ This variety does
not seem to be in general cultivation, though it is an excellent variety for
forcing, being a great bearer, the trusses thrown well up, as in La Grosse
Sucree, and has a particularly fine aroma when ripe. It was grown a few
years ago by Messrs. James Dickson & Sons, Newton Nurseries, Chester.”

Chrysanthemums Dorset). — Your writing is so indistinct that we

can scarcely read your letter. You have done quite right in promptly
removing the buds. The next will probably show at the right time for
“ taking,” and with good management will develops into fine blooms from
crown buds. You should read carefully what Mr. Molyneux has written on
this subject, and proceed with early and late varieties accordingly.

Specimens of Ferns — Mushrooms (H. G. B.). — The neatest way to
secure the fronds is by gumming narrow pieces of strong paper across the
stipes and base of the pinnae or pinnules, and if some care be exercised in
placing these the frond can bi rendered quite secure. If gummed, as you

suggest, the gum employed should be thin and clear. The heat is probably
too great in the cellar, and that would cause the Mushrooms to grow with
long stalks as described.

Apple Blossom (H. C.). — The semi-double Apple blossom you have sent
is 2| inches in diameter and very beautiful. You would observe it was the
only blossom on the spur, and if you examined its stem or peduncle care¬
fully you would not only see it was very stout and a little flattened, but
ribbed. The ribs represent the stalks of other flowers, and instead of the
specimen being a solitary flower it was an aggregation of all the flowers of
the truss — a merging or concentration of them all into one flower, and a
very complete and interesting example of fasciation.

Cutting Down Jacaranda mimosaefolia (W. M. (?.). — We shculd take
cuttings of the plant now— the tops of the shoots — and try and strike them.
They should be a little firm, and inserted in sand over sandy peat made
firm, in pots over which bellglasses can be placed, or in a close case in a
warm house or pit. We should not cut the plant closely down now, but
only shorten the growths, keep the soil rather dry through the winter, and
prune lower in early spring. Healthy plants are very beautiful in a small
state — charming for table decoration and vases.

Brugmansias Losing their Lower Leaves (Cambridge). — This is to
some extent natural ; but these plants are very much subject to red spider,
and it is possible that your plants are suffering from that cause. They
should be well syringed twice daily should such be the case. It is more
likely that the plants at some time have been too dry than that they have
been too moist. Standing in a rather shady position would be beneficial
rather than otherwise. Give them a top-dressing of loam and manure in
equal parts, and when roots appear on the surface give occasional waterings
with weak liquid manure. Syringe daily and they may flower tolerably well
during the autumn. Postpone shaking them out till the end of the year,
when they should be repotted in equal parts of turfy loam and peat and
well-decayed manure ; but red spider is the chief difficulty with these
plants, and must be guarded against.

Tea Roses (Tea Rose). — Practically all the beautiful blooms with which
you have been enamoured were grown outdoors, and we see no reason
whatever why you should not grow these charming Roses well. We do
not say you can grow them equal to the splendid examples to which you
allude — unless, indeed, you can grow hybrid Perpetuals as good as the best
of the best growers. If your soil is very heavy make it lighter by the
addition of vegetable refuse and gritty ma.ter of any kind, wood ashes being
excellent, and soot good. The site must be free from stagnant water, and
the ground made fertile with manure to the depth of 2 feet. If it is inclined
to be wet gr*w the Roses in beds raised a foot above the general level of the
land, with paths between them. With shelter from thatched hurdles as you
propose, and the addition of dried fern in the winter if needed, pruning to
good buds on stout ripe wood, surface-dressing with manure, and giving
liquid manure if required, thinning the growths and disbudding, you ought
to have healthy plants and good flowers of all the varieties you name.

Fertilising Moss (Amateur). — We have not used this moss, but have
seen small softwooded plants and young Ferns growing in it satisfactorily ;
indeed, Mess's. King & Co. exhibited such plants, also a Coleus, Begonia,
and a Caladium, at Liverpool. We do not know whether it has been tried
for Orchids, but it would appear to be worth trying. Nor can we tell how
long such plants as the above would continue healthy in it under good
management. The old practice of binding fresh sphagnum moss around
the roots of bedding plants in spring, owing to scarcity of small pots and
the knowledge of the fact that such plants have for a time made progress,
and quickly started off when finally bedded out, has no doubt had a great
deal to do with the Fertilising Moss theory. Messrs. King it Co. claim that
the fertilising properties which, in the process of manufacture they impart
to the moss, become permanently fixed, so that they can only be dissolved
and assimilated as the plants require them. If this is a fact it is a “ step in
advance.” Hyacinths and other bulbs would no doubt grow and flower in
this moss well, and it is convenient for using in jardinets and ornamental
vases. Why not try a few experiments ? The cost would be trifling, the
“ indulgence ” interesting, and the results instructive.

Habits of the Fly or Aphis (F. J.). — The innumerable insects of this
group, about one of which you inquire, haunt almost every plant more or
less, and they vary much in size, also colour, green, black, brown, ye'lo w, &c.
In general habits, however, they all nearly resemble each other ; a few
stragglers live through the winter in houses and sheltered outdoor spots, but
the origin of every year’s succession of them is a batch of eggs laid during
the autumn by females, winged, or occasionally wingless, usually on twigs
and branches, it may be on walls ; hence the importance of cleansing these
in winter, when it can be done. From these eggs appears the first brood,
about April, of females, which, as the season advances, develope a progeny
wingless like themselves, and other broods follow in rapid succession. A
decided check given to the first minute examples of spring greatly lessens
one’s future troubles. Winged aphides appear in May and September;
these perform migrations, but seldom travel far. All the aphides are
feminine, except part of the autumn generation, before egg-laying, and in
every stage of growth the insects are active, day and night, sucking plant
juices. Fortunately for us they have a large number of foes, which destroy
them by thousands, some parasites even attacking them while in the egg.
There are some aphides that infest the roots of plants ; these are destitute
of wings. It is doubtful if the i; mite of a fly ” to which you refer is the
originator of the insects on your Begonias. The house should be thoroughly
cleansed in every part at a convenient time in winter, then by periodical
light fumigations in spring, before the insects appear, the plants may be
kept clean. Possibly also the atmosphere of the house is kept somewhat
too dry.

Dwarf Chrysanthemums ( C . W. C.). — Your cuttings will strike if their
leaves are kept fresh, but they would have been much better in a close
frame. If the ends of good shoots, those of a stout short-jointed character,
are inserted now, one in the centre of a 2-inch pot in sandy loam, surfaced
with sand, well watered, and the pots stood on damp ashes in a frame kept
regularly moist and shaded to prevent the leaves flagging, they will soon
emit roots. They must have all the light they will endure, but the leaves
should be kept fresh. In the course of a week give it a little air, increasing

August 5, IS?* 6. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

125

by degrees long as the leaves do not droop, drawing the sash off on fine
nights so that the cuttings may benefit by night dews, and eventually in the
daytime. When roots are seen protruding through the drainage shift the
plants into 5 or 6-inch po'.s, using a compost of turfy loam, with a fifth
part of decayi d manure added, crumbled with the hand, mixing a handful
of soot with a peck of soil and a little sand. Pot firmly, and grow the
plants in a sunny position in the open air, not topping them. You may
insert three or more cuttings of Pompon varieties if you wish round the
sides of the pots, and shift them into larger pots, without dividing the
plants. Wu have seen dwarf bushes grown by inserting half a dozen
cuttings in 5 and 6-inch pots, and leaving them there to grow and flower.
In this case the pots should be two-thirds filled with very good compost,
surfaced with sandy soil, and not filled nearer than within an inch of the rim.
Liquid manure is not required, at least till the pots are filled with roots. It
i3 not often that plants kept long in the cutting pots to “ keep them back ”
prove very satisfactory. You can try yours, treating them as advised foi
later struck cuttings. All the pots should be made ready and the soil well
watered before the cuttings are taken, and these sprinkled after insertion.
They should n t flag before being put in, nor after either, or they will not
strike quickly, if at all.

Resting Cattleyas (A. B. C.). — The time for resting the majority of these
plants is from November until the end of February or the early part of
March. The system of resting varies according to, the variety. For in¬
stance, C. intermedia makes its growth i arly in the year, and flowers upon
it before it is really completed ; it then makes roots, and an autumn growth
which does not flower. This requires to be well ripened, and the plant
rested through the winter, until signs of growth are visible in February.
C. eldorado make3 its growth and flowers from July onwards on pseudo-
bulbs that are not ripe, but requires ripening after flowering by warmth,
light, and sunshine, then a cooler and drier atmosphere, with only sufficient
water at the root to keep them from shrivelling, will rest them. C. Trianre
makes its growth and produces a sheath. The first must be thoroughly
hardened and ripened, by which time it will be autumn. This variety
should then be rested, not in too low a temperature ; but if given water to
keep its pseudo-bulbs plump it will continue to develope its flower buds,
which unfold early in the season. Rooting with this variety commences
about the same time, and they should not he allow’ed to suffer by an
insufficient supply of water, although they will not require as much as when
m active growth. C. Mossiee flowers later, and in consequence makes its
growth later in the season, and therefore cannot be rested quite so early as
C. .Trianse. C. Mossiac invariably begins to make roots about the time 0.
Trianas comes into flower. The growths of Cattleyas should always be well
ripened before they are rested, whether they flower after being rested or
before. The examples named will be some guide to you in this respect.
Never rest these plants until the pseudo-bulbs are firm and thoroughly
developed about this stage, or directly after the roots erase action. You
must not check your plants by resting them while the roots are in activity,
as is often the case with these plants long after the growth appears to be
completed. 6

Names of Fruits. — The names and addresses of senders of fruit to
be named must 'in all cases be enclosed with the specimens, whether
letters referring to the fruit are sent by post or not. The names are
not necessarily required for publication, initials sufficing for that.
( W. 12.).— Only one fruit, and that the smallest, arrived in its entirety,
the others being all smeared. Strawberries should never touch each other
when packed for travelling We cannot name it, but we do not think it is
Dr. Hogg ; indeed, the small sound fruit is not a typical specimen of any
variety.

Names of Plants. — We only undertake to name species of plants, not
varieties that have originated from seed and termed floiists’ flowers.
Flowering specimens are necessary of flowering plants, and Fern fronds
should bpar spores. Specimens should arrive in a fresh state in firm
boxes. Slishtly damp moss or soft green leaves form the best packing, dry
cotton wool the worst. Not more than six specimens can be named at once.
(Carex).— 11, Carex divulsa; 16, C. glauca (reenrva) ; 17, Cannot be named
with certainty. All the specimens arrived in the worst condition. ( D . C.).
— -Festuca bromoides. ( H . IV. (?.). — It is quite impossible for anyone to
give the correct name of a Tomato from a solitary leaf. Your Tomato is of
the Dedham Favourite type, and that is all we can say about it. (Rosa). —
The specimen sent is not sufficient to enable us to identify the plant with
certainty, but it resembles Acampe multiflora, formerly known as a Yanda,
but now separated with several others to form the genus Ac >mpe. It is
found in China, and is said to be common in ravines of Hong Kong. (Old
Subscriber , Norwich. — 1, Aspidium capense (Polystichum capense); 2, Sco-
lopendrinm plantagineum (Antigramme plantaginea) ; 3, Lomaria species;
4, Blechnum longifolium; 5, Asplenium erectum (variety brazilieDse) ; 6,
Asplenium alatum. (Constant Reader). — 1, Aconitum versicolor; 2, Cam¬
panula persicifolia alba plena ; 3 Spirsea salicifolia ; 4, Asperula odorata.

Italian Bee (Clifton). — From the description given of the bee it appears
to he an Italian (Apis ligustica), or it may be a cross from either it or one
or other of the yellow-striped bees, such as the Syrian, Cyprian, Egyptian,
&c., or a dark coloured pure one of one of the above ; but, from the descrip¬
tion given, we think it an Italian.

Preserving Sections for Sale ( F . J.). — The best way to preserve sections
after being taken off hive and not for immediate sale is to pack them in
an air-tight box, and as nearly as possible hermetically sealtd. Keep them
in a dry place. Place the sections in the original way they stood upon the
hive. If for immediate sale, ccnsult the tastes and wishes of customers
whether they should be in boxes, in numbers, or if glazed separately.
The former plan is decidedly the cheapest if according to the wishes of
customers.

Making a Bar-Frame Hive (R. C.). — Every liive in an apiary ought to
contain frames of the same size and dimensions, so that every comb when
built in proper form will be interchangeable with every other. The
advantage of this ar, angement is very evident. In the hive described the
dim nsions are rather different to those most generally adopted, without
having any of the advantages claimed for deep frames over shallow ones to

counterbalance the serious difficulty that will be occasioned — when perhaps
it is least expected — if a standard frame hive should be purchased. Hives
should be either deep or shallow, and if shallow the standard frame should,
for the sake of convenience, be always used. The “ outside ’’ dimensions of
a standard frame are 14 inches long by 8J deep, top bar three-eighths of an
inch thick, bottom bar one-eighth of an inch, and the side bars one-quarter
of an inch thick, the width being seven-eighths of an inch. The “ inside ”
measurement of a hive to contain these frames is 14^ inches from front to
hack, and 8J inches high ; the length will depend upon the number of
frames it is desired to use. If it is preferred to have a deep frame the better
plan is, as far as I can see, to have another hive oE the same dimensions,
and work one upon the other, after the Btyle of the “ Stewarton,” thus
obtaining the advantages of the standard frame and also the benefit of deep
combs, which in winter are supposed by many to be eminently conducive to
the comfort of the bees. There is no special advantage in the double walls
(though in my apiary th°y are used) according to some authorities, and
they are undoubtedly heavy and make the hive more cumbersome and
difficult to move. “ A Lanarkshire Bee-keeper ” (its inventor) has more
than once described the perforated zinc floorboard in former numbers of this
Journal, and on referring back its manner of construction will be made
sufficiently clear. The fact that you are unable to dovetail is not of much
force either against or for the use of double walls ; but if the wood is
accurately and carefully and well nailed or screwed together the hive will be
sufficiently weathertight, but the work must be well done. The colour of
the paint is not a very material point, and it may bs used aB intended, the
hive itself being afierwards thoroughly well painted with any “ dull
coloured” paint that can be obtained. Any further information will be
given if required ; and if after reading the notes on the construction of the
zinc floorboard you are unable to form a clear idea of it we shall be pleassd
to assist you.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— August 4th.
No alteration from last week.

FRUIT.

a.

d.

S.

d.

s.

d.

s.

d.

Apples .

A sieve

0

0

to 0

0

Melon .

1

0

to 2

0

Cherries .

A sieve

2

0

4

0

Oranges .. ..

6

0

12

0

Currants, B'ack ..

£ sieve

2

3

2

6

Peaches .

per doz .

4

0

10

0

„ Red

7} sieve

2

6

0

0

Pine Apples English., lb.

2

0

3

0

Figs .

dozen

1

6

2

0

Plums .

4 sieve

0

0

0

0

Grapes .

1

0

S

0

St. Michael Pines

. .each

4

0

6

0

Lemons .

0

15

0

Strawberries .. . .

per lb.

0

6

1

0

VEGETABLES.

s.

d.

s.

d

8.

d.

s.

a

Artichokes

. dozen

1

0

to 0

0

Lettuce .

dozen

1

0

to 1

6

Asparagus

. bundle

0

0

0

0

Mushrooms ..

punnet

u

6

1

0

Beans, Kidney

. lb.

0

3

0

0

Mustard and Cress

punnet

0

2

0

0

Beet, Red .. .

. dozen

1

0

2

0

Onions .

bunch

0

3

0

0

Broccoli .

. bundle

0

0

0

0

Parsley .. dozen bunches

2

0

8

0

Brussels Sprouts

. 4 sieve

0

0

0

0

Parsnips .

dozen

1

0

2

0

Cabbage .

. dozen

1

6

0

0

Potatoes .

cwt.

4

0

5

0

Capsicums

100

1

6

2

0

,, Kidney .

cwt.

4

e

5

0

Carrots .

. bunch

0

6

0

0

Khubarb .

bundle

0

2

0

0

Cauliflowers ..

. dozen

3

0

4

0

Salsafy .

bundle

1

0

1

6

Celery .

bundle

1

6

2

0

Scorzonera

bundle

1

6

0

0

Coleworts doz.

bunches

2

0

4

0

Seakale . . .. per basket

0

0

0

0

Cucumbers . . .

. each

0

3

0

6

Shallots .

0

s

0

0

Endive .

. dozen

1

0

2

0

Spinach .

bushel

3

0

4

0

Herbs .

. bunch

0

2

0

0

Tomatoes . . , .

0

4

0

6

Leeks .

0

8

0

4

Turnips .. .. ,,

bunch

0

4

0

6

PLANTS IN POTS.

8.

a.

s.

a.

s. d.

s.

a.

Aralia Sieboldi

. . dozen

9

0 to 18

0

Ficus elastics

. . each

1 6 to 7

0

Arbor vitas (golden) dozen

0

0

0

0

Fuchsia

per dozen

4 0

9

0

(common) dozen

6

0

12

0

Foliage Plants,

var. each

2 0

10

0

Arum Lilies . .

. . dozen

0

0

0

0

Heliotrope

per dozen

4 0

8

0

BcddiDg Plants,

var. doz.

1

0

2

0

Hydrangea . .

per dozen

6 0

12

0

Begonias

. . dozen

6

0

9

0

Ivy Geraniums

per dozen

3 0

6

0

Calceolaria . .

per dozen

4

0

9

0

Lilium auratum

per doz. 18 0

60

0

Cineraria

. . dozen

0

0

0

0

lancifolium per doz.

9 0

18

0

Cockscombs

per dozen

4

0

6

0

„ longiflorum per doz. 18 0

SO

0

Crassula

per dozen 12

0

24

0

Lobelias . .

per dozen

8 0

4

0

Cyperu3 . . . .

4

0

12

0

Marguerite Daisy dozen

6 0

9

0

Dracaena terminalis, dozen 30

0

60

0

Mignonette . .

per dozen

3 0

6

0

,, viridis

Erica, various

. . dozen 12

0

24

0

Musk . . . .

per dozen

2 0

4

0

. . dozen

0

0

0

0

Myrtles . . . .

6 0

12

0

Euonymus, in var. dozen

6

0

18

0

Palms, in var.

each

2 6

21

0

Evergreens, in var. dozen

6

0

24

0

Pelargoniums, scarlet, doz.

3 0

6

0

Ferns, in variety

.. dozen

4

0

18

0

Pelargoniums

per dozen

6 0

15

0

CUT

FLOWERS.

8.

d.

s.

d.

s. d.

S.

4.

Abutilons

12 bunches

2

0

to 4

0

Lily of the Valley, 12 sprays

0 0

to 0

0

Arum Lilies . .

12 blooms

4

0

6

0

Marguerites . .

12 bunches

8 0

6

0

Asters

12 blooms

0

4

0

6

Mignonette ..

12 bunches

1 6

4

0

Azalea . . . .

12 sprays

0

0

0

0

Myosotis

12 bunches

2 0

3

0

Bouvardias . .

per bunch

0

6

1

0

Pelargoniums, per 12 trusses

0 9

1

0

Camellias

12 blooms

0

0

0

0

„ scarlet, 12 trusses

0 3

0

6

Carnations . .

12 blooms

1

0

8

0

Rosea

12 bunches

2 0

9

0

12 bunches

3

0

6

0

„ (indoor),

per dozen

0 6

2

0

Chrysanthemums 12 blooms

0

0

0

0

„ Tea.. ..

. . dozen

0 9

i

0

Cornflower . .

It bunches

1

6

3

0

>i red

dozen

1 0

2

0

Cowslips . . doz. bunches

0

0

0

0

„ Moss

12 bunches

9 0

12

0

Daffodils

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Primrosep, Yellow, dozen

Epiphyflam . .

doz. blooms

0

0

0

0

dozen bunches

0 0

6

0

Eucharis

per dozen

2

0

4

0

Pyrethrum . .

12 bunches

4 0

9

0

Gardenias

12 blooms

2

0

4

0

Spiraea . .

12 spray 8

9 0

0

0

Hellebore

doz. blooms

0

0

0

0

Stephanotis ..

12 sprays

2 0

3

0

Hyacinths, Roman, 12 sprays

0

0

0

0

Stocks, various

12 bunches

3 0

5

0

Iris .

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Sunflowers

0 6

i

0

Lapageria, white, 12 blooms

0

0

0

0

Sweet Peas . .

1 2 bunches

2 0

4

0

Lapageria, red .

- 12 blooms

1

0

2

0

Sweet Sultin

12 bunches

8 0

4

0

Lavender dozen bunches

4

0

5

0

Tropreolum ..

12 bunches

0 0

0

0

Lilium candid um 12 blms.

0

6

i

0

Tuberoses

12 blooms

0 6

1

0

12 bches.

24

0

3(

0

Violets . . . .

12 bunohes

0 0

0

0

„ longifloruro, 12 blms.

3

0

6

0

„ Czar, Fr.

.. bunch

0 0

0

0

126

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 5, 1886.

At tliis season of the year the newspapers give frequent
reports of harvest prospects as a matter of national impor¬
tance worthy of general attention. Such reports are curious
and interesting, but we can hardly regard them as sufficiently
accurate to be really trustworthy, for if we inquire about the
source of such information we find that it is derived both
from local reports and general observation. Fairly tested,
the matter resolves itself into an expression of individual
opinion, and consequently we invariably receive reports of
such a nature with a considerable degree of reserve, not
unmixed with some doubt. It is by no means an easy
matter to give an accurate account of the condition of crops
even in a single parish. Still more difficult is it to say why
some crops are good and others bad. Changes of weather
doubtless affect the growth and development of the crops,
but good or bad crops are much more the result of cultiva'ion
than of seasons, so that when we speak of harvest prospects
we ought not to convey or receive an impression that because
we have had so many hot or cold, dry or wet days, certain
crops are likely to afford an abundant yield or otherwise.
The weather is a factor to success which we have no wish to
hold lightly, much less ignore, but we are bound to give due
weight to the high importance of skilful cultivation as the
primary source of success.

Compare the light sketchy report of the ordinary news¬
paper with, for example, the report of prize farm crops in
the Journal of the Eoyal Agricultural Society. The one is
merely a bit of gossip by the way, the other a lesson of deep
and lasting importance. Each farm is described field by
field, the cultural process explained, its effect upon the crop
given, and we have the cause of success or failure clearly set
forth. It is precisely in the spirit of such teaching that
farmers should compare notes on harvest prospects. It is
by no means an uncommon thing when out driving to see
crops upon different farms with only a road or hedge between
them, totally different in appearance, and we may then safely
venture upon the conclusion that we see examples of good
and bad practice in farming. For example, a certain farm
came upon our hands in the spring of last year after most of
the crops were sown, and we found that the Wheat proved a
very inferior crop, yet the Wheat upon an adjoining farm
close outside one of the boundary hedges was excellent.
Upon asking for an explanation of this difference, we were
told that ours was heavy land and that the Wheat crop was
always a poor one. With the facts before us we did not
believe this statement, and we are glad to say that by careful
culture we have this season really good Wheat crops. The
fault was neither in the land nor in the weather, it was the
careless slovenly management of the farm that caused the
failure. We had only to stir the soil well, to get it clean,
and apply an autumn and spring dressing of pure chemical
manure to ensure a good crop of Wheat. The improvement
of such land is both simple and sure. Assuredly we do not
intend to rest content with merely good crops, but rather to
go on to better and best results. Step by step, year by year,
it can and will be done, so that there is a regular progressive
improvement in our harvest prospects.

With results before us it is well to try and understand
them, to learn why this crop is good, that crop bad, and so
acquire better knowledge for our guidance in future. It is
surely in this way that inquiry into harvest prospects should
be made. That we should regard them as an outcome of
good or bad practice, affected in some degree by the weather,
but affected only in degree according to our skill and care iu
cultivation and cropping. That is the point. When we

discuss the probable quantify of corn that will be grown this
year, and calculate how much we shall have to import to
meet our requirements, ought we not to inquire how much
more home grown corn it would be possible to obtain, or
rather how much more might be grown profitably under an
improved system of cultivation ? In a matter of such
importance we advocate nothing of a speculative nature ; no
step should be taken that is not based upon a clear know¬
ledge of possible results and how to obtain them. Upon
how many farms do we find foul land, faulty drainage, and
a want of fertility ! In how many farmers do we find
ignorance of the science of farming, of the nature of the soil,
of the best way of imparting fertility to it ? While faults in
knowledge and in practice continue to prevail so generally
among those who cultivate the soil can we hope the land
will yield her increase in fullest measure ? We recently
saw a field of Mangolds remarkable for the size and vigour
of the plants ; all the more remarkable because the farm
had long been notoriously a poor one. Upon inquiry we
found that a new tenant had pipe-drained the land, cleaned
it, stirred it deeply, stored it well with fertility, hence the
result. Assuredly the harvest prospects of such a man are
good, and it is to such prospects we must turn if we would
form a correct view of what they should be throughout the
entire country.

WORK ON THE HOME FARM.

Pea harvesting has been done under difficulties and not without some
1 )ss, Bhowery weather causing many of the peas to be shaken out of the
pods about the fields to the benefit of the piss which were turned upon
the land as soon as the crop was cleared off. Cabbage drilling for late
spring feeding has been done, and advantage taken of wet weather to
tran-plant both Cabbage and Thousand-headed Kale from seed beds.
We have now a fine example of the advantage of early drilling of Kale
upon rich land. The plants have grown away freely from the first, and we
have now a crop of several tons per acre ready for use as we may want
it. For cows and cattle generally, as well as for sheep, such an abundant
supply of green food is invaluable at a season of the year when pastures
are so frequently parched and bare. Swedes and Mangolds on really good
land are now growing with remarkable rapidity, by far the best piece of
Mangolds being that to which we applied the full dressing of home-mixed
chemical manures, with farmyard manure. The next best had farm¬
yard manure, fish guano, and muriate of potash, and the next had only
fish guano and farmyard manure. At a large ofE-farrn, where the Swedes
are good, the Mangold crop is backward and the roots will be small. A
close scrutiny of the soil showed that the action of the manures was
spoilt or rather prevented by the wet condition of the land. We drained
all we could of this farm last winter, and we hope to be able to do the
remainder next winter. Certainly this half failure of Mangolds will act
as an incentive to do all that is possible to relieve the land of superfluous
wafer, for, until this is done, we only spend our strength in vain efforts
to obtain full crops of any kind. Our best Swedes are in a field at the
home farm, after Rye, which had an early spring dressing of a hundred¬
weight per acre of nitrate of soda, and was eaten off by sheep in folds.
Many of the roots there are already as big as one’s fist, and the strong
growth of leaves meets across the rows. White Dutch Clover for seed
has been saved in capital condition. Red Clover, also for seed, is now
nicely in bloom, and we hope to be equally successful with it. Again
we remind our readers of the importance of breaking up each field
immediately after a crop is cleared off from it, for sure we are, if this
were done with promptitude and care, foul laud would be much less
common than it now is.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Camdbn Square, London.

Lat. 81° 32' 40" N.; Long. 0° 8' 0” W. ; Altitude, 111 feet.

DATS.

9 A.M.

IN THB DAY.

Rain

1886.

July.

1 Barome-

i terat32«

and Sea
Level

Hygrome¬

ter.

Direction
of Wind.

Temp, of
Soil at

1 foot.

Shade Tem¬
perature.

Radiation

Temperature.

Dry.

Wet.

Max.

MiD.

In

sun.

On

grass

Inches.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

dng

deg.

dea

In

Sunday ....

29.6 .'3

60.4

58.8

s.

62.0

74 2

53.4

119.3

48.2

0.6G3

Monday .

29.470

61.9

56.2

W.

61.8

69 3

53.2

120.2

52.4

0.010

Tuesday .

29736

58.6

52.0

N.W.

61.2

62.4

53.7

108-6

51.9

—

Wednesday

. 28

30.114

57 4

51.2

W.

59.3

65.6

44.4

115.6

40.0

—

Thursday ...

. 29

30.' 86

fi2.2

56.1

s.

59.4

68.7

52.3

101.3

47.7

—

Friday .

29.769

65.8

61.3

E.

59 7

75.3

57.7

125.9

52.2

O.Olf

Saturday ...

. 81

29.705

61.1

5C.7

Var.

60.6

71.4

56.4

117.8

53.3

—

29.786

60.8

55.0

60.6

69.6

53.0

115.5

49.4

0.720

REMARKS.

2.5th.— Wet early ; dull day, with slight showers ; heavy rain 3 P.M. till midnight ; thunder
28th.— Fine pleasant morning ; rain in afternoon. [at 6.40 P.M.

27th.— Fine and pleasant, but not much sun, and at times almost cold.

28th.— Fine, hut rather hazy.

20th.— Generally dull and threatening.

30th.— Dull morning, with spots of rain.

31st.— Slight rain, and cloudy early; slight showers in afternoon.

A rather dull week, witli temperature slightly below the average.— G. J. STMONS.

Augu&t 12, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

127

12

Th

Taunton Show.

IS

F

14

S

15

SUN

8th Sunday after Trinity.

IS

M

17

TU

Bilston Show (two days).

18

W

Shrewsbury Show (two days).

BIGENERIC HYBRIDS.

^Innumerable experiments have been under¬
taken during the past fifty years in hybridising
and cross-breeding plants, and the results have
been very important in effecting the improve¬
ment of particular races either for ornamental or
useful purposes. Hybrids between indisputably
distinct species have been obtained in large
numbers, and crosses between varieties of such
species have produced similarly beautiful or re¬
markable cross-breeds, until in many cases it has become
very difficult to trace the parentage or lineage of the culti¬
vated forms. With so many persons engaged in this work
and such abundant results in other directions, it is strange
that so few hybrids between species of different genera should
have been raised. At the first glance this would seem to
indicate that the botanists have been especially careful in
determining what should constitute genera, and that in
grouping the species under them they have only associated
those that agree in certain essential characters, clearly
marked from all other genera. Unfortunately we know that
this task has been too difficult to accomplish satisfactorily,
and scores of instances could be given in which some species
of allied genera are so nearly alike, or so variable in character,
that their distinction is often purely arbitrary. This conse¬
quently renders the scarcity of bigeneric hybrids the more
remarkable.

Amongst the extensive collections of plants now in culti¬
vation we find but few well-marked bigeneric hybrids, and
including those of doubtful parentage it would be difficult to
enumerate more than a score, and certainly not half that
number is generally seen in gardens. Perhaps some of the
best known examples of this crossing are afforded in the
genera Libonia and Sericographis, which have yielded two
hybrids of some merit as garden plants, and which faithfully
show the leading characters of both parents. For these the
compound name of Sericobonia was appropriately suggested,
and has been commonly adopted, though they are occasion¬
ally seen under the titles of Libonia or Sericographis ignea
and penrhosiensis. In both these cases we believe Libonia
floribunda was the seed-bearing plant, yet the characters of
the hybrids approach more nearly to Sericographis Ghies-
breghtiana, which furnished the pollen, than they do to the
Libonia, a result different from the experience of hybridists
in some other genera, though much evidence of a similar
kind has also been afforded, and it appears very difficult to
lay down any rule respecting the matter.

Equally as interesting and nearly as well known is the
bigeneric hybrid obtained between Lapagaria rosea and
Philesia buxifolia, upon which the title Philageria Veitchi has
been bestowed, thus happily indicating the parentage of the
plant and the firm that succeeded in raising it. In this case
the Lapageria was the seed parent, but the characters of
both parents seem nearly equally shared, and if the pre¬
potency of the pollen parent were a general rule it would

No. 3 10. — Yol. XIII., Third Series.

perhaps have been more satisfactory had the cross been
reversed, as we might then have had a hybrid more nearly
resembling the Lapageria in floriferousness than is the case
with the Philageria. The Philesia, unfortunately, is a some¬
what shy-flowering plant usually, and a year or two since we
gave an illustration of a plant which had not flowered for
twenty years, though under good management, and yet sud¬
denly produced its flowers in the greatest profusion after it
had been discarded as worthless. " The Philegeria seems to
resemble the pollen parent in habit and shyness, or erratic
character of flowering, the flowers themselves being more like
the Lapageria.

Other instances might be named, but attention may be
turned for a few minutes to the Orchids, which afford us the
most numerous examples of bigeneric crosses. In connection
with this family the remarks made by Mr. H, J. Veitch in
the paper he read before the Orchid Conference last year are
well worth reproduction : —

“ Glancing over the whole range of our operations, and the
results obtained from them, I may safely reply that thus far
the stability of the genera is scarcely affected, and the changes
in nomenclature need be very few indeed. Leaving the progeny
derived from species of Cattleya x Lselia out of considera¬
tion, the last named genus being confessedly an artificial one,
only two bigeneric hybrids have yet flowered — namely,
Phajus irroratus, and P. irroratus purpureus. Many years
ago Dominy raised Anoectochilus Domini from Goodyera
discolor and Anoectochilus Veitchi. Plants derived from
both crosses are still in cultivation, but the names they bear
are simply garden names. We have plants, but which have
not yet flowered, raised from Cattleya Trianae crossed with
Sophronitis grandiflora, and from Cattleya intermedia crossed
with the same species of Sophronitis. We have besides a
seedling whose parents are Cattleya Triante and Brasavola
Digbyana, but as the last-named is now referred to Lfelia,
this can hardly be regarded as a bigeneric cross. With these
few cases I have exhausted the list. But when we enume¬
rate the capsules with apparently good seed that have been
obtained from bigeneric crosses, but from which no seedlings
have been raised, the list is somewhat more formidable.
Some of the most remarkable of these were produced by
Acanthopbippium Curtisii x Chysis bractescens, Bletia hya-
cinthina x Calanthe masuca, Chysis aurea x Zygopetakm
Sedeni, Odontoglossum bictonense x Zygopefcalum maxillare,
Zygopetalum Mackayi x Lycaste Skinneri.”

Phajus irroratus mentioned in this paragraph is especially
interesting as a bigeneric hybrid, because the parents are so
different in habit, P. grandifolius being evergreen, and the
Calanthe deciduous with strong pseudo bulbs.

An exceedingly important addition has been made to
these bigeneric hybrids by a cross between Sophronitis
grandiflora and Cattleya intermedia, and though when the
statement was first made that plants had been raised from
crosses between Cattleya and Sophronitis it was received
rather incredulously by some, yet the matter is now satis¬
factorily proved by a plant that has just flowered in Messrs.
Veitch & Sons’ Chelsea Nursery. This is one of the Sedenian
experiments, the Sophronitis having been fertilised with
pollinia from Cattleya intermedia, and the seed resulting
from this cross was sown five years ago. Several plants
have been showing flowers for some weeks, and on one of
those the long-expected flower opened a few days ago and
revealed the fact that a satisfactory bigeneric cross had been
accomplished. The plants are as yet small, and the one
which has flowered is the weakest, so that a fair estimate
can scarcely be formed of the real merits of the hybrid. The
growths are slender, 2 to 3 inches high, with oval leaves 1 to

inch long. The flowers 2J inches in diameter, like the
Sophronitis in general outline, the sepals elliptical rather
acute, the petals oblanceolate, and both of a light rosy purple
tint — a rather curious shade, and having somewhat the

No. 1976. — Yol. LXXV., Old Series

128

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 12, 1886.

ppeatance of an underlying tint, probably the effect of the
Sophronitis colour, though it is strange that such a distinct hue
is not more strongly marked. The lip is like that of a small
Cattleya intermedia with the wings curving over the column,
white, and the central lobe, which is much more rounded
than in the Sophronitis, is of an intensely rich crimson, and
very finely edged with white, as is often seen in the Cattleya
named. The column is white faintly margined with crimson,
and is very pretty resting in the white throat of the lip.
With stronger plants we may expect to see the characters
more nearly rest ruble C. intermedia in robustness, for, of
course, at present the difference in this respect is very notable,
though there is ample indication of the share the Cattleya
has had in the parentage.

It is somewhat peculiar that the first published descrip¬
tion we have of Sophronitis grandiflora appears under the
name of Cattleya coccinea with a figure of Cattleya inter¬
media pallida in the “Botanical Register” for 1836, and of
the former Lindley says, “ Stems 2 or 3 inches high ; flowers
bright scarlet, 3 inches across, a most remarkable and beau-
ti'ul species.” Subsequent examination of other specimens,
however, and the introduction of living plants, determined
the reference of “ Cattleya coccinea ” to the genus Sophro¬
nitis, and it has been accepted as distinct by succeeding
authorities. It would be rather strange if after all the
original name should be found to be an appropriate one, and
the fact that a cross has been obtained with the Cattleya
would seem to indicate that the relationship is nearer than
has been supposed. The late Mr. G. Bentham classed both
genera in the tribe Epidendrete, sub-tribe Lteliese, the chief
characters of the latter residing in the pollen-masses, which
are either four in one series or eight in two series. Lselia,
Schomburghkia, and Sophronitis are associated together as
instances of those with the two series of four pollen-masses
ea,ch, equal or nearly so. In a paper contributed to the
Linnean Society’s Transactions the same author observes
that “ Lffilia is so closely allied in every respect to Cattleya
that one has great hesitation in accepting the technical dis¬
tinction of the eight pollen-masses in two series instead of
the single series of four (as in Cattleya), especially as hybrids
are so readily produced in cultivation in which the number
of pollen-masses is variable.” The relationship of Sophronitis
through Lfelia to the Cattleyas is therefore apparently rather
close, and it will ba interesting to learn in what way the
pollinia characters of the hybrid have been affected, which
Professor Reichenbach, to whom the plant has been referred,
will no doubt dilate upon. — L. C.

PROVING GARDEN NOVELTIES.

The attempt to determine the relative value of garden novelties,
as compared with established favourites or well-known sorts, will
always he one of difficulty to amateurs. These trials should invari¬
ably be not only as inclusive as possible with respect to the latter,
but under exactly similar conditions as to the nature and preparation
of the soil, as well as to sowing and after treatment, and, what is of
very great importance, pronouncedly true stocks of the several kinds
should be employed. Afterwards comes the exercise of judgment
when the conclusions are formally set out ; but these are not always
— as they should be — regarded as a “ one year’s trial,” conducted
through, as the case may be, a more or less favourable season. The
consequence is that amateurs sometimes unintentionally mislead
themselves or may be misled by others. For instance, I may allude
to the Duke of Albany Pea. To Mr. Abbott, the raiser of this
new Pea, should be accorded the merit of having succeeded in
raising one of the be3t of the very large-podded varieties that have
been exhibited this season. The true variety produces broad, dark
green coloured pods, some of them measuring as much as 6 inches
in length, but the ripe seed is not positively distinguishable from
some other sorts. During this season I have seen Peas grown under
the name of Duke of Albany that had light green coloured pods,
and I might add inferior to what I presume to be the true variety.
Of course the growers differed in their estimate of it. — S. P. E. S.

[Our correspondent directs attention to a subject of great and
wide importance. We have seen not only the Pea mentioned but
other varieties of vegetables grown in gardens that were certainly

not derived from true and original stocks ; and “ trials ” in the
absence of this initial condition are delusive.]

THE BOILER CONTEST AT LIVERPOOL.

[Since the Judges in this contest appear to decline giving a

joint report, we have engaged Mr Bardney, as one of them,

to place the facts of the trials before the public, and he has

replied with the following exhaustive communication.]

I FAIL t > see that the specified conditions have been carried into
effect by the Judges — that is, if I read rightly rule 12 and 13 of the
conditions for conducting the “ b iler contest.” Rule 12 says, “Every
point for and against each boiler can be pointed out, and will be carefully
considered by the Judge0, and may be embodied in the report of the
contest, so that competitors should carefully avoid anything that might
tell against them.” Rule 13 says, “ Intending competitors must send in, at
the time of ontrr, full particulars as to heating power, &c., of their boilers,
with price at which they are prepared to supply the public, which will be
published.” An official report has not been drawn up by the Judges, and
there appears to be a reluctance to draw up one signed by all, and there¬
fore I consider that our work has not been completed. The competitors
did their part, and they have a perfect right to expect the 1 specified
conditions ” to be fulfilled by others who took part in the contest. What¬
ever opinions may be entertained in relation to the contest or its value to
horticulture, there is no reason why a report should not be made public,
in fact it only leaves (he competitors room for complaint. Any amount
of prejudiced opposilion on the part of the competitors would not have
induced me to act independently in this matter. I am taking this step
because I think it light to do so, and to prevent incorrect figures being
placed before the public, for this has already been done. I do not ask
any gentlemen who acted with me to share in any opinion I may express,
but leave them to act as they may desire. In the issue of this report I
take the sole responsibility, and trust you will send a printed copy to
the Council of the Royal Horticultural Society.

In the contest for 2000 feet three competitors tested their boilers —
namely, Messrs. F. & J. Mee, Wood Street, Liverpool, with an ordinary
saddle boiler with their patent waterway back and water bare. The front
plate of the water bars can be removed, so as to remove all sediment from
the bars or water box when desired. Messrs. Foster & Pearson, Beeston,
Motts, with their “ Chilwell Nurseries ” boiler, which is composed of
longitudinal cast 4-inch pipes ; and Mr. T. Wood, Easlville, Bristol, with
a longitudinal tubular boiler. This was composed of 2^-inch tubes for
water bars, which were also continued up each side and secured in water
boxes to the back and front. In addition to these, tubes run directly
through the centre of the fire. This was the only boiler of the three that
was fed at ihe top.

Table 1 will show the time of starting (12.30) on the 29th of June, and
also each time the therm >meters were read. It will readily be seen from
the figures after each competitor’s name how the temperature tables have
been worked out. The first column of temperatures has not been counted,
but the heat of the water at starting time found and then deducted from
the average heat acquired. Only eleven thermometers could be had,
therefore two were inserted on two flows at the extremity of the pipes —
that is, 100 feet from the boiler, and one on each return near to the
boilers. It will be seen that Mr. Wood had only three thermometers
instead of four. This gives him an advantage in the average rise of
temperature ; but when R. 7 is considered twice as marked * at the
bottom of the table he is placed on the same footing as the other two
competitors. By taking R. 7 twice the figures may tell slightly in his
favour or the reverse, as will be observed by the slight variations in the
return pipes of the other competitors. Although Mr. Wood gained the
highest temperature by 112° he had a slight advantage at starting time, as
will be seen from the tempera' ure of the water as given in the first
column, he is only 3- 50° in the average rise in the temperature over Mr.
Mee and 13-85° over Mr. Pearson. A glance at table 4 will show that Mr.
Wood burnt the most fuel, and therefore obtained less heat per bushel of
fuel burnt than either of the other two competitors as shown on table 1.
Messrs. Foster & Pearson, as will be seen, were well ahead in this respect,
aud burnt 11 one-fifth bu>hels less fuel than Mr. Mee and 13 bushels less
than Mr. Wood. Partially burned fuel left after banking has been con¬
sidered equal to half its original quality, as will be observed in table 4.
The figures show that Mr. Mee heated his pipes first, and the water was
circulating in the return pipe in nine minutes and a half. Mr. Wood’s
boiler heated rapidly after it was once started, as the temperatures testify
in table 1. The “ Chilwell Nurseries ” boiler heated steadily and circula¬
tion was very even (see return thermometers R. 8 and R. 9), but it was
not well stoked. This boiler is so constructed that a large body of fire is
not needed, but the flame from the fuel must be continually playing
amongst the tubes for quick heating, and not checked by putting on too
much at one time. It may be stated that the letters F and B prefixed to
the tables mean flow and return pipes.

C ndition 7 made provision for the pipes being placed too deep with
three, five, or ten syphons, or boxes respectively at the extreme end. All
in this contest had the last number, but near the boiler the whole of the
pipes lead fr im one box or syphon with ten outlets, or what amounted to
the same thing, the arrangements varied slightly. Although the boilers
heated 2000 feet of 4-inch piping, the water only travelled 200 feet before
it re-entered the boiler. In any future contest it would be better to
arrange the pipes so that the water would travel the whole 2000 feet, or
the amount of piping to be heated before it could return to the boiler.

August 12, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

129

This would be much nearer practical arrangements in heating horti¬
cultural buildings than was the case in the late contest. As the pipes
were arranged the full heating power of the boilers and the'r economy of
fuel or the reverse could not be accurately estimated. The true temperature
of the water in the pipes was not recorded, simply because provision bad
not been made for sufficient thermometers for insertion in all the pipes, which
should have been the case, for the whole of the pipes do not heat evenly
throughout. The outlets most direct to the inlet of the water box from
the boiler always take the lead. Gardeners and others contemplating
such arrangements should take note of this, and arrange their pipes
accordingly.

Clause 6 specifies that each boiler should not have more than “ one
flow and two return connections.” Mr. Wood tendered a protest against
all boilers in the classes in which he competed that had more than the
one flow from the boiler. This was against those boilers that had water¬
way bars and a water back. It was utterly impossible to arrange these
without connections, as in the case of Messrs. F. & J . Mees’ boiler and
Mr. Sam Doarda’ champion coil in the 1000 feet contest. These connec¬
tions were made close to the boiler and the water passed out of the boiler
through one neck, as specified. These connections were considered part
of the boiler, but had they been arranged by the aid of a valve, so that
they could have been worked separately or cod jointly, they would have
constituted separate boilers. It would be well in any future contest to
specify preci-:e particulars on this point, and it might perhaps be well to
take the ruling of the J udges in this case as a precedent upon which to
work in the future.

While on the subject of protests — and they appear to have been the
order of the day in the late contest, or, it may be, the one referred to
may have led to others being presented — it may be remarked that one
was signed by Messrs. Mee, Deards, and Foster & Pearson against the
durability of the tubes used in Mr. Wood’s boiler. The one on view for
inspection was in thickness what is known as No. 8 Birmingham wire
guage. This was said to be the thickness of the tubes in the boiler, but
we had no means of examining them, and therefore took the one exhibited
as being the same as those in work.

Two of the competitors exceeded the conditions specified in clause 5,
as will be seen in table 5. The flow pipe was not to exceed 24 inches
above the boiler, or the pipes rise more than 6 inches in 100 feet. Messrs
Foster & Pearson were If inch too high and Messrs. F. Sc J. Mee 5f.
Mr. Wood kept within the stipulations, and was only 4§ inches rise over¬
all. The two first competitors could undoubtedly have been disqualified,
but no protest was lodged against the level of their pipes before the
awards were made, and the level of the pipes were not taken until after
the contest was over. This was certainly a mistake, and should have
been seen to on the day previous to the contest, or even earlier than this,
for it would then have been too late to rectify the mistake, and the only
alternative would have been disqualification. This in future must be
avoided by some responsible person being on the ground to take the
level of the pipes or bearers as they are arranged ; or, better still, to give
the proper levels for the men arranging the pipes. This point entailed
considerable deliberation, which resulted in not disqualifying any of the
competitors, but it was made a point in favour of Mr. Wood against the
other two.

The 1000 feet contest was practically between Mr. J. Witherspoon,
Chester-le-Street, Durham, with his patent “ Red Rose ” boiler, and Mr.
Sam Deards, Harlow, Essex, with his coil boiler and water bars. Messrs.
F. & J. Mee entered this class, but the boiler worked was the same as iD the
previous class, but its enormous heating surface for this contest in a very
large measure excluded them from consideration with the two first-named
competitors. The “ Red Rose ” behaved wonderfully well, but was badly
stoked at the commencement. It was clear that Mr. Witherspoon was
afraid to bring it to its full heating power until towards the evening of
the day of contest. He had trusted to some individual to fit up his pipes
with indiarubber rings, and they were carelessly put together, and Mr.
Witherspoon had to repack many of his joints on the morning of the
contest. The pipes leaked badly, and he forced one or more of the rings out
during the contest and lost a large quantity of water. In the hurry to get
the pipes fitted up ready for starting the supply tank was placed on one
of the flow pipes, it would have been better for the boiler on the return.
The temperatures will show at a glance that the boiler heats quickly and is
capable of raising a very high temperature. At 8.5 p.m. it was contended
that the boiler was generating steam, but the average of the figures
recorded will show that these assertions were unfounded. Tnere can be
no question that the “Red Rose” would have soon generated steam, for
the loss of water through the joints was great, and evaporation by the
high temperature of the pipes enormous. The “ Red Rose ” is a good
boiler, and would heat in practice considerably more piping than Mr.
Witherspoon gives it credit for in his circular. The owner of this boiler,
although only accorded the bronze medal in this contest, need not be
afraid to enter it against any boiler in the market on any future
occasion.

Mr. Deards’ Coil certainly exceeded my expectations, and according to
measurement was capable of heating about the specified quantity of
piping. This boiler worked steadily and evenly from the beginning to
the end of the contest, as will be observed from the recorded temperatures
in table 2. This, and the smaller boiler in the 500 feet contest, worked
more as if they were actually in practice than in a contest. Mr. Wither-
spo >n certainly gained the highest temperature, but if the various items
in the tables are selected it will be seen why the silver medal was accorded
to Mr. Deards’ Coil, and therefore details need not be entered into here,

There iB no occasion to enter into particulars in the 500 feet contest,

for the tables will prove all the particulars that glided the decisions
arrived at. Mr. Deards’ boiler was a small coil without water-bars,
which maintained a steady heat and only burnt 4 bushels of coke, and
registered the highest temperature per bushel of fuel burnt of any boiler
in the contest. This boiler received the silver medah Messrs. Wood
and J. G. Wagstaff, Alma Iron Works, Macclesfield, Manchester, bronze
medals each, as has been recorded. Mr. Wood’s boiler was similar to tho
one that was worked in the 2000 feet contest. Mr. Wagstaff's boiler was
an independent horizontal tubular saddle, with a saddle over the tubes
instead of bricks, and, therefore, requires no bricks in setting. This is a
quick heating powerful boiler, and in some respects resembles the “ Red
Rose ” boiler, though quite distinct.

It appeared to be a general impression that those who gained the
highest temperature would win the contest in which they were engaged.
This, however, was not the case, as may be ascertained from table 6, for
the whole of the points there mentioned were duly considered. Some
dissatisfaction exists because those who gained the highest temperature
were not given the silver medals, but, I think, if all look at the points
brought out, for and against such boiler, with an unbiased mind, they
will at once see the foundation for the awards made.

As will be gathered from wbat I have said, that I am in favour of a
report being issued on a matter of such importance to horticulture. I
fail to see why it should be expected for the Judges to give the exact
points upon which the contest was decided — the main facts being
sufficient — any more than those who judged any other portion of the
exhibition. In other branches, in which I was not engaged, 1 heard
various complaints, and if we are expected to make public why we decided
as we did, they too have a perfect right to do so. The whole facts are
given, because criticism is not feared, and if nothing worth retaining can
be learned from criticism it is of but little value.

In any future contest I strongly recommend the pipes to be arranged
so that the water will travel 2000 or 500 feet, as the case may be, before it
can re-enter the boiler, The average heat of the water can then be
ascertained. There should be a competent person to give to the Judges
the proper level for the pipe and to measure the heating surface of tfie
boilers on Hood’s or some other authority’s standard. Tbe plate of the
boiler and the thickness of the tubes (if any are used) should be examined
by the same person, so that some reliable idea of the durability of a
boiler can be arrived at. The length of time a boiler has been working in
any place should also be handed to the Judges, so that they can make any
inquiries they desire. The durability of the boiler is a disputable point
and should be thoroughly discussed. If the durability of a cast boiler is
inferior to a welded one or vice versa they should be classed separately in
different contests. Again, it is unfair in giving the price of a boiler to
do so without giving the quantity of bricks required to set it and the cost
of setting. It is only reasonable to suppose an independent boiler may
cost more than one that requires a large quantity of bricks to set it. The
first might on this account lose a point, while the latter would perhaps be
the most expensive boiler in the end, therefore the cost of setting as well
as of the boiler should be placed in the hands of the Judges. In any future
contest the boilers entered for competition should at least be divided into
two classes — namely, saddles and tubulars and the improved forms tested,
say by the side of a terminal end saddle and a tubular boiler of an old
make that might be selected for the purpose. Competitors entering in
future contests should state at the time of entering their boilers what fuel
is best suited for them, then those that bum coke and those that burn
coal should be grouped separately. It is perfectly clear that a certain
kind of fuel is more suitable for some boilers than others. Coke does not
suit all boilers or bring out their heating powers or display the economy
of the boiler to the best advantage. In my opinion, when these boilers
are compelled to burn coke when coal or a mixture of both is the best
they are in a measure handicapped by the side of thos e to which the fuel
selected may prove the most suitable for them. Another point worthy o
consideration in future is the smoke that issues from the chimney ; if
black it is certain that great waste is going on. A thermometer should
also be placed in some convenient place in the chimney, and also to the
front of the boiler, for some waste an enormous amount of heat at the
front in comparison with others. All who walked along the front of the
boilers at Liverpool will have discerned this. The supply tank in future
should be fixed close to the boiler in the return pipe and fitted with a ball
tap, so that the pipes could be kept full of water, as is the case, or should
be, in actual practice.

Boilers that are employed in contests in future to heat a given quan¬
tity of piping should be the trade size, and nor capable of heating 5000
instead of 2000 feet. A boiler too large for the work it has to do means
a wasteful expenditure of fuel. In nearly every case in the late contest
(Deards' coils excepted) the boilers were too powerful for the work they
had to do. It will be seen in one case the water was forced out of the
return from the boiler instead of the flow pipe. In two others the water
was at boiling point or nearly approaching it. It must be remembered
that in practice it is very rarely indeed that the temperature of the water
rises to 200° Fahr. in the boiler. It is just as easy to boil the water in
large boilers as small ones if plenty of fuel is placed under them, and
they have insufficient work to do. We want a boiler in gardens that cm
be heated as quickly as a locomotive, at the same time to be durable and
capable of maintaining a steady heat combined with the greatest economy .
The last point depends in a large measure upon the stoker.

Another suggestion, and the last, is that each boiler should oe stoked
after lighting the fire, say for one hour, and then only hourly, until bank¬
ing time. This more resembles the practice in gardens than for one or
more men to be engaged in stoking the whole of the day pushing on the

130

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 12. 1886.

fires as rapidly as they can. Competitors in any future contest must not
be allowed t> know when the reading of the thermometer will take place.
The boilers in the late contest were stoked purposely in several instances,
so that the temperatures could be at their highest each time the Judges
went round. — \Vii. Bardney.

Table 1.

Boiler contest at Liverpool for 2000 feet of 4-inch piping from 12.30 P.M.,
June 29th, to 8.0 a.m. June 30th.

No. of
Tlier-
mo’ter.

Competitor.

12.30

P.M.

12.50

P.M.

1.10

P.M

1.30

r.M

2.30

P.M

4.30

P.M.

6.30

P.M.

8.0

P.M.

8.0

A.M.

19J hours.

r-4 C4 1

! totototo 1

F.& J. Mee..

»

» • •

deg.

82

83

72

6G

deg.

105

110

77

74

deg.

120

124

84

76

deg.

126

126

104

98

deg.

130

130

108

104

deg

148

140

134

120

deg.

146

148

118

lit

1

I CO CO Cri Or ~ 1

OCQQ Oi'JW |

deg.

98

104

92

92

4

303

86!

404

454

472

538

526

578

386

8 | 3724°

4 | 465-5°
116-37"

Heat of water at start 'ng, 75-7.5°.

Average heat acquired, 116.37°.

„ rise in temperature, 116-37° — 75-75° = 40-62°.
„ „ „ per bushel of fuel, 1-52°.

Total amount of heat produced, 931°.

Amount per bushel of fuel, 35° nearly.

No. of
Ther¬
mo’ ter.

Competitor.

12.30

P.M.

12.50

P.M.

1.10

PM.

1.30

P.M.

2.30

P.M.

4.31

P M

630

P M.

8.0

P.M.

8.0

A.M.

J9£ hours.

F. 5 ..

Wood .. ..

deg

84

deg.

88

deg.

126

deg.

132

deg.

156

deg.

168

deg.

156

deg.

158

deg.

110

F. 6 . .

9)

92

116

126

150

162

152

153

108

It. 7 . .

« • ••

71

74

82

92

122

130

124

125

90

3

245

254

324

350

428

460

432

441

308

8 | 2997°

3 | 374-62°
12487°

Heat of water at starting, 81-6°.

Average heat acquired, ]2t-37°.

Average rise in temperature, 124-87° — 81- 6° = 43 21°.

„ .. ,. per bushel, 1-51°.

Total amount of heat produced, 999°.

** Wood, with 4 thermometers, R. 7 being considered twice 8 1 3836°

He it of water at starting, 79°. 4 | 479-5°

Average heat acquired, 119-87°. 119 87°

Average rise in temperature, 119-87° — 79° = 40-87°.

.. ., ,, per bushel of fuel, 1-43°.

Total amount of heat produced, 959°.

Amount for one bushel of fuel, 33 6°.

Ho. of
Ther.

Com¬

peti¬

tor.

12 SO

P M.

12 50
P.M.

1.10

P M.

1.80

P.M.

2.30

P.M.

4.80

P.M.

6.80

P.M.

8.0

P.M.

8.0

A.M.

19 J hours.

F. S
F. 4
R. 8
R. 9

Sra $
“ a £

^ * 3

^ to

deg.

82

80

73

75

deg.

90

85

74

76

d°g.

120

108

78

78

deg.

120

110

82

82

deg.

146

138

106

108

deg.

138

126

104

1C6

deg.

146

184

108

110

deg.

143

132

112

112

deg.

88

82

74

78

310

S23

38 4

394

498

474

498

498

322

8 | 8393°

4 | 424-1°
106'Qa°

Heat of tv .ter at starting, 77 -5°.

Average, beet acquired, 106 02°.

Average rise in temperature, 106 02° — 77'5° = 28-52°.

,, .. i, per bushel of fuel, 1-84°.

Total amount of heat produced, 849-2°.

Am unt for 1 bushel of fuel, 54’7°.

Table 2.

Contest for 1000 feet, from 12-45 P.M., June 30th, to 8 10 a.m., July 1st.

No. of
Ther.

Competitor.

12.45

P M.

1.5

P.M.

1.25

P.M.

1.45

P.M.

2.45

P.M.

4.45

P.M.

6 45
P.M.

8.5

P.M.

8.10

A.M

19 hrs. 25
mins.

F. 1

F. 2

r. a

Witherspoon. . . .

i) ....

i) ....

deg.

80

84

74

deg.

90

112

74

deg

131

132
80

deg.

114

120

92

deg.

150

152

112

deg.

160

168

130

deg.

180

150

deg.

190

204

186

deg.

81

84

74

3

I 238

276

348

326

414

,58

514

580

239

8 | 3150°

8 | 898-75°
131-25°

Heat of water at smarting, 79-1°.

Are -age heat aoquired, 13 -15°.

Avetage rite in tempera'uve, 131-25° — 79 8° = 51-95°.
Ti tal amount of heat produced. 1050°.

Amount .‘or 1 bu:hi4 cf fuel, 104-4°.

No. of

12.4E

1.5

I.Sf

L 4

-.45

4.4

1.45

.8.6

4.10

19 hrs. £5

Tner

P.M.

*.M

P M.

* M

M.

P.M

P.M

e.M

t.M.

mins.

oeg.

-g

deg.

-let y

oeg

eg

eg.

eg-

eg-

F. 3

Dcar.s .

86

9u

108

122

-.36

AH

158

156

84

F. 4

»• .

86

98

12

122

38

152

60

'58

84

R. 1

-> .

78

80

88

98

114

136

38

128

74

2*0

2 8

308

44 2

388

4*26

456

442

242

8 | 2872°

3 i 359°

Table 2— continued.

Heat of water at starting, 83 3°.

Average heat acquired, 119-6°.

Average rise in temperature, 119-6° — 83-3° = 86-3°.
Total amount of heat produced, 957’3°

Amount for 1 bushel of lnel, 114'3°.

Foster & Pearso-i retired at 2.45 r.M. from the contest, boiler leaking.

No. of
Ther.

Com¬

peti¬

tor.

12 45
P.M

1.5

P.M

1.55

P.M

1.45

P M.

245

P M.

4 45
P.M.

6.45

P.M.

8.5

P.M.

8.10

A.M.

19 hours

25 minutes.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

d-g.

d-g.

deg.

deg.

deg.

F. 7

F. & J.

90

134

152

176

181

176

186

182

9*

R. 8

Mee.

82

84

118

131

156

156

116

158

80

172

218

270

312

S40

332

332

340

172

8 1 2316°

2 I 289-5°
144-75°

Heat of water r.t starting, 86°.

Average heat acquired, 144 76°.

Average rise in temperature, 144 75° — 86° = 58-75°.

* Result of F. and J. Mee with three thermometers. F. 7 being twice calculated:—

8 I 3598°

8 I 449 75°

149 91°

Heat of water at starting, 87- '>°.

Average heat acquired, 149 91°.

Average rise In temperature, 149'91° — 87-8° — 62-58°.

Total amount of heat produced, 1199'3°.

Amount for one bushel of fuel, 118'4.

Table 3.

Contest for 500 feet. From July 1st, 1.15 p.m., to July 2nd, 8 a.m.

No. of Ther¬
mometer.

Competi¬

tor.

1.15

P.M.

2.5

P.M.

2.40

P.M.

8

P.M

4.15

P.M

6

P.M

8

P.M

8

A M

18 hrs. 45 min.

F. 1 .

deg.

8S

deg.

88

deg.

114

deg.

116

deg

128

deer.

130

deg.

134

deg.

92

F 2

88

128

124

120

114

138

144

96

R. 9 .

11

68

72

80

90

100

110

102

80

M

8 .

244

283

522

326

372

378

380

268

7 | 2334°

S | °33'A°
111.1°

Heat of water »t stsrting, 81-3°.

Average heat acquired, lll-i°.

Average rise in temperature, 111-1° — 81 3° = 29-8°.

° Beard 3, without F. 2.

No. of Ther¬
mometer.

Competi¬

tor.

Ilf

P.M

2.5

P.M.

2.40

P.M.

8

P M.

4.15

P.M

6

P.M

8

\M.

leg.

(3*

102

8

A.M

18 hrs. 43 min.

F. 1 .

R. 9 .

Deards .

>)

deg

88

68

■leg.

88

72

160

<ieg.

Ill

80

teg

116

90

deg.

128

101

deg

ISO

110

deg.

9:

80

2 .

: 56

94

’06

223

240

£36

1 72

7 | 1436°

2 | 205-14°
102 67°

Heat of water at starting, 78°.

Average heat acquired, 102-57°.

Average rise of temperature, 102’57° — 78" = 24-57°.
Total amount of heat produced, 718°.

Amount for one bu3bel of fuel, 179-5°.

No. of Ther¬
mometer.

Competi¬

tor.

l.H

P.M

leg.

88

78

2 6

P.M

d°g.

14

90

-.40
P M.

3

PM.

4.16

P.M.

6

P.M

8
' M

8

A.M.

18 hr?. 45 min.

F. 3 .

R. 8 .

Woods .

H .

•eg.

144

124

leg.

170

158

deg

200

186

deg.

>08

■?10

-g

6

212

deg.

102

98

2 .

166

04

268

328

383

18

418

200

7 | 2:22°

2 I 3 1 7 4°
lvS-7°

Heat of water at starting, 83°.

Average he .t acquired, 158-7°.

Average rise in temperature, 1587° — 8S° =-■ 75 7°.
Total amount of heat produced, 1111°.

Amount for one bushel of fuel, 105 8°.

No. of Ther¬
mometer.

Competi¬

tor.

l.lf

P.M

2.5

P.M.

2.40

P.M

8

P.M

4 If

P.M

6

P M

8

P.M.

8

A M

18 hrs. 45 mir.

F. 5 .

WagstafE ....

deg

90

deg

136

deg.

158

deg.

178

teg.

202

leg.

1*2

•eg.
21 1

deg-

104

R. 6 .

82

88

128

148

184

20.)

206

100

2 .

172

224

286

326

H6

1*2

4!

.04

7 ! 5254

2 822°
16.°

Heat of water at starting, 86°.

Average heat acqui'ed, 161°.

Average rise ia t- nsperatnre, 161" — 86° 75°.

Total amount of be.it pro iuced, 1127°.

5 Amount for one bu 1ml of fuel, 155'4°.

119-6°

August 12, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

131

Table 4.

FUEL TABLE IN CONTEST FOB 2000 FEET.

Com¬

petitor.

Bushels of
coke at
12 30 P.M.,
starting
time

Tune 20 th.

Bushels of
coke

unburned
at 8 A.M.,
June 30th.

Bushels

of

ashes.

Bushels

of

clinkers.

Bushels of
coke
partially
consumed
having
passed
through
the fire.

Partially

burned

fuel

estimated
at half
its original
quality.

Bushels of
coke
actually
consumed.

F.& J.Mee

S3

rj

1

1

H

26|

Wood ....

33

6

1 shovelful

8

28-1

Foster & )
Pearson J

36

20

f

—

1

16$

Wither- )
spoon )
Deard ....
F.& J.Mee
Foster & )
Pearson J

FOR 1000 FEET CONTEST.— CLASS 2.

20

H

l

_

u

3

4

20

m

l

l shovelful

I

*

20

8i

i

2shovelfuls

3i

l!

Retired. No particulars taken of fuel.

FOR 500 FEET CONTEST.— CLASS S.

Wood ....

hi

_

H

k shovelfal

2

I

10$

Deards . .

n

61

1

| shovelfal

1

4

4

Wagstaff..

H

si

1

4 shovelful

1

4

7i

Table 5.

Price op Boiler and Level op the Pipes.

2000 feet Contest. — Messrs. F. & C. Mee, price of boiler, £35. Level of
tbe pipes, 11 a inches (overall).

Mr. Wood, price of boiler, £21 2s. Level of pipes, 4f inches (overall).

Messrs. Foster & Pearson, price of boiler, £21. Level of pipes, 7J inches
(overall).

1000 feet Contest. — F. & J. Mee, price of boiler, £35. Level of pipes same
as prev ous contest.

Mr. Sam Deards, price of boiler, £22. Level of pipes, 6 inches (overall).

Mr. Witherspoon, price of boiler, £26. Level of pipes, 6 inches (overall).

500 feet Contest. — Mr. Deards, price of boiler, £10. Level of pipes as
1 efore.

Mr. Wagstaff, price of boiler, £14. Level of pipes, 4$ inches (overall).

Mr. Wood, price of boiler, £9 18s. Level of pipes as before.

Table 6.

Chief Points Considered in the Contest.

Temperature. Level of the pipes. Consumption of fuel. Price of boiler
Durability. Banking up, or condition of the fire in the morning. Clinkers
Ashes. Heating surface of the boiler. Heat per bushel of fuel consumed.

SMALL ROSE GROWERS.

I AM glad to see that this subject is being so warmly taken up, and
that there are others beside myself and “ Sasoring ” who recognise the
fact that there are amateurs and amateurs, and that it is not fair to ask
the man who is dependant entirely upon the atlention that he can per¬
sonally give to his Roses to compete with the man who can afford to
have all or nearly all the work done for him. The latter is not the actual
grower or producer of the blooms he exhibits to anything like the extent
that the former is.

I have ofen wanted to ask in the case of an exhibit from “Jones,
gardener to Smith, Esq.,” who is in strict fairness entitled to the prize f
The gardener is not, for he never bought the plants, he does not bear the
expense of the land on which they are grown, and he is paid for all the
labour he has expended upon them. Neither, in another sense, is his
employer entitled to it, for in most cases the work of production has been
performed by another; probably all he has done has been to cut the
blooms and stage them, and all the work of getting the boxes to the
show, &c., has been done without him. Therefore I ask, Who is to have
the prize ?

I am glad of the sympathy of “ Duckwing ” and “ F. H. Gf.,” and shall
be much obliged if the latter gentleman will give me the addre-'ses of the
small county shows to which he alludes, though there I expect I should
have to fight the amateur plus his gardener. But if the National Society
can be induced to take up the line of “ bar the gardener” it will be the
dawn of a more encouraging day for many. — A Small Rose-grower.

I AM heartily glad to see that the difficulties of small rosarians are
being ventilated, and especially that “ The National ” is being appealed
to to take the matter up on new lines. As a member of that Society I
know that small clisses have been provided purposely to meet such cases
ai that of “ A Small Rose Grower,” and again and again have looked over
the exhibits in tho?e classes to see how the plan was working, but in
nearly every ca°e I have found the prize tickets on the boxes of “ Rev.
Mr. So and So,” “ Mr. Blank, gardener to, &c.” Now, sir, such men are
small Rose-growers only from choice ; they have the means, if they so
desire, to enlarge their beds almost ad infinitum, and are in a position to
engage all the help necessary for the production of either a “six”
or a “ thiity-six.”

Again, I know that Mr. Mawley and Mr. F. G. Oliver provided
classes for suburban-grown Roses (Why were they discontinued 1 Cannot
they be revived ? ), to meet the case of many earnest men heavily handi¬
capped by the smokiness of gardens near town ; but it does seem to me
that no effort has been made to enable the man to win a prize who, of
necessity, not of choice, has to do everything to his Roses with his own
hands, and I sincerely hope that “ The National ” will prove itself worthy
of its name by establishing a class or classes exclusively for such.

“ Duckwing,” in last week’s issue, speaks of classes “ within so many
miles,” or “ for amateurs not employing a regular gardener.” This latter
is very similar to the restriction mentioned by “ A Small Rise Grower,”
and to my mind is what is wanted to meet such cases, although, as the
term “ regular ” is a very elastic one, I think a stipulation for not more
than two days, or three, a week should be made iu order to define more
exactly what is meant by “ non-regular” aid.

I again express the hope that “ our Society ” will energetically take up
the matter (the Palace also ought to), and shall be glad to help in any
way towards such a desirable object. — A Lady Rosarian.

MADRESFIELD COURT GRAPE CRACKING.

Under the above heading “ R. M.” is pretty near the truth when he
states that the cause of this Grape cracking is due, in a measure, to
atmospheric moisture. Last year about this time our samples of this
Grape commenced cracking, and imagining that a saturated atmosphere
had a ceriain influence in bringing about that unhappy result I determined
to try what dryness could do. It must not be inferred that dryness at
the root is meant, as that is not the case, having frequently had occasi n
to give them a thorough soaking from that time, but I always selected
what promised to be a bright sunny day for that purpose, and watered
the border the first thing in the morning, kept a brisk heat in the pipe0,
and with full ventilation on the surface of the border was well dried
during the day, thereby preserving a dry atmosphere during the night.
Siuce I adopted this method of culture I have always been able to finish
Madresfield Court without the loss of a berry. The means employed by
some to divert the superabundance of sap into other channels ihan the
fruit is more imaginary than real. By extending the lateral growths they
are encouraging root-action, and, consequently, adding to the vigour of
the Vine.

It ought to be borne in mind that a dry atmosphere has a tendency to
draw the water from the fruit and prevent bursting, whereas a saturated
atmosphere will not. My Madresfield Court Grapes are now colouring,
and by following the method described I am confident of finishing them
without having to cut away the half of the bunches or even half a dozen
berries out of the lot. “ J. O.’s ” explanation of the cause and remedy
reminds me of a little episode in connection with the “ wonderful
tree ” at Chatsworth. One gentleman on being asked why tbe tree was
not in leaf — then midsummer — commenced a scientific explanation of
the freaks of Nature, when every bud replied to his remarks by sending
down upon the unfortunate individual a shower of water, drenching the
unhappy gentleman who made bold to elucidate the “ whyms ” of Nature,
forgetful of art. — P. Riddell.

It was on July 15th that I saw and advised my friend on this matter,
and with me ud to this date, August 9th, one berry only has cracked ; so
much for my practice.

In reply to Mr. W. Mosely, let me say that had the free growing of
laterals been a preventive with me, I should never have seen any crack¬
ing, and in those days I gave even more ventilation than I do now. The
foliage does not allow the sun to shine on the berries, as I know what
that means. My two Vines are in the corners of a span house, stand’.ng
north to south, consequently the west corner Vine gets morning sun from
about eleven o’clock than the east corner one does of the afternoon sun.
To avoid burning the berries I allow the leaves to hang fairly low at the
two sides, so they are safe.

I should be sorry for “R. M. ” to apply water to the roots
of my Madresfield Court Vines, as I know what would be
the result. Two years ago I inarched Madresfield Court on Gros
Colman to put the water to its test, with the result that cracking
occurred, and this, too, with very liberal ventilati n. Could I be sure
of only, say, one or two berries cracking I would soak this inarched
Vine, but not having faith I am afraid . Since taking the pen in hand
it occurs to me that the fact of “R. M. ” not employing fire heat for
eleven days, and then putting fire on, may be a solution of the mystery.
My fire is never out from the time of starting the Vines till ihe Grapes
are cut. Soil to my mind has much to do with the evil, a stiff one being
most conducive to the fruit cracking. My Madresfield Court commenced
colouring on July 28th. I then bedded the border down (an inside onec
with newspapers and dry grass, and no more water will be given while
the Grapes hang ; this is the fourth year of so doing. My crop for thre
years has been 160 lbs., being for each Vine ye trly 264 lbs. — Stephen
Castle, West Lynn,

CHRYSANTHEMUMS AND THEIR CULTURE.

( Continued from page 107.)

FLOWERS “DAMPING”— REMEDIES.

One of the greatest evils which a cultivator of Chrysanthemums
on the “ large bloom ” principle has to contend with is the subject
of “ damping.” Many hours’ anxious thought would be avoided if

132

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 12, 1886.

such a defect as the one in question was unknown. Some beginners
in the culture of these plants may not know what is meant by
“ damping.” I will explain how it affects the flowers, give my
opinion as to its cause, and state the remedy I have found the most
effective in checking it. Take, for instance, a large bloom of any
of the Queen family which is, say, three parts expanded. The

Fig. 18.— Travelling Box.

florets appear to be quite solid, and the prospect of a handsome
"flower quite cheering. All of a sudden, upon a closer examination
several brown specks resembling dust in appearance are plainly
seen. In a short time — the next day, for instance — it will be found
that the dust-looking specks have increased considerably, quite
half the florets being attacked in the same manner ; and after the
lapse of a few days the damping spreads so rapidly that large holes
'can be seen in them, and if this continues a few days longer the
flower is spoilt entirely. This is what is meant by “ damping,”
and those growers who have experienced much of it know well
what the consequences are. It attacks the Japanese varieties
exactly in the same way. Sometimes it begins upon the very first
attempt of the flower to unfold. I have seen buds of Fair Maid
of Guernsey which never expanded beyond the first struggling
floret or two, but decayed. M. Ardene is a variety very susceptible
to this. Damping is more prevalent in wet foggy weather than in
a dry frosty air, thus proving that the atmosphere has something
to do with its more rapid spread that takes place then than when
the air is clear and dry. Where houses are not tightly glazed and
rain drips in upon the plants and flowers the evil is most felt ; but
I have seen very bad attacks of damping take place where water
could not possibly touch the flowers, and the air at the same time
was kept in a dry state by fire heat.

I will endeavour to explain what in my opinion is the cause.
Having closely observed plants which were grown under various
conditions, I have come to the conclusion that overfeeding the
plants is the principal cause of the trouble. The plants are gorged
with artificial stimulants to make them as gross and thick as pos¬
sible ; the roots are crippled with excess of various manures ; and
though while wood and foliage are being made it is all right, when
that growth ceases then a breakdown occurs in the system of the
plants, and they fail to produce what is expected of them. I am
more convinced of this after having seen collections of plants which
were grown for no particular object except for home decoration.
Such plants had never received any artificial manures as stimulants,
nothing being given to them but weak liquid manure from farm¬
yard tanks in addition to clear water, and damping there was
unknown.

How to stop at once the spread of this pest is perhaps more
than I can explain, but I will describe the manner in which I have
seen it checked. As soon as it makes its appearance some growers
think it is caused by a lack of ventilation. They at once throw
open all the ventilators and doors and cause a thorough draught.
My plan has been almost the reverse of this, giving a fair amount
of air to the plants, but in such a manner that a direct draught is
not caused. We warm the pipes, ventilate freely in the front
of the house and a little at the top to let out excessive moisture.
It is not the quantity of air, it is the manner in which it is applied
that answers best. All drainings from the pots after watering
should be dried up as quickly as possible, and everything done to
render the air light and sweet, but overfeeding is probably the
direct cause of damping in most cases.

TRAVELLING BOX WITHOUT CUP3.

Persons who have reason to send blooms of Chrysanthemums
a distance by rail are often puzzled to know how to pack them to

preserve them from injury. When packed in the way adopted
with other flowers seldom it is that they are presentable for the
show table when they reach their journey’s end. I'or the informa¬
tion of those who do not know how to pack these flowers securely
without the aid of the cups and tubes which are generally used
for exhibition purposes I have had a drawing prepared, show¬
ing the best method I have yet seen. Flowers secured in
that way will travel by rail 500 miles without being in the least
damaged. It is a capital way to take a few extra blooms when
goirg to a show in case of accident, and when no space in the
exhibition box for auxiliary flowers is available. A careful culti¬
vator never goes to compete without one or two extra flowers in
case of an accident. The annexed engraving (fig. 18) represents
a box packed with two blooms as an illustration how they should
be secured. The size of the box must be determined by the number
of flowers to be conveyed. If the box is to be sent alone, a stout
packing case should be selected, but if it accompanies the exhibitor
a box of lighter construction is all that is required. Take, then,
an ordinary packing case, lay it on its side, fasten to each end (by
means of a nail driven through the end into each) a lath or stick at
about equal distance from top to bottom of the box, cut the
flowers with a stem of say 1 foot long, and to the cross sticks fasten
the stem of the flower securely, first wrapping around the flower
a single fold of very thin tissue paper, securing it at the top by a
twist in the paper. Should the box by any means get turned upside
down no harm can happen to the flowers packed in this manner.
If they have to be carried a long distance, tie some wet moss
securely around the bottom of the stem. This retains the blooms

Fig 19.

fresh much longer. Double rows either in height or width can be
fastened precisely in the same manner if a greater number is neces¬
sary, as the stems need not be cut so long, but when they are less
than G inches in length the process of cupping the blooms is ren¬
dered more difficult, hence my reason for selecting 12 inches of
stem to each. The double rails to which the stems are fastened
make them much firmer than when one only is used. The flowers

August 12, 1886. 1

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

133

may be near enough to touch each other, when no harm will be
done. The lid or door should be fastened with four screws, which
prevents the jarring caused by nails and is more easily removed at
the end of the journey.

APPLIANCES, FORCEPS, AND BRUSH.

Cultivators of Chrysanthemums intended for exhibition or even
for home decoration ought to provide themselves with appliances,
such as forceps or tweezers for the manipulation of the flowers
with a view to their improvement, even if they are not intended to
be placed upon the exhibition table, as a few minutes’ attention
given to a flower improves its appearance greatly. Amongst
growers there is a variety of opinions as to which is the best kind
of forcep to use for dressing the blooms Fig. 19 represents the best
instruments I have yet seen. As each cultivator has his own par¬
ticular fancy in the selection there is no name by which they are
known ; those shown in the engraving are made from steel of a
special pattern to order. Such instruments vary in pi’ice from 3s. Gd.
for the smallest size to 7s. Gd. for the largest pair. The brush is
made of camel-hair 1 inch long, and the handle measures 6 inches.
This is used to free the flowers from dust, which they are almost
sure to collect in travelling, and upon the white varieties is a defect,
whereas by gently brushing in an upward direction the dust can
easily be removed. The smallest size is 3 inches long and one-
quarter of an inch wide in the middle. The mouth or points are
very narrow, just the extreme point rounded off; these are used for
finishing off a bloom for exhibition. The next or middle size are
b inches long and five-eighths of an inch wide at the rough part,
which is made to allow of a firm grip being had of them. The
points are square, as can be seen, are rough and one-eighth of an
inch wide ; these are used for taking out any bad or wrongly placed

- -

Fig. 20.— Instrument Box.

petals. The largest size measures 8 inches in length, are half an
inch wide at the rough or grip part. As will be seen, they are
narrow, one-eighth of an inch wide at the points. These also are
ffor removing petals from the centre of a flower of large dimension.
They are made with a very easy spring, which facilitates the handling
of them considerably. There are various other patterns and sizes,
but I consider these a fair sample ; any optician or tool-maker can
supply them on order. Some growers prefer to use those made of bone
and ivory. The objection to them is that they do not grip the florets
firmly enough, they are so liable to slip off. Fig. 20 shows the
box in which the forceps are kept when not in use. It is not
absolutely necessary that such a thing be used, but where much
manipulation is required I find it better to have a box for the
instruments, as greater care can be taken of them ; they are not so
likely to be lost or get rusty by laying about. The size of the box
is 10 inches long, 2£ inches wide, and 1| inch deep ; spaces are
made wherein fits the forceps and the brush also ; the box in
question is lined with velvet. — E. Molyneux.

CULTIVATION OF THE STRAWBERRY.

( Continued from page 87.)

STRUCTURES SUITABLE FOR FORCING.

A Strawberry house should be high at the sides so as to
allow of sufficient head room all round, or 6 feet at the eaves,
and of this half or 3 feet of the lower part may be brickwork or
wood, the upper part glass, and made to open the entire length
from the bottom outward by crank and lever movement. A
shelf of slate or 1-inch deal, 7 inches wide, may be placed at the
side about 3 inches below the wall plate, supported by iron
brackets galvanised, and another of l-inc1! deal about 15 inches
from the glass of the roof, which is also best supported by iron
brackets galvanised secured to each front upright. This, or the
upper shelf, must have half-inch square strips of wood secured
to the upper outer edges, “ planting ” them on the shelf bedded
in white lead, and secured with screws These will form a dish,
and with boles at every alternate front upright or light through
the shelf, and a half-inch zinc tube inserted and taken below

the other or lower shelf, will prevent the water dripping on
to the lower shelf from the upper one. These side shelves are
very useful, and increase the standing room considerably; besides,
being at the sides they get more air, and so are suitable
for fresh introductions. 1 find these shelves hold quite enough
plants to fill the central stage, where they must be given more
room ; the shelf plants are, therefore, coming on whilst the
central stage ones are perhaps flowering and setting. The roof
should be at an angle of 35°, and have a lantern ventilation
which will take some of the height off the otherwise sharp ridge,
and the opening must be 12 inches, the cover of the opening to
be raised by a rachet and wheel or handle. The pathway, or
from the inside of the wall, may be 3 feet wide, the width of
the house inside not being less than 15 feet. This will give
room for a 9 feet wide stage, or 4 feet 6 inches on each side, we
get room for nine shelves, four on each side, and a central one.
The shelves need only be 7 inches wide, but fixed in the centre
of the foot space, or inches from each side, and this will pre¬
vent one tier dripping on to the one below it. The lowest shelf
of the stage must be 2 feet 6 inches from the floor, and the
uppermost one 3 feet from the glass, so by putting a string tight
from the outer edge of the upper and lower shelf it will show
where the other shelf edges are to be. The house, of course,
can be of any width, only if narrower there will be fewer shelves,
as less space than 3 feet cannot well be allowed for a path, the
side shelves taking up some room. On dry sites the pathway
may be sunk, having the steps and area outside.

Span-roofs should have the ends north and south. If a lean-
to is used the aspect should be south, and I need not enter into
particulars, as lean-to’s are only the half of spans. A house
with a pathway up the centre is also suitable for forcing
Strawberries, provided it has side ventilation, though it may
have blank side walls, but with wooden ventilators in the walls.
We have only to reverse the staging, having the shelf at the
back about 15 inches from the glass, and then falling to the
path, each tier proportionately, as the height allows 12 inches
width for each row of plants. Bricks afford a ready means of
improvising a stage where there is a bed, as in a Cucumber
or Melon house.

All houses are not suitable for forcing Strawberries. The
structures must be light, well ventilated, and properly heated,
having sufficient hot-water pipes to maintain a temperature of
70° to 75° without hard firing. The next condition is to keep
the plants near to the glass. They will not take any harm at
a distance of 3 feet or more, provided they have unobstructed
light, but the nearer they are to the glass without touching it
the better. Air is essential, and if it reach the plants below or
above them it will be preferable to coming directly upon them.
These remarks are made as Strawberries have very often to be
accommodated in Peach houses and vineries on suspended
shelves, which are not the best places for them, but much can
be effected by such means by removing the plants as the struc-
tui'es accord in temperature, &c., with the requirements of the
Strawberries in their different stages. To force Strawberries well
two structures are required, so that a succession can be main¬
tained, as up to setting they do not require a high temperature,
but after the fruit is fairly swelling they require a high tem¬
perature with corresponding moisture, which can hardly be
accorded in Peach houses and vineries without prejudice to the
Peaches and Grapes.

Preparing for Forcing. — The house must be clean. The
glass must be washed both inside and outside with clear water, and
not leaving any dirt or green, as that is speedily added to. The
woodwork brushed and thoroughly cleansed with soap and water,
the brickwork or other similar surface thoroughly washed with
hot lime, if necessary painted after any repairs, the whole put
into good order, not forgetting the heating apparatus and the
working of the ventilators.

The plants having been in frames or pits will be available at
any time for introducing to the forcing structure. Plants that
are to be started in November for the earliest crops must be
placed in the frames or pits early in October, and as they will be
removed by the middle of November others can take their place
for starting later, and so on as the succession plants are removed
for placing in heat, others from the outside reserves can be
placed in the frames. It is well in all cases to have the plants
a month to six weeks in frames preparatory to their being intro¬
duced to artificial heat, therefore sufficient frame or pit room
must be at command to allow of their being so treated. Plants,
for instance, that are to be started by the middle of November
must be in the frames by early October, those for January
starting by the middle of November; for February from the
middle of December to early January, and for March from the
middle of January to eaidy February. As these will go out in

134

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ A r gust 12, 1886.

March their places can be taken by the latest plants for cool or
late started structures, or if these are not forthcoming the plants
can be fruited in the frames or pits so as to maintain the suc¬
cession of fruit until those in the open ground continue it. The
frame treatment to some extent accelerates the forcing process
by perfecting and forwarding the dower buds, at least they
start better, not being disposed to make so much leaf growth
before the trusses appear as plants taken direct from the open
ground, and this, we think, in consequence of the frame treat¬
ment being favourable to the formation of roots.

Before being placed in position the plants should have any
decayed leaves removed, but there must not be any attempt at
close trimming, such as is sometimes done, the crown, or very
little more being left, but any green foliage be retained. Clear
the surface of the soil from any mossy growth. The drainage
must be seen to. If worms are in the pots stop the base with
clay, and soak with lime water. The worms will be expelled, and
the drainage can then be put right. The pots must be washed
clean, and a surface dressing given. 1 find nothing better than
fresh horse droppings rubbed through a sieve. Turfy loam made
fine with a quart each of soot and bonemeal, or any advertised
fertiliser, for I find all good, added to every bushel is a capital
surface dressing, but I prefer the droppings, or well decayed
manure. It should be pressed down moderately, leaving suffi¬
cient space for holding water. — G. Abbey.

(To be continued.)

We have been requested to remind growers and exhibitors of the
Dahlia that the grand National Show cf these noble autumn flowers is to
take place this year at the Crystal Palace as usual on September 3rd and
4th. The Turner Memorial prize (silver cup, value £10, for twelve show and
six fancy Dahlias) is open for competition on this occasion. Entries for
the Show should be sent in on or before August 27th, and the schedules
may be had on application from the Honorary Secretary, Mr. Thomas
Moore, Botanic Gardens, Chelsea, London, S.W., who will also thankfully
acknowledge any contributions for the prize fund. We shall be glad if
the Directors of the Show are well supported in their efforts to extend and
perfect the culture of the Dahlia in its several forms, and to make the Ex¬
hibition a great success.

- Me. W. Reuse remarks : — “ We have some Onions, raised from

seed sown in the autumn of 1884 and harvested last year, still sound and
good, and they have not yet commenced to grow. Is not this rather
unusual 1 The variety is Trebons. Some of another sort kept well but
have been over some time. Both were well harvested.”

- A general meeting of guarantors and life members of the

Gband Yorkshire Gala and Floral Exhibition was recently bell
in the North-Eastern Hotel, York, Mr. Alderman Rooke, Vice-Chairman
of the Committee, in the chair, when it was decided to give to the
charities of York out of this year’s profits the sum of £40, and a further
sum of £25 added to their invested capital. Vote3 of thanks were passed
to the Rt. Hon. the Lord Mayor, Mr. Alderman Terry, the popular
Chairman of the Committee, and, as Lord Mayor, President of the
Society ; also to the Vice-Chairman and other officers, including Mr. John
Wilson, who has been the active Secretary of the Society from its forma¬
tion twenty-eight years since, and to whose untiring interest in the gala
so much of the success is due. £1370 appears to have been taken on the
three days of the last Show, and the Committee have an invested fund of
£1700. June 15th, 16th, and 17th, 1887, will be the date of next year’s
Exhibition.

- “ S. C.” writes, “ The value of Mulching was very strikingly

brought under my notice recently. At the end of May a ribbon border
was planted with small late spring-struck Pelargoniums, they were in fact
scarcely rooted. Knowing this, I advised the application of a thin layer
cf light decayed stable manure, and one-half of the border was so treated
the other not, and the difference is astonishing. The border is quite
spoilt, one-half being as large again as the other. No doubt the heavy
rains have helped the quick growth, but the mulched portion never felt

the drought and cutting winds. Many a bed or border, especially in
exposed positions, can be mu’ched without being unsightly, and would
well pay for so doing.”

- We are requested to state that the Cheadle Horticultural

Society (Cheshire) will hold their nineteenth annual F.'ower Show on
August 21st and 22nd, when £165 will be offered in prizes.

- A Succession of Peaches in One House. — Mr. J. Muir

writes : “ Some growers have house after house of Peaches to come in
after each other, and they need have no difficulty in having a supply of
Peaches from May until November, but the majority of growers have
only one or two houses, and in cases of this kind it is a great advantage
to have each house planted with good successional varieties. Here we
have a cool house containing six trees, three on the back wall and three
on the front trellis, and from these we gather fruit for three months. The
earliest variety in the house is Hale’s. Last year it ripened its first fruits
in the latter part of June, but this season they were not ripe until the first
week in July. It was finished som9 time ago, and was succeeded by Royal
George, which will soon be over, when Prince of Wales comes in, and
this is succeeded by Late Admirable, which is yet green and will not be
ripe until September. We have thus a three-months supply of Peaches
from the one house, and this result is much more satisfactory for a table
supply than if the house was plauted with only one or two sorts, which
would be all over in two or three weeks.”

- The Erdington Horticultural Exhibition at Sir Josiah

Mason’s Orphanage, near Birmingham, took place on Monday, August
1st, and was in every way most successful. The Orphanage was
founded and endowed by the late Sir Josiah Mason, and accommodates
about six hundred orphan children. The swings used by the children are
fixtures close to the field where the Exhibition was held, and an unfor¬
tunate accident occurred to Mr. A. Wright, of the firm of Wright Bros.,
nurserymen, Erdington, who was struck by one of the swings and his
shoulder blade broken and his spine injured. At all outdoor flower shows
it would be well to appoint some active person used to such work to take
up the management of the grounds and see that order was kept and
dangers avoided.

- We are requested to state that Jeyes’ Sanitary Compounds

Company, Limited, having been originally entrusted with the dis¬
infection of the native quarters in the Colonial and Indian Exhibition,
and having carried out the same to the entire satisfaction of all the
authorities, have now been specially appointed by the Royal Commission
to undertake the disinfection of the whole of the Exhibition buildings.

- There is now an excellent collection of Carnations and

Picotees in the Royal Horticultural Society’s Gardens at Chiswick, and
a selection of these is given in the following note by a correspondent : —
“ Beginning with the Carnations, we might start with one oalled Chiswick
Red. It origina'ed at Chiswick, and is a fine daik red self ; a telling
flower, of good substance. In Scarlet Bizarres, the best of the varieties may
be found in the following : — Duke of Grafton (Hooper), James McIntosh
(Dodwell), Robert Lord (Dodwell), Master Stanley (Dodwell), Arthur
Medhurst (Dodwell). Crimson Bizarres : Albert Chancellor (Aber¬
crombie), Stanley Hudson (Dodwell), Thomas Moore (Dodwell). Pink
and Purple B'zarres : James Taylor (Gibbons), Mrs. Barlow (Dodwell),
Princess Beatrice (Beardsley), Sarah Payne (Ward), Tom Foster (Dodwell).
Purple Flakes : Jane (Baildon), Sporting Lass (Fiowdy). Scarlet Flakes :
Flirt (Abercrombie), Figaro (Abercrombie), Jupiter (Abercrombie), Dan
Godfrey (Holmes). Rose Flakes: John Kent (Whitehead), Jessica (Turner),
Rose of Stapleford (Headley). Fancies: Queen Victoria (Benary), Anna
Benary (Benary), Of those refined flowers, Picotee3, honourable mention
may be made of the following : — Red-edged : Jewess (Fellowcs), Mr.
Dodwell (Turner), Mrs. Brown (Payne), Lothair (Fellowes), Lord Valentia
(Kirtland), Hilda (Dodwell), Robert Scott (Fiowdy). Purple-edged :
B. B. Coutts (Payne), Edith (Dodwell), Evelyn (Hewitt), Mrs. A. Chan¬
cellor (Turner). Rose and Scarlet-edged : Mrs. Payne (Fellowes), and
Daisy (Dodwell).”

- The Tropical Agriculturist for July states that recently an offer

has made by Mr. G. Jasper Nieholls, C.S., to send, at his own expense, to
anyone app'ying, a supply of seeds cf the Bambusa katang. But
probably few people not botanists appreciated the meaning of the oifer.
The Bambusa katang is not only the largest Barnb >o grown in India, out¬
side of Burma and Assam, but from its habit of flowering only once in
fifty-five or sixty years, it is also excessively rare. Some specimens ex:st

August 12, 1886. ]

135

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

at Jubbulpore, where they are remarked by every visitor for their beauty
and size ; but until these should have arrived at the time for maturity and
decay, in ansther forty years or so, it was not known that there would be
any seed procurable, in these parts of India at any rate. Mr. Nicholls
however, was fortunate enough to secure a clump in full flower recently
on the banks of the Mahanadi, in Raipur, and knowing what it was, had
all the seed scrupulously collected by the villagers, and in the hope of
getting the tree widely distributed over Upper India, he is now offering it
to the public. The Bambu a katang grows to a height of over 60 feet;
its stall stem gives the best natural material for scaffolding, and in beauty
as well as size it may claim to excel all the varieties of Bamboo known to
the Ganges plain and Deccan highlands.

- Crocus Sharojani. — “ The Croci, which we have been in the

habit of associating only with spring flowers, such as Tulips, Hyacinths,
Daffodils, &c.,” says a correspondent, “ M.,” “ require to our thinking very
little development to form an important part of our hardy flowering
plants from the end of July until the following summer. The species
above named, and which we believe was introduced through the exertions
of Mr. Maw, of Crocus fame, is now flowering vigorously, and like to
continue, until some of the other species takes its place. It seems to us
that very little attention on the part of plant improvers is required to
make this orange gem as variable and as popular as the better known
vernal Croci generally grown in gardens. Those who are already
possessed of a fairly representative collection rarely if ever want flower
between the times above stated, and these autumn-flowering kinds we
believe only require to be known to be as much sought after as the others.
They require no more attention, the beds that will grow the vernal will
also grow the autumn ones, the only attention being the periodical lifting,
say every three years, that all require, owing to the tendency the corms
have of appearing on the surface caused by the formation of the new
corms above the old ones. C. Sharojani is a native of the North-west
Caucasus, the mountains south of Trebizond, 7000 feet above the sea,
associated with C. vallicola, to which it is nearly allied. The flowers are
large, deep orange, each corm producing a single flower ; and very hand¬
some a clump of them look at this early season.”

- “ T. W. S.” writes, “ Galtonia (Hyacinthus) candicans is

one of the showiest and handsomest of our border flowers just now. It
succeeds remarkably well with us on light soil, the bulbs not only keeping
sound in the open border during the winter, but also increasing rapidly in
size. Ours are planted in groups of three, and in this way, when in bloom,
they form a graceful group. To those unacquainted with this pretty plant
we may state that it has stout Hyacinth-like foliage, from the centre of
which it throws a spike 3 feet long, three-fourths of which is furnished
with large bell-like white flowers, which last in perfection for fully a
month.”

- The National Chrysanthemum Society have issued a revised

edition of their Catalogue of Chrysanthemums, which has been
prepared by a specially selected committee, and is in all respects a great
improvement upon the first edition, though published at the same price —
namely, 6d. There are thirty-six pages, in which the varieties are mostly
arranged in single columns, with descriptions, synonyms, and raisers’
names. The varieties are classed in ten sections : 1, incurved varieties ;
2, incurved varieties not generally cultivated ; 3, Japanese varieties ; 4,
other Japanese varieties not generally cultivated ; 5, reflexed varieties ;
6, large Anemone varieties ; 7, large hybrid Anemone varieties ; 8, Pom¬
pon Anemones ; S, Pompons ; 10, summer and early autumn varieties. It
may be estimated that over 1000 forms are described, some necessarily
briefly, but all the leading varieties are fully described. Considerable
care has been exercised in the revision, and the Catalogue will be found a
useful one to all Chrysanthemum growtrs and exhibitors.

- Nature states thaf, “ The death is reported on June 22 of Dr.

H. F. Hance at Amoy, at which place he was Hc-r Majesty's Consul
Although no indtpend, nt work bears Dr. Hance.’s name, he has done more
than any other man to make us acquainted with the flora of China, both
of the empire and of the British colonies. His contributions to botanical
literature are to be found in periodicals, very largely in Trimen’s Journal
of Botany, and the number of species described by him for the first time is
very great. He was a contributor to the herbaria at the British Museum
and at Kew. It is to be hoped that bis herbarium will be brought to
London and deposited where it can be consulted, and his types readily
compared with those of other authors. A full synonymic catalogue of all

'he known Chinese plants is now in course of publication by Messrs.
Forbe9 & Hemsley, and is greatly needed.”

- Bulbs for the Parks. — We learn that the Metropolitan

Board of Works have accepted the tender of Mr. B. S. Williams, Victoria
and Paradise Nurseries, Holloway, London, N., for supplying Hyacinths
Tulips, Crocus, Daffodils, Ac., Finsbury Park, Southwark Park, Leicester
Square, Victoria Embankment, Chelsea Embankment.

- The tenth Exhibition of the Basingstoke Horticultural

Society will take place by kind permission of S. Field, Esq., at “ Gold¬
ing*,” Basingstoke, on Thursday, August 19th, 1886, when prizes will be
awarded to gentlemen’s gardeners, nurserymen, amateurs, ladies, and
cottagers for the best samples of flowers, fruits, vegetables, and butter.
Mr. A. E. Holdaway, London Street, Basingstoke, is the S cretarv.

- “ B.,” says, “ What a fine tree for street or avenue planting is

Robinia BessonIANA ! An admirable illustration of its usefulness for
this purpose is afforded just now in the fine avenue of it at Sutton Court
Road, Chiswick, in a line with the entrance to the Royal Horticultural
Society’s Garden?. The trees were pruned last season, and they look all
the better for it, the trees at the present time having good bushy round
heads of their characteristically bright green foliage. Looked at as a
whole, a pretty and refreshing effect is produced, giving one quite the idea
of a Parisian boulevard. Certainly the flourishing condition of these trees
is in marked contrast to many other samples of street planting.”

TRENCHED versus UNTRENCHED SOIL.

Hebe is a nut for Mr. Iggulden to crack on the subject of trenching.
Half of our midseason crops of Peas were sown on untrenc.hed ground,
and the other half on ground trenched two spits deep last autumn. The
first-named crop proved almost a failure, yielding very few Peas, the
haulm turning yellow three weeks ago, and now quite dead. The second
crop, on the trenched ground, though the same kinds — President Garfield,
Reading Giant, and Champion of England— and sown at the same time,
are just coming in for use, in splendid health, full of vigour, and promise
to yield a heavy crop for some time. Carrots, Parsnips, and other crops
look far the healthiest and most promising on the trenched portions.
Our soil is rather light, 2 feet thick, and resting on a deep gravelly sub¬
soil. Reports have reached me from other fiiends fully confirming my
experience gained on this point during the recent drought. Non-trenching
may succeed at Marston and a few other favoured spots, but not in
KentAh gardens — at least, such is the experience of — A Kentish
Gardener.

DELPHINIUMS.

The Delphiniums are very showy at this time of the year ; few plants
contribute so much beauty to our herbaceous borders. As it is well
known, there are many species in cultivation, including annual and
perennial, but the most showy at present are the perennial.
They vary in height from 1 to 8 feet. There is also a great
variety of colours and difft-rent shades, from pure white to scarlet, and
through nearly every shade of blue and purple. They are quite hardy
and easily cultivated, for as a rule they seem to thrive in nearly every
situation. A good deep loam is their favourite soil, but I have seen them
grow equally as well on a hot sandy soil, if well manured and watered
when dry ; but of course, on a good deep loam less attention is required.

When it is desirable to increase the number of plants quickly it is
best to divide the old plants in the spring as soon as they commence
growing, but where plants are not required in a hurry they may be raised
from seed, taking care to select the seed from the best colours. But where
a continuation of bloom is desirable the flower spike should be cut off as
soon as it has finished flowering, and not be allowed to seed. If so treated
they will start again and keep up a succession of bloom. But to keep
the plants from becoming exhausted, they should in this case have
a good top-dressing of manure, which will greatly increase the number
of flower-1.

D. NUDICAULE. — A compact-growing species with scarlet flowers,
varying from light red to a deep crimson, attaining the height of about
2 feet It is very pretty and quite hardy, and commences to grow very
early in the spring ; but I have found that a warm soil suits it be3t, for
on a cold soil it sometimes damps off.

D. CArdinale. — A beautiful tall-growing species with flowers of
a bright scarlet, and as a rule continuing longer in bloom that D. Ludi-
caule. It is quite hardy, although on damp borders it would be wise to
protect it in the winter by a handlight, for if allowed to get too wet it
is liable to suffer seriously.

D. cashmekiAnum. — Th:s, commonly called the Cashmerian Lark¬
spur, is a very showy species, but, like all the others, vary greatly in
colour, from a purple to a light blue. Its usual height i? 18 inches, but
it sometimes attains the height of 2 feet. To be successful in its culture
plant it in a well-drained position.

Amongst the perennial hybrids may be mentioned Madame Henri
Jacotot, bright sky blue; Richalet, dark blue, light centre; Pompon
Brilliant, deep violet ; Georges O. Huit, rich blue ; Victor Lemoine, very

136

[ August 12, 1888.

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

dark bine with light centre ; Palmerstone, light blue very good ; Borbue,
deep blue, orange centre ; Coronet, dark blue with light centre ; Celestial,
deep blue with very large spike ; Belladonna, fine blue red, very dwarf ;
and other varieties too numerous to mention. — C. C.

ABERAMAN PARK.

The Glamorgan seat of Sir George Elliott, Bart., M.P., is situated
midway between Aberdare and Mountain Ash, and within half a mile of
Treaman station on the Taff Vale Railwaj'. The house is a magnificent
modern structure, and commands a charming view from the south front
through the valley of Aberavon. A glimpse of Duffryn House, the seat of
the Right Honourable Lord Aberdare, is seen in the distance. Aberaman
Park is surrounded by mountains, presenting here and there rich scenery
and pleasing pictures ; but the riches of Aberaman are to be found under
ground in an inexhaustible supply of minerals, for nearly a dozen coal
mines, besides ironworks, may be counted within a radius of a few miles
from the house. The grounds are entered from the Aberdare road by a
neat lodge. The carriage drive is about half a mile in length, which
sweeps gently to the right and then to the left as it approaches the south
front of the house, which was gay at the time of my visit with bedding
plants in small beds and borders arranged on a well kept grass lawn.
Conspicuous amongst bedding plants was a dwarf variegated Tropseolum
not yet in commerce. The variety in question was a sport obtained from
a green variety several years ago, and little notice was taken of it until
last season, when it was greatly admired by all who saw it, and deservedly
so. This season it is planted extensively, and appears to be quite distinct
from any other variety. It is dwarf and free in habit, with close silvery
foliage and bright scarlet flowers borne well above the leaves in great pro¬
fusion, and closely resembling Tropaeolum Cooperi in colour. The house
is finely sheltered from the east and west by majestic Evergreen Oaks,
purple and common Beech, &c. Attached to the mansion on the east side
is a large three-quarter span-roofed conservatory, which contained a mis¬
cellaneous collection of flowering plants. Amongst them were many good
Fuchsias, Begonias, Eucharises, and some fine plants of Acacia armata,
Dicksonia antarctica, Seaforthia elegans, and many others. The walls
were covered wiih Abutilon Boule de Neige and A. Thomsoni, Acacia
dealbata, and Camellias, all of which were clean and healthy. On leaving
the conservatory we passed a well kept lawn which is intersected by
gravel walks studded with small Conifers, bedding plant ', and Roses.
The latter were extra good in growth and flower. A little to the east of
this were several large beds and clumps of Rhododendrons and hardy
Azaleas in the best of health, which must have a grand effect from the
house when in bloom, as the ground slopes from the house towards the
Park. They can also be seen to advantage from the main walk leading to
the principal range of glass, which is close to the house.

The first division in this range is a late vinery 50 feet long by 18 wide
and 18 high. The varieties grown here were Bowood Muscat, Venn’s
Black Muscat, Muscat Hamburgh, Lady Downe’s Seedling, West’s St.
Peter’s, Trebbiano, and Gros Guillaume. The Vines are only three years
old. The roots are confined to the inside border, and the canes are fairly
robust, carrying good crops of useful Grapes, with some monster bunches
of Trebbiano and Gros Guillaume, which if finished well will be a credit
to Mr. Mitchell. The next division contained Gros Colman, Trebbiano,
Golden Champion, and Black Hamburgh. Trebbiano was again conspi¬
cuous for size of bunch, and the Champions for size of berry ; whilst the
Black Hamburghs had as useful a crop of Grapes as] need be desired.
They were also some well- grown plants in this vinery — notably, Latania
borbonica, Cycas revoluta, Phoenix dactylifera, Phcenix reclinata, Hoya
carnosa, Begonia Ingrami. and a very fine plant of Coelogyne cristata nearly
2 foet through, and many other smaller plants suitable for house and table
decoration.

We next entered the early vinery, which is 36 feet long. Only two
varieties are grown in this house, Black Prince and Black Hamburgh.
The Vines are young and vigorous, planted at the distance of 4 feet
apart, with the roots confined to the inside border. The crop in this
house was all that could be desired in size of bunch, berries, and general
finish. Next to this range is a Pine pit 60 feet long by 15 wide, filled
with excellent fruiting Pines planted out in the bed. Pine-growing is
made a speciality at Aberaman, and Mr. Mitchell is well known through¬
out South Wales as a successful grower ; and he well merited the cultural
commendation the Royal Horticultural Society awarded last March for a
bunch of Black Prince, weighing more than 9 lbs. The next house is a
span-roofed Pine stove, 66 feet long by 20 wide. The centre bed was filled
with as fine a stock of succession Pines as we could wish to see. Tomatoes
and Melons are also grown in pots in this house. The former, Abernant
variety, in 12-inch pots, was quite a picture ; I have seldom seen better.
Besides Tomatoes and Melons on the front and back stage were some
creditably grown plants, particularly the following Croton Wiesmanni,
Bougainvillea glabra, Stephanotis floribunda, Allamanda Hendersoni,
and Coleuses in variety. There were also several pots of Eucharis amazo-
nica, from 4 to 5 feet through, and in excellent health. This charming
plant detests being annually disturbed at the roots. The finest specimens
I have ever seen, and undoubtedly the most floriferous, were grown in a
nobleman’s garden in S iuth Wales, and they had not been potted for
several years, and I doubt if they would have been potted then had they
not burst the pots they were growing in.

Immediately in the back of this range is a small Cucumber house,
filled with Sharpe’s Epicurean, seemingly a useful variety. Close to this
is the bothy for youDg men, pottiDg-shed, and store-rooms, and also the
frame or nursery ground, in which were some good specimen Zonal

Geraniums, Azaleas, Camellia0, Chrysanthemums, and many other winter¬
flowering subjects. Adjoining the nursery ground is an old orchard ; the
trees were carrying a fair crop of Apples and Pears. The gardener’s
house and kitchen garden lie a little north of the houses. The former is
a commodious dwelling. The garden is small, hut every corner was
utilised to the best advantage, with excellent vegetables and small fruits
in abundance. The same may be said of Plums and Pears on the wall
trees. — A. Smith.

CODONOPSIS (GLOSSOCOMIA) OVATA.

As far as we are at present aware, only two species of this somewhat
rare genus are in cultivation, although specific names are rather abundant.
The plant represented in the annexed cut, and which is the showiest of
the two, was first introduced under the name of Glossocomia, but which
has been superseded by that of Codonopsis in the “ Genera Plantarum.”
It is easily cultivated, indeed as easily as any of the Campanulacere, after
the seedling stage has been passed, our plan being to sow the seed in pots
in a heated frame, pricking out the young plants as soon as they are large

Fig. 21.— Codonopsis (Glossooomia) ovata.

enough in boxes or pans, planting them out the following spring, the
utmost care being required to guard against breaking the very brittle
roots.

The choice of position will be the next consideration ; the sunniest
and most exposed that can be selected will be the best, planting them
6 inches apart, and the roots must not be disturbed by digging. The
flowers are large, as may be seen, but are best viewed at a distance, the
odour being anything but agreeable, and resembling somewhat that of the
Aristolochia ; the colours inside the flower are very pretty and curiously
blended. This is one of the few flowers, we believe, that are self-
fertilising, that process being accomplished before the flower opens by a
cuiious movement of the anthers. It ripens seeds freely, and is readily
increased by that means. It is a native of Northern India, flowering
June and July.

The other species C. lurida, generally grown under the name of C.
o tundifolia, but differing widely from Royle’s plant of that name, which

^nguet 12, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

137

is figured in his “ Illustrations.'’ The (rue C. rotunlifolii appears to be a
much handsomer plant, the flowers, although small, being of an intense
Gentian-blue colour. C. lurida is a climber, the only hardy plant of
the order we know having that habit. When well trained it looks very
well, the stems turning loosely and forming pretty festoon5. The flowers
are as large as the Canterbury Bell, grey white, and spotted or streaked
■with purple brown, the sepals much la ger than in the other species, ani
seirated at the edges. The leaves are often very large, ozate, pointed,
cordate at the base, and evenly serrated at the margins as well as being
covered with fine white hairs. It requires much the same treatment as
the above species, and is also a native of Northern India, flowering June>
July, and August. — D.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

August 10th.

Tuberous Begonias, Gladioli, hardy flowers, and Roses formed the great
attraction at this meeting, but there were numbers of other interesting ex-
himts which served to render the Show extremely varied and interesting.
Not the least of these were the Hollyhocks, the appearance of which seemed
like a revival of a once popular and beautiful flower, but which in recent
years has been seldom seen in its best condition. It is rarely, too, that we
see so many fine Roses in the middle of August as were staged at Kensing¬
ton on Tuesday. 6

Fruit Committee. — Present : Dr. R. Hogg in the chair, and Messrs.
Harrison Weir, John Woodbridge, V/. Warren, C. Ross, G. T. Miles, J.
Ell-im, G. Norman, Philip Crowley, G. Silverlock, R. D. Blackmore, G. Bun-
yard, James Smith, and G. Goldsmith.

Messrs. Bunyard & Co., Maidstone, sent three varieties of Apples, Red
J uneating, Mr. Gladstone, and a new early American named Tetofskv, the
latter being considered a good early dessert Apple, but not superior to others
m ciiltivat'on. Mr. H. Condle, The Gardens, Springfield, Ulverston, sent
six Noblesse Peaches, very large fruits, from a tree twentv-four years old
(cultural commendation). Half a dozen fruits of Royal George Peaches
were also shown from a four-year-old tree. Mr. W. F. Barlow, Stamford
Hill, sent three dishes of Tomatoes, fourteen fruits of which weighed 7J lbs.
v r* "V /V?re» ^°^en^am> was awarded a vote of thanks for fruiting
branehes of Eljeagnus edulis. Messrs. J. Carter & Co., High Holborn, ex-
fr2,lts °* Blenheim Orange Tomato, a cross between Greengage and
JJe am ravourite > the specimens were of medium size and deep yellow.
Messrs. Vilmonn & Cie, Paris, had a collection of Endives, comprising Paris
Summer Curled, White Curled, Rouen, Imperial, Laciniated, Moss Curled,
largo Winter and Summer Curled, together with the white and round-leaved
Hatavian Endive. A cultural commendation was awarded for the collection.
Samples of preserved fruits in tins were shown by the South Australian
Commissioners, including Green Gages, Apricots, Pears, and Quince Jelly,
he last named being of excellent flavour. A commendation was awarded
or the preserved fruits, and a vote of thanks for fruits of the Navel
Orange.

Floral Committee.— Present : G. F. Wilson, Esq., F.R.S., in the chair,
and Messrs. John Lamg, H. Cannell, Shirley Hibberd, H. Herbst, J. Douglas,
H. Ballantine, C. Noble, John Dominy, H. M. Pollett, James O’Brien, A. J.

jt!1 hi' m i Harry Turner, William Holmes, James Walker, Amos Perry,
and Dr. M. T. Masters.

A Mr' Cllelsea. .sent plants of Cattleya Schofieldiana with a large

ower, Mutonia spectabilis bicolor (certificated) ; the handsome Impatiens
Hawken with its brilliant rosy scarlet flowers, relieved by a white eye ; and
the curious zingiberaceous plant, Cienkowskia Kirki. with large pink and
white flowers blotched with yellow in the centre. Messrs. E. H. Krelage
and bon, Haarlem, showed several pretty seedling Gladiolus from purpureo
auratus, the colours varying from yellow to crimson. Mr. Alfred Chater,
Cambridge showed some very flue blooms of double Hollyhocks, large, full,
and very clear in colours. ’ 8 ’ ’

Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, contributed a beautiful collection
o eroena flowers, representing the best of their numerous varieties. From
t e same firm came plants of Fuchsia Rose of Castile Improved, the flowers
larger than usual ; Lobelia Fascination or Blue King, dark blue with a
xr 1 t tv,6 ’ j11,’? a collection of single and double Tuberous Begonia blooms.
Mr. J. Blundell, West Dulwich, S.E., showed plants of Lobelia fulgms, with
brilliant scarlet flowers. The same exhibitor had four stands of Hollyhock
blooms very fine, several being certificated. Messrs. J. Carter & Co, High
Holborn, sent collections of double Balsam blooms of their Challenger
strain, and single Petunias of their Emperor strain, both bein°- extremely
fine. Messrs. Webb & Brand, Saffron Walden, had a collection of three
xrM^rT00^ .H°llyhock blooms, most varied colours and good substance.
MM. Vilmorm, Andrieux & Co, Paris, had a collection of Liliputian Asters,
tne tloweis very neat in size and clear in colours, the plants averaging 1 foot
1IJ ;l.n£. ' I1 tpm the same firm came seedling Petunias, an excellent strain
o mmas, which was commended, and some fine Camellia flowered Balsams
(si ver medal). Messrs. H. Low & Co, Clapton, showed a plant of Beaufortia
sp endens (vote of thanks), with the flowers clustered on the upper part of
the stems, the scarlet filaments having a pretty appearance. Mr. F. Barlow,
Stamford Hill, sent plants of a Tree Carnation named F. Barlow, salmon
nikel with rose. R. I. Measures, Esq, was awarded a vote of thanks for
t^ypridmm Laurencianum atro-purpureum, very large and deeply coloured,
u u .\rl,choPl la luteo-purpurea, which was regarded as a probable natural
hybnd between T. coccinea and T. tortilis. A plant of Cattleya velutina,
wi four flowers, was also shown. Mr. Hodges, Lachine, Chislehurst,
snowed, a scarl t double tuberous Begonia named Incendie. From the
iciety s Garden at Chiswicx came blooms of a bright scarlet Carnation
named Chiswick Red, very effective ; also a number of dwarf Fuchsias,
Asters, and Hydrangea paniculata.

*^ROwPS ANtL?L^NTs- — Roses were grandly represented by several exhi-
l ors, Messrs., IV . Paul & Son, Waltham Cross, Herts, having an especially
ninasome display ; fourteen boxes, containing at least twenty-four blooms

each, and a dozen baskets with twenty or th rty blooms each of special
varieties, constituted a magnificent, varied, and rich exhibit. The colours
were bright and the flowers of good substance for the time of year. Yery
beautifui was the orange free-flowering William Allen Richardson, the pale
yellow Tea Marie Van Houtte, the bright yellow Perle des Jardins, Marie
Biumann, the white floriferous Boule de Neige, Niphetos, the New Tea The
Bride, very sweet, white, faintly tinted with sulphur, very neat in the bud ;
the pink-tinted Homere ; Madame de Watteville, white, tinged with rose ; and
the white Etendard de Jeanne d’Arc were the best of the Tea varieties,
which were especially noteworthy. A pretty Polyantha variety named
Perle d’Or, of a delicate salmon colour, tinted orange, was much admired ;
it is extremely free, and charming in the bud. Hybrid Perpetuals were also
well shown, some of the best being Charles Lefebvre, Senateur Vaisse,
Madame Eugene Yerdier, Paul Neyron, Alfred Colomb, and Grand Mogul,
very dark. A silver-gilt medal was awarded for this collection.

R. I. Measures, Esq., Cambridge Lodge, Flodden Road, Camberwell,
(gardener, Mr. H. Simpkins), was awarded a silvermedalfor a graceful group
of Orchids and Ferns, which occupied the end of one of th e central tables. The
Orchids comprised two good plants of Oncidium Jonesianum on blocks, with
two racemes, each of six to twelve flowers, the lip pure white and the
sepals and petals spotted with rich brown ; Angrsecum articulatum Ellisi
with a raceme of pure white long-spnrred flowers ; Cypripedium ciliolare,
very fine ; Aerides virens superbum ; Anguloa Clowesi ; Odontoglossum
vexillarium ; Dendrochilum filiforme, bearing some dozens of its slender
spikes ; Oncidium Papilio, Maxillaria grandiflora with eight large whole
flowers ; Burlingtonia Candida gigantea, a large-flowered variety ; Cattl -y,i
Regnelli, and a wonderful plant of Aerides odoratum bearing about
twenty spikes of expanded flowers. It had been grown without fire heat
during the summer, and the winter in a temperature not exceeling GO5 by
day and as low as 50s at night. The plant was in excellent condition,
healthy, and vigorous. The group was margined with Caladium argyrites,
Pilea muscosa and Adiantums, which formed an excellent finish.

Messrs. Kelway & Son, Langport, Somerset, were awarded a silver-gilt
Banksian medal for a superb collection of Gladiolus, compris ng nearly 200
spikes of numerous varieties, several of which were certificated. Other
noteworthy varieties were the following : — Demerata, salmon pink, crimson
centre; Princess Irene, white with a few pink streaks; Mrs. Langtry, white,
streaked crimson ; Queen Mary, white, crimson centre; Julia, streaked rose
on white ; Countess of Craven, striped crimson rose ; Ball of Fire, brilliant
scarlet ; and Lord Halsbury, scarlet, white stripes. A stand of very fine
Gaillardias was also shown by the same firm. The New Plant and Bulb
Company, Colchester, were awarded a bronze medal for a large collection of
Lilium auratum and other flowers.

Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshunt, had fourteen boxes of Rose blooms in
excellent condition, including many blooms fully up to exhibition standard ;
also a large and varied collection of hardy flowers, Phloxes, CEnotheras,
Pentstemons, and border Picotees. A silver-gilt Banksian medal was
awarded for these groups. The usual group of hardy flowers from Mr. T. S.
Ware, Tottenham, occupied the greater portion of one side of the con¬
servatory, and comprised a great number of flowers most tastefully arranged,
collections of Papaver nudicaule, album, and miniatum, Gaillardias, the
white CEnothera speciosa, the bright golden Harpalium rigidum, Phloxes in
variety, Lilies, <fcc., with tall plants of Lilium auratum and spikes of Sparaxis
pulcherrima, 4 feet high, being large numbers of its bright rose-purple,
bell-like drooping flowers (vote of thanks.). There were some boxes of
Pink and Carnation blooms, Cactus, Pompon, and single Dahlias, Lilium
longiflorum, Antirrhinums, and the white Clove Gloire de Nancy. A silver
medal was awarded to Mr. Ware.

Tuberous Begonias. — In the class for a group of Tube ous Begonias
Messrs. John Laing & Co., Forest Hill, were awarded the first prize for an
imposing bank of plants, which formed the principal feature of the Show.
The plants varied in size, from small ones in pans lifted from the open
ground, to specimens 3 or 4 feet high and 2 to 3 feet in diameter, all alike
being laden with large, grandly formed, richly coloured flowers, the habit
of the plants being compact and sturdy. The colours ranged from pure
white through yellow, orange, scarlet, crimsoD, and rose, some of the
flowers having a white ground colour, edged with ro3e or crimson. The
dwarf plants, from the outside beds at Forest Hill, attracted much notice,
owing to the brilliancy of their colours and the size of the flowers, both
single and double varieties, being represented as in the general group.
For nine BegoniaB in the amateur class, Sir E. Saunders, Fairlawn, Wimble¬
don Common (gardener, Mr. A. Newell) took first honours with compact
handsome plants of excellent large-flowered varieties ; W. N. Cheesman,
Esq,, The Hall, Dulwich (gardener Mr. W. Monk), following with good
plants, but not Buch fine varieties ; Mr. H. Little, Twickenham, being third
in a class of six exhibitors.

Fuchsias. — With six Fuchsias, A. S. Price, Esq., Parkside House, Ewell,
Surrey (gardener, Mr. J. Buss), was first, showing beautifully flowered plants,
about 3 feet high, and not formally trained ; Gustave Dore, purple calyx and
white corolla (double), was very attractive, as also were Rifleman, Souvenir
de Chiswick, and Mrs. Marshall. The second prize was accorded to H. W.
Segelcke, Esq., Elflndale Lodge, Herne Hill (gardener, Mr. J. Lambert), for
tall and old plants, some 7 feet or more high, fairly well flowered, but not
so graceful as the first-prize plants. Mr. Edgar Cook, 26, Queensberry Mews
East, South Kensington, was third, a large plant trained on a trellis being
the best. Gloxinias were exhibited by Mr. J. Lambert, Mr. C. J. Waite,
and Mr. W. Monk, who gained the first, second, and third prizes in the order
named, the first being well flowered.

Cut flowers in competition were not very num rous. The best twelve
Chrysanthemum-flowered Asters came from Mr. J. Buss, who was first with
clean bright handsome flowers. With twelve Paeony-flowered Ast-rs Major
Scott and J. Rain, Esq., Nightingale Lane, Balham (gardener, Mr. W. Clark),
were awarded second and third prizes for medium blooms. For twelve
quilled Ast rs Mrs. Gibson, Saffron Walden (gardener, Mr. Archer), Major
Scott, Wray Park, R -igats (gardener, Mr. Morgan), and Mr. J. Buss, were
the prizetakera in the order named, the first two showing very well.

Messrs. Webb's Prizes for Vegetables. — There were three good
collections entered for these prizes. Mr. C. J. Waite, Glenhurst Gardens,
Esher, was awarded the first prize with twenty-three vari.tie3, all repre¬
sented by very clem ?ample3, Pe fectim Tomatoes were very fine, other

138

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 12, 1886.

notable dish's being White Leviathan Onions, Canadian Wonder Beans,
New Intermediate Carrots, Telephone and Stratagem Peas, Autumn Giant
Cauliflowers, Girtford Giant Runner Beans, Pen y Bydd Vegetable Marrows,
Snowdrop and Magnet Potatoes. Mr. F. A Beckett, Cole Hatch Farm,
Amersham, was second with twenty'six varieties, his Beans, Peas,
Vegetable Marrows, and Onions being good ; Mr. J. Buss being third with
a much smaller collection, but of good quality.

CERTIFICATED PLANTS.

Chrysanthemum Mrs. Burrell (G. Miles, Victoria Nursery, Dyke Boad,
Brighton).— An early-flowering variety with flat spreading florets, white
tinged with yellow in the centre; the blooms were about 4 inches in
diameter, and very fall.

Millonia spectabilis bicolyr (Wm. Bull).— A lovely variety, the flowers of
good size, the lip especially large, pure white with a deep central blotch of
violet purple.

Fuchsia triphylla (Boyal Horticultural Society). — A free-flowering
species with dark leaves arranged in threes, and graceful corymbs of bright
scarlet tubular flowers, the calyx the most conspicuous portion.

Picotee Duchess (C. Turner). — Shown as a decorative variety, and remark¬
able f ir the great size of the bloom, white deeply edged with rose ; very
showy.

Picotee Almira (J. Douglas). — A bright clear yellow self, with a few rose
streaks in the centre and at the margin of the petals.

Picotee Annie Douglas ( J. Douglas). — A pretty yellow ground variety,
edged with deep rose, running into the petals. The bloom is well formed
and very clean. The variety has also been certificated at the Crystal Palace
and by the National Carnation and Picotee Society.

Hollyhock Crimson Queen (Webb & Brand). — A deep symmetrical flower,
and very dark crimson in colour.

Hollyhock Prince of Wales (J. Blundell). — Bloom large, beautifully
formed, deep, and of a bright rosy salmon hue.

Hollyhock Shirley Hibberd (J. Blundell). — Very handsome deep blooms,
with broad guard petals at base, dark rose.

Hollyhock Primrose Gem (Blundell). — A handsome well-built flower of
great substance, the colour a soft delicate primrose.

Aster Bose Dark Scarlet (Ernst Benary, E furt). — A distinctly free
variety of good substance, the colour a rich dark crimson, the bloom full and
with the florets slightly incurved.

Gladiolus Clarence (Kelway & Son). — Spike very massive and long,
flower large, streaked with dark purple and shaded brown or scarlet, crim¬
son centre.

Gladiolus Lord Salisbury (Kelway & Son). — Very handsome flowers,
large, bright scarlet, crimson centre.

Gladiolus Sir M. Hicks-Beach (Kelway & Son). — A charming variety,
pink, streaked with bright rose and white centre, large flower and spike.

Gladiolus Sir Philip Cunliffe Owen (Kelway it Son). — An extremely
distinct variety, salmon pink, with sulphur shading, charming and novel.

Zinnia elegans flore-pleno Dwarf Striped (Vilmorin & Cie.). — A pretty
strain, very curiously streaked and striped with crimson purple, scarlet and
rose on yellow and buff.

Diantlius chinensis Black Prince (Vilmorin, Andrieux & Cie.). — A
remarkable variety with intensely dark red flowers nearly black, and with
a velvety surface.

Begonia Imperial (R. Owen), — A grand tuberous variety, semi double,
nearly 5 inches in diameter, of a fine rosy crimson colour. Very handsome.

Dahlia Squire Gammie (T. S. Ware). — A single variety, with large
purplish crimson blooms, much darker at the base of the florets.

Adiantum cuneatum Phillipsi (Phillips).— A variety distinguished by its
elegant habit, the fronds being longer and the pinnules smaller than in the
ordinary form; they are also very firm in texture and well adapted for
cutting.

AT SHEFFIELD.

At the first glance this busy town may possibly be regarded by some
readers as not the most favourable for a horticultural pilgrimage ; yet,
though smoke is the prevailing feature in the town itself, its immediate
surroundings are bright, breezy, and beautiful, and there are numbers of
good gardens, if not exactly within “ easy reach ’’—for it seems to be
uphill to everywhere — yet not far distant from the centre of the great hive
of industry. There appears to be considerable earnestness on the part of
the gardeners of the district in the discharge of their duties, and a dispo¬
sition to give mutual assistance to each other is very apparent, for there
are two well-supported gardeners’ societies, at the meetings of which
papers are read and discussions conducted on various matters of interest
to the members. There are more shows of garden produce, too, in and
near the town than in probably any other district of similar area in the
kingdom There are, in fact, too many, and consequently there is no
great representative gathering of the horticultural products of the neigh¬
bourhood. It is not too much to say that there are hundreds of flower
and vegetable shows (some of them peculiar enough) held yearly within
a radius of half a dozen miles of the Town Hall ; and if the details and
workings of some of these were revealed they would be somewhat startling
to the outside world. The shows alluded to are not supported by gardeners,
but operatives and arti-ans, amongst whom a system is established of an
extraordinary character, and which it is impossible to commend, nor will
it be described on the present occasion. The first subject of these notes
is a gathering of gardeners rather than of garden produce, though brief
reference to a few examplos of the latter may be appended.

THE YORKSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF HORTICULTURAL SOCIETIES.

It will be remembered by many readers of this Journal that a meeting
was hold under the auspices of the Paxton Society at Wakefield in the
spring of last year, and iules adopted for the federation of horticultural

societies in Yorkshire. The objects of the Association are embodied
officially as follows : —

“ 1, To consolidate existing horticultural and gardeners’ mutual
improvement societies within the county of York, and to assist in the
formation of similiar societies where they do not at present exist. 2, To
promote the study and practical application of the science of horticulture,
and encourage research into other branches of science which bear directly
upon the practice of gardening. 3, The interchanging amongst the
several societies in the Association of essays, books, periodicals, and other
literature having reference to horticultural matters. 4, To facilitate and
assist in united action in all matters relating to the welfare and advance¬
ment of gardeners and gardening.”

It will be conceded that tho:e objects are excellent. The annual meet¬
ings of the Association are moveable and are attended by delegates. The
first meeting was held at Wakefield in September of last year ; the second
at Sheffield last week (the Sthinst.), under the auspices of the Hallamshire
Gardeners’ Mutual Improvement Society, the officers for the year being : —
President. — Ven. Archdeacon Blakeney. Vice-Presidents. — Mr. W. K.
Woodcock and Mr. J. Henshall. Trustees. — Mr. Henry Oxley and Mr.
T. Garnett. Hon. Treasurer. — Mr. C. Cbok. Hon. Secretary. — Mr. E.
Austin, 55, Dorset Street, Sheffield. Committee (composed of two
Delegates from each Society). — Messrs. Henshall and Hoey, Barnsley.
Messrs. West and Gartry, Rotherham. Messrs. Smith and Franklin,
Leeds. Messrs. Collier and Eadon, Sheffield (Floral) Messrs. Hudson
and Holmes. Wakefield. Messrs. Ball and J. Marsden, Sheffield,
(Gardener’s Society).

The meeting was held at the Church Institute, St. James’s Street. The
Ven. Archdeacon Blakeney occupied the chair, and was supported by
Mr. W. F. Lockwood, the Master Cutler elect.

Mr. E. Austin, Hon. Secretary of the Association, read the minutes of
the last meeting, which were adopted. Letters of apology for absence
were read from the Mayor (Alderman Pye-Smith), the Master Cutler (Mr.
C. Belk), and the Rev. H. A. Favell, M.A.

The Chairman, wh© was received with applause, said one of the most
healthful signs of the times were the combinations for mutual help which
were taking place amoDg all classes of the community. As it progressed,
he felt that these societies would become stronger and stronger. We
wanted more self-reliance, men and women depending upon their own
exertions and the talents which God had given them ; and when they
combined, as they were doing that day, he believed there was good
prospect of the nation improving in every way. Such a combination as
that Association must be an unmixed good. The general public benefited
by their exertions. The good they received themselves would tell on the
rising generation, and the young men who came under their influence
must benefit by their knowledge and experience. The members of that
Association might not become Sir Joseph Paxton^, and rise as he did from
his humble position to become one of the leading lights of the country,
but they could feel that great good must result from their Association,
and he for one welcomed them to Sheffield. He took a great interest in.
everything which affected the welfare of the working clashes, because he
believed the future of our great country was in their hands, and therefore
he wished the Association God speed in its good work.

Mr. E. Austin read letters from thn Leeds Professional Gardeners’
Society, and the newly formed Leeds Paxton Society, requesling that the
latter Society be admitted to the Association in the place of the former.
It was stated that the Paxton Society already numbered seventy members,
though only established three months. (Applause.)

On the motion of Mr. C. Cook, the name of the Society was placed on
the Association.

Mr. Austin then read the second annual report and balance sheet.
The Association, it was stated, had been established eighteen months, and
might now be said to be on its feet with very hopeful prospects. Two
successful Committee meetings had been held, and the Cjmmittee trusted
that they would be able to make deeper researches into horticultural
matters than heretofore. It was proposed to form a regist r for gardeners
out of employ, which would be of service to them in obtaining re-employ¬
ment, and als i to establish a library, as soon as the Committee could see
their way. The number of societies in the Association was six, with 780
members. The expenses had been heavier than last year, hut so great
in proportion to the number of members and tbe amount of work done.
They had in hand on the 1st of March, £4 16s. 6 1., and had received since
£6 6s. in subscriptions from the societies, leaving a balance in hand
over expenditure of £3 6a. 7d.

On the modon of Mr. West, seconded by Mr. Smith, of Leeds, the
report and balance-sheet were adopted.

Several slight alterations were then made in the rules, and on the
motion of Mr. Franklin, seconded by Mr. Eadon, it was decided that the
next annual meeting be held at Barnsley.

The following officers were then appointed : — Vice-Presidents, Mr.
West, Rotherham, and Mr. Ball, Sheffield ; Trustees, Mr. H. Oxley and
Mr. T. Garnett ; II in. Treasurer, Mr. J. Henshall ; and Hon. Secretary,
Mr. S. Ballinger.

Mr. Ball proposed a vote of thanks to the President and officers of the
Society, which was seconded by Mr. W. F. Lockwood, and carried. The
Pressdent, Secretary, and Treasurer having replied, the members ad¬
journed for luncheon, at which the Ven. Archdeacrn B akeney presided,
and amongst those present were the Rev. A. G. Twcedie, the Rev. R.
Upcher, and Mr. Birks. The usual loyal toasts having been duly honoured,
the Rev. A. G. Tweedie, in proposing success to the Yorkshire Association
of Horticultural Societies, congratulated the members on the work which
the Association had done. Bunging the various societies connected with

August 12, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

139

the work of horticulture together for consultation and advice had a most
beneficial effect. He was not surprised that the clergy of the Church of
England took a deep interest in the Association, for there were none of
God’s works so beautiful as the flowers which they tended and cared for.
He was not a Ritualist, but he looked with favour upon the introduction
into the Church of the flowers which God had given to beautify the earth.
(Applause.) Mr. T. Woodcock, in responding, remarked that the Associa¬
tion was very young, but they had every confidence that it would grow
stronger and stronger every year. They felt that it was destined to do a
great work in encouraging brotherly love and knowledge among the
members of the various Horticultural Societies. Mr. Birks briefly pro¬
posed a welcome to the visitors from the various towns, a toast which was
responded to by Mr. W. Holmes (Wakefield).

In the evening a lecture was delivered by the Rev. A. R. Upcher,
vicar of St. Mary’s, in the large room of the institute. Archdeacon
Blakeney presided, and was supported by Mr. E. Birks, The lecture was
entitled -‘A Chat about Hardy Herbaceous Flowers, ’ and was illustrated
by an extensive and beautiful display of specimens. The lecture was much
enjoyed, and at the close a cordial vote of thanks to the lecturer was
passed. Mr. Upcher’s “ Chat ” was a great success, and it was the
unanimous wish of the members that the lecture be printed, and after its
revision by the author he promised to send it to the Journal of Horticulture
for that purpose, to be subsequently embodied in the Association’s rep rt.

The programme of the day included a visit to the celebrated nurseries
of Messrs. Fisher, Son, & Sibray at Handsworth, but it was quite impos¬
sible to secure conveyances, as every vehicle in the town appeared to be
engaged in conveying visitors to the Show of the Yorkshire Agricultural
Society. The firm in question, though not personally represented at the
luncheon, sent a number of plants for the decoration of the rooms, and it
is certain would have accorded the delegates a pleasant reception at the
Nursery.

MR. B. SIMONITE’S GARDEN.

A visit to Sheffield seems incomplete without a call on the cutler florist,
who, by extraordinary devotion and steady unwavering perseverance, has
acquired a reputation that would spoil some men ; but nothing can alter
“ Ben,” for that is his Sheffield name, as an incident will show. On
inquiry of a railway porter to be directed to Mr. Simonite’s at Rough Bank,
the man appeared at a loss to answer. Eventually, however, he said,
“ thah dosent mean owd Ben durs ta ?” “ Yes.” “ Then, why didn’t ta

saay so ? iverybudy knoaws Ben. Go up that hill, tun to t’ left, then ta
freight, then thro some posts inta a yard, then through a passage, up
another hill, and inquire agean ; but inquire for Ben.” That was the
direction on a former occasion ; and we appeared to traverse much the
same zigzag route last week. After climbing hill after hill, the roads
having an angle of about 40°, we were directed still farther upwards to
“ Sky Edge ” — an appropriate name enough, for the clouds appeared near.
At last the name “ S'monite Lane ” was visible — a name given in honour
of an old and respected family of which the popular florist is now the re¬
presentative. That “ iverybody ” knew Ben thereabouts was quite clear,
and a dozen persons could tell us he was “ in t’ garden “ but stop,”
observed “ an old inhabitant,” let’s see if its t’ top or t’ bottom." “ Oh,
it’s all reight,” he continued, “ it’s t’ bottom garden and, curiously
enough, to reach this “ bottom garden ” we had to go still higher up the
hill, cross a wild quarried waste, and after another half mile of ups and
downs we found “ t’ bottom garden,” enclosed within high rough walls,
and its owner busy with his flowers and friends. “ But if this is the
bottom garden, Ben, where is the top one ?” was the question, and he
pointed still a little higher, and there in the distance was a group of
fifty gardens, each with its garden house with greenhouse in front, and
apparently nearly a mile from any dwellings. There are about 120 green¬
houses there, for some of the litttle enclosures contain two and others
three each. These Sheffielders must really love gardens. We stop in the
“ bottom one ” high on the hill and look down on the forest of chimneys
far below.

Let no one imagine neat and trim gravel walks, smooth lawns, and
ornamental edgings. Florists’ gardens are not in that style at all. Only
the flowers are cared for, the surroundings being of no consequence what¬
ever. This particular enclosure is about -50 by 40 feet. There are three
or four home-made greenhouses and beds of Dahlias, Pinks, and Carna¬
tions, with odds and ends here and there, and a few rows of Chrysan¬
themums in pots. Carnations are over in many places, but here they
were only just coming in. And what care is needed lo preserve the
flowers ! The moment a bud shows colour it must be protected, or the
sulphur and soot washed down would ruin the flowers. The buds are
supported through slits in horizontal boards, two placed together for a
time, so that one invert d flower pot, miniature handlight, bellglass, tin
lid, or old hat crown will cover them. These packed together 18 inches
or so above the beds are not in themselves beautiful ; but raise them, and
where the flowers are expanded there is something to see — grounds pure
as snow, flakes rich, edges clearly defined and bright. “ Look here, I
will show you a James Douglas, and I know you have never seen a
better f ” And there indeed was a purple flake Carnation, of which we
had never seen the equal at a National Show — broad smooth petals richly
coloured, no muddling, but the bars sharp and clear. That flower alone
was wortn the “ climb,” because it was as near perfection as could be
imagined. It would not “ keep ” for Manchester, or the cognoscenti
would bend over it in boundless admiration. A few Picotees were ex¬
panding, the flowers being remarkable for their purity and clearly defined
bright edge lines ; but it was too early by about ten days for seeing the
majority. Tee plants iu one bed were protected by short frame lights

supported above them, and under these lights the flowers had again to be
sheltered from the drifting soot, or they would be spoiled. A number of
plants are grown in pots, and were arranged under glass. Very beautiful
amongst these was the fine rose flake Carnation Sybil, the colour being
strikingly rich and the petals broad ; but, as in the case outside, the
flowering season was only just c mmencing. The plants were small both
outside and in, the long winter and late spr'ng having rendered it a
work of extreme difficulty to preserve them at all. They only started
growing in June, and it is not easy to see how stock can be raised from
them. On expressing surprise that these stunted and hardly brought up
plants could produce such beautiful flowers, we were told such plants
invariably give the best blooms. A point worthy of notice is this : the
Carnations and Picotees planted out in beds were better, and, as a rule,
promising to develope finer blooms than the plants in pots ; and if that
is so in this garden on the terribly bleak “heights” above Sheffield,
where the winters are severe and long, the springs late, and more smoke
than sun always, the culture of these plants ought to be ea»y in thousands
of gardens in nearly all parts of the country, for certainly there is not
one in a hundred where anything approaching the natural obstacles are
present that are successfully encountered by this persevering florist, who
has raised some of the finest varieties of the day. He works untiringly,
and has riches in store in the form of some of his later creations. His
Auriculas are mostly under glass ; sturdy plants with leaves “ like
leather ” in 4-inch pots, and numbers of seedlings in various stages of
growth, some of which have proved their worth as among the finest yet
raised, and others the result of parentage that can nowhere else be found,
are with confidence expected to take high rank in the floral world.

Only a deep love for flowers, with incessant working, watching
and patient waiting, could enable anyone to accomplish anything like
what has been achieved in this strangely situated, and it might almost
be described “ outlandish,” Sheffi.ld garden ; and no man than its
owner is more trusted and. respected at home and abroad. He covets
neither praise nor patronage, but plods on in honest endeavour as a very
sterling florist and a straightforward man.

MR. D. GILMOUR’3 GARDEN.

From the garden of an old florist to that of this new rosarian is a
rather wide step, for they are situated on opposite sides of the town.
They are alike in one respect, and only one — altitude ; only Highbury,
Mr. Gilmour’s residence, is probably considerably higher than Rough
Bank, the air being also as clear and pure as that over the not far distant
Derbyshire hills. The western suburbs of Sheffield are boldly and
strikingly beautiful, and there is no su-picion of the contiguity of the
busy murky towD. So far, then, as regards the purity of ihe atmosphere,
Roses ought to grow at Highbury, and Mr. Gilmour has told in hie
admirable paper on page 59, the issue of the 22nd ult., that as regards
soil he intends them to be satisfied before he is much older.

His established Roses are in beds on his lawn, one variety only in each
bed, and these masses of healthy plants with stout stems and deep green
foliage are decidedly more effective than if the varieties were in mixture
with the necessary inequalities of height and habit. The R ise season is
late on the wind-swept eminence, and on the 6th inst. the first blooms
were onlj just expanding. Very beautiful were the masses of Merveille
de Lyon, which has been planted by the hundred, and no long time
will elapse before blooms can be counted by the thousand. La France
and Baronne de Rothschild also appear quite at home, these light varieties,
as mentioned in the paper referred to, thriving better in the light soil of
that part of the garden than the dark ones do. This is very apparent, but
their owner is of opinion the soil is too light for producing the requisite
stoutness of petal, and more crumbled clay will be aided for giving
texture to the blooms. Though the Rose garden is to some extent sheltered
with shrubs, the wind sweeps with terrific force from the moors, and t>
this with lusty growth may be attributed mainly the absence of mildew,
which is only sesn on the tender growths of a few weakly plants on the
side most protected from westerly gales. Green fly is not grown at
Highbury.

Though the lawn contains nothing but beds of Roses they have over¬
flowed into the kitchen garden and appear to be rapidly iaking up the
giound there ; nor is this all, for a six-acre field has been purchased,
drained, and in great part planted with stocks which are being budded
now at the rate of upwards of a thousand a day wiih the newest and best
varieties in commerce. Her Majesty will be in great force next year, for
Mr. Gilmour has not been content with purchasing a dozen p ants but a
hundred, and how many buds these have given we cannot say, but Rose-
growers can form a pretty good idea, and other new sorts of premise,
including Clara Cochet, are being worked on a similarly liberal scale.

It is quite certain the Highbury Roses will be heard of again. Mr.
Gilmour is in earnest with his work and possesses the means for carrying
it on well. He has furthermore secured the services of Mr. Oorp, who
knows what he is about in the culture of his favourite flowers. Yet the
Roses grown in this high and bleak locality must be too late for the
orthodox shows, and something great is in contemplation in the way of a
Sheffield show on new lines. An experiment has been made, and the result
of it is seen in the Rose cot in the chddreu’s hosp t d, est, bl shtd and
maintained at a cost of £40 a year. This is not a bad beginning, but,
viewed with the provision now being made, is on'y a very small begin¬
ning of Mr. Gilmour's career as a coming rosarian. He. appears detei-
mined to make Sheffield a great Rose centre, and he is evidently not the
man to fail. He grows Rose3 under glass ton, Teas planted out on
benches, working them on different stocks, including W lliam Allen
Richardson, and signs are not wanting that something good will rcsul

140

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 12, 1886.

from these experiments. Mr. G.lmour can, and perhaps will, give
instructions on Rose-growing that would be welcome to beginners, and is,
moreover, in a position to describe something of the wonderful growth of
Rotes in Tasmania that would be fresh to the majority of Britishers at
home, his family having estates there as well as at Sandygate, the parish
in which Highbury is situated, some five miles from Sheffield, and a few
hundreds of feet above the level of the sea.

OAKBROOK.

A call was made on Mr. W. K. Woodcock, Mrs. Mark Firth’s able
gardener, and an earnest worker in everything that has a tendency to
improve the horticulture of the district ant benefit his fellow men. Only
a little can be said about'the garden in his charge. It is thoroughly well
managed, enjoyable from its excellent keeping, and abundantly produc¬
tive. As a grower of Mushrooms he has, perhaps, no superiors and few
equals, his outdoor beds now yielding splendidly, and he appears to have
no difficulty in maintaining an all-the-year-round supply of the coveted
esculent. He is also devoting some attention to Chrysanthemums, and
has a stock of plants that even a Molyneux would not be disposed to find
fault with — sturdy, short-jointed, with leathery leaves, and the growth
ripening as it is made. The crown buds are now being set, and with a
favourable autumn should produce good blooms. The collection includes
some American varieties of repute that have not yet flowered in England,
and seedlings from good parentage that will flower for the first time in
November. These American novelties are being looked forward to with
interest by Chrysanthemum growers generally, who are always longing
for something new and good outside the Japanese section.

Sharpe’s Victor Potato is worthy of mention as grown at Oakbrook.
It was sent out as a dwarf early frame variety, but is found far more
valuable as an early successor of the Ashleaf out of doors on account of
its great productiveness and high quality. It is oval-shaped, white, and
of the medium size that is approved at table. Mr. Woodcock recommends
it as a variety of sterling merit, and grows it as a staple crop, following
sharply on the Ashleaf and yielding much more abundantly.

It is not often such fine rows of Peas are seen as in this garden, and
the method of culture is as simple as it is sensible. In the winter, when
digging is being done, trenches are thrown out 8 or 9 feet apart, and
manured as if for Celery. The manure is “ mellowed ” by the time of
sowing, forming a rooting medium which Peas evidently enjoy, for the
rows are extraordinarily productive, and pods large and well filled.
Carrots and other low-growing crops are grown between the rows, so that
no ground is wasted, while twice the weight of Peas is gathered that could
be obtained from rows 3 or 4 feet asunder.

THORNBURY.

This is the residence of the new Baronet, Sir F. T. Mappin, whose
garden is in charge of one whose name used to be somewhat familiar to
the readers of the Journal, Mr. Quintin Read. Like a good and loyal
servant he expressed his pride at the social elevation of his master, and
without a doubt takes equal pride in the high keeping of his garden. So
clean and neat was it, so orderly, and so well in hand, that the keenest
critic would have a little difficulty in finding fault ; and the plants, ViDes,
and vegetable crops were similarly commendable. Mr. Read is proving
himself a worthy successor to Mr. Woodcock, who was formerly gardener
here, and the place is now, what it was then, fit for a prince to see. We
hurry away to catch the Midland express, and in three hour3 and thirty-
five minutes are steaming into St. Pancras.

THE HORTICULTURAL CLUB.

It has been my pleasant duty to chronicle each year the pleasant doings of
“ Our Club ” in the annual outing we indulge in at the end of July, and I do
so because it has been our good fortune to fix on places which have a wide
horticultural renown; and there is something therefore in these to interest
not merely ourselves, who were the happy enjoyers of the scenes, but others
who in the various branches of our loved persuit like to know what is being
done around them.

We were very fortunate in our arrangements this year, as we had
arranged to go to Heckfield and Stratfieldsaye. One of our members, Mr.
A. W. Sutton, very kindly underrook to make all the arrangements necessary
tor our comfort and enjoyment. Nor could we have been in better hands.
Everything was thought of, and the only regret we had in our day’s
pleasure that he was unable, owing to business arrangements, to accompany
us as he intended, a regret which he himself shared. We all assembled at
the Great Western Station at Paddington, our party numbering about
twenty, our evergreen Chairman, Mr. John Lee, leading us ; and leaving
there at 10 a.m we were, in an hour’s time, at Reading, where brakes
awaited us, and we started off for Heckfield. The drive was not so
picturesque as some of those through which we have gone in former ex¬
cursions, but the day was perfect — warm, but not oppressive, and with a nice
breeze, while the recent rains had laid the dust, so that we had but little to
complain of. We reached Heckfield, the well-known residence of that fine
old English gentleman, Lord Eversley, who, in his 93rd year, can still enjoy
life, and can take his day’s shooting in his well-stocked preserves. We had
all heard of, and some of us knew, Mr. Wildsmith, his able and intelligent
gardener, and had been told that we should see some good gardening ; but
I do not think that any of us were prepared for the perfect place we bad
the pleasure of seeing. In some places you find some things well done,
while others are neglected, but here everything was well done. Fruit indoors
and out, plants, bedding out, shrubs, trees, lawn— all so good as to cause us
to wonder how it could be done, but I suppose Mr. Wildsmith infuses some
of his own energy into those under him, for so energetic a man one does not
often meet with, or tnergy turned to such good purpose.

We were first invited to inspect the magnificent carpet bedding on the

terrace in front of the house. This has more than once been described, and
therefore it is sufficient to say that it is arranged with exquisite taste, and in
such a place with such surroundings no one can find fault with the style of
gardening as adopted here. It is appropriate and so well carried out that
everyone felt it was a gem of gardening in a very beautiful setting. Raised
beds took off from the monotonous level one often sees in such gardens. In
such a place as this, where every kind of gardening finds its place, one was
glad to see this style so thoroughly well executed. From this terrace there
is a charming view, a beautifully kept lawn of thirty acres stretches all
round the house in undulating curves, and in the middle foreground was a
piece of artificial water, in which the whiteWater Lilies were abundant;
while far away in the distance beyond the richly wooded country the
horizon was bounded by the grand trees of Windsor Great Park. In another
direction the eye rested on one of the oldest houses in England, said to have
been built for the Black Prince, and all around were glimpses of thoroughly
English sylvan scenery. When we had sat;sfied ourselves with these lovely
sights it was discovered that there were other appetites unsatisfied, and so
in a tent in one part of the beautiful lawn we adjourned to luncheon. This
having ended we set out on our pilgrimage through the grounds, admiring
some fine specimens of both evergreen and deciduous trees, amongst them
the most beautiful specimen of Abies Douglasi I have ever seen. Larger
ones of course we have found in our wanderings, but this was most beauti¬
fully feathered, and in perfect proportion. We then strolled on down by
the lake, and from there through the shrubberies into the gardens, meeting
on our way with shrubs and trees of all kinds. In the gardens there we e
objects of interest for everybody. Houses full of luscious Grapes, Figs,
Peaches, &c. ; Pine pits (a rare thing now in Euglish gardens), where
beautiful plauts, clean and healthy, were set with fruits, which promised
well; and then the Melon pits, how thick they hung! how beautiful in
appearance, and fine in foliage ! In the kitchen garden everything in grand
condition, nothing seemed to be neglected, and it is no exaggeration to say
there was not a weed to be found anywhere, or any sign of untidiness.

We then passed onto the Chrysanthemums, which Mr. Wildsmith does so
well. Here were arranged about 700 plants of the best Japanese and
choice varieties, ranging from 5 to 7 feet high, from which grand blooms
could be seen, to be gathered by-and-by, and of which probably we shall
hear more. Time flew rapidly, and we were obliged to tear ourselves away
from this charming place ; but “ needs must,” and so bidding adieu to Mr.
Wildsmith we departed for Stratfieldsaye, feeling that although we had
seen some larger and grand r places, we had not seen one so perfect in all
its parts as Heckfield, containing beautiful scenery, with the most perfect
management, and feeling convinced that whatever other places we might
visit we should never meet a better gardener or more genial companion
than the one we left behind us heie. The drive from here to Stratfieldsaye
is about two miles, and when we arrived there we were met by Mr. Bell
the able gardener, who showed us through the long ranges of fruit and
plant houses with which this garden abounds. From them we went into,
the park, admiring on our way some fine trees with which the place abounds.
The country about, however, is flat, and lacks the natural advantages of Heck¬
field ; while the house is like what we suppose would have suited the old
Duke, whose taste was not a strong point, and whose habits were so simple.
Had we had more time we should have lingered over the grounds which
surround the house, but we could not, and had to make our way back to
Reading. Here we arrived five minutes after the time we had arranged,
and sat down at the Great W estern Hotel to an excellent dinner, and managed
to get back in good time to Paddington, where we dispersed to our several
homes, feeling that all had gone merrily, that we had enjoyed a very
pleasant and profitable outing, and came back wiser, but I am sure not
sadder, men (aye, and women too, for we had ladies with U3) than when we
left Paddington in the morning. — D., Deal.

CUTTING THE FIRST GROWTHS OF ASPARAGUS.

Allow me to refresh my versatile opponent’s memory on this sub¬
ject. The question on page 12 is not the question on page 64. “ The question
is,” writes, “ A Thinker,” “whether after this first cutting, as soon as
they are a few inches high, say early in May, other growths do not spring
from the crowns and get even stronger the same season than the originals
would if they wero left to grow unchecked 1 That is the question.” Now
turn to page 109, twelve lines from the bottom, right hand column, we are
asked to see no difference — the question remaios as at the beginning, viz.,
“That is just the point of the question I first put on this subject, on
page 12, namely, “ Is Asparagus strengthened by cutting the small growths
or ‘ sprue ’ till, say, the beginning of J une or not ?” Comparison is invited
of the question as it appears on pages 12 and 109 with that on page 64.
I have only to retaliate — give my critic a lesson — “ a great honour.” If
I “ forget what has been penned at the top before finishing at the bottom,”
“ A Thinker ” forgets in the middle what he stated at the beginning, and
states the question to be the same, forgetting it was put very differently.

Now Mr. Thinker, I must ask if you ever raised an Oak, a Cabbage, or
anything of that sort from seed. To strengthen the Oak its head was cut
off below the cotyledons, and the Cabbage below the seed leaves 1 They
will “spring the sooner and grow the stronger!” The fact is they are
killed. Cut off the tiny head of the seedling Asparagus when onlv a few
inches high, in late April or early May, it will spring again. Keep on
cutting as succeeding heads appear until June. Is that a fair following
of the question on pages 12 and 109 ? I do not think fora moment it was
the practice of your correspondent, for he states “ spray,” and that he
ceitainly would not see until June, therefore your correspondent admits
the difference between seedling and established Asparagus. It is not
treated as “ sprue.” It is allowed to make a “ spray,” get good root hold,
and when it has those remove it, other growths will come “ sooner and
grow stronger.” This I cannot understand. The succeeding growths are
different in the seedling to those of, say, a year old Asparagus. If
we leave the first growth of the seedling, and it is accom¬
panied by other sprays stronger than itsel % does the first growth

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

141

August 12, 188S. ]

form buds at its base that spring the following year ? or are the
growth of the current year succeeding the first growth those that in the
case of the established grass would in the case of the first growth or
“ sprue ” remaining have kept dormant until the following year ? The first
growth of the seedling will make a second growth if the soil be good and
the weather favourable the same season, independent of cutting xhe first
“ spray.” Will a “ sprue ” of established plants make a second growth
from the first growth the same season ? Succeeding growths of a “ sprue ”
are from buds existing at the base of the previous year’s growth ; suc¬
ceeding growths from a seedling are of the current year’s growth ;
therefore we get perhaps half a dozen or more original growths from the
established, all forming buds on their own account for next year’s supply
of grass ; and we get a first growth on seedling that loses its originality
and is succeeded by other growths in the year of its formation. The
question is, Does the second growth of the seedling “ spring the sooner
and grow the stronger ” by removing the first after it has attained its full
vigour, or say early in June or July? The old practice was to leave it,
and I stated it “ strengthened.” I have experience not confined to “ half
rows on a bed,” but extending to poles of double figures. If cutting
“ weakened ” seedling Asparagus, and that is the popular belief, accented
by its not being practised uutil the third or fourth year, letting grass
grow must “ strengthen therefore your correspondent might have
spared himself a smart piece of rhetoric, and told us what experience he
had had in cutting small growths or “ sprue ” when only a few inches
high up to say the middle of June. I gave him mine as I had it of an
octogenarian with half a century experience of the same practice — viz., of
the old system, ‘'the practice of old vegetable growers, also of most
present cultivators of Asparagus for market.” That was not enough, there¬
fore I gave him my present practice in the treatment of old beds — viz.,
leaving the small grass or “ sprue,” only cutting the heads that were large
enough, acting on the principle that obtained with seedling, even stating
that I had every reason to be satisfied with the result. Sol have. I
have had charge of five different lots of Asparagus in that number of
localides, and not one of them was too thick of grass, but they could be
made to yield greater produce by allowing the small grass to grow and so
fill the vacant places. Getting grass where there was none, and making
patchy beds even, surely were considerations of no little importance,
especially as by cutting early weak growth likely to get weakened by
seeding, I procured double the grass by letting the small grow and gain
strength as I did from cutting all grass up to a certain time through
having few plants in a patchy plantation. This plan is better than either
“ A Thinker’s ” or his recruit, Mr. S. Castle’s, for the simple reason, as
their experience is only extended to “ half rows ” and individual examples,
there is little to mark a difference through an inadequacy of material for
comparison. Eesides, experiments are only proved by results : theirs are
in the main to make a pleasing feature in prospective ; mine are present —
realised, and all agree in “ a bird in the hand being worth two in the
bush.”

In early April, 1883, I sowed Asparagus seed in rows 1 foot apart and
the seed about 2 inches apart — kind, Early Purple Argenteuil. Most of
the first sprays were cut from June to August. In the April of 1884 I had
the seedlings planted in rows 18 inches apart, and the plants 1 foot apart
in the rows. A few of the weaker sprays were cut from each — none
before July. In early April, 1885, the whole were lifted and planted in
rows 3 feet apart and 18 inches asunder in the rows. The majority of the
first growths— they were not “ sprue,” at least they were in many in¬
stances as thick in the head as any in the permanent beds, which were
considered the best in the neighbourhood, but I saw enough of them on
their first heads appearing that I determined not to patch them as I
had done others previously ; in fact, I had made a departure from the old
system some years previously — the practice now followed on a smaller
scale, this being the third time. But to resume. The first growths were
much injured in moving in 1885. Those that escaped broke down and
were removed in June.

In 1886 heads many thicker than the thumb were cut, half a dozen
such from each plant. Seventeen rows, 54 yards long each give 1836
p'ants, giving 110 hundred or bundles of Asparagus sent to Covent
Garden Market for sale. How long will it last 1 How can I tell 1 It is
better far to ‘‘count your chickens after they are hatched ” than make a
parade of experiments on “ half rows ” and telling people what you are
going to do in the future. One thing is certain. I shall not grow any
more Asparagus on the old system if I can help it. I may even improve
on the present, for I am far from thinking that the most experienced
amongst us know “ everything.”— G. Abbey.

GREEN FLY ON ROSES.

“ Thinker,” on page 108 in your last issue, asks a question in
connection with his valued remarks on my paper on Roses — a question
which convinces me that he really is what he professes to be — a
Thinker.

His question is in reference to our immunity from the green fly, and
how I account for it. The reply, I think, need not take up much space.
The quantity of manure we are compelled to use on our poor, dry, hungry
soil is so great that a strong healthy growth is bound to result. Keep a
man or a plant in a healthy state you need never fear disease. The law
of survival of the fittest is strictly carried out by insects, which always
make for diseased plants. Green fly, in my opinion, is the effect, not the
cause. The hard pruning, I think, also has something to do with it, and
that in two ways — (1), It produces strong, sturdy, and very healthy growth;
and (2), I suppose the eggs of the insects are deposited on the branches of

the plants in autumn, and probably near the tops, or, at any rate, on
autumn-grown wood ; this wood hard pruning removes entirely, and of
course the eggs go at the same time.

Whatever the cause of our freedom from the pest, if I have not given
the true one I can only say that I am perfectly satisfied with the result
of the treatment, for I can honestly say that if I were asked to find a
green fly on my Roses to-day, I do not know wheie I could “lay my
hand ” upon one. — D. Gilmour, jun.

HORTICULTURAL SHOWS.

LEICESTER.

This took place on Tuesday, August 3rd, in the Abbey Park, Leicester.
Many years ago a series of excellent exhibitions were held on the old race¬
course, but for some years Leicester has been without a good representative
exhibition. The want of one was felt, and Mr. John Biron, the Curator of
the Abbey Park, suggested that a new Society should be formed, and under
the management of Mr. Alderman Chambers and a few other members of
the Corporation this was done, and a schedule amounting to £125 was
issued. Three tents were devoted to the Exhibition, and proved to be much
too small for the numerous exhibits, and especially for the immense attend¬
ance of visitors, at least 40,000 persons having paid for admission. The
centre of one of the tents was devoted to six groups in competition in one
class. Mr. Murray, gardener to H. Snow, Esq., was placed first, Mr. G.
Carnall second, and Mr. W. Stephenson third. There were three exhibits
of eight stove and greenhouse plants, Mr. W. S. Bolton being first with
even well-grown plants. There were some very good Perns and ornamental
plants.

Roses were well represented, considering the lateness of the season.
In the class for thirty -six singles, Messrs. Harkness & Son were first, Messrs.
Mack & Sons second, and Messrs. Perkins & Sons, Coventry, third. Por
twenty-four singles, Messrs. Harkness & Son first, Messrs. Perkins & Sons
second, and Messrs. Mack & Sons third. For twelve Teas or Noisettes, first,
Messrs. Burrall & Sons, Cambridge ; second, Messrs. Perkins & Sons ; third,
Mr. Wm. Jackson, Kidderminster. Cut stove and greenhouse blooms were
well shown, so also were hardy herbaceous blooms. Twelve varieties of
hardy annuals were admirably staged by Messrs. Pearson & Sons, Chilwell
Nurseries, and distanced the other exhibitors. Cut Zonal Pelargoniums in
single trusses (by far the best way of showing them) were vtry well done,
Messrs. Pearson & Sons taking first honours with flowers of fine quality, in
pip especially. Good bouquets and epergnes were well shown, two differing
from all the others, sent by Mr. Hans Niemand of Birmingham being of
more modern fashion and very beautiful.

Fruit was well represented, but after the judging, the tents were so
crowded up to the time of removal that taking notes was an impossibility,
so that only a few general notes of the Show can be given. In the collec¬
tions for eight varieties, Mr. Goodacre, Elvaston Gardens, was first with
fine Peaches and Nectarines, capital Muscat Grapes — viz., fine Black
Circassian Cherries, and other kinds. Second Mr. J. Edmonds, gardener to
the Duke of St. Albans, and he was also first for a capital Queen Pine. The
black Grapes were generally good, Mr. Goodacre taking first honours with
two very fine bunches of Madresfield Court, alittledeficientin colour, alsofirst
prize for two bunches of admirably finished Muscats. Peaches were remark¬
ably good, several fine dishes not getting prizes, Mr. Edmonds was first for
Peaches, also for superior Nectarines. Mr. John Gough, Hanfield Grove
Gardens, W. Uxbridge, sent, not for competition, twelve fine fruits of his
Hanfield Grove Melon, and samples of the Hanfield Golden Gem Melon, to
which certificates were awarded. Mr. Gough also sent a stand of blooms of
the new double Pelargonium, Kate Timmings, a very fine variety

Mr. B. S. Williams, nurseryman, Holloway, sent a very extensive group
of plants, in which new and rare largely predominated, and included a fine
plant of Acineta Barkeri, with four pendulous racemes ; Galtandra Baueri,
Cattleya Gaskelliana, Laelia xanthina, the rarely seen Epidendrum
nemorale, Graptophyllum Nortoni, a distinct new variety of G. pictum,
known as the Caricature Plant ; the new white and new double blue varieties
of Agapanthus umbellatus ; the new hardy white Passion-flow^ r, “ Con¬
stance Elliott,” blooming freely in small pots ; the new variegated Myosotis
palustris semperflorens foliis variegatis, with bright silvery variegation ;
Dracasna Lindeni, a welcome acquisition to our variegated ornamental
plants ; Sarracenia Flambeau, richly coloured ; the charming Epidendi um
ciliolare, the very pretty and rarely seen Grevillia Pressi, Anthurium
Rothschildianum, so entirely distinct ; and Coleus Lady H. Amory, dis¬
tinctly and prettily marked.

Orchids were invited in the schedule, but only three were staged by
Henry Snow, Esq., Storeygate, L-icester — viz., Cattleya gigas imperialis,
Zygopetalum Gantesi, and Cattleya Eldorado splendens. Mr John House,
Peterborough, contributed collections of good border Carnations and boxes
of William Allan Richardson Roses. Messrs. Barron & Son, Borrowash
Nurseries, contributed a fine lot of specimen Conifers, &c., and a fine display
of honey and working bees was in one of the tents, but unfortunately we
could not ascertain who was the exhibitor. The receipts were heavy,
severely taxing the energies of those at the gate.

Of the Abbey Park itself, too, must I speak in the highest terms of
praise. It consists of 80 acres, and was originally flat marshy ground, often
quite flooded, and Nature did little or nothing for it beyond finding a supply
of water. Messrs. Barron & Son of Borrowash dt signed and laid out and
planted the Park, and since then Mr. Biron has elaborated the design and
finished off much of it. Cleanliness and order are apparent everywhere. The
bedding out is grand, the great stretch of bedding out about the Pavilion
being just now in great beauty, and worth a journey to see it. _ Four large
circular beds are objects of great beauty, each being margined with a
broad line of a small green dwarf Saxifrage, with an inner circle of Golden
Pyrethrum, then comes a massive centre of s’lver-leaved Geraniums and
Countess of Ivintore Violas. These beds stand out prominently for their
beauty and are greatly admired. Violas are extensively grown in the Park,
especially Mrs. Gray, Countess of Hopetown, finest of all the whites, and
the primrose yellow Ardwell Gem. The large succulent bed is very fine
and what is known as the Princess of Wales bed, so called from its being,

142

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER

[ Angn;t 12, 1886.

close to the Oak tree planted by Her Royal Highness, is a bit of true
artistic work in carpet bedding, worthy of Heckfield and William Wildsmith,
and that is saying a great deal. Leicester is truly a fortunate place in its
grand park, so greatly appreciated by the inhabitants, and the Corporation
are now laying out another park of forty acres at Spinny Hill, on the other
side of the town, where there is a grand sweep of undulated ground, plenty
of grassy slopes and level ground, fully grown trees, and truly a park.
Flower gardening will no doubt be an accompaniment here, for already
shrubberies and plantations are springing up ; but the natural beauties of
the place, its position, and extensive stretch of country viewed from the
rising ground, is sufficient to stamp it as a place of very popular resort
when completed, and a fine contrast to the floral beauties and artistic
arrangements of the Abbey Park. The work of designing and carrying
out the planting and details falls upon Mr. John Biron, and he is doing his
work right well.

The sum of £640 was taken at the gateB in addition to tickets sold.
There were 752 entries from exhibitors, and the entry fees amounted to
over £11. The arrangement was superintended by Mr. A. Angus of the Carl¬
ton Hotel, a well-known horticulturist in Leicester.

FROME.— August 2nd.

This, the third annual Exhibition and Fete, was a great improvement on
its predecessors, and there is every prospect of its eventually becoming one
of the most popular fixtures in the neighbourhood. No large prizes are
offered, and consequently the competition is confined principally to the
locality, but this in time may be remedied and a still more attractive Show
be arranged. The meeting under notice was remarkably well attended, and
everything passed off most creditably to all concerned, and notably
the Honorary Secretary, Mr. W. H. Frankham,and a few indefatigable
workers.

The test prizes were offered for miscellaneous groups of plants, and of
these there were three capital lots staged. Mr. Pratt, gardener to the
Marquis of Bath, Longleat, was placed first, his arrangement including
several well-grown Crotons and other choice plants. The second prize was
well won by Mr. E. J. Wilcox, gardener to Mrs. Siakins, Frome, who had a
fine plant of Musa Ensete for a centre, many grandly flowered Lilium
auratum, Ferns, &c., while the third prize went to Mr. B. Hopkins, gardener
to John Baily, Esq., Fairlawn, Frome, who also had a capital lot of Dracfenas,
Crotons, Caladiums, Ferns, Begonias, and various other plants. Each group
presented a somewhat crowded appearance, but the positions assigned them
were altogether against artistic arrangements. Mr. J. Tucker, gardener to
Major Clarke, Trowbridge, was the only exhibitor of six flowering plants, and
fully deserved the first prize awarded. Anthurium Schertzerianum,
Dipladenias, Bougainvillea glabra, and similar popular kinds were all repre¬
sented, and the same exhibitor was first for a single flowering plant, having
a capital plant of Bougainvillea glabra ; the second prize going to Mr. S.
Andrews, gardener to A. J. Hayman, Esq., for Plumbago capensis in good
condition. The best six fine-foliage plants were staged by Mr. H. Prosser,
gardener to W. H. Laverton, Esq., Westbury, Mr. B. Hopkins being a close
second. Palms in variety, Cissus discolor, Pandanuses, Asparagus plumosus.
were all in good condition. Three creditable lots of twelve Ferns and
Mosses were shown, and of these Mr. Tucker had the best. Mr. E. Brown,
gardener to C. Baily, Esq., Frome, was second, and Mr. H. Wright, Frome
third. With six Ferns Mr. Hopkins was easily first, and was followed by
Mr. G. Taylor, gardener to A. ft. Baily, Esq., Frome, the third prize going to
Mr. J. Payton, Frome.

Fuchsias were rather backward, but Mr. E. Brown fully deserved the first
prize as awarded- the second going to Mr. H. W right, and the third to E. R.
Trotman, Esq., From’. Zonal Pelargoniums made a good display, the
prizewinners in the order named being Messrs. G. Tucker, E. Brown, and B.
Hopkins. Gloxinias were well shown by several competitors, Mr. Trotman
taking first prize, and was closely followed by Messrs. G. Tucker and S.
Andrews. Coleus were more remarkable for their good colour than size.
Mr. W. Wright was first, Mr. Wilcox second, and Mr. Hopkins third. Some
of the classes for cut flowers were well filled, others were very thin ■ the
comparatively heavy entrance fees affecting the competition in these as well
as other classes. Mr. W. Iggulden, gardener to the Earl of Cork, Frome,
was easily first for twelve varieties of choice cut flowers, Mr. Tucker being
second and Mr. H. Prosser third ; and a capital box of annuals stag d by Mr.
Wilcox gained the first prize in the class provided for them, the second prize
going to Mr. W. Thomas, gardener to — Horner, Esq., Wells. A fine lot of
Boses were staged, and it is to be hoped that more liberal prizes will be
offered for the next year. The first p> ize for twelve single blooms, eistinct,
fell to S. P. Budd, Esq., Bath, Messrs. Keynes & Wiiliams, Salisbury, being a
close second, and Messrs. G. Cooling A Son thiid, all having surprisingly
good examples of well-known sorts. Mr. G. Garraway, Bath, had the best
six blooms, the second prize going to Mr. W. P. Jones, gardener to J. S. Pope,
Esq., Bath, and the third to Mr. W. J. Stokes, Trowbridge. Mr. W. P. Jones
was first for twenty-four Asters, and Mrs. John Jones, Bath, second. The
first-prize vase of cut flowers, exhibited by Miss F. Baily, Oriel Cottage,
Frome, was far ahead of the rest, and for choiceness of flowers and excel'ent
taste in arrangement would have been in the prize list at any show. Mr.
E. Brown was second, and Miss K. Tainbury third. Mr. Brown was first
for a floral wreath, and Miss K. E. Parsons second. The first prize for a
hand bouquet was easily won by Mr. G. Garraway.

Fruit was not extensively shown, the fixture being rather too early for
many hardy fruits, but the exhibits included some fine examples that would
have been hard to beat anywhere. The best collection of six dishes was
staged by Mr. W. Iggulden, who had Black Hamburgh and Foster’s Se d-
ling Grapes, Grosse Mignonne Peaches, Victoria Nectarines, Early Moor¬
park Apricots, and Blenheim Orange Melon, all in good condition. Mr. B.
Hopkins was a creditable second. Mr. Pratt had grand bunches of Black
Hamburgh Grapes, and was first, the second prize going to Mr. Iggulden,
who was closely followed by Mr. A. R. Baily, both having good examples of
the same popular Grape. In the corresponcdng class for any white variety
Mr. Pratt was again easily first with very fine bunches of Muscat of Alex¬
andria, Mr. Iggulden following with Foster’s Seedling, the third prize going
to Mr. Prosser for the same variety. The first prize for a Melon went to Mr.
Prosser, who had Blenheim Orange in fine condition, the second prize going
to Mr. Pratt for Longleat Perfection not quite at its best. A beautiful dish

of Grosse Mignonne, staged by Mr. Iggulden, won first prize for Peaches,
Mr. Andrews being a good second with Violette Hative.

Twelve competed for the special prizes offered by Messrs. Sutton and
Sons, Reading, for a collection of vegetables. The la’gest and most com¬
plete collection was staged by Mr. Iggulden, who received the firstpiize ; his
best dishes were Erfurt Mammoth Cauliflowers, Perfection Tomatoes, The
Dean and Schoolmaster Potatoes, Laxton’s Charmer Peas, Negro Longpod
Kidney Bean, Pen y Bydd Marrow, and New Intermediate Carrots. Mr.
Garraway was a good second ; Mr. S. Andrew's third ; Mr. F. Mead, Frome-
field, fourth; and Mr. Thos. Evry, Batheaston, highly commended. Mr. J.
Payton was first with Cucumbers, and Mr. A. Cray second, both having good
examples, and Messrs. W. Thomas and C Cockey were commended. Mr.
Iggulden had the best Tomatoes, Carter’s Perfection in fine condition, the
second prize going to Mr. Andrews, w'ho had a fine dish of Reading Perfec¬
tion. Messrs. Garraway and F. Mead won the prizes for salading, and Mr.
Iggulden was first in the classes for round and also kidney Potatoes, his col¬
lections including several of Carter’s novelties, notably Cosmopolitan and
the Village Blacksmith. Mr. H. Hale and Mr. Hopkins also exhibited
successfully in these classes. _ V j

The local nurserymen, including Messrs. Bourne & Son, Beckington,
and Mr. Cray, Fromefield, arranged miscellaneous groups of plants, not for
competition, and the last named had also a capital lot of vegetables and
fruit.

OUT ANNUALS AND HERBACEOUS FLOWERS AT SHOWS.

Where show committees offer prizes for cut flowers of the above
the result is generally a most interesting and attractive display. One i f
the best shows of the kind I have seen this season was at Bristol, where
good prizes were offered for a number of bunches of annuals and herba¬
ceous flowers, and over a dozen collections were staged. They were
shown in large prominent bunches like Roses, filled one side of a tent, and
were showy and pleasing in the highest degree. Many of the annuals
were certainly the prettiest, but the herbaceous flowers were the most
substantial, and the whole had a splendid effect ; indeed the bunches of stove
and greenhouse flowers, although choice and good, were not so beautiful
as those border flowers, and societies generally would find the introduc¬
tion of a class or two of this description increase the reputation of their
shows. All who own a flower bed or border is interested in good annuals,
and although accurate descriptions of them are often given in seed
catalogues a display of blooms is more instructive. For instance, few can
really imagine from the description in the catalogues what a lovely flower
Statice Suworowii is, but as seen exhibited amongst the annuals at Bri-tol
it was the admiration of everybody. Messrs. James Carter & Co. hare
done a great deal to popularise annuals by the excellent exhibitions cf
them they have frequently shown recently in pots, and the cut flower
classes are undoubtedly a step in the right direction. At the Sou'h
Wales shows flowers of this kind have not been shown prominently in
the manner here indicated, but I know of several committees who con¬
template introducing classes for them, and in the meantime Mrs. Loadstone,
the lady florist of Llanelly, Carmarthenshire, has heen exhibiting large
quantities of those flowers at Newport, Neath, and other shows, and her
flowers are exceedingly good in colour and variety, and delight all who
see them. — J. Muir, Margam Park.

KITCHEN GARDEN.

Celery. — The earliest rows are now ready for use. They have been
earthed several times, and are now well blanched. Those with good eaily
crops may be inclined to keep some of the rows on for late use, but heads
which are ready now will not remain good un*il November or late autumn,
and to prevent loss they should all be used soon. As many of our readers
will now be exhibiting vegetables, they will find that gcod Celery forms
one of the most weighty dishes they can use in a collection, and it well
blanched, sound, and free from worm marks, it should always be exhi¬
bited in good collections. We have been getting several trenches ready
for show. To keep it free from worm marks some of it was earthed wdth
sifted ashes, but in the hot weather in July the ashes dried up so moot',
and became so hot, that they caused the leaves to flag, and the best heads
are those earthed with the euironnding soil in the usual way. In exhi¬
biting Celery only a few of the short outer leaves should be taken off, and
as it is always cut by the judges when shown in the Celery classes, < are
should be taken that none bui sound heads are exhibited. Some growers
are in the habit of deferring earthing-up until the plants are almost fully
grown, then one heavy earth ng is all that is given, but when left un¬
earthed until late, many of the leaves are apt to fall over and break, which
spoils the heads. It is also late befote the blanching is accomp! shed
when this system of earthing is followed, and we prefer the old-fashioned
and common way of treating it by earthing as the plants gain s ze. The
latest crops should now be earthed a lit: le, and if more soil is put to them
in September and October, excellent results are sure to be produced. It
is generally about this time the Celery fly begins to be troublesome. Its
presence is first noticed by spots appealing on the leaves. They are
brown, blistered like blotches, and the maggot is incased in them.

August 12, 1883. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

143

It is this which mikes their destruction rather difficult, as no dusting of
soot wifi destroy them. The only way is to press each blotch firmly
between the finger, or pick each of the affected parts off. By doing this
when the plants are first showing signs of being attacked they may be
checked so severely that they will fail to be further injurious.

E vrly Potatoes. — The whole of the early varieties are now matured,
and they are remarkably free from disease, but if wet weather should
come they may still suffer from it ; and to prevent this we advise that the
whole of the crops which are matured be dug and harvested. Those
intended for see 1 need not be kept in the dark, but others which are to be
kept for use taut not be allowed to become green. None of them should
be dug when the soil is wet.

Autumn Spinach. — Summer Spinach runs so fast to flower that it is
not a profitable crop to grow during July, August, and September, and as
all kinds of choice vegetables are plentiful then its absence is no incon¬
venience, but by October and onwards many of the summer vegetables
are bee ming scarce, and a good supply of Spmach is then very
acceptable. Apart from this, late autumn Spinach is not very liable to
run to fl >wer, and the plants whioh give a supply in October will also go
on bearing for many weeks afterwards. With this object in view a good
sowing of the prickly variety should now be put in. It may he sown after
Potatoes or any other crop recently cleared off the ground. The leaves
should be fairly luxuriant, and to secure them of the right stamp the soil
must be moderately rich ; but a too rich soil is a mistake, as it forces the
plants too much, and makes them too soft and tender to stand the severe
weather of winter. The rows should be from 15 inches to 18 inches
apart, and as soon as the young plants can be handled thin them out to
G inches or more asunder. Wa have frequently began to gather irom a
planta'ion in October, kept it pretty close down throughout the autumn,
retained the plants uutil spring, when they began to grow afresh, and they
were very profitable in March and April.

Winter Greens. — These are now growing freely, and it will be
found a good plan to earth up the whole of them. Some growers profess not
to know of the a 1 vantages attending earthing up these crops, but we have
no doubts about it. Our gar lea is rather exposed to high winds from the sea.
Sometimes we have been too busy to earth up all our quarters of
late Canlifliwer and Broccoli at this time, and when the plants were
fully grown in November or further on, the wind has upset many of
them at the time they were about forming heads. Those earthed, however,
have a good bank of soil against the stem, and this invariably holds them
firm and allows the heads to swell off without a check. All earthing up
should be done before the leaves meet between the rows, as after that it
canuot be done without breaking some of the leaves.

Chicory. — Wheaever winter salads are in demand this should
be grown in quantity. It is the hardiest of all salad plants. At times
when our Ls'.tuce and Endive have been destroyed by frost we have kept
the salad bowl going by large batches of this, and it can be gr wn and
forced at half the expense of Lettuce or Endive. When the seed is eovn
too early the plants always run to se d in the autumu, but when a batch
of it was sown a month ago the young plants should now be thinned out
to 6 inches apart, and where sowing has been omitted there is yet time
to get up a supply of plants before winter. Sow in rows 15 inches apart
in deeply worked ground.

Glore Artichokes. — In many cases the heads will all have been cut
off and the plants may have suffered from dry weather where planted in
light soil, bur if the stems are cut off down to the ground level, and the
roots are mulched and well watered, they will soon produce Iresh leaves and
produce new fruit stems which will bear u-eful heads late in autumn.

FRUIT FORCING.

Peaches and Nectarines. — Earliest Forced Trees.— The lights
have been wholly removed now to expose the trees to the cleansing influ¬
ence of rain and the invigorating effects of night dews, which will assist
in plumping the buds, and the soil of the borders will get thoroughly
m listened. The object is to prevent the trees starting into growth pre¬
maturely, and that can only be effected either by keeping them dry
(.rhich is fatal to the buds), or keeping them cool, along with some outlets
for the sup in m iderate lateral growths and the preservation of the
oliage in health. If the weather be dry water must be given at the roots,
and syringing practise l to keep the foliage clean, if need occasion
employing an insecticide.

Succession Houses. — As the trees become freed of the fruit cut out all
the bearing wood of this season, unless forming part of the extensions,
and the shoots for uext year’s fruiting where too thick should be thinned
to admit light and air to assist the ripening of the wood, afterwards
cleansing the foliage thoroughly with water from the garden engine,
which will be required daily in fine weather. The roof lights may be re¬
moved as soon as the wood is ripe and the buds plumped, and up to this
the ventilators should remain open constantly, unless there is any doubt
about the ripeness of the wood, when the house may be kept up to 80° or
85® by day from sun heat, and the house thrown open at night, which,
however, must not be done when the house is at that temperature, but
after the suu heat is declining or declined to 70° or 75°. The soil of the
borders must be kepf well watered.

Late Houses.— See that the borders inside and outside have sufficient
water, especially in the case of trees swelling their fruit, assisting with
liquid manure, and mulching the surface of the borders with sh >rt
manure. Continue the syringing until the fruit is well advanced for
ripening, it beiDg required en fine days in the morning and afternoon ;
hut on dull days do not keep the foliage and fruit dripping with moisture.
Provide a little ventilation constantly, and increase it early in the day.

If it is desired to accelerate the ripening the temperature through the day
may be kept at 80’ to 85°, closing in the afternoon early enough to rise to
90° or 95°, and before nightfall admit a littlo air at the top of the roof, so
as to allow of any excess of moisture escaping and induce a cooling of the
atmosphere and rest. In other circumstances admit air freely day and
night, except in the case of high winds, and an unusually low temperature
at night. Let the fruit have full exposure to the sun, and keep the
growths tied in as they advance in growth. Stop or remove gross
growths, and let all have full exposure to light and air. Laterals should
be kept well in hand, but they may be allowed moderate extension in the
case of trees carrying heavy crops so as to maintain activity at the roots.
Trees carrying light crops and having much lateral growth and strong
wood should be marked for lifting or cutting the roots as soon as the wood
is sufficiently firm, which in ordinary cases is about a month before the
leaves fall.

Scale. — This is sometimes very troublesome when the fruit is advanced
for ripening, in which case the application of an insecticide is out of the
question on account of the damaging the fruit, but much may be done
with a brush and sponge, softsoap 3 ozs. to the gallon of water being used
to the worst infested leaves and wood. After the fruit is gathered the
trees may be syringed thoroughly with petroleum — a wineglassful to
4 gallons of water in which 8 ozs. of softsoap and an ounce of soda has
been dissolved, mixing it thoroughly with the water and keeping mixed
by alternate squirts into the watering pot and tress. If the petroleum is
not kept mixed whilst being applied it is best not to attempt its applica¬
tion, as some parts of the trees will receive nothing but petroleum and
other parts none of any efficacy in destroying insects, and so do more
harm than good. It is efficacious against thrips, red spider, and indeed
every insect.

Figs. — Earliest forced Trees. — The second crop will be ripening, and
the trees should not have more water at the roots than is necessary to
keep the foliage fresh, and syringing must be discontinued or the fruit will
crack, besides being deteriorated in flavour. A free circulation of dry
warm air is essential to ripening the fruit and wood. Wnen the fruit is
all gathered the main point is to secure the proper maturity of the
growths, and if due attention has been given to stopping and thinning the
shoots little will now be required except attention to ventilation and
watering. The syringe should be laid aside except as a means of sub¬
duing insects. Future crops depend entirely upon the ripening ot the
wood, therefore maintain a circulation of warm air until the leaves die
naturally.

Exposing Fig Trees. — Excepting early forced trees in pots they should
not at any time be exposed to the weather by removing the lights, but
should have abundant ventilation. Trees in pots, from growing less
vigorously than planted out trees, are the better for exposure after the
fruit is gathered and the wood ripened, the trees being given a sheltered
sunny situation. Open-air influence will do much to invigorate them and
harden the wood.

Second Crop on Planted-out Trees. — Trees that ripened a first crop
in June will in a short time be ripening the second crop, and should be
liberally supplied with liquid mannra if carrying a heavy crop and the
trees are weakly ; hut if vigorous and the crop is not heavy, water will
be all that is wanted except mulching, which should be kept moist, as
the trees in such a case will probably require lifting, and surface roots
are of consequence in that case, as well as being conducive to fruit¬
fulness.

Late House. — The fruit will he advanced for ripening, therefore spare
no pains to have the foliage free from red spider by forcible syringiugs,
and to insure flue fruit see that the borders have due supplies of water
through good surface mulchings, and feed if necessary with liquid manure.
Avoid wetting the fruit after it commences ripening, and keep the growths
rather thin alike for the benefit of the fruit and for the thorough solidi¬
fication of the wood for future crops. Stop side growths at the fifth
joint.

Young Trees in Pots. — Young trees from this spring cuttings, and which
are intended for fruiting in the second or third year of their growth,
must still be attended to in pinching off the top of the strong shoots to
form tho foundation of a symmetrical head in tbeir first year’s training.
The plants shoul i have a clear stem, and no suckers be allowed on any
account, but the stems for dwarf trees need only be a few inches high.
For standards they must be trained with a single stem until the height
required is attained and then be stopped.

&

HE BEE-KEEPER.

1

THE WINTERING PROBLEM.

The wintering problem is one which has, owing to
the moat favourable climatic conditions, attracted far less
interest and discussion in this country than in America. The
sharp cold of the United States in many districts necessitates
an altogether different management from the one which may
with a certainty of success be followed in this more genial
climate ; but it may be useful to consider at some length the
best means of ensuring the safety our stocks in winter, and

144

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 12, 1886.

having them in a high state of prosperity in the early months
of spring, thus laying even now the foundation of success in
1887, and enabling us to feel comfortable and free from all
anxiety when the piercing blasts of icy wind sweep over the
land far and wide, and the frost and snow hold all the earth
in a stern embrace. There are many essentials to a complete
success in wintering bees to which special attention must be
given, but nearly all these points will come under one of
the three following heads : —

1, A good sound weather proof hive well packed and
covered.

2, Bees strong in number headed by a good queen.

3, A bounteous supply of proper food.

The value of a good, well-made hive is very great, for if
any part is ill-fitting, and damp is allowed to penetrate to the
inside of the hive, all the labour and all the care of the bee¬
keeper will not avail to withstand this secret lurking foe,
which is the more dangerous because doing its deadly work
in the winter season when hives are less frequently examined.
The mischief is done before the least suspicion that there is
anything wrong is aroused in the mind of the bee-keeper,
who sees with wondering surprise on the return of spring
that what he expected to be a good strong colony is weak,
and so enfeebled as to be, if not quite ruined, at any rate
comparatively valueless. More stocks are, in my opinion,
destroyed by damp than by any other cause ; the mischief is
wrought so silently that it is seldom discovered, except by
the careful man, who makes a periodical examination of all
his stocks.

The top of the hive must be made absolutely and entirely
waterproof; every conceivable crevice through which the
least damp might percolate must be stopped, and only under
the eaves, where rain cannot beat in, must spaces be left.
Now, I put great stress upon having spaces under, and I
believe that it is one of the greatest helps to wintering to
have a continual circulation of air on the top of the hive.
The spaces need not be large, but they must b9 large enough
to give a reasonable ventilation without creating a draught
or admitting rain and snow. It is not, however, so much
the occasional drops of rain and snow, that are certain at
intervals to find their way beneath the eaves, that do the
mischief against which we have so sternly to contend, but it
is the continued action of a crevice through which damp is
always pouring in, until the combs become rotten, the bees
are destroyed, and the stock ruined.

The floorboard must have a slope sufficient to throw off
all the wet, and the entrance may be narrowed or widened
as occasion may require. About 3 inches in the winter is not
at all too wide an entrance; but when snow is on the ground
it is better entirely to prevent a single bee from leaving the
hive by using a slide, having a piece of perforated zinc attached
over the hole, so that the ventilation will still go freely on
and the bees remain undisturbed. Some say that bees thus
confined become excited, and the loss of the stock is the
result. _ My experience is just the contrary, for if the slides
are quietly exchanged not one bee will be lost, but some
hundreds be saved. To make matters quite safe it is
my custom, in addition to using the slide, to also shade the
entrance, and the result is that when the sun is shining
most brightly there is no undue excitement ; while if no slide
is used, however carefully the hive is shaded, occasional bees,
mor9 restless than their fellows, find their way out and never
return. Now, when every life is valuable it is a pity for one
to be lost, therefore shade and close the entrance with per¬
forated zinc. Immediately after the snow has gone every
entrance must be opened, and the bees will speedily clear
away the dead, which ought not to be numerous. Perforated
floorboards I have not used, and although they are without
doubt useful, still I am able to manage so easily and satis¬
factorily without them that I have no disposition at present
to alter the course, so far followed with success, by adding
another appliance to the apiary. Hives should not stand
more than 8 inches above the ground, and all around and

beneath them they should be quite clear from anything that
will in the slightest degree obstruct a free circulation of air.
The covering on the top of the hive must be porous, and for
wooden hives there is nothing superior to the ordinary
summer quilts, and on the top of these a section rack, having
a piece of canvas tacked to the bottom and filled with cork or
sawdust. This is a capital covering, but above all things it
is necessary to avoid anything not porous at any time of the
year. The “American cloth,” now freely made use of in so
many apiaries, is simply an abomination, and the result of
its use cannot be satisfactory. The quilts and rack of cork
or sawdust form a warm cosy pad, through which the
moisture generated below can easily pass off and leave the
hive and comb dry and in the best possible condition for the
preservation of bee-life, in addition to providing an almost
insensible upward ventilation. The position must be open,
and by choice the hives should face south, with a slight
inclination to the east, and be sheltered from the north wind.
It is hardly necessary to warn the present generation against
the practice of removing stocks in winter to the opposite side
of the hedge or wall to the one they occupied in winter ; the
object being to prevent the sun’s rays from falling on the
hive and enticing out the bees to their certain destruction.
The position of the hives must not be altered unless abso-
solutely necessary, when the usual measures must be taken.

Straw hive3 must be packed warmly, and in all respects
treated the same as the wooden hive, and they will prove far
better as a winter home than many modern hives. The
second essential to successful wintering is “ bees strong
in number headed by a fertile queen.” There has been so
vast an amount of discussion on these points, and on the
side issues springing out of them, that it will be necessary
somewhat to deviate from the strict course of inquiry into
the best means of wintering, but it will not be necessary at
present to dive into details, but only to state conclusions,
leaving the bases for such conclusions to be propounded in
some future issue.

The first point is whether stocks must bs contracted to a
portion of the hive only during the winter months. To this
I say most emphatically, No ! but rather let the colony be so
strengthened as to be enabled to overspread the combs, which
must otherwise be left uncovered by the bees. True, as the
winter goes on and the population decreases without any
proportionate increase, the outside comb3 may be left un¬
covered ; but it has yet to be proved that in a properly
constructed hive this is any disadvantage. There must be no
contraction of the hive, but rather an increase of population,
to render such contraction unnecessary and impossible.

Secondly, it is totally unnecessary to cut winter passages
in the combs unless the hives are so shallow as to be for all
practical purposes worthless.

Thirdly, there must be no change in the orthodox and
natural distance between comb and comb.

We may now return to the main point, and it may be
observed in passing that it will probably b9 conceded by nine
out of every ten practical bee-keepers that a strong colony is
most easily wintered, mo3t prosperous in spring, and most
profitable throughout the year.

The ways and means of increasing the strength of a
colony are several, but the preferable plan is, so far as my
experience goes, to add sufficient bees in autumn to bring up
the population of every stock to its required strength. Bees
can still be obtained in quantity from cottagers, or they can
be purchased at from Is. to Is. 3d. a pound from other
localities whore driven bees cannot be had, for the trouble of
driving them. To a fairly strong stock in a large hive some
5 lbs. of baes may be added, and the population will even
then be by no means too great. Stocks, it may be said by
some, that have been worked on the “ tiering ” system
Without being allowed to swarm are, after the removal of the
last super, very crowded ; but if those who think that these
stocks require no addition will examine them aga’n towards
the end of September, they will be astonished to see how

August 12, 1836. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

145

frightful has been the mortality during the months of August
and September, when the aged bees, after bearing the brunt
of the honey flow, are rapidly disappearing, and there are no
young hatching out to fill their places.

Stimulative feeding in autumn is not a success. It is
cheaper — and the same object is attained — to add driven
bees. For two reasons this is so, for by late stimulation the
queen is exhausted and does not begin to lay so early and so
freely in the following year, and the trouble to the bee¬
keeper is great, while the strain upon the worker bees is so
heavy that a greatly increased mortality results at the time
when feeding is actually going on, and insufficient brood
is hatched to fill up the vacancies, and the vitality of the
surviving bees is materially diminished, much to the detri¬
ment of the future prospects of the owner. Driven bees then
had better be added to every stock not sufficiently strong to
do without them, and how few these stocks are is almost
incredible. Small populations may survive, but without a
ceaseless care they will not gather surplus, and must, there¬
fore, fail to be profitable.

The queen must be a good mother, and it is quite
impossible to enter fully into the means of obtaining,
securing, and introducing her into the hive at present, and
these comments may, therefore, be concluded by adverting to
the food supply, which must be “ bounteous.” Not merely
sufficient to keep life in the frame, but to give the idea of
prosperity ; to give confidence to the bees, assurance to the
queen, and no anxiety to the owner. Either syrup or honey
may be used, and between the virtues of the one and the
other there is little to choose. This I do say, that “sugar-
fed ” stocks are the healthiest and most prosperous of any it
has been my lot to possess ; and the result is always entirely
satisfactory, although no particular attention be paid to the
selection of queens.

Those who will see that in the fast-approaching autumn
their stocks are prepared after the manner continually
advocated in these columns, may feel confident of possessing
strong colonies in spring, and may see without apprehension
keen frost and snow and wind, while those who prefer to go
their own way will feel some anxiety and alarm if there
should be a long continued winter and cold, blighting spring,
preventing the bees from working outside, while from lack of
stores they are not breeding in the hive. Bees are thrifty
insects, and never thrive on “short commons.” Their
masters too are occasionally economical, sometimes without
being thrifty. — Felix.

THE CALEDONIAN APIARIAN SOCIETY’S SHOW AT

DUMFRIES.

The above Society’s Show, under the auspices of the Highland and
Agricultural Society, was held at Dumfries on the 27th, 28th, 29th, and 30th
of July, under favourable but cold weather. The two first and the last
days were fair ; the third day was wet and disagreeable. The temperature
of the first morning ranged in places of my experience from 32° to 35°.
Few weeks have passed throughout the season but the same temperature
has prevailed more or less. The Show was a success, owing to the energy
of the Honorary Secretary, Major R. J. Bennett. That gentleman devotes
much time and spares no expense for the purpose of helping on the working
classes to bett-r their condition by the aid of bees. The exhibits were
numerous, the entries being 150. Some of them reflected great credit on
the owners for their enterprise in being able to bring forward such grand
displays in such an untoward season. The success of the Show was in a
great measure due to the Messrs. M'Nally. Mr. E. M Nally, Rutherglen,
deserves the first notice for his grand classified display of dried and fresh
flowers and plants, amounting perhaps to 1000 specimens, including seeds
of many of the same, together with the dates of their time of flowering and
per-centage of honey yield. The exhibit consisted of two large volumes
filled with them and others mounted on cardboard. These, together with
the fresh flowers, nearly covered one side and end of the exhibition tent,
which contrasted well with the opposite side, and its beautiful display of
honey and honeycomb, tiered to a great height on graduated steps, setting
it off to great advantage. The ornamental designs had a fine effect, and
showed much taste on the part of the exhibitors, Messrs. M'Nally of Glen-
luce and others, the former being the winners of first prize.

The centre of the tent was filled with two large collections of hives and
other appliances, owned by Mr. M'Nally of Glenluce and Mr. Steele of
Dundee. The appliances consisted of both home and foreign manufactures
of all that was necessaiy and unnecessary for the apiary. Some things
were in the collections badly adapted for use in bee-husbandry, and
some were superfluous. If bee-keeping could not be carried on before in¬
vesting in all that was shown there would indeed be but few cottager bee¬
keeper. Mr. M'Nally showed some prettily made Stewarton hives, and

Mr. Steele an elaborate frame hive, by far too much so, and too weighty to
become a popular hive.

The Stewarton supers for the first time during the existence of (his Show
were in the background, simply, however, on account of the low tempera¬
ture prevalent throughout the season. Dumfries people came to the front,
the higher temperature of that locality having conduced to better filled
glasses and more delicate comb, so the bellglasses took first honours, not¬
withstanding the fact that the Society discourages them. The honey
throughout Dumfriesshire and Kirkcudbrightshire is of excellent quality,
and from my experience cannot be surpassed, and is woith purchasing when
extracted honey of some quarters is a glut in the market. There was
much competition in the class for run honey. The three winning samples
were indeed fine ; it was only a matter of taste, and tastes differ, that a
decision could be arrived at. The awards in this class could have been
reversed three times without anyone being able to find fault. The sections
were well filled and pretty, the competition being very keen.

In the class where the competition was confined to farmers’ wives and
their daughters, many others competed, which I think unfair, as that class
is specially set aside for the farmers who are shy to compete against practi¬
cal hands, and it is not asking too much for the Committee and exhibitors
to abide by the printed rules of the Society. There were four exhibits of
cakes made from honey, the first prize one being much superior to the
others, but neither was so fine as those made and competed for by pro¬
fessional bakers at previous shows. The liqueurs were a failure, the prize
being withheld.

There were some fine examples of comb foundation, for which prizes
might well be dispensed with. The observatory hives as usual did not
show to advantage as they should do, by having the be s working in them
at least one month before the Show, which would keep the bees quiet, and
they would have the brood, honey, and pollen in their proper places,
instead of having the combs so arranged as to cause the bees forming them¬
selves into detachments in attempting to cover th® scattered brood and
keep it from perishing, which notwithstanding it often does in hives man¬
aged as they were at this Show.

Hives were numerous, and in some cases excellent, but only one exhibitor
conformed to the rules of the Society. In class 4, for the best frame hive
for gener.il use, price not to exceed 20s., the awards according to the order
of merit were, Messrs. Warnock & Walker, Blantyre, first ; Mr. R. Steele,
Dundee, second ; Mr. M'Nally, Glenluc3, third. But as neither of the two
last-named had conformed to the rules they were disqualified, and in conse¬
quence of their dissatisfaction an umpire was called in, who cancelled all
the Society’s prizes in that class and awarded an extra silver medal to the
first prize one for its general excellence. For the most serviceable hive for
general use and transmission to the heather, first and special, Messrs.
Warnock & Walker; second and third, Mr. M'Nally. Mr. Steele in this
class again had not conformed to the rules. For best and most complete
frame hive at 7s. Gd : silver medal, Mr. M'Nally. This exhibit wa3 really a
cheap hive. Mr. Steele was second, but there was no prize.

For inventions or improvements in hives and appliances, the first prize
was awarded to Warnock & Walker ; and the Messrs. M'Nally equal second.
The first-named showed a simple portable contrivance for fastening supers
on hives while in transit ; two different forms of feeders, a dividing board,
fitted so as to be easily closed or opened without the risk of killing or
irritating the bees ; also the improved ventilating floor and stand, to be
used when removing bees to the heather. Mr. M'Nally's exhibits consisted
of an apparatus for hatching poultry on the top of the hive, a honey ripener,
a patent tin for holding honey, an uncapping machine, a honey presser, &c.
As these were not improvements in hives, but appliances not all the bona-
fide, inventions of the exhibitors, ihe final decision was left over for the
Committee to consider. The first prize for the best presBer for heather
honey was awarded to Mr. M'Nally. This was a machine, however,
from our knowledge of the difficulty of managing heather honey, will never
give satisfaction. A very tidy and efficient instrument or machine from
Mr. Hamilton of Braidwood was not forward at the time of judging,
or would have been awarded first prize. The time has come when it
would be judicious of the managers of shows to cease awarding prizes
for things of that sort, unless when in competition at the work they are
designed for. It is the only way the public will be satisfied with, and justice
given to all concerned. Awarding prizes to hives of the same sort year
after year without showing some decided improvement is a mistake, it is
far better to give more prizes for the produce of the bees and comestibles
made therefrom, and confine the tent to a place for exhibition only and not a
sale shop, as persons were detected carrying goods away. Stewards should
be appointed to look after the interests of exhibitors during the show,
reserving one day, or part thereof, for the sale of goods. If that was done
we should hear less clamour from the public as to the inconvenience caused
by the crowding in the sale of goods. The society would be the benefiters
if that plan was adopted, and the visitors would have some pleasure in
inspecting the exhibits, which they paid for to see, and better harmony
would prevail throughout. The Judges for the occasion were the Rev. R.
Sanders, Tundergarth, Lockerbie ; Mr. James Anderson, Dairy, Ayrshire,
and William Thomson, Blantyre, assisted by the Hon. Secretary, Major
R. J. Bennett. The following are the awards with the exception of
those stated above, and the driving of bees, the particulars of which we
have not heard yet.

Bees. — Specimen of British Bees — 1, R. M'Nally, Glenluce. 2, James
Johnstone, Stirling. Specimen of Cyprian, Ligurian, or any other Foreign
Bees — R. M'Nally.

Hives. — Hive for observation purposes, all combs visible on both tides,
stocked with Be s and their Queen, suitable either for summer or winter
use — 1st and Highland and Agricultural Society’s silver medal, R. M'Nally.
Inventions or Improvements in Hives and Appliances — W. and R. M'Nally
(equal). Straw Hives and Supers of any description — 1, R. M'Nally. 2, W.
M'Nally. 3, J. D. M'Nally.

Comb Foundation. — Ten sheets of Comb Foundation made of pure bees¬
wax ; worker cells for stock hive ; and ten sheets thin for supers — 1, W.
Young, Perth. 2, R. M'Nally. Two cakes of Wax, weighing not les3 than
4 lbs. — 1, W. Templeton, Dumfries. 2, J. Smith, Dumfries. 3, R. Steel,
Dundee.

Honey. — Display of Honey and Honeycomb. — 1 and Highland and

1 16

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE HARDER ER.

[ i ngost 12, If}- 6.

Agricultural Society’s silver medal. — W. M’Nally. 2, R. M'Nally. 3
S. Roberts, Dumfries. Two Supers above 20 lbs. — 1, J. Townsley, Dum¬
fries. 2, R. Anderson, Stevenston. 3, J. Anderson, Dairy. Super above
12 lbs. and under 20. — 1, J. Smith, Dumfries. 2, Annie Anderson, Dairy.
3, Jas. Anderson, Dairy. Super of Honey not being sectional Supers.
The Super to be of wood, straw, or of wood in combination with glass or
straw. — 1, W. M'Nally. 2, W. Templeton. 3, J. Briggs, Laurieknowe,
Maxwelltown. Twelve 6-lb. sections of Comb Honey — R. M'Nally.
Twenty-four 1-lb. sections of Comb Honey. — 1, S. Roebuck, Dumfries. 2,
J. Townsley. 3, Rev. F. Taylor, Cumberland. Twelve 2-lb. sections of
Comb Honey. — 1 (no name). 2, W. H. M'Donald, Kirkcowan. 3, Rev. F.
Taylor. Twelve 1-lb. sections of Comb Honey. — 1, S. Roebuck, Dumfries.
2, Rev. F. Taylor. 3, W. H. M'Donald. Run or extracted Honey, in twelve
1-lb. glass jars. — 1, S. Roebuck. 2, J. Templeton. 3, R. M’Nally. Heather
Honey, in Comb or otherwise. — 1 and 2, E. M'Nally, Rutherglen. 3, R.
M'Nally. Best design in Pure Honeyoomb worked by Bees. — 1, W.
M'Nally. 2, R. M'Nally.

Special Prizes for Ladies. — Super above 10 lbs. and under 20 lbs. —

1, Mrs. S. Roebuck. 2, Miss Fraser. 3, Mrs. R. M'Nally. Glass Super
of Honeycomb. — 1, Miss Anderson, Stevenston. 2, Miss Templeton.
Twelve 2-lb. sections of Honeycomb — Mrs. S. Roebuck. Run or extracted
Honey in glass jars, not less than 12 lbs. — 1, Mrs. Townsley, Dumfries.

2, Mrs. E. M'Nally. 3, Mrs. Roebuck.

Comestibles. — Cake made with Honey. — 1, R. M'Nally. 2, J. D.
M'Nally, Glasgow. 3, E. M'Nally. Collection of different articles made
from Honey as Food and Liqueurs — R. M'Nally.

Miscellaneous. — Collection of Hives, Bee Furniture, Bee Gear, for
general use.— 1, W. M’Nally. 2, R. Steel. Honey Extracter. — 1 and 3,
W. Young, Perth. 2, W. M'Nally. Extractor, or Press, for Heather Honey.
— 2, R. M’Nally (one entry). Best and most interesting collection of
Natural Objects, Models, or Diagrams connected with Apiculture, and
illustrating the Natural History and Economy of the Honey Bee. — 1 and 2,
E. M'Nally. Best and largest display of Honey-producing Plants, stating
particulars calculated to be of interest to bee-keepers. — 1, E. M’Nally. 2,
H. Dobbie, Norwich. 3, Miss Nicholson, Glenluce.

Special Prizes. — Model Apiary — Lanarkshire Hive (given by Mr. Wm.
M'Nally)— E. M’Nally. Bar-frame Hive (by Mr. Ebenezer M'Nally, Ruther-

flen) — R. M'Nally. Straw Hive stocked with Bees — 1, 2, and 3, James
ohnstone, Slirling.

It is perhaps a fitting time at the present to say something about the
honey presser for heather honey. There are as yet few who thoroughly
understand how to manage heather honey, and have given their experience
in writing how it should be done and what the machine for that purpose
should be like. As yet the only machine fit for the purpose in the market
is the Lanarkshire Presser. Bat to bring out the best possible machine at
the cheapest rate suitable for its work and the pockets of the bee-keeping
fraternity, Mr. Bennett, with his usual liberality, has purchased a combined
machine and placed it in the hands of a competent person to improve, so that
it will press honey in addition to the other work it does at present. When
completed I expect it will not cost more than 10s. for the small- st size, and
large ones at less than £1, which the Society will supply to all who wish
them at little more than cost price. — A Lanarkshire Bee-keeper.

TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

Waite, Nash & Co., 79, Southwark Street, London, S.E. — Wholesale
Catalogue of Flower Boots for 1886.

W. Cutbush & Son, Highgate, and Barnet, Herts. — Catalogue of Bulbs for
1886 .

*,* All correspondence should be directed either to “The Editor”
or to “ The Publisher.” Letters addressed to Dr. Hogg or
members of the staff often remain unopened unavoidably. We
request that no one will write privately to any of our correspon¬
dents, as doing so subjects them to unjustifiable trouble and
expense.

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions relat¬
ing to Gardening and those on Bee subjects, and should never
send more than two or three questions at once. All articles in¬
tended for insertion should be written on one side of the paper
only. We cannot reply to questions through the post, and we
do not undertake to return rejected communications.
UNANSWERED LETTERS. — We find it necessary to state that letters
to which replies are expected in this Journal should be addressed to
the “Editor of the JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE,” and in NO
OTHER WAY, to insure attention.

Books ( W ■ C.). — The price of the “ Garden Manual” is Is. 9d., “ Green¬
house Manual” 10d., “Primroses and Cowslips” 6£d., all post free. The
other work you mention is out of print.

Matricaria inodora fl.-pl. (Argus). — Yes, this plant is perennial in most
situations, and sometimes increases to a rather troublesome extent.

Sugar Refuse ( G . C. <J Son). — No doubt it contains manurial properties.
The only way we can suggest of finding a market for it is by advertising.

Covering the Back Wall of a Conservatory (M. D.). — The Rhyncho-
spermum jasminoides would answer for planting in the recess, hut it will be |

a long time in covering a wall 14 feet high, and certainly is not sufficient
for so large a space. If you want flowering plants the Habrothamnuses are
excellent for the purpose, especially fasciculatus, and Ce.-trum auran’iacum.
They would thrive well in boxes. Lapagerias rosea and alba would also
succeed.

Valves on Hot-water Pipes (W. Hosier ). — We do not see anything
wrong with the position of the valves. They are, we presume, iutended to
shut off the heat from the vinery or regulate it as required, and in that case
are in the proper place. You do not want the water to flow and return to
the boiler when heat is not wanted in the vinery. You have a connecting
piece, which leads to the conclusion that you want heat up to that point,
and for which we see no necessity; therefore we should leave the valves
where they are. There is a flow and return to the Cucumber house, so that
you can heat both separately or together.

Eucalyptus ( Mrs. Saunders).—' The Eucalyptus would be best cut down,
but it is late for the operation. It would have been best to have cut it down
in spring, and have kept the roots rather dry until it had pushed afresh,
when water could have been given more freely. It will be best to defer the
operation now until next year. It does not require a large quantity of
water, only giving it when the soil becomes dry, but before the leaves flag,
and then a thorough supply, repeating when occasion tequires. It would
be preferable to raise young plants from seed sown next March in a hotbed,
which if well grown make good plants the same season.

Vine Leaves Scorched (Ignorant). — It is curious you should ignore our
request as to addressing letters. We do not think your Vines are attacked
with the Oidium, nor could we find any tfcrips on the leaves, but there are
signs of the attacks of those insects which eat the cuticle of both the
berries and stems, and the parts so ‘ nibbled ” turn black. The insects you
have seen are no doubt yellow thrips, and though they may he destroyed by
fumigation, this does not destroy the eggs. You had better examine the
Vines carefully and apply a sponge saturated with a solution of soft9oap
and tobacco water to all the parts (except the berries) on which there is a
faint suspicion of the presence of insects. We do not consider your Vines
in “ perfect strength.” The leaves are too soft, lacking substance as if
grown in a needlessly high night temperature, and the roots of the Vines
in a somewhat loose and unduly rich border. A firmer rooting medium and
a good dressing of lime would probably be beneficial. It is better to shade
very lightly than allow the leaves to be scorched. The leaves before us are
very different from the foliage of Vines that are in first-class condition.

Mildew on Onions (Onions). — Onions are occasionally attacked with a
form of mildew peculiar to the crop and it is very destructive. We should
try the effect of syringing them with a solution of soft-soap and sulphur,
dissolving the soap at the rate of 2 ozs. to a gallon of water, then heat some
sulphur into a paste and mix it in the solution till of the consistency of thin
cream, yet not so thick that it cannot pass readily through the nozzle of a
syringe. If that does not check the mildew and the tops wither the bulbs
had better be pulled up, dried, and stored, burning the tops. It will be
advisable to have your Onion bed in another part of the garden next year.

Melons— Raspberries — Red Spider — Heating (Kittie). — For ensuring a
regular set and good crop of Melons the flowers should be artificially
fertilised ; bees are not to be trusted to do what you desire. Ra9pbt rries
grow and fruit admirably in good soil on borders having a north aspect in
the southern and midland counties. If you syringe your Peach trees very
forcibly just before the fruit changes the red spider will do little injury if
the work is done well ; the water must of course be directed to the under
sides of the leaves. Amateurs as a rule use the syringe very ineffectively
and as if they were afraid of disturbing the insects on their trees. The
method of arranging the pipes under the roof of your low pit, one pipe
along the front and the other half way up, is good for wintering Pelar¬
goniums. Our reply is founded ou experience.

Mushrooms (Amateur). — The manure Bhould be collected fresh from the
stables and only the long, clean litter forked out, the remainder consisting of
droppings and short stained straw shaken together and thrown in a heap to
ferment. In reply to your inquiry on the point, the fourth edition of
“ Mushrooms for the Million,” with supplement, is now re idy and can be had
post free from this office for Is. 2d. You will, perhaps, find all the informa¬
tion you need in the work, as the supplement is devoted to the solution of
difficulties that have been experienced by amateurs. The present is the
exact time for collecting materials for outdoor Mushroom beds.

Chrysanthemums (E. W.). — You had better take the crown buds as
soon as they form by removing with great care the surrounding growths ;
but if the slightest injury is done to the buds it will show itself more and
more as the buds swell, and the bloom will be imperfect. All the axillary
growths should be removed from the stems of the plants, and suckers from
the roots.

Carnation— Gaillardia — Chrysanthemums (S. L. B.). — If your Pride
of Penshurst Carnation is not spindling for bloom we should layer all the
growths at once, tongueing and pegging them into light sandy soil, and
this being kept moist you would soon have a healthy stock of young plants
for potting. These, with good management, would be certain to flower
freely next year, either in pots or planted out as you may prefer. This will
be a much better plan than taking up the old plant. Gaillardia cuttings
st;ike freely in pots of -sandy soil kept moist, close, and shaded, to prevent
the leaves flagging. A frame is a suitable position for them, and the
present a good time for insertion. The cuttings should he made of crisp
portions of young shoots, those very soft or hard not striking freely, and
flower buds must be picked off. Perhaps more money was made by cut
blooms of Madame Desgrange last year iu London than of any other early
Chrysanthemum, the buds being thinned in good, time for the development
of fine flowers.

Young Growths of Peach Trees Dying (H. S.). — The growths are
weak, long-jointed, and soft, so much so that the bark is liable to injury
from moisture and sun. Moisture from syringing lodging on the shoots
decomposes the tissue or epidermis, and sun acting powerfully upon them
whilst wet or even dry after a dull period causes the parts exposed to its
influence to decay. Such growths as your trees exhibit are very unsatis¬
factory. They form fruit buds late in the season, and are scantily furnished
with them. The shoots sent are devoid of fruit buds forming, and this in a
cool house in August ! The cause is roots in a cold wet soil. It may b • too
rich and loose. We should early in October take a trench out one-third the

August 12, 1888. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

147

distance from the stem the trees covtr in extent of trellis, and down below
the roots, cutting off all roots beyond the one-third radius. This will check
the tendency to late growth, and the wood may be assisted to ripen by
keeping the house rather close in the daytime, or warm from sun heat, and
throwing the ventilators open at night. The trenches may remain open for
a fortnight, the soil in the one-third radius being kept moist, but not
very wet. When the leaves give indications of falling, commenc : at the
trench and remove the soil carefully from over and amongst the roots,
leaving a good part next the stems undisturbed, so as, if possible, to lift
with a ball. In a iy cise, preserve as many of the roots, particularly the
6mil!er ones, as possible. The branches will, of course, require to be
untied, then tied together in small bundles with care so as to facilitate
operations, and the roots should be covered with damp mats to protect
them from the air whilst the site or station is got ready for replanting.
The border being drained at a depth of 30 inches (9 inches to a foot thick¬
ness of rubble below that), it will only be necessary to rectify it if defective,
or provide it if wanting, a tile drain being provided under the drainage to
carry off superfluous water. The drainage should be roughest at bottom
and finest at top, secured with a layer of thin turves, grass downwards.
The whole of the soil to a width equal that of the trench should be removed,
and that part remade. You do not sta’e the kind of soil. It is probably
light and rich. If so add to it a fourth of clay or marl in as fine divisions
as poss'ble, and a tenth of lime rubbish from an old building ; the whole
thoroughly incorporated with the soil. If the soil be heavy add a sixth of
old mortar rubbish and a similar proportion of road scrapings. A thirtieth
part of wood ashes will be a capital addition. Fresh turfy loam iB advisable
if it can be had. Put in sufficient soil so as to raise the border to the level
that when the tree is introduced it will have the setting on of the roots
3 inches below the intended level. Make the soil firm by treading, alike to
resist the roots otherwise passing quickly through ir., and cause their
increased ramifications, and prevent settling. Spread the roots out thinly
and evenly as they rise, work the soil in amongst them and make it firm.
The roots should be kept near to the surface, but they must not be raised
abruptly from their origination, but lifted gradually and laid in as they
ri- e, the lowest about a foot from the surface, and the topmost about 3 inches.
Make it thorongh’y firm, give a good watering to settle the soil about the
roots, and mulch the surface with 3 inches of fresh short stable manure.
The branches should be untied, spread out loosely, and tied, sprinkling
with water in the morning of bright days and early afternoon, the house
being kept rather c’ose by day but fully ventilated at night. The growths
should be thinned if thickly placed after lifting. Carefully lifted and
replanted the trees will not suff r, but be materially improved in fruiting
another year and permanently benefited.

Names of Fruits. — The names and addresses of senders of fruit to
be named must in all cases be enclosed with the specimens, whether
letters referring to the fruit are sent by post or not. The names are
not necessarily required for publication, initials sufficing for that.
( Thomas Joyce). — 2, Beurre Kennes ; 3, Knight’s Monarch; 4, Passe
Co’mar; 10. Beurrd Superfin ; 12, Nouveau Poiteau.

Names of Plants. — We only undertake to name species of plants, not
varieties that have originated from seed and termed florists’ flowers.
Flowering specimens are necessary of flowering plants, and Fern fronds
should b?ar spores. Specimens should arrive in a fresh state in firm
boxes. Slightly damp moss or soft green leaves form the best packing, dry
cotton wool the worst. Not more than six specimens can be named at once.
(-H J- P.). — Bignonia grandiflora. ( H . C.). — 1, Hedysarum coronarium ;
2, Agathea ccelestis. (Miss Kenwick). — 1, Cystopteris fragilis ; 2, C. alpina.
(C. E. Stephens). — 1, Tanacetum vulgare ; 2, Betonica grandiflora; 3,
Briza maxima ; 4, Campanula liliifolia; 5, Liatris spicata. (No Name). — 1,
The feathery specimen is Rhus Cotinus ; 2, Resembles a Hedychium, but
the flowers were too much crushed in the letter to he determined. (Mrs. It ).
— The specimens were not good ones to determine, and we do not name
more than six at a time ; 2, Resembles a Nasturtium ; 4, Vicia sepium ; 5,
S necio erucaefolius ; 6, Pyrethrum inodorum; 7, Matricaria Chamomilla ;
8, Myosotis sylvatica. (F. P., Exeter). — Diplacus glutinosus. (A. W.). — 1,
Sedum azoides variegatum ; 2, Cannot be named without flowers, but is
apparently a Mesembryanthemum ; 3, Polemonium coe’ uleum, Jacob’s
Ladder ; 4, Antenuaria margaritacea ; 5, Achillea Ptarmica flore pleno ;
6, Veronica salie f olia. (Belacs). — Adiantum scutum and Olearia Haasti.

_ ai.

Bees Dead in Supers (II. T. HA. — “ A Lanarkshire Bee keeper,” whom
we consulted, replies : — “ If your bees have a free entrance to supers and these
kept dark there must be some disease about the bees. From the description
and time of the year it appears to be what I have described in my essay to
be c loric dropsical fever, and if it is the whole of your bees will die. If
your supers are exposed and have windows in them, then that explains
matters fully. Keep your supers well covered both when in and out of doors.
Give us fuller particulars and we will do our best to unravel the mystery.”

Ants and Bee3 ( B . C.). — No doubt ants are destructive to both
the grub of bees and their honey. The saucer with water should keep the
an! s from entering the hive, provided nothing else touches the ground for
the ants to ascend. We used to make cups through which the legs of the
hive or stand passed, then the outside was filled with liquid of some sort. No
creeping thing passed through it, forming, as it were, a moat. If the larvae
are putrid, be careful that the hive does not remain long in a doubtful
state, as it may be foul brood. If you are not acquainted with it, forward
us a piece of brood comb containing some brood in all stages, and we will
advise you.

Bees and Bell Heather (/. Edgar). — There are varieties of Bell Heather.
O. e kind that grows on mossy land we have not seen the bees work much
upon, but the variety common in Arran and adjoining places yields much
honey, and the bees are fond of it. At the Caledonian Apiarian Show held
at Edinburgh in 1884, Mr. Paterson of Struan exhibited a quantity of Bell
Heather honey. It is of a deep cherry red colour and fine flavour. The
bell of the honey variety is narrower in the tube than in the one that does
not yield any.

Frame feeder (Idem). — We have searched the back numbers, but have
failed to find the description referred to. The frame-feeder is undoubtedly
the best feeler out, as it places the syrup close to the tongues of the bees,
whi'e the tin that holds the syrup is glazed. A glance at it shows when it is
empty. There is a little chamber right in the ctntre, bridged off so that

bees cannot escape nor cause trouble when refilling tin fountain. It only
takes up three- eighths of an inch more than an ordinary frame, and for
nursing nuclei is invaluable, and does not smear the bees.

Bees Clustering Outside Hives (Bees). — When the weather is hot and
there are no supers on strong stocks the bees not infrequently cluster out¬
side for weeks tog ther, if the weather is so unfavourable as not to give an
opportunity to swarm. The smaller the hive the more surely do the bees
cluster before swarming. Most probably the weather has been unfavour¬
able to swarming and the stocks have given up all idea of increase for this
season, although the “ one lot that seems to have gone back inside their
own skep ” may have removed the need for clustering by swarming — unper¬
ceived by you — and so reducing the temperature of the hive. No swarm
will issue this season now from either of the hives if they are in a normal
state, and there is no reason for suspecting that they are without queenB.
Sometimes an old or injured queen is unable to go with the swarm, but in
that case suspicion would at once be aroused, for the swarm issuing unac¬
companied by the queen a return would soon be made to the parent hive,
and the queen not seldom found by the bee-keeper crawling on the ground
beneath the hive. The comb built underneath the board should be carefully
removed, and most probably in a few days, as the honey season is over in
all but Heather districts, the bees will not be more numerous than the hive
is able comfortably to contain. Most likely the qu ens of both stocks have
been superseded, and if so care during the winter and a sufficiency of food
alone are necessary to ensure success next year if the weather is favour¬
able. Drones are, no doubt, now being ejected from the hive3, the necessity
for their existence having passed away with the month of July, and the
end of the swarming season. From ten to fourteen days after the issue of
aswarm “ piping ” can be heard in the old stock, and thus it is possible
without difficulty not only to ascertain whether a cast will issue but also
whether the stock has swarmed. Perhaps this will enable you to discover
whether the stock, “the bees of which seem to have gone back inside,” has
sent out a swarm or not, unless too long a time has elapsed since the dis¬
appearance of the clusters.

COYENT GARDEN MARKET.— August 11th.

No alteration from last week.

8.

d.

8.

d.

Apples .

} sieve

0

0

to 0

0

Cherries .

i sieve

2

0

4

0

Currants, B'ack ..

£ sieve

2

3

2

6

„ Red . .

i siere

2

6

0

0

Figs .

dozen

i

6

2

0

Grapes .

i

0

s

0

Lemons .

10

0

15

0

B

. d.

s.

, d

Artichokes .. ..

dozen

l

0 to 0

0

Asparagus .. ,.

bundle

0

0

0

0

Beans, Kidney . .

lb.

0

3

0

0

Beet, Red .. ..

dozen

1

0

2

0

Broccoli .

bundle

0

0

0

0

Brussels Sprouts ..

£ sieve

0

0

0

0

Cabbage .

dozen

1

6

0

0

Capsicums .. ••

100

1

6

2

0

Carrots .

bunch

0

6

0

0

Cauliflowers .. ..

dozen

3

0

4

0

Celery .. .. ..

bundle

1

8

2

0

Coleworts doz. bunches

2

0

4

0

Cucumbers .. ..

each

0

3

0

6

Endive . .

dozen

1

0

2

0

Her os . .

bunch

0

2

0

0

Leeks .

bunch

0

8

0

4

PLANTS :

s.

d.

8.

a.

Aralia Sieboldi ..

dozen

9

0 to 18

0

Arbor vitae (golden) dozen

0

0

0

0

,, (common)

dozen

6

0

12

0

Arum Lilies . . . .

dozen

0

0

0

0

Bedding Plants, var.

doz.

0

0

0

0

Begonias . . . .

dozen

4

0

9

0

Calceolaria . . per

dozen

3

0

6

0

Cineraria . . . .

dozen

0

0

0

0

Cockscombs per dozen

4

0

6

0

Crassula . . per

dozen

0

0

0

0

Cyperus .

dozen

4

0

12

0

Dracaana terminalis, dozen 30

0

60

0

,, viridis . .

dozen 12

0

24

0

Erica, various

dozen

0

0

0

0

Euonymus, in var.

dozen

6

0

18

0

Evergreens, in var.

dozen

6

0

24

0

Ferns, in variety . .

dozen

4

0

18

0

9. d. a. d.

Melon . each 1 0 to 2 0

Oranges . 100 6 0 12 o

Peaches . perdoz. 4 0 10 0

Pine Apples English., lb. 2 0 3 0

Plums . i sieve 0 0 0 0

St. Michael Pines ..each 4 0 6 0

Strawberries .. .. per lb. 0 6 10

ABLES.

s. d. s. d

Lettuce . dozen 1 0 to 1 6

Mushrooms .. ..punnet 0 6 10

Mustard and Cress punnet 0 2 0 0

Onions . bunoh 0 3 0 0

Parsley .. dozen bunches 2 0 3 0

Parsnips .. ., ,. dozen 10 2 0

Potatoes . cwt. 4 0 5 0

,, Kidney .. cwt. 4 6 5 0

Rhubarb .. •• •• bundle 0 2 0 0

Salsafy . bundle 10 16

Scorzonera .. .. bundle 16 0 0

Seakale .. .. per basket 0 0 0 0

Shallots . 1b. 03 00

Spinach . bushel 3 0 4 0

Tomatoes . lb. 0 4 0 6

Turnips .. .. bunch 0 4 0 6

4 POTS.

s. d. s. d.

Ficus elastica .. each 1 6 to 7 0

Fuchsia .. per dozen 4 0 9 0

Foliage Plants, var. each 2 0 10 0

Heliotrope . . per dozen 4 0 8 0

Hydrangea .. per dozen 6 0 12 0

Ivy Geraniums per dozen 3 0 6 0

Lilium auratum per doz. 18 0 60 0

„ lancifolium per doz. SO 18 0

,, longiflorum per doz. 18 0 30 0

Lobelias . . . . per dozen 3 0 4 0

Marguerite Daisy dozen 6 0 9 0

Mignonette . . per dozen 3 0 6 0

Musk . . . . per dozen 2 0 4 0

Myrtles . dozen 6 0 12 0

Palms, in var. .. each 2 6 21 0

Pelargoniums, scarlet, doz. 3 0 6 0

Pelargoniums per dozen 6 0 15 0

Abntilons .. 12 bunches

Arum Lilies .. 12 blooms

ABters . . . . 12 blooms

Azalea .. .. 12 sprays

Bouvardias .. per bunch
Camellias . . 12 blooms

Carnations .. 12 blooms

„ .. 12 bunches

Chrysanthemums 12 blooms
Cornflower .. 12 bunches
Cowslips . . doz. bunches
Daffodils .. 12 bunches
Epiphylluoi .. doz. blooms
Em haris .. per dozen

Garde lias . . 12 blooms

Hellebore .. doz. blooms
Hyacinths.Roman, 12 sprays

Iris . 12 bunches

Lapageria, white, 12 blooms
Lapageria, red . 12 blooms
Lavender dozen bunches
Lilium candidum 12 blms.

„ .. 12 bches.

„ longiflorum, 12 blms.

CUT FLOWERS.

8.

d.

s.

d.

8.

d.

8.

d.

2

0 to 4

0

Lily of the Valley, 12 sprays

0

0

to 0

0

4

0

6

0

Marguerites ..

12 bunches

3

0

6

0

0

8

0

6

Mignonette ..

12 bunches

1

0

4

0

0

0

0

0

Myosotis . .

12 bunches

2

0

3

0

0

6

1

0

Pelargoniums, per 12 trasses

0

9

1

0

0

0

0

0

„ scarlei

, 12 trusses

0

3

0

6

1

0

8

0

Roses

12 bunches

2

0

9

0

3

0

6

0

„ (indoor),

per dozen

0

6

2

0

0

0

0

0

„ Tea.. ..

0

9

1

0

1

6

3

0

„ red

.. dozen

0

8

1

0

0

0

0

0

„ Moss

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Primroses, Yellow, dozen

0

0

0

0

dozen bunches

0

0

0

0

2

0

4

0

Pyrethrum . .

12 bunches

4

0

9

0

2

0

4

0

Spiraea . . . .

12 sprays

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Stephan otis ..

12 sprays

2

0

3

0

0

0

0

0

Stocks, various

12 bunches

3

0

5

0

0

0

0

0

Sunflowers

0

6

i

0

0

0

0

0

Sweet Peat ..

12 bnnehes

2

0

4

0

1

0

2

0

Sweet Sultan

12 bunches

8

0

4

0

4

0

5

0

Tropaeolum ..

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Tuberoses

12 blooms

0

6

1

0

0

0

0

Violets . . . .

12 bunches

0

0

0

3

0

6

0

„ Czar, Fr.

• • bunch

0

0

0

148

JOURNAL OF HORTIGULTU IE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ An M&t 12, 1386.

THE FLOCK.

Under the agricultural depression we have seriously to
consider ends and aims in farming, to pass in review all that
has been done, to discard whatever is unprofitable, and to
retain only such crops and animals as are calculated to afford
some return upon reasonable outlay. That sheep “ pay ”
even now there can be no doubt, both upon arable and grass
land, and it is well therefore to consider how they may be
best turned to advantage. “ Light land for sheep ” is an
article of faith among farmers generally ; may we not go
farther, and say all land is suitable for sheep if it is under
sound cultivation ? Heavy land is often condemned for
sheep in winter ; yet if it is made sound by drainage, and
porous by dressings of lime, burnt earth, or coal ashes, we
see no reason why sheep may not be kept upon it the year
round, if yards and lodges are provided for shelter.

The present month may be regarded as the best time in
the whole year for the re-arrangement of the flock. The
weaning is over, the drafting of lambs for breeding, for
hoggets, or for sale has been done, tup sales are beginning,
and preparations for the ensuing breeding season are now
being made. Hoggets, if selected with care, answer best for
folding in winter and spring, and the root crops are now for¬
ward enough in growth to show that there will be an ample
provision of food for the purpose. Just now it is folding upon
Kye Grass, Clover, Sainfoin, or Lucerne that demands
attention ; and we have been purchasing old sheep for this
particular purpose for several weeks, as opportunities
occurred. Preference is given to old sheep for summer and
autumn folding, both for the freedom with which they adapt
themselves to changes of diet and for the profit at which
they can be sold subsequently. Coming from the lambs, as
most of them do, very low in flesh, they soon improve in
appearance upon a liberal diet of green food, with corn and
bran or cake, and they certainly do the land much good if
the folding is well managed. Our especial object is to impart
fertility to the soil at as little cost as possible. Old sheep
bought at the rate of 25s. apiece, if healthy, answer better
for this purpose than anything else we have tried, for by the
time they are fattened they have passed over much land and
are sold at a price which affords some profit upon our outlay
for the sheep, food, and labour.

Last summer we had a Clover layer, the growth of which
was so weak as to show clearly the poor condition of the soil.
Old sheep were passed over the whole of it in folds, enough
Waterloo cake being given to fatten them. Ploughing fol¬
lowed the folding closely to prevent waste of manure by
evaporation, and in due course Wheat was sown, with a half
dressing of pure home-mixed chemical manure. Another
half dressing of chemical manure was given early in sprint,
and we have now a fine crop of Wheat, showing in no uncer¬
tain manner that the land is reclaimed from poverty and loss
to fertility and profit. By sheep folding only we could not
have been so successful, but it ought certainly to be regarded
as laying the foundation of our success. At the present time
we have one flock of old sheep folded upon a coarse growth of
Meadow Grass, such as is usually thought must suitable for
cattle. It is a poor pasture, and we know that by sheep¬
folding we can do much to improve it. Lambs would not
answer for such a purpose ; they would not eat such herbage
closely, nor would their excrement enrich the soil sufficiently.

At another farm we have just begun folding old sheep
upon a second growth of Bed Clover. We bought this flock
for 20s. Gi. apiece, and if we are able to dispose of them
after the folding as fat sheep at about 40s. they will answer

very well. Experience has shown that this estimate is a safe
one, and we may add that it is based upon the results of our
practice last autumn. No doubt we were fortunate in our
purchase of this flock at an exceptionally low price ; it was
just one of those chances which occasionally occur at big
auction sales, where results are always somewhat speculative.
At the next big sale we were at sheep, decidedly inferior to
ours, sold readily for 3s. to 4s. more apiece than we gave.
At another farm, after the sheep have finished the Clover,
they will go upon White Turnips sown early for the purpose,
and which are now growing very fast.

To sell such sheep profitably it must be done gradually,
and only as they become fat enough for the butcher. We
have several hundreds of them, and our sales will extend
over the autumn far into winter, for with our splendid crops
of roots and strong aftergrowth of grass, food will be so
abundant that we can afford to wait, and draft the sheep for
sale in small batches to best advantage. Unless heavy land
is well drained the sheep must be withdrawn from it early in
autumn ; the most forward sheep should, therefore, be
selected for such land, and the necessity for the withdrawal
of the sheep in winter should act as an additional incentive
to doing as much drainage as we can next winter.

WORK ON THE HOME FARM.

Winter Oats have been mowed and left unbound to be turned over,
so as to have the corn well ripened, as it is our intention to thresh it at
once as it is carted from the field. With favourable weather this can be
done before the regular harvest work is begun, and the straw can be cut
into chaff at once and put into a compact heap in the chaff house. If a
slight fermentation occurs in the heap the chaff has an aroma almost
equal to the best meadow hay, and it is eaten readily by horses, sheep,
and cattle. We have long ceased tying Oats into sheaves, for the straw
absorbs moisture so easily that if the sheaves become wet the whole of
them may have to be unbound. Spring Oats have much improved, even
within the past week. This is of even more importance than it was,
since so many farmers have sown many additional acres of Oats instead of
Wheat. Under high cultivation we have now no crop more profitable
than Oats, and we may add no crop has been more neglected than this.
Five or six quarters an acre is often grown upon land that if well managed
would yield twice as many Oats. Wheat was the only com for which
manure was considered necessary. Oats or Barley would grow and yield
a crop of some sort without any special dressing of manure, and this was
thought conclusive without any inquiry as to the possibility of getting
better crops by improved means of culture. Hoeing among late-sown
Swedes and White Turnips, hedge-clipping, Thistle-spudding, tarring and
painting of fences, gates, and outbuildings, and similar work is being
done in the interval between hay and corn harvest. Horses have been
employed in carting chalk and gravel for the bottom of yards, care being
taker, to examine and set in order any faulty drains before they were
covered afresh. Fences and gates are also being repaired around the
yards, while cows and other stock are out upon the pastures. We would
again call attention to the importance of keeping premises in repair by
having trifling blemishes set right at once. We greatly deplore the
appearance of careless neglect now visible in so many homesteads ; yet
many of them could be set in order by the judicious use of a few boards,
bricks, and tiles, and a little whitewash or tar. Sorely does this matter
press upon us, for we are now engaged in putting the whole of the farm
buildings of a large estate in order, which have had literally nothing
done to them for many years.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Camden Square, London.

Lat. 61° 32' 40" N.; Long. 0° 8' 0" W. ; Altitude, 111 feet.

DATE.

9 A.M.

IN THE DAY.

C

"5

1886.

August.

Barome¬
ter at 32^
and Sea
Level

Hygrome¬

ter.

Direction
of Wind.

| Temp, of

Soil at

1 foot.

Shade Tem¬
perature.

Radiation

Temperature.

Dry.

Wet.

Max.

Min.

In

sun.

On

grass

Inches.

deg.

deg.

deg.

dec:.

deg

deer.

deg

In

Sunday .

1

29.8' 9

62.4

56.1

S.W.

60.4

72 4

50.8

120.6

46.8

0.1 00

Monday .

2

29.633

58.0

57.1

W.

60.9

64 9

56.2

114.4

55.6

0.024

Tuesday .

3

30.082

57.9

50.3

W.

59.7

68.7

44.6

116.6

390

_

Wednesday ..

4

30.127

60.0

54.7

N.

59.9

69 2

51.4

109.7

47.1

_

Thursday ....

5

30.108

62.3

57.9

E.

59.6

71.7

47.4

112.3

41.6

_

Friday .

6

29.912

64.3

61.1

S.W.

59 8

783

58.7

1 15.6

55.4

_

Saturday ....

7

29.965

67.2

63.5

S.W.

61.2

76.6

60.0

114.0

58.5

0.026

29.9 5

61.7

57.3

60.2

71.7

52.7

116.2

49.1

0.156

REMARKS.

1st.— Fair, and sometimes bright till evening, rain from 6 r.M.

2nd. — Wet morning, fine bright afternoon.

3rd.— Fins bright day.

4th. — Fine but not bright, occasionally cloudy and no strong sun.

5tb. — Fine but with little sun.

6th.— Cloudy morning, bright warm afternoon, rather close.

7th. — Cloudy morning, fine and bright afternoon.

Rather dull with average temperature, but rather less rain than usual.— G. J. SYMONS

August 19, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

149

19

Th

Maidenhead Show.

20

F

Exeter Show.

21

S

Cheadle (Cheshire) Show.

22

SUN

9tu Sunday after Trinity.

28

M

21

TU

Royal Horticultural Society (Commitiees at 11 a.m.). C.ttagers' Show.

25

w

Beading, Ludlow, and Brighton Shows.

THE HOLLYHOCK REVIVAL.

LORICULTURAL visitors to the Royal Horti¬
cultural Society’s Show and meeting at South
Kensington recently were surprised to observe
the reappearance of the Hollyhock as a portion
of the floral attractions, and with a considerable
share of its former charms. After the lapse of
ten years, during which time the Society has not
certificated one variety of Hollyhock, we find
quite unexpectedly three or four collections of fine
blooms staged, and no less than four novelties are deemed
worthy of honours. Whether the destructive fungus has rim
its course and finally ceased to trouble us, or whether the
present immunity is the result of the season merely, cannot
be determined. One thing is certain — Hollyhocks are this
year finer than they have been for a decade, and all agreed
in regarding it as a most favourable omen for admirers and
cultivators of this stately plant. It is not unreasonable to
hope that we may again see the plants occupying the position
they so well deserve in gardens, and that cut-flower depart¬
ments of late summer shows may be graced by their bold
handsome spikes.

As a “ landscape ” flower the Hollyhock is unrivalled, the
Foxglove, beautiful though it is, being of less imposing
stature, and not so useful in distant effects. The former can,
however, be employed with grand results if it is planted
judiciously and in suitable places ; its tall spires tower above
all ordinary herbaceous plants and dwarf shrubs, and it can
consequently be employed to excellent purpose in the back¬
ground of herbaceous border or the foreground of shrub¬
beries. Being somewhat formal in general character, espe¬
cially the double varieties, Hollyhocks a, re seldom seen to
the best advantage when disposed in straight lines or in any
other formal manner. A bold irregular, but not crowded,
group in a distant part of the flower garden is perhaps the
most effective way of planting them ; or where it is desirable
to plant them near the house they are best in borders near
walls, or with a background of shrubs, as they do not look
well in isolated beds close to the windows. Some years ago
a grand display of these plants used to be provided at
Hampton Court Palace Gardens, and arranged as these were
close to the building and facing the walk which extends to
the Thames, they had a fine appearance. The common
single varieties are by no means to be despised, for though
they would not satisfy the requirements of a florist, there is
something charmingly picturesque about vigorous plants of
the single Hollyhock such as are seen in country cottage
gardens. Many have had occasion to deplore the loss of their
plants during recent years, and their restoration would be a
distinct gain to the floricultural world.

The Hollyhock is one of our oldest introduced plants, and
though several dates have been given by various authorities,
there seems to be considerable uncertainty as to when it first
appeared in this country. Probably it was some time about
the middle of the sixteenth century, for it is mentioned by
No. 311. — Vol. XIII., Third Series.

the old herbalists, Gerard, Parkinson, and others, as common
in gardens, both single and double varieties being described
and figured. It is a Chinese plant, and has there been culti¬
vated for a long time, seeds having been distributed thence
through many parts of Asia, and finally to Europe; and
some have thought that he referred to this plant when he
mentioned a “Rose growing on stalks like the Mallow.”
The older English writers do not give much information
respecting the introduction of the plant, though it was
evidently regarded with considerable favour at the time
Johnson’s edition of Gerard’s “ Herball ” was published —
namely, in 1633, for it is stated that “ these Hollihockes are
sown in gardens almost everywhere.” Rather more than a
century later Milier gave very full cultural directions, and
remarks that he had double and single varieties with white,
pale red, deep red, blackish red, purple, yellow, and flesh-
coloured flowers. He also observes that, “besides these, I
saw many years ago some plants with variegated flowers in
the garden of the late Lord Burlington, in London, raised
from seeds which came from China.” From seeds supplied
to Miller by a Mr. Charles du Bois, of Mitcham, in 1726,
which were originally obtained from Madras, “ many double
varieties of several colours ” were raised, which no doubt
helped to improve the race considerably. Martyn adds to
the edition of Miller’s “ Dictionary,” published in 1807, that
“ a dwarf sort with beautiful double variegated flowers has
been in great esteem for some years past under the name of
Chinese Hollyhock.”

The greatest successes were, however, reserved for the
florists of the nineteenth century. Numbers of handsome
double varieties were raised, classes were provided for it at
exhibitions all over the country, and the plant became an
established favourite. From about 1850 to 1870 was the
period in which the Hollyhock gained the greatest number of
admirers, and some idea can be formed of its popularity by
consulting the certificate records of the Royal Horticultural
Society’s Floral Committee. Thus from 1859 to 1871 seventy-
six varieties were certificated, and no less than thirty-nine of
these were raised by Mr. Chater of Saffron Walden, the Rev.
E. Hawke following in point of numbers as a raiser, and
Messrs. Downie, Laird and Laing next. In the succeeding
twelve years — namely, from 1872 to 1884, the total fell to
fifteen, shared nearly equally by Hawke and Chater, but the
last one certificated was Virgin Queen (Chater), August 2nd,
1876, and from that time to the present Hollyhocks have
disappeared from the list.

Everyone knows that this sudden downfall was not due to
a change of public taste, but to the appearance of a fungus,
which came as unexpectedly as the Potato disease, attacked a
plant that had been in cultivation for 300 years, and wrought
as great a devastation as the Peronospora. The coincidence
does not end there. The Puccinia malvacearum is also a
Chilian fungus, and according to Mr. W. T. Thiselton Dyer
it was first described by Montagne from specimens collected
in Chili by Bertero, where it principally attacked the Marsh
Mallow ( Althsea officinalis). From there it seems to have
found its way to Australia, thence to Spain, and became very
destructive in France in 1873. The fungologist, Professor
De Bary, has expressed some doubt about the introduction
of the fungus from Chili. I do not know upon what evidence,
but he confirms the European spread of the fungus. The
Rev. M. J. Berkeley has stated that there was no record of
the fungus in this country until July 12th, 1873, and that it
was firsl observed on an extensive scale in France on June
26th of the same year. When once it obtainea hold here it
extended with great rapidity, and collections in all parts of
the kingdom were soon infected, and hundreds of thousands
of plants were destroyed, as no effective method of combat¬
ing it could be found. In two years from the time it was
first observed the majority of the finest Hollyhocks were
extinct, and some of the most experienced growers had to
discontinue issuing lists, as they could not supply plants.

No. 1977 —Vol. LXXV., Old Series

150

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 19, 1886.

Applications of softsoap, sulphur, and Gishurst were tried
with little effect, and the only course has seemed to be
destroying the infected plants and obtaining fresh stock. In
cool moist seasons the fuugus has been less troublesome, and
on one or two occasions there was a partial recovery that
induced some to hope tbe pest had been conquered; but each
hot, dry, succeeding summer restored its devastating powers
to the fullest extent.

There is little doubt in my mind that one cause which has
contributed greatly to rendering the Hollyhock more liable to
the attacks of this fungus is the system of rapid propagation
by cuttings. No sooner has a fine new variety been secured
and a demand created than the utmost efforts have been made
to increase the stock, the plants have been grown under glass,
in heat, to obtain all the cuttings possible. It seems quite
clear that this process continued during many years has
gradually weakened the constitution of what is naturally a
hardy plant, and thus rendered it especially liable to the
attacks of a fungus like the Puccinia. A liberal system of
culture, having the plants as hardy and sturdy as possible,
and propagation by seeds are the most likely means of pro¬
curing a race of Hollyhocks free from the fungus, or at least
to diminish the virulence of its attacks. Probably the fact
that Hollyhocks have been increased more by seed recently
may have had something to do with their improved health and
freedom from disease this season ; in any case I think a sub¬
stantial advance has been made in the right direction, and we
may expect to see Hollyhocks once more holding the place
they so well merit. — Suburbanist.

CULTIVATION OF THE STRAWBERRY.

C Continued from page 134.)

FORCING VARIETIES.

Placing in Position. — Stand the plants on the shelves at
such distance that they will stand clear of each other. If there
is to be a removal of plants after they have set the fruit they
may be closer together than were no such removal to take place,
but the plants must have room for the expansion of their foliage
without crowding, light and air being essential alike to growth,
flowering, setting, swelling, and ripening About a foot apart is
a suitable distance- What about turve3 on the shelves, troughs
filled with manure, and saucers ? 1 have tried all, and the results

were not better than by placing on the bare shelves, whether
they were stone, slate, board, lattice, or iron grate. Neither the
turves nor manure troughs save watering, but encourage the roots
passing into the turf and manure, and prevent the plants being
moved until the fruit is ripe Saucers are not used until the fruit
is fairly swelling, and they are removed as soon as the fruit has
swelled. They, however, are not material if only care is taken in
watering. The saucers, nevertheless, are valuable when the plants
occupy positions where drip from them would be fatal to their
being present through the more important value of crops beneath.
Drip from Strawberries on shelves in Peach houses, Fig houses,
vineries, Melon and Cucumber houses, Pine stoves, or elsewhere,
is highly objectionable. I have had Strawberries on shelves at
the upper part of the back wall of a Peach house, and drip from
the pots when the Peach trees were in blossom converted the
pollen into paste. Saucers are useful in such cases, better still
are the ledges on the edges of the shelves and the zinc tubes before
alluded to to carry the water to the ground, and best of all is to
have the shelves so placed that the drip will not fall on anything
of consequence. In that case saucers a.re not necessary, and
they certainly ai-e not essential.

Temperature. — The frame treatment will allow the usual keep¬
ing cool for a fortnight being dispensed with. Commence with 45°
to 50° as the artificial temperature. This should be continued for a
week, and in the course of another it may be raised 5°, or to 50° or
55° by artificial means It must be kept steady at these, 55° being
the day temperature, and 50° the night. ( n very cold nights the
temperature may be allowed to fall 5°, but the heat must be
turned on or the fire set to work so that the temperature will be
raised an hour after daybreak, or if very dull and cold 5‘ less
may be allowed through the day. This will only retard the pro¬
cess, and it has the advantage of being safe. With sun the
temperature may rise 5° on a cloudy day with occisional clear
intervals, 10° with about as much sun as cloud alternating, and
15° with a c^ar sky, and in all cases closing should be practised
so early as to advance 5° if possible on the days and tempera¬

ture indicated. These temperatures should be continued and
prevail until the fruit is set, "when it may be slightly increased,
advancing 5° in the course of a week, and.5u more in the
course of a fortnight, which will bring the night temperature
up to G0° or 65°, and the fruit will then be advanced in swelling,
and bear a much higher temperature The temperature from sun
heat will, of course, advance those from artificial means in the
ratio before given — viz., 5’ on dull days with a little sun, 1U
with sun and clouds alternating, and 15° on clear days.

This stage of the fruit being reached, and the crop having to
be finished in the same house, tbe night temperature should be
kept at G5°, falling 5° on cold nights, and ruling 5 higher on
warm nights, 70° to 75° by day from fire heat and 80 to 90
through the day from sun heat. This can be continued until. the
fruit begins to ripen, when a temperature of 60° to 65 at night
and 70° to 75° by day will be all that is necessary, a high day
temperature being kept down by admitting air more liberally.
The fruit i3 found to have better flavour than when ripened in a
high and moist atmosphere. ...

Ventilation. — Until growth is commencing little ventilation
will be required, except when the temperature reaches the day
limit. Closing should be effected sufficiently early to raise the
heat 5° above the maximum day temperature Ventilate slightly
at the top before nightfall, and let it rema.A constantly except
when the house is closed in the afternoon This procedure is
to be adopted throughout the whole of the forcing period, with
but two exceptions — when the plants are flowering and when
the fruit is ripening. At those times a circulation of air should
be maintained constantly.

Watering. — The plants should be attended to once a day in
the early stages of growth, twice or three times a day when they
are in free growth and their crops swelling. After the fruit
begins to change for ripening water should only be given to
prevent the foliage flagging. All water used should be tepid, a
ew degrees warmer than the house

Stringing. — Syringe the plants morning and afternoon up
to the flowering period ; the exceptions are when the weather is
dull and cold and the foliage does not get fairly, dry before
night. A gentle sprinkling is the best, and not driving squalls
from the syringe, wetting a plant here and there. In dull
weather damping available surfaces in the morning and after¬
noon will be sufficient. It does not answer to keep the foliage
dripping with moisture. When coming into flower avoid satu¬
rating the flowers with water, but a slight syringing will not do
any harm until the flowers are fully expanded, when it is best
discontinued. After flowering syringing may again be practised
morning and early afternoon, discontinuing it as soon as the
fruit gives the first indications of ripening. If continued later
it is liable to cause the fruit to be spotted, and the least speck
spoils a large fruit. .

Feeding.— This is best effected by liquid manure. ihe
surface dressing of horse droppings or decayed manure may be
renewed from time to time, removing the old before applying the
fresh. After setting is a good time to renew the mulch. A
few weak applications of liquid manure may be given as the
plants come into flower, but the chief thing is to feed when the
plants are swelling the fruit. The drainings of stables, farm, or
dung yards diluted with six times the bulk of water are good,
but these are so variable in strength as to be of little value so
highly diluted, and unless diluted they are at times so strong
as to be positively injurious. Judgment must therefore be
exercised in using such substance. A peck of sheep droppings
to 30 gallons of water makes an excellent liquid manure, and so
does the cow and fowl manure. Soot, at the rate of a peck to
60 gallons of water, is good. Guano, 1 lb. to 20 gallons of water,
sulphate of ammonia, 1 lb. to 30 gallons of water, may be men¬
tioned as suitable. The liquid in all cases should not be less in
temperature when applied than that in which the plants are
growing. Liquid manure may be given every alternate watering,
and should cease when the fruit commences changing colour for
ripening. In applying liquid manure it must not be poured
upon the plant, but the foliage should be raised with one hand
so that it can be poured from the pot with the other beneath the
foliage and fruit. This must be done carefully, as any rough
handling of the fruit will damage it, and its decay will be
speedy.

Flowering. — The plants must have perfected the flower
buds, and they must have time to develope and form the organs
of fructification, so as to secure complete fertilisation. This
requires gradual development. If placed in a strong heat at
once the flowers may unfold, the calyx and corolla suffer no
injury, though the corolla is unusually short, the stamens may
even assume their yellow colour, but generally turn, black or
shrivel, and the pistils, instead of being a lively yellowish green,

August 19, 18S6. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

151

become black or abortive. This is sometimes a consequence of
immature development -not well-matured crown or heart buds,
but it very often arises from bringing on the plants too rapidly,
and in keeping too hot and moist when the flowers are developing.
Syringing, or a close confined atmosphere, is fatal, the latter
especially. We have known a light sprinkling of benefit in
liberating the pollen, but it is best omitted. Ventilate early and
freely, and avoid sudden fluctuations or depressions of tempera¬
ture. Cold currents of air and a moist conlined atmosphere
should be avoided. Artificial impregnation may be had recourse
to on a fine day when the pollen is ripe, using a camel's-hair
brush, a feather, or better a bunch of feathers or a plume of
Pampas Grass, brushing the flowers over lightly. Air in motion
will do it just as well, and a sharp gentle rapping on the lower
part of the trusses is good. A rather dry condition of the
atmosphere is necessary, but moisture must be secured by damp¬
ing, only it must be kept from being deposited on the flowers.
I have seen the corollas browned through a moist confined atmo¬
sphere, and then have been asked why the flowers do not set and
those setting are deformed ?

Thinning the Flowers and Fruit. — The trusses have
all the best flowers, and consequently fruit at the lower part,
and when the trusses have about half their flowers expanded the
buds on the upper part may be removed. Either those left will
set or those removed would not have given fruit worth retaining,
so it is just as well to remove the weak flower buds and thereby
strengthen those retained. We may safely remove half of the
flowers when the first or lower half are fully expanded, as we
can then see whether they are perfect and likely to set. Some
are so afraid of not having a crop that they leave all, and even
defer thinning the fruit until the first fruits are considerably
advanced in swelling. The longer any surplus flowers or fruit
remain the more is taken from the size of those ultimately
retained for the crop. As to the quantity of fruit per plant to
be retained, that entirely depends on the size the fruit is wanted
and the kind. La Grouse Sucree does not give half so many
flowers as Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury, and to thin the former
as much as the latter would be to cut all the fruit away. Half a
dozen fruit on La Grosse Sucree correspond to about a dozen on
Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury, so that with a dozen on La
Grosse Sucree as a crop we may take two dozen on Vicomtesse
Hericart de Thury with a certainty that we get as much weight.
Of course, if the blossom and fruit of Vicomtesse be reduced
early to a dozen there will not perhaps be any difference in the
size of the fruits or the weight of the two kinds. Quantity does
not mean weight, and it certainly does not mean quality. The
crown or king fruit always takes the lead, and if fine fruit for
particular purposes is wanted these only should be retained, the
others being cut away. As to the size of the fruit, 1 oz is a
good weight for La Grosse Sucree and Vicomtesse Hericart de
Thury; Sir Harry will weigh 1^ oz. ; President, Sir Charles
-Napier, Dr. Hogg, and British Queen may reach 2 ozs. in occa¬
sional instances ; Marguerite will grow to a very much heavier
weight.— G. Abbey.

BRITISH ORCHIDS.

Many of our native Orchids are much-neglected plants, perhaps
because they are thought to be difficult to cultivate, and as regards some
of (hem this is quite correct. Others, however, are not so difficult to
manage, and might well be added to collections of hardy plants. One
great favourite is Habenaria bifolia, which can be collected in a wild
state and safely removed to a garden. We find the best way is to dig
them up with a trowel when in bloom, running it down deep enough to
take the plant up with a good ball of earth round the roots, and trans¬
plant them where wanted as soon as possible, watering daily through a
fine rose until they are established and rain falls, after which they may
be safely left to themselves. Any turf or weeds in which they are grow¬
ing when lifted should be cut off with a sharp knife instead of pulling
them out, so as not to disturb the little ball of earth each one should
possess ; also to plant a little deeper. We have found suitable places for
them at or near the base of rockeries, as there is usually more moisture
than when near the top ; they also do well transplanted in grass, but of
course it must not be cut with a mowing machine or scythe till the foliage
has died. We have a number of them in long grass near the lawn, in
which hundreds of Bluebells, Narcissus, Snowdrops, Crocus, Squills, and
other bulbs are planted, and are usually all mown down about haymaking
time. An annual top-dressing of leaf soil suits it, as it does most other
plants on the rockery.

Other pretty British Orchids are Ophrys muscifera, Opbrys aranifera,
Opbrysapifera, Orchis mascula, O. maculata, 0. latifolia, 0. Morio, 0. pyra-
midalis, Gymnadtnia conopsea, and Aceras anthropophora. All the above
were dug up and planted when in full bloom, and have not in the least
degenerated ; but some, particularly Orchis mascula, 0. latifolia, 0. macu¬
lata, and the Aceras, are much finer than when planted two years ago.
The Bee Orchis (0. apifera) is about the same, but the three bulbs that

were planted together and had three spikes last year, this year has only
two. We have had several clumps of Orchis maculata with twenty or
more spikes in each, with several varieties as regards colour. A good
quantity of decayed leaf soil was well mixed in when the rockery was
made, and in it they seem to delight, many of the spikes being more than
18 inches high, and with more than fifty flowers on each. This is one of
the best species from a “ cut flower ” point of view, and anyone fortunate
enough to find a wood with plenty of them growing in, and with permis¬
sion to dig them up, may safely do so when in full bloom, planting them
in a good place in the kitchen garden, where they may be allowed to
remain, and will be rewarded with plenty of flowers annually. The colour
of this species varies from nearly white to crimson, thus showing that
some hardy Orchids are as variable as some of the exotic kinds, "notably
Odontoglossum Alexandras.

The variety shown in the woodcut (fig. 22) is a fine selection named

Fig. 22.— Orchis maculata superba.

superba. and superior to most forms in the size and excellent form of the
spike, also in the bright colours of the flowers. — B.

MADRESFIELD COURT GRAPE CRACKING.

Mr. Riddle’s allusion to the hydraulic curiosity, the Copper Weeping
Willow of Chatswoitb, takes me back in thought to more than a’score
years ago, when I was initiated into the mystery, as also the uses and
abuses of this Willow. Reverting to the Grape question, I do not pretend
to hydraulic control of the routs, but contend that under my plan cf root
covering, while retaining all the water food necessary to mature the crop,
it prevents moisture arising, and thus at once keeps the berries sound and
maintains the roots in a growing condition. Having plenty of good
foliage and laterals, all that I require for shade purposes, I pinch all sub¬
laterals and young growth, but do not use knife. Theoretically I may
be wrong, but practically I am right, as we have a crop of sound fruit. I
take it for granted your correspondents who favour root-watering now
will admit I am in less danger of cracking berries by dew, moisture, or

152

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 19, 1839.

steam, whatever they like to call it, since I can peifect the crop, as I am
fully persuaded the roots have all they require.

They do admit rising damp or moisture is a cause of skin cracking,
and when formerly I watered Madresfield Court in the usual way, knowing
the great danger < f atmospheric moisture, the watering was only supplied
on suitable occasions, such as a bright morning with a little wind if pos¬
sible ; even then, though I generally kept the door open, I could not stop
the cracking. I have Madresfield Couit Vines with thirty bunches each,
and though we do not get the berries quite so large as some I have seen,
the colour and flavour will be all that are required. We have had a series
of cold, wet, sunless days and nights — to-day I see the thermometer stands
at 55° — then we have an hour’s hot sun or less, then cold again. I noted
a change of 10° in an hour to-day ; just what favours cracking.

Several persons have called to see me lately, and they acknowledge they
like my treat ment and think I am on the right tack ; one a lord’s gardener,
whose employer thinks Madresfield Court the only black Grape grown
wortheating, wishes he had a crop to equal it. Another gardener holding
this position to a more exalted personage, only as late as Tuesday, on
seeing my crop stated he intends trying what he can do with it, and this
sfter discarding it on account of cracking. — Stephen Castle, West
Lynn.

In replying to my note upon this question, Mr. S. Castle does not
dispute what I therein stated in my opinion was the cause of the berries
oracking. He is evidently a firm believer that water at the root is the
chief cause, although he cites two other things which have something to
do with it — namely, no fire heat, and a Etiff soil. The first is in con¬
nection with my case, and I may here remark that I do not quite under¬
stand him. Whether he means the absence of fire heat was the cause,
or the putting it on again ; perhaps he will make himself clear upon this
point. What led me to give the reason I did was because nothing serious
happened until the rain came and the moisture gathered densely upon
the glass (although the house was ventilated), which is not so when the
outside atmosphere is dry and clear. It may be that the lower tempe¬
rature which accompanied the rain had something to do with it. Since
writing my last note I am more fully convinced that water at the roots
will not do any harm, and until experience teaches me differently I shall
not be sparing with it. — R. M.

ORCHID NOMENCLATURE— WHAT IS KEW ABOUT ?

“An Orchid Grower” points out effectively on page 108 both the
unscientific and unsystematic manner in which names are attached to new
Orchids by introducers of them, this happy-go-lucky method, for it cannot
be called anything else, being acknowledged by the Floral Committee of
the Royal Horticultural Society, of which Mr. G. F. Wilson is, I think,
the chairman. The most practical and sensible suggestion that, so far as
I know, has yet been made for avoiding confusion in the nomenclature of
plants is that made by your correspondent in the article referred to —
namely, that “ all introduced plants have Latin names, and all those raised
in Britain, whether seedlings or sport0, have popular names, except hybrids
between recognised species, which should, where possible, have titles indi¬
cating their parentage.” There is a natural and intelligible distinction
in those divisions, and a distinct method of nomenclature would be appro¬
priate. As a rule popular names are given to varieties of florists’ flowers
with the name of the raiser appended in parentheses ; but this cannot well
be done in the case of a newly introduced Orchid, because the possessor of
it is not the raiser ; yet it seems desirable that his name should be identified
with it, as in the case of OdontoglosBum vexillarium Hollingtoni and Onci-
dium stelligerum Ernesti, which names appear to be stamped with the seal
of the Floral Committee, while Mr. Southgate and Mr. Hill’s names were
refused recognition in the latinised form in connection with their Orchids
that were certificated. Such a loose method of procedure is indefensible,
for if the Committee were right in refusing to latinise two of the names
they were wrong in admitting the others, but in my opinion they did not
show the best of judgment in their refusal.

The more I reflect on the subject of the nomenclature of plants the
more I am impressed with the conviction that Kew does not take the
position it ought to occupy in this matter. There, if anywhere on the
face of the earth, ought to be the capacity for issuing descriptions and
determining the names of plants that would be accepted as authoritative ;
but this is not so, for it seems necessary t > send new Orchids to a foreign
professor for this purpose. The author, ties of our great national garden
appear to be content to follow rather than to lead on the subject of
Orchids. This cannot be for lack of resources, for not only is upwards
of £20,000 of public money granted for the support of the establishment,
including the payment of adequate salaries for skilled supervisors and
assistants, but, if I recollect rightly, a special grant was made some years
ago for the purchase of Dr. Lindley’s Orchid Herbarium. That was
obtained for a public purpose, but it seems difficult to perceive that its
acquisition has been of marked public advantage. Dr. L ndley t :ok a
decided lead in the Orchid world, and Kew having obtained his material
resources, ought to have continued his woik. I am not writing in a mere
grumbling spirit, nor with a desire to reflect in the least harshly on the
■’cientifie staff of the Royal Gardens, every member of which is a stranger
to me ; and I am quite willing to believe with “ F. L. S.” that Mr. Dyer
is “ earnestly desirous of popularising the establishment.” He has a
wide field fcef re him, and it is desirable that Kew should have the
Eympathetic support and enjoy the confidence of the grtat horticultural
community. We live in times when a full return is expected from the

outliy in all public departments. The national expenditure has become
so enormous that it may be expected the time is not far distant when a
searching inquiry will be made into all departments of the State, and
disbursements will be balanced against results. A great economical
“ wave ” will pass over the land one of these days, and retrenchment will
become fashionable. Kew, let us hope, will be in a position to endure
investigation, and will have won a host of supporters for the maintenance
of the splendid establishment.

<* F. L. S.” refers to a subject on which I suspect there is a rather
strong undercurrent of discontent — namely, the inadequate manner in
which the work done at Kew is presented to the public. If the heads of
departments were to prepare records of what is being done and what has
been accomplished such an aggregation of information would be at hand
that would form, say, quarterly reports of great value, and these being of
a practical and scientific character would if sold at a cheap rate be readily
purchased, and the cost of production would be defrayed ; and, further,
the editors of horticultural journals would be sure to make such extracts
from the repoits as would be of interest to their readers, and Kew
would then be in direct touch with practically all the botanists and horti¬
culturists in the kingdom. The officials as public servants, paid and
pensioned by the State, certainly ought not to be permitted to sell their
services over again and tarn the resources of the establishment to their
personal advantage, and if any such practice should become general it
would afford parliamentary financial reformers an excellent opportunity
for distinguishing themselves as “ guardians of the nation’s purse.” The
strength of Kew rests in its popularity, and the visible evidence of its use¬
fulness to the inhabitants of Great Britain who contribute to its support
and provide means for its efficiency. It appears to have lagged behind
on the Orchid question ; and generally, it may be said with “ F. L. 8.,
that we “ hear too little of what transpires in our national garden.’

A Taxpayer.

THOUGHTS ON CURRENT TOPICS.

Mr “versatile” friend, Mr. Abbey, promises to keep me pretty well
employed — or he would do if I dissected his sentences as laboriously as
he dissects mine. His claim to attention as a lecturer on fruit trees and
blossom-bud formation rests, he tells us, on practising for twenty years at
an altitude of 500 feet above the sea, and another twenty years’ plodding
on low ground. Geographically speaking, it must bo admitted he has
had a fair share of ups and downs in his vocation, and it is perhaps only
natural for him to think that I can have had no such experience. Yet
not very long ago I was doing a little gardening at an altitude of 700 feet,
and have also “ plodded” about 6 feet below the tidal level of the ocean.
Toat may possibly seem a rather peculiar posi'ion to work in, but the
land was draiued, and grows splendid fruit — drained, let me say, by
pumping thousands ot tons of water from hundreds of acres of land by
steam power, and conveying it away in canals raised high above the
general level of the ground. Mr. Abbey, therefore, does not stand quite
alone in combating trifling difficulties and gaining experience under
diverse circumstances. This is a little preamble, just to put myself on a
level with him, to a few thoughts on his very remarkable article on
page 110.

After completing the perusal of that great production with the
attention it deserved my comment was expressed in two words, “ Truly
Napoleonic.” My analyst is evidently a believer in big battalions, hence
he combats my few paragraphs on page 11 with, at a rough estimate,
1000 words. I have not counted them, but I believe anyone who may
have time to do so will find they approach if they do not txceed that
number. It is do joke to have a force like that hurled against one, but
in this case it is consoling to find that more than half of them are con¬
firmatory of my views as expressed on the page quoted, the lesser number
antagonistic. It is a pleasure to me to agree with very much that Mr.
Abbey writes, but there is generally something of mine from which he
dissents. In consideration, then, of the information I have derived from
his teachings I must endeavour to teach him a little lesson in turn, for it
is evident his education on the formation of fruit buds is not “ finished.”
It is very agreeable to observe that my ponderous opponent leaves the
literary arena in the best of temper, enabling me to enter it in a similar
frame of mind. Let us hope the spectacle will not be lost on fiery young
disputants. In literary controversy the man who loses his temper in nine
times out of ten loses his case.

The subject at issue is the formation of fruit buds and ripe versus
unripe wtoi, and a very important twin subject it is. In my former notes
I alluied to a matter on which I suggested Mr. Abbey lacked experience.
“ Experience of what ? ” he asks. Experience of that in which he con¬
fesses his inexperience, I answer. He has informed us he never knew an
instance of fruit buds changing after the leaves fall. I recorded an ex¬
periment, (arefully conducted, for testing that matter, and this showed
that even he had something to learn. He retorts that I did not operate
on the trees myself; but what avails that 1 Neither of us invented the
system of heating garden struc ures by hot water, but the fact of its
operation remains the same. But if I did not “ operate” on those parti¬
cular trees, it is not within Mr. Abbey’s knowledge that I have not
opera ed on others to the same end. I think he ought to remember that
fact. He has recorded a verdict on another matter, on negative evidence
solely, and I shall have no difficulty in proving that verdict wrong. But
to resume. He affects to surmise that I missed a year in recording that
the trees replanted in November blossomed more profusely the following

August 19, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

158

April than others of the same kind, size, and age in the same row did that
were not disturbed. I think I said what I meant on page 12, and am
sure I meant what I said. For the special information of my incredulous
opponent I may explain that “ from November to the following April ”
means an interval of four months. I have nothing to alter or withdraw
from that or any of the paragraphs on the pages quoted, for on a careful
perusal of them I am convinced that everything there advanced is strictly
accurate.

By far the most important sentence in those paragraphs is that in which
the principle is embodied of a “ fruit bud being an arrested wood bud and
nothing else.” Mr. Abbey “ really cannot accept that definition.” So be
it : but I mean to stand by it all the same ; and I have the satisfaction to
feel that I may be the humble agent in educating him on a point of great
interest and of considerable moment in vegetable physiology. After he
has examined the economy of vegetation more closely he will, 1 believe,
have to recGgnise what he fails to see now, otherwise he will occupy the
conspicuous position of standing alone in opposition to most if not all the
scientific pomologists in Europe.

I obseeve that some recorded observations of Dr. Hogg are cited as
if against me. They are not in conflict with any opinions I have ex¬
pressed, nor views that I hold, but, on the contrary, are in strict harmony
with what I have written. What is more, and I ask for particular atten¬
tion to the point, I venture to opine that what my respected opponent
cannot recognise is the principle and foundation on which the Doctor’s
argument rests. Remove that foundation, and the pregnant sentence
quoted on page 111 would lose its force. There may possibly be other
readers who do not fully comprehend that a fruit bud is an arrested wood
hud. Let them think out the subject well, and they will arrive at the con¬
clusion indicated ; and if they make that fact the basis of their practice
they will see their way clearer as growers of fruit than they can possibly
do otherwise.

I AM asked, “ What arrests growth in Nature causing a cessation of
extension ?” I answer the question in one word — “ age.” There is no
doubt about that, as thousands of young fruit trees prove after they pass
the meridian of vigour. They first grow vigorously if in good soil, then
less and less so until they bristle with fruit buds. My clever critic can
play on the word metamorphosis as he likes, but there is the change from
wood buds to fruit buds for all that, as the result of arrested growth ; and
if we arrest growth artificially the change is effected the sooner. I say it
can be arrested in the autumn, and the change commences at once, though
it may not be so apparent as by a check given in summer. The practical
lesson derivable from the above scientific fact is this : — If the growth of
your trees must be restricted to keep them within prescribed bounds cut
the roots also, or you will have few blossom buds, but many wood buds.
The check, the arresting of growth, causes the change. Let the check
given be what may be termed violent, and the trees will make scarcely any
growth, but practically all the buds will become blossom buds. Whethe
they are fertile or sterile obviously does not invalidate the change that unr
doubtedly takes place in the character of the buds.

I ought not to overlook an observation or two in the great article that
was intended to overwhelm me. In the last few lines of the sixth para¬
graph (page 111) the author says a practised eye can tell the character of
“ nine out of ten buds” when the leaves fall ; if not, “ the observer is good
for nothing.” Yet in the next paragraph he admits having observed that
“ many buds ” which he “ thought were wood buds ” have “ developed
blossoms in spring.” Does he still stand by his “ good for nothing ”
verdict ? If Mr. Abbey cannot accept the proposition, or rather fact, that
he has practically admitted yet strongly controverted, he must accept the
alternative and show what a fruit bud really is. I conclude for the present
as I began, by repeating that a fruit bud is, in my opinion, “ an arrested
wood bud and nothing else.”

In reference to the question of wood ripening, I desire it to he
distinctly understood that I do not wish to arrange my thoughts in a
form for confuting my critic. With very much that he has said I agree
fully. I am also quite willing to admit that he is not very likely to make
mistakes in pruning for a definite object. It is in the hope that others
less experienced may form clearer conceptions on the subject that I
entered on its discussion. The importance of “hard ripe wood” has
been dinned into the ears of the multitude so loudly and persistently that
hundreds of persons have prevented vastly more fruit forming on their
trees than they have induced, and this by cutting back to “hard ripe
wood.” Waggonloads of the best and most fruitful portions have been
removed from trees under the assumption that it was not “ ripe.” A good
deal of wood that has not a hard and brown appearance is hardier and
riper than it looks. I have seen all the “hard” portions of Rose trees
killed during extreme frost, the only parts surviving being the strong,
green, and apparently “soft” growths which the orthodox gardener
would call “unripe,” and I remember Mr. Peach writing a forcible
article on this phenomenon ; and provided these growths are made in a
position where the leaves develops under the direct influence of light,
the strong green-locking growths in due time give the finest flowers.
The great desideratum is stout perfect foliage. It cannot be perfect if
crowded amid a mass of shoots to the exclusion of sun and air. Yet
that is the condition under which millions of leaves on the lower parts of
the sheets of crowded fruit trees struggle for existence. The wood is hard

enough there, but the leaves have assimilated and stored but little nutri¬
ent matter, because they were not in a condition to perform their
functions. They were mere apologies for leaves, small, thin, and nearly
useless. Those above them are better than they, and have done far more
work, because they have had the prime essentials of their being — light
and air — and the wood they have fed is better wood than the older and
harder below. Yet the best is often ruthlessly cut off, because, forsooth,
it is not “ hard and ripe.” I assert emphatically, not hastily, but as the
result of much thought, observation, and at least some practice, that in
instances innumerable the best bearing wood is cut off Vines, Apples,
Pears, Plums, Gooseberries — -in fact, from all kinds of fruit trees, and
the worst is left. I have now given Mr. Abbey a splendid chance to
display his reasoning powers in proving me wrong if he has a desire to
do so.

Disdudding and thinning to prevent crowded branches is a golden
rule in fruit tree management. If you want fruit buds at the base of
shoots the leaves there must be perfect leaves, and to that end it may be
necessary to suppress what is termed breastwood ; but this is commonly
done two months too late. June is better than August for that work ; but
where fruit is the main object, the form of trees of secondary importance,
thinning early and sufficiently is more potent than all the shortening ; for
with the sun shining between the branches, and consequently on the
leaves, fruit buds will form on nearly the whole length of the shoots,
the part the most destitute of natural spurs being the lower, which
is so “hard and ripe.” These remarks apply to established trees in
full growth, as young trees newly planted should be pruned rather
severely.

If the wood, say, of Apple trees, when the shoots and branches are
thinly disposed, will not ripen to the extremities, how are we to account
for practically the whole of the crop of that beautiful Apple, the Cornish
Gilliflower, being borne quite at the ends of the shoots ? Cut these shoots
back to hard ripe wood and you have no fruit ; let them alone and you
have a valuable crop. Plant an acre of that most useful market Apple,
Small’s Admirable, on the Paradise stock ; let half of these trees be cut
back to “ hard ripe wood ” systematically in the autumn, and the other
half not “ cut back ” at all, but branches taken out if needed to prevent
crowding ; gather and sell all the fruit from the two half acres, keeping
a separate account of the sums realised from each, and at the end of ten
years note the difference. The amount, at a low estimate, will be three
times greater from the naturally grown trees than from those artificially
“assisted” with the knife. Perhaps it may be advisable to inform Mr.
Abbey in advance that I am not reasoning from theory, but my remarks
are founded on experience. I have no objection to growers of fruit pruning
their trees who know how to prune, but the great majority do not know
how to prune profitably ; and I know just enough about the subject to
enable me to state that if I were growing a few acres of Apples or Goose¬
berries for profit I would not allow any hard-and-ripe-wood fancier to
mutilate my trees. It would pay me better to pay him a little annuity
to keep his knife in his pocket. Growers who make the most money by
fruit culture spend the least in payment of wages for pruning. If I con¬
tinue much longer my critical friend will be retorting that I am a “ big
battaliou ” man ; but my thoughts are directed to a great subject generally
with the object of setting others thinking, and not specially to contravene
his arguments ; but anyone is welcome to have a dash at mine.

I MUST have another brief note on Asparagus. The subject intro¬
duced was plain enough at first, but is now nearly obscured by intellec¬
tual cobwebs so intertwined that they can neither be very well seen
through nor brushed away. Oaks, Cabbages, and cotyledons have all
got entangled together. Perhaps Mr. Abbey forgot that Asparagus does
not produce a pair of co’yledons in germination, so I am not likely to cut
below them, at any rate ; but I have cut the small thin growths from
beds in May and seen others spring up the stronger. And now I will
upset the verdict he has thought fit to pass on me without waiting for
evidence. As he gets older, or by the time he has had another twenty
years’ experience, he will perhaps find that I have a habit of keeping a
few facts in reserve for contingencies. With comforting self-complacency
he prides himself, and no doubt justly, on “ results,” while the
practice of Mr. S. Castle and myself is “only extended to a few half
rowa,” and our “results” are somewhat paradoxically in “perspective.”
I thought Mr. S. Castle founded his opinion on excellent results,
and moreover invited anyone to inspect his Asparagus ; as for myself,
I must tell Mr. Abbey that for seven years I cut all the growths
large and small from one bed, and one alone, till June, and it was because
that bed proved so much better than the others irom which the small
growths were not cut at all, but only the large, that led me to make the
further experiment to see more exactly how the improvement was brought
about. The bed that was cut a3 first described gives the finest heads still,
though I suspect it is as old as Mr. Abbey is ; and I should on'y have ex¬
pected a youngish man to have made such a blunder as he has perpetrated.
It was really practice and results that led to the experiment that he has
not tried, and not the experiment that was relied on t® produce certain re¬
sults. But while the verdict he hastily gave is obviously worthless, I do
not suggest that he has not grown splendid Asparagus ; and in all suitable
soil wide planting on the level will result in better produce than close
planting, and consequent overcrowding, on raised beds. But I bad better
n luse, as I fear the subject must be getting tiresome, as also must —
& Thinker.

154

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER

[ August 19, 1886.

The annual meeting of the Royal Botanic Society of
London was held last week, Mr. J. P. Gassiot, Vice-President, in the
chair. The report states that the tolal receipts for the year had been
£6038 18s. as against £6487 17s. 10J. in the preceding year. Notwitb.
standing this falling off several improvements have been effected. A hardy
fernery has been constructed, and a vane tower for the new sunshine¬
recording instruments had been erected. Special facilities had been
afforded to Indian and Colonial visitors, and the number of students on
the books amounted to 729, no less than 24,547 cut specimens having
been supplied. A vote of thanks was accorded to the Duke of Teck, the
President of the Society.

- Mr. Jupp, gardener to G. W. Johnson, Esq., Waldronhurst,

Croydon, desires us to state that he arranged a large group of plants at
the Sutton and Cheam Show on the 11th inst. We hear that the group
referred to was much admired by visitors to the Exhibition.

- Relative to the late boiler contest at Liverpool, Mr. S.

Deards and Mr. J. Witherspoon thank Mr. Bardney for his report. The
former exhibitor thinks something more than a silver medal should be
granted as the chief prize in a compet tion of this kind; and the latter
evidently desires to have an opportunity of “ fighting the battle over
again” at no distant data ; and further hopes that no exhibitors will
interfere with the judges whilst engaged in their duties.

Z - “A Subscriber” writes as follows respecting Cool Orchids : —

“ It would be a great boon if some information could be given to amateur
Orchid growers on the question of treatment of certain plants which are
said to be suitable for growing in a cool house, but which in the experience
of many cultivators do not succeed so well under such treatment as in a
warmer house. Take for example, Coo’ogyne cristata. Mr. Williams says
in his latest edition that it makes its bulbs best in a cool house. Has
this system been tried by any of your readers 1 Oncidium concolor,
O. crispum, 0. curtum, 0. dasystyle, 0. excavatum, O. flexuosum,
O. Forbesii, 0. ornithorhynchum, 0. Weltoni, are all said to sucoeed best
with cool treatment by Mr. Williams, Mr. Bull, and Messrs. Veitch in
their respective catalogues, but our practice does not confirm this. Will
some of your readers give us their experience P”

Mr. Wm. Rapley, Bedford Hill House Gardens, Balbam, sends
ns some flowers of a very fi:e strain of Tuberous Begonias. The
colours are varied, salmon, yellow, orange, scarlet, crimson, rose, and
white ; the flowers, both double and tingle, being of great substance and
excellent form. The tints are particularly distinguished by their bright¬
ness and purity.

- Tobacco Cultivation as a Field Crop in England.—

Messrs. James Carter & Co., Seed Farmers and Merchants, 237, and 8,
High Holborn, write to us on this subject “ We shall be greatly obliged
if you will announce in your Journal that our acreage crop of Tobacco
(growing within ten miles of London), in seventeen kinds, is now ready for
inspection, and cards to view can be obtained without charge from us, with
particulars of the locality in which it is being grown. We are also pre¬
pared to make special appointments to accompany anyone interested in
ihe subject who may wish us to do so.”

- Mr. N. Molyneux, who has been foreman at Swanmore Park,

Bishops Waltham, for seven years, has been appointed gardener to C.
Willock-Dawes, E<q., Burton Hill, Petworth.

- A Tadcaster correspondent writes as follows on Small

Fruits : — “ We are having rather unsettled weather hereabouts just now,
and have h-.d f i some few weeks ; a quantity of soft fruits been much
damaged thereby, Strawberries and Raspberries, of which a fair quantity
are grown for m irket in this part, being, as a matter of course, the worst
injured. I have never seen such an immense crop of Gooseberries in my
thirty years’ experience. They are scarcely worth picking and taking to
market, 1 am told by several growers, they are so very cheap. Red Cur¬
rants are an immense crop too. I mny mention that a good dressing of

wood ashes or charred refuse applied in the early part of the winter round
each tree — say, a good shovelful — is the best fertiliser I know of for Red
Currants. I have proved this for years past by leaving part of the same
row of trees undressed.”

- - Japan Umbrella Pine.— One of the largest specimens of the

Sciadopitys verticillata in Europe is said to be a fine example
growing in the garden of Max Daniel Wolterbeck, at Yalkenburg, near
Arnheim, in Holland. It was planted where it now stands, in a very
exposed situation, twenty years ago, and it is a healthy and beautifully
formed tree. Moreover, it has never suffered in the least from frost or
other climatal influences. Of pyramidal shape, it is nearly 13 feet high,
with a circumference of a little over 21 feet. Two years ago it bore for
the first time two ripe cones, and the seed produced fifteen seedlings.
Last summer it bore only one ripe cone.

- In our report of the Leicester Show, on page 141, Mr. Burn)

the Curator of the Abbey Park, was referred to as the originator of the
exhibition, but his name was accidentally misprinted “ Biron.”

- Amongst several good plants shown from the Royal Horticul¬
tural Society’s Chiswick Gardens at South Kensington recently were some
useful Asters in Pots well grown, flowering profusely, and admirably
adapted for decorative purposes. The most showy of these was a firie
dark reddish crimson variety named “ Rose Dark Scarlet,” which has
blooms of good substance, very full, and well formed. In contrast with
that was a white variety of similar habit, and the two made some capital
effective groups. The value of such plants in conservatories and green¬
houses now is considerable, for it is not always easy to get a variety of
flowering plants for indoor display in August.

- The Botanic Gardens and pleasure grounds in the Royal

Gardens, Kew, are this season in excellent condition, and bear an un¬
usually fresh appearance for August. In hot dry summers the trees,
shrubs, and herbaceous plants often suffer severely owing to the soil being
shallow with a sandy or gravel subsoil, but this year, with the exception
of a short period earlier in the season, they have not been tried very
much. The herbaceous plant department is very attractive still, and the
iockery, which is now so beautifully furnished, contains numbers of
curious or beautiful plants. The Liliums have succeeded extremely well
and there are still many good specimens in flower, one of Lilium Bate-
mann® being very notable. It has seven heads of flowers, twelve to
twenty each, of a clear orange salmon hue, and seldom is this handsome
Lily seen in such satisfactory condition. L. tigrinum, L. chalcedonicum,
and others are also flowering well.

- It is seldom that Roses in August are as fine as they are this

year, and some of the leading Rose-growers state they have been cutting
blooms like the July Exhibition specimens in all points. At South Ken¬
sington last week there were nearly 1000 blooms shown by the two firms,
Messrs. William Paul & Son, Waltham Cross, and Messrs. Paul & Son,
Cheshunt, and although the Tuberous Begonias were so bright and hand¬
some, the Roses had the largest share of admiration. There was a great
number of varieties, but the Teas and Noisettes from Waltham Cross were
delightfully fresh and beautiful.

- An International Colonial, Mining, Engineering, and Industrial

Exhibition is to be held at Newcastle-on-Tyne next year, and one of
the departments will be devoted to Agriculture, Horticulture, and
Arboriculture. This is divided into five classes — A, Agriculture ; B,
Horticulture and Arboriculture ; C, Manure ; D, Agricultural Implements ;
and E, Carts, Waggons, &o. The Exhibition will be under the patronage
of the Duke of Northumberland, the President being the Right Hon. the
Earl of Ravensworth, the Vice-Presidents and Committees comprising a
large number of distinguished persons. The Exhibition will be opened
on May 24th, 1887, and close in the autumn of that year.

- The monthly meeting of1 Belgian Horticulturists was held

in Ghent, August 10th, the following being present, MM. Cuvelier,
Lemoinnierde Lille, Sosseel, B. Spae, Van Geert p<Pe, A. Peeters, Moens,
E lm. Yervaet, Desmet-Duvi vier, Ch. Van Geert of Antwerp, Em. Decock,
Arth. Desmet, and P. Blanquaert ; M. Kickx presiding, and M. Jules
Closon of Lifige was Secretary. Certificates of merit were awarded for
Pothos nigricans and Labisia Malouana from M. Linden ; Begonia Mad.
Louis Desmet from M. Louis Desmet; Peseatorea Lehmarini from MM-
Vervaet & Co. ; Cienkowskia Kirki from M. L. Van Houtte ; and Begonia
Arthur Malet from M. Godefroy-I.ebeuf of Argenfeuil. Honourable

August 19, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

155

mention was accorded for Miltonia Regnelli from MM. Boelens frcres ;
tuberous Begonia, Le Flambeau, from M. Arthur Desmet ; Cypripedium
cenanthum from M. Van Geert, pere ; Caraguata Andreana from MM.
Jacob Makoy & Co. ; and Cypripedium Robelini from MM. Vervaet and
Co. Cultural certificates were awarded for Nepenthes intermedia,
N. Horganm, N. Mastersi, N. Henryana, N. Hookeriana, N. pardina,
and Dracaena Regis from M. Linden ; Araucaria excelsa glauca robusta
from M. B. Spae ; and seedlings of Begonia Rex from M. Gust,
Yandermeulen.

- An American paper remarks that “Every part of the world has

its special fancy, and in Brazil the Caladium is the chief delight of the
gardener, and forms no mean feature in ornamental gardening. In the
vicinity of Rio de Janeiro there are some who boast of having over a
hundred varieties in their collections. We only know of these pretty
plants by the few kinds we see in hothouses, or the large ‘ Elephant’s
Ear ’ or Tanyan, which grows in open grounds in summer, but this is
enough to indicate how beautiful a large collection in tropical gardens
must be.”

- Gardening Appointment. — Mr. James Swingler, late foreman

at The Glebe, Champion Hill, has been appointed head gardener to W. H.
Halford, Esq., Old Down House, Almondsbury, Gloucestershire.

- Me. James Doig The Gardens, Stourton Hall, Horncastle,

Lincolnshire, writes on Frost in August “ On the 1st inst. this district
was visited by very vivid lightning. There was no thunder nor rain, but
the atmosphere was very oppressive. On the 4th inst. we had a slight
frost. About the 7th or 8th inst. I noticed several young Ash trees
Spruce, Lime, and Beech trees, and even Ivy presented a scorched appear¬
ance and dropped their leaves. Scarlet Runners were cut down in the
neighbourhood within 2 feet of the ground. Will you kindly state if you
have had any communication from other readers of your Journal who
have had similar effects.” — [We have not received any communication of
the same purport. J

- The following summary of meteorological observations

at Hodsock Priory, Worksop, Notts, for July, 1886, has been sent to
ns by Mr. Joseph Mallender : — Mean temperature of the month, 60-2° ;
maximum on the 4th, 82-8°; minimum on the 10th, 4P3°. Maximum in
sun on the 4th, 138'2° ; minimum on the grass, 32-2°. Mean tem¬
perature of the air at 9 A.M., 62-4°. Mean temperature of the soil
1 foot deep, 60-1°. Total duration of sunshine in month, 160 hours, or 32
per cent, of possible duration. Total rainfall, 2 84 inches. Maximum
fall in twenty-four hours on the 23rd 0'67 inch. Rain fell on seventeen
days. There were three sunless days. Approximate averages for July : —
Mean temperature 61*2°, rainfall 2‘34 inches. The first week fine and
warm, the rest of the month cool and showery.

CAMPANULAS.

As is well known, the Campanulas have a very wide distribution. The
are_ to be found wild in nearly every temperate country. Some of the
alpine varieties are difficult to grow, but most of the other varieties are
easily cultivated, and a choice selection should be in the possession of
every hardy-plant lover, for they add greatly to the beauty of our flower
garden.

That old-fashioned Canterbury Bell (C. Medium) is so well known
that it needs but little description, for in nearly every cottage garden it is
to he seen with single flowers, but in more modern collections double
and semi-double varieties have been introduced ; and whilst the old single
strains chiefly comprised white and blue tints, in the modern ones we now
have several shades of blue, pink, and purple, and, as a rule, the double
and semi-double varieties are more compact than the single ones. They
may be grown in pots as well as on the borders, for they make a beautiful
■’how in the greenhouse or conservatory. If required for pot culture the
plants may be lilted from the borders in May and then potted, to enable
them to get established before the flowering period. April is the most
suitable time to sow the seed, and it is advisable to sow it in boxes or
pans, then place these in a cold frame. When large enough to handle
they should be pricked off, taking care to keep well watered and shaded
until rooted. They may then be safely left until the autumn, when they
should be planted in their permanent places ; but it is advisable to plant
early in the autumn, so as to allow the plants to be well rooted before the
winter ; they will then flower the following summer.

C. GLOMERATA. — A very pretty Bellflower, varying in colour from pure
white to a dark purple ; though, as a rule, the white variety is not so
common as the purple. It makes a fine addition to our herbaceous
borders, being about 2 feet in height, very compact in habit, and flowering
n June and July. b

C. pyramidalis, — A strong-growing plant, somtt'mes atta:ning the

height of 4 feet. It is extremely pretty, and is well adapted for cultur
in pots, for it makes a splendid show in the conservatory, where its tall
spikes of blue or white flowers contrast with Palms or Ferns. It 'also
makes a fine show on the herbaceous borders ; but it should be planted at
the back, as it prefers a shady place. It usually flowers in July, but
owing to the secondary floral branches developing their flowers gradually
the flowering period extends to the end of September.

C. turbinata. — A dwarf compact-growing species. Its flowers are
of a dark blue, about 2 inches across. It is very pretty, the flowers being
in masses, and borne on single stems about 6 inches high. It may be
grown on rockeries as well as the border. It flowers during the months
of June and July ; but if cut back in July a second flowering may be
attained in the autumn.

C. persicifolia. — A lovely species, with flue cup- shaped flowers,
about 2 inches across, varying greatly in colour from shades of blue to
white. It attains the height of 2 feet, and flowers during the months of
July and August.

C. persicifolia maxima. — A variety of a much stronger habit, with
double flowers varying in colour from white to blue. It is an admirable
plant for the herbaceous border, and should be in every collection. The
double white form makes a good plant for pot culture, its lovely white
flowers showing off well in a conservatory. — C. C.

NATIONAL GOOSEBERRY SHOW.

Thi following is a list of the prizewinners at the annual Show held iu
the Royal Botanical Gardens, Old Traffotd, Manchester, on August 2nd.
In the classes for dishes of twelve berries the prizetakers are placed in the
order of merit.

Dishes of Twelve Berries.

Exhibitor. Colour. Name of Variety.

John Knowles .

James Threlfall ..

James Harvey .

James Salsbury ..

John Boot .

Collies Lane

E. Salsbury .

James Harvey .

James Salsbury ..

James Bower .

Daniel Bower .

. High Sheriff

F. Cliff .

James Salsbury ..

George Beckett ..

James Threlfall ..

John Boot .

E. Salsbury .

James Salsbury ..

George Beckett ..

James Bower .

James Threlfall ..

Twins — Two o:; one Stem.

dwts. grs..

John Knowles .

. Red

. Lord Derby .

39

19

James Salsbury ..

41

10

John Fisher .

35

12

William Riley .

31

0

Premier Prize.

John Knowles .

. Red

26

15

E. Salsbury .

27

22

G. Beckett .

22

12

F. Cliff .

23

20

Stewards’ Prize.

J. Salsbury ........

25

9

J. Harvey .

23

14

R. Downs .

22

12

J. Turkington .

23

10

A. Tomkinson .

. London .

24

9

J. Threlfall .

22

9

J. Fisher .

21

19

R. Parker .

22

21

B. Cheadle .

22

19

C. Leicester .

20

20

J. Warburton .

21

2

W. Riley . >...

21

15

J. Boot .

22

0

S. Birchenall .

_ _ Plunder .

20

14

CLASS PRIZES.

Red.

E. Salsbury .

Blucher .

25

15

J. Salsbury .

Lord Derby .

25

G

E. Salsbury .

London .

24

16

A. Tomkinson .

Rover .

24

6

J. Salsbury .

Bobby . "

23

15

G. Beckett .

Macaroni . 422

16

J. Boot .

Seedling, Collies Lane .

22

3

Dr. Woo'ev . 1 22

2

J. Knowles .

Rough One . *

22

1

Eakender Bsy .

21

9

J. Fisher .

Rough Red . . ~

21

G

C. Leicester .

Falstaff . *-

21

0

156

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. _ C August 19, ibe6.

Yellow.

E. Salsbury . Thatcher . 26 4

R. Whitehurst . Ringer . 2b i

J. Salsbury . Leveller...... . 24 o

J. Knowles . Lady Haughton . 22 18

E. Salsbury . Garibaldi . '22 U

J. Threlfall . High Sheriff . 22 4

J. Threlfall . Hit or Miss . 22 6

J. Harvey . Wakeful . 22 2

J. Bower . . . Mount Ple&s&nt . ^

A. Tomkinsou . Drill . ™

J. Fisher . Favonious . 1 J

J. Harvey . Catherina . 12 -J

Green.

J. Threlfall . Stockwell . 22 0

W. R’ley . Shiner . 21 12

E. Sa'sbury . British Oak . 21 6

E. Salsbury . Hospool . 21 22

F. Cliff . Surprise . 21 5

J. Boot . Italy . 20 15

F. Cliff . Sir G. Brown . 19 9

B. Bradley . Green London . 19 8

J. Threlfall . Telegraph . 19 1

B. Bradley . Seedling . 19 0

J. Harvey . South Johnny . 17 17

White.

J. Salsbury . Hero of the Nile . 22 0

J. Threlfall . Transparent . 20 13

G. Beckett . Fascination . 20 8

J. Salsbury . Faithful . 20 0

W. Riley . . King of Trumps . 19 1

J. Harvey . Postman . 18 21

J. Threlfall . Succeed..... . 18 20

J. Bower . Peto . 17 8

S. Burchenall . Miss Chesters . 17 G

-Jakes Leicester, Secretary, Crompton Boad Nurseries, Macclesfield.

the ground is devoted to double varieties of most diverse colours, and the
blooms of excellent form, quite as good as many that a few years ago
would have been regarded as great acquisitions and honoured with names
and certificates. Scarlet, crimson, rose, yellow, and white are the principal
colours, but there are many intermediate tints. Another portion of the
nursery is occupied with the single varieties, of which a much greater
number is grown, and as regards general effectiveness these are much the
best for beds. There is a point of much importance, though, which requires
attention, and that is in the planting, to so place the plants that they
will flower in one direction. This can be readily determined by the
growth, which turns more to one side than another, and the bed then
presents an even appearance, the Bowers being seen much better than
when the plants are put out indiscriminately. It has also been hitherto
generally the practice to make mixed beds of Tuberous Begonias, and
this is a mistake if it is wished to see the plants at their best. Masses of
one colour are far preferable, especially those of the Prince of Wales, a
rich dark scarlet that would have a grand effect edged with a Hgnter-
coloured variety or some other plant. At Forest Hill the beds are chiefly
devoted to seedlings of one colour, and it is surprising how true they are
to their respective tints, proving that they are becoming fixed, there are
now a dozen selected colours of which unnamed seedlings can be supplied,
from pure white to the darkest scarlet and crimson.

These plants were all raised from seed sown in January of the present
year, the seedlings being grown in boxes under glass until June, when
they were planted out iu the beds. The soil is naturally rather heavy,
but the only preparation they receive is a top-dresBing of road grit, and
the seedlings are placed in drill0. The beds are raised about 6 laches
above the general level, and hitherto the alleys between have been left
clear, but this season they have been filled up, as it was found the outside
plants suffered in dry weather. The plants are not, however, very
fastidious, and no one need fear undertaking their culture in ordinary

garden soil. . , ,

In these notes the numerous handsome named varieties in the nouses
have not been referred to, but a selection of them will be given on
another occasion, when something may also be said about the large gen®ral
collections of Orchids, Caladiums, fiue-foliage and other plants included
in this nurserv. — VlSITOB.

CUTTING ASPARAGUS.

Mr. Abbey has undoubtedly been successful. I thank him for giving
the results. Results to me mean quite as much as to Mr. Abbey with
his larger quantities, and I am fully convinced I am on the way to success
with my system.

Comparing my Asparagus with that of a large grower whom I
supplied with plants from my own bed there is a great difference. Last
year I cut mine both closer through the season and later than my friend ;
this year, while he has cut as usual, I have varied the cuttings as I have
described, ana if strength of growth now is any criterion I must be right.
Having full faith in my cutting I have asked several to give it a trial.
The loss of, say, two or three fine heads, even if they are the first, will
he amply repaid before the season is over.

Being curious, I have looked into my day book, and find that in 1885
from my beds, the size of which was given in Journal, I cut and sold
sixty-two bundles of long hundreds, 120 heads. I had no idea it was so
much, not counting the sprue, which I broke off all through the sumrntr.
My present plan is more the result of accident than design, owing to tho
late f cost of 1885 killing most of my first heads down to the ground. I
noted that wherever a fine head or two had escaped the frost, by leaving
these growing much better cuttings of finer “ grass ” was had all through
the season.— Stephen Castle.

TUBEROUS BEGONIAS AT FOREST HILL.

Dueing a period of several years Messrs. J. Laing & Co., Forest Hill,
have made a speciality of Tuberous Begonias ; and successful as this firm
has been with other plants, nothing has done so much to render it widely
known as the superb varieties of these Begonias that have been raised and
sent out. A few years’ close work and careful crossing produced a Btrain
much in advance of what had been previously obtained, and cultivators
gradually became aware of the decorative value of Tuberous Begonias in
greenhouses and conservatories. Varieties of erect bushy habit were
secured exactly adapted for pot culture, and which could be grown into
specimens as handsome as those plants which take their place in the
“ stove and greenhouse ” classes at exhibitions. Another type of droop¬
ing habit with gracefully pendent flowers was formed, which were seen to
ths best advantige in baskets, constituting grand ornaments in any house
suspended from the roof. Then, turning attention in another direction, a
race of “ bedding Begonias ’’ was developed that has become a most
important addition to the plants employed for such a purpose. For some
time it was thought very doubtful if such seemingly delicate plants would
he suited for outdoor beds, but they have been thoroughly tested now in
all parts of the kingdom from the extreme south to far north in Scotland,
and they have invariably given satisfaction. Both in dry and wetseasons
they seem equally happy, and for a late summer display they are un¬
surpassed.

Au excellent idea can be gained of the utility of Tuberous Begonias a3
bedding plants by an inspection of those out of doors at Forest Hill now,
and those who have not seen these plants together in large numbers can
imagine the brilliancy of the effect produoed. About 100,000 seedlings
are grown, and nearly the whole of these have been planted out in beds
4 feet wide and of various lengths up to 100 feet or more. One portion of

SMALL ROSE GROWERS.

“ Ip you want a thing done well, do it yourself.’' As an amateur
Rose grower and exhibitor for the past ten years, I am convinced that if
you want first prizes do not trust to gardeners, but do it yourself. 1
always feel more at ease when fighting the gardener of my opponent than
I do when fighting the master himself.

Can anyone exhibit in the forty-eights and thirty-sixes without
employing a regular man to look after the Roses ? Yes ; I have exhibited
in these classes for the last two or three years at most of the chief Rose
shows, but allow no gardener to attend to my Rose plants. I employ a
man for a few days in the year, as I suppose most Rose growers do, how¬
ever small, to trench the ground and to help me plant and mulch. In the
summer I get a boy for about a fortnight to weed and assist me in the
watering. But all the budding, pruning, thinning, disbudding, shading,
cutting, stuffing Rose boxes, and staging, warring against caterpillars,
green fly, and mildew, 1 do myself together with my two sisters, and good
hard work it is for ihe ladies. _

No, Mr. Editor, the secret of success lies not in the number of
gardeners a man keeps, but in the constant and careful attention given
to the plants all the year round, loving them at Christmas as well as at
midsummer, in the cold east winds of spring as well as in June and July ;
not only when the sun shines, but when it sleets and freezes.

Aspirants for fame, seek for pluck, not protection. — Hoeace \ ebnet.

I DO not see at present that the grievance put forward by “ A Small
Rose-Grower” and others is a legitimate one. What is a small Rose-
grower ? The two writers in last week’s number seem to think he may
be defined as an amateur not employing a regular gardener, but doing all,
or nearly all, needful to his Rosts himself. Would they be surprised to
hear that some amateurs, nearly, if not quite, at the top of the tree, might
come under this definition ? I know two or three of this description, who,
with no help perhaps but that of a “ groom and gardener ” (who would
as soon think of touching Master’s Roses without a special order as he
would of borrowing his Sunday hat), are not afraid of the biggest noble¬
man’s gardener with ten or twenty men under him, but will show cheer¬
fully against him, and beat him too. How is it done ? Why, simply by
the real amateurs beiDg specialists. The big gardener has hundreds of
things he is expected to grow to perfection ; the amateur rosarian has but
one, and the whole year round his R ses are his one and special care.

But it happens that the amateurs I am thinking of are clergymen, and
“ A Lady Rosarian ” seems to think it as much a grievance when she finds
a prize ticket on “ Rev. So-and-So’s ” box as she does when she sees it
on that of “ Mr. Blank, gardener to &c.” More strange still, she adds,
“such men” — i.e., clergymen as well as gentlemen’s gardeners — “have
the means if they so desire, to enlarge their beds almost ad infinitum,
and are in a position to engage all the help necessary,” &c. How
many a “poor parson” rosarian on reading that must have wished it
was true ! No, Madam, the parson wins, not because of his gardener
(the parson’s man, perhaps his parish clerk, is often his only help), or
because of his means (that is not even a joke nowadays), but because he
is a specialist, a rosarian ; his daily work, in which the best parson
rosarians have earned deservedly good names, is generally not so much

August 19, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

157

tied to certain hours as that of o'.her amateurs. He has nooks andcorners
of leisure, and he gives them to his Roses all the year round.

I am acquainted with a certain head gardener who years ago was
accustomed to win for his mistress all the big prizes and cups for Roses for
a long way round. A “jolly old chap.” No other words would properly
describe his good humoured face and the broad back which it is almost im¬
possible to pass without a friendly slap. Well, it must be nearly ten years
ago that he solemnly gave it as his opinion — not ill-humouredly, for it is
not in him — that “those parsons were getting one too many for him.”
His opinion has proved correct ; he is now generally content with an
unchallenged second or third in the open class, but long may it be ere we
miss his pleasant presence from our Rose shows.

A writer in the Journal a week or two since said truly that when he
saw a middle-aged clergyman in the tent setting up a box with his
daughters, he expected to find something difficult to beat. I can thoroughly
endorse that, and expect Mr. Pemberton will continue to maintain, after
“ D., Deal," Reynolds Hole, and “ Wyld Savage,” the fame of the
true amateur rosariao. And if “ A Lady Rosarian ” does not like to see
prize tickets on the boxes of “ Mr. Blank, gardener to &c., Swaggerfield
Court,” what would she think of that name and address with “gardener
to ” carefully omitted ? This I have seen, not once or twice as by accident,
but systematically done.

“ A Thinker,” not being a specialist, is tired of Roses, and wants to
hear no more of them till next midsummer. The Journal has, however,
long been the rosarians’ recognised organ, and as I am sure that he has not
heard the last of Roses and Ro-e exhibitions this year, may I ask what he
would think of this last proceeding ? I have said nothing of suburban
Rose-growers. They are of course heavily handicapped. I do not know
why those classes were given up, but suppose it was because they were so
bad ; and as to his general contention, I believe that “ A Small Rose-
Grewer ” is mistaken, and that if he is beaten by the amateur plus his
gardener he will find it a harder task still to vanquish the genuine amateur,
who attends to his Roses himself. — W. R. Raillem.

lit reply to “A Lover of Roses,” who asks for information on
page 131, I am very willing tn impart any knowledge in my power. The
country (not county) show more particularly alluded t r was the Hitcbin
Rose Society. Hitchin is thirty miles north of London, a first-class
station on the Great Northern Railway, and frequent trains stop there.
Other country shows I might mention in the same neighbourhood would
be Bedford, which offers good open classes, open to amateurs only, for
twenty-four or twelve blooms, and Tea Roses, with satisfactory prizes.
Then there are St. Neotsand the Sandy Show on the 27th of this month.
The Show is a large affair, more for hoiticulture generally, and specially
market gardening, being the centre of the Onion culture of Beds ; but
they offer nice though not large prizes for Roses, Dahlias, Asters, and other
florists’ flowers and fruits, which in the aggregate may make a plum worth
picking up. They further engage the Guards’ band. Again there is
Sutton, in Surrey, a very growing Rose Society, and others whose adver¬
tisements may be met with in the Journal in May and June.

The question of the Rose-grower who does not employ a regular
gardener is difficult, for what is an irregular gardener ? He may be a
first-class groom and coachman, who does the garden for love of it, and
likes new Potatoes, Peas, and “Sparrow grass ” for the servants’ hall.
He may be a farm labourer, who milks the cow, feeds the pigs, and lends
a hand in the garden. He may be a jobbing gardener who comes in two
days a week, equal in skill to Messrs. Paul’s or Cranston’s foreman, and
does more in two days than some “regular” gardener does in a week,
whose highest ambition is to grow and show the big Gooseberry of the
season, and thinks no flower is equal to a “ Cauliflower.” No ; from some
little experience I think the safest protection for the “small grower” is
having plenty of divisions and classes, with limitations, thus : — Exhibitors
in Division A may not show in Division B, exhibitors in A and B may not
show in C, and so on ; and, further, exhibitors only to show in one class
in any one division ; and, lastly, a great deal must be left to the con¬
science of exhibitors — a frail reed — for to go back to our Latin Grammar,
I fear in too many cases “ Crescit amor nummi, quantum ipsa Rosa
■crescit,” — i.e., the desire for big prizes and many of them increases as
Roses increase in size and numbers in roseries. For this reason I advocate
not too much in money, though most money-grubbers abhor cups and art
trophies.

In my letter in the Journal I talked of going 100 miles ; well, on
J uly 20th I went 200 to Uiverston in Lancashire, and exhibited at the North
Lonsdale Rose Society’s Exhibition, open to all amateur subscribers
throughout England ; subscription, 2s. 6d. I was fortunate, and won
318. in cash, minus subscription ; enough to greatly cheapen my excursion
to see Windermere Lake. I bethought me of taking the Rose Show en
route, and I shall go again if well next year. A very pleasant journey.
You leave Hitchin at 10 P.M., Euston at 12 (in a sleeping carriage), and
arrive at 9.30 A.m. at Uiverstone, with a further proof that Roses cut and
arranged in their box travel best by night, and stand best through the day
at the show. A year or two ago I went to Darlington and took a prize
there. One last word as to the Crystal Palace Show. We must remember
it is a purely commercial affair ; the company want to draw the largest
amount of gate money, and offer large prizes to attract the best Rose-
growers, nurserymen, or amateurs, big or little, to show Roses most
likely to make the public stare and tell their friends to go and
look.— F. H. G.

P.S. — Above all things, if “A Lover of Roses” join the National

Rose Society, and show at their London Show, never mind being beaten,
“ Non amo qui vincit, sed qui succumbere non vult.”

NATIONAL CARNATION AND PICOTEE SOCIETY.
(NORTHERN DIVISION).

A delightful Exhibition of Carnations and Picotees was provided at
the Botanical Gardens, Old TrafEord, Manches er, on August 14th. The
Show was large and the quality good; some of the Todmorden flowers were
superb. The exhibitors were numerous. Some new ones had put in appear¬
ance on this occasion, and some old ones who had not been seen for the past
year or two returned to do battle with renewed energy and determination.

On the whole it has been a generous season in the north, and the flowers,
and especially the bizarres, beautifully coloured and finely developed.
Mr. J. S. Hedderley, a veteran grower of Sneinton, Notts, who was showing
three or four days at least too late, remarked that he scarcely ever remem¬
bered such a line of fine crimson bizarres as the winners in the class for
single blooms ; they were characterised by size, finish, and brilliancy. The
Show was held on lines of tables in the large plant house. The day was
gloriously fine. There was a gcod company, and though the flower beds
were much disfigured by the storm of the previous day, the gardens were
seen to the best advantage. As usual, Mr. Bruce Findlay afforded every
facility to the Carnation and Picotee growers.

Two classes were open to all comers — one for twelve Carnations and one
for twelve Picotees, dissimilar flowers. Four stands competed in each case,
and Mr. Robert Lord, Hole Bottom, Todmorden (who was, unfortunately,
unable to be present through illness), was first in each case, showing really
superb and highly finished flowers. His twelve blooms of Carnations, read
after the fashion of the florists from left to right along the lines, consisted
of C B. Master Fied (Hewitt), probably the highest-coloured C.B. in culti¬
vation, and magnificently shown on this occasion; S.B. Mercury (Hextall),
C.B. John Harland (Adams), S.B. Admiral Curzon (Easom), still a grand
old flower; R.F. Sybil (Holmes), very fine ; C.B. J. D. Hextall (Simonite),
P.F. Squire Meynell (Brabbin), another fine old flower ; P.P.B. William
Skirving (Gorton), S.B. El ward Adams (Dodwell), S.F. Sportsman (Hed¬
derley), a sport from S.B. Admiral Curzon, that has rarely if ever gone back
to the original form ; C.B. E. S. Dodwell (Hewitt), and R.F. Rob Roy
(Gorton). Second, Mr. C. B. Simonite, Rough Bank, Sheffield, with an
excellent lot, consisting of P.F. James Douglas (Simonite), finely shown
throughout, but especially from this stand; S.B. Tom Power (Dodwell),

R. F. Seedling, P.P.B. Seedling, C.B. Master Fred (Hewitt), P.F. Mayor of
Nottingham (Taylor), C.B. Mrs. Gorton (Dodwell), S.F. Sportsman (Hed¬
derley), P.P.B. Sarah Payne (Ward), a fine old flower that still holds its
own among many new aspirants to fame ; C.B. Seedling, R.F. Seedling, and

S. B. Robert Lord (Dodwell). Third, Mr. Geo. Geggie, Waterloo Nursery,
Bury. Fourth, Mr. F. Law, Carnation Gardens, Rochdale.

Mr. Lord’s first prize stand of twelve Picotees consisted of H. Red E.
Master Norman (Norman), L. Rose E. Favourite (Liddington), R. Red E.
Thomas William (Flowdy), H. Scarlet E. Mrs. Sharp (Sharp), a new variety
of great merit, having stout, large, and finely formed petals, and a broad
edge of bright pale scarlet ; H. P. E. Zerlina (Low), H. Rose E. Fanny Helen
(Niven), L. P. E. Mary (Simonite), H. Red E. John Smith (Bower), H. Rose
E. Mrs. Payne (Fellowes), L. P. E. Ann Lord (Lord), L. Rose E. Mrs.
Aldcroft, and H. P. E. Muriel. Second, Mr. B. Simonite, with L. Rose E.
Favourite (Liddington), H. Red E. Clara (Bower), H. Rose E. Lady Holmes-
dale (Schofield), H. Red E. Princess of Wales (Fellowes), L. P. E. Clara
Penson (Willmer), H. Soarlet E. Mrs. Sharp (Sharp), L. Red E. Mrs. Gorton
(Simonite), L. P. E. Ann Lord (Lord), H. Rose E. Seedling, L. P. E. Mary
(Simonite), and H. P. E. Zerlina (Lord). Third Mr. George Geggie, fourth
Mr. P. Law.

Then followed two classes respectively for twelve Carnations and twelve
Picotees, nine at least to be dissimilar, to be competed for by growers of 500
pairs of plants or less. There were eight stands of twelve Carnations and seven
of twelve Picotees. With twelve Carnations Mr. John Whitham, florist,
Hebden Bridge, was first with C. A. Master Fred, two blooms, S. F. Henry
Cannell (Dodwell), P. F. Geo. Melville (Dodwell), P. P. B. Sir Garnet
Wolseley (Hewitt), P. F. James Douglas (Simonite), S. B. Edward Adams
(Dodwell) two blooms, C. B. Thomas Anstiss (Dodwell), C. B. E. S. Dodwell
(Hewitt), C. B. J. D. Hextali (Simonite), and S. B. Admiral Curzon (Easom).
Second Richard Gorton, Esq. (President), The Woodlands, Gildabrook,
Eccles, with P. F. Geo. Melville (Dodwell), P. P. B. William Skirving
(Gorton) two blooms, S. F. John Ball (Dodwell), P. P. B. Sarah Payne
(Ward), C. B. Harrison Weir (Dodwell) two blooms, R. T. Sybil (Holmes),
P. F. Squire Whitbourn (Dodwell), S. F. Robert Morris (Dodwell), and two
unnamed. Third Mr. E. Shaw, Moston, near Manchester. Fourth, Mr. W.
Taylor, florist, Middleton, near Manchester. Mr. Whitham also had the best
twelve Picotees, staging capital blooms of H. P. E. Zerlina (Lord), L. P. E.
Clara Penson (Willmer), H. Rose E. Lady Holmesdale (Schofield), H. Red E.
John Smith (Bower), L. Rose E. Miss Wood (Wood), H. Rose E. Edith
Dombrain (Turner), L. P. E. Ann Lord (Lord), L. Red E. Thomas William
(Flowdy), H. P. E. Mrs. A. Chancellor (Turner), L. P. E. Ann Lord (Lord),
H. Red E. J. B. Bryant (Ingram), and H. P. E. Zerlina (Lord). Second Mr.
E. Shaw, with H. P. E. Muriel (Hewitt), H. Scarlet E. Mrs. Rudd (Rudd),
L. Rose E. Miss Wood (Wood), H. Red E. John Smith (Bower), H. Red E.
Lord Valentia (Kirtland), L. P. E. Clara Penson (Willmer), H. P. E. Muriel
(Hewitt), L. Rose E. Daisy (Dodwell), H. Rose E. Miss Horner (Lord), H.
Red E. Mrs. Dodwell (Turner), L. Red E. Thomas William (Flowdy), and
H. Rose E. Elise (Kirtland). Third R, Girton, Esq. Fourth Mr. W.
Taylor.

Next came two classes each of six Carnations and six Picotees, dissimilar-
six prizes being offered in each, the competition open only to growers of
250 pairs or less. Eight stands competed in the first and ten in the second.
With Bix Carnations S Barlow, Esq., J.P., Stakehill House, Castleton,
Manchester, was first with S.B. Robert Houlgrave (Barlow) a new variety
of first-rate quality, bright and effective, and regarded as an improvement
upon Admiral Curzon, S.F. Dan Godfrey (Holmes), R. F. John Keet (White-
head), S.B. Admiral Curzon (Easom), P.F. Squire Meynell (Biabbin), and
P.P.B. Sir Garnet Wolseley (Hewitt), a very good lot indeed. Second, Mr.
j Thomas Maddock, Lofthouse Hall Gardens, Wakefi-id, with S.B, Seedling,

158

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Augn3t 19, 1886.

R.F. Sybil (Holmes), C.B. J. D. Hextill (Simonite), P.P.B. Falconbridge
(May), an old flower, sometimes shown in good form ; S.B. Admiral Cuizon
(Easom), and S.F. Sportsman (Hedderley). Third, Mr. J. Bleackley, Prest-
wich, near Manchester. Fourth, Mr. S. Lord, Healing Hill, Rochdale. Fifth,
Mr. Will mm Bacon, Beckett’s Mill Works, Derby. Sixth, Mr. W. Hitching.
The best six Picotees came from Mr. Thompson Hilliwell, The Hollies,
Todmorden, with II. Red E. Brunette (Kirtland), H. Rose Mrs. Lord (Lord),
L.P.E. Clara Penson (Willmer), H.P.E. Alice (Lord), H. Rose E. Fanny
Helen (Niven), and L. Rose Miss Wood (Wood). Second, Mr. J. P. Sharp,
32G, Wheeler Street, Lozells, Birmingham, with H.P.E. Muriel (Hewitt),
H. Rose E. Mrs. Sharp (Sharp), L.R.E. Thomas William (Flowdy), H. Rose E.
Mrs. Payne (Fellowes), H. Scarlet E. Seedling, and H.P.E. Zerlina (Lord).
Third, Mr. J. Bleackley. Fourth, S. Barlow, Esq. Fifth, Mr. J. Edwards.
Sixth, Mr. J. Ramshill, Wakefield.

An extra class was provided for twelve Selfs or Fancies, or both mixed,
and here R. Gorton, Esq., was first with a fine lot of Selfs unnamed.
Second, Mr. F. Law, who had a nice stand of Selfs and Fancies. Three
stands competed, but two prizes only were awarded.

In the classes for single blooms of Carnations a large number of fine
flowers were staged, averaging about forty blooms in each. The best S.B.
was Admiral Curzon (Easom) from Mr. Robert Lord, and he was second
with Fred (Dodwell) ; Mr. S. Barlow third and fifth with Robert Houlgrave ;
and Mr. R. Lord fourth with Master Stanley (Dodwell). The best C.B. was
Master Fred (Hewitt), and it won all the prizes ; Mr. R. Lord being first,
second, third, and fifth; Mr. Geggie being fourth. The best P.P.B. was
William Skirving (Gorton) ; Mr. B. Simonite being second with Mrs. Gorton
(Dodwell), and third with William Skirving ; Mr. .1. P. Sharp fourth with
Sarah Payne (Ward) ; and Mr. R. Lord fifth with Hewitt’s E. S. Dodwell.
The best Purple Flake was James Douglas (Simonite) shown by the raiser,
Mr. B. Whitham being second with the same ; Mr. T. Hilliwell being third
with Dr. Foster (Foster) ; Mr. R. Lord fourth wi-h Mayor of Nottingham
(Taylor) ; Mr. Geggie fifth with James Douglas. The best S.F. was Clipper
(Fletcher), shown by Mr. R. Lord ; Mr. Geggie being second and third with
Annihilator (Jackson), and fourth with Mr. Carter (Dodwell) ; Mr. R. Lord
being fifth with Ivanhoe (Lord). The best R.F. was Sybil, Mr. S. Lord
being both first and second with it ; Mr. R. Lord being second and fifth ;
and Mr. T. Hilliwell fourth with the same variety.

Single blooms of Picotees were almost as numerous as those of Carna¬
tions, John Smith (Bower) was the best. H. Red E. Mr. R. Lord being first,
Becond and third with it, and Mr. Geggie fourth and fifth with Henry
(Matthews). In the L. Red class, Thomas William (Flowdy) took all the
prizes, Mr. B. Simonite being first, and Mr. R. Lord second, third, fourth and
fifth. The best H.P.E. was Zerlina (Lord), Mr. T. Law being first, second
and third ; Mr. Geggie fourth with Muriel (Hewitt) ; and Mr. T. Law fifth
with Mrs. Niven (Niven). The best L.P.E. was Clara Penson (Willmer),
Mr. T. Hilliwell being first; Mr. J. Whitham second; and Mr. E. Shaw
third with this variety ; Mr. R. Gorton was fourth and fifth with Ann Lord
(Lord). Fanny Helen (Niven) was the best H. Rose E. shown by Mr. R.
Lord ; Mr. J. P. Sharp being second with Mrs. Sharp ; and Mr. R. Lord
fourth with the same. The latter was also third with Lady Louisa (Addis),
and fifth with Edith D’Ombrain (Turner). Favourite (Liddington) took
first, second, third and fourth prizes in the class for L. Rose Edges, Mr. R.
Lord being first and second, and B. Simonite third and fourth ; Mr. Lord
coming in fifth with Mrs. Aldcroft.

The premier Carnation was C.B. Master Fred (Hewitt) shown by Mr. R.
Lord in his first prize twelve in class A ; and the premier Picotee Favourite
(Liddington) Light Rose Edge, also shown by Mr. Lord, it being prominent
in his first prize twelve in class B.

First-class certificates of merit were awarded to S. B. Robert Houlgrave
(Barlow) shown by S. Barlow, Esq., and to H. Rose Edge Picotee Mrs.
Sharp (Sharp), shown by Messrs. R. Lord, B. Simonite, and Mr. J. P.
Sharpe.

Messrs. James Dickson & Sons, Upton Nurseries, Chester, sent, not for
competition, bunches of Carnations, Picotees and Cloves, grown in the
ordinary way without any protection, a terra-cotta-coloured seedling Self
being distinct in character ; also bunches of hardy perennials, including
Gladiolus, Phloxes, Gaillardias, die.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

DISTRIBUTION OF PLANTS.

The Council of the Royal Horticultural Society have had under con¬
sideration the means by which their experimental garden at Chiswick may
be rendered of increased utility to the Fellows of the Society. In former
years plants were distributed by ballot ; but on investigation the Council
found the result was not satisfactory, as rare and valuable plants frequently
fell into the hands of those who had not the proper appliances for their
cultivation.

After full consideration, the Council have determined, instead of ballot¬
ing for plants as hitherto, to allow Fellows to select for themselves any
which, being the property of the Society, the Council are enabled to dis¬
tribute. Every application for plants must be in writing, and not more
than one specimen of any variety or species can be supplied. A list of
plants prepared for distribution during the present season is herewith sub¬
mitted, from which Fellows are requested to select those which they may
desire to cultivate.

Four-guinea Fellows and forty-guinea life Fellows are entitled to select
thirty plants from the accompanying list, and two-guinea Fellows and
twenty-guinea life Fellows half that number. The list should be marked
and signed by the Fellows and sent to the Superintendent, Royal Horticul¬
tural Society’s Gardens, Chiswick, who will forward the plants marked,
provided they are still in stock. Should any of the plants selected have
been all distributed, others of a similar character may be substituted. The
plants included in this list will be ready for distribution from the beginning
of July until the 1st of October, and will be distributed in the order in
which the applications are received.

PALMS

Areca lutescens j Coryplia australis

Iirahea filamentosa Euterpe edulis

(Jhamasrops humilis | Latania borbonica

Adiantnm ciineatum
decorum
farleyense
hispidulum
Aspleniuui Fabianum

FERNS AND MOSSES.

Gymnogramma chrysophylla
Peruviana
Pteris nrgyrea
cretica

Ferns, various

Selaginella ascendens J Sciaginella Kraussiana aurea

caulescens minor 1 stolonifera

divaricata

STOVE AND GREE

Agathea coelestis
Aralia Siebold'i
Asparagus plumosus
Begonia (fine-foliaged) Sylvia
Louise Chretien
Madame d’Hailoy
Madame Trigheaux
Zenobia
metallica
Schmidtii
semperflorens rosea
splendens

Calceolaria violacea
Cala iumargyrires
Camellias (seedling)

Cesirum auraniiacum
Choenostoma hispidnm
Chrysanthemum irutesceas Halleri
Coleus Dolly Varden
Hebe
Sunbeam
Supreme

Cyperus alternifolins
Diplacus glutinosus

BEDDING

Alternanthera paronychioides aurea
Begonia, tuberous-rooted (seedlings)
Canna Ehmanni
variegata

Dahlias, single-flowered

HARDY

Alyssum spinosum

Androsace lanuginosa

A nemone j iponica ( Honcrine J obert)

Anthemis tinctoria

Arenaria multicaulis

Aster bicolor

Chapmanni

dnmosu8

Kavenmc

Aubrietia violacea
Buxus japonicus aureus
Carnation Chiswick Red
Cheirantlms alpinus
Chelone barbata
Convolvulus mauritaniens
Deutzia consolida fl.-pl.

Doronicum austriacum
Erigeron mucronatuin
Erpetion reniforme
Euonymus buxifolius
japonicus aureus

argenteus marginatns
latifolius aureo marginatus

CHOUSE PLANTS.

Dracxnas (in variety)
Erantbemum aureum reticulatum
Fittonia argyroneura
Pearcei

Francoa ramosa
Fuchsia Boliviana
Gloxinias (seedlings)
Habrothamnus elegans Newelli
Hebecltnium iantliinum
linpatiens Sultani
Leonotis leonurus
Medeola asparagoides
Montbretia crocosmseflora
Pandanus utilis
Passiflora coerulea grandi flora
Pelargoniums, Cape species, named
French or Decorative
named sorts
Pitcairnia Jacksoni
Salvia angustifolia
Tropaiolum (Colonel Clarke)

Yucca Draconia
undulata

PLANTS,

Eucalyptus globulus
Fuchsia gracilis variegita
Riccartoni
Iresine metallica

PLANTS.

Fragaria indica

Hedera conglomerate

Hypericum oblongifolium
patulum

Iris pseudacorus variegatus

Neia gracilis

Preonies t herbaceous varieties# named)

Phlox setacea atro-purpurea

Primula elatior (Hose in hose)
rosea

Pyrethrum roseum, single
double

Rudbeckia Newmanni

Saxifraga ligulata
nepalensis

Veronica lignstifolia
Lyalii
species
Traversi

Viola Blue Jacket
Holyrood
Robert Grigo •

Royal Visit

A GARDENER’S FUNERAL.

Nothing is more pleasing to us than to observe, as we not
infrequently do, the cordial relations that exist betwe n owners <f
ancestral estates and their gardeners and other dependents. The really
great can afford to treat their servants with consideration and respect, aud
they do, as a rule, so treat those who serve them faithfully. Ihe g od
feeling between master and man to which we refer must have existed in
a marked degree between Sir Humphrey F. de Trafford, Bart., Traff>r i
Park, Manchester, and his late gardener, Mr. William Sargeson. Though
some weeks have elapsed since Mr. Sargeson died, no ordinary lapse of
time would prevent us placing on record in this Journal the description ot
his funeral which we take from the Eceles Advertiser of July 3rd, 1880.

Death op Mr. Sargeson of Trafford Park.

Mr. William Sargeson, who for forty-four years had been the head
gardener at Trafford Park, expired at the Hall on June the 24th at the age
of eighty. So highly was he esteemed that he was provided with every com¬
fort, and two men were always at hand to wheel him about the Park and
through the gardens which he loved so well. The funeral took place ou
Tuesday afternoon. The coffin was of beautifully polished oak with brass
fittings, and had on it a brass plate, upon which was engraved

l; William Sargeson,

Died 24th June, 1886,

Aged 80 Years.”

The coffin was enclosed in a patent sanitary metallic shell with a deodorh -
ing box inside. The coffin was placed upon a bier in the front entrance hall
when Lady Annette de Trafford placed upon it the first and most beautifu
wreath. Afterwards it was entirely covered with other wreaths, and many
were suspended at the sides of the coffin. The wreaths were from amongst
others — the de Trafford family, Mrs. Rice, the servants at the Hall, the
gardeners (an anchor and crown), Mrs. Ellis, Mrs. Bell, and Mrs. Barbie .
As the coffin was removed from the Hall her ladyship and her daughter,
Mary Annette, stood on one side of the Hall and the female servants on the
other. Eight strong young men carried it out and placed it upon an open
funeral car in front of the Hall. The cortege then moved towards St.
Catherine’s Church, Barton, in the following order : —

First Carriage. — Sir Humphrey Francis de Trafford, Bart., and Dr.
Hepworth.

Second Carriage.— Mr. Ellis, Mr. Taylor, solicitor; and Mr. John
Bowden, O.E., land agent.

Third Carriage (Dr. Hepworth’s). — Father Sharrockf.

The open funeral car, drawn by four splendid horses.

Fourth Carriage. — Two nephews of decease l and the husband cf de¬
ceased’s niece.

August 19, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

159

Six other carriages containing personal friends and fellow servants of
deceased.

The Rev. Samuel Dale, late incumbent of Christ Church, Patricroft — at
which church deceased worshipped for many years — conducted the funeral
service ; and in addition to these already mentioned there were present at
the funeral the Rev. A. E. Francis (Vicar of Barton), Monseigneur Kershaw,
and the Rev. L. Shrieber. Sir H. F. de Trafford and Dr. Hepworth each
carried a bouquet and strewed it upon the coffin when lowered into the grave.
The churchyard, which is in a beautiful condition, was filled with a respect¬
able concourse of people, numbers of whom had known the deceased many
years.

Thus was the octogenarian gardener honoured and departed worth
recognised by the representatives of one of the oldest and most widely
esteemed of the county families of Lancashire, and we record the event
in honour of both.

FLOORS CASTLE GARDENS.

“ Depression ! ” that cry which resounds on every hand at the pre¬
sent lime, has made itself felt at even such a princely place as Floors
Castle, and economy is the order of the day, combined with the sale of a
considerable portion of the produce of the gardens. Notwithstanding
this, however, there is sufficient regard paid to purely ornamental work
to preserve the beauty of the place in a wonderful way, and much credit
must be given to Mr. McKellar.

Those of your readers who have not visited Floors have a treat in
store for them. Kelso, a little town beautifully situated beside the
Tweed, which here maintains its title to be called “ fair river broad and
deep,” is of itself well worthy a visit because of its old Abbey and its
interesting surroundings. Floors Castle is distant a little more than a
mile from the town, and from the entrance-gate till the Castle is reached
the visitor passes along a splendid approach with grand trees on every
hand, and a wide expanse of richly wooded and highly cultivated coun'ry
stretching far and wide on the left hand, with the silver Tweed flowing in
the mid-distance. Nearly opposite the Castle and about a mile distant
stands the ruined pile of old Roxburgh Castle, a place rich in historic
interest, and whose stones, could they speak, would tell of stormy times
and deadly struggles. In a fine park just in front of the Castle stands
an old tree which marks the spot where King James II. was killed by the
bursting of a cannon during the siege of Roxburgh Castle, which was
then in the hands of the English. Arrived at the Castle, the visitor is
at once struck with the large extent of ground which it covers, and the
splendid view it commands. While very handsomely furnished the Castle
is not so rich in rare pictures, statuary, cabinets, Sc c., as are many other
mansions in the country.

At the end nearest the gardens there is a small Rose garden and a
Camellia house — the former a blaze of colours, and the latter full of plants
in fine condition. The houses at the gardens are too numerous to describe
in detail. Suffice it to say that there is a splendid corridor full of noble
specimens of Camellias and handsome shrubs and plants in flower, the
walls beautifully decorated with Creepers, Ferns, Begonias, Mosses, &e.,
all growing in a delightfully natural style. The walk through this cor¬
ridor being a winding one makes it appear much longer than it really is,
an 1 also causes one to get a fresh surprise at every turn, as every few
yards something extra beautiful or especially interesting is disclosed.
Entering from the corridor are seven or eight houses, span-roofed, and
filled with plants, Vines, Figs, and Peaches. One house contained some
very handsome Palms, all growing vigorously, and promising to be splen¬
did specimens in a short time. Tuberous Begonias, Pelargoniums, and
other flowering plan's were displayed in another of the houses. The
house where the Figs are grown was very fine; the trees were covered
with a second crop. Mr. McKellar lately cut their roots oS from com¬
munication with the outside border, built up the space below the
foundation of the house, and now confines them to the inside border.
The result is less rampant growth and abundant fruitfulness. Very
good crops of Black Hamburgh are to be seen in other houses in this
range ; also Madresfislj. ^ourt, wh ch does not crack here.

Leaving these houses and entering the kitchen garden we passed the
gardener’s house, a very comfortable one, and built so as to form an
ornament to the gardens. We now beheld a number of hothouses,
and entered a large lean-to Peach house in which Mr. McKellar replanted
the trees not very long ago. They seem in the best of health. Next is a
range of high, wide, and handsome lean-to vineries, the first one con¬
taining a capital crop of Lady Downe’s, just beginning to colour, and
giving promise of finishing well, the foliage splendid, the wood strong,
and commencing to ripen. The next division is a Hamburgh house,
and all its crop was cut save two bunches. Judging from them, the
finish and style of the crop must have been good. Muscats occupy
another house, which is a very large one. Many fine bunches are to be
seen, and all appear to be colouring well.

Orchids occupy five houses, and all are in the best of health, the foliage
dark green and glossy, and all in a satisfactory state as regards clean¬
liness and neatness. The walls of the houses are most beautifully clothed
with Maidenhair Ferns and Lycopods, the Adiantums growing in a state
of luxuriance and beauty rarely seen in such situations. Other houses
are filled with fine Crotons, Dracaenas, Ferns, Eucharises, Gardenias. ,
all in the b:st possible condition. Stephanotis trained along wires in
some of the stoves appeared in fine condition, free from bug, and covered
with flowers. Other creepers, such as Dipladenias, share the good health
that seems to distinguish every plant under Mr. McKellar’s care.

Pot Vines are grown in grand style, some from eyes this spring are
stringer by far than we ordinarily see “cut-hacks” offered as fi niters

by the nurserymen. Ihey were all beginning to ripen, too, and there
need be little fear that they will not fruit freely next season. Two houses
are filled with one Peach tree each, such grand specimens, and such
healthy foliage — no trace of 9pider I The fruit had all been gathered,
most of it being sent to market. Tbe crop had been abundant. Other
houses there are which are worthy of description, but space forbids. 1
would only say, Go and see what can be done by energy and ability, even
when a reduced staff and a curtailed expenditure have to be faced, and
also something of the nature of market gardening to be carried on. In spite
of these disadvantages the flower garden is beautifully planted, the grass
well kept, and in general an air of good management and well-directed
energy displayed. The kitchen garden is large and well stocked, every¬
thing seeming to be in abundance and in prime condition.

Altogether Floors may be noted as a place well worth a visit, not only
on account of the beauty of the surroundings and of the Castle grounds,
but because of the cultural skill to be observed, the display of well-directed
energy to be noted, and the kindly welcome to be received by all who go
as followers or admirers of the art of gardening.

I may conclude with the hope that some day, not far distant, the sale
of most of the produce of the gardens need not be carried on ; that better
times for landlords, better times for tenants, better times for gardeners,
are coming. No gardener appears to me more worthy of every encourage¬
ment and every success than Mr. McKellar. Need I add that, like a
sensible man, Mr. McKellar has chosen himself a sensible wife, who seems
indeed a helpmeet? — A Visitor.

OLD AND NEW ROSES.

A papar bj Mr. Joseph H. Bou-n. real before the Massachusetts Horticultural Society.]

The Greeks adored this flower of the highest antiquity, and the
Romans bestowed praises on its loveliness. Anacreon sang its primal
birth ; Homer extolled its gracefulness, and borrowed its brilliant colours
to paint the glowing richness of the rising sun ; Herodotus exulted over
the sixty-petalled varieties which grew spontaneously in the gardens
of Midas in Macedonia ; Catullus vaunted its charms ; and Horace
admired “the richly tinted face, whose bloom is soon fled;” Virgil
contrasts the pale sallow with the blushing hues, and extols the Rosea
of Paestum with their “ double spring.” Those costly ornamental
gardens, destroyed almost ten centuries ago, no longer shed the morning
fragrance of Rose perfume. Nettles and Brambles encumber the foot¬
path of the traveller, and, like a poetic memory of the past, the Cyclamen
and the Violet now trail among the debris of the old city. Ausonius,
writing at the very close of Latin literature, draws from tbe roseries of
Paestum a picture of “ beauty doomed to premature decline,” and tells of
watching “ the luxurious Rose beds, all dewy in the young light of the
rising dawn-star.” Roses bore away the palm from all flowers during the
sovereignty of Augustus and subsequent rulers ; but Cicero did not approve
of the custom, introduced by those who were given to luxurious enter¬
tainments, of taking their meals reclining on Rose leaves. Verres, a
Roman governor of Sicily, gave audiences wearing wreaths of Roses upon
his head and around his neck, sitting upon a cushion made of the finest
of Malta linen, full of sweet-9cented Rose buds. Cleopatra and Nero
extravagantly decorated their banqueting halls with rosy ornaments and
garlands; and distinguished guests were greeted amid roseate bowerq
while the merry dance went round in an atmosphere redolent with roseal
odours. Every evidence exists that we must connect the R *se with the
lore of antiquity ; for the ancients preserved its luxury, and it was the
ornament of their festivals, their altars, and their tombs ; while their poets
made it the symbol of innocence and modesty, of grace and beauty. It is
probable that the Romans had Roses of similar species with some of tho=e
we now cultivate, since they practised sowing the seed, as well as propa¬
gating by cuttings, by grafting, and by budding. Hothouse growth was
also understood and practised, says Seneca; and it was a boast to have
carried this flower so far towards perfection as to surpass the cultivators
of Alexandria, Memphis, and Rhodes. That the Rose never fatigues is
shown by the reputation it has maintained through all the ages. Although
a hundred generations have succeeded each other, it is still a queenly
belle, notwithstanding it did not escape the devastation attendant on the
revolution of empires, or the more desolating invasions of the Huns anl
the Goths.

But while wo do not ignore an historical interest in the Rose, the
subject of more practical inquiry is, What Roses can we successfully grow
in our gardens? I answer, Nona hut such as are planted under the con¬
ditions which the law3 of Nature certainly require, followed by special
watchfulness until the trees become well rooted and established in vigorous
growth; and then intelligent study must be given to the varied habits and
conditions of growth of eajh variety. Toe most popular, because the
most useful Roses, are the Remontant*, whose special beauty consists in
the shell form of the large petals, softly recurving in their glistening
freshness of colour ; and for decorative purposes the varieties should be
the free-flowering kinds, noted for elegance and brilliancy eti masse, in
preference to th se possessed of great symmetry of form. The favourites
of a generation ago— Madame Zoutman, Blanche-fleur, Cheaedole, and
Paul Perras — are unsurpassed to-day in quality, hardiness, and fragrance
eomb’ned ; but the Remontant*, on account of the:r freedom of bloom,
are now regarded as the most important of the many groups of Roses
cultivated. The modern classes of the Rose claim no less than twenty
species as their progenitors ; and from the pronenes3of Nature’s offspring
to assume new styles and shades arise individuals differing from their
parents. To give a correct knowledge of the Rose now so popular, we
must bee ime acquainted with certain types in this group, — which gather

160

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 19, 1985.

together many varieties whose excellent qualities are the resu't of
artificial selection, — as to learn that there are peculiarities that pertain to
families which have distinct attributes by which they may be distinguished
from others.

In 1842 and 1843 rosarians were delighted with the Baron Prevost and
La Reine, now regarded as the oldest types and most enduring and freest
bloomers, favourite examples of which are Paul Neyron, Madame Boll,
Anna de Diesbach, and Madame Nachury. In 1846 was introduced the
Giant of Battles, rich in colour, but fleeting, of slight odour, subject to
mildew, and difficult to propagate, and, on account of the poor con¬
stitution of these varieties the Prince Camille family have taken their
place.

In 1852 the General Jacqueminot appeared as a most valuable acqui¬
sition, and from its great popularity this family is now the most numerous
of all. Its members are invariably of shades of red and crimson, mode¬
rately hardy, and generally highly perfumed. Leading examples are
Marie Rady, Pierre Notting, and Marie Baumann.

In the same year originated the Victor Verdier, having numerous
descendants, tender, and of slight fragrance, and yet a valuable col¬
lection on account of their free flowering, good illustrations of which are
Mdlle. Eugdnie Verdier, Etienne Levet, Countess of Oxford, and Captain
Christy. Of all the families it is the best for forcing.

In 1853 the Jules Margottin was a surprise — almost odourless, and
difficult to propagate from cuttings, hut making very vigorous plants
when budded. Some of our most popular and elegant Roses — Madame
Gabriel Luizet, John Hopper, Duchesse de Vallambrosa, Madame
Lacharme, Magna Charta, and Rev. J. B. M. Camm — are of this
family.

The flowers of most perfect form presented themselves in the Senateur
Vaisse type, like Madame Victor Verdier, Mrs. Lixton, and E. Y. Teas,
followed by the Charles Lefebvre, of less vigorous habit ; the Prince
Camille group in 1861, magnificent in their dark velvety shades ; pro¬
minent members of which are Monsieur Boncenne, La Rosifere, Baron de
Bonstettin, and Jean Liabaud, but shy bloomers in the autumn ; the
Alfred Colomb, elegant in form and colour, and odorous; the Duke of
Edinburgh, beautiful when grown in a moist, cool climate, but fading
under our hot sun ; and lastly, the Baroness Rothschild, a superb Rose of
extreme delicacy, with an exquisite foliage, and of great value to the
florist for greenhouse culture.

There is a type recently introduced more valuable than any I have
spoken of called “ Hybrid Tea,” of which La France was the original in
1869, of silvery rose colour, and having the combination of the Provence
and Tea perfumes.

It is now regarded as a decided advance in the art of Rose culture to
obtain new varieties which shall combine the hardiness of La Reine and
Paul Neyron with the free-blooming qualities and fragrance of Bon Silene
and Souvenir d’un Ami. In this class Nature has been relied upon to
accomplish what we wish by sowing the seed promiscuously, producing
some flowers that are Tea-scented, while others show the Tea blood in the
foliage. Roses of this family, which are looked upon with much interest,
and which have novelty and promise of usefulness, are the Duke and
Duchess of Connaught, Cheshunt Hybrid, Viscountess Falmouth, Madame
Alexander Bernaix, Madame Etienne Levet, Julius Finger, William
Francis Bennett, and Lady Mary Fitzwilliam.

The Roses of the past have been the product of Nature unaided by
human effort, while those of the present chiefly come from sowing the
seeds of varieties which have not been crossed. The Roses of the future
may and should be produced principally as the result of artificial fecunda¬
tion and hybridisation. Our aim should be to control and assist Nature
as far as possible in her tendency towards variation ; and in order to
obtain new sorts of marked individuality we should avoid crossing
varieties too much alike.

Some physiologists are of opinion that in hybridising the offspring
assumes the foliage and habits of the male, while the flowers are in¬
fluenced more by the female. If this be so the head and hands may look
for any result the mind may suggest ; and at least we may conclude from
the advance made within a brief period by the introduction of new groups
that there is much which is desirable in the Rose that we do not alieady
possess, but is yet to be obtained. While the botanist collects and examines
the productions of Nature, and arranges them in classes and orders, which
he again divides into genera and species, pointing out their properties and
uses, the florist applies the art of culture with the view of fashioning them
to his own taste. Since Nature’s plants are all open to improvement the
originating new and improved kinds by the product of a mixture of two
different species is one of the most fascinating departments of the flori-
cultural artist, who is moving continually amid ideal scenes, knowing
what forms he wishes, but not what he will obtain.

(To be continued.)

PRIMULA RUSBYI, Greene.

Whatever may have been thought previous to the Primula con¬
ference taking place at South Kensington, there can be now at least no
doubt of the popularity of these truly charming flowers, apart altogether
from the political significance given to the queen of our native flowers,
“ The Primrose.” The diversity of form, colour, and habit presented in the
groups then shown left little to be desired and elicited no small admira¬
tion from those with only a passing knowledge of this important genus.

Primulas are with us from early spring until late autumn in some form or
other, and in a few cases, notably that of P. obconica and P. floribunda,
may be almost said to be incessant flowerers, the former, to our know¬
ledge, having flowered at least two years without a single break in pots in
a greenhouse temperature. So varied are they in their distribution, to^
that there is hardly a position in rockery, bed, cr border, from the sunniest
to the most deeply shaded, but what will suit some species. During the
present summer they have been flowering with us with almost as much
vigour as in spring, many of those that did flower at the usual time being
now in full blossom. This we believe is not uncommon, although we have-
not noticed it so marked as it is this year.

P. Rusbyi, of which a good r -presentation is given in fig. 23, was in¬
troduced two years ago by Mr. T. S. Ware, Tottenham. It is one of the
few American species of this genus, and nearly allied to P. angustifolia
and P. Cusickiana, the latter at one time considered only a variety of
P. angustifolia, but now regarded sufficiently distinct by Dr. Gray to rank
as a species. P. Rusbyi is much larger than P. Cusickiana, the leave*
being from 2 to 5 inches long, including the mai-gined petiole. The
blade is very thin, oblong, spatulate, and slightly denticulate. The flow r
stem rises from 6 inches to a foot in height, carrying a head of about a
dozen flowers, and surrounded by an involucre of three oval bracts; the
calyx tube white, and having the appearance of being farinose at the base,
campanulate in shape, and often longer than the triangular teeth ; the
flowers are deep purple with a pretty yellow eye, and at their best
measuring an inch or more in diameter, the tube exceeding the calyx -
This species is undoubtedly one of the greatest acquisitions amongst our
Primroses of late years, and one of comparatively easy cultivation provided
the proper position be chosen. It thrives best in a shady moist situation
in a stiff loamy soil ; indeed, like P. Parryi, the colder and shadier the
position the better the plant succeeds. In winter it is deciduous, dying to
a bud, as in P. sikkimensis, and care should be taken that these be not
disturbed or scratched by birds, &c. It is a native of the Mogollen Moun¬
tains, New Mexico, summit of Mount Wrightson, and the Santa Rita
Mountains Arizona, flowering with us in late summer. — D. D.

HORTICULTURAL SHOWS.

CARDIFF.

The twenty-third annual Show of the Glamorganshire Horticultural
Society was held at Cardiff on August 11th. In previous yearB the Show
has generally been arranged in an open field, but this one took place in the
Sophia Gardens, which are very convenient to the town, beautifully situated
on the banks of the river Taff, picturesquely wooded with trees and bushes,
and admirably adapted for a charming Show, which this was in every
respect. The exhibits were unprecedented in number, the quality was
remarkably good, and the whole were arranged in twelve various sized
tents. Those who have seen the whole of the shows provided by this
excellent Society asserted that it was the finest Exhibition ever held at
Cardiff. The Committee, as well as the Hon. Sec., Mr. A. B. Bassett, are to-
be congratulated on such excellent results. Assistant Secretary, Mr. J. G.
Jones, also deserves a word of praise, especially when it is stated that he-
attends to booking all the entries, filling in the cards, and doing much work
at the age of eighty-seven years.

Plants. — For twelve stove and greenhouse plants Mr. Cypher, Chelten¬
ham, was deservedly placed first with large finely grown specimens of
Statice profusa, Ixora coccinea, Allamanda nobilis, Phcenocoma prolifers.
Bougainvillea glabra, Erica Irbyana, Stephanotis floribunda, Erica Thomp-
soni, Statice Holfordi, Dipladenia Brearleyana, and Erica retorta major,
a showy and attractive group. Mr. J. Mould was second, his best plants
feeing Allamanda nobilis, Erica Marnockiana, E. semula, and Clerodendron
Balfourianum. Mr. Hemming, gardener to James Howell, Esq., Cardiff,
was third with good plants, the Eucharis amazonxa here being a magni¬
ficent plant, 6 feet through, with luxuriant foliage and a profusion of
blooms. In the eight fine-foliaged plants it was a keen competition, James
Howells, Esq., beating Mr. Cypher with superb specimens of Encephalartos
villosus, E. horrida, Croton pictus, C. maj.sticus, Latania borbonica, and
Cyathea dealbata ; Mr. Cypher’s best plants were Croton Johannis,
C. Queen Victoria, and Kentia australis.

The next class in the open section was for six Fuchsias, and the specimens
which gained the first and second prizes were the finest we have ever seen
in South Wales, Colonel Hill, Cardiff, being first with Charming, Rose of
Castile, Beacon, Pink Perfection, Final, and Miss Lye. These plants were
about 8 feet in height, 6 feet through, furnished from top to bottom with
luxuriant and spotless foliage, and densely draped with rich blooms. Mr.
Jonas Watson came second, and Mr. J. Hilliard third with good plants.
Exotic and hardy Ferns were well shown by Mr. John Gunn, Cardiff ; Mr.
C. T. Walters, Sir George Walker, and Colonel Hill. Six pots of Zonal
Pelargoniums terminated the first open section, and Messrs. J. Hilliard, C.
Thompson, and Mrs. Steeds were the winners, with spreading finely bloomed
specimens. In the plant section the first prize for six stove or greenhouse
plants went to Mr. C. H. Williams with capital plants of Stephanotis flori¬
bunda,, Ixora Williamsi, Allamanda Hendersoni, Bougainvillea glabra,
Clerodendron Balfourianum, and Dipladenia Brearleyana. Mr. C. T.
Wallice was second, his best specimens consisting of Clerodendron Balfouri¬
anum and Allamanda Hendersoni. Mr. Steeds was a creditable third. The
class for six fine-foliaged plants produced excellent competition, Mr. John
Gum being first, Mr. Howell second, and Colonel Hill third. The Fuchsias

August 19, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

161

here were again grand, Colonel Hill winning easily, and Mr. C. Thompson
came second. Mr. J. Gunn and Colonel Hill were the prizewinners in
exotic Ferns, but half a dozen plants from Mr. E. Jenkins were superior to
either of the above. Achimenes from Mrs. Steeds and Mr. W. D. Blessley
were well grown, but not heavily bloomed. Coleuses were numerous, the
best coming from Colonel Hill and Mr. T. Morel. Gloxinias were very fine,
the plants being large and well bloomed. Balsams were not particularly
good, but Tuberous Begonias were remarkably fine, Mr. Crossling, Penarth,
being first with plants conspicuous for fine leaves and numerous large
finely coloured blooms.

Cut Flowers. — These were shown very largely, and the majority of
the stands were above the average in merit. In the open class Roses began
the list, and for twelve named varieties, three blooms of each, Mr. Stephen
Treseder, Ely Road Nurseries, Cardiff, was first with a capital stand, the
blooms being of great substance, well coloured, and in prime condition.
Mr. Crossling, Penarth, was a very close second ; and in the leading Tea
Rose class those two exhibitors again shared the honours in the same
position, the majority of the blooms being exc llent for this season. One

offered for dinner table decorations, and many competed. In the open class
here, and for a dinner table 4 feet by 8 feet laid for eight persons, Mr.
Phelps, Cardiff, was first, and Mr. Farrant, Swansea, second ; but both were
rather clamsy, and neither were convenient for the object in view, as, for
instance, as a centre for the first-prize one there was a flower stand 2 feet
high, and the solitary occupant of the crown of this was a Pine Apple,
while it is well enough understood that fruit on a dinner table should never
occupy such an exalted position. There was altogether too much of the
fruiterers’ shop about them, and in the other class for table decorations,
which was confined to Glamorganshire and Monmouthshire, much more
artistic results were produced. The first prize in the latter went to Mrs. H.
Lewis, The Palace, Llandaff, and the s cond to Miss Waldron, both being
prettily furnished and elegantly decorated. Mr. Cypher was, as usual,
invincible with his vase of cut flowers ; and in bouquets Mrs. Steeds, Miss
Jenkins, Mrs. Bennet, and “Loadstone,” the Lady Florist, Llanelly, were in
advance of all others.

Fruit. — We thought there was a mistake in the judging of the nine
dishes, as Mr. Case, a Cardiff fruiterer, who was first, had black Graphs

Fig. 23. — Primula Rusbyi.

matter should be mentioned here. The Ro3es and many other classes of
cut flowers were not judged until 3,30 p.m., the Judges having retired for
luncheon and a rest before completing their labours ; and although this
would no doubt be agreeable to those gentlemen, it is decidedly unfair to
the competitors, as nothing is more deteriorating to cut Roses or cutflowerB
of any kind than keeping them in a tent for four or five hours before being
judged : indeed, we would suggest that when auy delay is likely to take
place in judging, that the usual way of “ following the list ” be disregarded,
and the cut flowers be judged first. Dahl as were uncommonly attractive,
Messrs. Heath of Cheltenham winning first prize in the leading class with
blooms of great merit. Mr. W. I reseder of Cardiff, who came second, also
showed high-class flowers. Gladioli were not very numerous, but grand in
quality ; Mr. Moor, Coidriglan, Cardiff, being first, and Mr. Shaw second.
Hollyhocks were scarce and poor, but Phloxes made a capital show ; Mr. <
Pettigrew, Cardiff Castle, being first, and Mr. E. J. Coleman, Cardiff, second.
The bottles in which many of them were shown were more varied than the
Phloxes, and by no means attractive. Verbenas were very good, the Misses
Rous being first, and Mr. J. Pile second. Carnations and Picotees were
extremely fine, the best coming from Mr. B. Bennett and Mr. C. Waldron, j
Several excellent stands of Pansies were exhibited, and the boxes of cut
flowers (blooms of stove plants excluded) were much admired, as they ]
made a first-rate show, and Mr. Pettigrew won the first prize with a fine- i
group ; Mr. C. Thompson second, and Mr. J. S. Corbit third. Mr. Stephen
Treseder, Cardiff, offered good prizes for twenty-four Rose blooms, and
these were secured by Mr. Pettigrew and Major Treharne.

The decorative section was highly interesting, as good prizes w re

very deficient in colour, while his white ones — or, more correctly speaking
his green ones — were far from ripe. The Apples here, too, were not of high
quality, and a dish of Gooseberries is not a telling one in nine dishes;
whereas Mr. Hawkins, gardener to Major Turberville, Ewenny Priory,
Bridgend, was particularly strong in ripe fruit, his Muscat of Alexandria
and Madresfield Court being quite ripe and good, and his orchard-house
Pears, Plums, Peaches, Nectarines, &c., were in prime condition. For three
bunches of Musoat of Alexandria Mr. Silk, gardener to T. M. Franklen,
Esq., St. Hilary, Cowbridge, was first, his bunches being large, well furnished,
and of high quality. Mr. Hawkins was second with good fruits. In the
any other white Grape class Mr. B. Thomas was first with very grand Buck-
land Sweetwater, and Mr. Silk was second with perfectly finished Foster’s
Seedling. This variety was well represented. In black Grapes the class
for Hamburghs contained many samples, but none of them were really up
to the mark in colour. The best came from Mr. James Howells and Mr.
James Williams. In the three of any other black Grape class Mr. Hawkins
was first with beautiful Madresfield Court, and Mr. Pettigrew second with
Alicante fine in bunch and berry but not quite matured. The first prize for
the best-flavoured Melon went to General Lee for Golden Gem, an extra
first to Mr. Pettigrew, and second to Col. Hill. Melons (green-flesh), dish
of two. — First Mr. Pettigrew with William Tillery. Melons (scarlet-flesh),
dish of two. — First Mr. Pettigrew with Reid’s Hybrid ; second Lascells Carr,
Esq., Cwrt-y-vil, Penarth. Melons (two), the most handsome. — First Mr.
Pettigrew with Marquis of Bute. In Peaches and Nectarines Mr. Case and
Mr. J. Muir, gardener to C. R. M. Talbot, Esq., M.P., Margam Park. Port
Talbot, divided the prizes with showy fruit. In Apricots the Misses Rous

[ August 19, 1886.

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

were first and Mr. Muir second. In Plums Mr. Muir first and Mr. Hawkins
second. Apples and Pears were well shown by Colonel Page, Mr. Hawkins,
and Mr. Pettigrew; pot Vines by Mr. T. Gibson ; and orchard house trees
by Mr. T. W. Jones and Col. Page.

Vegetables.— These were extremely good and numerous, bor tne
collection of nine dishes there were thirteen competitors. Mr. J. Aluir
secured the first prize with a finely grown, clean, uniformly good collection,
well staged. They comprised Cauliflower, Celery, Onions, Tomatoes,
Kidney Beans, Potatoes, Cucumbers, and Pen-y-Byd Vegetable Marrow.
Mr. Silk was second with a good collection, and Mr. Pettigrew was third
with very meritorious produce. The majority of the small cla®8®9

were well filled, the principal prizetakers being Mr. J. Muir, Mr. Suk, Mr.
Moor, Mr. D. T. Alexander, Mr. Scott, and Mr. L. Carr.

The cottagers had a tent to themselves, and made a most interesting
display of well-grown vegetables, the greatest prizewinners being Mr.
Edward Ealey, Mr. J. Gibbons, Mr. D. Adams, Mr. D. Jones, Mr. T. Hopkins
and Mr. T. Nilson. Mr. William Treseder of Canton Road, Cardiff, exhibited
a splendid box of Pompon Dahlias ; Mr. Crossling showed some^ chaste
wreaths; “Loadstone” of Llanelly had a large stand of charming cut
annuals and herbaceous flowers; and Messrs. Webb & Sons, Stourbridge,
were conspicuous with many of their specialities.

TAUNTON.— August, 12th.

There are many circumstances which combine to make this one of the
most successful, if not the most important, of the autumn provincial ex¬
hibitions. In the first place it is most liberally supported by the town ana
neighbourhood of this charming county town : and their support is not or
that nonchalant style which one sometimes meets with in other places.

“ Were you at the flower show yesterday ?” is a question put perhaps to a
gentleman who has subscribed his guinea to the annual flower show at
Dundrearyville. “Upon my word,” is the careless reply, “ I didn’t know there
was a flower show ;” or like what we are told of the late Liverpool Show of
the Royal Horticultural Society, that many of the local people who were
supplied with tickets never went near it. Not so at Taunton ; the county
gentry make a point of being there, and they either manage to get home, if
away, for it, or else return in time for it and evince a lively interest in its
welfare. This interest is shared in by all classes of the community ; it is the
fete day of the year. The numerous entries in the cottagers’ classes, attract
a large number of that class, who of course want to see what neighbour
Smith has done, and whether Brown’s ’taters were better than his’n. And
then there are other attractions. A first-rate bandis always secured ; this year
it was that of the Grenadier Guards under the leadership of Mr. Dan Godfrey
— a most attractive feature for all, especially the more cultured classes, while
the grand display of fireworks in the evening affords a means of enjoyment
which never seems to pall in the taste of the multitude in all countries, for
they are as attractive to the Indian, or Italian, or German, as they are to us.
All these things combined tend to make the chancellor of exchequer of the
Taunton Show a happy man, and to enable the Committee to draw up a
most liberal schedule, the first prize for twelve stove and greenhouse plants
amounting to £20 ; and let people dream as they will about honour, glory,
love of horticulture, &c., these things are all very well, but they don’t pay
expenses ; and if you want to have a good exhibition you must have liberal
prizes. Hence there is never any lack of exhibitors, for there are great in¬
ducements for them to come. Then, the Society has always been enabled
to have an active Committee whose heart is in their work, and who have
always managed to secure the services of excellent secretaries. I have seen
many changes in the secretarial duty the many years I have “ assisted ”
at this Show, but they have always been thoroughly good working ones.
Their late Secretary, Mr. Samson, did much for the efficiency of the Show,
and his successors, young men, are entering thoroughly into their work ; and
although this was the first year of their office the ease and smoothness with
which everything went says a great deal for the amount of labour they have
bestowed upon it, and it will be well for the Society if the services of
Messrs. Maynard and Hammond are given to it for many years to come.

The exhibition this year was fully up to the average. I have seen,
perhaps, in some points, better exhibits, but, on the other hand, things came
out exceedingly well. I was partly disappointed at the exhibits of Gladioli
(not, of course, including the magnificent stand set up by Mr. Kelway) ;
but Mr. Dobree, who has always exhibited so well, was not present. On the
other hand, Pelargoniums, always well shown here, were this year super-
excellent, while too much praise cannot be given to the cottagers’ pro¬
ductions of fruit and vegetables, the bee exhibition adding another feature
of interest to the Show.

In the open classes there was a grand display of plants, both flowering
and foliaged. The first prize for twelve stove and greenhouse plants was
awarded to Mr. James Cypher for plants which bore out his well-established
reputation as the first plantsman in England. His plants were Dipladenia
amabilis, Dipladenia hybrids, Allamanda Hendersoni, Allamanda nobilis,
Ixora Fraseri, Ixora Duffi, the finest plant of it perhaps ever exhibited ;
Ixora Pilgrimi, Erica Marnockiana, Erica Irbyana, Erica ampullacea
Barnesi, Phcenocoma prolifera, and Statice profusa. Mr. B. W. Cleave of
Chard was second with excellent plants, and Mrs. Pearce of Southampton
third. In class 2, for six stove and greenhouse plants, Mr. Cypher was again
first with Ixora coccinea, Erica ampullacea Barnesi, Rhododendron Duchess
of Connaught, very fine; Hsemanthus magnifies with fine heads of grand
orange scarlet inflorescence ; Statice profusa, and Clerodendron Balfourianum
In class 3, for eight fine foliaged and variegated plants, the places of the two
champions were reversed, Mr. B. W. Cleave being first with fine plants of
Gleichenia spelunc®, Croton Warreni, Croton Williamsi, Latania borbonica,
Cycas revoluta, Kentia Belmoreana, Encephalartos ampullacea villosa. Mr.
Cypher was second, his best plants being a grand plantof Cordylineindivisa,
Croton Prince of Wales, and Croton Johannis. In class 4, for eight exotic
F erns, Mr. B. W. Cleave was again first with Gleichenia rupestris glaucescens,
Gleichenia Mendeli, Davallia polyantha, Davallia Mooreana, Davallia
fijiensis, Marattia Cooperi, very fine, and a Fern not often seen, and
Cyathea dealbata. In class 5, for twelve Zonal Geraniums, for six blooms
Mr. H. Godding was first with very finely bloomed plantB of White
Vesuvius, Lord Gifford, Henri Jacoby, Pioneer, Mrs. Headley, De Less: ps,
»nd Mr. H. Pollard; these were most profusely bloomed, and were far

superior to anything we ever are in the habit of seeing at our metropolitan
shows. In class 6, for eight, the same exhibitor was first the best were
Ti iomphe, fine ; Mrs. Blissard, and Earl Wellington. In class 7, for variegated
leaved Pelargouiums, Mr. Ledbury was first with Italia Umta, Lady Cullen,
Silver Cloud,' Victoria, Louisa Smith, Lass o’ Gowrie, Queen of Queens, and
Mrs. Benyon. This is about the only place where one sees these once so
highly prized and highly priced plants, and one marvels at the frenzy
once possessed people on the subject. In class 8, for four double e g -
niums, Mr. Woodland was first with Wonderful, J. V. Raspail, Rambler, and
Mrs. Steil. Fuchsias were not remarkable, being too stiffly grown ; nor
were Cockscombs (hateful things !) very good. .

At the end of the tent Mr. Kelway exhibited a large stand of his very
beautifully grown Gladioli. They comprised a few of the French varieties,
but by far the greater number were his own seedlings, and ol tne-e
there were selected for first-class certificates Dr. Farrant, a fine flower,
somewhat in the style of Murillo ; Lady Salisbury, white, witn cerise
markings ; and Gabinius, cream, with carmine spots and markings, w y is
it that in the neighbourhood of such a grower as Mr. Kelway, and wnere
flowers are cultivated with such zeal, this grand unsurpassable autumn
flower is so little grown ? Coming to Roses, which were well shown or
the time of year, Mr. Mattock, of Headington, near Oxford, was Urst in
forty-eights with Belle Lyonnaise, Ulrich Brunner, Baroness Rothschild,
M. Jean Pernet, Innocente Pirola, John Hopper, Charles Lefebvre, Paul
Neyron, Dr. Hogg, Madame Hippolyte Jarnain, Alfred Colomb, 1 rmcess ot
Wales, Richard Laxton, Madame Boll, Madame Victor Verdier, Dupuy
Jarnain, Comtesse de Serenye, Black Prince, Rubens^ Devienne Larny,
Catherine Mermet, Seedling, Catherine Soupert, Maurice Bernardin, Da
France, Marechal Niel, A. K. Williams, Madame Eughme Verdier, Charles
Darwin in excellent form, Annie Wood very fine, Mons. Verdier, Marie
Van Houtte, Duchess of Bedford, Niphetos, Mane Baumann, Perle des
Jardins, Marie Rady, Elie Morel, Pierre Notting, Countess de Nadaillac,
Dr. Andry, Jean Ducher, Alfred Dumesnil, Lady M. Keith, and Louis Van
Houtte. Dr. Budd of Bath was second. In the class for twenty-tour
trebles Dr. Budd was first with Dupuy Jarnain, Baroness Rothschild, Cnarle3
Darwin, Duke of Wellington, Mrs. Laxton, Francois Michelon, Hemnch
Schultheis, Charles Lefebvre, La France, Souvenir d’Elise Vardon, Louis
Van Houtte, Princess Vera, Ferdinand de Lesseps, Francisca Kruger, Emily
Hausberg, M. Benoit Comte, Star of Waltham, Rubens, Madame Margottm,
Ulrich Brunner, Marie Verdier, Egeria, Caroline , Kuster, and Mane
Baumann. Mr. Cooling was second, and Mr. Mattock, with an excellent
stand, third ; indeed it had been placed first, but unfortunately, owing to
the fact of two trebles of the same Rose being staged by mistake, it was
prevented from taking first. It included Catherine Mermet, -Alfred Colomb,
Louis Van Houtte, Innocente Pirola, Marie Verdier, Madame de Watteville,
Dupuy Jarnain, Perle des Jardins, Souvenir de Mons. Pernet, Niphetos,
A. K. Williams, Cornelia Koch, Maurice Bernardm, Duke of Connaught,
Queen of Queens, Pierre Notting, Marie Van Houtte, Charles Darwin, and

Souvenir d’un Ami. _ _

Dahlias were not extensively but well exhibited, Messrs. Keynes,
Williams, & Co., of Salisbury, taking first in the three classes. In the
class for twenty-four the named flowers were Miss Cannell, James Vick,
Crimson King, Mr. Gladstone, Illuminator, Victor, Defiance, Henry Walton,
Mr. W. Stark, Constancy, Henry Bond, Royal Gem, Thomas Hobbs, J. 1.
Saltmarsh, Colonel, W. P. Laird, Spitfire, Joseph Ashby , Cluster, Mrs.
Amos, William Rawlings, and Mr. T. Foreman. The remainder were seed-
lings. In the class for twelve Sho.w varieties several of the same flowers
appeared. They were all well built and fresh. ,

In the class for twelve fancy Dahlias Messrs. Keynes, Williams and
Co. were again first with Rev. J. B. M. Camm, John Forbes, Madame
Soubeyre, Rebecca, Gaiety, James MTntosh, Prospero, Miss -L. ^aye,
Chorister, James O’Brien, and Miss A. Melsom. The second prizes in these
classes were taken by Mr. Joseph Nation, both good, but rather too advanced
blooms. Near to these stands was an enormous bloom of the fancy variety
Gaiety, exhibited by the Salisbury firm ; I did not take its measurement,
but it seemed to be fully 8 inches across, and at the same time good inform.
There was a large display of cut Asters, Hollyhocks, and Verbenas, but there
_ vnmoiVnWn xxr Vii l o a.q f.o fh p. Gladioli the less said the

The tent No. 2, which is confined to amateurs, is in some respects a
repetition of No. 1 ; we find there many of the same exhibitors, who have
probably put forth their strength in the 41 open ” tent, while others appear
who seem rather afraid to venture upon a trial of strength with the giants.
Facing the visitor as he entered was a very pretty and excellent group of
plants contributed by Mr. Robert Veitch, Exeter; in this were to be found
many new productions of interest to all lovers of horticulture.

In the class for twelve stove and greenhouse plants flowering or foliaged
Mrs. Pearce was first with Eucharis amazonica, Stat'ce profusa, Brugmansia
glabra, Cycas revoluta, Croton Williamsi, Phyllotsenium Lindeni, Areca
Veitchi, and Cordyline indivisa. In the class for six stove and greenhouse
plants Mr. Wilfred Marshall was first, his best plants being Rondeletia
speciosa and Vinca rosea. In class 38, for stove or greenhouse plants m
flower, Mr. Pearce was again first with good plants of Erica Aitoniana lurn-
bulli, Phcenocoma prolifera, a Clerodendron, and Erica obbata purpurea.
In the class for exotic Ferns Mr. Cleave had fine examples of Gleichenia
rupestris glaucescens, Adiantum cardiochlacnum, Adianrum formosum,
Adiantum trapeziforme. Mr. Wilfred G. Marshall exhibited five very
grand plants of Coleus Harry Veitch, Mrs. George Simpson, Mr. Baxter,
Constance, Pompadour, and Exquisite, exceedingly well grown and very
ornamental. In the class for hardy Ferns Mr. Cleave was first with Scolo-
pendrium vulgare crispum, Athyrium Felix-fcemina plumosum, Lastrea
Filix-mas crispa, Polypodium cambricum, Polystichum angulare Wollastom,
Polystichum angulare, Scolopendrium vulgare Kelway i. Mr. Pearce was
second. Selaginellas and Achimenes are always well shown at Taunton.
In the former Mr. Cleave was first with fine pans; and in the latter Mr.
Wilfred Marshall had good plants of Mauve Perfection, Dido, Magnifica,

and others. . , ,, ...

Cut flowers were quite equal to and in some cases superior to those in the
open classes. In Roses Dr. Budd was first in twenty-fours and twelves, and
Mr. Narroway first in twelve Teas. The principal flowers shown were Comte
deRaimbaud, La France, Alfred Colomb, Egeria, Charles Lefebvre, Francois

August 19, 1886. 1

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

163

Micbelon, Ulrich Brunner, Madame Hippolyte Jamain, Emily Hausberg ^
Duchess of Bedford, A. K. Williams, Etoile de Lyon, Duke of Connaught’,
Catherine Mermet, Benoit Comte, Baroness Rothschild, Star of Waltham
Anna Ollivier, Lord Bacon, ComteBse de Serenyi, Marie Verdi,er, Heinrich
Schultheis, and Duke of Edinburgh.

The table decoration set up by Miss Cypher displayed her usual excellent
taste, and although the centre vase was too high for the present fashion, yet
no one could fail to admire the elegance of the arrangement. It is a pity
that with such an example the Taunton ladies do not try their hand at it.
Her bouquets and stands were also excellent, and here she had evidently
succeeded in fostering a better style of bouquet than what one generally
sees.

I have thus endeavoured to give a faint outline of this excellent Show.
The fruit and vegetable and cottagers’ tents, and the bee tent, I must leave to
others. I have attempted to show what great variety and merit there is to
he seen at this west co untry Show, and when I contrast with it what is done
in the east of England> oue must give the palm for spirit and taste to the
“ west countrie.” — D., Deal.

Fruit and Vegetables. — There were two large tents devoted to these,
and a grand lot of stuff was brought together, the competition in every
instance being close and good. Three collections of ten dishes of fruit
were staged, Mr. IgguldeD, gardener to the Earl of Cork, Marston House,
Frome, being a good first with a collection very similar to that he had at
Weston-super-Mare two days previously, the two extra dishes consisting of
good Black Tartarian Cherries and Jargonelle Pears. Mr. Ward, gardener
to the Earl of Radnor, Longford Castle, Salisbury, took the second prize
for a generally creditable collection, which included a very fine Hero of
Lockinge Melon, Madresfield Court and Muscat of Alexandria Grapes, and
Green Gages. Mr. Crossman, gardener to J. Brutton, Esq., Yeovil, obtained
the third prize for an even and good collection. In the class for eight
dishes, the first prize went to Mr. J. Lloyd, gardener to Vincent Stuckey,
Esq., Langport, who had good Mrs. Pince and Foster’s Seedling Grapes,
Defiance Melon, Violetto Hative Peaches, Oldenburg Nectarines, Moor Park
Apricots, and Morellos, the whole forming a very pretty collection. Mr.
Crossman followed closely, his collection including a fine dish of Waterloo
Peach, Pine Apple Nectarines, and Madresfield Court Grapes. The best
collection of four dishes was Btaged by Mr. Daffurn, gardener to Mrs.
Walker, Weston-super-Mare, these consisting of good Madresfield Court
Grapes, very handsome Grosse Mignonne Peaches and Elruge Nectarines,
and Blenheim Orange Melon. Mr. Iggulden was a good second, and Mr.
T. W. Sansom third, and there were two other creditable lots shown.
Mr. Brooks received first prize for two medium-sized fruit of Enfield Queen
Pine Apple, the others shown being very indifferent. Mr. Ward was first
for Muscat of Alexandria Grapes, staging small bunches with fine berries
fairly well coloured, Mr. W. R. Waite being second, and Mr. J. Lloyd third.
For any other white variety Mr. J. Westacott was first, having fairly good
examples of Duke of Buccleueh; Mr. J. Lloyd was a good second with
well-coloured bunches of Foster’s Seedling, and Mr. J. C. Clarke, gardener
to C. E. Esdafie, Esq., Cothelstone, was third with unripe and not very clean
Buckland Sweetwater. Mr. Iggulden was first for Black Hamburgh in
fairly good condition, Mr. W. R. Waite taking second, and Mr. A. Crossman
the third prize. Mr. Daffurn took first prize in the class for any other
black variety with good Madresfield Court, the second prize going to Mr.
Crossman for rather rough bunches of Alicante, Mr. Lloyd taking third
prize for neat examples of Madresfield Court. There was a good lot of
Melons in competition, Mr. T. Pauli being first with Hero of Lockinge, and
Mr. Crossman second with a handsome fruit of Victory of Bath. Mr.
Daffurn was first in the class for Peaches, staging a very handsome dish,
Mr. Iggulden following with the same variety. Mr. Daffurn was also first
for Nectarines, staging very pretty Elruge, and Mr. Lloyd followed with
fine fruit of Oldenburgh. Mr. J. Huxtable was first with Apricots, and
Mr. J. Newcombe second, both staging fine fruit of Moor Park. Mr. Tid-
bury had the best dish of dessert Apples — variety, Red Astrachan — and the
same exhibitor was first for Jargonelle Pears. Cherries, Plums, Goose¬
berries, and Currants were also extensively exhibited.

Very fine collections of vegetables were in competition, but many of
those preferred by the Judges were much too coarse, and in many cases
ought to have been passed over in favour of better selected samples, this
being especially the case with Potatoes. The first prize for a collection of
ten dishes of vegetables was awarded to Mr. H. Moore, who had very large
Red Globe Turnips, Champion Runner Beans, Nuneham Park Onions,
Telegraph Peas, Sutton’s Intermediate Peas, Reading Perfection Tomatoes,
Purple Globe Artichokes, Tender and True Cucumbers, and International
Kidney Potatoes. Mr. T. M. Guest was a good second, and an extra prize
was awarded to Mr. Carvill, gardener to H. T. Manley, Esq. Mr. Guest
had remarkably fine Grove White Celery both in the collection and for a
single dish, fully deserved the first prize awarded for the latter. Mr. H.
Moore was also first for six varieties of vegetables, and Mr. Carvill second.
Mr. C. Vile received first prize for six varieties of Potatoes, but these were
certainly inferior to the second prize collection staged by Mr. W. Greedy,
and there were several other much better selected collections. Mr. F. J. C.
Parsons was first for a basket of salad and also Cucumbers ; and other suc¬
cessful exhibitors of vegetables were Messrs. Tylee, J. Ricks, W. B. Kel-
lard, R. H. Poynter, and Captain Winter. A wonderfully fine lot of
vegetables generally were also staged in the cottagers’ tent.

WESTON-SUPER-MARE.— August 10th.

There are few better “ all round ” displays than those annually collected
on the Grove and Rectory field at Weston-super-Mare, and there are no
signs of any falling off either in the number and quality of exhibits or in
the attendance of appreciative visitors. On the contrary, the Show under
notice was one of the best yet held, and although the morning was wet and
miserable the weather improved sufficiently to admit of several thousands
of visitors enjoying the Exhibition. Mr. F. T. Perritt is the Secretary, and
this gentleman with the assistance of an active Committee arranged every¬
thing in good style — much better, in fact, than older societies in the
neighbourhood.

Four prizes ranging from fifteen guineas to three guineas were offered
for twelve stove and greenhouse plants, to include at least four fine-foliaged.
and on this occasion Mr. J. Cypher, Cheltenham, succeeded in defeating his

formidable rival Mr. J. Lock, gardener to B. W. Cleave, Esq., Crediton ; the
third prize going to Mr. E. Wills, gardener to Mrs. Pearce, Southamptcn, and
the fourth to Mr. Dobson, Bristol. Mr. Cypher had a grandly flowered
Ixora Duffi (the finest of all the Ixoras), and perfect specimens of Pbaeno-
coma prolifera Barnesi, Allamanda Hendersoni, Statice profusa, Ixora
Fraseri, and Ericas Iveryana, Marnockiana, as well as large and beautifully
coloured specimens of Crotons Sunset and Prince of Wales ; a good Cordy-
line indivisa, and Cycas circinalis. Mr. Lock was a little behind with
flowering plants, his best being Dipladenia amabilis, Eucharis amazonica,
Ixora coccinea, and Allamanda Hendersoni ; and the best fine-foliaged
plants were immense specimens of Latania borbonica and Croton Williamsi.
Mr. Wills had a creditable lot of plants, including several good Ericas. The
last named was placed first for six flowering plants, having Erica Aitoniana,
E. obbata purpurea, E. Marnockiana, Stephanotis floribunda, Clerodendron
Balfourianum, and Statice profusa in good condition. Mr. Cypher was a
close second, his collection including well flowered specimens of Dipladenia
hybrida, Allamanda nobilis, and Erica ampullacea Barnesi. With four
varieties Mr. W. Hughes, gardener to H. Pethick, Esq., was first ; Mr. C.
Holland, gardener to W. A9I1, Esq., second ; and Mr. W. Lewis, gardener to
E. J. Cole, Esq., third, all of Weston-super-Mare, and their exhibits were
highly creditable. Mr. Hughes was also first for a single flowering plant,
staging a well-bloomed Statice profusa, and Mr. Lock was second with
Erica tricolor Wilsoni.

Fine-foliage plants were very well shown by several exhibitors, Mr. Lock
easily securing first prize for six varieties, these consisting of handsome
specimens of Croton Johannis, C. Weismanii, Areca lutescens, Dasylirton
acrotrichum, Kentia Belmoreana, and Cycas revoluta. Mr. Cypher was
second, and Mr. Wills third, both having fine healthy plants of well-known
kinds. Mr. C. Holland was first for foul varieties, and W. Lewis second,
and for a single plant Mr. Lock won with a fine Kentia Fosteriana ; second,
Mr. Hughes, who had a good Anthurium crystallinum. Mr. Lock took the
lead with exotic Ferns, his collection including very fine examples of Glei-
chenia rupestris glauceEcens, Cyathea dealbata, and Davallia polyantha. Mr.
W. Lewis was second, and Mr. J. P. Cassell, Weston-super-Mare, third,
With six varieties Mr. E. Wills was easily first, and Mr. W. J. Brooks.
Weston-super-Mare, second. Adiantums are always well shown by several
local exhibitors. Mr. Holland was a good first for six varieties, and Mr. J.
Lovelace, gardener to Sydney Hill, Esq., second ; while the prizewinners
with four varieties were Messrs. Hughes and B. Wills. Mr. Lock had a fine
lot of hardy Ferns, and was placed first, the second prize going to Mr. W.
Lewis, and the third to Mr. W. Brooks, each having highly creditable col¬
lections. Mr. Lock was also first for Lycopods ; Mr. Matthews, gardener to
T. Kuyfton, Esq., Uphill Castle, second, and Mr. Wills third.

Mr. W. Brooks had the best six Fuchsias, the second prize going to Mr.
J. P. Cassell ; and other successful exhibitors in the other Fuchsia classes
were Messrs. T. R. Vickary, jun., and W. Lewis. There were several
classes for Zonal and other Pelargoniums, all being well filled. Messrs.
Lewis, W. Adams, gardener to W. Smith, Esq., W. Brooks, E. R. Vickary,
and W. Hughes were the principal prizewinners. Mr. C. Holland had the
best coloured Coleus, and was first for six varieties, Mr. Brooks taking
second place for much larger but badly coloured examples. Mr. W. Adams
was first for four Coleus, and Mr. W. Brown, gardener to the Rev. W. W.
Aldridge, second. Cockscombs were well shown by Messrs. J. Reed, gar¬
dener to F. J. C. Parsons, Esq., and W. Adams ; Liliums by Messrs. G.
Thatcher, gardener to A. G. Andrews, Esq., H. B. Ffarrington, and W.
Brooks; Gloxinias by C. Holland, J. C. Cox, and W. Smith ; Begonias by
Messrs. J. Adams and W. Hughes ; Clematis by Messrs. W. Brooks and
J. P. Cassell ; Petunias by Messrs. W. Brookes and W. Hicks, Burnham,
the prizes going much in the order the names are given, and each kind was
well represented.

Cut flowers generally were very good. Several entered cut Roses, the
best class being for twenty- four triplets. The Judges placed Mr. G.
Campbell, gardener to S. P. Budd, Esq., Bath, first, but many seemed to
think the first prize ought to have gone to Messrs. R. Mack & Sons, York¬
shire, who took the third prize only. When we saw them Messrs. Mack
had much the finest and freshest blooms. The second prize was awarded to
Mr. J. Mattock, Oxford, this exhibitor and Mr. Campbell havirg several
Teas, whereas Mr. Mack had very few. With twelve varieties, single
blooms, Mr. T. Hobbs, Bristol, was first; Mr. C. Warden, Salisbury, second ;
and Mr. W. Smith third. The sorts best shown in the several stands in
both classes were Ulrich Brunner, Franqois Michelon, Pride of Waltham,
Rubens, Louis Van Houtte, Princess Vera, Marie Finger, Etoile de Lyon,
Alfred Colomb, Etienne Levet, Duohes3 of Bedford, Oomtesse de Nadaillac,
Merveille de Lyon, Due de RohaD, Marie Baumann, Mrs. Jowitt, Louis
Corbie, C. Lefebvre, and Duke of Edinburgh. Mr. Budd’s gardener was
also first for twelve Teas, Mr. Mattock being a good second, and Messrs. G.
Cooling & Son, Bath, third. Zonal Pelargoniums in bunches made a fine
display. Mr. Mattock was first for twenty-four varieties, and Messrs. J.
Cooling & Son second. Some of the best shown were Dr. OrtoD, Mrs.
Gordon, Beatrice, Lady Chesterfield, and Jessie Masters. Mr. G. Wilton
was first for twelve varieties, and Mr. F. W. Wicksteed second. Only one
collection of twenty-four varieties of cut flowers was shown, and for this
Mr. W. Brooks took first prize ; and Mr. E. S. Cole was easily first for
twelve varieties, the remaining prizes going to Messrs. C. Holland and W.
Lewis. Mr. Cole was also first for a vase of cut flowers and a device in
fruit and flowers for the table, in which department he always displays
excellent taste. The bouquets shown by Mr. J. Cypher and Messrs. Peikins
and Sons, Coventry, were both remarkably good, and the Judges were under
the necessity of awarding them equal firsts. Mr. Brooks was successful
with Dahlias ; Mr. A. A. Walters, Bath, with Verbenas, single Dahlias, and
herbaceous Phlox ; Mr. W. Smith, Bristol, with Hollyhocks ; Mr. J. S. Pope
and Mrs. Jones, Bath, with Asters. _ .

A fine display of fruit and vegetable was provided both in the open and
cottagers’ tents, the latter containing a capital lot of produce of all descrip¬
tions in season. In the open classes the competition was not quite so good
as last year, Grapes, Peaches and Nectarines especially being shown in
fewer numbers. Four collections of eight dishes of fruit were staged, and
three of these were almost of equal merit. The Judges eventually awarded
the first prize to Mr. W. Iggulden, gardener to the Earl of Coik, Frome,
who had large and fairly well finished bunches of Bla~k H 1 -Jur g'1 and

164

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 19, 1838.

Foster’s Seedling Grapes, a good Smooth Cayenne Pine Apple, Hero of
Lockinge Melon, Barrington Peaches, Victoria Nectarine, Moorpark
Apricots, and Brown Turkey Figs, all in good condition. Mr. W. Nash,
gardener to the Duke of Beaufort, Badminton, was second, being somewhat
behind with Grapes, but who had very handsome dishes of Bellegarde
Peaches, Black Tartarian Cherries, a good Smooth Cayenne Pine, Read’s
Melon, and Brown Turkey Figs. Mr. H. W. Ward, gardener to the Earl of
Radnor, Salisbury, was a good third, included in his collection being a very
fine fruit of Blenheim Orange Melon, neat bunches of Madresfield Court
and Muscat of Alexandria Grapes, and good Queen Pine Apple. Mr. Ward
was first for Muscat of Alexandria Grape ; Mr. G. Shelton, gardener to
W. R. Waite, Esq., second; and Mr. Iggulden third, neither of the lots
being fully ripe. In the class for any white kind Mr. A. Young, gardener
to B. Thomas, Esq., was placed first for fine bunches of Buckland Sweet¬
water, but these were notripe, and the first prize might well have been
given to the well finished Foster’s Seedling shown by Mr. J. Lloyd,
gardener to Vincent Stuckey, Esq., Langport, who took second place, while
the third went to Mr. Ward for small but well ripened bunches of Buckland
Sweetwater. Black Hamburghs were scarcely so good as usual. Mr. W. G.
Yard, gardener to the Rev. Canon Pratt, Wells, was first for loose, badly
shown, though well coloured bunches; Mr. W. Moss, gardener to W. Hunt,
Esq., was second, and Mr. F. Edwards, gardener to J. Lysaght, Esq., third.
Any other black variety did not attract much competition. Mr. Nash was
first for Alicante, [splendidly finished ; Mr. Duff urn, gardener to Mrs. Walker,
Weston-super-Mare, was second, and Mr. Lloyd third, both having Madres¬
field Court in fairly good condition. Mr. C. Holland was first in the class
for green-fleshed Melons, the variety being Sutton’s Horticultural Prize, and
Mr. Shelton, gardener to the Rev. J. A. Yatman, was second. Mr. J. God-
Hard, gardener to R. Cripps, E=q., had the best scarlet-fleshed variety, and
Mr. C. Holland was second, both showing Read’s Scarlet. Mr. Duffurn was
easily first for Peaches, having Grosse Mignonne, very fine ; Mr. F. Edwards
was second. Mr. Duffurn was also first for Nectarines, staging a handsome
dish of Elruge, the second prize going to Mr. Lloyd for a handsome dish of
Oldenburgh. Mr. Silcox was first for Apricots : Mr. Matthews for Figs ;
Mr. Tylee for Plums ; Dr. Wicksteed for dessert Apples ; Mr. Ward for
Pears ; and Mr. Nash for Cherries.

There were eight good collections of eight dishes of vegetables shown,
Mr. T. Tilley, gardener to Col. Colgrave, taking first prize for capital
samples, comprising Sutton’s Early Snowball, Golden Globe Onion, New
Intermediate Carrot, Girtford Giant Runner Bean, Perfection Tomat"',
Sulham Prize Celery, and Veitch’s Autumn Giant Cauliflower. Mr. J. Hall,
a Wells amateur, was a good second, and Mr. W. A. Han is third. The
favourite round Potatoes were Reading Russet and Schoolmaster, and in
this class Mr. J. Cole was first ; Mr. J. Day being first for kidney Potatoes,
having Woodstock Kidney in fine condition. Mr. R. Bow was a good
second in both classes. Mr. Ward had the best Cauliflowers, Mr. J. Day the
best Peas, Mr. Cook, Clevedon, the best Onions, Mr. W. A. Harris the best
Carrots, Mr. J. Goddard the best Tomatoes, and Mr. G. Garraway, Bath, the
best brace of Cucumbers.

HARDY ANNUALS FOR SPRING FLOWERING.

Bare beds are extremely cheerless even in winter, hence the
practice of seeking to make them attractive with low shrubs ;
still these are monotonous at best, and never have the charm of
plants that are raised from seed. Beds of bulbs, Pansies, and
Violas with many o’her occupants of our borders are often too
numerous, giving much sameness, which a free use of annuals
that in an ordinary winter survive the rigour of our climate
would remove. The idea that annuals are weedy-looking at best
obtains only through the erroneous impression of their being
of short duration, they after the first glow having a seedy ap¬
pearance, which, much as it may militate against them in the
summer, cannot be advanced against them in the spring, as they
have not to encounter the drought and heat of summer. Besides,
flowers are not too plentiful in late spring and early summer ;
those that prevail being of a stiff formal character, very little
varied in form or colour and contrast. Variety is particularly
wanted to give grace and elegance to vases, &c., than which none
contribute to cut up, relieve, and feather more than sprays —
flowered, budding, and growing — of hardy annuals. We want
more of the “ Ragged Robin ” style in our arrangement of
flowers.

Dwarf-growing Annuals for Beds.— These are for
massing, having mostly a dwarf, bushy, or prostrate habit, and a
profusion of flowers appearing on a level with or slightly raised
above the foliage.

Silene pendula compacta, pink. Nothing can surpass this in
brightness : it is the scarlet Pelargonium of spring bedders.
Seed best sown in early August.

Silene pendula compacta alba, white. As lovely as the pre¬
ceding, and sown early in August.

Saponaria calabrica, pink. Insignificant flowers, but so
numerous as to be all colour in a mass.

Saponaria calabrica alba, white. Equally effective with the
pink in a mass.

Limnanthes Dougla,si, white and yellow. Very fine and free.

Limnanthes grandiflora. Larger flowers, otherwise not
different.

.Nemophila insignis, blue. Nothing is lovelier than a bed of
this, but it is no use if there are cats, as they take a delight in
pulling it about.

Nemophila insignis alba, white.

Venus’s Looking-glass (Specularia Speculum), blue.

Venus’s Looking-glass White (Speculai-ia Speculum album).

The preceding grow from 6 to 9 inches high, and are the only
ones that are advised for bedding. Virginian Stock red, Vir¬
ginian Stock white, and Viscaria oculata nana are useful.

For Large Masses, Clumps in Borders, &c.— Silene
pendula pink, 12 to 15 inches. Fine in a mass. Sow early in
August for beds.

S. pendula alba, white.

S. pendula ruberrima, rose, 15 to 18 inches.

Collinsia verna, blue and white, 12 inches. This is the best
of the Collinsias for spring flowering.

C. bicolor, purple and white; C. candidissima, white; C.
grandiflora, purple. All about 12 inches high, and are very free-
flowering.

Eschscholtzia crocea, orange, 12 to 15 inches; E. alba, white
E californica, yellow. The Eschscholtzias are amongst the best
for cutting from.

Gilia tricolor, white, lilac, and purple, 12 to 18 inches; G. tri¬
color alba, white; G. tricolor rosea splendens, rose. The e are
not very remarkable, but help to make a pleasing variety.

Erysimum arkansanum, yellow, 18 to 24 inches. Pretty for
cutting.

Eucharidium grandillorum, red, 15 to 18 inches.

Clarkia pulchella, dark rose, 18 inches.

Clarkia pulchella alba, white, 18 inches.

Asperula azurea setosa, blue, 12 to 18 inches. Pretty for
cutting.

Bartonia aurea. orange, 18 to 24 inches. Very showy.

Candytufts. — White Rocket, Sweet-scented, White, Dark,
Crimson or Purple, Carmine, and Lilac. All 15 to 18 inches, are
very showy, blooming most profusely.

Godetias rosea alba, rose and white, and The Bride, white,
are good; also G. rubicunda, rosy crimson. They grow to a
height of 18 to 24 inches.

Lupinus nanus, blue and white, 12 to 18 inches; L. nanus
albus, white, 12 to 18 inches. The spikes of these are useful for
cutting.

Kaulfussia amelloide3, blue, 12 to 15 inches.

Lasthenia californica, yellow, 15 inches.

Leptosiphon densiflorus, lilac, 12 to 15 inches.

Leptosiphon densiflorus albus, white

Platystemon californicum, yellow, 15 inches.

Whitlavia grandiflora, purple or violet, 15 inches.

Gypsophila elegans, white and pink, 2 to 3 feet. Good for
cutting.

Calliopsis tinctoiia, yellow and brown, 2 to 3 feet.

Viscaria oculata, rose dark eye, 15 to 18 inches.

Viscaria oculata cardinalis, scarlet, 18 inches. This is that
shade of colour known as magenta, but I find colour very variable
as to shade in different soils.

There is no doubt respecting the beauty of annuals when
sown sufficiently early to get good plants before winter. The
middle of August is a good time to sow the seed for early (lower¬
ing, and it certainly ought not to be sown later than the first
fortnight of September. The ground at neither time is vacant
where the plants are intended to flower. If it be, the seed is
best sown where the plants are to remain for flowering, sowing
thinly on a fine surface, and covered with fine soil. I f dry, water
before sowing, and use moist soil for covering the seed, keeping
it moist. The seedlings should be guarded against slugs
with dressings of quicklime or dry soot or wood ashes late
in the evening or early morning, be kept free of weeds, and
thinned out so that they stand about 3 inches apart in the
clumps.

If the seed cannot be sown where the plants are to remain,
sow in rows in good rich light soil in an open situation 3 inches
apart, drawing a drill with the finger or stick of about that
thickness, or a rod may be pressed down so as to make an indent
of about half an inch depth. Jn the drill sow the seed rather
thinly, cover, and keep it moist. Keep the bed free from weeds,
and guard against predatory vermin. When the plants can well
be handled lift carefully and prick off, 2 inches apart for the
upright or less spreading, and 3 inches for the spreading sorts,
being careful not to bury any of them below the seed or first
leaves. Water if dry, and continue the precautions against slugs
and worms, the latter drawing the plants into their holes, but
lime will expel them.

From the beds they can be transfei-red to their flowering
quarters with perfect safety, due care being paid to lifting and
keeping the soil to the roots. The lifting may be performed any
time from October to March inclusive in mild weather. Thin
, sowing, thinning early, pricking cff and transplanting having a

August 19, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

1G5

hardening effect. Thick sowing, neglect of thinning, and after
inattention are the principal causes of annuals being considered
weedy.

Another use to which annuals may be put is growing them in
pots or window boxes along with bulbs. In the case of window
boxes some of the dwarf growers, as Silene pendula compacta
and its var. albfr Limnanthes Douglasi, Nemophila insignis and
its var. alba, and the Venus’s Looking-glasses on the margin,
with the taller, as Collinsia bicolor, C. verna, and 0. candidissima,
Viscaria oculata cardinalis, Bartonia aurea, and the Candytufts
for the centre are quite charming, and make a window box
scarcely less brilliant with annuals in May than they are in July
and August with Lobelias, Tropseolums, Calceolarias, and Zonal
Pelargoniums. In pots they are very useful for balconies, window
sills, &c.

The seed should be sown in the pots 5 or 0 inches in diameter,
•diwwing a ring about an inch from the rim, and the seed sown
therein thinly. Drain the pots well, say a quarter their depth,
filled to within about half an inch of the rim with loam, to which
has been added a third of leaf soil, or a fifth of well decayed
manure, and about a sixth of sand. Stood in an open situation,
kept moist, and duly attended to in weeding and thinning, they
will be good plants if sown early in September before severe
weather, before which or in November they should be stood on
and plunged to the rim in ashes in a sheltered sunny situation.
In severe weather they can have the protection of mats, but they
must not be “ coddled.” Keep them hardy and sturdy, giving
them more room as they grow. After the middle of March they
may be stood in their flowering quarters or remain until further
advanced for flowering if the site they are to occupy is not so
warm and sunny. Instead of sowing in pots they may be pricked
into them at a later period, which is a most excellent plan.
Wintered in a frame or in a cool house, where they can have a
position near the glass and plenty of air, they will flower earlier
and be most acceptable for decoration.

A matter much overlooked by those that are fond of cut
flowers in early summer is the value of something bright and sweet
to give variety and elegance to those of a formal character, and
none c ntributes more in this way than annuals of the neglected
wild yet very distinctive type. What is finer than Cornflowers,
and Sweet Peas P Of course there are Centaureas and Ever¬
lasting Peas, but they are not like the former, they lack scent.
Indeed, with Cornflower, Sweet Sultan, Calhopsis tinctoria, Sweet
Peas, and Mignonette quite a charm is given to border flowers on
account of their agreeable fragrance. Sweet Peas and Mignonette
are tender, but sown early in September, and kept through the
winter in cold frames or a house in poor soil and so dry as to only
keep them fresh it is astonishing how hardy they are, and plants
placed out in warm situations at the usual time of sowing outdoors
in spring will flower weeks before, and be all the more valuable
on that account. The Cornflower and Sweet Sultan will winter
safely in a dry soil and a sheltered situation, but are well worthy
of wintering in pots to give an early supply of flowers for cutting
either indoors or out. They require plenty of air, and not too
much water. The best forms of Mignonette are the Dwarf
Erect Compact, fine, five in a 5-inch or seven in a 6-inch pot ;
Giant Red Pyramidal, and Queen Victoria. Sown before early
September they are fine for decoration in spring. Add some
lime rubbish and charcoal to the soil for them, about a sixth
being sufficient. The secret of growing them is to avoid over¬
watering.

A few pence expended in a few packets of seed will raise a
great number of plants, and their beauty will be found to depend
greatly upon their treatment. — G.

THE INSECT ENEMIES OF OUR GARDEN CROPS.

THE APPLE.

( Continued from paqe 418, last vol .)

So much has been printed in books and journals about the
American blight that one might hesitate to touch upon what seems a
threadbare topic were it not the truth, to whichl can vouch personally,
that the insect is even yet a great deal commoner than it need be.
This suggests the reflection that amongst the growers of fruit there
must still be some amount of ignorance, or at least indifference, with
regard to a species certainly one of the worst foes of the Apple.
And it may also be stated that the published histories of this insect
are not without their per-centage of mistakes, especially those of
older date, which renders it advisable for us to review its life-story,
putting the facts tersely while taking full advantage of past experi¬
ments in the direction of stamping out the species.

Now, there cannot be a doubt that in connection with new plants
or sometimes by mere accident, a variety of insects have become

naturalised here which are not truly of British descent. But some of
those that have been set down as foreigners are certainly natives, and
our uninvited visitors have not always arrived from the country to
which we attribute them. Why should the Schizoneura lanigera be
the American blight ? There is no evidence beyond a mere tradition
that it was imported from the United States in 1787, just upon a
century ago ; we may assume that it has been under observation in
Britain about that time. The woolly aphis is another old name for
the insect, but it is rather akin to the species of coccus or scale,
having no honey tubes such as the aphis tribes possess, and there
does not seem to be the rapid succession of ( roods that is so notable
amongst them during the spring and summer, yet I am inclined to
think there may be more broods than one some years of this woolly
blight. I have been asked, What is the use of the peculiar exuda¬
tion ? I suppose it serves as a partial shelter, and also enables a
group of these insects to make a journey from one tree to another by
the aid of a breeze. Most likely they travel thus in all their stages,
but do not migrate the distances aphides do occasionally. It is where
fruit trees are densely congregated that this blight has predominance,
and large orchards in any case are apt to be infested, because
individual attention is less caiefully given to the trees or less
frequently. Though commonly associated with the Apple it is found
upon other trees, the Pear next, but seldom appears as prolific then,
therefore less hurtful. It must be neglect indeed that suffers young
trees to be killed by the insect, yet this does happen, and the death
of the Apple seems to be caused by a cancerous disease resulting
from exhaustion or irritation left unchecked. Necessarily the worst
cases are those in which the blight infests, not only the bark and
wood, but also the root of the tree, and although some have surmised
that the root species is not the same enemy there is no difference dis¬
cernible. Its presence at the roots is a natural result of its habits, for
some of the insects are found near the base of the tree, or even in the
soil, during the colder months of the year, and it is easy for these to
work in amongst the roots.

In the orchards of Kent near my residence the Apples are often
much exposed to the wind, and both stems and branches, unless care¬
fully tended, show abundance of loose pieces which afford covert to
the woolly blight, and give it access to the wood. Instinct leads
them to shelter, however, in clefts where the young bark has sprung
up beneath old masses, and these at the winter season will, if the foe
has been left alone, yield hosts of wingless females and their imma¬
ture progeny ; the elder one are generally reddish brown or yellow,
the juveniles pale red. To appearance they are not as mischievous as
we find them to be, but the harm is done by their incessant attacks.
It is also the case frequently that swarms are hidden under diseased
wood, besides those which make a display exteriorly with their
woolly secretion ; hence, there is great difficulty in reaching many
of them by either syringing or brushing at the season of their
activity — a strong reason for carrying on the campaign during the
autumn and winter by judicious scraping or clipping, following the
operation with a thorough washing of the places of lodgment that are
laid bare. February and March are the months for the work of
eradicating the pests that have gained a great advantage should the
gardener leave them alone till he discerns the first tassels of wool. It
is possible to carry on proceedings against them with rather too much
vigour. Some recommend (and practise) diligent scrubbing of the
trunks by means of a hard brush when a'l loose bark has been re¬
moved, but this may prove hurtful to the tree, though sure to destroy
what blight there may be. Few applications are more familiar to the
eye about gardens, and orchards too, than whitewash, which, even if
it is sized, does not much hurt the insects, and, as Mr. Wood remarks,
helps to conceal them from observation.

The catalogue of remedies that have been eulogised is a long one,
and may indicate that gardeners love variety in insect-killers. It
cannot be said that the major part of them are useless, but some are
costly and not easy to administer. Were we to class them, these
specifics might be briefly styled the sloppy, the slippy, and the
sticky ; nay, there’s the fourth, the pasty, such as the following com¬
pound : — Clay mixed with water and a small proportion of sulphur,
to be daubed upon the spots where the blight congregates. It may be
relied upon to kill them, but it is not sightly, nor convenient of
application to the lesser branches. Also, this insect might be de¬
stroyed by smoking it, especially when it appears in houses ; this
plan has not been much tried. All soits of oily substances, which
form one group of the slippy specifics, answer by choking the pores
of the creatures, so that they die of suffocation. Neat’s foot and
whale oil have been advised ; these, nay, however, prove injurious to
young bark. November is the time for oils, putting little on buds or
new growth. At the same season turpentine or methylated spirit or
diluted petroleum (one part to three or four of water) may be applied
with brushes, but as in the oils there is a possibility of mischief re¬
sulting. The soapy applications may be either simple or compound ;
one of these formerly popular was a mingling of tobacco powder,

166

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 19, 1886.

sulphur, turpentine, and softsoap, the preparation being made of a
creamy consistence, and then well worked into cracks and crevices.

The known occurrence of American blight amongst Apple roots
requires us not to limit precautions to the trunk and branches.
It has been advised in orchards, and where the article is attainable, to
apply spent tan to the foot of the trees after the dead leaves or other
rubbish have been removed ; about Christmas is suitable. Previous
to its distribution the tan ought to be laid in a heap, so that it may be
actively decomposing when used, or ammoniacal liquor diluted with
from ten to fourteen parts of water may be poured round the trunks,
and strong soapsuds operates almost as effectively. The application
of soap in any form is good, and probably of all the belauded

remedies none excel the simple one of a
solution of softsoap thrown upon the trees
with some amount of force. A friend much
recommends as a good and cheap destroyer
the following : — Put a peck of soot into a
coarse sack, and hang this in a vessel hold¬
ing 30 or 40 gallons of water, to which
some lumps of quicklime have been added.
Let this remain a week or so, clear the
surface of its scum, and you have a clear
sherry-coloured liquid very deadly to this
blight. Syringing with some of these
washes in early spring will also remove an
allied species, the Chermes of the Apple
Fig. 24. (Psylla Mali), which, as a larva, infests the

buds, and is popularly ranked amongst the
scale insects, with which it is indeed closely connected, but it re¬
sembles the unpleasant grub of the frog-hopper in its habit of
clothing itself in a frothy mass, which may be pulled out as fine
threads. This is a minute, plump, yellowish creature, which, having
feasted on the buds, crawls along to a crack in the branch, and there
becomes a pupa, producing a green and yellow fly during the summer.
Like many trees, the Apple may have examples of various aphides,
but its special foe is the green fly called A. Mali — that is to say, the
spring broods are green or greenish grey, but the later ones (winged
and wingless) are often brownish or red. It is one of the smaller
species of aphis. The eggs laid in the autumn remain unhatched till
spring. The first brood is not numerous ; the heaviest one is about
July, when in many orchards numerous leaves are curled and
shrivelled through this pest. — Entomologist.

SUMMER AND AUTUMN EXHIBITIONS.

In the following list are given the dates of the principal shows to be
held up to the end of October this year, and we shall be obliged if the
Secretaries of Societies holding shows during the season named will
forward us their schedules.

AUGUST.

19th, Thursday. — Maidenhead.

20th, Friday. — Exeter.

21st, Saturday. — Cheadle (Cheshire).

24th, Tuesday. — Royal Horticultural Society, Committees and Cottagers’
Show.

25th, Wednesday. — Reading.

25th, Wednesday. — Ludlow.

25th, Wednesday. — Brighton.

2(ith, Thursday. — Stoke-on-Trent.

27th, Friday. — Sandy (Beds).

27th, Friday. — Hinckley.

SEPTEMBER.

1st, Wednesday. — Bath.

1st, Wednesday. — Oxford.

3rd, Friday. — Crystal Palace, Fruit and Dahlias.

7th. Tuesdav. — Royal Horticultural Society, Committees; Fruit and
Dahlia Show.

8th, Wednesday. — Glasgow.

8th, Wednesday. — Edinburgh.

9th, Thursday. — National Chrysanthemum Society, Early Chrysan¬
themums, Westminster Aquarium.

21st, Tuesday. — Royal Horticultural Society, Committees.

OCTOBER.

6th, Wednesday. — Crystal Palace, Fruit Show.

12th, Tuesday. — Royal Horticultural Society, Committees and Hardy
Fruits.

13th, Wednesday. — National Chrysanthemum Society, Floral Com¬
mittee.

2:ltb, Tuesdav. — Royal Horticultural Society, Committees, aDd Chrysan¬
themum Show.

27tb, Wednesday. — National Chrysanthemum Society, Floral Committee,
Westminster Aquarium.

YUCCAS AND THEIR CULTURE.

As the fashion of the day is favourable to the cultivation of plants
presenting great dissimilarity in character and outline, the Yuccas now
receive a share of that attention to which they are entitled, but which
has not in all cases been accorded to them, perhaps in some instances
owing to their being less rapidly increased than most plants, as well as

from an idea that their hardiness is questionable. Although they cannot
be propagated so rapidly as many of the softwooded summer occupants
of our flower gardens, still the process is more easy than many suppose.
The small amount of care required in their cultivation also gives them an
additional claim to be more generally grown than they now are.

Of the Yuccas in most general estimation, those with which I am
best acquainted are Y. gloriosa, aloifolia, and recurva, which, either in
themselves or in some of their intermediate varieties, seem to run into
each other in a way that makes it difficult to determine to which of those
species certain plants are to be referred — at least, such is the case with
those here, and their number is very considerable. Yucca filamentosa is,
however, widely different, while its variegated form is not sufficiently
plentiful to be planted out of doors in such numbers as to make that
show which no doubt it will do in course of time.

At the base of a terrace wall, about 10 feet high and facing the south,
a border, 10 feet wide and some 200 feet long, was planted many years
ago with the varieties of Yucca mentioned in the beginning of this article,
intermixed with a few Irises, more especially towards the front of the
border. The wall itself, I may state, is covered with such plants as
Ceanothus, Eugenias, Myrtles, New Zealand Veronicas, Escallonia
macrantha, and several kinds of climbers not unusually met with on con¬
servatory walls, although no protection is given. The border is planted
irregularly with Yuccas, some of the plants being upwards of twenty
years old, but the greater portion much less, as by various mishaps, as
well as by occasionally heading down, the number and size of the old
plants has been limited. The border, however, is tolerably well covered,
and where a cluster is formed by plants growing near each other the in¬
truder will find that the sharp points of the leaves penetrate ordinary
clothing more than is agreeable.

The position is one facing the south, and this circumstance has done
no harm beyond inducing a larger number of plants to push forth
their flower-spikes later in the autumn than there is mild open weather
to complete their opening. This, however, was no doubt also in a measure
due to the character of the soil they grow in, which, instead of being a
rich loam, is one that would be considered of very inferior quality for
kitchen-garden purposes. It may be roughly described as consisting
of three-fourths stones, the remainder being a yellow sandy loam, not of
itself so porous as an ordinary sandy or gravelly soil ; but in conjunction
with the stones it is open enough for any plant requiring a porous soil.
Most of the material composing this border was the subsoil obtained from
an excavation, and some alterations rendering it necessary to raise the
border about a foot ten years ago, this soil was used for the purpose, and
has answered well. The plants which seem to thrive in it are most of
the Cypresses, Arbor Vital, and common Laurels. Rhododendrons and
kindred plants will barely live, and Lily of the Valley drags out a miser¬
able existence. Not having had experience with Yuccas in soil of a
contrary description, I cannot be positive they will not succeed in such, but
I have proved the necessity of deep soil ; for in that where the plantation
referred to is growing the roots of some Pinuses have been found several
feet below the surface, although the ground had never been disturbed
beyond the usual spade’s depth. The presence of so many stones allows
a more ready passage of the roots downwards than the hard obstinate
clay bottom of many soils, and plants whose roots penetrate to so great
a depth rarely suffer for want of moisture.

Amongst the positions suitable for Yuccas I can hardly advise their
being planted on rock work, unless the latter is on rather an extensive
Beale, as they attain too large a size for those tiny imitations so often met
with ; but where natural rock, or artificial roekwork on a sufficiently
extensive scale exists, there the Yuccas may have a place.

There are, however, so many positions in which Yuccas maybe planted
that it is not difficult to find a suitable one. As corner plants in a geo¬
metrical garden they are always acceptable, their outline and symmetry
giving them a decided advantage over most other plants. Dotted about
on the turf they look well, more especially if the plants are large. One
which is thus planted here has astern 7 feet high to the first tier of leaves,
but the head has latterly become much injured. Other positions might
be cited as suitable to Yuccas, but do not plant too close to walks on
ccount of the sharp-pointed leaves. Perhaps the best mode of planting
is in a border by themselves, or along with kindred plants, for their
tropical aspect commands more attention when they are in number ; and
when such a border is well chosen, and its occupants appear to be at
home in it, few will be found to find fault with them or recommend a
change.

The Yuccas increase but slowly, but where an old plant exists it may
be multiplied to a greater extent than may be supposed. Where a number
of plants of various sizes exist, it sometimes happens that a leggy one is
broken by a heavy load of snow in winter, or in some other way ; in this
cace it is best to leave the stump in the ground, remove the head, and if
the latter is put in as a cutting it will very probably grow, while a nume¬
rous tuft of young shoots will be formed on the short stem that is left in
the ground. In general, these should remain till the following spring,
when a considerable number of them may be cut off along with a little
heel of the old stem, and put in as cuttings in some place not too much
shaded, as they will have to stand a year or more, perhaps, without beffig
removed. Of course, plenty of sand is necessary, and if extremely hoc
weather follow afford shade accordingly ; but I have put such cuttmgs in
about August without any attention, and they have made good plants.
The aid of glass will expedite the rooting process, but I question much if
heat is wanted in any way. The Yuccas are at all times slow-growing,
and their propagation cannot be so quick as that of many other plants ;
but as they require very little attention, and a Cut-down old plant affords

August 19, 1836. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

1G7

a goodly number of cuttings, somewhat like Pine Apple crowns or small
suckers, they may be bad in greater numbers than hitherto if the demand
should increase.

With regard to the hardiness of the plants, I have never seen our
most severe winter have the least effect on them ; but heavy falls of
snow sometimes load the tops so much that these break off, or where a
plant has two or three heads, one of them may be split off. A mild
winter is, however, serviceable in one respect, as the plants disposed to
bloom do so earlier than when the winter is severe, for the Yuccas seem
to bloom indiscriminately at all times of the year when the weather is
open. I have had several in full bloom in December, but more frequently
a number of plants are just rising into bloom at that time, and are cut
off by the hard weather that may not set in till after Christmas, a fine
autumn, unfortunately, starting such plants into flower at that unfavour¬
able period. Hot, dry seasons are most favourable to the plants’ bloom¬
ing. Those who have not seen Yucca gloriosa with a full-grown spike
of flowers have certainly not seen one of the noblest of all flowering
plants, for the beauty of the spike is not less remarkable than its weight,
and altogether the tropical aspect of the plant gives it an importance
entitling it to a more extended cultivation than it has yet received.

WORK /oh,™ WEEK.

HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

Let there be no more close pruning of fruit trees till the winter
pruning is done. Good work is being done now by shortening the shoots
of Pears, Apples, and Plums to about 6 or 9 inches, according to the con¬
dition of the growth. By this shortening, the buds near the bottom of
the shoots become plump and full without actually starting into growth,
as they would do if close pruning were done, and new growth so late in
the season can only prove abortive and worthless. It is important that
light and air should go freely to every part of a fruit, both to ripe fruit
and branch. For tbi3 reason we have for several years given preference
to shortening growth in autumn. At one time we used to give the young
shoots a twist at a point a few inches from the bottom, and turn them
downwards without breaking them quite off. This plan answered well to
check the flow of sap, but the bent down branches shaded the fruit and
the interior of the trees so much that we discontinued the practice, and
'adopted what may be termed the Chiswick plan of shortening the growth.
Valuable lessons in the culture of hardy fruit are always to be had in the
garden of the Royal Horticultural Society at Chiswick. Just now gar¬
deners may gain useful knowledge from an inspection of the fruit trees,
and gentlemen who are so fortunate as to retain the services of an intelli¬
gent energetic gardener would find it a profitable investment to send him
to Chiswick for a day.

As fruit ripens we must be on the alert to gather it with care 8nd
judgment. Early summer Pears soon spoil, yet we manage to keep up a
Eupply of sound ripe fruit by having a few cordons on different aspects,
and by gathering the first ripe fruit from the upper part of the cordon,
where it is always ready first, and so downwards to the bottom fiuit, which
is frequently a fortnight later in ripening. By such management we are
able to have Summer Doyennfi fit for table at the end of July, and to
maintain a tolerably regular supply of ripe fruit, with Citron des Cannes,
Ananas de Courtrai, Benrrd Giffard, Jargonelle, Ddsirfi Corndlis, Souvenir
du Congrhi, Williams’ Bon Chretien, Colman d’Etd, Summer Beurrd
d’Aremberg, and Beurrd d’Amanlis, till we reach what may be termed the
great Pear season, and revel among the delicious fruit of Fondante
d’Automne. Beurrb Superfin, Louise Bonne of Jersey, Marie Louise,
Comte de Lamy, Doyennd du Comice, Seckle, Duchesse d’Orleans, and
numerous other fine sorts, the best of which will be enumerated iD time
for planting. At one time it was only iu large gardens that many sorts
of Pears could be found ; the introduction of cordons enables everyone
having a garden to have asele :tion of the best sorts of Pears, and to have
trees in full bearing in a shor time. Now is the time to see what space
can be had against walls, outbulting1, or fences for cordons, and to make
preparations for early planting in autumn.

The crop of Apples on dwarf bushes, cordons, and pyramids is a good
one, and we have now a useful supply of Duchess of Oldenburg and Lord
SufEeld for cooking purposes. Frogmore Prolific is fruiting well ; it is
worth knowing that cordons of this valuable Apple bear fruit very early.
A tree of Mela Carla, the Italian Apple, has a fine crop of fruit. This
tree has branches against south, east, and north walls, and it will be
curious to note the difference in flavour of fruit from each aspect.

The Plum crop is one of singular abundance. That valuable sort,
Rivers' Early Prolific, is now ripe, and, though later than usual, is very
useful. A row of bush trees of Prince of Wales is remarkable for the
very large clusters of fruit crowding every part of the branches. As a
second-rate dessert Plum this sort is hardly worthy of the wall space
which we sometimes see given it, but it is one of the best cooking Plums
for planting out in the fruit garien.

FRUIT FORCING.

Peaches and Nectarines. — Earliest Forced Houses. — The foliage
of the trees is now giving way — i.e., beginning to fall, and the trees being
exposed as advised by the removal of the roof lights, there will be no
necessity to assist their falling by lightly brushing the trees with a broom,
as the wind will do it most effectually. There must not be any attempt
at a forcible removal of the leaves. Allow them to remain until they part
from the trees readily. Although a dry condition of the border is to
be avoided when the trees are leafless, excessive moisture at the roots is
frequently the cause of premature growth, which must be guarded against,
even if it cannot be effected without replacing the roof lights. Early
forced trees do not, as a rule, make strong growth, and have a much
larger per-centage of single fruit buds than those started in spring under
more favourable-conditions, hence in pruning it is not so desirable to cut
back next year’s bearing wood unless they are of excessive length, and
in that case it must be to a wood bud, so as to insure growth on a level
with or above the fruit, so as to attract the sap to the fruit. Very little
pruning will be needed provided disbudding has been properly attended
to, no more wood being laid in than is necessary to take the place of the
current year’s bearing shcots, and to renew worn-out growths, as well as
to provide for the proper extension of the trees. Trees that have long
been subjected to very early forcing are seldom too vigorous, but not in¬
frequently become so enfeebled as to need the removal of the weak
growths, which, though plentifully furnished with fruit buds, are un¬
desirable from their affording smaller fruit than is furnished by the better
fed and more vigorous growths. Remove the old soil carefully from
amongst the roots of such trees, and supply fresh turfy loam, to which
has been added a twentieth part of crushed bones and half that quantity
of wood ashes. Carefully lay the roots in the fresh material, a moderate
watering being given, and the surface mulched with fresh short stable
litter. Lift any trees that grow too vigorously, prune their roots, and lay
the more fibrous ones in nearer the surface, makiig the soil firm. These
operations require to be performed as soon as the leaves are mature, and
before they fall from the trees.

Succession Houses. — As the trees are cleared of fruit, cut out all tL 6
current year’s bearing wood, not being extensions, and thin all the

rowths where too crowded. Syringing must be practised as necessary

keep down red spider, and the borders kept duly supplied with water or
I'quid manure. Ventilation should be given to the fullest extent, unless
the wood is not ripening, when by allowing the temperature to rise in the
daytime by keeoing the ventilators close, and admitting air freely at
night, will induce its ripening. Any trees that are too vigorous should
have a trench taken out about one-third the height of the tree from the
stem, and the roots cut, filling the trench again firmly.

Making New Borders. — If any planting of trees in new houses or
replacing of old is contemplated, materials for making the border should
be procured, so that the work may be executed with dispatch, and the
borders made so as to have time to settle somewhat before the trees are.
planted. Strong turfy loam with a sixth part of marl and a tenth of old
mortar rubbish, free from laths and other woody matter, will grow Peaches
well. If the loam is light, increase the clay or marl to a fourth, or more
according to its texture, whilst if the loam be heavy a larger proportion of
lime rubble should be added, a sixth part not being too much. Medium
textured loam will be the better for a tenth of oil mortar rubbish and a
fourth of marl. No manure is necessary ; the whole being thoroughly in¬
corporated. The best description of loam is the top 3 or 4 inches of
pasture where the soil is a good friable loam inclined to be strong rather
than light on the limestone or oolitic formation. Most excellent Peaches,
however, are grown on strong loams over new red sandstone as about
Liverpool, and freestone as in the West RidiEg of York, the strong loams
of Northampton, Lincoln, and Norfolk, so that strong loams, wherever
they occur, only require the addition of old mortar rubbish or chalk to
render them suited to the growth of the Peach, and light loam a goodly
admixture of both marly clay and old mortar rubbish or chalk. Chalk is
more particularly valuable on a light soil devoid of calcareous matter, and
the lime rubbish on heavy, from its containing silica or sand. New
borders must have efficient drainage. If the bottom of the border, the
strata underneath is unfavourable, it should be concreted 6 inches thick,
gravel, coarse and fine together, with a third of lime made into a mortar¬
like mass, put in so as to slope to a drain of 3-inch tiles, having proper fall
and outlet. Nine to 12 inches of drainage should be given after the concrete
has hardened, the roughest at the bottom and finest at the top. Secure the
drainage with a layer of turves grass side downwards, but preferably with a
layer of old mortar rubbish or chalk broken t > the size of road metal
3 inches thick, which may form part of the thickness of the drainage.
Instead of making the border all at once a 4 feet width iu front and the
same at the back are ample for a couple of years, and the openings in the
front wall to let out the roots should be bricked up so as to insure the
occupation of the inside border before they pass into the outside one.
Loose bricks or dry walls will do for holding up the soil of the borders.
The border need not exceed 30 inches, and should not be less than
24 inches deco. The compost should be neither wet nor dry, and be put
together firmly. They should be ready for planting by the end of
September.

As to the varieties of Peaches to plant it is best to have houses of
moderate size, so that those that ripen about the same time can be grown
together. For very early forcing — Alexander and Waterloo. There are
no Nectarines suitable — i.e., ripening at the same time. The earliest is
! Advance, but t is not nearly so large as Lord Napier, which is three

168

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 19, 1886.

weeks later in ripening than the Alexander and Waterloo Peach. Second
early houses — Hale’s Early, Early Alfred, Large Early Mignonne, and A
Bee. Nectarines — Hunt’s Tawny and Lord Napier. Early houses —
Royal George, Stirling Castle, this is certainly only a form of Royal
George, but an excellent Peach and a capital forcer ; Dr. Hogg, a capital
sort ; Grosse Mignonne, Dagmar, Condor, and Crimson Galande. Nectarines
— Elruge, Yiolette Hative. These can hardly well be forced to ripen before
the middle of June. If forced hard so as to ripen in May they are not
nearly so satisfactory as those previously named. They are excellent for
ripening at and after the time named, and to them for midseason houses are
Belle Beauce, Violette Hative (Galande), Noblesse, Goshawk, Bellegarde,
Earrington, and Dymond. Late houses — Walburton Admirable, Princess
of Wales, Lady Palmerston, Osprey, Gladstone, Sea Eagle, and Condor.
For a cool house or wall case to succeed each other in ripening — Alexander
or Waterloo, Hale’s Early or A Bee, Early Alfred or Rivers’ Early York,
Dagmar or Dr. Hogg, Crimson Galande or Magdala, R >yal George or
Grosse Mignonne, Belle Beauce or Goshawk, Bellegarde or Noblesse,
Dymond or Barrington, Walburton Admirable or Princess of Wales,
Gladstone or Lady Palmerston, Sea Eagle or Comet; twen'y-four of the
best Peaches in cultivation, two of each being given so that the number
is easier of reduction.

Nectarines for a wall case to succeed each other — Advance or Lord
Napier, Elruge or Violette Hative, Byron or Humboldt, Pine Apple or Im¬
proved Downton, Milton or Newton, Albert Victor or Victoria. For
midseason houses — Pine Apple, Rivers’ Pitmaston Orange, and Byron.
Late houses — Improved Downton, Milton, and Victoria. Trees of Peaches
and Nectarines for planting in houses are best when two or three (or even
four if due regard has been had to lifting) years trained to walls or in cool
houses, and failing these an early selection should be made of trees in
nurseries, choosing the best furnished, most evenly balanced, clean and
healthy, and with medium sized short-jointed wood. Carefully lifted
when the wood becomes firm they will experience but little check.

Cucumbers. — The autumn-fruiting plants should be encouraged to
make a strong growth by earthing betimes, not making large additions,
but enough each time to cover the protruding roots, taking care to have it
warm and moist. Afford plenty of water at the roots, but keep from
driblets. When any is wanted — and none should be given before it is —
afford a thorough supply. Syringe at 3 to 3.30 P.M., damping in the
morning, noon, and before nightfall in bright weather, at the latter time
with weak liquid manure. Maintain a night temperature of 65° to 70°,
70° to 75° artificially by day, keep it through the day at 80° to 90° from sun
heat, and close between 85° and 90° sufficiently early to rise to 90°, 95°, or
100°. Attend to tying in the shoots. Train rather thinly 9 to 12 inches
apart — i.e., the side growths, and stop them at about 12 to 15 inches
growth to give the needful fruiting and furnishing growths. Remove all
fruits as well as male flowers as they show, so as to get the plants strong,
the early part of September being sufficiently early to allow fruit to show
for cutting at the end of the month, and by cropping lightly at first a good
supply can be bad later on, when in November and December the plants
will need all the vigour that has been got into them to swell off the fruit
properly.

Plants in bearing will require attention in thinning old growth,
removing old leaves, stopping at a joint beyond the show of fruit, so as to
maintain a succession of fruit. If seed is wanted any knobby ended ones
should be left. They come freely enough on old plants ; if not, impregna¬
tion will have the desired effect. Plants in frames that have fruited for
some time will be restored to vigour by a good thinning-out of the old
shoots and the addition of a little fresh loam, giving a moderate watering,
and a sprinkling overhead on bright afternoons, closing at about 3 p.m.
With linings and the protection of mats over the lights Cucumbers will
be produced for a lengthened period .

Houses that are to be used for supply of fruit at Christmas — the plants
having been raised from seed about the 10th of this month — should be
cleared, so that the needful cleaning, repairs, or painting may be done
thoroughly before the house is wanted. Pot the plants as they require
it, keeping well up to the light, and place a small stick to each for the
support of the young plant, which should be grown without stopping,
rubbing off side shoots as they appear to the height of the trellis.

PLANT HOUSES.

Calanthes. — The earliest of these have filled their pots with roots,
and should be given weak stimulants every time they need water. Liquid
male from cow manure is good for them if liberally diluted with water
previous to use. They should be arranged close to the glass and grown
from the present time under the influence of as much light as is con¬
sistent with maintaining their foliage of a deep green healthy colour.
When too much shade is employed the foliage is drawn up weakly, while
on the other hand it turns yellow if exposed to too much sunlight. Ex¬
tremes in either case must be avoided ; admit air liberally when the
weather is favourable to induce the formation of sturdy growth. Good
flowers and large spikes are the result of solid well ripened pseudo-bulbs.
Later plants started in 3 and 4-inch pots may be transferred into others
2 inches larger. This operation must not be delayed, or else the plants
will not benefit so much as if feeding only was resorted to. If potted at
once the plants will develops rapidly, unless they have become checked by
confinement in the small pots. Water carefully for a time after potting,
then give liberal supplies. These plants should be grown in a tempera¬
ture at night of 75°, with a rise by day of 10° or 15° by sun heat.

Phajus grandifolius. — These will be growing rapidly and rooting
freely in their pots, and will bear feeding every time they need water.
Grow them by the side of the earliest Calanthes, and the treatment advised

for them will suit well. Stimulants applied in a weak state are preferable
to strong doses occasionally.

Cattleyas. — Healthy plants are growing freely, and will need abun¬
dance of water at their roots for the next two months. The atmosphere
should be moderately moist. Admit plenty of light and air, only sha iiug
them from bright sun. The foliage and pseudo-bulbs of plants grown in a
close, confined, shaded house are long and weakly, and never produce
such fine flowers as those of plump sturdy formation, with Btrong leathery
foliage. The leaves of healthy plants will be a deep green colour if
shaded only from strong sun, as long as they are not starved by too low a
temperature. Sickly yellow foliage is frequently the result of too much
sunlight and too low a temperature. These planes should be sorted, and
such species as C. Trianse, C. Mossiae, and others that have nearly com¬
pleted their growth, and only need thoroughly ripening, should have the
lightest position in the house. Those still making their growth should
have a little more shade. Care must be taken that such varieties as C.
Eldorado and others that flower from the pseudo-bulbs directly they are
made, are not checked while in this stage, or the growth another
year instead of being stronger will be the reverse. These root abundantly
after flowering, and the supply of water should not fail until they are well
ripened in autumn and root-action has ceased. The ripening process
should be gradual, and not prematurely brought to that condition by with¬
holding water and checking the plants. Some attention is needed to
prevent yellow thrips from becoming established in the young growths*
for if neglected for a few days or a week the appearance of the foliage is*
entirely destroyed. If thrips exist the whole of the plants should be gone
over and sponged with a weak solution of tobacco water, and tobacco
powder dusted into the young growths. This must be removed again
directly the insects have been destroyed. The house should also be lightly
fumigated two or three evenings in succession.

Bis a grandiflora. — This Orchid is often grown too warm, and fails to
do satisfactorily in consequence. To be successful it must be grown
perfectly cool, with plenty of air circulating about them. They must
also have moderate heavy shading and abundance of water. The best
time to repot them is directly they have flowered and the old flower stems
are cut down. The old soil, which is certain to become sufficiently sour
for removal in the space of a year, should be carefully picked from
amongst their roots and then fresh supplied. The plants appear to
succeed best in fibry loam from which all the soily particles have been
removed, and charcoal in lumps. They must be carefully watered for a
time after potting until young growths issue from the base, when liberal
supplies of water should be given and the surface of the pans covered
with living moss. As these plants require a large quantity of water the
drainage provided for them must be liberal. Slugs are also very fond of
the young growths and must be searched for diligently.

mm BEE-KEEPER.

M

QUEENS AND QUEEN INTKODUCTION.

Since last August there has not been a month free from
frost, and only one month free from snow in this locality.
The temperature of July ranged from 30° to 84°. In many
places the Potatoes were blackened in July. With such
variable weather it was impossible for honey to be abundant.
The work of raising queens at the end of May and beginning
of June had to be delayed till July and August. The majority
of our queens were three weeks old before they were fertilised.
I have not lost a single young queen. Last year I arranged
my hives, fixed my plans, and the bees did all I wished ; this
year they have reversed things and given much trouble, with
one exception, and that is, at least 70 per cent, of last year’s
queens have been superseded by young ones, so I have been
saved the trouble of “re-queening” stocks before going, to
the moors. All my hives are in the best order for gathering
honey from the Heather, which I intend taking to on the
14th, being about two weeks later than usual. As all these
queens are in large and strong hives they will be well taxed
in depositing eggs, so will all be deposed in September and
special queens introduced which I have in nuclei, bred from
pure queens. These queens will be in the best order for
having strong and early colonies in 1887. Most of my nuclei
will by the end of September be in a fit state to stand the
winter without any assistance. In the stocks to be re¬
queened I shall remove the queen regnant, and in eight days
after shall make a thorough examination of every comb,
removing all royal cells. After the bees make the commotion
usual on such occurrence will, if queen only, put her into
my safety queen cage, placing it on the top of the hive

August 19, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

169

■where I can watch both her and the action of the bees.
Whenever I observe the bees favourably disposed towards
her, clustering in a quiet way in the outer compartment, will
at dusk cautiously draw the slide, and success is certain. If
I mean to join the queen and bees that form the nucleus to
another hive, I place them in a large frame of perforated
zinc and place it in the centre of the hive for at least twelve
hours, after the hive has undergone the same manipulation
as mentioned above for the reception of a single queen.

Owing to the Syrians raising many queens I have taken
advantage of that, and experimented a little. The inclina¬
tion of the Syrians to raise so many queens is a great draw¬
back to their well-doing, unless they be excised on the eighth
day after the old queen has left. In one case this year from
the issue of the first swarm until the last cast, three weeks
passed. To make the most of these bees the royal cells
should be all excised, unless one on the eighth day after the
old queen has left, and neither queen nor queen cell should
be given to a hive at any other time than after the eighth
day.

Allowing queens to run in at the entrance is a risky way
of introducing queens. I have done it often, and in most
cases the queen was badly treated. The old and depending
bees are always placed at the entrance, and a queen will be
seized and killed or wounded before the attacking bee has
time to consider she is wanted inside. Queen cells have
been placed in the hive by the dozen, and not one of the
queens in these cells survives. In one case where I returned
a first swarm to part of its combs, one royal cell had been
left. It hatched, the laying queen was deposed, and in forty-
eight hours after the young queen was laying. There was
no loss in a case of this kind. Very different, however, was
it in another. A young man had a stock back for the Clover,
but progressing and giving promise to be a good one for the
Heather. He was downcast about it, and begged a second
swarm from me to join to it. I cautioned him respecting
the likelihood of the old queen being deposed, and the risk
attending the young queen on her wedding trip ; but no
advice was taken, the result being the old queen was deposed
and the fertilisation of the young one was delayed or re¬
tarded for three weeks, and instead of having a forward
colony it is simply beginning anew. The loss, however, I
will make up to him with a few frames of brood from one of
my populous colonies of Syrians, and he in return has
promised me a helping hand with my hives at the moors, of
of more importance to me than a swarm of bees or a few
frames of brood. Some bee-keepers add the value of their
surplus stock to the balance sheet, but I expect I shall be
only too glad if someone would come at the end of Septem¬
ber and take mine away. In one nucleus of Syrian bees
that was queenless for a week but deprived of its royal cells
only four hours before introducing a queen, she was killed
by one excited bee immediately she was set free, although
the cluster of bees showed distinctly they were favourably
disposed towards her. It was done by way of experiment,
otherwise I should not have released her till sunset, or a
little after, this being the time bees are disposed to be quiet ;
in fact, bees at that time cease, as a rule, from all labour for
a short time. In five minutes after they killed the queen I
gave it a small piece of comb, l£ inch square, containing
eggs and larvse, and in three hours after I observed nine
royal cells begun — the lesson to be derived from it being, do
not be in a hurry in introducing queens, nor to do it in any
way that is likely to be repugnant to the bees. One hive in
ten days after throwing its first swarm had a young queen
fertilised; this fertilised queen, together with two virgins,
were thrown out of the hive. Dissection proved very little
spermatheca to be in the sperm sac, and it is plain a queen
may be fertilised while queen cells or young queens are in
the hive ; also that the bees possess the power of knowing
when a queen is in a fit state to be allowed to live or when
she should be deposed from defects or functional disorder. —
A Lanarkshire Bee keeper.

QUEEN INTRODUCTION, &o.

Dr. Geo. Walker, Wimbledon, otherwise “ A Surreyshire Bee¬
keeper,” on page 56, replies to my criticism of his letter after giving the
readers of the British Bee Journal my plan, which he says is “ to keep
the bees without a queen or eggs for two days, and then let the queen run
in, when they will take to her at once.”

In the following issue he admits that it would have been better
had he quoted me exactly in my own words, and says he only re¬
ferred to the plan generally, and mentions trying it with a Ligurian
queen, which I take to be the same one he alludes to, and which he kept
caged in the hive upwards of a week till he went to Liverpool, when he
found the bees would not receive her ; and now he says “followed out my
instructions to the letter, and wants to know why he failed.” Did he ?
Do I not clearly and distinctly imply in my letter that the queen was never
to be caged inside the hive ? also aid I advise feeding the bees P No, and
had the bees accepted the queen under such treatment I should have been
surprised.

He now pretends to give the opinion of other bee-keepers to support
his own assertions and quotes Mr. C. N. Abbott, but does not give particu¬
lars as to where they are to be found, so I will quote him from the B.B.J.
for July 1st, 1886 ; — “ Notwithstanding the opinions of the “ Hallamshire
Bee-keeper ” and others cited by Mr. Walker, it may be taken for granted
that there is no condition in which alien queens will be so likely to be
well received after caging as that existing in a hive in which there are
young brood in all stages and plenty of hatching bees. Put that in italics,
Mr. Editor, and let others disprove it if they can.”

So it will be noticed that Dr. W. has quoted “ young brood in all
stages ” as “ young bees ” and “ plenty of batching bees ” — that is, those
bees that are nibbling off the caps to creep out as “ hatching brood.” Mr.
Abbott does not specify it as a condition that there should be any young
bees, but Dr. Walker has it there should be “ plenty.”

I freely admit that I cannot make out exactly what Mr. Abbott means.
It is the vaguest proposition I have ever seen, but he thinks it so import¬
ant that he tells the Editor to put it in italics. Then he quotes Mr. Boot,
who, like himself, has a failure for quoting people wrcngly, and who has
given as a “ safe ” plan putting the queen alone or with only the bees
which accompany her on some hatching brood in a lamp nursery and
hatching out the young bees until sufficient to make up what he calls a
“ colony.” It is true he recommends the “ put ” cage, probably because
he makes it — he always advises using what he sells as being better than
any other— and if a queen is lost then he has to supply another, but I have
never seen him state that it was anything but fairly successful.

I consider I have given sufficient to show he has not quoted correctly.
Is it likely when he cannot quote correctly he can repeat a simple experi¬
ment correctly, or describe one correctly which he has made ?

It is well known that your Journal, Mr. Editor, through articles signed
“A Lanarkshire Bee-keeper,” “Felix,” and others, has always scouted
the “ brood-spreading and stimulative feeding ” teaching advocated by
“ A Surreyshire Bee-keeper ” and his co-writers in the B. B. J., in which
journal, under the heading “ Useful Hints ” — which are very useful to gauge
the writer’s knowledge of practical apiculture — for July 8th, says : “Many
a colony brought up to honey-collecting strength a month or six weeks
ago is now in pitiable plight from depletion of its population and the
attendant evil of chilled brood. In our own district this evil has been
very prevalent, in some cases leading on to foul brood. The queens,
stimulated to egg-laying by syrup-feeding or the uncapping of comb
honey, have produced more brood than the bees could well cover, while
the speedy dwindling of the latter, caused sometimes by robbing as well
as foraging, has left whole sheets of unsealed larvae to perish and rot — a
meet hotbed for the reception of bacilli or foul brood germs. In several
cases we have found fine queens with distended ovaries, accompanied by
about a dozen bees on three or four frames of putrifying larvae, without
any of the odour so well known to the practised expert of foul brood.”

Could a more sickening picture possibly be drawn from life, or rather
death ? Mark all this in the writer’s “ own district.” Contrast this with
stocks packed heavy enough at the beginning of September to last till
the following June or longer, according to “Lanarkshire’s” advice, and
compare the two extremes. I shall be glad of every honest attempt to
prove I am wrong, but I will warn all I shall accept none that is not in
accordance with my teaching. Mr. Abbott goes and extracts all the
honey out of a queenless lot, and then gives them a queen on the flight
board, not at the entrance or flight hole as I direct; then, because she was
likolv to fall off, he dropped her in the back of the hive. He says she
was balled, and yet he admits they accepted her after being balled from
Thursday to Sunday night, was at liberty on Monday, but on Wednesday
he could not find her, though he found eggs and a queen cell. Then he
says he removed all the combs from the hive, leaving the bees alone, and
gave them a queen the same night and the combs back next morning —
which is practically one of the ways I give in the previous issue of the
B. B, J. to apply the “ law ” I lay down, and also supplied some bees to
and directed a customer to introduce one by it also ; and then he exclaims
“ that he has not pirated any of the tunes played by the big drum o’ the
band.” Mind, he uses no brood or hatching bees, but just my law, which
he says he finds at fault, only he cages the queen somewhere about the
hive or box, after totally depriving them of queen and combs, and setting
her at liberty a little before the time (twenty-four hours) I lay down as
being absolutely safe.

Perhaps Dr. Walker will be able to see the vast difference between the
plans recommended by Mr. Abbott in the B.B.J. for July 1st, and what
he reports in the same journal for July 22nd as having practised. First
he runs things down, and when he finds they are good he dubs it his plan

170

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Augnst 19, 1886.

putting his name to it, and then refers to it as that “ which bears his own
name.” It is not the first time I have been robbed of all the credit in
introducing new ideas. Feeding bees on dry sugar alone as a practical
thing was my idea, and I made a big fight for it in the B. B. J., and no
no one tried to “ sit ” on the idea more than Messrs. Abbott and Simmine,
and yet within six months the latter claimed all the credit, and said he
had been working at the problem for years, though his own published
letters not six months before entirely repudiated such a theory. In fact,
it was entirely owing to his scouting the idea of bees being able to con¬
sume dry sugar that I came out in its defence, and told what I knew.
But Mr. Simmins began to make a trade of it, and advertise his “ Dry
Sugar Feeders,” and when I wrote to the B. B. J. pointing out his incon¬
sistency I was quietly dropped and he was allowed to figure as the man.
Now I suppose the same game is to be played again.

A word as to caging queens. I had not time to reply to “ A Lanark¬
shire Bee-keeper ” as the busy season is on, and glad I am now I did not,
as my silence seems to have led Dr. Walker and others into a trap. He
says, “ It has never been proved bees can carry eggs.” If he will cage a
fertile Syrian queen in a pipe-cover cage on a comb in a strong stock of
black bees, queenless and having no means to rear one, I will venture to
predict he will find a Syrian queen hatch out, though the one he caged
has never been at liberty, or his experience will be very much diSerent
to mine. My contention is, that if the bees have combs, and can get the
eggs dropped by the queen in the cage, they will carry them and rear a
queen from them. Perhaps in his cages eggs cannot drop out, hence they
cannot start a queen cell from her eggs. It will generally be found the
reason bees persist in balling queens for upwards of nine days that they
have got an egg somewhere in the hive, and when a queen cell is formed
on it it is at once torn down as the product of a fertile worker. I could
write a long article on this matter, but I think I have given enough to
put such able investigators as himself on the track to an unexplored field.
I noticed with satisfaction his confirmation of my way of introducing
fertile queens ; had he not done so I should simply have quoted his
writings in support of it. I have found it does not matter how many
fertile workers are in the hive if they have not begun to lay ; if so, 1
remove all their combs, so that they have nowhere to lay them.

The “ Benton ’’ cage I will reserve for another letter. No one has
any idea of the labour, trouble, expense, and study expended in developing
it. I acted as correspondent to Mr. Benton during the experiments carried
on between here and Beyrout, carefully reporting the condition they
arrived in, &c., and Mr. Benton admits that had it not been for me he
could not have succeeded as be did. No one would trouble themselves to
carefully report condition and probable failure ; all they would say was
“ arrived dead,” and now he has succeeded scores are wanting to know
how he prepares his food and packs his bees.

“ A Lanarkshire Bee-keeper ” is not quite correct in assuming he
claims credit for introducing the Carniolian bees. Previous to his taking
them up only a few had been sent to America, and none been propagated
there ; so he really was the first to introduce them to the New World,
which credit he claims, but not to England, as they were pretty well
known. — A Hallamshire Bee-keeper.

TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

James Dickson & Sons, 108, Eastgate Street, Chester. — Catalogue of
Bulbous Flower Boots for 1886.

B. S. Wil'iams it Son, Upper Holloway, London. — Catalogue of Bulbs for
1886 ( illustrated ).

Laing & Co., Forest Hill. — Catalogue of Dutch Bulbs.

*s® All correspondence should be directed either to “ The Editor ”
or to “The Publisher.” Letters addressed to Dr. Hogg or
members of the staff often remain unopened unavoidably. We
request that no one will write privately to any of our correspon¬
dents, as doing so subjects them to unjustifiable trouble and
expense.

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions relat¬
ing to Gardening and those on Bee subjects, and should never
send more than two or three questions at once. All articles in¬
tended for insertion should be written on one side of the paper
only. We cannot reply to questions through the post, and we
do not undertake to return rejected communications.

White Early Rose Potato (James Smith). — We have received the
tuberB, which are excellent in appearance. We will try them for testing
their merits as to earliness, quality, and productiveness — not that we do
not accept your estimate of the value of the variety, but because you
request our opinion, and Potatoes vary greatly in quality, especially on
differing Boils.

Sturt’s Dessert Pea (J. F.). — The plant to which you refer under the
above name is Clianthus Dampieri. Place the seeds in water for a few
hours before sowing them ; that may assist them. Sow the seeds in very
light sandy soil in an intermediate house, the temperature ranging between
55° and 60°. Keep the soil moist, but not excessively wet.

Clematis indivisa lobata (E. S.). — The plant appears to be thriving
satisfactorily, and it does not require any special treatment just now. If
you wish it to fill as much space as possible do not shorten the growths,
but let them advance freely so long as they can be fully exposed to the
sun and air to mature ; do not, however, allow them to become crowded.
Syringe occasionally to keep the plants clean and free from insects, and
supply water liberally while growth is advancing. In the winter keep the
plant cool, as undue heat is apt to weaken it, causing premature growth.
The flowering period is during April and May.

Greenhouse Hybrid Rhododendrons (Idem). — These plants make their
growth more freely in a temperature intermediate between a stove and a
greenhouse, with 558 as a minimum. When in flower, however, and during
the summer the ordinary greenhouse suits them very well. The best soil is
good turfy peat with a small proportion of sand, draining the pots very
carefully, as water must be supplied liberally. Fuller notes on this subject
will be published in a few weeks’ time.

Covent Garden Market Prices (E. M. B.). — Your inquiry, which we
print, was forwarded to our market reporter, whose reply is appended.
Question : “ Will you be good enough to inform me in your correspondence
column whether the prices quoted in your paper for fruit and vegetables
are those obtainable by producers, or are they merely what wholesale
customers are paying to the occupants of Covent Garden Market?”
Answer : “We know of no distinction between the price the wholesale man
pays and the price the grower receives.”

Maggots in Begonia Leaves (Saxoring). — The leaves are destroyed by
a leaf-mining maggot, the maggots hatching from eggs that are deposited
by a small fly similar to the Celery fly. These leaf-mining insects are very
destructive to Chrysanthemums, Beet, Cinerarias, and other plants that
they attack, but we have not before seen them infesting Begonias. We
have seen them destroyed in Celery by a mixture of softsoap and petroleum
prepared as follows : — Take 2 ozs. of softsoap and half ounce of washing
soda, put these into a two-gallon stons bottle, and pour upon them one
gallon of boiling rain or soft water ; stir till the whole is thoroughly mixed,
then add 4 ozs. of petroleum, stir and shake again, then fill up the bottle
with another gallon of boiling rain water. When cool strain through muslin
or other suitable material, and apply with a syringe or spray distributor in
the evening, not in the morning, as if the sun shines on the plants before
they are dry they may be injured. We shall be glad if you will try that
remedy experimentally on your Snowflake Begonias, and favour us with the
results.

Melons Gumming (J. S. <?.). — Gumming is a consequence of too rich
soil, too much moisture, and too little heat. The result is a gangrene or
ulcerous exudation, and very distinct from canker, which, however, is due
to over-much moisture, with probably a deficiency of silica and lime in the
soil, with too much organic matter, resulting in crude imperfectly elaborated
growth, especially in a dull period. The softened places are full of fungus
threads and spores, usually belonging to a fungus very common in Cucum¬
bers, succulent fruits, and even Grapes, also Peaches and Plums, or in those
the plants of which require a siliceous and calcareous soil. The only
remedial measures are to cut away all the affected parts where practicable
and burn them. "Rub the others with quicklime, and repeatedly until dry.
Keep the plants drier, not giving any water at the roots, or only to prevent
flagging ; and when giving it keep it from the growths or stems as much
as possible. Admit a little air constantly, so as to cause a circulation and
consequently evaporation from the foliage, and afford more heat, which in
your case is practically excluded ; therefore keep the house drier, and
husband the sun heat.

Watering with Contents of Cesspool — Using Water from Water¬
works (C. C.). — The inside of the tank being tarred would have a deleterious
effect upon the contents of the cesspool, tar water being highly injurious to
plants. That, we think, is in a great measure the cause of the mischief ;
but if the tar has been on some time and thoroughly hardened the evil
would be the result of the liquid being too strong. The contents of the
cesspool receiving the drainings of a w.c., sink, and laundry are not safe to
use for Tomatoes and Vines, as the liquid is too variable in strength, con¬
taining the salts of potash and soda too powerful for such active feeders.
Use liquid only of known strength, such as cow dung, 1 peck to thirty
gallons of water, or soot, 1 peck to sixty gallons, sulphate of ammonia, 1 lb.
to thirty gallons of water. It would be much the best plan to fill the tanks
with water, especially if it would have the tendency to warm it before use.
It is best in all cases to have the water of the same temperature as that of
the house in which the plants are growing, and it is not judicious to
syringe with water less in temperature than the house, but it is safe, as we
have used hose pipes for many years, both for syringing and watering
borders, without any prejudicial effect, except that it retards growth, and is
not advisable on that account. All water used should, if anything, be
slightly warmer than the mean of the house, and if used loss in temperature
it retards the growth proportionately, and damping with cold water is so
much taken from the heat, which has to be made up at the expense of fuel
or loss of growth. Cold rain checks growth, warm showers accelerate
growth ; the first is productive of disease, the latter of health. For cool
houses the water may be used from the mains, for warm houses it should
be warmed in tanks before use.

Melons Bitter ( Kempsford ). — It is a consequence of badly elaborated
sap, and is common to plants grown in dung-heated frames after a period
of hot weather succeeded by dull, wet, and cold days. During the hot
weather the sap is highly elaborated and assimilated, and the roots strike
down in quest of moisture to maintain a supply of nutriment equal to the
demand of the foliage, which from the evaporation is very great in bright
weather, and the fruits as a rule do not increase greatly in size, but become
very firm and hard at the rind. Such fruit, having the dry and warm atmo¬
sphere continued to ripening, is very high in flavour ; but a period of dull
weather setting in before the fruit is ripe the sap is not so highly elaborated,

August 19, 1883. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

171

and the fruit is constantly stagnated through the imperfect assimilation o^
the sap, and it not infrequently spots or gangrenes and speedily decays.
The fruit ripening is in places hard in the flesh, and has a most disagreeable
sweetness mingled with bitterness. The only preventive that we have
found available is to raise the fruit on inverted flower pots well above the
foliage on the setting in of a dull period after bright weather, placing a
piece of slate slanting on the pot, as the damp otherwise rises through the
hole of the flower pot and causes the decay of the fruit. The vine on which
the fruit is borne is cut about half-way through a foot below the fruit,
which diminishes the supply of sap, in doing which care must be taken not
to sever the connection. We also line the bed with stable litter, placing
the smallest at thi bottom and the longest on the top, unless we have lawn
mowings available, when we place the material against the sides of the
frame all round, and cover with a little long litter. In either case a gentle
heat is obtained, water is withheld, and a little air admitted at the back of
the frame, which causes a circulation of air and evaporation, the fruit
ripening perfectly. Ventilation should be provided constantly night and
day. By these means we have had good fruits from frames in October.
The demand for Melons on and after the 12th of August is the greatest in
the year, and that is the time Melons have the tendency to become bitter,
and which we consider is entirely due to the weather being so variable, and
which can only be overcome by a prompt attention to the linings, so as to
secure to the plants the requisite warmth and air to promote evaporation
and the assimilation of the sap. Keep the plants drier, warmer, and more
freely ventilated.

Names of Fruits. — The names and addresses of senders of fruit to be named
must in all cases be enclosed with the specimens, whether letters referring
to the fruit are sent by post or not. The names are not necessarily required
for publication, initials sufficing for that. Only six specimens can be
named at once, and surplus fruits beyond that number cannot be preserved.
( J ■ P. W.). — Your specimens are very immature, but we shall do our best
for you. 1, Not known ; 2, Williams’ Bon Chretien ; 3, Not known ; 4, Glou
Morpiau ; 5, Easter Beurre ; 6, Forelle.

Names of Plants. — We only undertake to name species of plants, not
varieties that have originated from seed and termed florists’ flowers.
Flowering specimens are necessary of flowering plants, and Fern fronds
should bear spores. Specimens should arrive in a fresh state in firm
boxes. Slightly damp moss or soft green leaves form the best packing, dry
cotton wool the worst. Not more than six specimens can be named at once.
{Rosa). — We are always pleased to name any specimens that reach us in
good condition, but we can only guess to what plant flowers like those
received belong. It appears to be a small-flowered Odontoglossum, but
some information respecting its habits would have assisted us. ( R . A. deP.).
— Impatiens glandulifera. {JR. P. 0.). — 1, Aspidium amabile; 2, Asplenium
Filix-foemina var. plumosa ; 3, Pellaea rotundifolia. {It. W.). — The plant
is Rubus fruticosus roseus flore-pleno, and it is an interesting circumstance
that it should have been found wild as you state.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.-August 18th.

Business settling down quiet with heavy supplies, and prices giving

way.

Apples .

$ sieve

A.

1

d

6

s.
to 3

d.

6

Cherries .

£ sieve

2

0

8

0

Currants. B'ack . .

4 sieve

2

3

2

6

,. Red . .

\ sieve

2

6

0

0

Figs .

dozen

i

6

2

0

Grapes .

i

0

3

0

Lemons .

0

15

0

Artichokes .. .

. dozen

s.

1

d.

0

VEC

8.
to 0

rEI

d

0

Asparagu s . . .

. bundle

0

0

0

0

Beans, Kidney

lb.

0

3

0

0

Beet, Red .. .

dozen

1

0

2

0

Broccoli .

bundle

0

0

0

0

Brussels Sprouts .

. J sieve

0

0

0

0

Cabbage .

dozen

1

6

0

0

Capsicums .. .

100

1

6

2

0

Carrots .

bunch

0

6

0

0

Cauliflowers ..

. dozen

3

0

4

0

Celery .

bundle

1

6

2

0

Coleworts dcz.

bunches

2

0

4

0

Cucumbers . . .

. each

0

3

0

6

Endive .

dozen

1

0

2

0

Herbs .

. bunch

0

2

0

0

Leeks .

. bunch

0

8

0

4

s. d. b. d.

Melon . each 1 0 to 2 0

Oranges . 100 6 0 12 o

Peaolies . per do*. 4 0 10 0

Pine Apples English., lb. 2 0 3 q

Plums . J sieve 0 0 0 q

St. Michael Pines ..each 4 0 6 q

Strawberries.. .. perils. 0 6 1

ABLEF.

s. d. s. d

Lettuce . dozen 1 0 to 1 6

Mushrooms .. ..punnet 0 6 10

Mustard and Cress punnet 0 2 0 0

Onions . bunch 0 3 0 0

Parsley .. dozen bunches 2 0 SO

Parsnips . dozen 10 2 0

Potatoes . cwt. 4 0 6 0

,, Kidney .. cwt. 4 9 6 0

Rhubarb . bundle 0 2 0 0

3alsafy . bundle 10 16

3corzonera .. .. bundle 16 0 0

Seakale .. .. per basket 0 0 0 0

Shallots . lb. OS 00

Spinach . bushel 8 0 4 6

Tomatoes . lb. 0 2 OS

Turnips . bunch 0 4 0 6

CUT FLOWERS.

s.

d.

s.

a.

s.

d.

B.

d.

Abntilons

12 bunches

2

0 to 4

0

Lily oi the Valley, 12 sprays

0

0 to 0

0

Arum Lilies .

12 bloom3

4

0

6

0

Marguerites . .

12 bunches

8

0

a

0

Asters . . .

. 12 blooms

0

3

0

6

Mignonette . .

12 bunches

1

0

4

0

Azalea . . .

12 sprays

a

0

0

0

Myosotis

12 bunches

2

0

8

0

Bouvardias .

per bunch

0

6

1

0

Pelargoniums, per 12 trusses

0

9

l

0

Camellias

12 blooms

0

0

0

0

„ scarlet, 12 trusses

0

s

0

c

Carnations .

12 blooms

i

0

8

0

Roses

12 bunches

2

0

9

0

12 bunohes

S

0

6

0

„ (indoor),

per dozen

0

6

2

0

Chrysanthemums 12 blooms

0

0

0

0

„ Tea. . ..

0

9

1

0

Cornflower .

12 bunches

1

6

8

0

„ red

.. dozen

0

8

i

0

Cowslips

doz. bunches

0

0

0

0

,. Moss

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Daffodils

12 bunches

0

0

fl

0

Primroses, Yellow, dozen

Epiphvllum . .

doz. blooms

0

0

0

0

dozen bunches

0

0

0

0

Eucharis

per dozen

2

0

4

0

Pyrethrum. ..

12 bunches

4

0

6

0

Gardenias

12 blooms

2

0

4

0

Spiraea . . . .

12 sprava

9

0

0

0

Hellebore

doz. blooms

0

0

0

0

Sfcephanotis ..

12 sprays

g

0

3

0

Hyacinths,Roman,12 sprays

0

0

0

0

Stocks, various

12 bunches

3

0

5

0

Iris .

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Sunflowers

0

6

i

0

Lapageria, white, 12 blooms

0

0

0

0

Sweet Peas ..

1 2 bunches

2

0

4

0

Lapageria, red

. , 12 blooms

1

0

2

0

S weet Sultan

12 bunches

8

0

4

0

Lavender dozen bunches

4

0

5

0

Tropaeolum ..

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Lillum candid am 12 blms.

0

0

0

0

Tuberoses

12 blooms

0

4

1

0

»»

12 bchc3.

0

0

0

0

Violets . .

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

„ longiflorum, 12 blms.

3

0

6

0

„ Czar, Fr.,

,• bunch

0

d

0

0

PLANTS IN POTS.

B.

d.

B.

d.

s.

d

s.

i.

Aralia Sieboldi ..

dozen

9

0 to

18

0

Ficus elastica

. . each

i

6

to 7

0

Arbor vitae (golden) dozen

0

0

0

0

Fuchsia

per dozen

4

0

9

0

(common)

dozen

6

0

12

0

Foliage Plants, var. each

2

0

10

0

Arum Lilies . .

dozen

0

0

0

0

Heliotrope

per dozen

4

0

8

0

Bedding Plants, var

doz.

0

0

0

0

Hydrangea . .

per dozen

6

0

12

0

Begonias . . . .

dozen

4

0

9

0

Ivy Geraniums

per dozen

3

0

6

0

Calceolaria . . per dozen

3

0

6

0

Lilium auratum

per doz.

12

0

80

0

Cineraria . . . .

dozen

0

0

0

0

„ lancifolium per doz.

9

0

18

0

Cockscombs per dozen

8

0

6

0

„ longiflorum per doz.

18

0

so

0

Crassula .. per dozen

0

0

0

0

Lobelias . .

per dozen

8

0

4

0

Cyperus .

dozen

4

0

12

0

Marguerite Daisy dozen

6

0

9

0

Dracaena terminalis,

dozen

30

0

60

0

Mignonette . .

per dozen

3

0

6

0

„ viridis . .

dozen

12

0

24

0

Musk . . ..

per dozen

2

0

4

0

Erica, various
Euonymus, in var.

dozen

0

0

0

0

Myrtles .. ..

6

0

12

0

dozen

6

0

18

0

Palms, in var.
Pelargoniums, sc

. . each

2

6

21

0

E vergreens, in var.

dozen

6

0

21

0

arlet, doz.

3

0

6

0

Ferns, in variety . .

dozen

4

0

18

0

Pelargoniums

per dozen

6

0

12

e

AMONG THE CROPS.

As the crops ripen and the golden hue of harvest imparts
richness to the corn fields, we spend more time each day
among them, watching the development of growth and the
swift change from fulness of growth to ripeness. Many a
valuable lesson do we learn in this way, many a hint do we
gain for our guidance in the future, and it is now at the begin¬
ning of harvest that our plans for the work of another year
are thought out, our arrangements made for the work of
preparation for other crops to follow harvest work as speedily
as possible. It is now that our horse power is taxed most
heavily, and the farmer who has steam tackle to break up
his stubbles is indeed to be envied by less favoured mortals.
Every day is precious now, not only for saving the corn but
for breaking up and cleaning the land, for if we wait till
harvest is over before doing anything to the stubbles, wet
weather often sets in and autumnal clearing is out of the
question.

Pea harvest will probably extend over a month. We saw
Pea-carting being done upon several farms three weeks ago,
and we know several farms where Peas are being cut now.
Frequent journeys by road and rail enable us to see much of
farm work in East Anglia, and it is to this district that our
notes in this paper apply. While making due allowance for
the difference in early and late kinds of Peas, it must not be
forgotten that Pea-sowing was much hindered by unsettled
weather last spring, hence the difference in the time of ripen¬
ing now. We have had no Peas grown upon our poor farms
this year, rich land and the best seed being conditions of
success in Pea culture to which we could not attain this
season, and therefore we devoted the land to the cultivation
of crops more likely to afford some profit. More than one
field of Peas have we seen this season where the Peas were
almost hidden from sight by wild Oats. The faults were
poor foul soil, and inferior or small seed ; the remedy to be
applied to practice next season, soil well cleaned, stirred
deeply, and well stored with fertility, and large, clean, care¬
fully selected seed.

Winter Beans again prove superior to spring Beans. The
stems, though not so long as the crop of last year, are well
set with pods and the crop is a good one. To ensure this we
must have deep rich land, nitrogen, potash, and phosphates
being abundant in the plants, potash being in almost as large
a proportion as nitrogen. In a close comparison of decimal
parts of these manurial constituents we have of nitrogen
135 parts, potash 110, and phosphate 90. In Peas, on the
contrary, we have only 100 parts of potash to 180 of nitro¬
gen and 115 of phosphates. A knowledge of such facts
proves of material importance in the preparation of land for
such crops. Beans under high cultivation are generally a
profitable crop, a first-class yield being 5 to 6 quarters per
acre of ripe Beans, weighing from 66 to 68 lbs. per bushel.

172

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 19, 1886.

Some of the best crops of Beans we have seen this season
were sown by means of a plough drill, an excellent plan in a
wet autumn, especially on heavy land farms, all trampling of
the soil after the ploughing being avoided till spring.

From our own observation we think the culture of Oats is
taking the place of Wheat to a considerable extent in this
country, nor can this be wondered at if it be remembered that
really good Oats generally command a ready sale at 20s. per
quarter, and that it is possible to have crops yielding from
10 to 12 quarters an acre with straw 6 feet high. To achieve
such results we must have the soil clean and well stored,
and those three indispensables— nitrogen, potash, and phos¬
phorus — applied specially for the Oat crop. Yet how seldom
do we find any manure used for an Oat crop ! If any
of our readers are disposed to question our statement of pos¬
sible results (and we know full well there are such), we would
say, “ Have you tried to grow Oats in the best way ?” In
purchasing seed Oats last season, a corn factor said it was a
shame to use the best selected samples for seed when the
small tail corn would certainly grow as freely. “ Aye,” said
we, “ no doubt it will grow, but have you ever thought about
the difference in strength of the growth from large and small
seed ?” To take all possible pains in the preparation of the
seed bed, yet to pay no attention to the quality of the seed, is
indeed to spend our strength for nought. While advising a
more extensive culture of Oats, we would confine it within
reasonable limits, and not rush into extremes in this or in any
other branch of farm practice. Repeatedly have we called
attention to the advantages attending the culture of winter
Oats, and under certain conditions a good white spring Oat
and Black Tartarian may be grown profitably. A field of
“ Black Tartars,” as they are called in Suffolk, which will
be ready for harvest before this article is printed, was sown
late in spring after Swedes, upon which ewes and lambs had
been folded, and the crop is a fairly good one. Other crops
of this Oat sown earlier are much better, but we mention the
late crop to show one of the uses of Oats. Some years ago we
had a field of Peas attacked so badly by rooks soon after the
seed germination had taken place, we lost the Pea crop, but
we managed to have a very good crop of Oats instead of it.

(To be continued.)

WORK ON THE HOME FARM.

Harvest work has begun in unsettled weather, but we have been able
to thresh the winter Oats upon three of our farms, and to get the chaffing
of the straw done. This enables us to avoid the purchase of Oats for the
horses employed at harvest work, the tail corn being used first for home
purposes. Next week we may be able to give the weight and price of
this corn, for we intend selling most of it, and we shall have the option of
using the money either for the purchase of sheep or for harvest labour.
We mention this matter, because we regard it as a sign of good manage¬
ment when a farm is not only self-supporting, but when there is some
farm produce to sell every week or two throughout the year. A large
balance at the bank is a good thing no doubt, but we prefer having most of
our farming capital at work upon the land, if only it yields a fair profit.
We have begun cutting winter Beans; spring Oats are also in hand, and
some pieces of forward Barley have been mowed. It is unusual for
Barley to be ready for harvest simultaneously with Wheat, as some of it
is this year, but the season is a peculiar one, and there is much difference
in the condition of corn crops. Root crops thrive apace, and lale sown
white Turnips grow with marvellous rapid ty, so that the work of hoeing
and thinning the plants has pressed heavily upon us. Wo are glad,
however, to have this work nicely in hand before the full pressure of corn
harvest is upon us. When the thinning is once over a frequent use of
horse hoes keeps down most of the weed”. A few acres of late roots
prove very useful in spring for folding the breeding flock upon. The
lambs run forward and eat off the green top3 and much of the roots too,
for forward lambs consume a large quantity of food in March, and we
shall do well now to see that all possible provision is made for them then
by sowiDg green crops for use with or after the roots. Land required for
Rye will be got ready for sowing as it is cleared of the summer crops, for
it is important to sow Rye early in September for early spring grazing.
Poor land is unsuitable for such a crop. To induce a free early growth in
spring, as well as a strong plant in autumn, the soil must be well stored
with fertility. Not unfrequently are we told that any odd piece of land
answers for such a crop. Certainly we cannot agree, for it is all-important
that the Rye should be both strong and forward in growth before we begin
spring folding upon it. We have shown how the application of a hundred¬
weight per acre of nitrate of soda in February promotes growth, but we
must not forget the importance of such growth from the germination
of the seed.

THE HESSIAN FLY ON WHEAT.

Mr. Charles Whitehead, Banning House, Maidstone, writes to the
papers as follows : — It seems that the Hessian fly, a fearlul scourge to corn-
crops, has at last taken up its abode in England. It was feared that it
had come to this country in 1800, but it was settled decisively by autho¬
rities that it was not the Hessian fly that was causing harm to the corn
plants, but another insect of a different genus. Its appearance, here
recently was in this wise : Miss Ormerod, the consulting entomologist of
the Royal Agricultural Society, received information lately that Wheat
and Barley crops near Hertford were attacked by a new insect, which had
taken up its position in the second joints of the stems of the plants above
the roots, and had caused a disorder like “rootfall” or “gout” in the
stems. Upon examination it was seen that the pup® of an insect closely
resembling in colour and shape somewhat small and elongated Flax
seeds, or linseed, were present under the leaves or blades imme¬
diately covering the stems of the plants. It was ascertained from
the farmer by Miss Ormerod that these pup® had recently changed
from larv®, which were translucent or transparent maggots with
greenish stripes under their skins, and had evidently been the actual
causes of the harm to the crops. This harm was apparent in the scrawled
state of the straw and its general fallen condition, as well as in the light¬
ness and deficiency of the grain. After much consideration and consulta¬
tion of authorities and microscopical investigation, it was decided that
these pup® were those of the Hessian fly, Cecidomyia destructor, say,
and that consequently this insect, which has wrought so much injury to-
corn crops in Germany and in the United States and Canada for more
than a century, has now visited this country.

In these circumstances I earnestly ask all corn farmers to take all pos¬
sible means to stamp out this fresh foe at once. To effect this it is most
desirable that all who have Wheat or Barley crops showing any signs of
root-falling should immediately examine the plants, and particularly their
leaves or blades near the second joints from the ground. If they find small
pup® chestnut-coloured, like small Flax seeds, about one-tenth of an inch
in length, they should cut the infected plants above the second joint, either
by setting the reaping machines high or by reaping them by hand high,
in the old-fashioned style so dear to partridge shooters. This will prevent
the possibility of the pup® being carried into barns and stacks with the
straw, and will ensure that they are h ft in the stubble. Directly after
harvest the stubble should be burnt, or it should be ploughed deeply in so
that the pup® might have no chance of changing into flies, either in the
autumn or ensuing spring, to spread, the attack among the growing
crops.

As it seems most probable that this insect was first brought to the
infested fields in straw with manure from London, which straw had been
imported from America or Germany in packing cases or ciates, it is most
essential that all manure from the cowsheds and stables of London and
other cities and towns should be mixed at once in order that the heat of
fermentation might kill the pup® upon it. It need scarcely be said that
corn grown upon fields where this insect has been found should on no
aecount be reserved for seed corn. I should state that yesterday I was
informed that this Hessian fly had been discovered in corn crops in Essex,
so I fear that unless infinite precautions are taken we shall have it per¬
manently established here, as in the countries named above. The Royal
Agricultural Society issued a note of warning last week concerning this,
together with suggested methods of prevention. Their entomologist,
Miss Ormerod, Dunster Lodge, Isleworth, will be pleased to give full
information upon the subject, and I will at once give any assistance in my
power to those who may apply to me.

Excelsior Corn and Manure Drill. — The Chadbom and Cold -
well patent excelsior corn, seed, and manure drill, recently described and
illustrated in our columns, was awarded the first and highest prizes
(special silver medals) at the following Shows: — Cirencester, July 27th,
28th, 29th, and Birkenhead, July 28th, 29th, 30th.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Camden Squaws, London.

Lat. 61° 32' 40" N.; Long. 0° 8' 0" W. ; Altitude, 111 feet.

DATE.

9 A.M.

IN THE DAY.

P

A

#

1886.

August.

Barome¬
ter at 32«
and Sea
Level

Hygrome¬

ter.

Direction
of Wind.

| Temp, of
Soil at

1 foot.

Shade Tem¬
perature.

Radiation

Temperature.

Dry.

Wet.

Max.

Min.

In

sun.

On

grass

Inches.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

d«flr

deg.

deg

In

Sunday .

30.050

68.3

62.0

s.w.

62.3

76.8

62.3

120.6

56.G

0037

Monday .

9

30.034

G3.3

59.8

s.w.

62.6

71.7

60.4

103.6

58.8

0.142

Tuesday .

29.685

61.0

60.4

N.

62.5

648

60.5

84.7

57.9

0.013-

Wednesday .

11

29.930

59.2

51.3

var’ble.

61.2

69.1

50.6

120.8

46.2

—

Thursday ...

12

29.995

60.1

55.3

S.W.

60.4

68.8

47.6

110.3

41.8

0.102

Friday .

29.576

64.0

60.0

S.

59 8

70 7

56.2

119.2

54.8

0.021*

Saturday ...

14

29.801

60.2

57.7

N.E.

60.2

69.2

53.3

110.4

47.2

—

29.867

62.3

58.1

61.3

70.1

55.8

109.9

51.9

0-323-

REMARKS.

8th. — Fine and warm early, overcast later, rain at night.

9th. — Dull, with Blight showers in morning, fine atternoon and evening.

10th. — Wet early, dull drizzly morning, fair afternoon with a little sunshine,
llth. — Fine bright pleasant day, occasional spots of rain in evening.

12th.— Fine, hut with litt’e bright sunshine, rain at night.

18th. — Dull early, showers in morning and occasional sprinkle! of rain in evening.

14th.— Overcast morning, fine afternoon and evening.

An unsettled and cool but not unpleasant week ; temperature about the same as that
of the preceding week, and one degree above the average. — G. J. Symons.

August 26, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

173

26

TH

Stoke-on-Trent ?how.

27

F

Sandy Show (.Beds) and Hinckley.

28

s

29

SUN

10th Sunday after Trinity.

SO

M

SI

TU

1

W

Bath and Oxford Shows.

VINES AND GRAPES.

T the first glance it is possible that some readers
of the Journal may fail to see the necessity for
the conjunction in this case, implying as it does
a difference for which there is no justification.
If you are going to write on Vines why not be
content with the simple heading ? for surely
Grapes are “ understood,” and Vines and Grapes
naturally go together. It is easy to imagine
some such reasoning as is embodied in the last
sentence being called into action on the appearance of the
dual heading to this chapter ; but it is necessary. There is
no doubt Vines and Grapes ought to go together, but it is
very certain they do not in all cases, or at least the examples
of the latter, if they exist, are often miserably inferior and
not worth calling Grapes. That they “ naturally ” go together
is quite true ; but then man interferes and sometimes obstructs
nature. No doubt he is quite ignorant of this ; indeed he may
imagine he is assisting by his skill and artificial manipula¬
tion, when he is doing exactly the reverse. It is pain¬
fully evident that there are plenty of Vines without Grapes.
What is more, there are numbers of Vines practically fruit¬
less, and consequently vexatious, that might be fruitful and
satisfactory without spending a penny on them. The change
may be effected by pruning, and pruning alone.

The method of closely spurring in the laterals that spring
from the main stems or rods of Vines has become so deeply
embedded in the minds of men as the only right method,
that it is practised with rigid uniformity and regardless of
the condition of the Vines. That is not only a great mistake,
but worse : it is a stupid blunder that is perpetuated yearly
in hundreds of grapeless vineries. That is no mere figure of
speech, but the plain expression of a sober fact.

The orthodox system of pruning Vines by cutting off the
laterals to the lowest bud, or within an inch or so of the rods,
is so common, and in thousands of instances so satisfactory,
that not a few persons, gardeners and amateurs, are con¬
vinced that it is the “ natural system,” and that no other
can be right. It is not the natural system, but, on the con¬
trary, altogether artificial and even arbitrary. It answers
admirably, it is true, and is adopted by the best cultivators.
This proves, first, what a tractable plant the Vine is, and
how amenable to training ; and secondly, how great is the
skill of gardeners who produce such splendid results as are
seen at exhibitions, and not there only, for vast quantities of
the finest of Grapes are grown that the show-visiting public
never see.

Not one word will be said against the spur system of
pruning where it answers — that is, where the VineB are made
to assume a character to which the method applies ; and not
one reader of these notes will be urged to change his plan
of action who produces satisfactory crops of Grapes. But
there are Vines all over the country to which the system in
question does not apply, and to force it on them is foolish.
It may be right for one class of Vines, and it is right ; but
it is utterly wrong for others. In fact, instead of being the

No. 312. — Vol. XIII., Third Series.

best method for them, it is the very worst that can be
adopted.

Vines are no more naturally adapted to the spur system
of pruning than Peaches are, and Peaches can bo managed
to form spurs, and these bear abundant crops just as well
as Vines can ; but it is the fashion to spur Vines and not to
spur Peaches, that is all. Being the fashion, young men are
trained in it, and become competent ; indeed the majority
know of no other plan, and believe there is no other worthy
of attention. So long as they have to deal with Vines that
have been trained to it as well as they have, all is well ; but
if they happen to take the charge of Vines that have by acci¬
dent, neglect, or mismanagement gone out of training, their
pet system if applied to them, as it usually ip, fails. They,
however, do not perceive this. They blame the Vines or
past managers. The Vines may not be in good condition,
and the previous management may have been faulty. All
that may be granted, but it does not quite exonerate the
present manager for his mistake in clinging to a system that
is foreign to the character of the Vines for which he is in the
meantime responsible. It is his interest and his duty to
grow Grapes, and if he cannot produce them by one method
of pruning he ought to adopt another. If ho is an observant
man he need not waste a year in trying the orthodox pruning
on Vines and failing, as he may form a sufficiently good idea
at the outset whether the Vines will endure that close muti¬
lation or not, and remain fruitful. The great majority pro¬
bably will, but there is a large minority that will not, and
minorities cannot be ignored nowadays.

There are two types of Vines to which the spur system of
pruning cannot be profitably applied' — namely (1), Vines that
are old and weak, producing thin wood and small foliage ;
and (2) Vines that grow exuberantly, producing long-jointed
shoots and large thin Rhubarb-like leaves. The eyes or buds
at the base of "weak laterals on old or nearly worn out Vines
are so small that they can only produce similarly weak
growths in turn, too weak for bearing fruit, and not only so,
but the leaves near the base of the laterals are so inferior,
small, and destitute of tissue that they cannot assimilate and
store the requisite matter in the buds for even the formation
of embryo bunches. On such Vines the leaves get larger as
the distance increases from the base or rod, and the buds in
the axils of the fourth or fifth leaf are as large again as those
“supported” by the first or second; and if the wood be
examined microscopically it will be found to contain far more
starch granules in the portions where the better foliage has
been than below, where the leaves have been small and
withered before the summer was half over. The laterals
referred to, and there is no lack of them, are about a quarter
of an inch in diameter, more or less, or say less than an inch
in circumference. Wood of this character usually ripens well.
Now let anyone, no matter who nor where, who may have
Vines of that character cut back half the laterals to the
lowest bud, or even the second eye from the rod, and let the
remainder or alternate laterals be shortened 6 or 8 inches
from the base, or wherever the boldest, and yet round ana
firm, buds are situated. Observe the condition, “firm”
buds. The result of this experiment will show how wrong it
is to adhere to the short- spur system of pruning in the case
of such Vines, for not only will the growths that issue from
what may be termed the “ long pruned ” portion be decidedly
stronger than those issuing from the small basal buds, but
the former wili produce useful bunches and the latter none
at all, oi here and there a poor attempt ending in a dozen or

so of small berries. ,

Let persons who have Vines of the character described
thin out the laterals now if crowded, leaving the strongest
without injuring the foliage, and when the leaves fall shorten
to the best buds, and next year they may expect twice the
weight of Grapes they have this season.

If it were necessary a dozen instances could be given
where, owing to a change of pruning of the naiure indicated,

No. 1978 — Yol. I-XXV., Old Series

174

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 26, 1886.

the crops of Grapes have been much more than doubled the
first season ; but one must suffice for the present. In a
suburban garden near London stands a solitary vinery occu¬
pied with very old Vines. The Grapes borne during the last
four or five years have not been worth looking at. The
Vines were regularly spurred on the orthodox plan. Last
autumn the gardener was advised to change his plan and
cut out the weak laterals entirely, shortening the stronger
as recommended above. He sent for his adviser last
week and pointed with pride to a houseful of Grapes, cer¬
tainly thrice the weight of last year’s crop, and of far better
quality. The man is quite proud of the Grapes and so is
his master, who had made up his mind that the Vines were
worn out and would bear no more fruit. Instead of that
being so there is an abundant supply for the family, and
more than they can consume. Nothing whatever has been
done to effect this gratifying change beyond the change in
pruning, and thus the improvement has been brought about
without the expenditure of one extra penny in management.

Gross- growing or unduly exuberant Vines, with their
roots deep down under a walk or lawn, absorbing water with
“ nothing in it,” may be made to bear far more and better
Grapes by a change from the close-spur method of pruning.
Such Vines do not start “kindly,” but push stubbornly and
weakly, the roots bemg in a cold medium ; but eventually,
as the soil is slowly warmed by a few weeks or months of
sun, the growth becomes almost rampant. You may pinch,
pinch, pinch, but still they grow ; but the base leaves are
poor, through the stubborn start, and the buds in their axils
thin and pointed. The growths above are stronger, the
foliage better, and the leaves bolder. To prune such Vines
closely is to prevent their bearing. Instead of training
laterals a foot apart or less along each side of the rods, then
spurring them in winter, it is far better to have the laterals
3 or 4 feet asunder, training up these young canes to the
main rods, or where they can be disposed so that the sun
can act directly on all the leaves, taking out the points of the
shoots when 5 feet long or so, and then remove about a
fourth part of their length when the leaves fall. In that
way such Vines will bear well that under close pruning are
practically barren. Care is necessary in disbudding the
following spring, doing this liberally and making due pro¬
vision for the maturation of further growths for the following
crop. “ But such Vines may be improved by lifting them
and making new borders to be filled with surface roots,” say
the close pruners. No doubt. But there are not infrequently
impediments in the way which the gardener is powerless to
remove. He is not permitted to do as he wishes, so must do
as he can ; and he will act wisely in trying a different style
of pruning if he cannot get Grapes “ on the spur.”

A few years ago some twenty-years-old Vines were lifted,
and the roots spread near to the surface in a new border; but
there was one Vine perhaps a hundred years old. The roots
went “ straight down ” quite below the bed of the new
border, which was made nearly 3 feet deep. The owner
would not have the old Vine disturbed. It started later than
the others, but before the summer was over the growths
extended more persistently than any. The raised Vines,
with roots near the surface of the border, and short-jointed
wood and medium-sized leaves like stiff brown paper, near
the roof, could be spurred to any extent, and never failed
to produce excellent Grapes; but the old Vine pruned simi¬
larly was a complete failure ; yet with young canes trained
in as above described as many Grapes were obtained and as
good as from any Vine in the house.

Judging from the habit of pruning on the orthodox
method regardless of the condition of Vines, it would seem
as if gardeners thought more about the appearance of the
rods in winter than anything else; but nine out of ten of
the owners of Vines want Grapes, and the cultivator who
produces the most and the best gives the greatest satisfaction,
and is in a far better position than he who prunes as he

imagines in the “proper” manner, yet produces compara
tively inferior crops. — Experientia docet.

HEATING BY HOT WATER.

[Read before the Members of the Preston and Fulwood Floral and Horticultural

Society, August 7th.]

MAXIMUM DENSITY OF WATER.

Water presents the remarkable phenomenon that when it8
temperature sinks it contracts to 4° Centigrade or 39 2Q Fahr., and as
it contracts it increases in density. For instance, a quantity of water
at 45° Fahr. is heavier and less in bulk than the same quantity at
50° or 609 Fahr. At a temperature lower than 4° Cent, or 39 2°
Fahr. water expands and decreases in density till it reaches the
freezing point. The point 4° Cent, or 39 2° Fahr. is called the point
of maximum density of water. In winter, owing to exposure to the
cold air, the temperature of lakes and rivers falis. The cold water
sinks to the bottom, and a continual succession of currents is formed
until the whole has a temperature of 39 2° Fahr. The cooling still
continues on the surface, but these surface layers, which are now
below 39 2°, are lighter, and so remain on the surface, and ultimately
freeze. Water used in practice seldom reaches the point of maximum
density. If it is drawn from water mains, which are placed below
the surface of the ground 2 feet 6 inches, it will rarely be found
lower than 45° Fahr.

Circulation. — All who have poured warm water into a tank of
cold know that the former rises to the surface, because it is lighter,
or in other words is forced to that position by the greater weight and
density of the cold. On this principle the water when heated in the
boiler rises to the surface and makes its escape into the flow pipe
provided for the purpose. The space in the boiler is refilled by the
water from the return pipe. The colder or heavier the water in the
return pipes the more rapid is the circulation. The pipes and air
taps being satisfactorily arranged, circulation will not fail as long as
heat is applied to the boiler, and the water leaves at a higher
temperature than that at which it re-enters. But if it were possible
to raise the temperature of the water throughout the whole arrange¬
ment to 212° Fahr. — that is, the boiling point of water, circulation
would cease and the generation of steam take place. It is impossible
to accomplish this in large or moderately large arrangements,
because the water is cooled by radiation and the transmission of heat
to the houses or various structures to be warmed in its transit through
the pipes, and therefore re-enters at a much lower temperature than
when it leaves the boiler. But when the boiler power is excessive
and the water only travels a short distance it is possible to raise the
temperature of the water in the return pipes to 212° Fahr.

The pipes and boiler to commence with should be full of water
with 1 or 2 inches standing in the supply tank, not more. When the
volume of water increases by the application of heat it will rise con
siderably in the supply tank ; in fact, it will expand about one-
thirtieth of its bulk ; if the tank be small or nearly full of water to
commence with it is certain to flow over. To prevent this, when the
heating apparatus is large an overflow pipe should be arranged in the
supply tank to carry away supeifluous water into the nearest tank,
water spout, or drain.

The difference between the low and high pressure systems is that
in the former the water in the pipes very seldom exceeds 200° Fahr.,
while in the latter water is heated and circulated at a temperature of
300° to 400° Fahr. There are difficulties and dangers attending this
system, as well as that of heating by steam, and as they are not
applicable for heating garden structures they need not be further
discussed.

The Stokehole. — In the arrangement of a heating apparatus, the
selection of a position for a stokehole should be fully considered
before the erection of horticultural structuies are contemplated. The
stokehole is often an after thought. It should be the fust, for it must
be easy of access for the conveyance of fuel by a horse and cart in
all large arrangements. Wheeling ihe fuel for some distance during
several months of the year entails considerable labour and adds
materially to the expenditure. It should also be in such a position
that it can be readily drained, if this is necessary, for nothing can be
more disagreeable to the stoker than water in the tire hole. Undrained
or badly drained stokeholeg, and they are not a few, means the re¬
moval of the water by manual labour, which is costly, and must be
avoided in all well-arranged schemes of heating. In the worst
localities where draining is impossible it is important that a suitable
boiler for the purpose be selected, but this must be referred to again
when considering ihe estimate of various boilers. For the sake of
appearance the position of the stokehole should be considered.
Nothing mars the beauty of a garden more than a stokehole in its
centre, for it proves an eyesore to all who frequent the houses. The
principle, however, upon which the pipes are to be arranged must
determine in a large measure the position of the stokehole.

August 26, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

175

Principles upon wiiicu tiie Mains can be Ap.p.anged. — There
are at least three methods, the first being to allow the pipes to rise
gradually from the boiler to their extreme limit ; the second is to
convey them horizontally ; and the third to allow them to decline the
whole distance they extend. To carry out the first satisfactorily the
boiler must be arranged on the lowest ground, and perhaps then but
little excavating would be needed for the stokehole ; but this depends
entirely upon the boiler employed. If the ground was level or nearly
so it would be immaterial at which end of the work the boiler was
arranged ; to carry out the second plan, the lowest ground or a
central position would be the best ; but if very unlevel this system
should not be practisid. The third — namely, allowing the pipes to
fall the whole of the distance they have to travel, or what is known
in the north of the country as the “ Hammond ” principle, should
have the boiler placed on the highest ground and the water carried to
its highest point directly it leaves the boiler. Water can be circu¬
lated by this method, but it is much more complicated than either of
the other two, and those not familiar with this principle should not
attempt to practise it.

The Mains —The arrangement of the mains must be determined
by the ground unless a certain system is strictly adhered to and the
ground excavated, if unlevel, in order to carry it out. When the
ground is perfectly level or nearly so the mains may be carried
perfectly horizontal and all the pipes in the houses on a higher level.
Pipes fixed on this principle will work well, and the circulation of the
water will be as free as if the whole of them were arranged on a
gradual rise. Not only does the water circulate freely, but consider¬
able labour is saved in the regulation of the valves. If the pipes
were allowed to rise from the boiler they need not exceed 2 to
3 inches in each 100 feet, less would do, or more could be allowed if
the ground rose sharply to the houses. For instance, if the ground
was of such a nature that the pipes had to rise 18 inches or 2 feet it
would be better to fix them thus than to excavate deeply for them.
The system at Norris Green is arranged on ground which is highest at
the centre. The pipes in this system rise 18 inches or more in
150 feet and then fall for nearly the same distance, thus leaving the
mains at the extremity only 3 or 4 inches higher than they are where
they leave the boiler. Three houses and two pits attached to the
extreme end of the mains cost more to heat them than thirteen other
houses on the rising ground. This does not say much for forcing hot
water downhill. This could readily have been remedied by keeping
the pipes well up at the commencement, say 3 inches, and then have
excavated the chamber 1 foot or more deeper on the rising ground,
which would have made a difference of 15 inches in the level of the
pipes and effected a considerable saving in fuel. The system of
arranging all the pipes on the level is a good one, but where prac
ticable a slight rise in the pipes is certainly advisable and insures
circulation. Deep excavations in heating by hot water should be
avoided, as they are costly at the commencement.

The mains if possible should always be arranged, if outside, under
walks or in any position where they are easy to get at. When placed
in inconvenient positions they often entail considerable labour in
opening them out in case of a breakdown or in searching for leaks.
These are liable to occur in the best schemes of heating, and there¬
fore every precaution should be taken against placing the pipes in
places where they are not readily accessible. It is a question whether
the mains are best under cover — that is, in the houses or arranged
outside independently of any of the structures that may have to be
worked from them. Some boast that all their mains are arranged
inside, and consequently no heat is wasted. I am familiar with
several gardens in which this plan has been followed, and the pipes
run along cemented and other walks, in chambers, and if anything
happens cemented walks are destroved when broken into. This is
not the only objection to this plan, for the houses through which they
must pass are often kept warmer in consequence than should be the
case. This is a very serious matter in fruit and some plant houses.
Each house should be heated independently of each other unless the
pipes pass through a warm house and the one beyond only needs frost
keeping out ; but under these circumstances it is much better when
the pipes enter each structure separately, which allows of the houses
being utilised for any purpose without interfering with the adjoining
one.

Size of the Mains. — The size of the mains from the boiler is one
of importance, and upon which there exists a variety of opinions. In
large schemes of heating, say when 8000 to 10,000 feet of 4-inch
piping have to be heated from one or more boilers, I certiinly advise
the use of 6-inch mains from the boiler, say for a distance of 20 feet,
then 4-inch are large enough for the remaining distance the water
may have to travel. If i he arrangement is of a more limited scale
4-inch pipes are large enough from the boiler. I am no advocate for
small mains from the boiler to feed 4 inch pipes in any arrangement
where say more than 400 feet of piping has to be heated from the
boiler. I have known small systems work admirably with 2-inch

mains from the boiler. Four-inch connections from small boilers
would block up the flues required for draught if they came in contact
with them.

The Chamber for the Mains. — Its construction is another
important item that cannot be overlooked. In many heating arrange¬
ments the chambers that contain the pipes are a disgrace, and 30 con¬
structed that they have be pulled down every time repairs are needed,
or the pipes assist in their own ruin and destruction. Good chambers
should be provided, or else the durability of the pipes cannot be
ensured. The chambers for fl >w and return main pipes should not be
less than 18 inches wide, 2 feet would be all the better, and the same
depth. The bottom should be bricked and then grouted to prevent
moisture being drawn from below by the heat of the pipes, lhe
side should be of 9-inch brickwork and the top covered with flags
laid carefully with mortar. The joints of the flags should be made
perfectly watertight either by mortar or a little Portland cement.
The chambers should be of such a nature that moisture from without
can be entirely excluded. If the pipes are capable of drawing in
moisture they corrode quickly and are destroyed in a few years. I ue
mains in the chamber can be arranged side by side, or they can be
placed one above the oiher. Supports are necessary to keep them in
position ; some place them upon bricks, others upon cast iron
support01, and others upon three-quarter-inch wrought iron bars,
which are built into the brickwork as the building of the outer walls
of the chamber proceeds. If the latter are employed with no side
stays the pipes are invariably twisted into all shapes, lhe supports
cast on purpose are decidedly the best with here and there a stay
from the walls to keep the pipes in their proper place. The pipes
must not be built in with brickwork or surrounded with mortar, fur it
is certain to destroy them in time if they, do not break in such
positions through expansion. When the pipes pass through brick
walls a small cavity should be left round them, so that they have
room to expand in all directions if necessary.

After the mains are fitted it is a usual practice to cover them up
as they are, but this is a great mistake. They should be coated with
red lead and oil worked well into the pores of the iron, which will
preserve them from corrosion for many years. . This also prevents
the escape of heat from the mains, which is an important matter in
the saving of fuel and the conveyance of heat to the quarter where it
is required. The preservation of the main pipes is a matter ot viist
importance, so also is the radiation of heat from the mains, they
should be coated with felt or silicate cotton or some other bad con-
ductoi that is prepared for the purpose. — Wm. Bardney.

(To be continued.)

GROWING FRUIT FOR MARKET.

EABLY PEABS.

Coming in just after bush fruit is over early Pears aie par¬
ticularly valuable. They command a ready sale, but as a rule
are handicapped by foreign importations of larger kinds. 0

will look at Green Chisels, Doyenne d’Ete, or Citron des Cannes,
when they can have Williams’ Bon Chretien at a not materially
higher price? It is very tantalising to have a fruit garden just
likely to become profitable, to find the market pre-supplied with
foreign produce. Free trade and railway rates in favour ot the
importer may be highly satisfactory to merchants and the
masses ; but it is enjoyed at the sacrifice of the interests ot the
home grower. I do not wish for protection, as that is acknowledg¬
ing ourselves beaten in fair competition, but surely our products
ought to be conveyed to market at a rate that would encourage
growers to send them to our great centres of industry without
feeling they are doing so at a great disadvanta e on freight alone
as compared with foreigners. The railway companies do every¬
thing they possibly can or dare to drive the produce of the hope
c-rower out of the market. I have no fa th in money-grubbing
directors shielding themselves behind the shareholders and
making promises that the matter shall be inquired into, whilst
the produce of the Channel Isles and sunny France is being
delivered at less cost in our centres less even than we can send
ours from the midlands. We want a fair field and no favour.
We want something to bring ourselves nearer and more directly
in unison with the wants and pockets of the consumers ; we
want, in fact, to trade at home under the “ most favoured na -ion
clause. These are matters of vital importance to an increasing
industry, and cannot too soon have the attention ot those
wishing to maintain our commercial and industrial supremacy.

These matters only want looking into from a national and not
class point of view to give impetus to cultivators m supplying
our markets with home-grown products. The cultivator, it
true, must advance— keep pace with the. times lhe farmer
clings to old moss-and-lichen-covered trees in orchards, by sub¬
stituting instead varieties of fruit of a newer, finer, larger, and

176

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Aujmk 26, 1586.

in every way better class. Yet we have only to name such a
thing and we are met on every hand with the complaint : “ They
bring nothing ; do not pay the cost of carriage : it is not any
use trying to compete with the foreigner ; the climate and
labour is all in the favour of.France, or some other country ; the
shippers bring the produce as ballast, and the railway companies
carry it from one end of the country to the other for next to
nothing.”

Of course there is something to be said on both sides. We
have stated what we think tells against the grower outside his
own efforts, and he must be told what militates most against his
being able to compete with importers, and that is — 1, Not taking
advantage of the improved varieties, so as to supply the market
with produce equal, if not surpassing, in appearance and quality
that of importers. 2, The little or no attention given to fruit
culture in tbe last decade, and in many instances not in the last
three. Farm orchards are for most part an assemblage of old
worn-out trees exhibiting no feature of interest, and certainly
are a source of little if any profit It does not pay to have Crabs
in place of Apples, nor to keep an old stunted or worn-out tree,
affording nothing but worthless fruit or scarce worth taking to
market, when by a slight outlay a good return would accrue. If
the foreigner is to be kept from underselling the home producer,
the latter must grow as good or better produce, selling at
a price that would preclude the former from the market.
There must be a fair adjustment of rates— no favour shown
to anyone, and that it can and will be done I am confident of ;
only that spirit of energy and perseverance which admits no
denial can be roused so as to put forth its strength. When the
orchardist gets rid of his dreams of realising high prices for
fruit which, as compared with the best of garden produce, is
little than Crab in size, and will take to the production of fruit,
so as to sell it good and cheap, he will be a long way toward the
goal of his aspirations — viz., being able to compete with foreign
growers in the English market, but he must leave “Doubting
Castle,’' dig himself out of the “ Slough of Despond ” by superior
cultivation, and grow everything of the best and at the cheapest
possible rate. To meet this want the late Mr. Thomas Rivers
devoted a lifetime, and his efforts are bringing forth noble fruit
through the continued able efforts in the same direction of the
son, Mr. T. F. Rivers. In the raising of new and improved
varieties of Pears and other fruits the presiding genius of Saw-
bridgeworth is pre-eminent Enterprise and industrial energy
can place home products so much higher in excellence as to need
no protection against universal competition, and though it is
said to be wise not to prophesy unless you know, I feel confident
that by utilising the materials at his disposal and persisting in
the efforts inaugurated by Mr. Rivers, very little need to be
dreaded by the English orchardist.

In early Pears St. S within (Rivers) must take first rank. In
appearance it is not unlike Jargonelle, but not quite so large,
yellowish green, slightly coloured on the sun side. The fruit is
remarkably juicy, rich, and refreshing, a decided improvement
on Citron des Carmes, both in size, quality, earliness, and bearing;
indeed, it is a great bearer, the very best of early Pears. Mr.
Rivers states in his catalogue that it was raised from the Ca'.e-
basse Tougard. It seems to have a good constitution, and will
no doubt succeed as a standard on the Pear, being very healthy
and productive.

Thosewhoclingtosma.il Pears can wish for nothing better
than Doyenne d’Ete, which is a great cropper as a standard on
the Pear stock. Citron des Carmes is also a good standard tree
on the Pear stock They are, however, poor as compared with
St. Swithin, and are only named as showing on which tack to set
the sails St. Swithin ripens sometimes in July ; this year it
was gathered on the 12th of August.

Beacon (Rivers). — This is taking in appearance, being of
good size and bright in colour, having a melting flesh, though
somewhat firm, after the style of its parent Crosse Calebasse,
and the flavour good. The tree is a good grower, healthy, and
prolific.

Jargonelle. — Well known and deservedly popular. Does well
on the Pear as a standard, but in some soils is liable to canker,
especially on a wet subsoil. As an early wall Pear it has no equal,
except in Clapp’s Favourite.

Clapp’s Favourite. — This I have grown over a dozen years.
It is an American Pear of the very highest excellence. The fruit
is large, shorter than Jargonelle, handsome in form and colour,
and the flesh exceedingly juicy, melting, with an agreeable
slightly musky flavour. These perfumed Pears — viz., Clapp’s
Favourite, Williams’ Bon Chretien, Seckle, Thompson’s, and
Knight’s Monarch are very much liked by some palates, just as
the Bergamot is so esteemed by others. Clapp’s Favourite does
well on the Pear, better than Jargonelle as a standard, and is

prolific. Its season is with or only a few days later than J a-
gonelle.

I have not had Beurre Giffard once good in thirty years,
always going at the core. Beurre de l’Assomption is no good
whatever with me outdoors, though a fine fruit when grown in an
orchard house. These Pears must need a special soil and
climate.

Williams’ Bon Chretien. — With these in the market by the
middle of August the English grower has little chance. Never
fear but we shall have an early Williams’ ; only create a demand
by getting out of the trash that spoil the hppes of raisers by
their clinging to obsolete notions. Williams’ is the very best of
the September Pears, good alike from a wall or standard. I got
Gs. per bushel last year for standard fruit, and had 10 bushels off
a tree, and it covered only a rod of ground. It is the small fry,
the Green Chisel, Hessles, and similar rubbish that do not pay ;
they are a quarter century behind the times

Madame Treyve. — This comes in about the same time as
Hessle. it is much finer; fruit green in a deep loam, but has
some colour where there is lime ; large, melting, and in every
respect excellent, crops well as a standard, and keeps some little
time.

Beurre Superfin. — A finer quality fruit could not be wished,
and it does fairly well in the south as a standard, on the Pear,
but In the north I did not find it good as a standard, being much
pitted. It is a capital sort, especially on siliceous or calcareous
soils.

Beurre d’Amanlis. — Large and excellent, and is best _ treated
as an espalier, upright or oblique cordon on account of its large
fruit. It, however, makes a fine standard on the Pear. For
dwarfs it should be on the Quince.

Souvenir du Congres. — This as a standard does very well,
but the fruit being lai'ge (they sell well) is liable to be blown off
by the winds ; but in sheltered places is first rate- It is imposing
in appearance and is as good in quality, being melting, juicy, and
pleasing aroma. These are the sort to grow on low walls, espa-
liei-s, and double worked on the Quince. Fruit 16 to 30 ozs.
fetch the biggest prices in the market. It does well on the Pear
either as a standard or a wall tree. The fruit attains a bright
crimson glow on calcareous soils. It is not unlike Williams’,
but is more sprightly in flavour, melting, and juicy, with a musky
aroma.

These are what 1 advise for general cu’ture in early Pears —
viz., St. Swithin, Beacon, Clapp’s Favourite, Williams’ Bon
Chretien, and Madame Treyve as standards. For walls or
fences Jargonelle, Beurre d’Amanlis, Beurre Superfin, and
Souvenir du Congres. They give a supply up to October. As a
very early Pear Doyenne d’Ete is worth a place, giving really
handsome fruit from a wall, and gathered fresh from the tree
not over ripe is good in quality. Double grafted on the Quince
the fruit is finer than on the Pear. — Utilitarian.

CHRYSANTHEMUMS AND THEIR CULTURE.

( Continued from page 133.)

CUPS AND TUBES.

Cups and tubes are represented by fig. 25. It is impossible to
stage a box of cut blooms avithout them. There is a great variety
to choose from, some being made of wood similar in shape to egg
cups. These are objectionable in appearance and do not last as
long as those made in the manner I will describe. Those made of
wood are not of the right shape in the tube, which is not hollowed
out in a slanting direction sufficiently. Some growers use tubes
and cups made of tin. These are cheaper than when zinc is used,
but as they are liable to rust zinc is far better in the end.
The tubes should be made in two sizes as shown in the annexed
engraving. The stems of each being the same width, either of
them fits into the cup which holds the water. The largest size, as
shown in the engraving, is suitable for blooms of the larger varieties
of both Japanese and Incurved flowers, particularly the drooping
varieties of the former section, which are much improved in appear¬
ance by having the petals supported at a proper height from the
board, which, in the case of Meg Merrilies for instance, cannot be
done when one sized tube is used for all varieties, and that of the
orthodox size, which is 2 inches in diameter and 1 inch deep in the
flange ; therefore every grower should provide himself with a few
of these larger tubes, which should be 3y inches in diameter and
lj inch deep in the flange. The stem should be 2f inches long,
and fit into the cup, as shown, in a telescopic manner.

The cup represented is a great improvement upon the older
straight plain pattern. As is shown, it is fitted with a piece of
brass 1| inch long and half an inch wide at the bottom, narrowing
off a little at the upper end : this being soldered on to the top just

August 28, 1896. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

177

below the flange, hanging loose down the cup one on each side quite
opposite to each other, forms a tight embrace to the stem of the
tube holding the flower. The advantage of these two so-called
springs is that the stem of the tube when pushed down can be fixed
at whatever height is thought desirable for the flower, be it a large
or a small one. This spring does away with the necessity of using
any kind of support, as is required for the older-shaped cup, to fix
the blooms at a given height from the board. The addition of the
spring costs a trifle more than the plain ones, but is well worth it.
The cup should be made in exactly the same manner as in the plain
system, and should be 3 inches long, three-quarters of an inch in
diameter, having a flange at the top one-eighth of an inch broad
in a horizontal manner. This prevents the cup swaying to and fro
when travelling. Narrow strips of brown paper wrapped around
the outside of the stem of the tube which is inserted in the cup
prevent the flower dropping lower than is required. Some use
indiarubber rings for the same purpose, while other growers place
pieces of cork or wood in the cup to raise the flower as required.

NIGHT WORK AND NIGHT ENEMIES.

Growers of Chrysanthemums who are desirous of perfecting
superior blooms for exhibition have enemies by night as well as
troubles by day to steer clear of. All these evils nesessitate con¬
stant watchfulness when the flowers are expanding. Earwigs are
the greatest pest. It is surprising what amount of depredation is
caused on one bloom during a single night by earwigs. Trap them
with moss placed inside inverted pots, inverted on a stake amongst
the plants, and examined every morning. By this means many

Fig. 25.— Cups for Chrysanthemum Bloomr.

may be destroyed ; but the best way to catch them is by going
round after dark each night quietly with a light when they are
busy feeding on the petals. They must be caught quickly. Nothing
is better for this than a pair of tweezers. The least shake of the
plant and they secrete themselves among the petals, and are not at
all easy to discover again. Woodlice in some places are trouble¬
some, as they eat the florets from the under side of the flower.
The damage is not always seen till the flowers sometimes are spoilt.
They are not so numerous when the plants are standing on the
concrete floor of the greenhouse as they are in vineries. The
mulchings of manure used therein for the Vines is just the place
for them to harbour, as it is generally dry on the surface in some
parts of the house during the winter. Hand-picking from the
flowers is the only remedy, and where they are numerous This must
be incessantly carried out. Slugs too often disfigure the flowers
by crawling over them, and in some cases they eat them. Where
any trace of them is seen during the daytime they are almost sure
to revisit the particular spot the next night. In this manner they
can be caught after dark. Some bran laid on the top of the pot
will act as a bait for them. Cockroaches where numerous are sure
to find out the blooms, which are soon spoilt when three or four of
these commence to eat them. They are rather difficult to catch
when feeding, as the moment the light is turned on them off: they
go. Where the plants are so situated that they are standing thinly
about, a gentle shake dislodges them, when they can be killed on
the floor. Cockroaches are most troublesome to plants that are

placed in heat to push them along, these pests not generally being
found in cool houses, as they are more partial to heat. Green
caterpillars are sometimes a source of annoyance : except by chance
the night is the only time to discover their whereabouts.

It will be seen that growers of Chrysanthemums have many
enemies, all of which must be subdued if perfect blooms are ex¬
pected. Then there is the ventilation of the house to attend to at
night, giving more or reducing it as the weather may suggest, or
admitting air in such a manner that rain does not beat on the flowers,
which does much damage. — E. Molyneux.

A CHAT ABOUT HARDY HERBACEOUS FLOWERS.

[A Lecture delivered at the meeting of the Yorkshire Association of Horticultura
Societies at Sheffield by the Rev. A. R. Upcber.]

Mr. President, and Brother Gardeners all, — I have at this moment
a painful consciousness that an apology is due from me to you on account
of the position I am occupying this evening ; for of all the airy castles
that I have ever built from my youth up until now, I certainly never
had the audacity to dream that I should ever attain to such a dizzy
height of honour as that of addressing the first meeting in Sheffield of
the Yorkshire Agricultural Societies under the presidency of the first
Archdeacon of Sheffield.

Well, Sir, I have been asked to give a lecture, but I hardly like to
call my remarks by so grand a name lest some facetious friend should
remind me of the vast amount of talent and experience in horticulture that
1 am addressing by a somewhat touching reference to a certain venerable
relation and green Gooseberries. I prefer to crave your kind indulgence
for a very short time — for I am glad for my sake that I am not an
“ annual,” and for your sakes that my discourse is not perennial — while
I have “ a chat ” with you about “ Hardy Herbaceous Flowers.”

“ Sirs,” said a certain philosopher, addressing once upon a time a
field of golden Wheat, “ if you will only lend me your ears I shall never
want for bread.” And, “ Sirs,” say I, if you will only lend me your ears
to listen to what I have to say, and your eyes to behold these lovely
flowers that are here this evening to bear me witness, then I shall feel
at least a hope that I have not come here in vain.

When the energetic Secretary of the Sheffield and Hallamshire
Gardeners’ Mutual Improvement Society requested me some months ago
to give what he was pleased to call a lecture, I allowed myself to do so
for three reasons

Firstly, because I am glad to be able to help forward any association
of societies which have for their object and aim such a civilising influence
as that of the culture of God’s beautiful flowers.

Secondly, because I felt it would be a capital opportunity of bringing
before the notice of the gardening fraternity of Sheffield and its im¬
mediate neighbourhood, a subject concerning which I fear, from personal
observation, with a few brilliant exceptions, there is a very limited know¬
ledge, and a still more limited practical experience.

Thirdly, because, to a lover of flowers, as I honestly claim to be, the
thought that there are hundreds of lovely herbaceous plants, growable in
almost any ordinary garden soil, which, nevertheless, are perennially
“ boycotted ” from our gardens, is simply maddening. Against all such
unreasonable prejudice and culpable ignorance I beg leave, therefore,
most respectfully to protest ; and with this preamble, preliminary canter,
or whatever else you like to call it, I take a header “ in mediae res
which, freely translated, means on this occasion, “ into the midst of an
herbaceous border.”

(I). Let us glance at the nature of these plants.

(1) . These flowers, remember, are perfectly hardy — that is to say,
though exotics brought from foreign countries and naturalised in this,
will grow and flourish in our garden soils and in our English climate,
which, as an American once forcibly described if, is "as shifty as a
waggonload of monkeys,” and in our English atmosphere, even though
charged with Sheffield smoke.

(2) . They are herbaceous — that is, they differ from shrubby plants
in the limited and less woody nature of their growth, and in dying down
to the ground every year after they have flowered and their leaves
and stems have performed the functions necessary to their fature
well-being.

(3) . They are perennial— that is, they live f >r an indefinite number cf
years, increasing, and so being propagated from the root, and bed ming
each succeeding season more exquisitely beautiful than the last ; a feature
in their character which, together with their hardiness, makes them avail¬
able where their more fashionable rivals, now popularly known as ‘‘bed¬
ding plants,” cannot, for the above reasons, take their place.

(4) . As regards the beau’y of these flowers, I will simply say there
is no reason whatever why our gardens should not be one blaze of colour
from February to November; or, in Sheffield, say from March to end of
September, with a display in these plants alone, without the aid (f a
single pane of glass, and with the smallest amount of labour. For the
rest I am content to stand aside and allow these lovely blooms to p’esu
for themselves. Looh at them ; study them ; consider them ; how they
grow, “ Yerily, not even Solomon in all his glory was arrayed like one
of these;” and I would fain believe that you, who at present are
strangers to them, when you come to know and love them in your own
gardens— come to be “married” to them, as securely as is the reader of
this paper, you will be able to say about these flowers what the Ncrfo'k

178

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER

[ August 28, 1868.

firmer said about his married life, “I beeu wedded fifty years this very
day, and I can court my wife now as well as ever I could — aye ! and a
sight better, too — because I fare tj understand now what she ‘dew ’ like,
and what she ‘ don’t like.’ ”

(II). Next let me call your attention to utility, and peculiar charm that
attaches to the hardy herbaceous family.

First. — Their utility —

Decoration for the garden all the year round.

Why should there be blanks of bare soil in spring and early summer,
when beds and borders of shrubberies may be all ablaze with Primroses
of a dozen colours, with seedling Pansies and Polyanthuses, Phlox subulata
and setacea, Auriculas, Aubrietias, Daffodils, Crown Imperials, Lilies,
Saxifrages, Alpine Primulas, such as Primula rosea and nivea, pulcber-
rima and denticulate, Snowflakes and Snowdrops, Caltha palustris,
Anemones fulgens, apennina, Ranunculi, Iris, Fritillarias, Dielytras,
Trollii, Scillas, Alyssum, Adonis vernalis, Hepaticas, and others too
many to mention, to be qui kly followed in June by more Lilies, summer¬
flowering Irises, Campanulas, Columbines, Delphiniums, Gladioli, Tuberous
Geraniums, Veronica, Lychnises, Potentillas, Gaillardias, Coreopsis, &c.
and a vast host of similar plants P And th n again,

Why throughout the months of July and August should we be con¬
demned to gaze upon the same pattern of carpet-bedding, upon scarlet
Pelargonium, yellow Calceolaria, and Golden Feverfew, upon the Lobelia
and Ageratum, &c., and on these alone, when there are such splendid
allies and adjuncts to these, more beautiful in blossom, more graceful in
habit, more varied and brilliant in colour, and nearly all more striking in
shape and bloom — eg., as summer-flowering Chrysanthemums, Pent-
stemons, Helianthi, Phlox decussata, Leucanthemum maximum, (Eao-
thera, a'pine Asters, A 'hilleas, &c. ? Why stick to one family of plants
when we may have the stateliness of the double Hollyhock and the
brilliancy of the (-ingle Dahlia to regale our sight, enliven our parterres,
snd decorate our rooms ? Why, indeed ? Echo answers, Why ?

And, finally, in au'umn, the scarlet L belia, the Japanese Anemones
(white and pink), the perennial Sunflowers, Pyrethrum uliginosum,
Tritomas, Senecio pulcher, and Michaelmas Daisies complete the floral
chain of beauty, which leaves nothing to be desired.

(2). The charm of these flowers is manifold.

There is the charm of their endless variety of form, height, and
co’ours, for back rows, and middle rows, and front rows, for massing and
grouping, for carpeting and covering the naked soil, for creeping, droop¬
ing, trailing over wood and stone.

There is the charm of their ever-renewed freshness, new flowers
each succeeding month, nosegays bright for every season of the year,
giving an unflagging interest to the flower garden to master, to mistrese,
and to man.

There is the charm of their individuality.

For each has its history, its associations, its romance, its memories.

These plan’s, for instance, were collected in Switzerland, or in Cali¬
fornia, or in Norway, in company with comrades dear.

These once grew in the dear old garden at home, where dwelt the dear
ones who now girni-h the garden up above.

Over this plant, look you, this very identical plant, as she was fasten¬
ing one of its lovely blooms in her shining hair, a young man asked a
beauteous maiden an important question, and as the answer was satisfac¬
tory, their mutual love, like the flower he gave her, has become “ peren¬
nial ! ”

Again, in these plants we often observe that there is but one step
between the sublime and the ridiculous.

“What do you call that flower, Sir?” said a rheumatic old woman
in my brother's parish, who had come to visit his garden.

“ Monarda diityma, or Bergamot,” said he.

“ Why, that's what they make my Bergamy plaisters of for the Rheu¬
matics. You go to the Chemisist and you ax for a Bargaroy root ; then
you bile it till its right, pulpy like, then you ‘ spreed ’ it on the paper in
sun till its right crumbly like ; then you hold it afore the fire till it is
right clammy like, then you clap it smHck bang on where you feel the
■misery — and that fare to ea-e yer bootiful 1 ”

Finally, there is the charm to the Christian man, and, above all,
to the clergyman, of the lessons which they teach us of God’s love; of
Immortality and Resurrection to eternal life. Who but those who have
experienced it can descrihe the delight of going to a certain spot in our
herbaceous border, as each season comes round again, to see if some old
asiociate has survived the winter, and the joy of recognising some former
familiar flower springing up into newness of life ? Truly —

“ In all places, then, and in all seasons,

These flowers expand their light and soul-like wings,

Teaching us by most persuasive reasons
Eow akin they are to human things.

‘ And wish childlike, credulous affection,

We behold their tender bu s expand;

Emhhm- of our great Pe-urc ction,

Emblems of the bright ani better land.

“ Wondrous truths, and manifold as wonlrous,

God has written in the stars above ;

But not less in the bright flowerets under us,

Stands the revelation of HiB love.”

(III.) Yon vail, no doubt, now expect me to say something (f their
arrangement in borders and shrubberies. There are four thirgs t> be
kept in mind in considering this — height, colour, habit, and season of
blooming.

(a) Height.— Place the tallest plants at the back, and graduate the
rest towards the front of your border.

( h ) Place them in groups, so as the colours will contrast and blend
for general effect, giving each plant sufficient room for the expanse of
three or four years’ growth.

(c) So arrange each group as shall make it impossible to have a blank
at any season of the year, except midwinter.

(d) Plant the mo-sy, shade-loving species under the shadow of the tall
and spiky ones, so that, as far as possible, the bare soil is carpeted below
as well as illumined from above.

We want in cur gardens, not so much to gaze upon neatly raked
mother earth as upon flowers. Like a ceitain American, who on calling
one day at a house to see a young lady, was asked if he would like to see
her parents, to which he replied, “ Waal, no ! I guess I didn’t come to
see the parents." So “ I guess ” we, as gardeners don’t want to see soil,
but flowers.

By this method, while you escape monotony you will maintain order
and reproduce as near as near as possible the luxurious beauty of Nature.
Perhaps some are incredulous about the possibility of such arrangement
and such variety to suit every season. I can only answer to such an
objection : You have a vast number of different species of perennials at
your disposal of every imaginable colour and habit, and if with this wealth
of plants, in addition to the regular troops of annuals, biennials, and
usual bedding stuff, you cannot so arrange your army as to cover every
flank and every blank, then you are a worse general than I am inclined to
believe. Set your mind to it and try. “ Be not faithless but believing,”
and then success is sure. “ Palmam qui meruit ferat."

(IV.) And now a word ab ut cultivation of these herbaceous perennials.
They love a deep loamy soil. If you have not got it in your gardens
already, get it. 1 see heaps of leaf mould and rotten sods ready to hand
for your potting and bedding plants, and you have to do this for them
and spend endless labour on them yearly for only a year’s bloom. Well,
give it to the herbaceous plants at first planting, and you need not touch
them for five years, except to supply occasional blanks or to check luxu¬
riant growth.

Let your borders be 3 feet deep with this good food, and then in the
hottest summers they will be safe from drought, and in the coldest winter
secure from frost, and last for years without further trouble. I do not
deny that they are better for mulching in late autumn and early spring,
and with good soakings of water in midsummer. The mulching that
never fails is this, for I have tried it : thoroughly rotten manure, which,
as graphically described by a Sheffielder, “cuts as tender as a seed
cake.” When this has been spread over the whole border, burnt earth as
a blanket on the top keeps the border cool in summer and warm in
winter, and gives to the whole throughout the seasons a tidy appearance.
Against one evil I must warn you — never dig amongst your herbaceous
borders ; it is harmful to all, to some instant death ; mutilates their
fleshy roots besides chopping in pieces secreted bulbs.

(V.) Finally, as it is not within the scope of this short paper to give a
full list of herbaceous perennial plants, I shall content myself with giving
you just a few hints on the cultivation of special yet standard perennials
which should occupy a position in every garden, and with reminding you
that such nurserymen as Messrs. Backhouse of York, Messrs. Fisher, Son,
and Sibray of Sheffield, and though last not least, Messrs. Thos. Ware of
Hale Farm Nurseries, Tottenham, London — than whom none have a more
extensive collection or a more matured experience of this particular class
of flowers — will be glad to give further information. And here I grate¬
fully acknowledge my indebtedne'8 to Messrs. Ware, to Messrs. Fisher
and Sibray, and to W. A. Milner, Esq., Totley Hall, Sheffield, for their
kindness and courtesy in supplying floral specimens wherewith to illus¬
trate my remarks.

Hints on the Cultivation of Some of the Very Best
Hardy Perennials Grown.

Campanulas (perennial) should be planted out from March to J une, with
the exception of robust kinds, such as glomerata, dahurica, and latifolia.
They never do well the first season if planted later , and often get
destroyed during the winter. Nearly the whole of the family prefer a
somewhat heavy soil, with plenty of water during the growing season.
Dwarf varieties are adapted for rockwork, taller kinds for ordinary
borders.

The Platycodons (C. grandifiora and C. autumnalis) prefer a light dry
soil. A few sorts in the way of fragilis, isophylla, &c., are capital plants
for hanging baskets and windows. In many Continental towns windows
are filled with such varieties, and most charming they look. Achilleas,
Coreopsis laneeolata, Geum coccineum, CEnotheras, Veronica longifolia
subsessilis, Gaillardia grandifiora, Malva, Matricaria, Scabiosa caucasica,
and similar plants are well adapted for ordinary borders, and require no
special treatment. If the soil be heavy spring planting is advisable; if
light, autumn is the best season. In fact, this remark applies to all
perennials of this class. Some sorts — Coreopsis laneeolata, for instance
— flower so freely and continually that in order to store up the necessary
reserve food in its fleshy ro-ts for the winter it should be cut down in the
beginning of September.

All Alstrcemerias, with the exception of A. aurea, should be planted
in a light soil and given plenty of moisture during the summer ; the

August 2G, 1S86. 1

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

179

root should be planted in deeply trenched beds, 6 t> 9 inches deep, in
late autumn, and slightly protected during winter and early spring. The
Bame remarks apply to Bomarea.

Anchusa italica should be treated as a biennial. Sow the seed in
April, either in pots or open ground. They flower the following year,
but after flowering once get weak and die out.

Anemone japonica should be planted in a moderately light soil;’ or
if the soil be heavy the beds should be well raised or deeply trenched.
Best time for planting, early spring. The plants should never be left too
long on the same spot — that is, not longer than four years.

Aster (perennial), Delphiniums (perennial), Chelone barbata, Chrysan¬
themum maximum Monarda didyma, Lychnis, Rudbeckia, Pbysostegia,
Heleniums. Helianthus, and similar plants, should be planted in early
spring ; well-manured soil, rather open, with plenty of room for plants
to develope. They should be well watered during the summer, and if
the soil be light and sandy well mulched.

Summer-flowering Chrysanthemums should be treated as the pre¬
ceding, but planted in May or June. Although perennial and quite
hardy, they do much better if repotted every year.

Dianthus, being biennial, should be reproduced every year by seed,
cuttings, or layers ; good sorts by cuttings or layers only, seed never
coming true. Seed should be sown in early spring, and the planting out
in middle of summer in comparatively light soil ; open situation.

Single Dahlias, not being quite hardy, should not be planted out before
the end of May or beginning of June ; well manured soil, plenty of room,
and abundance of water during summer ; if possible, in a position not
exposed to the morning sun. The tubers should be either lifted in
autumn, kept dry, and away from frost ; or, if left in the ground, pro¬
tected from frost Seed never comes true ; good sorts should always be
reproduced by cuttings.

Geranium tubero‘um, Tigridia, Hyacinthus candicans, are quite hardy
in light soils, but suffer from the cold damp in heavy soils ; should be
planted in April, fully exposed to the sun, and well watered during
summer. They can either be lifted in autumn and kept like Dahlias, or
protected.

Potentillas, Phloxes, and Pyrethrums are quite hardy ; should be
planted in early spring in welt trenched ground, open, exposed, well
watered during summer, reproduced by cuttings or division.

Pentstemons ; such sorts as glaber, barbata, Scouleri, are perfectly
hardy in any soil or situation, but the so-called florists’ flowers varieties
are not so. These should be propagated by cuttings in autumn, and kept
in a cold frame or greenhouse for spring planting.

Senecio pulcher is one of our prettiest autumn-flowering plants. Good
healthy plants should be planted in May in well trenched beds exposed to
the east. Mulch the ground in June, and give the plants plenty of water
till they show flower. During the winter put a box or bellglass over the
plants to protect them from damp, which rots the centre. Continual re¬
production by division of the roots is recommended, and the great beauty
of the plants repays for all trouble.

Tritomas prefer a slightly sheltered border exposed to south and west.
Best time for planting early spring.

Lobelia cardinalis should be planted in autumn and thoroughly well
watered during summer, rather dry during winter.

Iris germanica, pumila, siberica, virginica, &c., require open positions
with plenty of water during summer, heavy soil is preferable. The bulbous
Iri such as Xiphoides, Xiphium persica, &c., prefer a light sandy soil,
dry and sheltered. Other sorts, such as iberica, susiana, &c., should be
planted near a very dry south wall, where they will get but little rain
during the summer. Iris Robinsoniana and fimbriata are not hardy, and
should be grown in greenhouse.

In conclusion I am deeply conscious of the imperfections of this paper,
which I trust you will kindly excuse. The burden and care of a parish
of 20,000 souls — except, as (I am glad to say) it includes a visit to the
gardens of my working men frienls, who seek my advice in horticulture
together with the 101 other complaints to which mortal man is heir to—
is not conducive to literary attainments and neat composition. But if I
have helped you in any way, if I have sent you on your way rejoicing,
determined to master this department of horticulture as vigorously and as
efficiently as you have done other branches ; if I have done anything to
give impetus to the turning tide of popular taste in favour of these
hardy herbaceous flowers, I am amply repaid and fully satisfied.

A VISIT TO SUFFOLK.

Gardening, as a vocation, has an absorbing interest to those who
practise it, and to such an extent does one’s attachment thereto prevail,
that whenever a much-needed holiday is taken, ostensibly for rest, one is
almost sure to either take a gardening tour, or if otherwise, there is an
irresistible temptation to visit gardens within measurable distance of our
place of sojourn. I suppose there is something more fascinating in gar¬
dening than in any other profession, for most other people who take a
holiday make up their minds to dismiss all thoughts of their daily occu¬
pations, and enjoy new pleasures, discuss different themes, and replenish
health and mind through a “ total change.” Not so with gardeners ; they
cannot, no matter where they go, enjoy the repose they need quite as
much as other mortals. Onder these circumstances then, gardeners, in
return for making such sacrifices, hope to gain benefits in some shape or
other, and these are frequently of great value to them, because in the
course of their travels they are sure to learn some useful lesson, or Bee
something worthy of note. This, in a great measure, is my reason for
communicating the following gardening notes to the Journal although in

reality my notes, if any, should have dealt with farming, for that was
the object that induced me to pay a visit to the places hereafter
described.

I had a cordial invitation from a valued friend, Mr. Edward Luckhurst
a name well known to readers of this Journal, the other week to run down
to Nowton, near Bury St. Edmunds, to spend a few days with him, and
have the pleasure of driving over a portion of a few thousand aciei of
land under his management, and to see the excellent system of farnrng
carried out under his supervision. That invitation was accepted, and
although I did see a great deal of our friend’s highly successful farming,
and enjoyed the pleasant rural drives and intercourse on the subject, I, in
common with my brethren of the craft, could not resist the temptation to
leave gardening matters altogether in abeyance. I question very much if
anyone could, surrounded as my genial host’s home is with such a mag¬
nificent paradise of the most beautiful trees it is possible to meet with.
There fortune, or accident, whichever term, you like to use, has certainly
placed the right man in the right place, for few have such a love and
knowledge of arboriculture as Mr. Luckhurst has, as readers of back
volumes of the Journal can testify from a peru-al of his exhaustive and
valuable contributions on the subject. As agent of a large estate he has
other and more important duties to fulfil than those of a purely arbori-
cultural character ; but, nevertheless, his past experience and souud
practical knowledge of the latter subject has already proved advantageous
to the welfare of the fine collection of trees at Nowton Couit. I shall not
enter into minute details respecting the gardening f -atures of Nowton
Court (with which Mr. Luckhurst has nothing to do), but I cannot alto¬
gether pass by the many features of interest on the estate without giving
a few brief outlines of its principal features.

The owner of the Nowton estate, J. Porteous Oakes, Esq., has from
boyhood been greatly devoted to arboriculture, and during a life¬
time of over sixty years has enriched his home estate with a most valuable
collection of trees. In the pleasure grounds, park, and adjacent fields
and plantations are to be seen probably some of the finest examples of
Conifers that are to be met with in England. The Redwool (Sequoia
sempervirens), Sequoia gigantea, Cedrus Deodara, atlantica, and Libani,
the Swiss Stone Pine (Pinus cembra), P. insignia, excelsa, and others,
Abies Douglassi, nobilis, Nordmanniana, Pinsapo and Smithiana, Ta.xus,
Cupressus, Thuia, Libocedrus, and Juniperus of sorts have grown in a
remaikably short space of time into gigantic specimens as faultless in
contour and as healthy as it is possible to conceive. Mr. Oakes very
sensibly plants and nurtures his trees wiih a view not only to their
adding beauty to his estate, but also in the future yielding a profitable
supply of timber. The Redwood, for instance, is planted largely both
singly in the park, grounds, and plantations, as well as the Cedar of
Lebanon. Every care and attention is paid to the judicious thinning and
training of these trees by keeping their stems free of side grow'hs. The
Redwood is a telling tree for grouping in plantations, the soft, spongy,
reddish bark making an effective and cheerful contrast with the sombre
green of the surrounding foliage. I have never met with such large
handsome pyramidal examples of the common Yew as are to be met with
in the plantations here. Mr. Oakes takes great pride in these, and the
way in which he manages to get such finely shaped specimens is by the
periodical use of the pruning knife and saw. The side growths are cut
back to within a foot or 18 inches of the main stem, and although the
trees look unsightly for a time, the plan certainly answers admirably,
and is well worthy of imitation. The common Walnut is planted in
great quantity in the parks and fields, in fact there are groves of them,
fine, large, handsome trees, planted mostly by their present owner. Other
valuable timber trees, such as Oaks, Chestnuts, Maple, Ash, Lime, and
Beech, are also growing in large numbers. The planting has been carried
out with excellent effect and taste, the various trees forming beautiful
vistas, and the blending and harmony of contrast of the foliage being
all that could be desired. The Purple Beech thrives uncommonly well,
the colour developing better than I have ever previously seen it. Within
the last few years Mr. Oakes has planted some miles of new plantations,
forming extensive belts round the home estate with choice trees, the
hedges of the former being planted with the little known Myrobolan
Plum, Prunus cerasifera. Until the manngement of the estate came into
Mr. Luckhurst’s hands the Plum hedges used to be kept trimmed, but now
they are left to grow with a view to their producing fruit, as no doubt
they will do freely another season. There is a fine collection of the
shrubby Spiraeas, Lilacs, and flowering shrubs, with the ex option of
Rhododendrons, which do not thrive well on the Nowton soil, growing
freely in the plantations. No matter which way you look or go on this
estate, you see abundance of beautiful trees, forming a series of land¬
scapes of sylvan beauty, and turning into a paradise an estate which
devoid of these trees would not be half so valuable and interesting as it
is. Mr. Oakes has lived to see these giant trees develope, many of them
from seedlings of his own raising from small specimens, and well mig it
he be proud of them. If other proprietors would manifest the same
amount of interest and zeal as this gentleman, they would render their
estates not only more beautiful but profitable. Digressing for a
moment, with the Editor’s permission, from arboricultural topics to those of
farming on the Nowton estate, I may state tor the benefit of my farm¬
ing readers, that by the judicious and intelligent use of artificial manures,
draining, and thorough cultivation of practically exhausted land, excellent
crops of b dh cereals and roots are obtained. Mr. Luckhurst’s know¬
ledge of vegetable physiology and agricultural chemistry has enable 1 him
to provide at a minimum of cost exactly the kind c f food suited to the
particular crops. He prefers to procure the raw materials, so to speak,
and then mix them in the proportions he deems mo3t suitable, and not to

180

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 26, 1866.

go blindfolded into the rntnure maikst, as the majority of farmers do,
and purchase useless preparations. Except for root crop3 farmyard
manure finds little favour here, neither is there much made, for few beasts
are kept. I fully believe that in a few years’ time the local farmers will
be taught a useful and practical lesson in farming. At any rate, it is much
needed not only in Suffo'k but elsewhere.

From estate matters we return to the hospitable dwelling and garden
cf mine host. I have said it has beautiful surroundings in the shape cf
trees, and ere long it will have in the garden, when time will permit, the
touch of a master hand in landscape gardening to beautify it. Already
there is a nice little colouring of alpine plants, the nucleus of a larger
collection by-and-by ; a choice collection of herbaceous plants and Roses,
and a moderately sized piece of water, which, with a few alterations, will
be an attractive feature. The shrubbery rejoices in the possession of
what may fairly be considered the fiaest example of the Tulip Tree
(Liriodendron tulipifera) in England, and a remarkably large specimen cf
Bsurre de Capiaumont Pear. Particularly interesting, too, is the vege¬
table garden, which until last April was a piece of woodland covered
with trees. The-e were rooted up, and the ground trenched 2 feet deep.
Later on, heavy dressings of specially prepared artificial manures were
applied to the ground and forked in, and then Potatoes, Peas, Lettuce,
and other crops sown. The condition of these is marvellous for a first
season’s crop, and have caused not a little surprise among the neighbours.
The praise for the excellence of this department is due to the skill and
management of Mess's. Charles and Walter Luckhurst, who are virtually
the head gardeners.

In the course of one of our walks we came across a neighbouring
agent, to whom I was introduced by Mr. Luckhurst, and very glad I was
to make his acquaintance, for he kindly offered to conduct me over the
Hardwick estate (the late Lady Cullum’s) and the gardens of Hardwick
House. This estate joins that of Nowton, and the mansion just referred
to is barely a couple of miles away. I arranged to meet this gen'leman,
Mr. S. Barrett, at his house at nine o’clock the next morning, aud accord¬
ingly did so. I was both highly gratified and pleased that I did, for I
Lund Mr. Barrett no ordinary mortal, but a man with the stamp of
originality in him, possessing a fertile and exhaustive mind, a model of
punctuality and order, and one who evidently could command confidence
and respect, as well a3 infuse his own excellent habits and principles into
those under him. Thoroughness of detail seemed to be his motto, and
ad t rmination to keep everything, buildings, land, gates, and roads, in
ex etllent order. An inspection cf the farm buildings revealed the most
scrupulous attention to cleanliness and comfort for the cattle. Ou a
large board in one of the principal buildings, there is painted a set of
rules forbidding swearing, batting, or ‘'clubbing” for beer and smoking
under pain . f dismissal, and also notifying that there was a place f ir
everything and everything must be in its place, or the defaulter would
get dismissed. Strict as these rules were I am told the men respect
them, and are greatly attached to Mr. Barrett, who is in every respect a
kind and considerate master.

Many years ago Napoleon III. sent a special commissioner over from
Paris to see these buildings, with a view to adopting something of the
same kind over there, and Mr. Barrett is the proud possessor of a hand¬
some souvenir received from Napoleon. Mr. Barrett has been connected
with the Hardwick estate for upwards of sixty-five years, having for the
greater part of that period occupied the position of agent. In addition
to this he is a guardian of the poor for the parish, churchwarden and
overseer of Nowton, as well as holding other important offices, bo much
for his farming capab lities, which we pass by, to deal with his arhori-
cultural and hoiticultural knowledge. Similarly to Nowton Park, Hard¬
wick Park and grrdens abound with fine trees, and the existence of more
than three-fourths of these is due to the energy and skill of the present
Hgent. He is full of tree lore, pointing with well-merited pride, like
Philip Frost of Dropmore, to the splendid specimens that he raised in his
younger days from the seed, and relating with great interest the various
incidents or anecdotes connected with each tree. Looking at many of
•these giants it hardly seems credible that they could have attained so
large a size within a space of fifty years. Mr. Barrett possesses an artistic
eye, for not only in grouping and blending of colour, but in the happy
arrangement of the planting and subsequent thinning, thus forming the
most charming vistas, and opening up views in all directions for miles
round, in all of which he has been particularly successful. The groves
and avenues of Chestnuts, Oaks, and Purple Beech are indeed beautiful.
In the pleasure grounds, too, Mr. Barrett planted the magnificent Conifer
specimen’, and other choice trees, which during the lapse of years have
grown remarkably large. There is an exceptionally fine specimen of
Abies Pinsapo, also of the Deodar, Atlantiea, and Lebanon Cedars, Pinus
excelsa, Cupressus Lawsoniana, and other Conifers ; and I need hardly
add that Mr. Barrett is not a little proud of his achievement in tree
planting. The vast number of handsome specimens of Crataegus must
lorm a lovely picture in May.

As an amateur horticulturist Mr. Barrett is equally successful. H:s
gardens, both flower aud vegetable, are mode's of neatness and good
order, as well as examples of skilful culture. He is a great bulb fancier,
and consequently grows these on a large scale in his beds and borders.
The bulbs are planted in masses in rich well-prepared soil, and are not
lifted after flowering, but allowed to ripen off thoroughly. No sumour
plants are planted over them, the soil having full exposure to sun and air.
In this the Hyacinths, Tulips, Crocus, and Anemones thrive, flower
abundantly, and the bulbs increase rapidly in size and number Lilium
auratum and Tigridia pavonia and grandiflora are grown by hundreds
iu large bods, and very successful they seem to be. The Pacony is another

favourite, and also the Christmas Rose, both being grown in quantity.
Mr. Barrett’s practice is to grow a few things, and those well, and whether
he takes in hand Roses, Preonies, bulbs, or what not, he will succeed in
their culture somehow. In his vegetable garden not a weed is to be seen,
and all the crops seem vigorous and healthy. Strawberry culture is a
special feature with him, and no pains are spared to obtain fine fruit. He
believes in abundance of cow manure and deeply trenched soil. In making
new beds Mr. Barrett prefers not to plant in the autumn, but keep the
runners in pots until spring and then plant, urging as a reason that the
plants are not so much affeced by the severe weather when in pots as
they would be in the ground. He has a nice row of healthy young
pyramidal Pear trees, most of which were bearing fruit. Mr. Barrett is
particularly fond of Fig3, con3equently he has had the south sides of the
farm buildings planted with these tree’, and now they are commencing to
yield a little fruit. In walled-in enclosures there are some fine Peach
trees carrying good crops of fruit. During the spring months Mr. Barrett
has had a canvas blind fixed similarly to those over shop windows, which
can be let up or down as required whilst the Peaches are in bloom.
Altogether Mr. Barrett is an excellent man, and heartily do I thank him
for his courtesy and pleasant intercourse during the time he conducted
me over the gardens, park, and farm, and with great regret I soon after
concluded a hurried, but extremely pleasant visit, to not only Hardwick,
but Nowton too. My best thanks are due also to Mr. aud Mrs. Luckhurst
for their genial hospitality. — T. W. S.

HORTICULTURAL SHOWS.

SHREWSBURY.

If any evidence were required to prove that horticultural exhibitions
can be rendered in every way highly successful, it was afforded most con¬
clusively by the Show hela at Shrewsbury on Wednesday and Thursday
last week. The annual summer Exhibition of the Shropshire Floral and
Horticultural Society haB gained the reputation of being one of the best in
the kingdom, aud one the financial results of which have been almost
phenomenal in recent years. The Society has been established about twelve
years, and with but two exceptions the annual shows have improved won¬
derfully each season, with a proportionate increase in the receipts. Spine
idea will be gained of the progress made from the following list of takings
at the gates from 1870 to 1885 : —

First day.

Second day.

Total.

£ s. d.

£ s. d.

£ s. d.

1876 .

189 5 2

271 9 8

1877 .

. 92 1 10

381 3 8

473 5 6

1878. .

. 101 7 3

528 6 1

632 13 4

1879 .

398 8 10

463 17 0

1880 .

. 121 4 9

653 12 8

774 17 5

188L .

725 2 0

829 19 10

1882 .

824 15 0

959 2 0

1883 .

1035 7 0

1211 8 0

1881 .

678 2 11

833 1

1885 .

1074 19 0

1293 9 0

This year the success was even more remarkable, the number of entries
increased by 494, being 1870, as compared with 1376 last year. On the first
day, Wednesday, the amount taken at the gates was £216 Os. 4d., being
£148 7s. 7d. at half-crown, £51 4s. (id. at one shilling, and £16 8s. 3d. after¬
wards. This was £2 9s. 8d. less than last year. On Thursday £1083 18s. Od.
was taken at the gates up to six o’clock, and a total up to night of
£115 1 9s. 8d, making £1367 9s. for the two days, as against £1293 9s. last
year, giving an increase of £74. Over 35,000 persons were admitted to the
Show grounds on Thursday, the greatest number that has ever attended
this Exhibition. An excellent plan is adopted of selling as many tickets
before the Show as possible, and this season the number is larger than
usual, so that the income from all sources is likely to give an even larger
balance than last year, which amounted to £532.

With such success the Society can well afford to be liberal, and they not
only provide substantial prizes in all the leading classes, they engage two
first-rate bands, the Grenadier Guards and the Royal Horse Guards, with
numerous other attractions, including balloon ascents and display of fire¬
works, that though having no direct bearing on horticulture, serve to
attract the shilling paying public. Beyond this, however, the Society has
expended a portion of their surplus in beautifying the charming Quarry
Grounds in which the Show is held, they havo also conferred several other
benefits on the town, so that besides greatly encouraging the horticulture
of the district, they have provided an excellent holiday for the people and
made a substantial use of their profits.

The Quarry Grounds is a most pleasant and appropriate site for a horti¬
cultural exhibition, forming a kind of natural amphitheatre, with the river
Severn sweeping rouud at the base and skirted by avenues of grand old
lofty Limes. The grounds are well kept, the lawns neat, and a central
hollow termed the Dingle is laid out with flower beds and planted with
shrubs, a small lake and fountain adding much to the beauty of the scene.
It is, in fact, one of the most charming situations for a flower show that
could be selected.

Much credit is due to the Hon. Secretaries, Messrs. Adnitt and Naunton,
who have worked most assiduously in the interest of the Society, and have
the satisfaction of seeing their efforts crowned by success. They have been
also ably assisted by the President, W. Orme Foster, Esq., Apley Park,
Bridgnorth, and the following Committee : — G. M. Salt, Esq. (Chairman),
T. Southam, Esq. (the Mayor of Shrewsbury), Rev. J. H. E. Charter, Rev.
J. R. Legta, Rev. R. E. Warren, Colonel Brandt, Messrs. J. Blockley, J.
Blower, J. Brandt, W. L. Browne, C. Chandler, W. G. Cross, Y. Crump,
H. C. Clarke, J. Eutwistle, T. Groves, J. M. Harding, W. H. Harrison, J.
Kent, W. E. Litt, J. A. Lea, G. Mitchell, T. Morris, H. J. Oldroyd, D. H.
Owen, H. Owen, E. C. Peele, W. Pritchard, E. W. Pritchard, J. Robinson,
J. Parson Smith, R. Taylor, and H. H. Treasure, and the following pro¬
fessional gardeners — M ssrs. Edwards, Hawkesworth, Lambert, Milner,

August 26, 1883. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER ,

181

Pearson, Pursar, and Thurtle. The Auditors are Mr. R. Pool and Mr.
V. C. L. Crump ; the Hon. Treasurers, Mr. W. Phillips and Mr. J. Vine.

_ Three marquees were devoted to the exhibits, the most spacious con¬
taining the specimen plants ; the next, which was much longer but not so
wide or lofty, contained the fruit, vegetables, and flowers ; and the third was
appropriated to the cottagers. The great feature of the Show as regards
numbers and quality was the fruit, of which a grand display was provided,
no less than 290 bunches of Grapes being staged, a total that is seldom
equalled even at International Shows.

Plants. — At mid-August shows we do not expect to find very extensive
displays of flowering stove and greenhouse plants, as the large specimens
that take such an important place at the earlier shows are past their b.st,
and those that succeed them are generally of a less effective character. It
was therefore Bomewhat surprising to find so many fine specimens at Shrews¬
bury when the season for such plants has almost concluded. A magnificent
marquee was devoted to the principal plant classes, and it may be here
remarked that there is a point often overlooked in providing tents for the
exhibits — namely, they are frequently too small, and the plants in conse¬
quence have a crowded appearance. The Shrewsbury marquee, however,
was well proportioned, nearly 300 feet long, 70 or 80 feet broad, and very
lofty, the result being that the huge Cheltenham specimens could be Been
to the best advantage. The groups arranged for effect and other plants
were similarly satisfactory, and the general display excellent.

The large specimens were chiefly shown in the class for twenty stove
and greenhouse plants (ten foliage and ten in flower), for which prizes of
£25, £20, and £15 were offered. In accordance with the regulation in force
at this Show, Mr. J. Cypher of Cheltenham was enabled to secure two of
these awards — the first and third, and very few, if any, plant cultivators
could stage forty specimens as well grown and fresh as these were. The
honours were tu refore well merited, but it is questionable if the principle is
a good one, and it certainly has a tendency to check other exhibitors from
entering when an especially strong competitor is in the lists. Mr. Cypher’s
first-prize collection comprised grand examples of the following, which have
won him many honours at previous shows : Dasylirion acrotrichum, Kenlia
canterburyana, Thrinax elegans, Latania borbonica, Cycas revoluta, Areca
Baueri, Crotons Queen Victoria, mijesticus, Bvansianus, and Johannis, all
well coloured, but the last-named remarkably so. The best flowering plants
were Ericas ampullacea Barnesi, Irbyana, and Eweriana flowering most
profusely, Statice Gilberti, Ixora Fraseri, Allamanda nobilis, Dipladenia
nybrida, Stephanotis floribunda, and Cattleya crispa with three racemes of
six flowers each. Mr. C. Roberts, gardener to A. Nicholson, Esq., Highfield
Hall, Leek, was placed second with very meritorious plants, not quite so
large as those from Cheltenham, but healthy neat specimens admirably
adapted for exhibition. They included the following : Dipladenia profusa,
a globular specimen capitally flowered ; Clerodendron Balfourianum of
similar size and shape ; Erica Shannoni, fresh and well flowered ; Ixora
Williamsi 4 feet in diameter ; Dipladenia splendens, fine flowers ; Ixora
coccinea, Phcenocoma prolifera Barnesi, Gloriosa superba trained in globular
form, 4 feet in diameter, and bearing numbers of its bright and curious
flowers. Ixora javanica was also good amongst the flowering plants. The
foliage specimens comprised strong plants of Cycas revoluta with a crown
of fruit-bearing leaves, Dion edule, Croton variegatus 8 feet in diameter, an
immense specimen ; Croton majesticus 6 or 7 feet in diameter, highly
coloured ; Asparagus plumosus,Encephalartos villosus, Croton angustifolius,
and Thrinax elegans. Mr. Cypher’s third-prize collection contained some
smaller specimens, but clean and bright ; Htemanthus magnificus with ten
heads of flowers, Croton Johannis, Dipladenia amabilis, Gleichenia Mendeli,
Ixora Westi, and Allamanda Hendersoni being especially noteworthy.

An open class was also provided for nine stove and greenhouse plants,
but exhibitors in class 1 were debarred from competing in this. The prizes
were £10, £t>,and £4, which were gained by Mr. C. Roffill, gardener to H.
Lovatt, Esq., Low Hill, Shrewsbury, Messrs. Pritchard and Sons, Shrewsbury,
and Mr. J. Farrant, gardener to Mrs. Juson, Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury,
in the order named. Mr. Roffill’s principal plants were excellent samples
of Allamanda Hendersoni, 3 feet in diameter, very healthy ; Bougainvillea
glabra 4 feet in diameter, Erica ampullacea 3 feet across, Lapageria rosea,
and Erica ampullacea. One of Messrs. Pritchard’s best plants was Erica
Marnockiana 2J feet in diameter ; Mr. Farrant having Erica remula and
Franciscea calycina in good condition. In the gentlemen’s gardeners’ class
for six stove oi greenhouse plants, not less than four in flower, Mr. C-
Roberts was first, showing Croton Baroness Rothschild, beautifully coloured ;
Clerodendron Balfourianum, Dipladenia amabilis, Kalosanthes coccinea,
Allamanda nobilis, and Latania borbonica, excellent, fresh, and well grown
plants. Mr. Roffill and Mr. E. Sheppard, gardener to the Misses Banner-
man, Roden Hall, followed, both showing neat specimens. For six plants in
flower Mr. C. Roberts took the lead with a most meritorious half-dozen,
including Bougainvillea glabra, Erica Marnockiana, Lapageria alba, Alla¬
manda Hendersoni, Erica tricolor superba, and Dipladenia Brearleyana.
Mr. J. Cypher’s plants were not many points behind the first, and Mr. C.
Roberts was a good third, these three collections being capital models of
good culture.

Fuchsias are too seldom seen at exhibitions in their best condition like
they are shown in the neighbourhood of Bath and the west of England gene¬
rally. It was therefore quite pleasing to see them so well represented in
quality at Shrewsbury, though only by a few collections. In the class for
four Messrs. Pritchard & Sons won the first and second prizes with tall
conical specimens 6 to 7 feet high and 4 or 5 feet in diameter at the base,
well clothed with foliage, and flowering abundantly. The varieties in the
first collection were Beauty of Wilts, filegance, Mrs. Marshall, and Mrs.
Huntley. In the second collection, which were rather smaller, the varieties
were Earl of Beaconsfield, Royal Standard, Puritana, and Venus de Medici.
In another class (in the cut flower tent) for three Fuchsias, shown by
amateurs, Mr. W. Wyley, Council House, Shrewsbury, and Mr. John Barker,
were the winners, the latter taking second and third prizes, but none of the
specimens was so fine as those in the previous class.

Zonal Pelargoniums formed a bright addition to the floral attractions of
the large marquee, and all the leading prizes were secured by Messrs.
Pritchard & Sons, who had both single and double Zonal varieties in good
condition, some of the plants being 4 feet in diam-.t r and covered with
flowers. Of the single Zmals the Rev. Atkinson, Lady Bailey, Lizzie

Brooks, and Mrs. W. Paul were notable ; while among the doubles, Candi-
dissimum plenum, F. V. Raspail, Wonderful, Madame Thibaut, and Sylvia
were the best varieties. Mr. E. Shepherd was awarded a third prize in
the double Zonal class with smaller plants. Messrs. Pritchard were also
the principal exhibitors of Tuberous Begonias, being first and second with
good varieties.

Several excellent collections of Ferns were entered in competition, their
bright green fronds making a refreshing bank near the end of the marquee.
For six exotic Ferns Mr. J. Farrant won the chief prize with Cyathea
medullaris, a magnificent specimen, having enormous fronds. Adiantum
crrdiochloena, Davallia Mooreana, a Nephrolepis, Adiantum excisum, and
Dicksonia antarctma were also good examples, and, like Ferns always
should be seen at exhibitions, fresh and vigorous. Mr. R. Milner, gardener
to the Rev. J. D. Corbet, Sundorne Castle, and Mr. J. Lambrrt, gardener
the Colonel Wingfield, Onslow House, Shrewsbury, were second and third
respectively, the former with a fine Neottopteris and the latter with Micro-
lepia hirta-cristata in excellent condition. In the open cla-s for the same
number of Ferns Mr. J. Lambert was first, showing half a dozen admirable
plants, Hymenophyllum demissum, Adiantum cuneatum, Davallia Mooreana,
Alsophila australis, and a Neottopteris attracting especial attention. Mr.
Cypher had the second prize six, in which were Gymnogramma Alstoni,
Gleichenia Mendeli, and Davallia fijiensis in fine condition. Messrs.
Pritchard & Sons following, shoving Platycerium alcicorne and Gleichenia
dichotoma very good.

Classes were provided for Dracaenas, Coleuses, and Caladiums, in which
there were several entries, the Dracaenas being especially well grown. Mr.
J. Lambert was first and third with six varieties of the latter, the plants
3 to 4 feet high and finely coloured. Baptisti, Anerleyensis, Amabilis,
Thomsoni, Gladstonei, and W’esmanni were the varieties represented in
the first-prize collection. Mr. E. Shepherd was awarded the second prize
for similar plants, except that they were not so well coloured. Mr. J. Laing,
Cherry Orchard, Shrewsbury, was placed first with four Coleuses, bright
and well coloured, Mr. R. Milner being second with neat conical highly
coloured plants. Messrs. Pritchard & Sons took the lead with six Caladiums,
each about 3 feet high. Mr. C. Roffill was second with large and prefer¬
able specimens ; Mr. Farrant being third with smaller and more irregular
plants.

The groups in the large marquee were very tasteful, and were distin¬
guished by a certain similarity of style that was rather remarkable. In all
the predominating plants were Ferns, chiefly Adiantums, and the irregular
“ mound and dell ” style of arrangement was adopted, something like the
groups of Ferns occasionally seen at Manchester and some of the southern
shows, as at Brighton, for instance. The employment of a few flowering
plants, however, added greatly to the beauty of the groups, and the only
point that could be seriously objected to in any of them was the mirrors
which were used in one of the third prize groups, a piece of artificiality that
spoiled an otherwise artistic and tasteful arrangement. Messrs. Pritchard
and Sons secured first honours with a group mainly composed of Adiantums,
forming a dense irregularly mounded groundwork, from which arose a few
Cocos Weddelliana and other elegant Palms, variegated Grasses, narrow¬
leaved Crotons, Caladium argyrites, and a few handsome Odontoglossum
Alexandras and cirrhosum. This was most informal, fresh, and beautiful.
Messrs. Jones & Son were awarded the second and third prizes for tasteful
arrangements, but more flowering plants were employed, and the objection¬
able mirrors were in the third prize group. Messrs. Pritchard & Sons were
also awarded an equal third for an elegant group, differing principally from
the others in the cork stems used and covered with Panicum and
Adiantums.

These completed the exhibits in the large marquee, the other competing
collections being arranged in the fruit and flower tent. For a group of
fifty miscellaneous plants Messrs. Pritchard & Sons were first and second,
shovvingsmall examples of Begonias, Ixoras, Odontoglossums, Bougainvilleas,
Vincas, Heliotropes, Pelargoniums, &c., which formed a bright display and
occupied considerable space on one of the side stages. Messrs. Jones & Son,
who were third, also had a good showy collection. Dr. E. Burd, Newport
House, the Hon. Major-General Herbert, Prestfeld, and H. Owen, Esq.,
were the prizetakers for twenty-five miscellaneous plants, each showing neat
little sp-cimens. With twelve table plants Mr. J. Lambert won first honours
for excellent graceful samples, admirably adapted for the purpose. Those
represented were Dracaena Duke of Connaught, Croton variegatus, Croton
Heathi elegans, Croton angustifolius, Croton interruptus aureus, Croton
Disraeli, Croton Chelsoni, Cocos Weddelliana, Aralia Veitchi, Pandanus
Veitchi, and Dracaena Guilfoylei. Messrs. Jones & Son and Mr. J. Farrant
were second and third in the order named, both showing neat plants.

Cut Flowers. — One side of the long tent containing the fruit, vege¬
tables, die., was devoted to the cut flowers in competition, and a hamdsome
display they produced. Roses for so late in the season were very bright and
of good quality, especially so being the first twenty-four from Messrs. Perkins
and Son, Coventry. Mr. E. Murrell, Shrewsbury, also showed well in the
same class, taking the second prize ; while with eighteens Mr. W. Stubbs of
Nantwich, Messrs. Burrell & Co., Cambridge, and E. Wright, Esq., Halston,
were the prizetakers. Dahlias were capitally represented, Messrs. Heath
and Son, Cheltenham, winning first honours for a superb stand of thirty-six
blooms, the majority of which were in grand exhibition form, distinguished
by their symmetry, clear bright colours, and good substance. As one of the
first good stands yet shown we give the names of the best varieties included :
J. Service, Mrs. Hobbs, Flag of Truce, John Downie, Mrs. Langtry, James
Huntley, Mrs. Harris, James Vick, Henry Walters, John Bennett, Constancy
Queen of York, Lady G. Herbert, Champion Rollo, Prince Bismarck, Harrisi n
Weir, Henry Bond, Gaiety, Statesman, Mrs. Gladstone, Reporter, Mrs.
Stancombe, G. Rawlings, Goldfinder, Royal Purple, Vice-Pre-ident, James
Cocker, Hugh Austen, J. C. Reade, Muriel, and W. H. Williams. Mr. W.
Shaw, Blakebrooke, was second and third in the same class, and Messrs.
Heath & Son were again first with twenty- four Dahlias, followed by the same
exhibitor. The Rev. J. H. E. Charles, Severn Villa, also showed well. Asters
were numerous and good, particularly those from Mr. A. Myers, Shrewsbury.
Gladioli were well represented by collections from Messrs. Burrell & Co.,
and W. Shaw ; the prizes for hardy flowers being secured by Messrs.
Burrell & Co., Pritchard & Son, Heath & Sons, in the order named. Messrs.
Pearson & Sous had a beautiful collection of Zonal Pelargoniums for which

182

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ An just 26, 1888.

they were awarded the first prize, the stand comprising some of their finest
varieties.

Bouquets were exhibited by several competitors, and some very tasteful
arrangements were contributed. Mr. Hans Niemand, Harborne Road, Bir¬
mingham, had the best hall bouquet, and Messrs. Perkins & Son the best
bridal bouquet, Messrs. Jones & Son and Messrs. Pearson & Sons following
closely. With stands and displays of cut flowers Messrs. Jones ifc Son were
the leading exhibitors, Messrs. Perkins & Sons being successful with button¬
holes.

Fbutt. — Excellent prizes were offered for Grapes and collections, and
the result was the finest show of fruit that has been provided in the pro¬
vinces this season. Indeed, the fruit section was one of the strongest in
the Show, and this part of the Exhibition was a special success. It was
notified in the prize list that “ All fruit exhibited must be fit for table,” and
the whole of it was above the average in merit ; in fact, inferior examples
in the open classes were very few. Much attention was directed to the
opening class in fruit, as this was one for six bunches of Grapes of three
varieties, the Society’s prize being £5, and to this was added £5 by the Pre¬
sident, W. J. Foster, Esq. There were seven competitors, and many excel¬
lent bunches were staged. The Judges, after much consideration, finally
awarded the first prize to Mr. Pratt, gardener to the Marquis of Bath,
Longleat, Warminster, who showed two bunches of Black Hamburgh,
weighing lbs., large in berry and grand in colour ; two bunches Alicante,
8f lbs., quite ripe, finely coloured, and well Bhown ; and two bunches of
Mrs. Pince, 6| lbs., but these, although good, were the weakest, as the b rries
in some instances were slightly deficient in colour near the footstalks ;
altogether these made a showy and meritorious stand. Mr. Stevenson,
gardener to Colonel Pilkington, Liverpool, was second with Alicante, fiuely
coloured, but the bunches were deficient in form; Madresfield Court was
good in bunch and berry, but one of the bunches was unfortunately much
rubbed; and Black Hamburghs of fine quality. Mr. Goodacre, gardener
to the Earl of Harrington, Elvaston Castle, Derby, was third with Alnwick
Seedling, beautifully coloured ; Madresfield Court, green at the footstalk ;
and Muscat Hamburgh too red. The other exhibits were so good that the
Committee very generously added two good prizes, and the fourth was
awarded to Mr. (Gilman, gardener to the Earl of Shrewsbury, Ingestre
Hall, Stafford, who had Madresfield Court, Lady Downe’s, and Black Ham¬
burgh of great excellence so far as finish is concerned, but smallness of the
bunches lowered them in the prize list.

Eighteen dishes of three bunches of black Grapes were staged. This
was also a good class, and Mr. J. Barker, gardener to A. Baynes, E?q., Birken¬
head, was placed first with magnificent bunches of Madresfield Court of fine
form, berries very massive, and altogether superior. Second, Mr. J. Bennett,
gardener to the Hon. C. H. Wynne-Corwin, with Alnwick Seedling of extra¬
ordinary merit, indeed perfict. Third, Mr. R. Brownliill, Ravenswood, Rock-
ferry, with Black Hamburgh of capital quality. Additional fourth, Mr.
Ferguson, gardener to Mrs. Paterson, Rockferry, with the same variety ; and
additional fifth prize, Mr. Gilman, with small Black Hamburgh. In the
class for four bunches of white Grapes there were eleven competitors, the
first prize going to Mr. J. Roberts, gardener to the Messrs. Rothschild,
Gunnersbury House, Acton, who had excellent samples, comprising Muscat
of Alexandria, fine in berry, very clean, and well coloured; and Foster’s
Seedling, large in bunch, fine in berry, and of a beautiful colour. Second,
Mr. R. Pilkington, Rainford Hall, Sr. Helens, with Muscat of Alexandria,
fine in berry, good in colour, but showing signs of having been too much
syringed; and Foster’s Seedling, not so grand in colour as in first stand.
Third, Mr. J. Wilkes, gardener to J. Meakin, Esq., the Hares, Stone, Staf¬
fordshire, with Muscat of Alexandria, not well matched, but good, and
Foster’s Seedling, of fine size. Mr. J. Stevenson, was awarded an extra
prize. In the class of three bunches of white Grapes fourteen lots were
staged, the first prize going to Mr. Pratt for Muscat of Alexandria, the
bunches being very large, finely formed, and moderately well coloured.
Second, Mr. W. Weir, gardener to Sir R. A. Cunliffe, Acton Park, Wrexham,
with Muscat of Alexandria, not so large, and of equal quality to the first.
Third, Mr. R. Milner, gardener to the Rev. J. D. Corbett, Sundorne Castle,
Shrewsbury, with Muscat of Alexandria, small in bunch but excellent in
quality.

In the any other white variety class Mr. W. Leadbetter was placed first
with Buckland Sweetwater, Mr. Milner second with the same variety, both
first-rate, and Mrs. Darby, Adcott (gardener, Mr. R. Lawley) third with the
same variety overthinned.

For a collection of fruit, twelve dishes, seven lots were staged, and Mr.

J. Roberts, Gunnersbury, secured the first prize with an excellent collection.
His dishes were Gros Maroo Grape, Muscat of Alexandria, Madresfield
Court, and Buckland Sweetwater Grapes, a handsome Lady Beatrice
Lambton Pine Apple, but poor in crown, Brown Turkey Fig, Sea Eagle
Peach, Golden Perfection Melon, Lord Napier Nectarine, Hemskerk Apricot,
Grosse Sucrde Strawberry, and Bigarresu Napoleon Cherries; a very fine
collection. Second Mr. Gilman with Black Hamburgh, Muscat of Alex¬
andria, Black Alioante, and Foster’s Seedling Grapes, not large in bunch,
but of fine quality. A Smooth Cayenne Pine Apple, Royal George Peach,
Brown Turkey Fig, Hero of Loekinge Melon, Morello Cherry, Violette
Hative Nectarine, Early Favourite Plum, and Moor Park Apricot, all finely
matured and only one or two points behind the first collection. Mr. Good-
acre was third with fine Grapes, but small fruits, deficient in colour. Fcurth
Mr. R. Parker, gardener to John Corbett, Esq., Impney Hall, Droitwich, with
fruit of excellent quality, but some of it was over-ripe. Fifth Mr. Edmonds,
gardener to the Duke of St. Albans, Bestwood, Notts, also had a good col¬
lection, but Figs and other fruit were over-ripe.

For a collection of nine dishes Mr. Pratt won first honours, his Black
Hamburgh Grapes as well as the Muscat of Alexandria being the best two
bunches, the former weighing 9^ lbs. and the latter 7 lbs. 14 ozs. The small
fruits in this collection Were of fair quality, but they were better in the
collection from Mr. Lambert, gardener to Col. Wingfield, who was second,
only the Grapes lost some points. Mrs. Paterson was third, and there were
more local exhibits in this class than the larger one. Peaches were repre¬
sented by eleven dishes, Nectarines by twelve, Apricots by fourteen, Plums
fifteen, and Cherries eight en. There were twenty green-fleshed Melons
staged, and twenty-two scarlet-fleshed fruits. Mr. Lambert, Mr. Wallis
(Keele Hall Gardens), Mr. Gilman, Mr. Milner, Mr. Goodacre, and Mr.

Meakin were the chief prizetakers in these classes. The collection of six
dishes of hardy fruits was a very interesting feature, there b ing some fine
Apples, Pears, Gooseberries, Cherries, Strawberries, Currants, Raspberries,
ifec., shown here, and the prizewinners were Mr. Goodacre, Mr. Purser (gar¬
dener to James Watson, Esq., M.P., Berwick House, Shrewsbury), Mr. Lam¬
bert, and Mr. G. Maylett. Amongst special exhibits of fruit Mr. Laxton,
Bedford, had a fine dish of Mr. Gladstone Apple, and these were the ripest
Apples in the Show.

Vegetables. — An important department in the Exhibition was that de¬
voted to vegetables, the competition being remarkably keen in all the
classes. With a collection of twelve varieties Mr. J. Lambert, a very
successful exhibitor in other classes, was awarded premier honours for hand¬
some, even, and w 11 grown samples of Autumn Giant Cauliflower; Lyon
L eks, excellent; Snowball Turnips, good ; Major Clarke’s Celery, wonder¬
fully larg-q heavy heads ; Veitch’s Improved Carrots, clean, even, and bright
colour ; Rowsham Park Hero Onions, Sutton’s Seedling Potatoes, capital
Beet, Canadian Wonder Beans, Trophy Tomatoes, Culverwell’s Marrow
Peas, and Purley Park Cucumbers. This collection attracted much admira¬
tion for the fine quality of the vegetables, which were, moreover, very taste¬
fully set up on Moss and Parsley. Mr. R Milner was second with a good
collection, but several points behind the first ; Mr. A. Purser, gardener to
J. Watson, Esq., Berwick, being third. The last-named exhibitor was,
however, an excellent first with six dishes of Potatoes, clean even tubers of
Beauty of Hebron, Webb’s Surprise, Cosmopolitan, Reading Russet,
Blanchard, and Vicar of Laleham. Mr. S. Bremnell, gardener to J. Beattie,
Esq., Overley, was second, and Mr. J. Lambert third amongst nine com¬
petitors. There were several other classes for Potatoes, in which there were
from eleven to twenty competitors ; Messrs. Shepherd, Milner, Lambert,
Bremnill, Withers, and Purser winning the principal prizes. Ten dishes of
Tomatoes were staged. Mr. W. Shaw, Mr. E. Gilman, and Mr. M. Owen,
gardener to Viscount Combermere, Combermere Abbey, were first, second,
and third respectively, but in the opinions of some gardeners the second
fruits were fully equal to those placed first. There were fifteen exhibitors
of Peas, the same number of Onions, Carrots twenty-eight, Cucumbers
fifteen, Cauliflowers twenty-one, Celery thirteen, Beans sixteen, Parsnips
fourteen, and Turnips twenty-one, all open classes, and the exhibits were so
nearly equal in many cases that this portion of the Exhibition occupied the
J udges a considerable time.

MISCELLANEOUS EXHIBITS.

The non-competing exhibits did not form so large a portion of the Show
as is usual at large exhibitions. Messrs. James Dickson & Sons and Messrs.

F. & A. Dickson, Chester, had choice collections of stove and greenhouse
plants and hardy flowers. Mr. E. Murrell had a group of select Conifers and
healthy well-fruited Apple trees in pots. Mr. T. Laxton, Bedford, con¬
tributed a collection of novelties in vegetables and flowers, comprising some
pretty Sweet Peas, a very bright scarlet hybrid Dianthus named Mrs.
Laxton, which was certificated, miscellaneous hardy flowers, Girtford Giant
Runner Beans of immense size, Evolution Peas, Sandy Prize White Spanish
Onions, and a dish of Mr. Gladstone Apple of good flavour.

Messrs. Webb & Sons, Wordsley, Stourbridge, had a handsome stand of
vegetables representing their improved varieties and arranged by their
Shrewsbury agent, Mr. Gouclier, of Shoplatch. Some of the most notable
varieti s staged were Early Six Weeks Turnips, Red Globe Tripoli Onions,
Mammoth Red Celery, Selected Scarlet Runner Beans, Wordsley Wonder
Peas, very fine ; Defiance Intermediate Carrots, New Colossal Leeks, Golden
Queen Beans, and a handsome fruit of Marquis of Bute Melon beautifully
netted. Several local tradesmen also contributed collections of plants and
flowers.

The cottagers' tent was well filled with exhibits, there being about
900 entries, and the general quality of vegetables and fruits was most
satisfactory.

YEOVIL. — August 17th.

The county of Somerset can boast of having several good horticultural
societies, who annually hold very successful exhibitions, and among these
must be included Yeovil. Better prizes are given elsewhere, these naturally
attracting the leading exhibitors ; but although the Society under not ce
cannot attain to this, they yet, thanks to the energy and ability of the Hot1.
Secretary (Mr. W. T. Maynard) and Mr. B. R. Davis, on whom falls the
onerous duty of arranging the exhibits, succeed in collecting a generally
good and most interesting exhibition. It should be added the Society does
not receive the support locally it deserves, or otherwise under its present
management it would soon attain to the front rank.

Groups of miscellaneous plants are always the principal feature in the
principal plant tent, and these are more remarkable for their brightness
than for effective arrangement. Of the four in competition the Judges
rightly preferred that by Mr. W. Appleby, gardener to T. W. Dampier Bide,
Esq., who had larger central plants, including good Arecas and other Palms
and Crotons, while interspersed among commoner plants were well-flowered
specimens of Epidendron prismatocarpum, Odontoglossura Uro-Skinneri, and
other Orchids. The s cond prize was awarded to Mr. T. Hannan, gardener
to E. Whitby, Esq., who had a rather flat but very bright group, in which
Tuberous Begonias largely figured ; while the third prize was well won by
Mr. C. Anthony, gardener to T. Moore. Esq. The best twelve stove and
greenhouse plants were staged by Mr. T. Wilkins, gardener to T. Merthjr
Guest, Esq., who had fine specimens of Pandanus Veitchi, Latania borbonica,
Croton Johannis, Acilypha tricolor, Caladium Madame Fritz Kmchlin,
Cissus discolor, Bougainvillea glabra, a handsome globular specimen of the
pretty but nearly hardy Solanum jasminoides, Vinca rosea, Cassia coiym-
bosa, and Begonia weltoniensis. Mr. W. Appleby was a good second, and
Mr. J. Bowles, gardener to J. P. Godden, Esq., third. Mr. Wilkins was also
easily first for nine Ferns, having among others large healthy specimens of
Nephrolepis davallioides furcans, Gymnogramma chrysophyjla, Microlepia
hirta cristata, and Davallia Mooreana. Mr. Appleby was a creditable second,
his group including an immense plant of Asplenium lucidum and a good
Microlepia hirta cristata ; and Mr. Giles Rendle, gardener to Mrs. Nicholson,
third. Fuchsias on the whole were not well shown. Mr. C. Anthony was
a creditable first for six specimens ; Mr. T. Hannan second ; and Mr. G.
Gillingham, gardener to R. Phelps, Esq., third. The best six Coleus were

August 26, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

183

staged by Mr. S. Kidley, gardener to Mrs. Helyar, Coker Court, who had
well-grown plants of Triompke de St. Andre (one of the richest coloured
varieties in commerce!, Mr. Stoddart, Butterfly, Crimson Velvet, Lovely,
and Dickson’s Gem. Mr. Gillingham was second, and Mr. Hannan third.
Tuberous Begonias were well represented, Mr. J. H. Copp, gardener to
J. 8. W. E. Drax, Esq., was a good first; Mr. W. Pollard, gardener to H. B.
Batten, Esq., second ; and Mr. Hannan third. Mr. Copp was also first for
six remarkably well-grown Cockscombs — Sutton’s Dwarf; the second prize
going to Mr. Appleby, who had very good plants. Mr. Copp was first for
Balsams, Mr. W. Raymond second, and Mr. C. Anthony third.

There were various classes for cut flowers, the majority being very well
filled, the ladies’ exhibits being especially praiseworthy. In the open class
for twenty-four Dahlias Messrs. Keynes, Williams & Co., Salisbury, were
easily, first, their collection including grand blooms of Victor, Muriel,
Colonist, Polly 'Williams, Henry Bond, Crimson King, Joseph Ashby, H.
Walton. Eric Fisher, Gloire de Lyon, Mrs. Gladstone, and James Cooker.
Mr. J. Nation, Stapleford, was a good second, and Mr. S. Tottle third. For
single Dahlias Messrs. Keynes, Williams & Co. were placed equal first with
Mr. J. Nation, both having very fine blooms, but the former had them set
tip in much the best style. In the local class for twelve Dahlias Mr. W.
Taylor was first, and for singles Mr. T. Hilbome and Mr. H. Baker were
respectively first and second, both staging creditably. Roses were not
largely shown, Mr. J. Campbell, gardener to S. P. Budd, Esq., Ba‘h, being
the. most successful exhibitor. Mr. Tottle had the best stands of Gladioli,
taking a first prize and also an extra, and Mr. J. Nation was second. Mr.
T. Hillborne was first for Asters and Carnations, and Mr. C. Anthony had
a first for Asters. There were two classes for bunches of cut flowers, Mr. W.
Iggulden, Marston House, Frome, being a good first in both the oDen and
amateurs’ classes, putting up a good lot of choice flowers in both instances,
the names of the other prizewinners in these classes not being obtained.
The vases of wild flowers by ladies was especially noteworthy, but, unfor¬
tunately, the best arrangement was disqualified on the grounds that the fine
double White Water Lilies should not be admitted. Miss Mayo, Yeovil, was
first, Mrs. W. Marsh and Miss J. Watts second, and Miss Bond third.
Master F. B. Davies was first lor a capital design of flower garden.

Fruits and vegetables were more largely and better shown than usual,
one large tent being devoted to them, and independent of a capital display
of cottagers’. produce in another tent. The best collection of eight dishes of
fruit, exclusive of a Pine Apple, was staged by Mr. S. Pulman, gardener to
R. B. Sheridan, Esq., who had excellent stands of Black Hamburgh and
Muscat of Alexandria Grapes, Gulden Perfection Melon, Bigarreau Cherries,
Green Gage Plums, Rivers’ Orange Nectarine, Moorpark Apricots, and Early
Grosse Mignonne Peaches, all in capital condition. Mr. Iggulden was a
close second, but his good Grapes evidently had done service elsewhere.
The third prize was awarded to Mr. A. Crossman, gardener to J. Brutton,
Esq., who had a fine Hero of Lockiuge Melon, and several other very good
■dishes. Mr. Appleby was first for four varieties of fruit ; Mr. T. Horsey,
gardener to H. B. Forb-s, Esq., second, and Mr. T. Wilkins third. Mr.
Iggulden was first for a Pine Apple, staging a good Smooth Cayenne The
same exhibitor was first for Black Hamburgh Grapes, having compact and
fairly well finished bunches, Mr. Pulman was a good second. For any other
black variety Mr. Crossman was first with large bunches of Black Aiicante.
Mr. Pulman was fLst for Muscat of Alexandria, and was closely followed by
Iggulden, and Mr. Pulman was also first for any other white variety
with good examples of Buckland Sweetwater, Mr. Crossman coming second
with Waltham Seedling, but erroneously termed a Frontignan. Mr. Cross¬
man was first for a Melon, having a good fruit of Hero of Lockinge, and Mr.
J. Allen, gardener to W. S. Cotter, Esq., was second. The best indoor and also
outdoor Peaches were shown by Mr. Pulman, who had Early Grosse
Mignonne and Hale’s Early respectively, both being handsome dishes. Mr.
Crossman was second for indoor Peaches, staging a fine dish of Waterloo,
and Oaptaia R. Chaffey was second with outdoor Peaches, winning with
Hale's Early, of which other exhibitors also had good examples. Mr. Cross¬
man was the only exhibitor of outdoor Nectarines, and was also most
successful with Plums and other hardy fruit. Apricots were very fine, and
with these Mr. S. Kidley was a good first, and Mr. Crossman second, both
having Moorpark. There were also a number of classes provided for
amateurs not employing a regular gardener, and these made a creditable
display.

The vegetables geuerallv were remarkably fine, and would have been
hard to beat anywhere. Mr. J. H. Copp had the best collection of eight
varieties, these consisting of W ight’s Grove White Celery, Hackwood Park
Tomatoes, Veitch’s Autumn Giant Cauliflower, Telephone Peas, Inter¬
national Kidney Potatoes, Tender and Tiue Cucumbers, Veitch’s Mammoth
Runner Beans, and Leeks, all exceptionally good and well set up. Mr. C.
Bow rs was a good second ; and several other good lots were staged, but it
s not the fashion in these parts to offer third prizes. Mr. Hannan was first
for Tomatoes, showing very fine fruit of Reading Perfection, the second
prize going to Mr. Copp. Classes were provided for Carrots, Celery,
Potatoes, Beans, and other vegetables, all of which are well and extensively
ehown.

Several non-competitive exhibits were noticeable, the most attractive
bemg a very fine group ef Tuberous Begonias, alternating with circles of
Maidenhair Ferns. The strain of Begonias was equal to any we have seen
elsewhere, many of the doubles being noteworthy, and Mr. B. R. Davis,
nurseryman, Yeovil, is to be congratulated for this effective display. Mr.
John Scott, Merriott Nurseries, also exhibited a number of flowering and
fane foliaged plants, which were arranged through the centre of the tables
Y’ lu® IenI- Mr. Jarman, Chard, had a capital lot of Carnations,

Dahlias, Lilies, Roses, Begonias, and other cut flowers ; and in this depart¬
ment Mr. B. R. Davis had extensive exhibits.

TROWBRIDGE SHOW. — August 18th.

Thebe are few if any older societies than this in the West of England,
tfairty-seven annual exhibitions now having been held, and besides being the
oldeR yet might easily be made the best in this part of the country. There
are no lack of funds and no signs of any falling off in the crowds, numbering
probably 14,000 visitors, who flock to the ground, and all that is wanted is a
revision of the pnz • list, so as to bring it up to the times. Further, if instead
of about thirty judges they were content to engage the services of four

experienced exhibitors and growers, everyone would have confidence in
them and there would be less of a lottery than is the case when round men
are put into square holes, or, in other words, are judging in departments
where they have little experience. The Trowbridge meeting is a most
enjoyable one, and it is not the fault of the Hon. Secretary, Mr. J. Huntley
(and who has filled that office for upwards of twenty years), and the gentle¬
men who assist him if there is any unpleasantness connected with the
Exhibition.

Nowhere else are better Fuchsias seen than at Trowbridge ; in fact, we
have not seen any nearly so good this season. They are always massed at
one end of the tent and completely dwarf all other plants near. The best
six specimens were staged by Mr. J. Matthews, gardener to W. R. Brown,
E-q., who had immense and perfect pyramids, each nearly 12 feet high and
splendidly flowered, of Doel’s Favourite, Mrs. Hay, Beauty of Trowbridge,
Rose of Castile, Charming, and a seedling. Mr. Matthews was also first,
for four Fuchsias, these consisting of huge and very freely flowered
pyramids of Arabella, Ross of Castile, Doel’s Favourite, and the Hon. Mrs.
Hay. Mr. G. Tucker, gardener to Major W. P. Clarke, was a creditable
second with Bountiful, Load-me-Welt, Harriet Lye, and Charming, all of
good size and well flowered. There were several classes for stove and
greenhouse plants, in all of which the competition was close and good. In
the open class for nine distinct varieties, Mr. J. F. Mould, Pewsey, was a
good first, his collection including capital specimens of Erica Marnockiana,
E. Austinana, E. Aitoni turgida, Dipladenia Brearleyana, AUnmanda Hen-
dersonii, and Clerodendron Balfourianum. The second prize was awarded to
Mr. J. Matthews, who had well-flowered plants of Erica exquisita, E. Mar¬
nockiana, and several other creditable specimens. Mr. Mould was also
easily first for nine fine-foliaged plants, some of the best of these being
Crotons majesticum, C. Sunset, C. Andreanum, Cycas revoluta, and Cocos
Weddelliana. Mr. W. C. Drummond, Bath, was placed second for a fairly
good collection, and he also took a prize for flowering plants. In the
amateurs’ classes the best six specimens were staged by Mr. J. Tucker, who
had very creditably grown plants of Anthurium Schertzerianum, Stephanotis
floribunda, with extra fine blooms ; Ixora Frastri, Statice profusa, Rondeletia
speciosa, and Bougainvillea glabra. The second prize was won by Mr. H.
Pocock, gardener to H. P. Haden, Esq., and the third by Mr. Matthews, each
having several good specimens. The class devoted to a single specimen was
very interesting, several good things being shown. The first prize was
awarded to Mr. G. Pymm, gardener to Mrs. Gouldsmith, who had a beauti¬
fully bloomed Cattleya Loddigesi, with eight strong spikes bearing about
twenty-four blooms. Mr. F. Perry was second with Pilumna nobilis, this
having twenty-Beven well-developed bloom3.

The class for new plants included several that were far from being novel,
the comparatively well-known but very beautiful Cattleya Dowiana, staged
by Mr. Richman, gardener to G.L. Palmer, E-iq., taking second prize, Mr. Mould
taking the first with a vigorous and well-coloured Croton Bergmanni.
Messrs. Matthews and Mould w re the winners with Ericas ; J. Durbin,
gardener to J. Tredwell, Esq., A. A. Walters, Bath, with single and double
Tuberous Begonias ; J. Matthews, G. Pymm, and H. Pocock, with Coleuses ;
the exhibits being most praiseworthy in each instance, and there were well
filled classes for Gloxinias, Cockscombs, Balsams, Zonal Pelargoniums, and
Achimenes. The banks of Ferns are always a feature in' the Trowbridge
shows, the prizes being usually won by local growers. Mr. G. Tucker was
first for fifteen Ferns and Mosses, these including fine healthy specimens of
Gymnogrammas, Adiantums, Davallias, A«pleniums, and other well-known
kinds. He was very closely followed by Mr. Jas. Coke, gardener to A. P.
Stancombe, Esq., and equal thirds were awarded to Mr. H. Clack, gardener
to C. Colston, Esq., and Mr. H. Pocock. Both the amateurs and cottagers
also exhibited plants in pots in goodly numbers and in a creditable
condition.

About thirty classes for cut flowers were provided, and in nearly every
instance the competition was very keen. Mr. J. Mattock, Oxford, took the
first prize for twelve triplets of Roses, these including Emile Hausburg,
Duchess of Bedford, Horace Yernet, Perle des Jardins, Maurice Bernardin,
Marie Van Houtte, and Niphetos. Mr. J. Campbell, gardener to S. P. Budd,
E^q , Bath, was second, and Messrs. J. Cooling & Son third, both exhibitors
having many good blooms. Mr. Mattock was also first for twenty-four
single blooms, among these being good blooms of La France, Benoit Comte,
C. Darwin, Baroness Rothschild, Marquise de Castellane, and Souvenir de
Paul Neyron. Messrs. G. Cooling & Son were second, and Mr. H. J. Gibbs
third. The Dahlias generally were very fine. Messrs. Keynes, Williams
and Co., Salisbury, were first for both twenty-four blooms and twelve
fancies, having a grand lot of bloom- in both instances, the names of which
the crowds prevented our taking. They also received certificates for such
fine new sorts as Colonist, Illuminator, Victor, and Defiance. Mr. T. Hobbs
took a second prize in the big class, and Mr. T. Humphreys was first and
Mr. H. Bush second with twelve blooms, Messrs. Keynes, Williams & Co.
were also first for twelve Pompons in bunches, and this very attractive
collection consisted of Royalty, The Khedive, Lady Blanche. Golden Gem,
Catherine, Darkness, White Aster, Favourite, and Dora. Mr. Humphreys
was a good second. Mr. A. A. Walters, Bath, had a very fine lot of single
D ihlias, and was easily first, the second prize going to Mr. W. J. Jones.
Mr. Walters exhibited quilled and other Asters succe-sfully, as also did Mr.
W. J. Jones, Mr. Salter, and several others. Mr. G. S. Wal'ers, Caine, had
a grand lot of Gladioli, and took the first prize, Mr. J. Mittock being second,
and Mr. W. Narroway third. There wer •. fewer vases, bouquets, and wreaths
than usual, and the first named were very inferior. Mr. M. Hookings was
first for a lov. ly bouquet, and Mr. G. Garraway, Bath, second, while the
beautiful wreath made by Miss Durbin was easily first, Mr. Garraway being
second, and Mr. Matthews third.

One tent was devoted to fruit, and here thi Judges, four in number, and
in one group, all had their knives at work, nothing but the solitary Pine
Apple shown by Mr. Iggulden, Frome, and which look (he first prize,
escaping. Melons should be cut, but surely there are plentyof good men to
be found who can estimate the me ats of a dish of Peaches and other fruit
without mutilating the best of them. Mr. A. Miller, gardener to W. H.
Long, Esq , Rood Ashton, was easily first for a co'lection of t n dishes of
fruit, these consisting of Black Hamburgh and Foster’s Seedling Grapes,
Blenheim Orange Melon, Hale’s Early, and Violet Hdtive Peaches, Moor
Park Apricots, Brown Turkey Figs, Early Orleans and Washington Plums,

184

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 26, 1886.

and Newington Nectarines, altogether a pretty lot. Mr. W. H. Prosser,
gardener to H. Laverton, Esq., Westbury.was a creditable second. For two
bunches of black Grapes Mr. C. Warden, Clarendon Park, Salisbury, was a
good first, staging well-finished B ack Hamburgh, the second prize going to
Messrs. D. Evry & Son, Bath, who had fairly good Alicante, and Mr. Kneo
was third with Black Hamburgh. For any black variety of Muscat flavour
Mr. Clack, Devizes, was first, having Madresfield Court in very good condi¬
tion, Mr. Warden being a good second with the same variety. Mr. Iggulden
was first for white Muscats ; Mr. T. Loosemore, gardener to W. Cooper,
Esq., Clifton, second, and Mr. F. Smith, Palace Gardens, Salisburv, third, all
having moderately good exhibits of Muscat of Alexandra. In the any
other white class Mr. A. Young, Clifton, was first with Buckland Sweet¬
water that had evidently been cut for many days, Mr. Iggulden following
with fine bunches of Foster’s Seedling. Mr. H. Clack was first for a green-
flesh Melon, and Mr. Prosser second, the former staging a good fruit of
Favourite, and the latter a seedling. A handsome, but rather over-ripe fruit
of Longleat Perfection staged by Mr. G. Taylor, gardener to A. R. Baily,
Esq., Frome, was disqualified as being white fleshed, a rather hard decision,
seeing that a white-fleshed class is not yet officially formed, and a certificate
of merit was but poor compensation. In the any other variety class, in¬
tended really for scarlet-fleshed sorts, Mr. H. Prosser was first for a very
good Blenheim Orange, and Mr. J. Preston second with Best of All, which
was really a green-flesh. Mr. T. King, DevizeB Castle, had the best dish of
Peaches, Dr. Hogg in good condition ; and Mr. Iggulden was first for
Nectarines, staging a good dish of Lord Napier, which happened to be of
better flavour than a prettier lot of the same variety near it. Mr. J. WeBton,
ardener to the Rev. C. C. Layard, was first for Apricots, Mr. Iggulden for
herries, Mr. Garraway for Green Gages, and Mr. Hall for Plums, the com¬
petition being good in each instance. Apples and Pears were also well
shown, the dishes of Beauty of Bath being particularly handsome, and the
dishes of Stirling Castle and Ecklinville Apples, which gained Mr. A. Miller
the first prize in the class for two culinary varieties, were noteworthy.

A very good lot of vegetables were shown, the professionals from Bath
being in good form as usual. However, Mr. A. Miller succeeded in taking
the first prize for a collection of nine varieties, th se consisting of very fine
White Elephant Onions, spring sown, particularly good Green Globe Arti¬
chokes, and which one of the five Judges thought of little worth in a collec¬
tion, good Snowball Turnips, Ne Plus Ultra Peas, Canadian vVonder Kidney
Beans, Reading Russet Potatoes, Moore’s Cream Vegetable Marrows, Old
Red Tomatoes, and very fine Ne Plus Ultra Runner Beans. Mr. T. Evry,
Bath, was a good second, and an extra third was awarded to Mr. G. Garra¬
way. Messrs. Cooling & Son were first for a brace of Cucumbers, having a
fairly good brace of Improved Telegraph. Mr. Smith, Baih, was first for
kidney Potatoes, and Mr. Garraway with rounds, and Mr. Miller was first
for Onions, having a fine dish of White Elephant.

FLOWER GARDENING IN THE LONDON ZOOLOGICAL

GARDENS.

A visit to the “ Z io ” is at all seasons interesting and instructive, the
Ziological Society’s large and varied collections of wild beasts, fowls,
reptiles, &c. &c., containing specimens from widely different regions,
brought within easy access to visitors. However, the major part of our
attention was directed to the flower garden, on bedding out of which there
is a large and varied quantity in different systems, and to all appearance
greatly appreciated by the majority of visitors, who indulge in favourable
encomiums as they ramble leisurely through the gardens.

Inside the south gate to the right an effective border of herbaceous
plants attracts attention, and round the curve of the walk on the left is a
glorious collection of East Lothian Stocks, some 3000 plants in a ser¬
pentine border which flanks this side of the flower garden. These Stocks
at the time of our visit were a striking success ; the strain appeared to be
all that the fancier could desire, and includes a great variety of colours.
Conspicuous amongst the collection was a purple Stock from Hawick.
The white Wallflower-leaved Stock grew robust and dense, and the
purity of its whiteness at once riveted attention. This border, backed
with hardy climbers, has been a great feature of interest in the gardens
this season.

The flower beds in front of the above border are laid out on grass, the
prevailing shape being oblong and circular, or any form that appeared to
commend itself for the working out of details at bedding out time. The
following beds at the time of our visit looked very bright : — A circular
bed, centre planted with Pelargonium Black Douglas (good bronze) ; next
a band of Ageratum Her Majesty, edged with Tropreolum Vesuvius. A
border flanking the south-western side of this garden was effectively
planted with a permanent edging of Euonymus radicans variegata.
Next a magnificent line of Amaranthus caudatus (Love-lies-bleeding), an
effective line of Nicotiana affinis, and single Dahlias planted alternately.
A back line of mixed Sweet Peas, in fine condition, contributed to the
effectiveness of the border.

A pair of circular beds in the immediate vicinity had a bold agreeable
appearance. The centre of one contained a fine group of Cannas, a line
of Chilian Beet, edged with Pyrethrum aureum ; the other bed a mass of
Nicotiana affinis, a line of Pelargonium Robert Burns, an outer edging
of white Lobelia Snowball and Eeheveria secunda glauca. The air was
impregnated with the fragrance of the Nicotiana affinis on the evening
when we saw it, and to see it at its best it should be observed in the
morning and evening, as the flowers close in the daytime.

Another brilliant bed contained a centre of Pelargonium Brutus
(crimson), a line of P. Robert Fish, edged with Lobelia Blue King. In
close proximity another laige circle was planted with Pelargonium Mrs.
Holden (probably the best pink bedding Pelargonium in cultivation),
next a line of Veronica Andersoni variegata, edged with Lobelia Blue
King.

We turn for relief to a large oblong bed filled with sub-tropteal plants,

such as Phormium tenax, Monstera deliciosa, Aralia Sieboldi, Ficus
elastica, Phoenix reclinata, Chamserops Fortunei, Dracaena congesta, and
others. This bed was edged with Eeheveria secunda glauca, car¬
peted with Tradescantia zebrina, and looked bold and effective. A very
pleasing pair of beds were planted obliquely with Pelargonium Violet
Hill, and P. Flower of Spring, a line of Tropaeolum Vesuvius edged with
Eeheveria secunda glauca. A mass of Pelargonium Henry Jacoby, a
band of Ageratum Her Majesty edged with Pyrethrums and Echeverias,
made up a very showy bed. A bed of Pelargonium Golden Fleece and
Viola Bluebell, an edging of Eeheveria secunda, had a cha-ming effect in
this garden ; a judicious introduction of tropical plants enhances the
effect. A line of Thomson’s Beet, considered to be an improvement on
Dell’s variety, is compact and brilliant.

Not the least feature of interest in the immediate vicinity of this
portion of the grounds is what is known as the Three Island Pond planted
with a variety of trees and shrubs and natural-looking Grasses, to afford
protection to the wild fowls that are here kept. Returning to the main walk
the great attraction is a magnificent carpet bed 45 by 8 feet. The design,
an ornamental scroll, was worked out effectively with the following
plants : The groundwork consisted of Antennar a tomentosa, Alternan-
thera paronyebioides aurea, and A, paronychioides major, a line of Pyre-
thrnm selaginoides, a marginal edging of Eeheveria secunda, filled in
between with Stonecrop, made up a very good edging. Kleinia repens
was effectively used for panelling. Specimens of such plants as Semper-
vivum, Pachyphytum, and dwarf Agaves planted in advantageous
positions tended to give variety and enhance the appearance of the
whole. This bed finds many admirers, and in its way it would be diffi¬
cult to surpass. There are other carpet and succulent beds, but do not
call for special attention. As we proceed a geometrical flower garden
comes in view, and in front of the monkey house the garden consists of
three plots of rhombus-shaped figures or beds 100 yards in length. These
beds were all brilliant masses of various colours, which locked dazzling in
the sunshine when viewed from one end.

A border in front of the western aviary filled with single Dahlias, Gladi¬
olus, and a fine collection of border Carnations, principally seedlings, &c, is
enjoyable, and on nearing the main entrance we notice a pair of
Eucalyptus globulus 25 feet high, one at each side of the gate. At each
side of the main walk are what is known as the terrace b irders, 300 feet
long, planted ribbon fashion. Front line an edging of Dacty'is glomerata
variegata, next a line of Ageratum, succeeded by a line of Calceolaria
Golden Gem, the latter backed with Pelargonium Vesuvius, next
Calceolaria Bijou, and at the extreme flank a line of Pelargonium Mrs.
Holden. A decided improvement is effected in those borders by the intro¬
duction of Cannas and Dracaena congesta, a liue at each side about the
central portion planted alternately some 10 feet apart, without the effects
obtained by such plants as the latter named ribbon borders are stiff and
formal.

As we ascend the steps of the promenade from the ter, ace walk, at the
lefc in a recess stands a gigantic balloon-shaped basket, 8 feet high, filled
to repletion with Fuchsias, Tropaeolums, Pyrethrums, and Lobelias. The
walls of this promenade are ornamented with ten vases along each
side tastefully filled with a variety of plants. The promenade com¬
mands a fine view of the principal portions of these interesting gardens.
There are several other phases of gardening carried out at the ‘ Z io ” under
tho able directorship of Mr. J. Young, the Society’s head gardener, but
time and space forbids further details ; suffice it to say that every part is
kept in the highest possible condition.— D. S. W.

MORIN A LONGIFOLIA.

Few plants are better adapted for the smaller hardy flower gardens
than this handsome and singular species. It is often considered tender,
but this we believe is true only in cases where the soil is heavy and drain¬
age very imperfect. It is a fact, however, that even in light well drained
soils it will dwindle unless transplanted, or the soil immediately round tho
roots taken away and new supplied. It is a voracious feeder, and atten¬
tion should be given to supplying it occasionally with a top-dressing or
liquid manure. It belongs to the same order as the Scabiosas and
Oephalaria, common garden plant i, but it is singularly like a Thistle
before the flowers open. There are Lalf a dozen or more so-called species
all inhabiting the Himalayas. The one in the annexed cut and that
known in gardens as Wallichiana, the correct name of which is M. persica,
are very near to each other indeed under ordinary circumstances ; and
after being cultivated f or a short time in the gardens they are scarcely
distinguishable. Another which is in cultivation, although not general,
is M. Coulteriana, a species lately figured in the “ Botanical Magazine ’’
as having flowered on the new rockery at Kew, and which we believe was
first introduced in quantity by Dr. Aitchison from Afghanistan, where it
is also f ound plentifully. It grows from 2 to 3 feet in height, more or
less hairy upwards ; the leaves, which are spinous toothed, are about
6 inches long, narrow, and glabrous, The calyx lobes differ from the above
two in being divided, mucronate or spinous. The flowers almost as large,
of a pretty primrose yellow It likes shade, and does best in a peaty soil.
Subalpine Himalayas at elevations of 9000 to 13,000 feet, flowering in
June and July.

August 26, 1888. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

185

M. betonicoides belongs to quite another section, in which the fertile
stamens are four instead of two, as in the above. It also is nearly related
to M. nepalensis, and of which it may be said to be a more fully de¬
veloped state. The lower leaves are all spinous, not toothed, as in the
others ; the flowers small, few in a head, of a pretty purple colour. Flowers
June. Native of Sikkim Himalayas, 10,000 to 13,000 feet. M. longifolm
which may be made to include M. peraiea, grows from 3 to 4 feet in
height, covered with a fine pubescence. The leaves are 6 inches or more
long, doubly tocthed, and spinous, often covered with hairs. Flowers pink,
about an inch in diameter. Flowers June and July. It may be increased

in other plants. There are also several other shades of colour in this
plant, from white to red and pale blues, dark purple, &c., all of which I
have grown from one packet of seed, and which look very pretty mixed.

Chrysanthemum segetum has lately been patronised by some people.
This also well repays for cultivation, as its flowers come much larger
than in the fields, and by a little selection in seeding the flowers may be
had much more perfect in form. Both of these are very useful for cut¬
ting, as they afford a large supply of flowers from a small space and last
well in water. The flowers of the Chrysanthemum also continue to
develope after they are cut for several days. I lately saw a dinner-table
which was decorated with a mixture of these two, and which was one of
the best and most effective combinations I have ever seen. A quantity

Fig. 26. — Mobika longifolia.

by division in spring, but seeds ripen freely, and these should be sown as
soon as gathered in autumn. The p'^nt is found at an elevation of
9000 to 14,000 feet in Temperate and Alpine Himalayas. — D.

BRITISH FLOWERS WORTH CULTIVATING.

Many of these are far more telling and conspicuous than some of
those introduced to this country, and would most likely improve greatly
under cultivation ; and yet they are passed over unnoticed by the
majority of cultivators, possibly because they are easily obtained. But
there are signs of increasing interest in our native plants, and deservedly
so, for if only a poition of the care is expended which is, as a rule, be¬
stowed on the natives of southern Europe, they will give better returns
for the attention. Some of those I am about to mention are cultivate I
now in a limited sense.

Centaurea cyanus, the beaut'ful blue Cornflower. I wonder this is
not grown by everyone. The colour of its flowers is seldom met wi h

of this Chrysanthemum, which I saw a few days since growing in a field
with Poppies and ripe Barley amongst it, had a very pretty effect. Both
the Centaurea and Chrysanthemum may be sown in September to flower
early the following summer, and if another sowing is made early in the
spring it will keep up the supply until late in the autumn.

Chlora perfoliata is another very pretty wild annual. This is so much
sought after here when in flower, that I have hitherto failed to obtain any
ripe seed to commence its cultivation. The flowers are a very soft yellow
colour, and in habit the plant resembles very much the common Centaury
(Erythrsea Centaurium). Its flowers, however, are much larger.

Anchusa officinalis is a very showy biennial if planted in poor stony
soil, which reduces its straggling habit. It is occasionally found in
gardens.

Carduus eriophorus, one of the noblest of our native plants ; also a
biennial. It forms a very striking object where there is room for it to
develope as a single specimen, and as it grows from 3 to 5 feet high it
requires to be placed in the background. Its four rows of leaflets on each
peticde are vtry curious and pretty.

186

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER

[ August 26, 1886,

Carduus tuberosus is a very pretty perennial which requires a moist
position to grow io, and will well repay for a little care in cultivation.

Geranium pratense is sometimes found under cultivation. It is
very striking when seen in a mass from a distance, and likes a moist
position.

Malva moschata is sometimes offered for sale, and is worthy of a place
in any herbaceous border.

Epilobium angustifolium is occasionally found in gardens, and requires
a position where it will not be disturbed and not overrun other plants.
A good mass of it with a background of shrubs is very effective. There
is also a white variety. It is perennial, and easily increased by
division.

Jasione montana, a plant averaging about 9 inches high. Its flowers
are in small heads of a lavender colour, and are distinct and pretty. It
is in most instances a biennial.

Lythrum Salicaria is one of the prettiest flowers that are natives of
this oountry — a perennial, and naturally found growing near water. It is
well worthy of a little extra care to get it in perfection ; its long spikes
of deep rose- coloured flowers are very effective.

Verbascum Blattaria is sometimes found under cultivation, and is
worthy of a place in every collection of herbaceous plants, however select
it may be. Whether it is an indigenous plant is disputed. I have found it
in a position which is much in favour of that opinion. It should be
raised from seed.

Vicia Cracca, a climbing plant about 2 feet to 4 feet high. It has very
pretty flowers of a telling shade of purple, and produces them very
freely.

Menyanthes trifoliata. — A bog plant, exceedingly delicate when in
flower, and well worth cultivating where a suitable place can be found .
It seeds very freely, but I have not succeeded in germinating the seed,
although its natural habitat was imitated. Doubtless roots would soon
establish themBelves.

Valeriana officinalis. — This is occasionally found in gardens. It
naturally grows in moist positions, but does not appear to be impartial to
dry places. It grows about 3 feet high, and has very sweet-scented
white flowers.

Anagallis tenella (the Bog Pimpernel). — Very small, but very dis¬
tinct and pretty. Requires a moist situation.

Eriopborum polystachyum. — Very abundant in some parts of the
kingdom, but quite unknown in most places. It is useful for mixing with
dry flowers, its silky tasselled seeds giving it the name of Cotton Sedge.
It is doubtful if this would thrive Unless in a bog either natural or
artificial.

Most of the rarer kinds of native Orchids are worthy of careful culti¬
vation. O. conopsea is the sweetest scented British plant I am acquainted
with, and is not excelled by many of the cultivated hardy plants. It
grows wild in a moist situation. A considerable number of this class, and
possibly all except the parasitic ones, may be successfully removed when
in flower. This is a great advantage, as they are comparatively insig¬
nificant at other times. We have growing here a specimen of the Bee
Orchis (Ophrys apifera), which was dug up in flower in Germany, and
brought home several years since. — W. H. Diveks, Ketton Hall.

A correspondent informs us that the Duke of Buccleuch
Grapes at Drumlanrig are finer than ever this year, or were a short
time ago, for we learn the finest were sent to Holyrood for the Queen, and
Her Majesty was astonished by their size and beauty. Perhaps Mr. David
Thomson will wonder how this information has reached us ; we think,
however, it is accurate, and we congratulate him on h'S continued
success.

- We owe an apology to the Rev. J. A. Williams of Alderminster

for not more promptly acknowledging the receipt of the finest truss of
Perle DES Jardins Rose that has ever brightened our sanctum. Mr.
Williams, who had taken two good blooms from the truss, observes, “ This
Rose too often opens in a confused state, but I think you will say that not
one of the five more or less expanded blooms is ‘ confused.’ ” We say
that every bloom was smooth, solid, and symmetrical. Mr. Williams
describes this Rose as “an exceedingly healthy and vigorous grower, and
as a garden Tea Rose hardly to be surpassed.” Each flower was borne on
a peduncle so stout that the blooms were as upright as if wired or arranged
in a first-prize stand at a show.

- Mr. Cuthbert Johnson sends us from Daventry an abnormal

Potato Plant with the crop growing on the stems, the tubers, which
are of medium size, proceeding from the axils of the leaves. This

curious method of growth is occasionally seen, but is by no means
common.

- The third Exhibition of the Huddersfield Chrysanthemum

Society will be held on November 12th and 13 th. It is satisfactory to
observe from the report that the Society is in a sound financial condition
and is supported by a large number of subscribers. Very good prizes are
offered in the schedule, the chief of these being £10, £7, and £4 respec¬
tively in the open class for forty-eight blooms in not less than thirty-six
varieties, and £5, £3, and £2 for twenty-four varieties. A timepiece,
value £5, is offered for a group of plants in the local class, and £5, £3,
and £2 for twenty-four blooms in not less than eighteen varieties. Prizes
are offered for other autumn decorative plants besides Chrysanthemums,
also for fruit. Mr. John Bell, Luck Lane, Marsh, Huddersfield is the
Hon. Secretary.

- Potatoes in Ireland. — Mr. J. H. Tuke has published his

report of the distribution in Achill and the West of Ireland of the Seed
Potato Fund during the spring of the present year, which amounted to
£5205. The total number of families supplied with seed exceeded 6000,
representing a population of 30,000 or 40,000 persons, and the most
gratifying accounts have been received of the successful growth and
prospects of the crops for the various parishes assisted. In this portion
of Ireland, says Mr. Tuke, the evils which affect the people can alone be
removed, if at all, by economic measures, and not by political changes,
however wide their scope.

- The collection of Hollyhocks at Forest Hill, for which

Messrs. J. Laing & Co. have long been noted, comprises some excellent
named varieties, chiefly seedlings, showy in habit, with large well formed
flowers of clear and bright colours. Some of the best of these are the
following, which are selected from a hundred or more : — Alexander Kerr,
white shaded rose ; Alba superba, pure white ; J. M. Lindsay, cherry red ;
Lord Jerviswood, white, suffused with rose ; Lord Middleton, rosy peach ;
Hon. B. Hamilton, pale blush ; John Bell, deep rose ; Mrs. Laing, rosy
lilac ; Mrs. Boston, rosy peach ; Memnon Improved, light red ; Miss
Dawson, pink ; Nellie Grieve, purple ; Purple Prince, dark purple ; Rev.
D. Paul, yellow, dark base; Rev. Jjis. Robinson, pale orange; Tecoma,
satiny rose ; Primrose Model, primrose ; Invincible, rosy salmon.

- The Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union Fungus Foray will take

place on Thursday, September 30th. On the following day there will be
an exhibition of the specimens in the Leeds Museum, kindly lent for the
purpose ; and in the evening the usual dinner. Several distinguished
mycologists have promised to be present, and no effort is being spared on
the part of the officials to make it a success.

- The Guildford Chrysanthemum Society will hold their

annual exhibition in the Large Hall, Guildford, on Wednesday and
Thursday, November 10th and 11th, this year. Prizes, chiefly of moderate
amount, are offered in twenty-nine classes for Chrysanthemum plants and
blooms, fruit and vegetables. The Secretary is Mr. A. Walker, The
Beeches, Guildford.

- W. R. Raillem sends the following note on Rose Her

Majesty : — “ There has been a good deal of mystery about this Rose ever
since it first gained the gold medal at Kensington, but we have certainly
been given to understand that it is H.P., or at least H.T. I think it was
advertised as H P. May I ask those who have purchased plants of it
last spring whether they do not rather think it to be H.C. P It is
rumoured so to be, and it certainly looks uncommonly like it. My plant
grew quite 4 feet high, with stems as thick as my finger, and thorns of
extraordinary stoutness, but showed no sign or promise of bloom. I have
headed it back in order to breed from it, but if it be H.C. only I fear
that we shall get no blooms from yearling plants. P.S. — If I had known
that ‘Horace Vernet’ himself was going to write on the subject of
‘ Small Rose Growers,’ I would have held my tongue. If I am not mis¬
taken, his modesty (he is catalogued, I think, as a ‘ shy ’ bloomer) alone
orevented him from making his letter, good as it is, absolutely decisiv
on the point in question.”

- Mr. W. Eastwood, Muncaster Hall, Ramford, St. He’ens

writes : — “ The Variegated Trop^iolum at Aberaman Park that
Mr. Smith referred to in the Journal of Horticulture, August 12tb, 1886,
was a sport cut from the green variety grown up the rafters in the green¬
house at Moorfield House, Withington, near Manchester, in 1872. Some
half-dozen plants were propagated and grown in 6-inch pots, kept colour
in foliase and flower as Mr. Smith states. In 1875 I went as foreman in

August 28, 18S6. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

187

the houses at Aberaman Park, and in the following year (1876) I went on
a visit to Manchester and procured cuttings of the above-named
Tropaeolum, which both rooted, and I increased the stock to thirteen or
fourteen good strong plants, but it ^as never bedded out in my time
while there to June, 1877, Mr. Morgan then being head gardener.”

- Gardeners in Australia.— “ D. J. A.” will be glad if any

of our readers can inform him what wages an under gardener receives in
Australia.

- Mr. Thomas Wood, as a competitor in the late Boiler

Contest at Liverpool, thanks Mr. Bardney for “ so lucidly placing
the facts thereon before the public.” Amongst other points referred to
by Mr. Wood in favour of his own boiler, and consequently coming
under the category of advertisements, “ he thought at one time a com.
petitor was to be one of the judges, seeing the active part he took in
taking the temperatures and following the judges in their duties.” The
letters we have received from exhibitors on this subject will be preserved,
and any suggestions in them noted that may be of service in any possible
future contests.

- Mr. A. Crews desires us to state that his engagement as

manager with Messrs. Yiccars, Collyer & Co., Leicester, has terminated*
and that he now occupies a similar position in the Chad Valley Nurseries,
Edgbaston, Birmingham, that being his present address.

- Mr. W. Iggulden sends the following note on a fine Queen

Pine Apple “ Mr. J. Lock, gardener to B. W. Cleave, Esq., Crediton,
Devon, the well-known plant exhibitor, is also equally as expert in fruit
culture. I have seen several remarkably fine Smooth Cayenne Pine
Apples that he has grown, but his greatest achievement in that direction
is the production of a Queen Pine weighing 7 lbs. 14 ozs., this being only
a trifle short of the weight of the grand Queen exhibited by Mr. Sandford
of Underley Hall, Westmoreland, at the fruit show held at Manchester
some years ago (I forget the date, but well remember the exhibit, which
was considered worthy of a gold medal). I hope Mr. Lock, in addition
to showing his fine fruit at Exeter on August 25th, will also send or take
it, if it will keep, to the Crystal Palace and South Kensington meetings
early next month.”

- The Bristol Chrysanthemum Society’s Show will be held

in the Drill Hall, Queen’s Hoad, Clifton, Bristol, on November 17th and
18th. We observe from the schedule a silver cup is offered as the first
prize for six plants, and the silver medal of the National Chrysanthemum
Society is added to the first prize for twenty-four blooms. The schedule
embraces sixty-three classes, and the exhibition should be representative
of garden produce in season at that period of the year.

- Gardening Appointments. — The following appointments

have been made through Messrs. John Laing & Co., Nurseries, Forest
Hill, London, E.C. : — Mr. Packman as gardener to C. P. Brachi, Esq.,
Brook House, Southgate. Mr. Bingham as gardener to L. White, Esq.,
Engadine, Bromley. Mr. R. Harman as gardener to W. P. Jeffrey, Esq.,
Llandovery, S. Wales. Mr. J. Heard as gardener to M. J. Freeman, Eeq.,
The Grange, Exmouth. Mr. Young as gardener to A. G. Petty, Esq.,
Shooter’s Hill, Woolwich ; and Mr. J. Davis as gardener to E. A. Woolley
Esq., Manor House, Abbotts Lmgley, Herts.

- Referring to the derivation of the name Hollyhock, a cor¬
respondent remarks that Dr. R. C. Prior has said that “ Hock is clearly
from the Latin alcea, but the Holli is very difficult to explain. Somner’s
Dictionary gives a pretended Anglo-Saxon Holihoe, an improbable word,
and one that, if it ever existed, could not have applied to a flower un¬
known to the Anglo-Saxons. Wedgwood understands it as meaning
‘ Holy-land-hock,’ but a p'ant unassociated with any legend would
scarcely have been called Holy from having been found in Palestine. It
is questionable, however, whether it comes to us from that country. In
old writers it is distinguished as the Alcea hortulana, or Garden-hock, and
possibly Holly may he a corruption of the word hoitulana. Another pos¬
sible source of it is the Hock-tide, a festival of the Church, with which
the name of the plant may have become confused, and from some associa¬
tion of ideas the Holy been thus attached to it. But upon the whole, the
most probable origin of it is Latin caulis, with the meaning of a cale,
coley, or Cabbage-hock, and referring, as in Cabbage-rose, to its well-filled
double flowers ; or used in the sense of stalk, and referring to its lofty
habit. Cauli or Coley-hock would easily pass into Holly and Holy-hock.”
Some have thought the word is derived from the Welsh “ Holliacb,”

signifying quite well or whole, and, therefore, synonymous with the
generic name Althrea.

- For several years, says Nature, attempts have been made in

Sweden to extract tannic Matter fiom the Swedish Species of Pine,
similar in quality, &c.,to that of the American Hemlock (Pinus canadensis),
but without satisfactory results, chiefly on account of the manner in which
this is done not being known. Now, however, the question has been
solved by a chemist, Dr. Laudin, who, having visited North America for
this purpose, has, on his return to Sweden, succeeded in producing tannic
matter by a chemical process, which has been found equal to the American,
though the colour of the Swedish leather produced therewith is more
yellow in colour than the American. It is hoped that this discovery will
have the effect of causing a great tanning industry to spring up in
Sweden.

A SPLENDID RHODODENDRON.

The Vine at Hampton Court has long been reputed for its magnifi¬
cence above others of its class. Here and there over the country striking
specimens of plants crop up and call for special comment. Well, in
“ Ye ancient Kingdom o’ Fife,” and at Balbirnie, the residence of Colonel
Balfour of Balbirnie, in the parish of Markinch, a very fine Rhododendron
attracts attention. Few places in Fifeshire are more inviting than
Balbirnie for floral grandeur. There we can look back, and that pleasantly
for a long series of years when Messrs. Thomson, France, Edwards,
Temple, were in succession head gardeners there, and now with equal
delight on beholding the achievements made by the present head gardener,
Mr. Henderson. The gardens at Dysart House, also in Fifeshire, have
long been famed for Rhododendrons grown there, but not better than at
Balbirnie. We have seen them well managed under Mr. Blair, Mr.
Laing (Mr. John Laing of the firm of Messrs. John Laing & Co., Stan-
stead, London), Mr. Pierce, Mr. Thomson, and Mr. Clarke, and their
efforts told effectively, but the plant we now refer to eclipses any we have
seen in this part of the country. Rhododendrons at Balbirnie are well
managed and grow beautifully. Here Rhododendrons are special
favourites. They are well cared for and grow freely and luxuriantly in
soil that suits them well. The particular plant under notice eclipses any
we have ever seen for size, symmetry, and beauty. It is growing in a
shady dell to the north-east of the mansion house, and by a burnside.
So large has this plant grown that it has become a particular object in
the scenery, and the admiration of all who have seen it. Surrounded by
feathery Ferns and white and purple Foxgloves that stand forth amongst
underwood beneath tall trees on the neighbouring banks, its situation is
very suitable. It must have been planted fully fifty years ago. It is
worth going miles to see. It is in perfect health, and this season it was
completely covered with flowers. This remarkable specimen measures
39 feet in diameter, and 15 feet 6 inches in height. A photograph of this
floral beauty has been taken, and is well worth preserving. — Thomas
Nicol.

OLD AND NEW ROSES.

[A paper by Mr. Joseph H. Bourn, read before the Massachusetts Horticultural Society.]
( Continued from page 160.)

The Roses of all lands are with us, but changed in their constitution
— some weakened, others strengthened by a change of diet, climate, and
care. The rosery should be both exposed and sheltered, a place of sun¬
shine and of shade ; the centre clear and open, and the protecting screen
around. The requisite conditions of a spot selected for R ise culture
cannot always be judged by the mere texture, depth, or character of the
soil, even in conjunction with climate and situation ; for it is more a
matter of actual experience than calculation. The Rose trees should be
so arranged that the sun will shine upon them from its rise to meridian,
and then leave them in shadow and repose. The hardy may preferably
be planted in the autumn, the tender in the spring. Set plants of one or
two years’ growth, and prune before planting, for the shortening of the
shoots and roots reduces the number of bu is which draw upon the sap,
and a more vigorous growth follows. Choose a day when the earth is
easily worked and friable, for planting. Place the roots 3 to 6 inches
under the surface, and set deeper in light and dry than in strong and moist
soils. Transplanting should occur once in five or six years, but budded
and grafted varieties more frequently become impaired ; the wood,
annually weaker, does not attain that maturity and size necessary to the
production of fine flowers. If we carefully remove a tree in this condition
we shall find large, sucker-like roots, almost destitute of fibres, which
have been burying themselves iu the earth each succeeding year. Re¬
moved farther from the reach of nourishment, the bush dwindles and
becomes debilitated, which is remedied by replanting in the autumn,
cutting off the suckers and pruning the roots.

Roses may be grown to perfection in ordinary garden soil, but they
must be cultivated, and the ground thoroughly drained, dug, and fertilised,
and rendered as porous as possible. In clay loams the use of sand, lime,
soot, burnt earth, and loose, light vegetable matter, like leaves decayed to
mould, will alter the texture and improve the quality. At the time of
planting strong fertilisers are not required, but when the trees have become
established they like rich soil, which should be made light for the delicate
rooting kindB, and more tenacious for the robust and hardy ; and it would
be reasonable that the classes and varieties differing in their nature should

188

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 26, 1886.

have more than one soil, that each may receive that which is the most
suitable. A knowledge of the several ingredients of the earth in which
our bed of Roses is planted would afford desirable information, in order
that we may apply at the right time the proper kind of fertilisers ; and a
renewal of the surface soil with old pasture loam every two or three years
will supply important elements unattainable by any other method. The
upper earth should be kept light and loose, in order to readily admit those
constituents which cause growth, and the soil should be filled with such
particles of food in the particular form necessary to unite with the air and
water, avoiding the application of more fertilisers in a soluble state than
the plants can consume. A critical observer and careful grower might say
that the earth should be filled with stimulants in different stages of de¬
composition, that the tree may, in all conditions of growth, have plenty
of food; to be applied often, in a weak, liquid form, when the plant! are
growing, and especially flowering. An application of bone and potash acts
favourably when the earth is removed from the bushes in the spring. A
frequent sprinkling of water at evening adds health to the foliage, and is
a preventive of insect destruction ; and it is best to imitate Nature, and
wet the earth thoroughly only when dry, withholding water until again
needed.

Pruning is the most important and difficult operation to perform with
success, on account of the extent of ihe genus, made up of varieties differ¬
ing so much from each other in habit and character ; and as so much is
■dependent on circumstance, much must be left to the judgment of the opera¬
tor. Autumn and spring pruning both have their helps and hindrances.
An improved symmetrical form is obtained by disbudding, or rubbing out
some of the eyes when swelling, which method of pruning takes the place
■of thinning out the weaker branches, whereby the remaining buds produce
stronger wood, and consequently there is a healthier and larger surface of
foliage. The important results which arise from pruning are, the main¬
tenance of the tree in health and vigour, giving a form agreeable to the
eye and advantageous to the development and display of its blossoms, and
securing an abuudance of fine flowers. The most desirable and pleasing
form for trimming is that of a pyramid, or half oval, where all of the shoots
ahd branches receive a due portion of air and sunlight ; and we should
never forget t > look to the name, to know the habit and character of the
variety to be pruned, to ascertain if it is a strong or weakly grower, and
whether or not the finest flowers are produced indiscriminately from the
low, middle, or top germs.

There is no royal road to the elegant garden of Rose3. Although a
more generally diffused taste for the cultivation of this charming race of
plants is manifest, few have a sufficient knowledge of their habits to know
how to grow them intelligently. Besides, we must see these choicest gifts
of Nature to be acquainted with their excellences. In most of our gardens
there are no special attractions to the rosarian,butahappy, peaceful home
to the entomologist. Yet there are pleasing spots which receive studious
attention, where Nature seems to have expended all her wealth in render¬
ing the earth blossomy beautiful with the simple loveliness of the Roses;
most elegant at sunrise, when newly dilated by the breath of morn, and
showing all that freshness in which consist peculiar charms, too soon
vanishing before the radiance of a summer’s sun. In their purity and
splendour these souvenirs of love and friendship blush and gleam amid
their glossy leaves.

I am often asked what varieties are to be most commended for garden
culture. All of the several types have some peculiar and distinct charac¬
teristic which is valuable. I should therefore elect from the different
families according to the number desired, regard being had to variety of
shades, hardiness, and freedom of bloom, giving preference to those whose
petals are abundant and regularly and gracefully disposed, and, usually,
the thicker these are the richer the tints and the longer the flowers endure.
Dark Roses, as a rule, are the first to fade ; but Louis Van Houtte, Marie
Baumann, and Alfred Colomb rank high f >r permanency of colour.
The rose shades that are the most durable are illustrated in Marquise de
Castellane, Rev. J. B. M. Camm, Marguerite de St. Amand, and Jules
Margottin ; and from the pink choose Eugenie Verdier, Baroness Roth¬
schild, and Comtesse de Serenye. Jean Liabaud, Baron de Bonstetten,
John Hopper, La RosiSre, Madame Gabriel Luizet, Paul Nevron,
Marchioness of Exeter, Thomas Mills, Anna de Diesbach, E. Y. Teas,
Maurice Bernardin, Madame Hippolyte Jamain, Charles Darwin, Abel
Carrie re, Madame Victor Verdier, and Monsieur Boncenne are grand
garden Roses ; while Marie Verdier, Lady Sheffield, Duchess of Beuford,
Madame Scipion Cochet, Alfred K. Williams, Duke of Teck, Pride of
Waltham, Mrs. Jowitt, Harrison Weir, Merveille de Lyon, Ulrich
Brunner, Earl of Beaconsfield, Helen Paul, and Countess of Rosebery are
less known, but quite fine and estimable. Some of you are familiar with
many of the new Roses — Antoine Mermet, Alexandre Dupont, Joseph
Metral, Louise Cretien, Madame Delavaux, Souvenir Leon Gambetta,
Violette Bouyer, Centenario de Camors, Fanny Giron, Marie Lagrange,
and Ernest Prime. A few of the new French Remontants of 188lj
which will soon be presented for your approbation are from Pernet
the Baronne Nathaniel de Rothschild, a large globular, delicate rose
colour ; from Levet, the Madame D. Wettstein, cherry red ; from Gonod,
the Etendard de Lyon, a large, fine shape, purplish crimson ; also the
Souvenir de Labruyere, vivid rose, centre darker ; from Dubreuil, the
Admiral Brisbet, a fine-scented, pinkish crimson ; and from Liabaud,
Docteur Dor, large, Tea-scented, dark cherry red, shaded darker ;
Madame Pitaval, light cherry red ; Madame Stinouge, purplish red'
and Monsieur Hoste, velvety crimson. From Guillot, the Gloire Lyon-
naise, fine form, free and scented, creamy white, with yellow centre.
Every season brings out novelties, but few real gems, mostly imitations
of familiar acquaintance; and we must not expect to meet with the

improvement of former years, but must rest satisfied with the more
gradual development usual among plants that have been long in
cultivation.

(To be continued.)

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

The two Exhibitions of cottagers’ garden produce occupied the greater
portion of the conservatory at South Kensington on Tuesday last, and very
rarely is such an excellent display of vegetables seen at shows of this de¬
scription. This especially applies to the cottagers’ and artizans’ show in con¬
nection with the Royal Horticultural Society, which was one of the most
successful that has been held both in number of entries and quality of
exhibits. The hardy flowers from Mr. T. S. Ware and Messrs. Paul & Son,
the Gladioli from Messrs. Kelway & Son, the Roses from Messrs. W. Paul and
Son, with the Hollyhocks from Mr. Blundell and Messrs. Webb & Brand,
constituted the chief portion of the floral attraction, and rendered the con¬
servatory very gay.

Fruit Committee. — Present : T. Francis Rivers, Esq., in the chair, and
Messrs. Harrison Weir, Philip Crowley, F. Rutland, J. Burnett, W. Warren,
Wm. Paul, J. Ellam, and G. Bunyard.

The exhibits before thiB Committee were few, the most important being
a collection of early Apples from Messrs. W. Paul & Son, Waltham Cross, for
which a vote of thanks was awarded. They comprised fine fruits of Ecklin-
vide Seedling, Stirling Castle, Yorkshire Beauty, Devonshire Quarrenden,
Manks Codlin, Early Julyan, New Hawthornden, Keswick Codlin. Small’s
Admirable, and Duchess of Oldenburg. Mr. Tayler, gardener to Sir John
Lubbock, High Elms, Down, sent a good fruit of Melon Blenheim Orange ;
Mr. J. Blundell, Dulwich, showed a dish of Plums ; Mr. R. Gilbert, Burghley,
showed samples of a new selection called the Jubilee Sprouts ; Mr. C. Noble
had a dish of Red Astrachan Apples ; Messrs. Grimsdiek & Son, Hayward’s
Heath, exhibited a Melon named Grimsdick’s Perfection, which was found to ,
be over-ripe ; and Mr. Griffin, Coombe Bank Gardens, Kingston-on-Thames,
sent two seedling Melons, one of which was also found to be over-ripe.

Floral Committee. — Present : G. F. Wilson, Esq., F.R.S., in the chairi
and Messrs. W. Bealby, T. Baines, H. Herbst, Amos Perry, H. Bennett,
C. Noble, A. F. Lendy, G. Duffieid, J. Dominy, H M Pollett, James O’Brien,
E. Hill, Harry Turner, James Walker, and Dr. M. T. Masters. Messrs. J.
Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, exhibited a collection of hybrid spotted Gladioli of
the G. Lemoinei type, including several very pretty new varieties ; one
named Voltaire was certificated, and others of nearly equal merit were
La Fayette, salmon red; M. Ch. Henry, scarlet; Mars, crimson; and
Sceptre d’Or, pale yellow and red. Messrs. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, had
stands of exceedingly fine double and single Tuberous Begonias, very large,
of good shape, and bright varied colours. A selection of choice single
Pompon and other Dahlias was also shown, and a bouquet of Salpiglossis of
many tints. Mr. J. Blundell, Dulwich, had a stand of Hollyhock flowers,
comprising some useful decorative varieties, as well as some named forms
up to the florists’ standard, the best of the latter being Mary Anderson,
pale yellow; W. G. Head, dark red, with fine guard petals; Princess
Victoria of Wales, pale salmon; and Miss Roupell, rosy salmon. Messrs.
Webb it Brand, Saffron Walden, had a collection of fifty Hollyhock blooms,
besides eight fine stems at the back. Very handsome was a pure white
variety named Alba Superha, Vivian, dark red ; Grace, rosy salmon ;
Octavius, rose ; and Golden Drop, yellow. Mr. R. Dean, Ealing, showed
some fine Mammoth African Marigolds, very large, bright lemon and orange
colour (vote of thanks) also Chrysanthemum hybridum Sunbeam, a fine
clear yellow, cross between coronarium and segetum, and it is said not to
produce seeds. Mr. W. Bull, Chelsea, sent flowers of the neat and prettily
marked Aristolochia elegans and the bright Impatiens Hawkeri, which have
been previously noted. Mr. C. Turner, Slough, showed stands of forty-eight
Dahlia blooms, large handsome examples of the best show and fancy
varieties ; a novelty named Bendigo, of a rich crimson self, being note¬
worthy for its excellent form.

G. Hardy, Esq., Timperley, Cheshire, was awarded a vote of thanks for
flowers of Cattleva gigas Hardyana, remarkable for the intensely rich
crimson colour of the lip. Similar recognitions were accorded to the New
Plant and Bulb Company, Colchester, for a variety of Cattleya superba from
Colombia with a raceme of four large crimson flowers, and samples of
Impatiens Jerdoni® and I. concolor; to H. J. Buchan, Esq., Wilton House,
Southampton, for Maxillaria setigera with loDg narrow yellow-and-white
sepals and petals ; to Mr. C. Kershaw, Brighouse, for Adiantum cuneatum
elegans, a dwarf compact useful variety ; and to Mr. Eckford, Boreatton
Park Gardens, Shrewsbury, for a charming collection of Sweet Pea3 and
Pansies. A cultural commendation was adjudged to Mr. W. King, gardener
to P. Crowley, E-q., Waddon House, Croydon, for Chrysanthemum Madame
Desgranges with r-markably Urge pure white blooms. Mr. W. Roupell
showed blooms of single white Dahlias, and Mr. T. Smallman, Kenilworth
Road, Leamington, sent a double white Primu’a and seedling Coleuses of
no special merit.

Of the groups and collections of flowers the most imposing was that
from Messrs. Kelway <fc Son, Langport, Somerset, which comprised 2o0
spikes of Gladiolus, representing some scores of new and recent varieties, four
being selected for certificates. In addition to these, boxes of Antirrhinums,
Phloxes, Gaillardias, and Pyrethrums were contributed, the silver-gilt medal
awarded being amply deserved. Mr. T. S. Ware, Tottenham, had his usual
handsome collecrion of hardy flowers, and it is astonishing that such a bright
yet varied display could be maintained for such a long period. It convincingly
proves the resources of a well-stocked garden of hardy flowers, and that
those who complain of beds and borders devoted to such plants being dull
have not a sufficiently large or well chosen selection. Liliums superhum,
tigrinum, and speciosum were especially good, with the brilliant Tritoma
Uvaria, single and Pompon Dahlias, tastefully arranged with Asparagus
shoots, Lythrums, Phloxes, Gaillardias, and innumerable other flow rs, a
silver medal being awarded for the collection. Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshunt,
also had a magnificent collection of hardy flowers and ornamental shrubs,
for which a medal of equal value was ad j udged ; and the same honours were
accorded to Messrs. Wm. Paul & Son, Waltham Cross, for twelve boxes of
Rose blooms, wonderfully fresh and bright for the time of year ; to the New

August 26. 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

189

Plant and Bulb Company, Colchester, for a group of Lilium auratum,
Gladiolus Lemoinei, and Ferns tastefully arranged ; and to Messrs. J. Carter
and Co., High Holborn, for an admirable group of Asters in pots, representing
some very line straius of the Dwarf Bouquet, French Preony, Pyramidal
German, and Chrysanthemum-flowered types.

CERTIFICATED PLANTS.

Dahlia Eccentric (C. Turner). — A Pompon variety of neat form, strangely
differing in colour from orange scarlet to creamy white ; very distinct and
curious.

Dahlia Telloto Constance (T. S. Ware). — A decorative variety of the Mrs.
Hawkins type ; true pure bright yellow.

Dahlia Amos Perry (T. S. Ware). — A single variety in the way of Paragon,
beautifully formed ; deep maroon, with a scarlet margin to the florets.

Dahlia Miss Limaker (T. S. Ware). — A single variety, bright rosy
crimson, with a lighter margin to the florets.

Dahlia Mr. Rose (H. Cannell & Sons). — An extremely beautiful single
variety with excellently formed blooms, white, streaked with crimson.

Gladiolus Lady Macfarren (Kelway). — A handsome flower, white, tinged
with purple at the base. A fine massive spike.

Gladioltis Lord Ashbourne (Kelway). — Bright scarl t streaked with a
darker shade. Very effective.

Gladiolus Empress of India (Kelway). — A charming variety, light purple
with a few darker streaks. The flowers of great size and the spike
massive.

Gladiolus Lady Salisbury (Kelway). — A delicately pretty variety, creamy
white with dark streaks of rosy crimson.

Gladiolus Prince Edward of Saxe Weimar (Kelway). — Very distinct,
large bold scarlet flowers in a dense spike, scarlet with deeper streaks and a
purple centre.

Gladiolus Voltaire (J. Veitch & Sons). — One of the Lemoinei group,
with rosy crimson flowers and a light central bar in each of the lower petals.

THE COTTAGERS’ SHOWS.

Some reference has been made to the two Shows of cottagers’ produce,
and it is only necessary to add a few words in regard to the general character
of the displays. That which formed a portion of the Royal Horticultural
Society’s series for the present year was much the more extensive of the
two, the vegetables being of far better quality, and the competition sur¬
prisingly keen in most of the twenty-two classes provided. For instance,
there were forty-three exhibitors in the class for one dish of Potatoes,
thirty-five with Scarlet Runner Beans, the same number in the class for
Carrots, which were mostly of great merit, thirty with Vegetable Marrows,
twenty-four with Beet, twenty-six with Turnips, twenty-one with Onions,
the same number with a dish of Peas, twenty-four with three varieties of
Potatoes, eighteen with three Cabbages, and many other classes were nearly
as well filled, especially in the small fruit section, Cherries beings shown by
twelve exhibitors, Currants by fourteen, and Gooseberries by twenty.

Some of the most successful competitors were the following — H. Gibbsj
Church Green, Sevenoaks ; J. Wellard. View Cottage, Eynsford ; G. Kirt-
iand, Bletchington, Oxon; J. Vennell, Manor Cottage, Maidstone; F. Hall,
St. Lawrence, Ramsgate; G. Beckett, Amersham ; R. Neal, Aston Clinton,
Bucks; R. Timbs, Amersham ; G. W. Kentish, Kempstead, Herts; R. Hall,
Dartford ; S. Richardson, Chase Green Avenue, Enfield ; G. North, Buck¬
ingham; J. Venn, East Acton ; H. Bruce, Tring; G. Castle, Nettlestead,
Maidstone; and W. Jacobs, Pet worth.

The Show altogether was highly satisfactory, and a large proportion of
the vegetables would not have disgraced any gentleman’s gardener.

The other Show was that in which the Agricultural and Horticultural
Association (Limited) provided the prizes, the managing director being Mr.
E. O. Greening. This was termed a “ National Co-Operative Flower Show,”
and prizes varying from 42s. to 2s. 6d. were offered for vegetables and
flowers. In some of the classes there were ten or twelve competitors, but in
many others there were from two to six entries, and there was a roughness
about some of the produce that was not satisfactory. The bouquets and cut
flowers were, with a few exceptions, far from being as good as are generally
seen at the leading cottagers’ shows. Amongst the vegetables, however,
there were specimens of considerable merit. In the afternoon a paper was
read by Mr. E. 0. Greening entitled “ How Can our Co-Operative Organisa¬
tion be best utilised to Promote a Love of Horticulture amongst our Working
People?”

SUMMER AND AUTUMN EXHIBITIONS.

In the following list are given the dates of the principal shows to be
held up to the end of October this year, and we shall be obliged if tbe
Secretaries of Societies holding shows during the season named will
forward us their schedules.

AUGUST.

27th, Friday. — Sandy (Beds).

27th, Friday. — Hinckley.

SEPTEMBER.

1st, Wednesday. — Bath.

1st, Wednesday. — Oxford.

3rd, Friday. — Crystal Palace, Fruit and Dahlias.

7th, Tuesday. — Royal Horticultural Society, Committees: Fruit and
Dahlia Show.

8th, Wednesday. — Edinburgh.

flth, Thursday. — National Chrysanthemum Society, Early Chrysan¬
themums, Westminster Aquarium.

21st, Tuesday. — Royal Horticultural Society, Committees.

OCTOBER.

6th, Wednesday. — Crystal Palace, Fruit Show.

12th, Tuesday. — Royal Horticultural Sofiety, Committees and Hardv
Fruits. *

13 rb, Wednesday. — National Chrysanthemum Society, Floral Com¬
mittee.

26th, Tuesday. — Royal Horticultural Society, Committees, and Chrysan¬
themum Show.

WOKK-FOIUheWEEK-.

KITCHEN GARDEN.

Autumn Onions. — The au'umn Onion crop is a very important one
as in the spring and early summer, when all spring-sown Onions are
over, these keep up a supply, and for both kitchen use and exhibition
purposes they are most useful. We have still a few of those sown last
August in the ground, but most of them have been lifted and used, and
some of them have been exhibited successfully. It is now, however, past
their season, and the sooner they are all drawn and used the better. Any
which are perfectly firm may be kept for a time, but they will not keep
long. Now is an excellent time to sow again for next year’s supply.
The Giant Rocca or some of the Tripoli varieties are the best. The
white ones always bulb soonest in the spring, and a quuantity of them
should always be sown. Last year we sowed our autumn Onions on
August 26th, and we did not lose a score of them through bolting in
spring. When sown too early they are very liable to do this.

Tbe soil in which they are to be sown should have a good dressing of
lime or soot dug into it, then fork a quantity of manure into the surface,
and there is no danger of failure from any cause. We always make the
seed ground good, and then the bulbs which are allowed to mature in it
become very large. The seed may be sown broadcast or in rows. We
prefer the latter, and never put tbe seed more than 2 inches below the
surface. The drill should be opened about 1 foot apart, and the seed
sown moderately thick, as when a good quantity of young plants appear
some of them may be drawn for use as Ealad in winter, and quantities
should always be transplanted before they gain any great size in spring.
Last autumn we opened the drills for some of our Onions 3 inches deep,
strewed a quantity of artificial manure at the bottom of the drill, put
some soil over this, then sowed the seed, and we have gathered bulbs
lately from these rows weighing 20 ozs. They are finer than any
we treated very liberally with manure and liquid in the spring and early
summer, and we approve of placing plenty of manure close to them
before sowing the seed.

Cabbage. — Plants from the first-sown seed are now almost ready for
placing out. If put into good soil and a favourable situation they will
produce delicate heads about the new year should the weather prove mild
until then, and in any case they will be ready for use very early in spring.
Give them firm moderately rich soil, and plant about 18 inches apart.
Those early-sown plants, however, are too early to keep over the winter
for planting next spring, and where plants are wanted for this purpose a
quantity of seed should be sown now. It may be sown broadcast in a
small bed in a situation where they will not be drawn or pampered in
any way.

Winter Radishes. — These are very acceptable, and a quantity of
them should be grown in both large and small gardens. The China Rose
is the best of all for winter. It is very hardy as well as tender and crisp
during the whole of the winter. Much top growth is not an advantage, and
to avoid this the seed should be sown in rather poor soil. It may be sown
broadcast or in rows, and very thinly, as when sown thick the foliage
soon becomes crowded, then the roots do not form. We always keep our
winter Radishes in an open situation, and they never fail to do well. We
have tried several of the summer sorts for winter use, but found them all
too tender, and we only grow one variety now.

Sowing Cauliflower. — The earliest spring Cauliflower heads are
always cut from plants raised from seed sown at the present time, and
wherever spring Cauliflowers are desired a quantity of seed of Early
London should be sown at once. It may be put in alongside of the
Cabbage seed, and the plants may be allowed to grow in the open until
about the beginning of October, when they must be lifted and planted in
frames under handlights, or in any place where they will be sheltered
from very severe weather.

Ripe Seed. — Peas, Broad Beans, and some other vegetables which
were left to ripen their surplus pods have now matured the seeds. All of
these should be gathered as soon as possible, and if they can be taken in
when it is quite dry or after a few dry days, it will save much labour in
drying the seed. It also keeps better when taken in dry, and we should
never attempt to do anything to it when wet. If left out, however, after
it is quite rip9, and wet weather sets in, it will soon absorb the moisture,
and much of the seed that is perfectly sound now will soon be attacked by
mildew or decay. We generally pull up the straw and allow the pods to
remain on it under cover until a wet day, when the pods are gathered by
the garden women.

Red Cabbage.— A few of these are acceptable in all gardens, but
they do not form any great heads if the seed is sown in spring, and to
have them really fine the seed should be sown in the autumn, the plants
allowed to remain in the seed bed all winter and planted out in March or
April. Now is the best time to sow, and will succeed if put in with the
Cabbage seed spoken ol above.

Mushrooms.— We are now getting abundance from the fields, but in

190

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

r August 26, 1886.

a month or two there will be none, and as a supply of them is very de¬
sirable throughout the late autumn, or indeed the whole winter, attention
should now be given to produce them. Nothing can be done, however,
until the materials with which to form the bed have been collected ; and
sufficient should be got together during the next fortnight to make one
good bed at least. Horse droppings should form half or more of this
material, and they must be spread out and dried before any attempt is
made to form the bed. It is not beneficial to dry them too much, but they
must never be used in very wet condition.

FRTJIT FORCING.

Figs. — Trees Unsatisfactory. — Fig trees planted out in houses not
unfrequently grow rampantly, and consequently produce thin crops of
fruit. In that case, root-pruning should be resorted to, and the roots
confined to a narrow border of from 3 to 4 feet in width. A trench taken
out at this distance from the stem after the fruit is gathered will check
the tendency to a late growth, assist in the ripening of the wood, more
particularly if the growths are disposed thinly, and the points of the
shoots, instead of being very closely tied in, are allowed to grow up to
the glass. If the drainage be defective, it will he necessary to lift the
trees in the autumn as soon as the leaves commence falling, and replant
in fresh soil. Place 9 to 12 inches of drainage of rather rough lime
rubble, using the finer parts at top and for mixing with the compost in
the proportion of a sixth to turfy loam, and a twentieth part of crushed
bones, and in replanting ram the compost, thoroughly incorporated, well
about the roots, for short-jointed cannot so well be secured by any other
means than a solidified c mpost. The border should be 30 inches deep.
Should the drainage be good it will only be necessary to confine the roots
to tbe narrow border, removing some of the old soil from amongst the
roots, replacing and top-dressing with the compost above stated.

Earliest Fig House — In the earliest house the trees will now be ripen¬
ing their wood, and watering may be discontinued, air being given very
liberally. If, however, the second crop is not yet ripened, moderate
moisture in the soil will be necessary, with a rather free circulation of
warm air to insure high quality in the fruit. When the fruit is off take
prompt measures to destroy insects. The early trees in pots we prefer
to place outside if the wood be ripe, but if there is any doubt about this
the trees must be continued under glass with a free circulation of air.
These are matters on which the cultivator will need to exercise his judg¬
ment. In either case encourage surface roots by a dressing of manure,
rough loam, and crushed bones. See that those in pots placed outdoors
do not root from the base of tbe pots. Cut ofE all such roots, top-dress,
after which afford a good watering, and they will need no more than to
keep the foliage fresh.

Late Houses. — The value of the fruit of trees in cool houses so as to
ripen in late August and September is considerable. The great point is
to keep the growths thin, and the roots restricted so as to insure a
thoroughly solidified, short-jointed, well-ripened wood. If the wood does
not ripen kindly treat them as advised for “unsatisfactory trees’’ when
the fruit is gathered, and lift when the foliage gives indications of falling.
Keep up a free circulation of air, expose the fruit as much as possible to
the sun ; but if spider be troublesome syringe on a fine morning after a
closely picking of the fruit, and afford fio more water at the roots than
sufficient to keep the foliage in health.

Pines. — Potting Hooted Slickers. — Suckers obtained from the summer-
fruiting plants will soon be ready to repot. It is well to divide the plants
into two batches ; one, the strongest, should be shifted into their fruiting
pots as soon as ready, employing 10 or 11-inch pots according to kind,
affording them a position near the glass in a light airy house, keeping
them gently growing through the winter. The plants so treated will be
readily excited into fruit next May or June, and will afford a good
successional supply of ripe fruit in late summer or early autumn. The
other plants, suckers from the summer fruiters, not large enough to shift
into fruit, ng pots, winter best in 7 or 8-inch pots, transferring them to
larger ones as soon as ready in spring, which with suckers of Smooth¬
leaved Cayenne that were started last March will supply a successional
supply of Pines through the winter months.

Re arranging Pine Plants. — A re-arrangement of the plants should
now be made in order to separate the fruiting from the non-fruiting
plants, as many of those that were started from suckers of last summer’s
fruits will have fruit swelling. Those plants not fruiting will have com¬
pleted their growth, and should have air very liberally for the next six
weeks when the temperature exceeds 80°, maintaining the bottom heat
steady at 80°, and all plants well established — i.e., well rooted, should
have a bottom heat of 80° to 85° ; but recently potted suckers, or those
not having roots well established in the fresh compost, should have a
bottom heat of 90° maintained.

Fruiting Plants. — Those swelling off their fruit should have moderate
atmospheric moisture, admitting a little air at the top of the house early
in the morning, so as to allow of any superfluous moisture escaping bef re
the sun’s rays act powerfully or directly upon the fruit. Any fruit it is
desired to retard should be moved to a rather cool or shady house, affording
an abundance of air.

Melons.— In pits and frames the last batch of plants will have set or
be setting. Ours are set and swelling freely. In order to insure a good
set the growths require to be kept rather thin, the atmosphere dry and
warm by the aid of linings, so as to insure steady progress, and the free
admission of air. Those in hot-water heated pits will be the better of a
gentle warmth in the pipes on cold nights and dull wet days, a gentle
heat affording facilities for ventilation, which should bo given, if only a
little, so as to insure evaporation, and the consequent elaboration and

assimilation of the sap, on which depends in a great measure the quality
or otherwise of the fruit. The plants may be sprinkled, avoiding tho
collar or stems, early in the afternoon, and closing before or by th;
temperature has receded ti 80° or 85°, and so as to raise the temperature
to 90° or 95°. Admit a little air at 75°, or increase it from that with th;
advanced sun heat to 85° or 90°, at which keep it through the day from
sun heat. Those in frames should be attended to as required with linin s
of sweetened fermenting materials as the nights become cold, so as to
prevent the temperature falling below 65° in the morning, and if mats are
placed over the lights after the sun leaves the frames, and removed shortly
after the sun has risen, very much greater success will be had with late
Melons than usually results from frames.

Melons in Houses. — Maintain a night temperature of 65° to 70°, and
75° artificially by day. As the days are shorter lessened supplies of water
will be required, yet give sufficient to keep the soil in a moist state
whilst the fruit is swelling, but after it is full-sized or ceases swelling afford
no more water than to prevent tte foliage flagging. Keep the laterals
well stopped to one leaf or joint, and rub off all superfluous shoots as they
show, allowing n< thing to interfere with the principal leaves or to retard
the swelling of the fruit. Plants with fruit advanced for ripening should
be kept dry at the roots and have air very liberally with, if practicable, an
advance of temperature, avoiding a close moist atmosphere, which
invariibly results in the fruit cracking or being of inferior flavour.

Latest Plants. — The batch of these will have been planted in houses
and growing freely. The leader must nut be pinched until it reaches the
trellis, when it may have its point taken out if more than one leader is
wanted, or may be allowed to grow two-thirds of the distance up the
trellis if only one leader is wanted, and then be stopped, removing every
alternate lateral directly they can be handled. Maintain a moist atmo¬
sphere, a temperature of 70° t > 75° by artificial means, falling 5° on cold
nights, and keep the bottom heat steady at 80° to 85°. Keep a sharp look
out for canker at the collar and upon the stem, rubbing quicklime well
into the parts affected, striving to maintain a clean growth and healthy
collars to the last.

PLANT HOUSES.

Amasonia punicea — This is unquestionably a very beaut ful plant,
and will become popular for stove decoration when well known. It is
most striking amongst other plants with its rich vermilion-crimson bracts
1 foot or more in length. From the base of tbe bracts are produc d
creamy white pendulous tubular flowers, which afford a marked contrast
to the richly coloured bracts. All who have not yet flowered this plant
may allow the strongest of their stock to do so, while the other plants
may be utilised for propagation, so that a brilliant display can be made
another year. Cuttings of young wood strike freely if inserted singly
in small pots in 6andy soil, and kept close and shaded until rooted. This
plant being of upright growth will be most effective for decoration in
5-inch pots if grown with one shoot only without being s’opped. It must
be grown exposed to a fair amount of light to ripen and solidify the woo 1
as made.

Medinilla magnifica. — If this plant has made good growth and fully
developed the whole of its foliage, it should be removed from the shady
house in which it has been growing. Light ana air are nece'Sary to ripen
the wood that has been made if this plant is to flower freely next May
and June. If allowed to remain in a close, shaded, moist atmosphere it
will soon commence to make fresh growth, which it will be impossible to
thoroughly ripen before winter. Further growth can be prevented by
exposure to light and a lower temperature. Tbrips must be watched for;
if once established on the foliage they quickly destroy its beautiful
appearance.

Stephanotis floribunda. — Plants that were started early into growth
will have ceased growing, and att ntion must be devoted to the thorough
ripening of their wood. This can be accomplished by exposure to the tun
with a good circulation of air daily. The temperature should also be kept
lower than has been the case up to the present time, and the atmosphere
drier. Supply water liberally at the roots, and syringe the foliage occa¬
sionally to keep insects in check. Plants still growing should be exposed
to full light, for if grown in the shade they seldom flower satisfactorily.

Gardenias. — Young stock for spring flowering may te transferred
into larger pots if those in which they are growing are full of roots.
Grow these plants in a close moist house fully expo-ed to tbe sun, which
will induce the formation of sturdy firm growth. Where these plants are
grown from cuttings annually root some at once and winter them in 3 inch
pots for a good start early in the year. By propagating now a whole
season can be devoted to the young plants, and before the following
autumn bushy compact specimen! 2 feet or more through can be pro¬
duced. It is impossible to accomplish this if cuttings are net rooted u til
the spring.

Ixoras. — Where a quantity of these plant r is arranged for decoration
in 4 to 6-inch pots cuttiDgs should now be rooted. Insert these smgly
in 2-inch pots and place them in the propagat ug f awe. When the
small pots are full of roots place the plants into others 2 inches larger, in
which they will do very well until the spring. Some can be allowed
flower in this size, while others early in the year should be cut back, and
when they have started into growth can be placed into larger pots. Ibis
treatment will produce from three to six shoots to each plant, and if
grown fully exposed to the sun as many trusses of flowers, the plants not
exceeding 1 foot in height.

Tydceas. — Those of the Madame Heine section will be bushy lit le
plants in 3-inch pots ; these may be transferred into 5-inch pots without
further delay. They should be grown in a house or p t clo=e to the glass,
where they can be shaded from the sun. Care must be taken that they

August 26, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

191

are not syringed or watered over the foliage. The same remarks apply
to Gesneras teat are still in small pots. These plants thrive best when
their pots are standing upon a moist base, such as that afforded by
gravel, ashes, or cocoa-nut fibre refuse.

w.

HE" BEE-KEEPER. %

PREPARATIONS FOR WINTER.

The time has again arrived when those who desire to
enlist themselves in the grand army of bee-keepers may do
so most profitably and safely. The means of obtaining a
good stock of bees at a small cost have before been pointed
out, but many questions are continually asked upon this
point, and therefore no further apology will be needed for
again discussing a question of such great and far-reaching
importance. Some have in the proper season obtained
swarms, and these will in many cases prove good a.nd profit¬
able stocks in the coming year ; but great attention must be
paid to them, and pains be taken to ascertain the probable
amount of food contained in the hive, to ascertain the
presence of a queen and the strength of the stock, and if any
defect in these three requisites is found, means must at once
be taken to rectify the mischief.

It is well known that at this time of the year — the months
of August and September — many bee-keepers who fail to
advance with the times, and prefer their old-fashioned inhu¬
manity to the (so called) new-fangled sentimentalism, “put
down ” their stocks. In some cases this is done on account
of an obstinate determination not to change old ways and
old customs ; in others simply because, knowing no better
means of obtaining the honey than by destroying the bees,
they are obliged by the supposed exigencies of their position
to resort to the method practised by them and their forefathers
for countless generations. Others, again, have seen bees
driven, but fear to do the work for themselves ; but whatever
the cause may be, the effect is that in most neighbourhoods
bees may still be obtained by those who will “ drive ” them
— or, let me add, in deference to a method to which there
seems no objection, “bump” them. There are some men
who after once seeing bees driven at a show or in private will
not fear to take a hive for themselves and perform the
operation with success ; while others who have also wit¬
nessed the same manipulation are no more able to perform
it without assistance than they are competent to find a queen
at the first attempt. The “ sting ” is, I believe, at the bottUn
of a great deal of this inaptitude, although it is recognised
that there is a natural inaptitude in one man and a corre¬
sponding aptitude in his neighbour for some particular trade,
profession, or industry. A man who is much affected by
stings is naturally timid, while a man who can hardly expe¬
rience any pain on being stung a score of times hardly
appreciates the feeling of him who “ swells ” at each inser¬
tion of the poison. Only a week ago a child in an apiary not
far from this locality was with his father amongst the bees
and got severely stung without a sign of pain, and at last,
to add insult to injury, one bee alighted on the end of his nose,
when the little lad — only five years old — in brushing it off
pushed it up his nostril, when the irritated bee immediately
used its sting, but without any apparent effect except a very
momentary pain. That lad will surely be a bee keeper; the
sting has no fear for him, and he goes when his father is away
from home and stirs the bees up with a stick for amusement !
But there is no necessity for any man who suffers from stings
to be stung more than very occasionally. He must meet the
insects clad in proper armour, and avoid by every means in
his power irritating a single bee. Either the brave or the
timid man is able then to drive a Btock of bees, the one
without any assistance beyond a puff of smoke, the other by
the aid of veil, gloves, and smoker, carbolic acid being used
when this quieter is preferred.

All that a man who in September wants to begin bee¬

keeping has to do is to drive as many stocks as together will
give 12 lbs. weight of bees ; put them all in a large hive
together, without troubling to find or choose the queen ; feed
them with 30 lbs. of best lump sugar made into syrup by the
addition of an equal weight of water, and boil for a minute ;
cover them up warmly, and the stock is ready to pass the
winter, to give early swarms or supers, if the weather is
favourable and no untoward accident befals the stock. The
cost of such a stock, not reckoning the hive — where the bees
are had for the trouble of driving them — does not exceed
10s. 6d., and its value in spring will be at least treble the
outlay of the preceding autumn. These are facts, not theo¬
ries, proved by long years of experience and given to the
world as valuable suggestions by the late A. Pettigrew, who
himself favoured the method here again suggested to those
who have hitherto not attempted to practise it.

Those who already possess stocks must, unless the bees
are taken to the moors, at once begin to prepare for winter ;
each stock must be fed up to a sufficient weight, and if need
be strengthened by an addition of driven bees, in accordance
with the instructions given in these columns, and then when
every attention has been paid to these salient points the lees
the bees are disturbed until March next the better it will be
for the stocks. If it is desired to ruin a stock late feeding
and continued manipulation in the late autumn will soon do
its deadly work; but if strong, prosperous colonies are
desired they can be had with as little trouble and not much
more expense than starveling stocks which, dragging on a
weary existence through the winter, are a discredit to any
bee-keeper, and a sign of lamentable slothfulness and neglect.
Bees must be kept strong, and the fact can never be too often
impressed upon bee keepers in general and some in particular
that one strong stock is of more value than three weak ones,
and with less time expended on it in the way of manipulation
will give greater results than the three weak ones put together.
True, in exceptional cases a weak stock does in spring make
a rapid advance, but this is only by way of exception owing
to a young and vigorous queen ; but even this rapid progress
is not in the same ratio as that which a strong stock, headed
by an equally good queen, would make under the same cir¬
cumstances.

This subject has now occupied so much space that it must
be left, and other matters discussed which are of great
importance at this season, and must engage our attention
now that the necessity for strong colonies, well supplied with
food and having a fertile queen, has been brought promi¬
nently before those bee-keepers who are readers of this
Journal. There is time now to make a fresh start and to
remedy prior neglect, and may each one who has not in past
years gained as much enjoyment and profit from the care of
his bees as he expected try to lay a sure foundation upon
which to build up a future harvest ; and may each one who
will this year for the first time possess a stock be enabled to
have it — by using due care now before it is too late— strong
and prosperous in spring and ready to reward his energy by
a splendid harvest of lovely nectar gathered from the various
flowers and blossoms that so gaily bedeck the land inviting
the bees to enter, and while imbibing the honey carry the
pollen grains from plant to plant, and thus ensure a crop of
seed. The month is creeping on ; no time must now be lost.
— Felix.

TAKINQ BEES TO THE HEATHER.

As has been the custom for generations, and long practised
by myself, I have had my bees successfully removed to the
Heather, a distance of fifty miles from home. A few days before
doing so I dismantled my hives and dressed them in the garb
they were to retain at the moors. This little precaution saves
many hives and thousands of bees, fir immediately they are let
loose they have no difficulty in recognising their own hive. How
different it is when this precaution is not taki n. The necessity
for it was well illustrated vith a Carniolian hive, beveral days
before removing them I stripped them of their outside cases,
and temporarily covered them with their Heather coverings.

192

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August !6, 1886.

The bees of every hive were more or less bewildered, the Carni-
olians very much so on their return from the fields. The outside
case of one of the list named I removed 12 feet, where two hive3
intervened ; both bees and drones of that hive flew in great
numbers to the case, and a considerable time elapsed before they
entered their hive. The Carniolians are peculiar in that respect,
and care should be exercised never to alter their site, aspect,
nor surrounding appearances, especially during chilly weather.
The Carniolians are shy to enter a strange hive, tenanted or
untenanted, but not so with the Cyprian or Syrian races. These
bees will not suffer those of other varieties to enter their hive,
but will, without ceremony when occasion fits, enter other hives
and joiu in their labours with little or no concern as if it were
their own hive, and very often meet with no molestation from
those they would have killed had they attempted to enter their
hive.

There is a great difference in the nature of the different races
of bees, both in their temper and in the mode of carrying on the
internal economy of their hive. I was especially and forcibly
struck with this in the case of some Syrians this year. It is
well known that I am not favourable to placing empty supers
between the stook hive and a partly filled super. With most
bees it is a mistake, but with the Syrians it is a decided failure,
so much so that I will not try it again with them nor any others,
I did it this year simply to show other bee-keepers that more
weight would be made by hives having the empty supers placed
above, but I did not expect that storing would cease altogether
as it did with those I experimented on. There are other pecu¬
liarities about these bees which I may explain again, but may
say the hive best adapted for them is the Stewarton.

Bees as a rule all round here have not given much surplus
honey. If we could only depend on having six weeks’ fine weather
during the year — three weeks in June and July, and three weeks
in August and September, the flora of Great Britain is suffi¬
cient to yield honey, which would be profitable to bee-keepers
although it were sold at Id. per 1Y

The Heather looks fairly well this year, although a little
later than the average of years ; and if winter would only be as
late in appearing as the summer has been, and two weeks genial
weather come now, we should have a fair harvest of Heather
honey, but the weather keeps stormy and cold. The barometer
has been low for nearly six weeks now, and the prospect is not
very reassuring.

Many bee keepers are this year taking advantage of the
Heather by taking their bees to the moors that never did so
before, and the practice is likely to become more common every
year. The great drawback is the want of organisation amongst
themselves, and not having hives adapted for the purpose.
Hives nearly 3 feet long by 2 feet wide may please the inventors,
but will never be in repute for bee keeping in general. Instead
of occupying nearly 6 feet o': space, as some do, my hives only
occupy 1 foot 9 inches. The mouthpiece has only to be run in,
the ventilator opened, and they are ready for the road. The
divisions are held together with brass clasps, the supers by clasps
of hoop iron, four screw nails being sufficient to make them
rigid. An Archangel mat is sufficient to protect the body of the
hive. Some woollen cloth or meadow hay to keep the supers
warm and a sheet of galvanised iron bent over the top keeps all
dry, and affords desirable shade if the sun is hot. Thus equipped,
which takes but a few minutes, the hives are safe. A few seconds
more the alighting board, which is hinged, is folded down, and
the ladder attached, a pull at the doorway, out stream the bees,
and in five minutes more they are returning to the hive loaded
with honey and pellets of pollen. After all are released I keep
a watch over their movemen s to make sure nothing is wrong,
thereafter I take a short stroll amongst the Heather and by the
river side, its little tributaries affording the sweetest refreshment
and a greater blessing than any that man ever invented. I
return to my bees cooled and refreshed from Nature’s fountain,
and with double pleasure view the industrious bees flitting in the
sunshine. A stone dyke separates my hives from a number of
others, and I will give the results at the close of the season. —
A Lanarkshire Bee-keeper.

BEES DYING IN SUPERS.

Many thanks f r your kind reply about my bees dying in the super.
First, I keep my bees in a warm thatched bee-house, which I have used
for many years. The glass in the boxes has a lid <ra hinges to fit over it
flush with the frame of the wood hive, and is quite dark. The glass in
the other boxes is always comfortably warm to the hand when touched.
The comb in the box above which the bees died in the super, seen through
the glass, is sealed, and looks clean, good, and healthy. Free communi¬
cation existed between box and super by means of two slits 4 inth-s
long. The door and window are kept closed in the bee-house. The

window is a square opening, fitted with a wood Bhuttcr, opened when
rt quired for light. The bees go out from the boxes through the wall by
means of openings 4 inches wide, counter sunk in the floor-board so the
boxes fit flush to wall. My other bees are healthy. I have only had
one swarm this year from five st cks. One came to me from a hollow
tree outside, and occupied a tree partially filled with comb, standing on
ihe floor-board in house opposite an opening. The swarm left me last
year, and went into the tree from which these came. I am feeding
these swarms hard, having given them already 22 lbs. of sugar, and they
look like taking as much more. It was to one of these I wanted to put
he remainder of the bees left in the box when the bees died in the super.
Will it be safe to do so 1 — H. T. H.

[If Ihe combs are as you say perfectly clean, and contain no dead
brood, it will be quite safe to put bees into them. If, on the other hand,
they contain dead larvae it will not be advisable to put bees into them.
If, as you say, no light can enter the super, then I conclude that the bees
have died from the disease stated in my last answer. If there be no
blood relation with the dead bees and those you wish to join it will bo
perfectly safe doing so ; but if they are related there is a risk of their
falling victims to the disease. Get rid of all the bees ot that blood as.
soon as you can. Four inches wide for a doorway is by far too small an
entrance to any hive, and it is quite likely that an expert, on examining
the hive, might ascribe the calamity to that. 1 have witnessed strong
hives nearly suffocated by the drones clustering close to the doorway
where they had been driven by the bees. — A Lanarkshibe Bee¬
keeper.] _

TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

Edward Philip Dixon, Yorkshire Seed Establishment, Hull. — Catalogue
of Bulbs and Spring Flowering Plants.

Euriel Liebig, Dresden. — Catalogue of Azaleas, Camellias, Bhododen-
drons , < fc.

Ant Roozen, Overveen, Haarlem. — Catalogue of Choice Butch and Cape
Bulbs.

All correspondence should be directed either to “ The Editor r
or to “ The Publisher.” Letters addressed to Dr. Hogg or
members of the staff often remain unopened unavoidably. Wo
request that no one will write privately to any of our correspon¬
dents, as doing so subjects them to unjustifiable trouble and
expense.

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions relat¬
ing to Gardening and those on Bee subjects, and should never
send more than two or three questions at once. All articles in¬
tended for insertion should be written on one side of the paper
^ only. We cannot reply to questions through the post, and we
’ do not undertake to return rejected communications.

Leeds Paxton Society ( G . H.). — The report of the excursion to Welbeck
on the 11th inst. reached us as we were preparing for press on the 2Sth, and
quite too late for insertion.

Tomatoes ( W. J. S.). — The truss of fruit is fine, but the variety is not
distinct from others in cultivation It is very similar to the Chiswick Red
that waB sent out by Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading, this year, and is an
abundant bearer.

Reports of Shows ( A . G. B.).— It is quite impossible for us to insert
newspaper reports of shows that reach us on Wednesday morning, as the
greater part of the Journal is ready for press then. This is equally an
answer to “G. H.” We prefer brief original reports to long newspaper
“ cuttings ” at any time.

Saving Sunflower Seed (M., Croydon). — You may let the heads remain
on the plants till the seeds are firm and fall out readily when rubbed with
the finger ; then cut the heads and spread them on a mat or sheet in a dry
place, and in the course of a few days the seed can be easily shaken out-
Fowls eat it greedily, and it is very nutritious.

Mixed Bedding in the Parks {Kittle). — The system you mention has
become very popular in the last year or two, and has introduced a pleasing
variety of style. There is no difficulty in cultivating plants suitable for
the purpose, and you will have plenty of time to prepare for another season..
In the course of a week or two we shall give an article upon the subject.

Grubs on Pear Trees (H. Williams). — The leaves you have sent are-
infested with the larva of the Pear sawfly (Selandria Althiops), often
called the Pear tree slug. It may be destroyed by dusting well with freshly
slaked lime or springing with lime water, and no doubt with the petroleum
mixture you are using — we hope not so strong as to injure the leaves.
This pest is Very injurious, and does not usually attack the underside of the.
foliage.

Dahlia Fanny Carey ( T. P. C.).— -The bloom of your new Dahlia isu
extremely rich in colour, deep purplish crineon, aud the florets are of good
substance, but scarcely sufficiently pointed to entitle the variety to be
classed as a “ Cactus ” Dahlia. If the plant flowers freely it will be effective

August 26, 1336. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

19S

for garden decoration, but, as you know, the bloom is deficient in the
recognised properties of a florists’ flower.

Moss Litter as a Manure ( C . E. S.). — After this material has been used
in stables it is excellent for use on land, and especially where the soil is of a
heavy nature. It is, however, not perhaps so lasting in its effects as
manure is from stables where straw is used for bedding. If we were pur¬
chasing manure we should prefer the latter ; if it were more convenient for
us to use the moss litter in stables we should use it, and chance its action
in the land.

Manure for Mushroom Beds ( T.N. ). — As soon as the manure is in
the condition described in “ Mushrooms for the Million ” it should be made
up into mounds or ridges outdoors or in beds in the bins of Mushroom
houses, and more should be collected for producing successional crops. The
fourth edition, with supplement, of the work in question is by far the best
of the series, and this you should have if you do not possess it.

Variegated Parsley (J. S.). — The Parsley you have sent is distinctly
and beautifully variegated, and moreover appears to have grown vigorously.
Such plants would form an attractive margin in ornamental gardening, and
some persons might take a fancy to them for table garnishing. We sub¬
mitted examples to an expert in the seed trade for his opinion thereon, and
he has favoured with the following reply : — “ The Variegated Parsley,
although in itself somewhat of a novelty, the majority of persons would
not think so, from the fact that the green variety when stale has a tendency
to tarn yellow, and- we fear thiB feature will prevent its ever becoming
popular, expecially amongst cooks. Then again, twenty per cent, is not a
sufficient return, and we should recommend the grower to get it to produce
a larger per-centage than this ; he might then get someone to take it up for
him.”

Insects on Chrysanthemum (S'. M.). — We do not feel sure that the
damage you describe is to be attributed to the insect forwarded. This
proves to be one of the leaping Hemiptera, allied, though les3 in size, to
the familiar and unpleasant species, the frog-hopper (Cercopis spumaria),
the larva of which, in its frothy secretion, gets the name of cuckoo-spit.
Your insect is called Acocephalus pallidus, and in the larval state it doubt¬
less feeds upon the juices of plants, but in the early summer usually, and it
is not a species that often occurs about gardens. That the kindred and
larger insect, C. spumaria, often doe3 harm to the stems of garden flowers
as well as vegetables is a well-known fact ; the mischief, however, appears
to be solely confined to the larva. Further observations seem to be neces¬
sary in this instance. It would be interesting to know if the commence¬
ment of the injury can be dated exactly, and whether any frothy grubs
were ever noticed on the Chrysanthemums.

Flowers for Shady Border ( A New Subscriber). — Annuals are not
suitable for a shaded border, but there is no reason, unless the soil be very
poor and dry, that the border should not be attractive, and especially in the
spring. Winter Aconites grow under trees and cover the ground with
golden flowers ; Snowdrops also grow and flower well for years under trees,
as do Wood Hyacinths and Anemones, of which we have thousands. Dig
the soil carefully over, and plant 3 or 4 inches deep in October. They will
require no further care. The leaves must not be cut off until quite withered.
Daffodils also grow very well under trees, and their bulbs should be planted
5 or 6 inches deep. Lilies of the Valley we have in good soil under trees,
and they rarely fail to flower freely in May. Primroses and Polyanthuses
also grow and flower well, and in the summer large clumps of the blue
German Iris are very beautiful. The common Honesty flowers well
under trees, as do Foxgloves, stout plants of both being raised in the open
and transplanted very early in the spring wiere they are desired to flower,
and Wallflowers succeed in the same way. Hypericum calycinum is an
excellent plant for growing under trees, producing large yellow flowers in
summer; and the Lesser Periwinkle (Vinca minor) is equally good for
flowering in the summer, and carpeting the ground with bright green foliage
in the winter.

Red Spider in Vines (F. J.). — The leaves and shoots sent are devoured
with red spider. Take off all the young laterals with curled leaves and burn
them, and as you have cut the Grapes give the Vines two or three thorough
washings, applying the water with force through a syringe or garden engine.
A mere squirting will be of no use whatever. The water should be driven
with all the forcj possible, short of injuring the foliage, against the under
aides of every leaf, using four gallons to every Vine, or to that portion of
one that may be trained up a rafter. Give two or three such washings in the
course of a week, ventilating very freely afterwards. If you use soot watm
as clear as sherry wine all the better. It can be made by immersing soot
tied up in a coarse bag in a tub of water, and two days afterwards throwing
in some lumps of lime, then taking off the scum that forma on the surface
of the water. The soot waVr should be mixed till of the colour of pale ale.
The leaves are very thin, just such as invite the attacks of the enemy. This
is the result mainly of overcropping and keeping the air of the house too
hot and dry at some time. It is hopeless expecting good Grapes from such
infested Vines, as the insects fatten on the nutriment that should support
the fruit and foliage. Do not wait till you have soot water ready, but apply
clear water at once and unstintingly, and do not be afraid of getting a wet¬
ting yourself in drenching the Vines.

The Windsor Pear (A Landowner). — The Pear you have sent, and
abont which you desire information, is the Windsor, and the following
extract from Dr. Hogg’s “ Fruit Manual ” gives the history of the variety
as far as it can be traced. This Pear is now b ung sold in London, and one
grower tells us he has received 7s. per bushel for the crop from his standard
trees : — “Windsor (Bell Tongue ; Beliissime; Figue ; Figue Musquea ; Green
Windsor ; Grosse Jargonelle ; Konge ; Madame ; Madame de France ; Summer
Bell ; Supreme). — Fruit large and handsome ; pyriform, rounded at the eye.
Skin smooth, green at first, and changing to yellow mixed with green, and
with a faint tinge of orange and obscure streaks of red on the exposed side.
Eye open, with stout, erect segments, not at all depressed. Stalk H inch
long, inserted without depression, and with several fleshy folds at the base.
Flesh white, tender, buttery, and melting, with a fine, brisk, vinous flavour,
and nice perfume. A fine old Pear for orchard culture ; ripe in August.
It should be gathered before it becomes yellow. The tree is one of the
strongest growers of any variety in cultivation ; particularly in its early

growth, the shoots are very thick and succulent, but short. It forms an
upright, tall, and handsome tree when grown in an alluvial soil, or in a deep
sand}r loam, with a cool subsoil ; but if the soil is stiff, cold, and humid, it
very soon cankers. It is a good bearer, and when grown in a soil favourable
to it we have seen it produce an abundance of very large, handsome, and
excellent fruit. It has the property in many seasons of producing some¬
times a profusion of bloom at midsummer, and a second crop of fruit, which,
however, is never of any value, from which circumstance it has been called
Poire Figue, Figue Musqude, and Deux fois 1’an. The only account of this
ancient variety I have seen is by an English writer, who says, 1 It was
raised from seed of the Cuisse Madame, by a person of the name of William¬
son, a relation of Williamson, whom Grimwood succeeded in the Kensington
Nursery.’ Grimwood succeeded to the Kensington Nursery about the middle
or latter half of the last century, but the Windsor Pear is mentioned by
Parkinson, in his ‘ Paradisus,’ in 1629, a century before the Kensington
N ursery was in existence, and was even then * well knowne to most persons ; ’
he says it ‘ is an excellent good Peare, will beare fruit sometimes twice in a
yeare, and (as it is said) three times in some places.’ There can be no doubt
that the Windsor Pear is of foreign origin, and that it is the Beliissime and
Supreme of the early French pomologists, but it must not be confounded
with the Beliissime d’Etd of these later writers, and of Duhamel, who has
made a sad mess of many synonymes, and on whose authority in these par¬
ticulars there is no reliance to be placed. It seems at a very early period
to have been distributed over Europe. It is mentioned by J. Baptista
Porta, iu 1592, as being cultivated about Naples, under the name of Pero
due volte l’anno ; and even in our own country we find it flourishing
earlier than this ; for Sir Hugh Plat, in giving the authority of ‘ Master
Hill,’ who lived about 1563, ‘Why trees transplanted doe alter,’ says, ‘Trees
that bears early, or often in the year, as Pear trees upon Windsor Hill,
which bears thr e times in a year ; these, though they be removed to as
rich or richer soil, yet they do seldom bear so early, or so often, except the
soil be of the same hot nature, and have the like advantages of situation,
and other circumstances with those of Windsor. And, therefore, commonly
the second fruit of that Pear tree being removed, doth seldome ripen in
other places.’ This is the first notice we have of the Windsor Pear in
England; audit is, doubtless, from the circumstance of those growing on
Windsor Hill that the variety received its name. Early in the season, and
before the earliest varieties of our gardens are nearly ripe, there are consider¬
able quantities of the Windsor exposed for sale in the Covent Garden
Market, which are imported from Portugal, and which are said to be shipped
at Oporto. We never could ascertain the name under which they were
imported, but have not the slightest doubt about the identity of the variety.”

Grapes Cracking ( William H. Barker). — The Grapes sent exhibit a
somewhat uncommon but by no means rare appearance, being cracked next
the footstalk only. It is most prevalent in Vines that have thin foliage —
i.e., thin in texture, the berries also having as yours have a thin skin. Vines
with thick leathery foliage are less liable to scorch, and the berrieB have
thicker and tougher skins. We once had a mixed house in which the
Muscats and Frontignans showed a disposition to crack at the shank end of
the berries ; as they were young Vines it was attributed to over-luxuriance,
and the Vines were kept dry at the roots after they commenced ripening.
This only answered so long as the weather kept bright and air could be
freely admitted, but on a period of dull weather succeeding the bright, and
the house being kept closer, though there was warmth in the pipes and
sufficient air to cause a circulation, the Grapes cracked exactly as in the
examples you have forwarded to us, but the black Grapes remained sound.
We remembered having Muscats, Frontignans, Hamburghs, &c., in one
house before, and the berries of the two former did not crack. The dif¬
ference in the houses was simply this. In the house in which the Muscats
and Frontignans did not crack at the shank end of the berries, or anywhere,
the Vine roots were entirely outside, whilst in that where the Muscats and
Frontignans cracked the roots had the run of an outside as well of the
inside border they were planted in. The outside border was composed of
loam of a warpy or alluvial nature, being taken from land adjoining a tidal
river, subject in rainy weather to overflow its banks and flood the low
land. The top soil of this land with its turf was used for the Vine border,
with the addition of one cartload in six of old mortar rubbish, and a few
whole bones bruised were mixed with it. In the border where the Muscats
and Frontignans cracked the loam was of a light nature, a little but not a
tenth of lime rubbish being added, and a goodly admixture of half-inch
bones. In effecting a cure we took a lesson from the outside border, and
watered the inside border freely and regularly until the Grapes were well
advanced in ripening ; in fact, the Hamburghs and Frontignans were quite
ripe when the last watering was given, the Muscats being about half ripe or
colouring nicely. The early part of a likely fine day was chosen for the
watering, and a mulching of dry material placed on the inside border. The
Grapes did not crack, but were finer in berry, and the water at the roots did
not injure the ripe Frontignans. To the border we had in the autumn pre¬
viously given a bushel of freshly slaked lime per rod (30J square yards), and
mixed it with the surface soil as deeply as could be done without disturbing
the roots, and it was repeated in March on the surface and only just pointed
in. We were careful by attention to ventilation to have the leaves as stout
in texture as possible. Tfie result was a much finer crop of Grapes that did
not crack, and the Hamburghs and Frontignans hung much longer without
shrivelling, so that it was a clear gain all round. We mention this case in
hope of its suggesting something that may help you in your difficulty, and
be useful to others who have mixed houses of Grapes. Very many Grapes
are ruined through an insufficiency of water to inside borders and the fear of
continuing it too long. In your case we think the watering has been left off
too soon, and that the cracking is due partly to the deposition of moisture
on the berries, through want of a little warmth in the pipes, permitting of
early and free ventilation, with air increased early in the day. We suspect
also that the border is deficient in lime and phosphates. The skin of the
black Grapes sent is much too thin to be considered satisfactory, and all the
berries sent are smaller than they ought to be. Inside Vine borders should
never get so dry as to crack, as in such a case you cannot have an abundance
of roots working freely near the surface, and in the absence of these you
cannot expect fine Grapes. The border should be moist but covered with
dry mulching to prevent evaporation when the Grapes are ripening,
especially if they show a tendency to split near the stalk.

194

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

t August T6 1889.

Names of Plants. — We only undertake to name species of plants, not
varieties that have originated from seed and termed florists’ flowers.
Flowering specimens are necessary of flowering plants, and Fern fronds
should bear spores. Specimens should arrive in a fresh state in firm
boxes. Slightly damp moss or soft green leaves form the best packing, dry
cotton wool the worst. Not more than six specimens can be named at once.
(Omega). — 1, Senecio aquaticus ; 2, Lythrum Salicaria var. roseum ; 3,
Linaria vulgaris ; 4, Epilobium hirsutum ; 5, Ang lica sylvestris ; 6,
Arctium (Lappa) minor. ( A Young Gardener). — 1, Episcaea fulgida ; 2, Be¬
gonia sinuata ; 3, Mesembryanthemum, species undeterminable ; 4, Doodia
aspera var. ; 5, Sedum sarmentosum variegatum ; 6, Fuchsia procumbens.
(C. W-). — 1, Nymphaea pygmaea; 2, Nuphar lutea.

Comb Containing Dead Larvae (JR. C.). — The comb sent, containing
about two dozen larvae and eggs, has a very pungent smell, as if tobacco
smoke had been freely used. If that is the case, then it accounts fully for
the dead bees in super. The larvae has the appearance of having died from
suffocation or starvation, the pupa being all surrounded with water. Some
of the larvae were inverted in the cells, and several were of a thick cheesy
nature, not unlike a roasted Chestnut in appearance. All of them present
a peculiar appearance. Only one cell at all like foul brood, but not it. We
advise the destruction of the combs, but at the same time will be glad of as
much information regarding the treatment of the hive previous to the
appearance of dead bees as well as to its ultimate state. It is quite usual
for more eggs than one to be in a cell, and where the queen was young
and prolific we have seen the cells half filled with eggs, but whether these
were fertilised or not we cannot say.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— August 25th.

The bulk of the soft fruit being over business is somewhat quieter.
Hard fruit now making its appearance in large quantities at low prices.

FRUIT.

s. d. s. d.

Apples . i sieve I 6 to 4 0

Cherries . ^ sieve 0 0 0 0

Currants, B'ack . . £ sieve 2 3 2 6

„ Red . . £ sieve 2 6 0 0

Figs . dozen 10 16

Grapes . It. 0 6 3 0

Lemons . case 10 0 15 0

s. d. a. d.

Melon . each 1 0 to 2

Oranges . 100 6 0 12

Peaches . perdoz. 4 0 10

Pine Apples English.. 16. 2 0 3

Plums . £ sieve 2 0 2

3t. Michael Pines ..each 4 0 6

Strawberries ..

per 16. 0 0

VEGETABLES.

8

. d.

8. d

Artichokes ,

. dozen

l

0 to 0

0

Asparagus .. .

. bundle

0

0

0

0

Beans, Kidney per bushel

2

0

3

0

Beet, Red .. .,

, dozen

1

0

2

0

Broccoli .

. bundle

0

0

0

0

Brussels Sprouts .

. £ sieve

0

0

0

0

Cabbage . .

. dozen

1

6

0

0

Capsicums .. .

. 100

1

6

2

0

Carrots .

, bunch

0

4

0

0

Cauliflowers .. .

. dozen

3

0

4

0

Celery .

, bundle

1

6

2

0

Coleworts doz.

bunches

a

0

4

0

Cucumbers . . .

• each

0

3

0

4

Endive .. .. , ,

, dozen

i

0

2

0

Heros .

. bunch

0

2

0

0

Leeks .

. bunch

0

8

0

4

PLANTS

8.

a.

8.

a.

Aralia Sieboldi . .

dozen

9

0 to 18

0

Arbor vitae (golden) dozen

0

0

0

0

,» (common)

dozen

6

0

12

0

Arum Lilies . . . .

dozen

0

0

0

0

Bedding Plants, var. doz. 0 0 0 0

Begonias .. .. dozen 40 90

Calceolaria , . per dozen 3 0 6 0

Cineraria .. .. dozen 0 0 0 0

Cockscombs per dozen 8 0 6 0

Crassula . . per dozen 0 0 0 0

Cyperus . dozen 4 0 12 0

Draccena terminalis, dozen 30 0 60 0

„ viridis . . dozen 12 0 24 0

Erica, various . . dozen 0 0 0 0

Euonymus, in var. dozen 6 0 18 0

Evergreens, in var. dozen 6 0 24 0

FernB, in variety . . dozen 4 0 18 0

s. d. s. d

Lettuce . dozen 1 0 to 1 6

Mushrooms .. ..punnet 0 6 10
Mustard and Cress punnet 0 2 0 0

Onions . bunch 0 3 0 0

Parsley .. dozen bunches 2 0 SO

Parsnips . dozen 10 2 0

Potatoes . cwt. 4 0 6 0

,, Kidney .. cwt. 4 0 6 0

Rhubarb . bundle 0 2 0 0

Salsafy . bundle 10 16

3corzonera .. .. bundle 16 0 0

Soakale .. .. per basket 0 0 0 0

Shallots . 16. 0 3 0 0

Spinach . bushel 8 0 4 6

Tomatoes . lb. 0 2 0 3

Turnips .. .. bunch 0 4 0 6

IN POTS.

s. d. s. d.

Ficus elastica . . each 1 6 to 7 0

Fuchsia . . per dozen 2 6 6 0

Foliage Plants, var. each 2 0 10 0

Heliotrope . . per dozen 4 0 8 0

Hydrangea .. per dozen 6 0 12 0

Ivy Geraniums per dozen 0 0 0 0

Lilinm auratum per doz. 12 0 80 0

,, lanoifolium per doz. 9 0 18 0

,, longiflorum per doz. 0 0 0 0

Lobelias . . . . per dozen 8 0 4 0

Marguerite Daisy dozen 6 0 9 0

Mignonette . . per dozen 3 0 6 0

Musk . . . . per dozen 0 0 0 0

Myrtles . dozen 6 0 12 0

Palms, in var. . . each 2 6 21 0

Pelargoniums, scarlet, doz. 3 0 6 0

Pelargoniums per dozen 4 0 9 0

CUT FLOWERS.

8.

d.

s.

d.

s.

d.

S.

d.

Abntilons

12 bunches

2

0 to 4

0

Lily of the Valiev, 12 spravs

0

0 to 0

0

Arum Lilies .

12 blooms

4

0

6

0

Marguerites ..

12 bunches

8

0

6

0

Asters . . .

. 12 blooms

0

8

0

6

Mignonette . .

12 bunches

1

0

4

0

Azalea . . .

12 sprays

0

0

0

0

Myosotis

12 bunches

2

0

8

0

Bouvardias .

per bunch

0

6

1

0

Pelargoniums, per 12 trusses

0

9

1

0

Camellias

12 blooms

0

0

0

0

„ scarlet, 12 trusses

0

3

0

6

Carnations .

12 blooms

1

0

8

0

Roses

12 bunches

2

0

9

0

»» • •

12 bnnohes

3

0

6

0

,, (indoor),

per dozen

0

6

2

0

Chrysanthemums 12 bches.

3

0

6

0

,, Tea..

0

9

i

0

!»

12 bloomg

1

0

3

0

„ red

dozen

0

8

i

0

Cornflower ..

12 buncheB

1

6

8

0

,, Moss

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Cow-lips

doz. bunches

0

0

0

0

Primroses, Yellow, dozen

Daffodils

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

dozen bunches

0

0

0

0

EpiphyBum . .

doz. blooms

0

0

0

0

Pyrethrum . .

12 bunches

4

0

6

0

Eucbaris

per dozen

2

0

4

0

Spirtea . . . .

12 sprays

9

0

0

0

Gardenias

12 blooms

2

0

4

0

Stephanotis . .

12 sprays

2

0

8

0

Hellebore

doz. blooms

0

0

0

0

Stocks, various

12 bunches

3

0

6

0

Hyacinths, Roman, 12 sprays

0

0

0

0

Sunflowers

0

6

i

0

Iris .

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Sweet Peas ..

1 2 bunches

2

0

4

0

Lapageria, white, 12 blooms

0

0

0

0

Sweet Sultan

12 bunches

8

0

4

0

Lapageria, red

. . 12 blooms

1

0

2

0

Tropaeolum . .

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Lavender dozen bunches

4

0

5

0

Tuberoses

12 blooms

0

4

1

0

Lilium candidum 12 blms.

0

0

0

0

Violets . . . .

12 bunches

1

0

0

0

,, longiflorum, 12 blms.

3

0

6

0

„ Czar, Fr.

.. bunch

0

0

0

0

AMONG THE CROPS.

“ Ears 6 inches in length, and with eighty grains to an
ear,” was the description of a sample ear of Webbs’ Kinver
Giant White Wheat, given recently in the agricultural article
of a daily paper. Well, we copy the description as a remark¬
able one, and we doubt not that every farmer will agree
with us that a field of such Wheat would not only be a Bight
of which any man might justly feel proud, but it might also
be expected to prove a profitable crop. Then comes the
question — Is it possible for the Wheat crop generally to equal
or even approach this high standard of excellence ? The best
answer we can give is the fact that we are growing some of
this Giant Wheat upon four of our farms this year, and that
it is equally fine upon all of them. It is true that we cannot
claim to have produced 6 inch ears yet, but then we can
neither claim for any of our soil that it is in a high state of
fertility. Having regard to its wet, foul, poor condition,
when it came into our bands last year, we may reasonably
hope for 6-inch ears another season. Sample ears of this
year’s crop lying upon our table measure close upon 5 inches
in length, and there are seventy- six grains in one ear which
we counted. Not bad work this for land which had been
farmed out, and the result is important as showing what may
be done in a year to reclaim poor land by thorough cultiva¬
tion. Nor must the influence of carefully selected seed be
forgotten. Glad indeed are we to find that much attention is
now being given to the careful selection of seed corn by lead¬
ing dealers. The superiority of home-grown to colonial seed
corn was well exemplified at adjoining stands of Canadian
corn and one of our leading corn merchants at the Norwich
meeting of the Royal Agricultural Society. It is precisely
by attention to this important point in conjunction with
high culture, that we hope to produce crops so superior in
quality and abundant in quantity as shall enable us to
compete successfully with the markets of the world. To do
this, however, no point of good culture must be neglected ;
to pay a high price for selected seed without careful prepara¬
tion of the seed bed is a mere waste of money, the crop
cannot be a full one. Yet we know this is sometimes done,
and we also know how unsatisfactory it is. Only a few hours
before writing this article we saw two examples of slovenly
practice in Wheat culture. In one case the land was so foul
with couch grass that quite two -thirds of the length of every
Wheat sheaf was green with grass, to the growth of which
the wet summer had at any rate proved favourable. In the
other case a specially selected sample of White Wheat, for
which a high price was paid, had been sown upon heavy, wet,
undrained land. Much of the seed perished ; the remainder
had grown so well and the ears were so large that one could
not but feel regret at the waste and loss involved by such
ignorance or carelessness.

Plain, clear, and unmistakeable are the lessons to be learnt
among the Wheat crops this year. They tell us to sow early
in autumn upon clean land that is drained, well broken up,
and stored with fertility ; to take equal care in the selection
of our seed and of our manures if we would do our best to
ensure good crops. We hope to apply this teaching to
practice, and in doing it we shall use no farmyard manure,
and so avoid one of the heaviest items of expense in ordinary
Wheat culture. Just think what the manufacture of such
manure involves — cattle, straw, food, attendance, carting to
heaps, turning the heaps, reloading, carting upon the land,
and spreading. Think, too, of the waste of plant food which
occurs when the volatile gases escaping from the heaps load
the surrounding atmosphere with foul odours. Compare the

Arjfnet 16, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

cost of all tb s with ihat of home-mixed chemical manures,
and surely no man having ordinary intelligence can fail to
understand how advantageous the use of chemical manures
is. We know by analysis that a ton of farmyard manure
contains from 9 to 15 lbs. of nitrogen, 4 to 9 lbs. of phos¬
phoric acid, and 9 to 15 lbs. of potash. We know that these
three manurial constituents are required more or less by all
farm crops ; we know also that we can obtain them in the
form of chemical manures, and apply them to the soil at a
cost that is absolutely trifling in comparison with that of
farmyard manure. It is for these and similar cogent
reasons that we so persistently advocate the general use of
chemical manures, procured separately from reliable sources,
and mixed at home under the supervision of the farmer.

Well is it now to give careful thought to these things, in
view of making all possible improvement in our work next
season. That work will be speedily upon us, for the harvest
is so late that we shall have to turn from it to ploughing
and sowing at once this year. Let us then carefully mature
our plans now, and it will help us to do so all the better if
we look closely into results, mark every blemish and fault,
and strive to understand the reason of failurejor success when
we are among the crops.

(To be continued.)

WORK ON THE HOME FARM.

Since our last note harvest work has been much hindered by rain
and frequent complaints of rust and mildew are heard. Root crops,
Clover, and grass thrive wonderfully, and “ keep ” is not often so
abundant at this time cf year. More and more sheep are wanted to
consume this superabundance of green food, and we have hardly ever
left a market lately without having invested in one or more lots of sheep,
which may always be purchased advantageously at the beginning of
harvest. We much fear that crowded sheep markets just now are a sign
of straitened means among farmers, many a man having to sell sheep
to obtain moans for harvest expenses. We hope that the very large
quantity of Barley which was spoilt by late rain last year will act as an
incentive to early mowing this year. Do not wait till corn is dead ripe
before cutting. All corn should be cut as soon as the grain has fairly
passed the milky stage, in order to avoid shattering of grain in the field.
Spring Oats, Barley, Wheat, and Beans are all being cut as they become
ready, but very little carting of corn has yet been done. Some caution
will be necessary about carting and stacking, as the showery weather has
caused Clover and mixed layers to grow so freely among the corn that it
must be left out after the cutting longer than usual. Turnip and Tare
seed is abundant good and well ripened. Late Peas prove a trouble¬
some crop, and we hear complaints of much seed sprouting. In all such
cases recourse must be had to pigs to turn the Peas to account. Far
better is it to turn corn that has sprouted or become discoloured by rain
into pork and so sell it than to accept ruinously low prices for it. Pigs
and sheep also should be turned on the stubbles as the corn is carted, but
care must be taken not to leave sheep there more than an hour or two at
a time, especially upon the Barley stubbles, as they consume the fallen
ears so greedily that there is ritk of stoppage. Pigs su tain no such harm,
and they improve in condition very fast with stubble feeding, and are
subsequently soon finished and got ready for market in the yards. Be
very cautious in the purchase of store pigs. For upwards of a year losses
from swine fever have been frequent and serious. We have reason to fear
that outbreaks of this dreadful dieeaee are frequently concealed by un¬
principled dealers, and then the germs of disease spread far and wide in
an apparently mysterious manner.

NEW WHEATS AT PERRY HILL.

A HIGHLY interesting and carefully conducted series of experiments
in the cross- fertilisation of Wheat has been conducted by Messrs. James
Carter & Co. in their trial grounds in the above nursery during the last
four or five years. During the present season apparently all the varieties
of Wheat that could be collected in this and other countries have been
brought together and grown 'side by side for proving their character;
and further, those forms of English and foreign Wheat that have been
selected for cross-fertilisation in previous seasons are grown in rows, the
parents on each side of the allotted space to each little family, and the
pr >geny between them. The whole forms what may be not inappro¬
priately termed a museum of Wheat, such as has never been seen before
on the face t f the earth. The trials have been visited by numbers of
persons interested in the improvement cf the premier cereal, which is
uudeniably a subject of great moment, and the experiments in question
may be fraught with very important results. Whatever of improvement
has been effected in Wheats up to the present time has resulted mainly,
if not entirely, from selection— that is, by choosing the best ears, or the
best grains, and from these raising stocks. That the special merits of
what may be called an accidental sport may be fixed and perpetuated,
for a time at least, is proved in the case of various plants, including Peas ;
not a few of the varieties that have been famed in their generation, and
some cf which are still grown, having originated in that way, and not

from cross-fertilisation. Of late years this has been resorted to in raising
new varieties, notably by Mr. Laxton, and now the same process has been
adopted, and the object evidently accomplished, in the raising of Wheat.
But granting the intercrossing, it may be asked, What proof is there that
it has not happened in a natural manner through the transference of
pollen by insect agency or dispersion by the wind, as in the case of
numerous other plants? The proof is afforded by the fact that the ferti¬
lisation of Wheat in a natural way is effected before the florets open. It
is thus neces arily self-fertilised. The pollen that is seen occasionally
rising in clouds from a Wheat field during what is termed the blossoming
period, is superfluous pollen, and the appendages called flowers that hang
from the ears of Wheat at that time are simply the remains of the
flowers, and fertilisation is completed before these and the pollen are
visible. If Wheat could be crossed accidentally, instead of there being
few varieties the number would be bewildering. But by an all- wise and
beneficent provision its purity is preserved by sealing the flowers against
external influences; otherwise pollen from the lower cereals, the grasses,
might, and no doubt would have resulted in the deterioration of our most
important food crop long ago. Under the peculiar structural conditions
of the inflorescence it has remained the same from generation to generation,
except where artificial fertilisation has been accomplished, or sports have
been produced and perpetuated.

The cross-fertilisation of Wheat is really an operation of great delicacy,
for the flowers have to be opened and the anthers removed while still in
a green state or before the pollen cells burst, and yet when the pistil is
nearly developed and within a day from being ready for the reception of
pollen, that is then obtained from the anthers of another variety, and
applied to what is intended to be the seed-bearing parent. This is what
has been done in the experiments under notice.

It does not follow that in every case the progeny is superior to the
parentage. Nothing of the kind could be expected, and in raising new
varieties of whatever kinds of plants by cross-fertilisation a rigid selec¬
tion is afterwaids resorted to, only the best resulting forms being re¬
tained for further increase. This woik of selection by Messrs. Carter
with their new Wheats is of the utmost possible importance, and it is only
fair to say that they appear fully alive to it, numbers of plants being
passed, not because they are inferior to the parentage, for this can
scarcely be said of one in a thousand, but because they do not present
some clear and distinct feature that warrants their preservation. The
mere question of “novelty ’’ has very properly no weight, and a variety
must give evidence of some substantial quality, such as great productive¬
ness, earliness, inherent vigour or superiority of grain to entitle it to
the honour of a further trial. In addition to the growing plants syste¬
matically arranged as described — that is, the progeny between the parents
— dried grain of each saved last year is also presented for examination, and
it is very observable that the effected the crossing is stamped as clearly
on the grain as on the habits of the plants, and, as a rule, with scarcely
an exception, when a red and white variety has been intercrossed the
ripe grain is intermediate in colour, so that instead of mixing the two
colours in the mill they are mixed in the field. The object of these
crosses has been to combine the vigour of the Red Wheats with the
quality of the Whites, and no one can foretell what will be eventually
accomplished in this respect. A brief record of what has been achieved
is a significant foreshadowing, and the experience of another year will
be awaited with interest by those who have bad the pleasure of inspecting
the trials, and by others to whom they will be made known through the
agency of the press.

In the short notes following the varieties will be referred to under the
numbers appended to each set, and in giving the parentage the seed-
bearer will be named first, the male or pollen parent following in each
case, that being the order in which the rows are arranged.

3. Fill-measure x Squarehead. — Progeny : Plant sturdy, fol¬
lowing in this respect the male parent, also in the full ears, which, however,
are fully as long as those of the seed parent ; grain superior to both, and
partaking more of the white than the red variety or Squarehead.

4. Royal Prize x Enobled Red.— Progeny : Plant strong, and pro¬
misingly bountiful ; earlier than either parent, and the grain less pointed
and heavier. The influence of the pollen parent preponderates in this
cross.

7. Royal Prize x Challenge. — Progeny : Very distinct from
both, and decidedly superior, also earlier ; fine full head and a heavy
crop. The plant follows the male in vigour ; the ears and grain the
seed parent.

8. Royal Prize x Chidham. — Progeny : Shorter, and more sturdy
than either parent, and the grain better than both ; crop good.

9. Imperial White x Squarehead.— Progeny : A very distinct
and weU-marked cross ; plant a little shorter than the seed parent, but
taller than the male ; grain good, and more like the former than the latter.
One plant is carrying forty fine ears.

10. Squarehead x Hunter’s White.— Progeny: The male parent
decidedly preponderates ; growth strong, ears large, grain intermediate
in colour between the two.

13. Talavera x Royal Prize. — Progeny: Follows the female
parent in character, but with plumper and a shade darker grain ; very
early, in advance of even the Talavera, and ripe a fortnight sooner than
Royal Prize. The earliest Wheat of all.

15. April x Golden Grain. — Progeny : Earlier than the April,
and grain of larger size and otherwise superior.

19. Fill-measure x Bearded Mammoth. — Progeny „• Plant
sturdy, ears large and full, grain excellent. The cross is apparent in the

196

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ August 26, 1886.

suppression of the horns, these being reduced to short bristles, which
birds dislike, hence the name that has been applied, “ Birdproof.”

20. Imperial White x Bearded Mammoth. — Progeny : Plant
strong, with wonderfully fine ears ; woolly, and semi-horned ; grain dis¬
tinctly better than that of either parent.

22. Squarehead x Bearded Mammoth.— Progeny : Wonderfully
dwatf and sturdy, with heavy heads of uniform height. A wonderful
cross, and advised to be retained for trial as a fen Wheat, the crops in fen
and marsh lands being prone to fall.

26. Clue-headed x Champion. — Progeny: Generally following
the seed parent in habit of growth and length of ear, but fuller, some of
the ears having six rows of grains ; a heavy cropper and good grain.

32. Talavera x Birdproof. — Progeny : A full-headed Talavera ;
just what was wanted, as combining earliness with productiveness, or the
leading features of both parents.

The crosses alluded to indicate the diversified character of the varie¬
ties raised, and every one of them possesses qualities that it 6eems
desirable to perpetuate in seeking for further excellence in the all-impor¬
tant crop on which the inhabitants of this and most other countries
mainly depend for sustenance. In the conduct of these experiments
Mr. C. H. Sharman and his assistant merit high commendation for their
painstaking care and unwearied diligence, and their courtesy will be
readily acknowledged by all Visitors to the grounds.

A TOBACCO-GROWING EXPERIMENT.

In consequence mainly of a speech by Lord Harris in the House of
L^rds in March of the present year, a relaxation in the law was permitted
wheri-by, under certain stipulated and stringent conditions, the cultivation
of Tobacco as a field crop might be tried experimentally in this country.
Among others who have taken advantage of the opportunity thus afforded
is the firm above named, and what may be termed the “ Carter Experi¬
ment ” is being carried out in a very systematic and thorough manner in
a field in Kent. The crop is open to the inspection of all who are in¬
terested in the subject. The Tobacco, something under an acre, is grown
on the farm of Mr. Phillips, and is, we believe, in the parish of Bromley,
but the nearest station is Plaistow, on the South-Eastern railway, which,
we understand, is not quite a mile distant, the station of Lower Sydenham
being about a mile and a half from the fields. From this latter station
conveyances can probably be obtained if required, and a “ guide ” at
least is desirable, as a stranger might possibly experience some little
difficulty in finding his way to “ the Tobacco.” Messrs. Carter, however,
give instructions to intending visitors who apply to them by letter
addressed to their head- quarters in High Holborn.

The site chosen for the experiment is sheltered from the north by
rising ground, and from the east and south-east by trees; it is open to
the full sweep of the wind from the south-west and west only, but a row
of mats is stretched across for affording a little protection to the plants
from that side. The desirability of some natural shelter is suggested by
the large and more or less soft leaves, for it is easy to imagine that plants
grown on a plain, or on level tracts near the sea, would be very liable to
be “ tattered and torn ” by boisterous winds, and the value of the leaves
would then be materially impaired. The leaves should be free from
split or perforation, or they would at the best be regarded as “ damaged
goods.”

The site of the experiment has been well chosen, but very little that
is good can be said of the soil. The field slopes to the north, the higher
part being light, poor, and thin, resting on gravel ; the lower part ill-
drained and cold, yet containing a good deal of humus, the decayed vegetable
matter giving the land a dark or peaty appearance. It is on this moister,
richer, even if colder side that the plants have made by far the greater
progress ; indeed on the higher, drier, and poorer side the crop may be said
to be a failure. This is solely the result of poverty, for on one plot
where some rubbish had been burned and the ashe3 spread, the half a score
of plants or so are amoog the finest in the field, and are more conspicu¬
ous by the stunted starvelings by which they are surrounded. The land
was just taken as it was, and 30 tons of manure spread equally on the
acre, as if manuring for any other farm crop, or, in other words, as it was
desired to show the effects of the differing nature of the soil, no special
endeavour was made to enrich the upper half of the plot with an extra
quantity of manure. It would be very easy to make this portion as fertile
as the other by a liberal dressing of suitable chemical manures, but had
this been done the experiment would not be nearly so instructive. As it
is, two things are made clear — namely, that Tobacco requires rich soil for
inducing a quick strong growth, also that it likes potash. That the soil
was inherently poor when “ taken to” is evident by the appearance of the
Potatoes that are growing in the same field, which cannot give more than
half a crop,” and of some rows of Maize that were sown across the plot,
the plants in the upper portion only ranging from 6 inches to a foot high,
while those on thelower part are 4 feet high or more. There is much the
same disparity in the Tobacco plants, for those on the best side would be
4 feet high if they had not been topped, while many of those on the other
were not a foot high when examined on Monday in the present week.
Here we have the effects of sterility and fertility side by side, and in that
respect alone this Tobacco-growing experiment is suggestive, as both the
road to ruin and the way to success are alike plain in the management of
land. If under the conditions indicated the value of the Tobacco that is
raised on this acre of ground equals, or nearly equals, the expenditure, a
really well-grown crop must be profitable, and there can be little or no
doubt that land that will grow a first-rate crop of Potatoes, or, say, 10 tons
of marketable produce per acre, will produce a first-rate crop of Tobacco.

As an accurate record is being kept of the outlay incurred in growing
the crop under notice, the returns from the sale of the produce will be
awaited with interest.

Seventeen varieties of Tobacco such as are grown in the American
plantations are represented in the trial, and at its close Messrs. Carter
will be in a position to know which are the best adapted for cultivation in
this country, and also able to form a very good estimate of the value of
the crop from a given number of well grown plants, for it may be said
there are 2000 that will represent a good average crop. The seed was
sown in a frame in March, the seedlings transplanted about 2 inches apait
in boxes 3 inches deep, and planted out on June 16th. They were earthed
up on July 28th, topping commenced on August 9th, and they should be
ready for harvesting by the middle of September. The ground was
thrown into ridges 3 feet apart, and the plants inserted on these that dis¬
tance asunder. Eventually the plough was run between the lines cross-
ways of the ridges, the result being that each plant stands on a little
mound and occupies a square yard of land, or 4840 plantB to the acre.
This distance is not too much where the land is good, as several of the
plants just meet across the space, and care is necessary in passing amongst
them not to break or bruise the leaves. These vary in s ze according to
variety, but it may be said that they will average about 18 inches long by
9 inches across on the best part of the ground. Several were measured
20 by 10 inches, and one 22 by 11 inches, this variety being the “ Island
Broad Leaf.’’ It does not follow, however, that the varieties with the
largest leaves will be the best for our climate, as both the one named and
the CaD, or “ Cann’s Seed Leaf,” also the “ Glasner ” are, though excep¬
tionally broad in the leaf, d warfer and later than some others, and earliness
is a property not to be overlooked. There are only two varieties that can
be called failures — the Kentucky and the White Burley — these evidently
requiring a warmer soil, as, though small, they are the best coloured on
the higher slope of the land. The point of earliness is determined by the
time flower buds form, and which are pinched off immediately. It is
almost certain that it would be advantageous to top many of the plants
before the buds are visible, or as soon as eight leaves are formed, not
counting two or three on the lower part of the stems and that are close
to the ground, the grit that is dashed on these by heavy rains
rendering them useless. From six to eight large perfect clean leaves
are sufficient for each plant, as these can be fully exposed to the sun
and become richer in the essential oil than a greater number could
possibly be that must of necessity be more or less shaded and immature.
All axillary growths are pinched from the stems, so that there is nothing
to divert the sap from the principal leaves. The plants, at the least the
tall growers and earlier sorts, are about 3 feet high after being topped.
A variety named the Big Frederick, which is a form of the Havannah, is
one of the most promising in the field, the Yellow Prior being also a
stout yet tall grower with fine leaves. The Virginia is a tall good grower,
holding its foliage well from the ground, being stronger than the Havannah ;
and the Yellow Orinoca, a variety of the Virginia, is evidently very good.
It is not necessary to describe all the varieties, as their real merits can
be only determined after curing ; but those named are good growers, with
the two exceptions alluded to, which are mentioned to be avoided.

Let the results of the trial be what they may, the experiment so well
conducted will go far towards determining the point as to whether
Tobacco can be profitably grown in this country or not, and the crop
referred to is well worthy of inspection by owners of land, farmers, and
gardeners alike. _

OUR LETTER BOX.

Winter Oats ( Cambs ). — Sow four bushels of Beed Oats per acre of the
Winter or Tawny Oat in September. This is the only sort that is suitable
for autumn sowing, as it sustains no injury from severe cold, which often
proves fatal to other Oats. You ought to be able to obtain good seed from
any respectable corn factor in your neighbourhood, or you can apply either
to Carters of London, Sutton3 of Reading, or Webbs of Wordsley, Stour¬
bridge, who advertise farm seeds.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATION?.
CAMDEN SQUARE, LONDON.

Lat. 61° 32' 40" N.; Long. 0° 8' 0" W. ; Altitude, 111 feet.

DATE.

9 A.M.

IN THK DAY.

Rain

1886.

August.

Barome¬
ter at 328
and Sea
Level

Hydrome¬

ter.

Direction
of Wind.

Temp, of
Soil at

1 foot.

Shade Tem¬
perature.

Radiation

Temperature.

Dry.

Wet.

Max.

Min.

In

sun.

On

grass

Inches.

deg.

dev.

deg.

det?.

d*e

ded-

deg

In.

Sunday .

30.139

64.4

59.8

N.E.

60.2

73.4

54 5

115.6

48.0

0.125

Monday .

16

29.862

65.5

58.2

W.

60.4

71.2

57.8

121.3

53.2

0.010

Tuesday .

17

29.952

60.4

56.1

w.

60.3

66.7

52.2

1192

47.1

—■

Wednesday .

18

30.223

59.1

54.4

N.

59 8

688

54.2

114.2

48.6

0.033

Thursday ...

19

30.175

59.2

63.7

W.

59.8

66 8

55. L

91.9

49.4

0.113

Friday .

80.281

60.9

57.9

N.E.

59.4

72 4

50.1

114.2

43.4

—

Saturday ...

21

30.122

64.6

60.8

N.E.

69.2

76.5

49.1

118.7

43.2

—

30.108

62.0

57.3

59.9

70.8

53.3

113.7

47.C

0-284

REMARKS.

16th.— Fine pleasant day.

16th.— Rain in the early hours of the morning ; fine, bright, and pleasant day.

17th.— Dull and cloudy, with one or two slight showers.

18 h.— Fine bright morning ; clondy afternoon.

19th.— Wet morning ; dull damp afternoon ; fair evening,
noth.— Fine, bright, and warm.

2lst.— Fine and summerlike.

A week generally fine and pleasant, though not of typical August weather. Tempe¬
rature very similar to that of the preceding week, and just above the average.
—G. J. SYMONS.

Sep timber 2, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

197

Si§

1

COMING EVENTS

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Th

F

s

SUN

M

TV

W

Crystal Palace Fruit and Da hi' a Shows (two days),

11th Sunday after Trinity.

[Show.

Royal Horticultural’ Society Committees at 11 am. Fruit and Dahlia
Edinburgh Show.

MIXED FLOWER BEDS.

IFFERENT styles of beddiug plants in the flower
garden have gained public favour at successive
periods, have been brought into great promi¬
nence, only to be subsequently neglected, and
in some cases after the lapse of a few years
have been revived and resumed their former
position in popular estimation. A remarkable
example of this is afforded by the beds or
borders of hardy flowers, which in the last
century and early in this formed the principal portion of the
floral attractions of the outdoor garden. The introduction
of numerous exotics for bedding out in summer, and especially
the rapid development of the Zonal Pelargoniums for such
purposes, gradually displaced their hardy rivals, and the
“mixed border” was relegated to som9 obscure position, or
only received the attention it had previously enjoyed in some
old gardens, the owners of which were not so readily affected
by the changing fashion of the day, and who were reluctant
to discard their old favourites for their more gaudy suc¬
cessors. As the massing system of bedding extended its
advocates became proportionately opposed to the hardy plant
beds which were stigmatised as weedy and ineffective, and
it is quite probable that the unreasonable opposition thu3
offered to the former method of garden adornment, together
with the undue patronage accorded to the tender plants, con¬
tributed in a great measure to the revival which commenced
some years ago and has steadily proceeded ever since.

Pelargoniums, Calceolarias, Lobelias, and similar plants
with brightly coloured flowers are valuable for some posi¬
tions, and in moderation, but masses of beds furnished with
such plants are very tiring, and, however the association of
the colours may be varied, it is difficult to avoid monotony.
The increasing number of Pelargonium beds led to the intro¬
duction of sub tropical beds of foliage plants as a kind of
foil fo the brilliant colours of the others, but they are not
usually adapted for the same positions as the flower beds,
and from the taller habit of their occupants they require to
be placed in the background unless they have a quarter
specially devoted to them. For parks and large private
gardens sub-tropical beds are admirable in suitable positions,
but they are generally unfitted for the flower garden proper,
except in wide expanses where there is plenty of space to
isolate them and avoid close association with the others.

In addition to the monotony and glare of flower gardens
planted exclusively with occupants of the Pelargonium type
there is another consideration which has tended to decrease
the number of their admirers — namely, the expense attending
propagation and housing sufficient stock for the next season’s
display. This is a matter of great importance, and many
gardeners are too well aware of the difficulties experienced in
finding accommodation for the thousands of planes requisite
to fill large flower gardens. Frames suitable for the purpose
are never too numerous, and they are required in so many
other ways in the spring that it is often a serious puzzle to
provide for all. Where the demands for a summer display
No. 323. — Vol. XIII., Third Series.

of the ordinary bedding kind are urgent other plants too
frequently have to suffer in order that space may be found
for those that are being prepared to fill the beds.

Such facts as these have induced many persons to try other
plants either in combination with those of the Pelargonium
type or alone, so as to reduce the number of tender occupants
needed and to vary the attractions of the flower garden. It
has been found that hardy and half hardy annuals and
perennials of mauy kinds can be utilised in this way to excel¬
lent purpose, as they require much less time and attention
in preparation, and a large number can be grown all the
season out of doors, thus relieving the houses and frames
of the winter crowding. Amateurs like the late Miss Frances
Jane Hope, of Wardie Lodge, Edinburgh, were the first to
sec the fashion in this respect, and it has now been taken up
and followed in many private gardens, while in the past
season or two the London parks have also shown some good
examples of what can be done in this direction. In large
establishments it would be impossible to dispense with
Pelargoniums altogether, nor would it be desirable, but by
introducing effective hardy and other plants a compro¬
mise is effected between the advocates of the two styles of
bedding, and the results have been so satisfactory that the
mixed system is likely to extend considerab’y. Most readers
of the Journal are no doubt well acquainted with the style
of bedding under notice, but a few remarks upon some of the
most pleasing “ mixtures,” or best hardy plants to be thus
employed, will furnish a few hints to those who may intend
devoting a few beds to them next year, or increasing the
number of those already occupied.

The two principal ways in which the system is carried
out is first to plant several distinct kinds together in one bed,
either arranged in alternate diagonal lines or dotted over a
groundwork of one kind, and second to devote beds to the
seedling varieties of one species or strain like Phlox Drum-
mondi, Zinnias, or Tuberous Begonias for example, tli9
colours of which are greatly varied, and afford an agreeable
mixture alone. In the first method Pelargoniums, Lobelias,
Calceolarias — indeed all the ordinary tender bedding plants,
are employed with hardy or half-hardy plants. For instance,
a bed that early this season was very attractive had a ground¬
work of Fuohsia Golden Treasure pegged down, amongst
which were scattered plants of Geum coccineum, Pansies of
varied colours, and the variegated form of Carex riparia.
Another bed with a mixture of Mignonette and purple Stocks
margined with Iresine Herbsti and white Lobelias had been
very satisfactory, though the dry hot weather has somewhat
spoiled its beauty. Fuchsias of several varieties associated
with Phlox Drummondi and Zonal Pelargoniums on a ground
of dwarf white-leaved Centaureas or Cinerarias also have a
good effect. A favourite combination, and one that has been
employed for some time in the parks, is formed by planting
Pelargonium Daybreak or Princess Alexandra in alternate
lines with Iresine Lindeni and Viola cornuta, or any
moderately tall blue-flowered variety, like Blue Bell, which
is very useful for the purpose. The Violas have also been
used with Pelargonium Mrs. Pollock or any of the bright
tricolor and silver edged varieties. Pelargonium Robert
Fish and Iresine Herbsti or Lindeni has a distinct appear¬
ance, as also have Pel. Stella variegata and Iresine Lindeni,
Pel. Manglesi variegatum and Verbena venosa, or the last-
named with Centaureas or Cinerarias as a groundwork, and
taller plants of Abutilon marmoratum. Lobelia fulgens is a
handsome plant for mixed beds, and has a grand effect when
rising from a ground of some white or grey-leaved plant, such
as Centaureas, Cerastiumtomento3um,orMesembryanthemum
cordifolium variegatum, with the addition perhaps of a few
Violas of the Blue Bell type. Beds in which many kinds of
plants are associated do not as a rule look so well as those
with a few boldly contrasted or agreeably harmonised.
Occasionally, however, an effective bed may be formed, and
an example of this was one in which the foundation comprised

No. 1979 —Vol. LXXV., Old Series

193

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September 2, 18£6,

Violas, purple Verbenas, and Carnations, from which arose
taller plants of the glaucous Eucalyptus globulus and the
golden variegated Abutilon marmoratum aureum. Two
plants that can be advantageously employed in mixed beds or
alone for massing are Spinea Filipendula plena and Armeria
cephalotes rubra, both of which have been very beautiful in
Hyde Park this season margined with Pansies.

In the second series of beds — namely, those containing
seedling varieties of one species — numbers of suitable plants
may be grouped. Some of the leading examples of these are
Verbenas, Phlox Drummondi, Carnations, Dianthus of the
Heddewigi type, Pansies, Stocks, Lantanas, Tuberous
Begonias, Fuchsias, Canterbury Bells, Zinnias, and Heli-
chrvsums, but many more could be similarly used, and these
are only named as examples. Zinnias make a handsome
bed when well grown, and they last well, the colours being
very rich when seed of a good strain is procured. Mixed
Verbenas and Phlox Drummondi are very charming plants
for beds, and now that such excellent strains can be obtained
they should be much more generally grown. The Phlox in
particular is represented by a number of forms or types that
can be had true from seed, so that a most varied and beautiful
bed can be readily composed.

As already mentioned, the late Miss Hope gave much
attention to hardy plants for bedding out, and twelve or
fifteen years ago she had some beds in her garden that
delighted many visitors. A few examples of these will serve
to indicate the method adopted, and those who wish for more
information on the subject should consult her “ Notes and
Thoughts on Gardens and Woodlands ” (Macmillan). In
one bed the groundwork was “the little yellow CEnothera
prostrata, thinly dotted with Viola Perfection, or any other
purple, lilac, or blue Viola or Pansy of compact habit.” In
another the centre plant was “ Yucca gloriosa set in a
groundwork of dark blue Ajuga purpurascens, dotted with
Sedum spectabile and edged with variegated Ivy.” A third
bed which gave great satisfaction consisted of a groundwork
of Mesembryanthemum tricolor dotted with Echeverias and
edged with Antennaria tomentosa, and it might be here
added that Portulacas could be similarly used as a ground
for many beds, especially in hot dry situations. Combina¬
tions of Lobelia fulgens with Tussilago Farfara variegata,
and Symphytum officinale variegatum with Dielytra spec-
tabilis, were tried with excellent results, while for a large
bed the following were employed : — “ Centre plant, Phalaris
arundinacea elegantissima, surrounded with Aster bessara-
bicus ; then scarlet Pelargonium, a band of Helleborus niger
major, the edging being alternate plants of purple-leaved
Plantago rubescens and Funkia japonica cordata.” These
examples might be considerably increased in numbers, but
they will ind cate to those who have paid little attention
to the subject how much can be done to vary the beauty of
the flower garden without depriving ourselves of the brightly
coloured Pelargoniums.

The culture and propagation of the plants named are fre¬
quently described in the weekly calendars, and it is only
necessary to remark that the hardy annuals can be raised from
seed sown out of doors in the autumn ; the half-liardy annuals
can be similarly raised under glass early in spring, and
transplanted as soon as the weather permits, th9 hardy
perennials being divided either in autumn or spring, and the
tender perennials increased by cuttings under glass in the
usual way. Sometimes the seed of the annuals is sown in
the beds where they are to remain, but this has not proved
very satisfactory either as regards the hardy or half-hardy
species, and it is preferable to select the seedlings for the
beds, as they then have a more even appearance. — Flower
Gardener.

GROWING FRUIT FOR MARKET.

EARLY APPLES.

These always command a ready sale, whether it be the finer
high-coloured varieties for dessert, or the class known as “ boy”

Apples, but growers must have something that will take in the
market — colour, brightness, size, and quality. It is the same
whether the varieties are for dessert or culinary purposes.

EATING APPLES.

Mr. Gladstone. — The earliest Apple with colour ; a bright
scarlet cheek, a yellow flesh, and brisk flavour, very refreshing.
It grows and fruits freely on the Crab stock, and will keep some
time. It must supersede Joaneting : White, small and good
from the tree ; Red or Margaret, medium size, which takes better
than the white and is good, only very soft in flesh. Both the
Joanetings succeed on the Crab as standards and on the dwarf
stock in gardens, especially the latter or Red Joaneting. Mr.
Gladstone does well on the Paradise stock. I have it very good
as oblique cordons against walls ; it comes in a few days after the
Joanetings.

Irish Peach. — The best of the early Apples, very juicy and
brisk in flavour. A great bearer on the Crab as a standard, on
which it succeeds best ; at least, it does very indifferently with
me on light soil on the Paradise, even with high culture, but on
the Crab it is first-rate, not cankering to anything like the same
extent on this stock even in adverse soils as on the Paradise. The
fruit is bright in colour when ripe.

Early Harvest. — A fertile tree on the Crab as a standard.
Fruit medium sized and, being yellow, slightly coloured on the
sun side. It is not a taking sort It is, however, excellent,
having much juice, with a pleasing brisk flavour. It certainly
ought to have a place in every garden, being very fruitful on the
Paradise. Red Astrachan is the stamp of fruit we want in an
early dessert Apple, being large, beautiful, and with a fine glow
or bloom, but it requires the quality of the Irish Peach. The
tree is also tender, cankering greatly.

Yellow Transparent. — This I have only had on the Paradise
stock. It is a taking fruit, very clear in skin, the flavour sweet,
brisk, and good, it bears freely and is very pretty for dessert,
its clear yellow colour and transparent flesh telling in its favour.
Mr. Laxton, Bedford, sent me three years ago a variety under
the name of Reaper. I think it different from the American of
that name. Anyway it was a fruit after the style of White
Joaneting, larger, but not quite medium sized, round, slightly
flattened, skin yellowish green, bright or coloured on the sun
side, flesh rather firm, sweet and brisk in flavour. A vsry good
Apple, ripe early in September and continuing some days. A
first-rate grower and bearer, pyramid on the Paradise.

Devonshire Quarienden. — Well known and one of the best
market varieties, being very handsome and highly coloured,
medium sized. Better on the Crab than Paradise, making a
healthy very free-bearing standard. Some fan-trained trees I
had on the Crab on an east wall gave very fine, large, brilliantly
coloured fruit. Those that want telling fruit for dessert should
grow Apples against walls, taking care to supply them with water
passed through a mulching of manure in hot weather.

Kerry Pippin. — Small, but larger on the Crab than the Para¬
dise stock ; a free healthy grower and capital cropper as a
standard. Very old and very good, alike in looks as it is unex¬
ceptional in quality.

The varieties l advise of the early de-sert Apples are Mr.
Gladstone, Irish Peach, Devonshire Quarrenden, and Kerry
Pippin.

EARLY KITCHEN APPLES.

Keswick Codlin. — Still the best very early culinary Apple.
Good either as a standard on the Crab or a dwarf on the
Paradise.

Lord Suffield. — One of the best, but not a good grower as a
standard on the Crab. Best on the Paradise, and not long healthy
on that.

Yorkshire Beauty. — Large, bright yellow, bright red cheek.
A telling sort and free on the Crab as a standard. It must
become a great favourite; the flesh tender and brisk in flavour.
It is a good grower and an excellent variety, sent out by Messrs.
Smith, Worcester.

Duchess of Oldenburgli. — Good in size, beautiful in appearance,
being handsomely striped, brisk pleasing flavour, good for eating
as well as cooking, a great cropper, making a profitable
standard.

Stirling Castle. — After the Hawthornden type. A great
cropper, but not so good as a standard on the Crab as a dwarf on
the Paradise stock. The fruit keeps some time. Like the
Hawthornden, the fruit is much subject to “ pit ” in some
soils.

Worcester Pearmain — Very handsome, good size, and great
cropper. Does well as a standard on Crab, and is very free as a
dwarf on the Paradise Keeps for weeks and is not a bad eating
sort. Introduced by Messrs. Smith, Worcester.

September 2, 1886. 1

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

199

Selection of early kitchen Apples. — Keswick Codlin, York¬
shire Beauty, Duchess of Oldenburgh, and Worcester Pearmain.

EARLY PLUMS.

A siliceous or calcareous soil is best for Plums. Tn deep
loams they make strong and late growth, which does not ripen,
and the trees are liable to attacks of gumming and die back.
They are most profitable on the limestone or oolitic formations.

Early Rivers. — Yery good, hardy, and a great bearer. Very
heavy fruit, first rate.

Czar (Rivers). — Large, an early Prince Euglebert, great
cropper, and never cracks. This -is a valuable addition, one of
the very bes".

Sultan (Rivers). — Rot so large as Czar and round, resembling
an Orleans, but deeper coloured and very much earlier. A
capital sort.

Gisborne’s. — Smallish, yellow, a great bearer, and does well
in the north.

Pershore. — Looks like a small Magnum Bonum, hardy, and
good bearer ; yellow, fine sub-acid flavour. Capital culinary and
preserving sort.

Those are kitchen and preserving Plums of merit in the order
of their placing.

DESSERT PLUMS.

Early Favourite (Rivers). — This is tender and requires a wall
with a south aspect, on which it ripens from the middle of
July to August.

Oullins Golden. — Large, greenish yellow, first rate A
strong grower, hardy and free cropper, doing well even in the
north.

Perdrigon Violet Hatif. — Purple, medium sized, hardy, and
very productive.

Early Blue. — Medium sized, a great bearer, and hardy.

De Montfort.— Purple, medium sized, a good Plum, but not
over-hardy. Similar remarks a.pply to Early or July Green
Gage.

Denniston’s Superb. — Greenish yellow, large, and good
bearer.

Early dessert market Plums are scarce. Oullins Golden,
Perdrigon Violet Hatif, and Denniston’s Superb are best for
growing as standards.

Plums as standards are admirably adapted for garden as
distinguished from orchard culture. They readily admit of crop¬
ping between, their roots not being so soon injured as those of
the Pear and Apple. They appear to relish a certain amount of
mutilation of the roots in digging for other crops, only it is not
practised too near the stems of the trees, and evidently has the
same beneficial effect as root-pi-uning, increasing the number of
active feeders for transmitting the increased food supplies which
generally accompanies root-pruning in the shape of mulching
and digging in the manure supplied ostensibly for other crops,
but actually mainly appropriated by the Plums. — Utilitarian’

CHRYSANTHEMUMS AND THEIR CULTURE.

( Continued from page 177.)

KEEPING THE BLOOMS.

One of the best qualities which Chrysanthemums possess is the
long time the blooms remain fresh either growing on the plants or
in a cut state ; still, much to the disappointment of many growers
for exhibition, they often fail to keep long enough. In most
seasons a large number of fine blooms are rendered useless through
the too early development of some of the varieties for a particular
date ; and unfortunately these usually include the finest examples.
This is more often the case in the south of England than in the
north. The greatest trouble growers situated in the northern
counties have to contend against in most seasons is the non-develop¬
ment of the flowers in time for the shows. By judicious manage¬
ment blooms can be kept in good condition a considerable time.
Those possessing thedarkest shadesof colour — namely, the chestnuts,
bronzes, and the deepest lilacs — retain their freshness the shortest
period, while the primrose shades, the whites and the yellows, con¬
tinue the longest in good condition. Some growers cut the blooms
when expanded, and strive to keep them a long time by placing
them in dark closets in rooms, but I have found that in no case
will they keep sufficiently fresh for exhibition longer than eight days,
and this in only a very few instances. Peter the Great is one of
the best varieties for keeping. To have blooms in the best possible
condition on any given date four days previous is quite soon enough
to cut them. If cut earlier the florets lose their necessary solidity,
and in consequence are not so large as they otherwise would be :
this is particularly noticeable a the Japanese section. When cut

the flowers should be perfectly developed just at the time they are
quite at their best, and before they lose their freshness. The com¬
mencement of decay can best be ascertained by feeling the lower
florets, which should be crisp and solid, not soft and flabby. When
this occurs the white varieties will soon assume a pink tinge, and in
some other varieties a faint brownness in the bottom florets points
to waning beauty ; therefore when the centre of a flower is fully
developed and the lower florets fresh the blooms will be right, and
should be cut with a long stem — say 9 or 12 inches, so that a small
portion can be cut off every day ; place it in a bottle previously filled
with water, amongst which a little salt has been mixed — say, three-
quarters of a teaspoonful to three half pints of water. It matters
not whether the water be hard or soft. Place the blooms in a cool
slightly darkened room having a dry atmosphere ; this is the manner
in which I have found them keep the best in a cut state, but
I prefer to allow them to remain on the plants until required, or at
least two days before, when they may be cut with safety and treated
in the manner above described.

When it is seen that a flower is likely to be too early, growing
as it is in the coolest house and protected from sun ; the moment
it is at its best remove the plant to some cool structure which can
be partly darkened, and where air can be admitted freely. A potting
shed having a northern aspect, Mushroom house not in use, a large
air barn, coach house, in fact any place having the necessary require¬
ments — viz., coolness, dry atmosphere, and partly excluded light,
will be suitable. No more water must be given to the roots than is
absolutely required to prevent the leaves and flowers flagging-
Simply enough to retain freshness suffices, as at this period of the
plant’s existence the functions are torpid, and the work as regards
the development of blooms completed. Sometimes a week and
even more will elapse before the plant requires water, particularly
if the soil is of a retentive character. The pot when sounded in
the orthodox manner may ring clearly ; still the soil may be moist
enough. The best indication of water being required is by examin¬
ing the leaves, and if they are in the least soft and devoid of fresh¬
ness then apply clean enough water to soak the soil through, and
give no more till the leaves again feel limp. The water which
drains from the pot should be at once dried up to prevent damping.
Should any signs of this occur at once remove such damaged florets,
which only serve to contaminate others near them. Flowers man¬
aged in this manner will keep fresh and in good condition for ten
or twelve days, sometimes longer.

PREPARING FOR SHOWS.

The old adage of “ a good beginning making a good ending ” is
very applicable to this subject. A systematic method of preparation
for a show greatly assists an exhibitor in having all ready by the
appointed time to start, particularly if he has a long distance to
travel. Some time previous to the date of the show he knows what
classes to enter in, and makes his preparations accordingly as to the
numbei of trays and boxes required. The first necessity in arrang¬
ing the flowers is a light and perfectly clean room. It often
happens that the potting shed is the best available place, the
benches being the right height, and generally there is plenty of
light coming in at the right place — the front windows. This
materially assists in arranging the colours harmoniously. Thoroughly
sweep the benches, and if at all dusty wash them down ; remove
any cobwebs hanging from the ceiling, or anything else which by
accident might fall and do damage to any of the blooms that might
unfortunately be underneath. A little forethought in this will be
an advantage. Next spread out the trays on the tables ; if for
twenty-four blooms two trays, each one holding twelve, will be
required ; place them ready to receive the flowers allotted to them
in their special classes, having small adhesive labels fastened on the
front of the tray denoting which class each belongs to — as for
example, “ 24 Incurved, Cup Class,” or ditto Japanese, and so on
till all the trays are ticketed. Any of the attendants can then see
at a glance where to place or take from any individual bloom which
it is necessary to remove, without running here and there asking
questions and causing confusion at a time when that is least
required. To some people all these details may appear trivial, but
when something over 100 blooms have to be prepared for one
show, and these by a certain time, allowing for a long journey
by road and a much longer one by rail, and the time being neces¬
sarily cut as short as possible foi having them quite fresh, small details
must be attended to, method adopted, and forethought exercised,
or the work cannot be done satisfactorily. The notices which
were fastened on to each tray are taken off when the stands are
staged at the show. When the blooms are all arranged in the
stands packing should commence. This is often done in a careless
manner, but I would impress upon young beginners the necessity
and advantage gained by care in this matter. Never think a few
minutes wasted which are spent in properly securing the blooms in
safe quarters ; more than once have I seen the first prize lost through

200

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September 2, 1886.

carelessness in this one point. It sometimes happens that as the
blooms are arranged in their positions for exhibition they are not
in the best possible manner for packing. Some of those in the
back row are too deep to admit of the next tray passing over when
placed in its position in the travelling box ; such flowers then should
change places with one in the front row, which are generally lower.
This entails more labour when the show is reached in readjustment,
but all this extra labour is soon forgotten when the first prize is
gained ; and the more times an exhibitor competes the more
strongly is it impressed upon his mind that nothing is gained in
exhibiting without pains.

The cups containing the blooms should be firmly fixed in the
holes in the board to prevent their rocking to and fro. This is
best done by wrapping narrow strips of brown paper, say 1 inch
wide, around the cup, which is then pulled tightly down into the
hole by placing one hand underneath the tray, and with the other
hand steady the flower to prevent its being jarred in any way.
While this is being done each cup should be examined to see that it
contains sufficient water, yet be quite sure they are not too full, or
through shaking on the journey the water from one cup will fall
upon the flowers underneath. This must be avoided. If travelling
boxes are used, like the one figured and described, the blooms will
arrive safe at their destination, for little short of a railway accident
could displace them.

chrysanthemum: box and stand.

The engravings (fig. 27) and specifications will enable exhibitors
to provide themselves with the articles represented. The stands
for twelve blooms are 2 feet long, 18 inches wide, 6 inches high at

Fig. 27. — Chrysanthemum Box and Stand.

the back, and 3 inches in the front. This is mentioned here, as the
figures on the stand are somewhat indistinct. It will be seen that
there is sufficient height for the blooms when the stands containing
them are placed in the box, the space being one-eighth of an inch
wider and longer for their reception.

Specifications foe Chrysanthemum Box and Stand. —
The box to be made in cupboard-form of three-quarter-inch well-
seasoned American pine, dove-tailed together at the angles, the
sides, top, and bottom to be rebated for the back. Plant a rounded
nosing as shown to the top of the box and a small chamfered plinth
round the bottom.

The door to be clamped top and bottom, as shown on sketch,
and to be hung to fall in flush with the sides of the box, the door
to be hung with one pair of 2|-inch butt hinges, and to be fitted
with a cupboard lock with, say, two keys. Fix a strong chest
handle on each side of the box. It will be noticed that when the
stands are placed in the box the door closes tightly against them,
thus preventing any movement during transit.

The clear inside size of the box should be 2 feet 8j inches high,
2 feet ^ inch wide, and 1 foot 6^- inch deep from back to front.
Tne box is intended to hold four stands, each stand arranged to
hold one dozen blooms. The stands are made with tops half an

inch thick, and the two sloping sides three-quarters of an inch thick,
the holes to be spaced as shown on sketch. The runners for stands
to be seven-eighths of an inch and half an inch, and screwed to the
sides of the box as shown. It may be noted that the sizes of the
stands as figured on the sketch are the regulation size insisted upon
at the principal shows.

I have taken as many as 400 blooms in one season to various
shows in boxes of this pattern, and never had even a single petal
damaged, much less a whole flower, by transit, and this speaks
volumes for the method of packing and the style of the box. When
a long distance has to be travelled by road, which in my case has
been fourteen miles many times, the roads freely covered with loose
stones, the boxes should be securely packed in the conveyance ; each
one should wedge its neighbour tightly, and the outer one should be
secured by means of blocks of wood such as are used to secure the
pots of specimen plants when travelling. The blocks are simply
pieces of wood cut in the shape of the letter <, 4 inches long,
2 inches broad, and 2 inches high at the thick end, which is butted
up to the box, and the thin end is fastened to the floor of the cart
by a nail driven through. This prevents the boxes shaking against
each other. Should the floor of the cart be in any way uneven
such hollow places must be filled up with pieces of paper or straw,
thus providing a perfectly level foundation for the boxes to stand
securely. When the station is reached a careful person will not
consign them to the tender charge of railway porters, to be turned
on their sides and wheeled and jolted over the stones, but will
carefully assist to lift them in and out of the trains, keeping them
in an upright position so that the water may not be upset from
the cups. — E. Mulyneux.

(To be continued.)

MADRESFIELD COURT GRAPE CRACKING.

I think it wa9 found out some years ago that one way to prevent this
excellent midseason Grape from cracking was to keep it comparatively
dry at the roots. Another very good plan is to crop freely — that is, to
a low the Vine to carry as heavy a crop of fruit as it can properly mature
without weakening the constitution of the Vine. I may be wrong, hut 1
think that is the most natural way of preventing cracking. I have no
recollection of cracking being very troublesome where full cropping has
been carried out. It is a very good plan to plant Madresfield Court
Grape by itself in a border or pit, when the roots may be almost as fully
under the control of the cultivator as though it were in a pot ; water may
then be withheld at pleasure without detriment to Vines requiring or
capable of withstanding more copious applications of water. If a Madres-
fi Id Court Vine be very lightly cropped it will be almost impossible to
pievent cracking by any ordinary means, as they become fully ripe, unless
i he border be allowed to become so dry as to be actually injurious to the
Vine. Generally, in my opinion, a cold and moist atmosphere is more
conducive to cracking than a warm and dry one. — J. UdALE, Elford,
Tam worth.

In reference to the cracking of this fine Grape, I think it is partly due
to not thinning suffioiently and atmospheric moisture combined. I think
i hey should he as severely thinned as Lady Downe’s, and th-n we should
hear of less era king. I have proved that where well thinned there was
n t a cracked berry in a bunch, but where they were rather close I have
had five or six cracked ones to remove, as where they press closely against
each other the air cannot circu'ate freely about the berries, and moisture
is deposited on them through there not being sufficient warm air to dispel
it. There seem to be more berries cracking this season'than last ; at
least, we hear of more, which I think is partly due to the sunless season
we are experiencing ; but with inside borders, and due attention to
atmospheric moisture, the difficulty, I think, may be overcome. — C. H.
Cooke, The Dell, Dock Ferry.

HOW NOT TO GROW ROSES.

Begin by going to a public sale late in tbe season — the Jater
tbe better, as the longer you defer Rose planting the worse for
the plants and the less chance there is of them growing. The
bundles of Rose trees I see at sales (I sometimes look in,
not with any intention of buying, because I cannot afford to
throw my money away, but just out of curiosity) are generally
dry at the roots ; this is as it should be, as most people who can
think at all will reflect that as Nature placed the roots of plants
in the moist ground, digging them up and drying them well for
a few days is a capital way — to ensure their not growing.

When you have purchased your bundle of Roses (get standards
if possible, as these always do worse than ground plants), do not
be in any hurry to wet the roots in any way, but leave them at
the auctioneer’s office or any other convenient place until the
evening or next day perhaps, then carry or send them home just
as they are, without any straw or packing round their roots to
keep the fresh air from them ; dig a temporary hole in the
garden, and force them in, throw a few shovelfuls of earth over

September 2, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GA'iOENER.

201

them, leave them so for about a week, and I feel certain you will
succeed splendidly in — not growing Roses.

Now when you have decided when and where to plant your
Roses, be cai-eful to attend to the following instructions: — Dig a
small hole, deep, and stick in the roots anyhow; if the plants are
a few inches deeper in the soil than they appear to have been
previously, no matter— all the better for your purpose, in fact.
Do not mind cutting out any suckers or eyes in the stocks, as
these may be the only growths you will get, and a good Briar is
better than nothing. Besides, you may go in for budding some
day, when they would come in useful. Replace the soil over the
roots, tramping it down a little, but not too much, as it is gene¬
rally believed that plants grow better when planted firmly. Do
not tie the plants to stakes if they are tall, say standards (your
amateur always begins with standards — and soon leaves olf with
them), as plmtswhen blown about by the wind cannot make
roots or attach themselves to the soil ; otherwise they might
grow, and so disappoint you in your endeavours not to grow
Roses. If you have any hot manure, a little placed in the
bottom of each hole for the roots to stand in will assist very
much in killing the plants, and so crown your efforts.

Notwithstanding all your care and attention in carrying out
these instructions some of the plants may grow, perhaps half of
them, perhaps one only. This will probably be some poor Gloire
de Dijon, the variety in question seeming to bear a charmed life,
and blooming under the most depressing circumstances, under
which any other variety would quickly succumb. Speaking of
Gloire de Dijon reminds me that a friend told me that he on
one occasion bought a dozen standard Roses (observe, always
standards for beginners), all different, and warranted true to
name. When the survivors flowered only seven of them turned
out to be Gloire de Dijon.

Well, do not be disheartened if your plants do grow. I can
promise you that you will not be troubled to carry home the
first prize for Roses at your local flower show if the blooms are
cut from these plants; and although they grow the following
summer after being planted, in the winter that follows that
summer “Death will close the painful scene,” and you will
begin again perhaps a sadder and wiser man — sadder, when
thinking of the money and time you have lost; and wiser, if you
resolve that in your next venture you will seek advice from
those who are competent and willing to give it, remembering
always that “Failure is the surest foundation of success.”

I intended to stop here, but the thought struck me that I had
said either too much or not enough. There are hundreds of
struggling amateurs, good gardeners, who have not the time to
go to nurseries to pick out the plants they want. There are
hundreds of others who are not gardeners at all, who just want
a dozen or so to plant in the garden for effect. Both these
classes prefer to go to the sales and take their chance. We i,
for the comfort of these people I will say that 1 have seen
good plants sold at sales, and cheap too, and I believe that if
properly treated and promptly (the treatment consists of wetting
the roots at once and keeping them wet until planted) that they
may be all got to grow and do well, providing the life is not
quite extinct before they can be attended to.

The quicker transplanting is done the better, there can be no
two opinions on that question, and delay in this, as in other
matters, is dangerous. — D. Gilmour, Jun.

WOOD RIPENING AND FRUIT TREE PRUNING.

“A Thinker” in his eighth, ninth, and tenth paragraphs, on page
153, states some practical truths of great importance to gardeners. In
those three paragraphs lies the gist of successful fruit culture — successful
in quantity, and successful in quality under glass or out of doors. There
is little doubt that annually in this country there are tons of fruiting
woodcut out of fruit trees wrongfully and unnecessarily. It is tio fre¬
quently the case that the very best bearing wool is cut away, and the
weakest and most immature retained. Then, again, as “Thinker” states,
summer pruning is very often done too late. If the breastwood is
shortened or removed in June, as it should be, so that the summer sun
and air may have effect upon the wood to be left for next year, it will
also require to be done again in August, when the autumn sud will com¬
plete its fructifying work. Only as much wood should be left in any
fruit-bearing tree as will allow the free access of sun and air to every
part of it. I take that to be the rule for pruning in successful fruit
culture, and what is removed should he removed as early in the season
as possible, and not in the winter. — J. Udale, El ford, Tamivorth.

NOTES ON THE EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL
EXHIBITION.

There is much to interest anyone connected with horticulture at the
very successful Exhibition which Edinburgh has to boast of this year, and
at the date of my visit (August 24th) there were some special attractions

to the h< rliculturist in the way of cut flowers and grasses, which were
displayed in the Grand Hall.

The Directors have from time to time provided floral displays, and they
have undoubtedly added to the attractions of the place. These displays
are to be continued at intervals during the remaining months that the
Exhibition is to be open. Messrs. J. Cocker k Sons, Aberdeen, sent a good
collection of Roses, beautifully set up so as to form a bank of cut blooms
mingled with Maidenhair Ferns, the general effect being extremely
pleasing from a short distance, and a closer inspection was rewarded by a
sight of splendid individual flowers of such varieties as Alfred Colomb,
Merveille de Lyon, A. K. Williams, Baroness de Rothschild, &c. The
Roaes and Ferns filled one side of a long table, and the other side was
occupied with a fine collection of herbaceous flowers, the whole table
f >rming a display that gave evident pleasure to thousands of visitors.
Messrs. Dobie & Co. (Rothesay) Laird & Sons, and John Lamont & Sons
(Edinburgh) exhibited Pansies, Dahlias, Marigolds, Carnations, &c., and
they contributed materially to the attractiveness of the Exhibition.

Messrs. William Thomson & Sons, Clovenfords, Galashiels, showed a
basket containing about 12 lbs. of that fine Grape the Duke of Bueeleucb,
and the noble appearance presented by it was such as to attract crowds
round it and to call forth expressions of wonder at the enormous size of
the berries. This Grape, though not successfully grown by many people,
is undoubtedly a grand variety and fit “ to set before a king,” or a queen
either. I believe that such indeed was done with it lately, as most of
your readers would notice in your issue of August 26th. Messrs. Thomson
aud Sons also appear among the general body of exhibitors, having a stall
in the grand Central Court, on which they show samples of their improved
Vine and plant manure — a composition founded on long experience and
successful practice, and largely used by the gardening community.

A number of horticultural builders exhibited specimens of their
workmanship in the grounds outside the Exhibition. Amongst these I
noted a very light conservatory and some useful greenhouses by Messrs.
McKenzie & Moncur; others by Messrs. D. Lowe k Sons. Edinbur gh
who also exhibit the Improved Wrought Welded Colonial Boiler, which,
appears to be a very good one. A small conservatory shows Pennycouk’s
patent glazing without putty. Various other exhibits connected with
horticultural buildings and heating are shown, though it cannot be said
that there is a very large display.

The grounds round the Exhibition buildings are well laid out and
planted with a variety of beautiful shrubs, contributed by the various
nurserymen in and around Edinburgh. A very pretty rockery is also to
be seen, which was built and planted by Messrs. Ireland & Thomson, who
have also a very large collection of fine shrubs in the grounds. They
show Agave filifera with an enormous flower spike bearing about 2000
flowers. This plant seldom flowers, I believe. It is certainly more
curious than beautiful. The general effect of the grounds when lit up is
very beautiful, and as the evening of my visit was an especially fine one,
sitting in the grounds listening to the band of the Seaforth Highlanders
discoursing varied strains of music was extremely enjoyable, and a glance
round in any direction was rewarded by a fairy scene of many coloured
lights.

The Grand Central Court looks very fine when lit up, the whole rocf
being a mass of lights. A capital view can be obtained from the end next
the Grand Hall, where, standing on the raised floor of the latter and
I looking down the great length of the Central Court, the effect is splendid.
The visit of Her Majesty lately brought many thousands to the Exhibition,
and no doubt if the Prince and Princess of Wales pay a visit later on
there will be great numbers to see the Heir Apparent and his consort ; but
independently of the attractions of Royalty, the Exhibition has attained
success, and there is sufficient to reward anyone tor several days spent in
its precincts.

The fine arts are well represented, some 1700 pictures, many of great
value and beauty, being displayed in the handsome galleries devoted to
them. Some splendid specimens of the art of carving are to be seen.
Several sideboards most wonderfully carved, and representing various
scenes of battle, &c., form conspicuous objects in one of the couits.
Makers of the various tools used by foresters, gardeners, &c., are to the
fore with specimens of their manufacture. Ornamental pottery is largely
shown, and there need be no ugly poti in the dining-room, drawing-room,
or hall when such beautiful ones can be had, and at very moderate prices.
The Scottish Arboricultural Society exhibit forestry tools and implements,
specimens of woods foreign and British, tree seeds, cones, insects inju¬
rious to trees, photographs of trees, &e. A very interesting display.

The growing importance of silos is exemplified by exhibits of models
of ensilage stacks and Blunt’s patent screw and lever press, by the
Ensilage Press Company, Leicester. There can be no doubt that as time
rolls on, and especially if our summers should continue damp and cold,
silos will continue to increase in numbers and importance until they
become indispensable adjuncts to most farm». Many samples of jams
and jellies are shown, and the public are assured that excellence is the
object aimed at in the making of the same. The culture of fruits for
preserving is increasing. Proprietors and farmers alike are paying atten¬
tion to them with the desire to counterbalance in some degree, however
small, the low prices obtained for the grain crops of their lands. Pro¬
perly attended to there seems little reason for doubting that many
farmers might benefit themselves by cultivating fruits for preserving.
Messrs. Sutton & Sons exhibit models of improved vegetables and roots,
collections of vegetable and farm seeds, and specimens of Grasses and
Clovers for laying down land in permanent pastures. They also show
their method of packing seeds for export.

“ There are endless interesting sights in the Exhibition which may be

202

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER

[ September 2, 1886.

noted as bearing directly or indirectly on horticulture and its kindred
pursuits, but space forbids their detailment here. It may safely be said
that no one can walk through the various courts and note the wonderful
productions which science and man’s ingenuity combine to evolve from
the various members of the vegetable world, without being impressed
with the idea of how little one individual knows of the capabilities and
the values of thousands of objects around.

We have been told that there are “ Books in the running brooks,
sermons in stones, and good in everything.” We may add that there are
many sermons in such a display of the wonders of Nature, the divine
endowments of mankind, the triumphs of science and art, and the evidences
of inventive and constructive genius in the world— all these tending to
lead up to the great Author of all. May peace and prosperity follow on
such Exhibitions, and may we, as a people, more earnestly pursue those
arts that tend to ennoble and refine, to the neglect of those pursuits that
tend only to keep alive in us feelings of race hatred, of emulation and
str'fe.— Visitor.

The Editor of the “ Horticultural Directory ” will be much obliged if
Secretaries of Horticultural and Cottagers' Shows will send
on a post card to 171, Fleet Street, their addresses and the full title of
their societies.

- The remarkable hybrid Orchid (Sophronitis grandiflora crossed

■with Cattleya intermedia) in Messrs. J. Yeitch & Sons’ Chelsea nursery,
which was described in this Journal, page 128, has been named by Pro¬
fessor Reichenbacb, Ljelia Batehanniana, in honour of Mr. J. Bate¬
man, tbe celebrated orchidist, whose “ Monograph of Odontoglossum ” and
Orchids of Guatemala and Mexico ” are two of the finest works of their
kind. It is an extraordinary result that crossing the species of two genera
should produce a hybrid referable to a third genus, and it indicates that
the relationship tetwoen Cattleya, Lmlia, and Sophronitis is very close.

- The Fruit and Dahlia Exhibitions at the Crystal

Palace take place on Friday and Saturday this week (September 3rd
and 4th), and it is expected that both Shows will be very satisfactory as
liberal prizes are offered. On the following Thursday and Friday the
National Chrysanthemum Society will hold an Exhibition of early
■Chrysanthemums and Dahlias in the Westminster Aquarium.

- We are glad to hear that the recently formed Leeds Paxton

■Society is now fairly established. The rules that have been sent to us
are excellent. Early in the month about seventy of the members visited
Clumber and Welbeck, and the Society desires to publicly record “ its
high appreciation of the great courtesy and kindness of Messrs. Carr and
•Gleeson and their noble employers in permitting its members to have the
privilege of visiting these noble places, and the treat thus afforded will
■not soon be forgotten.” Mr. George Hemming, Allerton Hall Gardens,
Gledhow, Leeds, is the Hon. Secretary.

- 11 S. C.” writes, “What a useful decorativeplantis Vallotapur-

jpurea for a sitting room or window. I have now a plant with two trussep,
one with eight blooms the other with six, and the more I see it the better
I like it. By turning the plant round to the light the flower spikes can
be kept upright without sticks. I do not wonder at this being so popular
a3 a cottage window plant, for the foliage alone is good. At cottagers’
shows in this district it is exhibited largely. The culture is so very simple.
Liquid manure at flowering time is very beneficial.”

- We are desired to state that at the recent Shrewsbury Show

Mr.J . Barker, gardener to J. F. Raynes, Esq. (not A. Baynes, as misprinted),
Rock Park, Birkenhead, was awarded a second prize for two bunches of
Black Hamburgh Grapes ; and at the Cheadte Show the same exhibitor
was first with two bunches of Madresfield Court and the same number of
Black Hamburgh Grapes. Mr. C. Raffell, Low Hill Gardens, Bushbury,
was also first with six stove and greenhouse plants at the Shrewsbury
Show.

- Dr. Schomburgk, in his report for 1885 on the Adelaide

Botanic Gardens, states that the Rainfall in South Australia last
year was only 15S87 inches, or 5'272 below the average for forty years.
In five months, September to January, only 3 inches of rain fell. The
heat was terrible, maxima being attained of 182° in the sun and 115° in the

shade ! No wonder if crops failed and general depression existed. After
the heat came a temperature of 29° and 30° in May and June, with frost.

- A severe hailstorm in the neighbourhood of Paris has

recently done enormous damage to the fruit crops, Peaches, it is said, being
almost all destroyed, causing heavy losses to the grower?. Around
London the fruit trees are suffering from the heat and drought, Apples
and Plnms especially.

- Gardening Appointments. — We are informed that Mr. J. Buss,

Parkside, Ewell, is engaged to be head gardener to A. Aston, Esq., West
Hill, Bpsom, Surrey ; and that Mr. David Long is appointed gardener to
Major the Hon. Robert Needham, Berry Hill. Maidenhead.

- “ F. H. G.” writes, “ For W. R. Raillem’s information I may fay

that I bought twelve plants of Rose Her Majesty in pots in the spring,
and planted them out in the open ground in May, six of them of extra
size, in hope of blooms this summer. Tbe plants have grown vigorously,
but I have not had the faintest suspicion of a bloom. I have budded ten
standard Briars with Her Majesty, but do not expect to see maiden
blooms in 1887. Her Majesty will have to be classed with Paul Peiras
and Paul Ricaut of former days, and I hope may prove as good.”

- A correspondent states that the “ Falkirk Plant, Fruit,

Flower, and Bee and Honey Society held its 102nd annual Show in
the Town Hall, Falkirk, on Friday and Saturday, the 27th and 28th August.
The Show was a success. The competition was keen, and the exhibits mostly
of a first-class order. The cut flowers were excellent, and Carnations
superb, sufficient of themselves to form an interesting exhibition. The
plants were very meritorious, and there was a tasteful display of bouquet?.
The vegetables were all excellent, and the Celery particularly fine, as were
the Potatoes. The honey was not a large display, but was in some cases
very fine. The principal winners were Mr. Baird of Carron Inn, and
Messrs. Paterson and Sword, Falkirk. The exhibitors were allowed to
stage their own exhibits, but after the awards were made the Directors
arranged the whole anew, setting off everything to the best advantage.

- Mr. H. Mitchell, gardener to Sir G. Elliot, Bart., M.P.,

Aberaman Park, writes, “I wish to inform Mr. W. Eastwood that the
Variegated Trop2EOLUM mentioned by him was a sport taken from
the old Ball of Fire Tropaeolum. The parent plant was grown up the
rafters of the conservatory at this place, and I have no doubt Mr. East-
wood did bring cuttings with him from Manchester, but I doubt that he
brought the one in question, unless he brought the parent plant, and up
to the present time I have claimed that the Variegated Tropseolum was
raised in these gardens. Perhaps Mr. Eastwood will through the Journal
furnish us with the habit, &c., of the one he mentions, because there is
more than one Variegated Tropmolum, but I am under the impression the
one referred to by Mr. Smith in the Journal of Horticulture , August
12th, 1886, is a distinct variety.

- New Potatoes at Christmas. — A traveller remarks, “This is

one of those things in gardening ‘ we sometimes may read about yet very
seldom see,’ excepting it may be at Covent Garden. How they get there or
where they come from is often a subject of wonder. We are told they
hail from Algeria or some other favoured clime, or that they are simply
late Potatoes, not well ripened, or old ones made to appear as new ! Be
that as it may, it is no easy matter to get a crop of new Potatoes at
Christmas. It is easy to plant, but quite another thing to make them
grow thus out of season. Let anyone try it. The sets have to be
specially ripened and prepared months in advance. We were not a little
astonished on visiting the wondrous Grape and Tomato establishment of
i Mr. George Bashford, at St. Helier’s, Jersey, to find a staff of men
! actually engaged in preparing the ground (the interior of a huge newly
erected span-roofed house) to plant with Ashleaf Kidney Potatoes
the following day, August 20th, for the Christmas market. These
were, Mr. Bashford stated, to be planted 16 inches apart, and to be suc¬
ceeded by another crop of Potatoes, to be dug in May, planted 3 feet
apart between the rows to allow of the planting of Tomatoes in March
and April. Fancy a substantial well-built span-roofed house, 480 feet
long by 44 feet in width, covering an area of about half an acre of ground
devoted to Potato culture I”

CARRON HOUSE, STIRLINGSHIRE.

While we hear of so much agricultural depression and commercial
inactivity, it is refreshing to notice that horticulture is not entirely for¬
saken or reduced to the level which the forebodings of many have pre-

September 2, 1888. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

203

ft** every county to which we have paid visits of late years, and
they have been many, sad traces of demolition and pecuniary weakness
are too visible. Many ef the finest of old domains, once the glory of the
districts in which they were situated, are either let or tenantless, and the
gardens, which were once the pride of the proprietors and the joy of the
gardeners, are now in great straits, it having been absolutely neces¬
sary to reduce labour power and curtail all other expenditure. Such
are n°t of a solitary character, especially in the districts from
T « 8 folIowing no^es have been gathered. It is cheering, however,
to find, on the other hand, that there are many examples of advancement
oy enterprising proprietors who are doing much to uphold the status of
horticulture and stem the tide of retrogression ; some establishments
having undergone thorough renovation of late years, and other gardens
we know are beiqg remodelled and extended, especially in the glass de-
paitment ; but making an entire new place is often a very simple matter
compared with tiansforming an old one.

It is with much pleasure that we lately visited the fine old seat known
as Carron House, situated on the banks of the river Carron, where a
e^6- re^orma*'’on has taken place since we called there some years ago.
t that time desolation and dilapidated property in its worst form was
visible everywhere in the grounds. What had once been well appointed
gardens, large mansion, well arranged offices, and good dwellings of
employes at the time of our first visit were as ruinous as the hand of time
one might not be wrong in saying mischievous hands — and total
neglect could make them. But now the change is becoming very com-
^he right side. Liberal expenditure and skill have made a very
radical change. Everything completed or in process of manipulation is
done m the most substantial and elegant manner. The present proprietor,
I. D. Brodie, Esq., of Gairdocb, became possessor of this property some
years ago, and having extensive estates in the locality, as well as other
vast interests in the county of another character, he resolved to reno¬
vate the old seat throughout, and being a gentleman so favourably
known for liberality and refined taste and sound discernment, the work
at Carron House, one may be sure, has not been done by halves. The

v,n<^3’ Park> aQd gardens are said to have been, during the early part
of the present century, among the best for high keeping and usefulness in
the county of Stirling. But for about half a century or so the place had
been allowed to dwindle into insignificance. With no resident proprietor
the fine old mansion became a dilapidated ruin covered with Ivy, or
falling away piecemeal, but we have heard that plans for new additions
to and renovations < f the old residence have been submitted, and probably
a residence worthy of the property and proprietors may yet be seen.
The park is being arranged similar to its ancient character. Many fine
old trees are still standing, and well placed they are ; additional planta-
are in contemplation, but much of this is not required. Where
shelter is net necessary, and game not in request, we think it is wise to
allow such excellent land to remain in the hands of the cultivators. Good
fern^s have been erected for protection of trees and shrubs, which have
suffered much from prowlers, who, for want of better employment, have
used their knives freely in mutilating the bark of the old timber. It is
singular how this propensity for mischief is so widely developed among
certain classes.

Entering by the new substantial iron gates to the garden we observe
large brea,dths of choice trees and shrubs planted in the spacious grounds,
and judiciously where the remnants of the old shrubberies stood. These
plantations were made evidently at liberal cost two years ago last
May. All are growing in the greatest of luxuriance, none having failed,
lumbers of old Hollies having been skilfully cut in, removing all dead
and unhealthy portions, have sprouted out, and are now forming hand¬
some bushes. In a triangular portion of the gardens at entrance was,
when we visited the place for the first time, a jungle of Gooseberries,
Apple trees, and offensive weeds of every description ; but now replaced
by an elegant flower garden laid out in beds on grass, and numbers of
fine specimen shrubs are planted.

An arrangement to shut out a number of buildings by throwing up
terraces and planting on a flat at the top level is very striking and
beautifully executed, and the object of observation is very complete.
Tall-stemmed Laburnums, with large heads to remove formality, are on
the outer margin cf the terrace ; then dense lines of Cupressus Law-
soniana, Hollies Hodginsii, Maderiensis, Golden Queen, and others, from
o feet to 9 feet high, many fine specimens among them. Then there are
Retinosporas and Myrtle-leaved Laurels forming a break at a lower level
to the first named. Such a fine feature in a corner, which was at one
time as offensive as neglected vegetation could make it, is specially
worthy of note. At an opposite portion of this garden is placed the most
handsome summer-house which we have seen, and fills up a large space
where it would have been difficult for shrubs or other plants to have
lived. The roof is rough plate glass, and the inside is ornamental wood
stained and varnished. Blinds which can be used at pleasure and a set
of ornamental rustic furniture completes a remarkably useful adjunct to
a pleasure garden— elaborate, but thoroughly substantial, like all the
new erections already completed.

Passing onwards we reach the fine old vegetable garden, along the
borders of which are splendid collections of Roses, remarkable for clean
healthy foliage and profusion of florescence. Across a walk some
100 yards or more long lines of Pansies are in full bloom, and beyond
this an avenue through a wood gives an appearance of continuity of the
most pleasiDg character. Every portion of the garden, at the time we
took these notes, was closely cropped and a total absence of weeds. Many
old dead and dying fruit trees have been removed, and others cut into
form and manipulated at the roots are now a mass of fruit. Numbers of

young dwarfs have been planted with kinds suitable to the climate an 1
district. Small fruits are an immense crop, especially old Gooseberries,
which have been lifted and replanted. Much of the ground has been
raised by means of ashes placed under 3 feet of the soil, a plan acting
admirably for drainage of ground which is nearly on a level with the
adjacent river. There are fine old walls, once heated, which have been
planted with selections of Apricots, Plums, Cherries, and Pears, suitable
to the district. The trees are in the finest of health, well trained, and
many are already loaded with Plums and Cherries. Cordons fan, vertical,
horizontal, and other forms are seen, all equally promising. Little pruning
is done. The head gardener (Mr. M. Temple, who has been entrusted
with the renovation of this place) is very painstaking with fruit tree
management, and says that he has very little faith in mutilating branches
while the roots are allowed to grow at random. Most of these young
trees have been root-pruned twice, causing a short fruitful growth, with
large dark green foliage. The trees are allowed to fruit the first or second
year, and are expected to continue fruiting abundantly whether on the
restricted cordon or the larger tree. A number of Morello Cherries and
other varieties which were lifted and transplanted last winter were loaded
with fine fruits. These trees are said to be placed in soil rammed firmly
and manured over the surface with Thomson’s Vine and plant manure.
We now pass to finely kept lawn, studded at the outer boundary with
fine old Cherries, Tulip Trees, Mountain Ashes, Hollies, Walnuts, and
others with large trunks of great age. All small growth has been
removed, leaving the clean trunks and gnarled roots standing on the
clean grass unimpeded by any young plantation or the hiding up of what
makes old trees peculiarly beautiful — viz., the large roots, which have
monopolised much of the surface. Not long since this was reduced to a
most obnoxious paddock, all traces of an ancient pleasure ground having
been destroyed ; an overgrown old orchard of some 6 acres, belted with
some splendid Beeches and Oaks, has lately been added to the pleasure
grounds. A few of the finest of the old Pear and Apple trees have been
retained ; much of this space is intended for specimen Conifer®. We
noticed large breadths of the finest kinds of Rhododendrons, in robust
health, making excellent growth ; also numbers of Retinosporas of all the
best kinds, Lilacs, Golden Spiraeas, round-leaved Laurels, specimen
Hollies, Yews, and many others of the choicest of shrubs belting this
lawn ; but quite clear of the old trees, no cutting up or “ dotting,” as
some mischievously do, on fine sward, and walks for use only are found
here and kept as much out of sight as possible. We noticed thriving
herbacoous borders some hundreds of feet long where we distinctly
remember having seen a few years since the rubbish heaps and a luxuriant
growth of Nettles and Dock. These had it all to themselves at one time,
but collecting Paeonies, Spiraeas, Phloxes, Anemones, Pyrethrums, and
many of the most useful of hardy flowering plants now occupy this
space.

From there we entered a range of very useful span-roofed houses, which
are placed so that the ornamental ground is divided from the vegetable
garden. This range may be about 300 feet long, erected for forcing fruits
and vegetables, but these are now raised in other structures, and the span-
roofed houses are mostly filled with plants. At one end a houseful of
young healthy cool Orchids and Ferns mixed, a line of excellent Gloxinias
along the margins alternated with Davallias of sorts was very striking.
Other divisions were filled with plants in fine health for winter service.
Azaleas, Camellias, Epacris, Acacias,, also Begonias, Libonias, Gardenias,
and Bouvardias, Plumbago rosea, &c., were well represented in the various
compartments. In an Orchid house for a general collection were numbers
of useful species for cutting, many fine Dendrobiums nobile, Wardianum,
Jamesianum, and others, a plant of Cymbidium eburneum Dayanum,
about a yard across and very healthy, was doing well. Several dozen
good sized Cypripediums longifolium and Sedeni were flowering very
freely. Good plants of C. Lowi insigne Maulei, Harrisianum, Stonei,
villosum, and others were in fine health, with stiff broad foliage. A good
batch of Cattleyas of good size was in this house, among which we noticed
Trianae, Mendeli, Mossiae, and Eldorado. A consignment of Trianae had
lately been received from their native habitats, all starting freely into
growth. A dozen or two were fastened to pieces of cork with a little moss
attached. These were making growth ahead of those in pots, roots over
6 inches long were hanging down. Several fine plants of Anthuriums
were prominent features in this house. A pair of A. Scherzerianum were
about a yard across and flowering freely. A fine plant of the valuable
A. S. Knighti was in fine condition ; Calanthes on shelves, with fine foliage ;
Coelogynes are being increased ; enstata and the Chatsworth variety
are valued much for cut flowers. There seems to be a great demand for
this most usetul Orchid. A great grower for sale lately told us that this
variety is increasing in value, the demand for it being very great. Numbers
of small plants, such as Dracaenas, Asparagus, Lycopods, Ferns, Dieffen-
bachias, Pandanus, &c., are mixed among the Orchids to give effect.

Another house, the gayest on the place, contained a mass of double
Petunias, tuberous Begonias (double and single), Pelargoniums of all the
classes, Fuchsias, &c. A band of Harrison’s Musk along the edges was a
very effective mass of yellow hanging down, almost overpowering with
its perfume. This was erected as a Strawberry house, but now is most
suitable a supply for the conservatory, an old building which was enlarged
and had a rough plate glass roof put on. The inside walls were lined
with beautifully stained and varnished wood. Tree Ferns, Dracaenas,
Cordylines, standard Heliotropes, Hydrangeas, Coleus in variety, Pelar¬
goniums, Vallotas, &c., made a very lively show. Baskets hanging from
the roof, and brackets of bronze colour, on which were drooping plants,
were very effective.

The principal fruit range is at the north side of the vegetable ga:dvn,

204

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September 2, 188G.

and as fine houses as one rarely meets with, finished in substantial and
elaborate form, heated admirably, with abundance of ventilation at com¬
mand. This range is about 250 feet long, 17 feet high, and 18 feet wide.
Peaches are on the eastern side, and vineries on the western ditto. The
back walls of the Peach houses were loaded, in the earlier compartments,
with fine crops of finely coloured fruit. Nectarines are valued much, and
in numbers are nearly equal to the Peaches. Trellises about 4 feet from
the glass are covered with very healthy trees, only planted three years ago.
The soil in which these Irees were planted was mostly taken from the vege¬
table garden, mixed with a quantity of lime rubbish, and a goodly portion of
Thomson’s Vine and plant manure rammed firmly, so we were told. The
results are of the most satisfactory character. Figs of several kinds were
a heavy crop on a portion of the back wall of each compartment. The
hack walls are cemented, painted, and wired, cleanliness being a speci¬
ality here. The Peaches valued most are Hale’s Early, Early Crawford,
Royal George, Bellegarde, Barrington, Dr. Hogg, Violette B&tive, Belle
Bauce, and Sea Eagle.

Nectarines are represented by Pitmaston Orange, Hardwicke Seedling,
Victoria, Murray, Violette Hative, Elruge, and some others. Passing to
the vineries, enormous crops "f fine fruit presented themselves. For early
use large bunches of Black Hamburgh, Foster’s Seedling, Muscat Ham¬
burgh, and Buckland Sweetwater are represented. The berries of the
Hamburghs and a Vine of Madresfield Court, ripening a fine crop, were of
large size, and most of them finely coloured. The soil for the Vines is
much the same as for the Peaches, with less lime rubbish and more of the
Vine manure in it. Other soil come-at-able was not used, but surface
taken from the old kitchen garden, spread out and well frozen, is the
chief portion of the substance. For succession crops, Muscats, Gros
Maroc, Gros Colman, Gros Guillaume, &c,, are grown, and such crops as
called forth our censure ; hut we were shown that the heavy impost was on
supernumerary Vines which have been cropped heavily for three
years, and most of them are to be discarded next year, leaving the per¬
manent rods to do the work. Latest crops to give supplies from February
to May are represented by White Tokay, Gros ■Guillaume, Gros Colman,
Alicante, and Lady Downe’s, the latter being valued most if all, retaining
its flavour, plumpness, and colour to the last. A portion of the gardener’s
office has been lately apportioned for late Grapes ; this spacious room is
heated by hot water, and can he used for the Gi apes if desired, but during
the late winter the heat was seldom turned on. There are good and
spacious erections for storing fruit, Onions, &c., over the workmen’s sheds.
A capital Mushroom house with slate shelves, and spaces with iron sliding
doors in which Seakale is forced, packing sheds, and other structures are
in a range. There is also, for the benefit of visitors, ladies’ and gentle¬
men’s rooms elegantly fitted up and heated with hot water. A till
chimney at some distance takes the smoke from the furnaces, and around
this is finely planted with specimen Scarlet, CrimsoD, and White Thorns,
double Cherries, numbers of Brooms, Rhododendron boxes, &c., forming
an undergrowth. Many large Thorns are in a line ; they are very pictur¬
esque, and of great age. Several of the largest Willows which we have
seen help to represent the antiquity of this very interesting place. There
are shortly to be erected several other ranges of glass structures for plants
and fruits, which will complete a garden establishment worthy of the
proprietors, who very justly hold positions of the most estimable character
throughout the district. The gardener’s house, mostly new, is an excellent
one, and already nearly covered with Ivy to match the ancient character
of the surroundings.

This concludes our notes of a very interesting place where much has
been done well, skilfully, and in good taste. Passing outward we were
shown a small whitewashed red-tiled cottage, where one of Scotia’s noblest
sons spent nine years of bis boyhood — we refer to the late Dr. Moffat, the
famous African missionary, and father-in-law to the late Dr. Livingstone.
These names will be held with loving admiration throughout all Christen¬
dom as long as the world lasts. This small obscure cottage added greatly
to the interest of our very pleasant outing to Carron House, where we
experienced the greatest kindness and courtesy.— J. R. D.

FRUIT versus WOOD BUDS.

Fruit “ trees replanted in November blossomed more profusely the
following April than others of the same kind, size, and age in the same
row did that were not disturbed.” This is “ special information.” In four
months of winter wood buds, by some unknown process, were transformed
into blossoms five times more in number than in the case of the undis¬
turbed trees. Napoleonic I The metamorphosis is truly Herculean.
Yet your erudite correspondent has “ nothing to alter or withdraw, every¬
thing advanced being strictly accurate.” His averment that wood buds
change from November so as to blossom in April of the following year
can only place him in the “ conspicuous position of standing alone in oppo¬
sition to most, if not all, scientific pomologists in Europe,” and allow me to
add the world. I am equally convinced of the contrary of my fertile
friend’s deductions. The buds of fruit trees when the leaves fall are
either wood buds or fruit buds, and so they remain during the winter,
undergoing no change whatever, and not even “ when the conditions are
favourable.” The admission by me, that lifted trees sometimes blossomed
more freely in spring than those that had not been lifted in autumn,
admits of no such interpretation as that put upon it. The fruit buds
were there present in embryo when the leaves fell, though not so pro¬
minent or developed as to mark their distinction from wood buds, and I
mentioned the fact, as I thought, to aid your correspondent in account¬
ing for his metamorphosis doctrine. Those buds, latent or otherwise,
underwent no change, they were imperfectly developed fruit buds, the

wood bud not sufficiently arrested early enough in the summer to have
concentrated upon it the elaborated and assimilated nutriment trans¬
mitted by the leaves. What is a fruit hud ? Certainly something more
definite than an “arrested” wood bud. A fruit bud is the embryonic leaves of
a hud transformed into calyx, corolla, and staminate organs, the embryonic
shoot changed into ovary and pistillate organs, a concentration of the
vital forces on the organs of reproduction which otherwise are expended
ingrowth. This, my “standing alone” critic avers is due to the check,
the arresting of growth. Arresting the growth in November, when prac¬
tically there is none, “ causes the change” — the metamorphosis of wood buds
in November to blossom in April. Quick work. Hannibal never excelled
ir, and we know what became of his big batallions, they perished beneath
the snow. It is only when food is transmitted by the roots of fruit trees,
elaborated and assimilated in the leaves, and concentrated on the buds
during growth, that the change from a wood to a fruit bud occurs.
But “ let the check given be what may be termed violent,” continues my
ponderous critic, “ and the trees will make scarcely any growth, but
practically all the buds will become blossom buds.” When ? Between
November and April. I submit the “violent” check will not cause a
single blossom more to show in April than exists as a fruit bud in Novem¬
ber. I thank your esteemed correspondent for the admi sion of some
growth being necessary — i.e., leaves being present for the transformation
of a wood into a fruit bud, sap elaborated and a'similated, and concen¬
trated in the buds, which obviously cannot take place in the buds of a
leafless tree, more especially a “replanted ” one, in November during the
winter.

In Nature it is “age” that “arrests growth,” states my “analyst,”
“ causes a cessation of extension.” “ Arrested growth ” in Nature is
more likely to be effected by heat and drought, a diminution of supplies.
By the August re:triction with f diage we get fruit buds prominent in
November, and a good blossom the following March or April, and a
corresponding crop if fruit twelve months, or soon after we made the
restriction ; and I have proved mauy times that by the November
restriction we get no addition to the fruit buds of any value, latent or
imperfectly developed fruit buds not giving perfect blossoms in the April
following. This is a phase of the subject your able correspondent evi¬
dently seems “ lacking in experience.” It does not matter whether I
am “an old hand” or “a youngish man,” as we must all, or ought to,
be measured by that iufallible of standards — viz., “ practice and results.”
Restrict early, lift, replant whilst the trees have foliage, the leaves will
clench the argument, “settle the matter” as to the character of the
buds at their base, or those they surround, as in a spur of a Pear, &c.,
with a certainty of getting active feeders — a full supply of nutriment to
the blossom and fruit in the ensuing season.

As for “replanting ” in November, I have only to say that it is most
general, simply because most convenient, and with inexperienced culti¬
vators most safe. It is sound, too, for carefully and judiciously performed
the fruit of the ensuing season will be little prejudiced, and in twelve
months from the November of replanting the bloom buds will assuredly
be “ five times” more than on the unliftcd trees. Anybody can tell nine
fruit buds out of ten that will not only blossom in April, hut give an
abundant crop of fine fruit in due season, contingent, of course, on the
“ conditions being favourable.” If the “fruit” buds cannot be seen in
November they are “good for nothing.” Let that pass. “ A Thinker ”
plays on the latent or imperfectly developed buds I admitted were not
thought fruit buds in November developing blossoms in spring as ad¬
mitting the fact of the change of a wood bud to a fruit bud by replanting
in November. I admit nothing of the sort. I stated that if the blossoms
were had from latent or imperfectly developed fruit buds not distinguish¬
able from wood buds in November, they were practically of no fruiting
value. To that I adhere. But your correspondent makes the astounding
statement, “ Whether they are fertile or sterile obviously does not invali¬
date the change that undoubtedly takes place in the character of the
buds.” How many owners of Apple, Pear, Plum, and Cherry trees have
nothing beyond the sight of blossom to repay them, and not only this
one year hut many ? Such, I fancy, see a difference between the value of
blossom and fruit— between sterility and fertility. With reference to
the “ wood ripening ” I have nothing more to add. On the question of
Asparagus I have nothing further to place before your readers at present.

I thank Mr. S. Castle for his courteous recognition, and though not having
enlisted him fully, it is quite clear he leans to the tide of the “ big
batallions.” — G. Abbey.

HEATING BY HOT WATER.

[Read before the Members of the Preiton and Fulwood Floral and Hortieultnral

Society, August 7th.]

( Continued from page 175.)

Arrangement of the Pites in the Houses. — The pipes in the
houses, if practicable, should all be on the same level or as nearly so
as possible — that is, after they rise from the mains to the desired level.
It would be very difficult to lay down any hard-and-fast rule as to
the arrangement of the pipes inside the houses, because '.hey are of
such varied shapes and utilised for such a variety of purposes. The
piping ueed should not be placed altogether, but disposed over the
house as evenly as the internal arrangements will allow. If the pipes
are fixed on the gradual rising principle, which is the one most gene¬
rally practised, they may be allowed to rise about one-quarter of an
inch in each 9 feet length of pipe. Some contend that twice or even
three times this rise is necessary to insure or aid circulation. This is

September 2, 1836. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

205

not the case, for the water will circulate freely even when the pipes
are all of the same level, and it is certain to do so with the rise indi¬
cated. The pipes in plant and fruit houses should be upon pillars
that are built upon a firm foundation. If one of these pillars sink
ever so little, and thus indicate a fall in the pipes, air is almost
certain to find a lodgement, which in case of hard forcing will be the
means of bursting the pipes if the boiler escapes damage. I have
said that the pipes in the various houses to be heated should be on the
same level if possible. Hot water will rush to the highest point first,
and when the pipes are fixed on different levels considerable labour is
occasioned in the regulation of the valves. When the houses,
however, are on different levels, those on the lowest and nearest the
boiler can be heated first, for the water will circulate and heat these
before those on higher levels. After circulation has commenced on
all the levels it is necessary to check the valves on the highest, or
those on the lower ones will be robbed. In all such arrangements
there is great difficulty in regulating the valves with any degree of
certainty that the heat in all the houses will be as desired in the
morning, for so much depends upon the force of the fire. The water
may flow freely enough at times, and at others circulation may
entirely cease, and the house, after banking the fire, become cold
instead of warm ; but when the heating pipes are arranged on the
same level throughout, the regulation of the valves is a simple matter,
and the requisite heat can be depended upon with certainty.

Bottom Heat PirES. — In garden structures for certain purposes it
is often necessary to have what are known as top and bottom heat pipes.
How frequently the pipes for these purposes are arranged on different
levels ! It often happens that the former are 18 inches or 2 feet
higher than the latter. To heat the lower pipes satisfactorily the
valves require regulation, and even with the utmost care in this re¬
spect the water often fails to circulate in the lower ones, especially
if those at a higher level take the lead. When circulation once com¬
mences in the bottom heat pipes and this is continued there is but
little difficult}', but when it ceases the top pipes have frequently to be
shut off until circulation is renewed. This state of things can be
avoided by a little forethought and the practice of a different method.
The whole of the pipes in each structure should be on the same level,
and they will answer the same purpose as if some are placed higher
than the others. Circulation would be even and constant through the
whole without much trouble in the regulation of the valves.

Dips in the Pites — These and awkward bends must be avoided,
for they cause friction in the pipeB and are often the cause of failure.
When pipes dip, say to pass a door, seldom indeed does the water
circulate freely, especially if tkey are in houses only heated occa¬
sionally to keep out frost or to maintain a winter temperature of 40°
to 45°. There is generally some trouble every time the pipes are re¬
quired warm. The flow will warm freely enough to the dip, but not
beyond. Even when all the other houses are shut off, to force it into
this particular one the task is by no means easy or safe. Air becomes
deposited in the dip, and it is difficult to force it out. To avoid dips
a few yards of extra piping may be needed, and perhaps a pair of
extra valves, but the cost for these is in the end economy, and not
only saves labour and anxieiy, but consumption of fuel. When
arrangements cannot be completed without objectionable dips a half¬
inch air tap should be fixed into the flow pipe beyond the dip, where
it rises to the same level as the flow pipe on the opposite side. This
is not all, for another of these taps must be inserted on the top of the
syphon at the extreme end of the flow pipe, so that it can be turned
on at will. In each of these positions open air pipes should also be
provided to insure safety. With open air pipes it is often impossible
to drive the air out of them. Particulars on this point will be given
under the heading of Air Pipes. For the present, suffice it to say
that the tap beyond the dip should be turned on until the warm water
runs out. Circulation cannot always be effected by this method, but
the difficulty can gent rally be overcome by allowing the tap at the
extreme end of the pipes to run until the warm water commences its
return journey in the pipe below if placed one under the other. When
circulation has once commenced there is but little difficulty in main¬
taining it until the valve is again closed, and it may give no trouble
for some weeks if the water is circulated in the pipes every evening.

Quantity of Piping Required. — How to arrive at the quantity of
piping required in each individual structure is a very difficult matter
for the inexperienced to determine. Many that should know better
frequently over-estimate the heating surface of a given quantity of
pipes, and only realise the mistake during severe weather and violent
storms of wind. It must be borne in mind that a house fully
exposed, say a span-roofed structure, will require a greater amount of
piping to maintain a given temperature than one in a sheltered spot,
a lean to for instance on the south side of a wall. Even these struc¬
tures with a building behind them are warmer and need less piping to
maintain the requisite heat than one with the wall fully exposed to
cooling influences. 1 1 also depends upon whether the pipes are exposed
to the atmosphere of the house or placed in chambers covered with

grating. Less piping is needed in the former than would be the case
if the latter was adopted. We are not helped much in this matter
by working out the amount of heat lost per square foot through the
walls and glass according to the difference between the external and
internal atmosphere. To estimate the cubic feet of air a house con¬
tains and the amount of heat required per minute to heat it to a given
temperature according to the variations of the external atmosphere, is
not only bewildering to the inexperienced, but also to the practical
gardener. It is necessaiy that we should have a simpler method of
arriving at a reliable decision than the complicated formulae pre¬
sented to us in nearly all works on heating by hot water. To place
in any structure only sufficient piping when heated to its full
capacity to maintain the temperature required is a great mistake.
This I term insufficient heating surface, for the pipes have to be over¬
heated, and instead of economy, as may at first appear, proves a
wasteful expenditure of fuel and injurious results to plant life, which
can scarcely be estimated. In all structures, large or small, stove or
greenhouse, double the quantity of piping actually required for the
purpose should be provided. If two 4-inch pipes when made hot
will insure the desired temperature no less than four 4-inch one3
should be employed, which will warm the atmosphere sufficiently
without that drying scorching influence that would be the case with
half the number. The size of a house and the purpose for which it is
required, after the position has been taken into consideration, will be
sufficient guidance for all thoroughly practised men to decide how
many feet or rows of 4-inch piping is really needed to regulate with
certainty the temperature without having to unduly heat the pipes.
But this is not sufficient for those who have no knowledge of the sub¬
ject. If a temperature of 65° Fahr. at night during the winter is
needed and the house (span-roofed) to be warmed is say 40 feetloDg,
21 feet wide, 5 feet 6 inches high at the eave, and 12 feet high to
the ridge fully exposed, it must have no less than eight rows of
4-inch pipes — that is, four rows on each side and across the ends with
the exception of the doorways. Half the number would have to be
very highly heated to be certain of that temperature. At times it
could not be kept up. A house of this description will contain
7350 cubic feet of air, the volume of which is found in the following
manner : —

Find the area of A E D C, then the area of A B C ; add the two
areas together, and multiply the sum by the length of the house, and

Fig. 28.

the product will be the number of cubic feet of air contained in the
house. Area of A E D C=21 X 5|- = 1154. Area of A B C
= 4 of 64 X 21 = 68j-. Therefore area of end B A E D C = 1154
+ 08i = 183J. The volume of air=l83J X 40 (length of the
house) =7350 cubic feet. A house of these dimensions will need
eight rows, or 428 feet of 4-inch piping to heat it thoroughly.
Divide 7350 by 428 and we obtain 17 one-fifth. Thus, if the required
temperature be 65° Fahr. one foot of piping will heat 17 one-fifth
cubic feet of air. But if an intermediate temperature be required, say
55° Fahr., 1 foot of piping will be necessary for every 20 cubic feet
of air. Again, if a still lower temperature is required, for instance
45° Fahr., 1 foot of piping would be required for every 25 cubic feet
of air. If the exclusion of frost merely is needed 1 foot will be suffi¬
cient for every 32 cubic feet of air.

Packing the Joints. — A difference of opinion exists about the best
and most durable material for packing the joints of hot-water pipe3.
The old plan of making the joints with iron tilings and sal ammoniac
intermixed to insure the metal rusting has been condemned. The
arguments used by the advocates of other methods are not strong, but

206

[ September 2, 1886.

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

on the contrary they are feeble, their main point being that they are
not durable, and that they are liable to burst through the expansion of
the pipes. This can be overcome by placing on the mains where the
greatest expansion takes place, or should do, an expansion valve or
joint. .Again, the rope with which they are first caulked will only
last so long, and when this is gone the water, when the pipes are not
worked, starts the metal to re-rust and expand, thus the sockets have
to give way. This certaiuly proves that joints made of rope and the
patent putty in the market is practically useless. Joints packed with
this material will last six or seven years and no longer, therefore
they must be condemned. Rope joints will do above ground, and
with red lead will last a long time whsre there is not a great strain
upon the pipes. Indiarubber rings will do well above ground, but
they cannot be trusted underground on the mains or in close
proximity to the boiler. The question arises, What are we to pack
the joints with ? Portland cement is used largely by some firms, and
I should not object to use this above ground. What about expansion
when used on the mains ? for these expand more than the pipes above
ground on account of the greater heat at -which they are frequently
kept. Under these circumstances, then, we must go back to the rust
joints for underground work. My opinion is that they are the best
and most durable joints of all when properly made. Oiher systems
are quicker, and I can understand their being employed in contract
work. This has something to do with rust joints getting into bad
repute, combined with the careless manner in which the joints are
made. The metal used for packing is frequently destroyed by the
use of too much sal ammoniac. It not only destroys the properties
of the metal used for caulking, but that of the pipes, and with any
extra strain the sockets burst and the joints in consequence are con¬
demned.. The old method cannot be too strongly recommended, for
it is the safest and most durable. Joints have been taken out that
were made over fifty years ago, the pipes had corroded away, but the
joints were perfectly sound. Some idea of the durability of rust
joints can be gained from the fact that at Norris Green some were
made fifty years ago, as well as many others of a more recent date,
and during the past eleven years not one of them has failed, and
there is no sign that such has been the case since they were first
made. — Wm. Bardney.

(To be continued.)

LATE GRAPES AT SUMMER SHOWS.

Last autumn a very animated and interesting discussion took place
in these pages respecting late Grapes being awarded prizes at August
and September shows in preference to early or seasonable sorts. My
contention then was, that perfectly finished Alicante, Gros Colman,
Alnwick Seedling, and others should be placed before badly finished
Black Hamburgh, Madresfield Court, Buckland Sweetwater, Muscat
Hamburgh, and others. From this many dissented then, and I dare¬
say they will do so now ; but another year’s experience and observation
lead me to believe that my contention and that of others who were of
the same opinion was quite right. Of late I have been making many
notes bearing on this subject, and I have abundance of proof that
late Grapes have again taken the lead in the prize list. So far, no show
of this year has equalled, far less surpassed, the one recently held at
Shrewsbury in its display of Grapes. When we find a £10 prize offered for
six bunches, and many other prizes in proportion, there is sure to be a
grand exhibition of all sorts, and there were no less than 290 bunches
staged. Here, then, was a rare opportunity of observing the exhibition
merits of the different varieties, and the result was a system of judging
corresponding in almost every particular with that carried out the last
few years, followed at many other shows, and condemned by some who, I
rather think, would have done the same had they been judging. The
Judges at Shrewsbury were men who are thoroughly acquainted with the
qualities of fruit. One or two of them are well known as being especially
fond of recognising quality apart from quantity, and on the eve of the
Shrewsbury Show one of these was heard to observe, “ I was told in
London last autumn that the Grapes were badly judged at the Shrewsbury
Show of 1885, as the late varieties were placed before the early and
seasonable ones.” Being slightly interested in that matter, hut not
wishing to make any unfair defence or partisan suggestion, 1 only replied,
“ All right ; we will see how you get on to-morrow ” — and I did. In
the first or leading stand Alicante and Mrs. Pince were conspicuous ;
second to these, Alicante was a heavy dish ; in the third, Alnwick
Seedling was the best of all ; in the fourth prize lot, Lady Downe’s
was excellent. In the three-bunch class, where eighteen lots were
shown, including several of brown Muscat Hamburgh and partially
green Madresfield Court, as well as various shades of Hamburgh?, Madres¬
field Court was first, and Alnwick Seedling second. In the first prize
collection of fruit, Gros Maroc was deservedly a weighty dish ; in the
second prize collection, Alicante was grandly shown, and in several
other instances late varieties were included as prizewinners, and all this
proves conclusively in my opinion that all those who are most anxious to
recognise what they choose to term quality are, when they come to deal
with such cases, conscientiously obliged to put their ideal impres-ions on
one side, and be guided solely by the merits of the individual varieties.
I do not for a moment find fault with the judging at Shrewsbury —

quite the reverse, as it only bears out what I have striven for,
and what many Judges were censured for last year. It may not
read well to be told that the Alicante was before Black Hamburgh,
or Alnwick Seedling before Muscat Hamburgh in August, but so long
as fine bunches, large berries, perfect colour, and a magnificent bloom,
combined with a good flavour in each variety, are placed before judges,
badly developed and poorly finished Hamburgh?, Muscats, and such like,
will occupy a subordinate position in the prize list. No one would, I
think, however, place perfect Alicantes or Lady Downe’s before perfect
Hamburghs, or other early Grapes, and I have rarely known this to be
done ; but in such cases as those cited above, those who sit in judgment
would do well to reserve their opinions until they saw the fruit ; or, better
still, until they had an opportunity of adjudicating on them, which is the
best of all ways of dispelling illusions, causing one to be guided entirely
by the merits of the individual cases. — A Kitchen Gardener.

SMALL ROSE GROWERS’ GRIEVANCES.

If I venture to enter into the controversy which has been originated
in the columns of this Journal on this subject, I do so simply as an
observer, and not in any way in my capacity of Hon. Sec. of the National
Rose Society, although that position gives me an opportunity of seeing
more of these matters than most people. Much that I would say has
been already said, but the observations 1 have to make will tend to con¬
firm what has been said in vindication of Rose Societies, and also to show
that small growers have really very little to complain of.

What is a small grower ? “ Oh,” says one Rose lover, “ I only grow

200 or 300 plants. I have to attend to them mysell and how can I
expect to win against people who employ a gardener or gardeners, and
grow their thousand plants?” Let me, in reply to this, give but one
instance that occurs to me of many. Some years ago Mr. Geo. Mount
of Harbledon, near Canterbury, grew, as I know from personal observa¬
tion, 400 plants, and yet with that number, attending to them himself,
he managed in one season to secure twenty-eight prizes — nineteen firsts,
seven seconds, and one third. In commenting on this in the “ Rosarian’s
Year Book for 1883,” I used the following words, which are just as appli¬
cable now : — “ It is always pleasant to have to record such successes, if only
because persons have an idea that unless you grow thousands of Roses it is
impossible to compete with any degree of success, and although in a general
way we may say victory is on the side of big batallions, it is not always
so.” We must think that as a Leonidas with his 300 withstood the whole
shock of the Persian army at Thermopylae, so “ A Lady Rosarian ” may take
courage, and with her few Roses stand the shock of many a more nume¬
rous host ; but then she must n it venture to enter in forty-eights or big
classes. This is a mistake many fall into. A neighbour of mine lamented
his want of success in showing. I knew the extent of his rosery, and ven¬
tured to expos ulate with him as to the classes in which he exhibited ;
told him that he was too ambitious, and that if he would moderate his
desires be would be more successful. He took the advice, and the result
has this year been as I anticipated.

But perhaps “ A Lady Rosarian ” may say, “ Four hundred Roses 1
I have not half that number.” Well, let me give another instance. A
gallant officer, a friend of mine, is settled in North Wales, where, like
Cincinnatus, he has turned his sword, I will not say into a ploughshare,
but into a pruning knife. His brother, who is an active member of our
National Rose Society, persuaded him to try Roses. His garden is a small
one, and he grows 168 plants, 121 H.P.’s and 47 Teas. Well, two years ago
he began, and this year he carried off a first prize for twelve Roses at the
National Meeting at Birmingham, beating two amateurs who bad five
Roses to his one, and who have been Rose growers for twenty years. He
also took a third prize for Teas. Besides the two prizes at Birmingham
he also won at Christleton first for six Teas and third for twelve H.P’s,
and at New Brighton first for six H.P.’s and first for six Teas ; these are
both good shows, where there is sharp competition. Indeed, I have very
often found that when a grower has gone on increasing his stock until it
becomes beyond his own immediate supervision he does not meet with
the success that he did in a more restricted area, when he was always
peddling about amongst his plants.

Not only does the National Rose Society, but many of its affiliated
Societies who work on its lines adopt, as my friend, “ F. H. G.,” has
shown, its principle of trying to give everyone a chance; but I do most
sincerely hope it will never fall into the error of distinguishing between
those who employ a regular gardener and those who do not. It lays the
door open to much dishonesty, which, unhappily, many are too ready to
practise, and, indeed, I may say that the district classes — i.e., classes
where prizes are given for Roses grown within a certain distance of where
the show is held — have caused the Society more trouble than any other classes
in the schedule. Why were the classes for suburban Roses given up ?
Because of the want of competition in the Hybrid Perpetual class, and of
the utter rubbish shown in Teas, Mr. Oliver’s prize for these never having
been awarded.

Nor has our experience in district-grown Roses at our provincial exhi¬
bitions been without its drawbacks. In one case where a handsome
silver cup was given, the fact of the winner living withiD the prescribed
distance was disputed, and the Ordnance Survey Office had to bo appealed
to to decide it. Iu another instance the most barefaced fraud was
attempted. An exhibitor actually had the audacity to challenge the
Committee to send out a deputation to his garden to show that he really
did grow the Roses he exhibited, which, it was stated, had been supplied
from a grower in a well-known Rose district, and though when be got
them there, coolly remarked, “No; I did not grow them 1 ” and the

September 2, 1888. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

207

whole affair very nearly involved the Society in a lawsuit. I mention
these matters in order to show the difficulty which exists in restricted
classes, and that we should be landed in never-ending squabbles if one
made classes such as have been advocated in the Journal. I do not dis¬
parage the advantage of growing a good number of ltoses, but I wish to
show that small Rose growers are not so grievously handicapped as it
has been endeavoured to make out. Where the larger numbers are grown
it is, of course, likely that on the day before the exhibition there may be
a large number of blooms to gather from ; but it may also be otherwise,
and I do not think (as the examples I have given indisputably show)
that a small grower need despair of winning laurels in the Rose contests.
— D., Beal.

THE CULTURE OF PRIMULA SINENSIS.

Since my success last March at the Preston Show I have
had many letters asking me for information on growing Primulas,
and such as I can give is embodied in the following notes.

Most gardeners have a good show of Primulas during four
months of the year, but a display may be maintained for fully
seven months, as was the case with us last year. First as to
seed-sowing. Many persons fail to get a sufficient number of
the seeds to germinate. They labour under the mistaken idea
that the seeds require to be sown in a very fine soil, if not sand
itself, and very often, I believe, Primula seeds are condemned as
being bad while the fault might be traced to the above system of
sowing.

The mode of treatment I have found most suitable is to pre¬
pare a small quantity of moderately fine loam and leaf mould in
about equal parts, with just sufficient sand to keep the whole
porous. Two or three 6-inch pots are cleaned and half filled
with crocks ; on these is placed a little rough soil or fibre, and
the pots are then filled with the compost prepared in the usual
way. Sow the seeds and lightly cover them, but do not add sand
to the surface of the soil, as it is this which causes it to set close,
and often a green scum will form, which in some degree prevents
germination. We sow early in M>rch and again by the end of
April. From the first batch we have plenty in succession from
the first week in October till the end of January; from the last
sowing we get a good succession till the end of April or May.

As soon as the seedlings are large enough to handle they
should be pricked off into 6-inch pots or small pans with good
drainage. The latter is a very important point in all stages of
growth. The Primula dislikes a close compost, and will never
thrive in such; therefore good drainage and a rather rough soil
should be strictly adhered to. Where Primulas “damp off’’ it
may generally be traced to the stagnant moisture in the soil.
After the young seedlings have been pricked off as advised
return them to a stove temperature and slightly shaded, and
very soon all will be growing again. In about a fortnight the
seedlings are ready for another shift. My treatment from this
stage onward is somewhat different from the ordinary course or
procedure ; for instead of giving them small thumb pots we
again prepare boxes or pans — either are suitable. We then
plant them in the boxes 2 inches apart, when each box will
contain from thirty to fifty plants, according to the size, and
after being supplied with tepid water an early vinery is a very
suitable place for them until they are started, when they should
be gradually hardened to a greenhouse temperature.

My reasons for placing the seedlings in boxes instead of
using thumb pots are two. The first is, when Primulas are
placed in such small pots we are compelled to use what the
Primula dislikes— namely, very fine soil, and it is also difficult to
keep them all in a moist and genial condition, and under the
strictest attention there is generally a third of them dry, while
the remainder are wet and often struggling between life and
death ; and it is in this stage when Primulas are lost by scores,
or if not lost they receive a severe check, from which at the best
they only partially recover. But when planted in boxes as
advised they are much easier kept moist, and will make plants
twice the size of others that are started in thumb pots.

After the plants have filled the space allotted to them in the
boxes they will require potting in large 60’s or small 48’s, and in
three or four weeks later they will be ready for their second or
largest pots, which should not be less than 5 and 6 inches in
diameter. After this potting cold frames are the most suitable
8‘ructures, where they are at hand. Slight shading from very
bright sun is beneficial, and a light dewing overhead with the
syringe every evening after bright days will be found to suit
them. During August a few flowering spikes will be pushing
up, and these may with much advantage to the plants be removed
as they appear until the middle of September, after which it is
neither necessary nor of any advantage to remove flowers ; and
by October the cultivator will be rewarded by fine sturdy

plants worthy of the name, and these will continue flowering
until the end of January or beginning of February.

I must now notice our second plants, as it is from these we
get our supply through March and April. These are treated in
every way the same as the first until the middle of September,
when they should be placed in pots of various sizes, but not less
than 7 and 8 inches in d ameter, according to the strength of the
plants, and it is very important to bear in mind that this last
potting should be done just at the right time, or any delay is
sure to be the cause of disappointment. There is a very general
custom of removing all flowers as a means of retarding the
flowering period ; but this is a mistaken impression, and instead
of retarding or checking the flowers it is certainly shortening
the season by the succession of bloom spikes coming much
sooner than they would otherwise have done where the first
flowers were allowed to develope. The only means of checking the
early flowering of Primulas is to repot them as advised directly
the pots are filled with roots. They will then continue growing
instead of sending np flowers. This is the secret of having late
Primulas in first-rate condition, for if once they are allowed to
become rootbound up come their flowers. A small quantity of
soot added to the soil is very beneficial. — A. Waters.

DIOSMA UNIFLORA.

The D'.ofmis are a genus of beiutiful Heath-like shrubs from the
Cape of Good Hope. They are of easy culture, vtry ing in height 'r m.

1 to 4 feet, are graceful, yet compact in habit, and are exceedingly
floriferous. The colours of the flowers are mainly white, or white and
pink ; the plants afford nice sprays for cutting, which they endure with¬
out injury. Those who enjoy hardwooded greenhouse plants which do
not require the nice attention and skilful management of Heaths would
do well to turn to the Diosmas.

Besides being of elegant appearance by their Heath-like foliage and
attractive by their multitude of star-like flowers, the plants, like other
Rueworts, emit a powerful perfume. From this characteristic is their
name derived— viz., from dios, divine, and osmc, odour. These plants are
not extensively cultivated, probably because they are less showy than the
usual class of summer greenhouse plants which are now in repute, yet
they possess a sober quiet beauty which should, irrespective of their
perfume, entitle them to more general cultivation. Ihey are readily
propagated by cuttings in sand under a bellglass, and do not rcquiie
much heat, or they will elongate instead of emit roots. When rooted
they should be potted in peaty soil and be grown in a light intei mediate
house, duly pinching the shoots to keep the plants compact and bushy.

208

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

[ September 2, 1886.

They should be repotted as required, not large shifts at a time, and be
potted firmly, incorporating, as the plants become large, loam and char¬
coal with the peat. The shoots should not be pinched after this time, but
the plants should then be stood in the full sun, shading the pots, to have
the wood matured, and every shoot will bristle with bloom in the follow¬
ing spring and early summer. When the plants have flowered they should
be pruned, top-dressed, and encouraged to make fresh growth, to be well
matured before winter. The plants may be wintered in any light struc¬
ture from which frost is excluded, but it is desirable the temperature do
not fall below 40°.

COOL ORCHIDS.

It is doubtless a disappointment to many besides “ A Subscriber,”
page 154, who makes the inquiry relative to successful culture of cool
Orchids, that no one has given his experience in the ma'ter. The
announcements so frequently seen that Orchids can be grown in cool
houses have induced many to become possessors of those varieties which
are considered amenable to cool treatment, thinking that as they can
grow Pelargoniums and such plants, they will be equally successful with
the more aristocratic beauties, but, so far as I have seen, disappointment
has been far more frequent than success. The lovely Fuchsias and
brilliant Begonias look brighter than before, even though they have been
somewhat neglected. Occasionally a solitary Odontoglussum sends up a
spindly spike on which a few of the buds expand, while the topmost ones
stubbornly refuse to do otherwise than fall.

That they can be grown in the most successful manner in houses
where the temperature is kept up at a fft^-iswer figure than the roaeting
temperature to which they were subjected on their first introduction is
well knowD, but what I have related is the result which most frequently
attends the amateur. The cool treatment of Orchids is greatly mis¬
understood, and if some successful grower was to explain more fully how
to succeed, the information would be greatly valued by many. —
J. MacDonald.

HORTICULTURAL SHOWS.

READING SHOW. — August 25th.

The annual autumn Show of the Reading Horticultural Society has for
some years past been distinguished by the competition in the fruit and
vegetables, and this season there was a similar preponderance in that de¬
partment. Plants were not numerously shown, though at one time the
autumn exhibition used to attract sufficient competition to well furnish the
large marquee. The falling off in this respect is, however, partly due to
the dispersal of some good local collections of plants, and to the fact that
the prizes in the open classes are scarcely large enough to induce growers
from a distance to enter. Still, it is necessary to have a good display of
plants in a large exhibition, for however excellent fruit and vegetables may
be, they produce little effect in a general arrangement, and a really first-rate
show may often in consequence present a somewhat bare appearance at
first sight. Efforts should be made to increase the number of plant exhibi¬
tors at this Show, and if it is found difficult to secure specimen plants more
classes might be provided for groups, as these occupy considerable space,
add greatly to the beauty of a Show, and many gardeners can enter such
classes when they would be unable to compete with a certain number of
specimen stove and greenhouse plants.

The Abbey Ruins is an admirable and most interesting position for a
flower Bhow, and being situated in the Forbury Gardens renders it still
more attractive. The latter belonging to the town is very neatly kept and
tastefully planted, affording a most agreeable promenade. The Abbey
Ruins are extremely picturesque, and in few places can be seen such exten¬
sive remains of a similar character. The principal marquee devoted to the
Show was erected in the central portion of the Ruins, supplementary tents
being placed in what was once thebanquetting hall when the Abbey had been
converted into a Royal residence. In the larger one the plants, cut flowers,
and fruits were arranged, the other being appropriated to vegetables, with
which there was a remarkably good competition.

Two effective groups were entered in the class for the best arrangement
of plants in a space of 12 feet by 10 feet. Mr. Phippen, nurseryman,
Reading, secured the first prize for an informal group, in which Ferns and
Clematises formed the background, with tall Crotons, Galtonias, Pandanuses,
Dracaenas, and Palms. A few Pelargoniums and other flowering plants
were employed as the groundwork, and a margin of Selaginellas. Mr.
Sumner, gardener to J. H. Millard, Esq., Reading, was second with a
brighter hut rather more crowded group, varied, and containing a number of
flowering plants, Lilium auratum being especially fine, with tall Fuchsias
and dwarfer Balsams, Pelargoniums, Asters, and Lobelias. For one speci¬
men stove or greenhouse plant, Mr. Mould, Pewsey, won first honours with
Erica Austiniana, 4 feet in diameter, globular in form, healthy, and well
flowered. Equal second prizes were accorded to Mr. Jennings, gardener to
J. Freeman, Esq., Farnborough, for Allamanda Hend-rsoni, 4 feet high by
4 feet in diameter, a vigorous, handsome, well flowered specimen ; and to
Mr. Goodman, gardener to C. Hammersley, Esq., Bourn End, for a wonder¬
fully fine Eucharis grandiflora with over fifty scapes of four and six flowers
each, an excellent specimen, thoroughly well grown. Mr. Bright, gardener,
Whiteknights, Reading, had the best four Fuchsias, tall and well flowered
plants j but those from Mr. Booker, gardener to T. Tompkins, Esq., Reading,
and Mr. Mayne, gardenerto Miss Moon, Reading, though larger and equally
healthy, were no'', so profusely flowered. Mr. Mould had the premier speci¬
men new or rare plant, a fine example of Croton Bergmanni. The same ex¬
hibitor was also first with foliage plants and stove and greenhouse plants,
showing specimens which have been repeatedly noted at other exhibitions
this season. The half-dozen well-grown Liliums from Mr. Hatch, gardener
to S. B. Stevens, Esq., Reading, for which the first prize was awarded, were

capital plants of L. speciosum varieties, with six stems each, bearing ten or
twelve flowers, or a total of between sixty and seventy to each pot. Mr.
Lockie, gardener to the Hon. G. O. Fitzgarald, Windsor, was first with six
table plants, neat examples of Croton angustifolius, Pandanus Veitchi,
Dracrena superba, and Croton Weismanni being especially notable.

Cut flowers were very fairly represented, particularly the Asters, Zinnias,
and Dahlias, while Roses were unusually good for August. Messrs. J.
Cheal & Sons, Crawley, secured several prizes, having choice collections of
Dahlias in the different sections, t> e single varieties being uncommonly
pretty. Mr. Walker of Thame and Mr. Tranter of Upper Assenden were
also good exhibitors of Dahlias ; Mr. C. Turner, Slough, contributing four
stands of fine show, fancy, and single DahliaB not for competition. T. W.
Girdlestone, Esq., Sunningdale, was very successful with cut Roses, showing
some fresh and handsome blooms of the leading varieties. Mr. Benham of
Newbury had some handsome double Zinnias placed on paper collars ; Mr.
Walker following with blooms cut with stems and foliage, a method of
exhibiting which the Judges highly commended. Mr. Owen of Maidenhead
was awarded first honours for twelve good spikes of Gladioli, Messrs.
Walker, Tranter, Jones, and Hatch being the chief priz°takers for Asters.
Bouquets and stands of flowers were well shown by Mr. Phippen, Reading,
and Messrs. Perkins & Son, Coventry.

Fruit. — The competition was keen in most of the fruit classes, and the
quality of the exhibits generally satisfactory, some being exceptionally fine.
For eight dishes of fruit, Mr. Goodman took the lead amongst four com¬
petitors, having Black Hamburgh Grapes of medium size and fair colour,
Muscat of Alexandria, rather small but good colour, Windsor Pears, Dr.
Hogg Peaches, Brown Turkey Figs, Victory of Bristol Melon, Humboldt
Nectarines, and Shipley Apricots, ail well ripened. Mr. Ashby, gardener to
W. Fanning, Esq., Whitchurch, was second, having fine hunches of Madres-
field Court Grapes, but deficient in colour ; the Muscat of Alexandria were
also rather green ; the Morello Cherries, Victory of Bristol Melon, Grosse
Mignonne Peaches, and Prince of Wales Plums were, however, of good
quality. Mr. Howe, gardener to Sir R. Sutton, Bart., Benham Park, New¬
bury, was third with a good Queen Pine and handsome Pine Apple Nec¬
tarines. With six dishes of fruit, Mr. Richards, gardener to the Earl of
Normanton, Somerley, Ringwood, was first for an even and excellent collec¬
tion, comprising well-coloured Black Hamburgh Grapes, a beautifully netted
Hero of Lockings Melon, Moor Park Apricots, finely ripened Brunswick
Figs from trees out of doors ; A Bee Peaches, and Pitmaston Orange
Nectarines. Mr. Lockie’s best dishes in the second prize collection were
Buckland Sweetwater and Black Hamburgh Grapes, fine Negro Largo Figs,
and Blenheim Orange Melon ; Mr. JenniDgs following with Alicante Grapes
and Crawford’s Early Peach.

Grapes were well represented in point of numbers, and the quality also
was, in the leading exhibits, satisfactory, though there were some examples
sadly deficient in colour, and should have been allowed to remain on the
Vines for a week or two longer. There were seven entries, with three
bunches of black Grapes, Mr. Cakebread, gardener to Sir Philip Rose,
Rayners, Penn, Bucks, being placed first with Madresfield Court, good
bunches and berries, and capitally coloured. Mr. Wells, gardener to R.
Ravenhill, Esq., Winkfield, followed with Cooper’s Black, fine in bunch
and berries, and bearing a dense bloom. Mr. Ashby was third, having
Madresfield Court, grand in size of bunches and berries, but wanting colour.
Black Prince, Muscat Hamburgh, and Madresfield Court were shown by
the unsuccessful competitors in this class. For three bunches of white
Grapes, Mr. Kneller, gardener to W. S. Portal, Esq., Malshanger Park, took
the lead, Bliowing Buckland Sweetwater of exceptional size and beauti¬
fully ripened. Mr. Wells was second with the same variety, rather smaller,
but of fine colour ; Mr. Cakebread taking the third place with meritorious
examples of Foshr’s Seedling, these being the only exhibitors. Four
entered with three bunches of Muscat of Alexandria, Mr. Cakebread gaining
first honours for well-ripened bunches, but one was severely rubbed at the
base, which spoiled its appearance to some extent. The second prize
Muscats from Mr. Maher, gardener to A. Waterhouse, Esq., Yattendon, were
excellent in size, but rather green ; and the same remarks apply to those
from Mr. Robinson, gardener to Royal College, Englefield Green. Seven
exhibitors entered with three bunches of Black Hamburgh Grapes. Mr.
Bowerman, gardener to C. Hoare, Esq., Hackwood Park, was accorded first
honours for large handsome bunches and berries superbly coloured.

In the miscellaneous fruit classes, Figs, Apricots, Nectarines, Peaches,
Plum9, and Apples were abundantly shown. Mr. Lockie was first with fine
Negro Largo Figs, well ripened. In the Apricot class, Messrs. Howe,
Robinson, and Goodman were the prizetakers in that order, all showing
Moorpark, ripe, and of high colour. There were fourteen dishes of Peaches
staged, Mr. Ashby being first for Grosse Mignonne, large and ripe ; Mr.
Best second with Red Magdalen; and Mr. Jennings third with Crawford’s
Early. For Nectarines, Mr. Cox, gardener to Mrs. Alexander, Calcot, took
the lead with large fruits of Victoria ; and Mr. Howe was second. Amongst
eight competitors with Plums, Mr. Goodman was first for Washington,
Kirke’s, and Jefferson’s ; followed by Messrs. Palmer and Howe. Mr. Turton
was first with both dessert and culinary Apples, the former of good colour,
especially Red Astrachan, and the latter large, notably Cellini and Peas-
good’s Nonsuch.

For a miscellaneous collection of fruits Mr. Mortimer of Farnbam was
awarded the first prize for twenty-four superb fruits of Suttons’ Imperial
Green Flesh Melon, finely netted and of excellent flavour. The Judges
very highly commended this variety, and awarded a first-class certificate
for it. Messrs. Sutton & Sons’ prizes for Melons brought a dozen competi¬
tors, Mr. Lockie taking the first place with Oakley Court Seedling ; Mr.
Howe followed with Suttons’ Masterpiece, and Mr. Booker was third with
Lord BeacoDsfield. Messrs. Carter & Co.’s prizes for a brace of Melons were
awarded to Mr. Lockie and Mr. Goodman, both of whom showed Blenheim
Orange in fine condition.

Vegetables. — The display of vegetables was an excellent one, and very
seldom do we see such even collections staged. Messrs. Sutton & Sons
offered prizes for Potatoes and collections of vegetables, which brought a
number of competitors, se.en entering with nine dishes of Potatoes, all
being close in merit, and comprising some very handsome clean tubers.
Mr. Allen, gardener to Sir Francis Burdett, Bart, Rainsbury Manor, was
awarded first honours for excellent samples of Suttons’ Early Regent,

September 2, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

209

Woodstock Kidney, Ruby, Prizetaker, Reading Russet, Abundance,
Favourite, Fillbasket, and Seedling. Mr. Pope, gardener to the Earl of
Carnarvon, Highclere, was a close second ; Mr. Eliott, gardener to
J. Hibbert, Esq., Braywick, and Mr. Wells, Winkfield, following. The
competition was still more keen with six kinds of vegetables, for which
Messrs. Sutton cfc Sons also furnished the five prizes, ranging from three
guineas to 5s. Eleven admirable collections were staged, which in general
quality were the best that we have seen this season. Mr. Waite, gardener
to Col. the Hon. W. P. Talbot, Esher, succeeded in obtaining the premier
award with splendid samples of Veitch’s Autumn Giant Cauliflower,
Suttons’ Perfection Tomatoes (extremely fine), Stratagem Peas, New
Intermediate Carrots, and Anglo-Spamsh Onions. Mr. Kneller, gardener
to W. S. Portal, Esq., Malshanger Park, was second with fine Cauliflowers,
Tomatoes, Onions, Carrots, and International Potatoes. Mr. Richards,
gardener to the Earl of Normanton, Somerley, Ringwood, was a capital
third, indeed there were very few points difference between these three
exhibitors, Messrs. Lye and Lockie being fourth and fifth.

Messrs. Webb ifc Sons, Wordsley, also offered four prizes for collections
of six vegetables, no less than twelve exhibitors entering. Mr. Lye took
the lead with Autumn Giant Cauliflowers, New Intermediate Carrots,
Rowsham Park Hero Onions, Ne Plus Ultra and Evolution Peas, remarkably
fine; Messrs. Kneller, Richards, and Lockie following in the order named.
Mr. C. Fidler’s prizes for six varieties of Potatoes were gained by Mr. Allen,
who was first with Prolific, Woodstock Kidney, Perfection, General Gordon,
Reading Giant, and Sutton’s Abundance ; Messrs. Eliott & Paxton being
second and third. Celery, Onions, Tomatoes, and Vegetable Marrows were
numerously shown, Messrs. Lye, Cakehead, and Lockie securing the chief
prizes ; while for a brace of Cucumbers Mr. Hott, gardener to Major Allfrey,
Wakefield Park, was first with fresh young handsome fruits of Tender and
True, 2 feet long.

DEVON AND EXETER.— August 25th.

A very successful Exhibition was held under the auspices of this Society
on Northernhay, Exeter, a position very suitable for such a purpose, being
alike convenient to the exhibitors and visitors, although the latter rarely
appreciate the capital collection of plants, cut flowers, fruits and vegetables
placed before them.

Being so near home Mr. B. W. Cleave (J. Lock, gardener) had matters
much his own way, taking in all eleven first and two second prizes. But
several other competitors exhibited in a very creditable manner. The best
nine stove and greenhouse plants were staged by Mr. B. W. Cleave, these
including fine plants of Erica Eweriana,E. Marnockiana, Dipladeniaamabilis,
and Ixora Williamsi, the latter bearing 170 good trusses of bloom. Mrs.
Ensor took the second prize for a creditable group, which includ d well-
flowered specimens of Lapageria rosea, Allamanda grandiflora, and Eucharis
amazonica. In a corresponding class for six plants, Mr. W. Brock was the
only exhibitor, and was awarded the first prize, having Ixora Williamsi,
Eucharis amazonica, and Bougainvillea glabra in good condition. Mr. B. W.
Cleave was easily first for nine fine-foliaged plants, these including grand
specimens of Croton Warreni, C. Williamsi, Encephalartos villosus am-
pliatus, Latania borbonica, and Kentia Belmoreana. Mr. W. Brock was
second, his most noteworthy plants being a good Thrinax elegans and
Croton princeps. Included in the nine grand Ferns with which Mr. B. W.
Cleave won the first prize were Davallia fijiensis, Davallia polyantha,
Gleichenia rupestris glaucescens, Gleichenia Mendeli, and Marratia Cooperi.
Mr. W. Brock was second with much smaller plants. Groups of miscel¬
laneous plants arranged for effect on a space not exceeding 100 square feet
are always a great feature at Exeter, and nowhere else are they done in
better style. Mr. B. W. Cleave was deservedly awarded first prize, a silver
cup valued at £5 5s. ; the second prize going to Mr. W. Brock, who won
the cup last season. Mr. Cleave’s groundwork consisted of Maidenhair
Fern, tastefully interspersed with standard Crotons Warreni, angusti-
folium, and other drooping varieties, good specimen Cocos Weddelliana,
Eucharis amazonica in small pots, Dipladenias, Vallota purpurea, and
Gloxinias, an edging of Dactylis and Isolepis completing this charming
arrangement. The competition was also very good in the class for smaller
groups, and here Mrs. Ensor was a good first, and Mrs. Ponget second.
Col. R. Courtenay had the best six Fuchsias ; and Mrs. Ponget was second.
Mr. B. W. Cleave was a good first for Lycopods, and Mrs. Ensor second ;
and Mrs. Ponget first for British Ferns, and Mr. Cleave second, both having
fine plants of choice varieties. Lord Haldon was first for double Begonias,
and Mr. W. Brock with single varieties, the varieties being very good in
each instance. Col. R. Courteney was first for both single and double Zonal
Pelargoniums, and Mrs. Ponget for Cockscombs, their exhibits being most
praiseworthy.

The competition with cut flowers was fairly good. Mr. J. Nation was first
for forty-eight Dahlias, and Mrs. Hart second, and they occupied similar
positions with twelve varieties. Mrs. Ensor was first for twenty-four
Gladioli, and Mr. B. W. Cleave with eighteen bunches of choice cut flowers,
Mr. W. Brock in this instance being a good second. The best twelve Roses
were staged by Captain Christy. Mrs. Ensor being a good second ; and in the
local class for twelve Gladioli Mr. Dobree was easily first, and Mr. J. Nation
second. Mrs. Hart was first for Asters, and Lady Bowring second, while
the best single and double Zonal Pelargoniums were staged by Mr. A.
Barnett and Mr. W. H. Dunsford.

There was a good display of fruit, but on this occasion there were no
open classes for collections, though the Committee need not have been so
conservative, as in all probability the premier prize would not have left the
locality this year. The best collection of ten dishes was shown by Mr.
B. W. Cleave, who had fine stands of Black Hamburgh and Muscat of
Alexandria Grapes, a grand Queen Pine weighing 7 lbs. 14 ozs., and which
naturally attracted the admiration of the Judges and all who saw it ; a good
Sutton’s Imperial green-fl sh MeloD, Pine Apple Nectarines, Grosse
Mignonne Peaches, and other small fruits in excellent condition ; Mrs.
Ensor was second. For a collection of six dishes Sir J. Walrond was first,
and Sir J. Shelley second, both having creditable collections. General
Buller was the only exhibitor of a Pine Apple, and received the first prize.
Mr. C. D. Cave was first and Sir J. Walrond second for Black Hamburgh,
Mr. C. D. Cave first and Sir G. Stuckey second for Muscat of Alexandria,
Mr. B. W. Cleave first for Alicante, Sir j. Shelley first for Foster’s Seedling,

Mr. G. P. Penmore first for Buckland Swtetwater, and Mr. G. P. Penmore
first and Mr. J. Drew second for Madresfield Court Grapes, the exhibits in
each instance being highly meritorious. Sir Thos. Freake was first and
Major W. Porter second for Peaches, Mr. T. C. Daniel first and Lord Polti-
more second for Nectarines, the Rev. T. J. Yarde first and Mr. W. C. Sim
second for green-flesh Melons, and Mr. Josiah Elliott and General Hamilton
second for scarlet-flesh Melons, the competition being good throughout. In
the other fruit classes the most successful exhibitors were Mr. W. Pope, Mr.

B. C. Gidley, Lord Haldon, Mrs. Rowe, Sir J. Shelley, Rev. P. Williams,
Colonel Walrond, M.P., Mrs. Harte, and Sir G. Stuckey.

The show of vegetables was remarkably good, the prizes including a
Veitch Memorial gold medal and £0 for a collection of twelve kinds of
vegeiables. Some surprise has been expressed in different quarters that a
prize of such a description should be localised, but so it was, the Devonshire
men evidently not having sufficient confidence in themselves. The coveted
prize was well won by Sir T. D. Acland ( J. Garland gardener), whose col¬
lection included a good dish of Sutton’s Seedling Potato, Intermediate
Carrots, Beetrot, immense, we might say very coarse, Veitch’s Autumn
Giant Cauliflower, Sutton’s White Gem Celery, Brussels Sprouts, Cucum¬
bers, and Tomatoes. Mr. J. Drew was second and the Rev. P. L. D.
Acland third, each having a fine lot of vegetables. Sir T. D. Acland also
won a special prize of £3 offered for twelve kinds of vegetables by Messrs.
Lucombe, Pince & Co., Mr. A. Burnett being a good second and Colonel

C. A. Troyte third. Prizes were also offered for single dishes of various
other kinds of vegetables, and the principal prizewinners were Sir T. D.
Acland, Mr. B. W. Cleave, Colonel Courtney, Rev. P. L. D. Acland, Sir
J. Shelley, Mr. C. T. D. Acland, Mr. T. C. Daniels, Lord Poltimore, Mr. E. A.
Saunders, Rev. T. J. Yarde, and the Rev. H. Clerk.

Among the non-competitive exhibits the most noteworthy was a grand
group of plants arranged by the Messrs. Lucombe, Pince & Co. These
included large healthy specimens of Latania borbonica. Cocos Weddelliana,
Kentia Belmoreana, Croton Prince of Wales, Croton Warreni, Allamandas
Hendersoni and nobilis, several good Ericas, and a variety of other valuable
plants. In addition they had several stands of Dahlias, Asters, and Roses.
Messrs. Veitch & Son, Exeter, in addition to numerous stands of good
Tuberous Begonias, Dahlias, Roses, and herbaceous flowers, had a very
pleasing rockwork design very cleverly executed. This mixture of rock-
work and plants being altogether new at a horticultural exhibition attracted
more than ordinary attention, and we can only add that it was well done
as these departures should be, or let alone.

BRIGHTON SHOW.— August 26th.

The Brighton Horticultural Society held their annual summer Show on
Wednesday and Thursday last week in the Dome and Corn Exchange, ad¬
joining the Pavilion, where the Show has usually been held on pr vious
occasions. The entries were not quite so numerous as at some preceding
shows, hut the Exhibition was, nevertheless, a highly satisfactory one, the
quality of the plants, flowers, fruits, and vegetables being well represented.

The Corn Exchange was very gay, the majority of the plants and flowers
being arranged there either on a central table as end groups, or at the side
of the building. Mr. W. Miles, West Brighton, had a particularly tasteful
group near the entrance, Musas, tall Palms, Ferns, and Crotons being freely
employed, with a groundwork of Coleuses, Adiantums, Acalyphas, and
miscellaneous plants, chiefly those with ornamental foliage. At the opposite
end of the Corn Exchange the group named was well matched by the first-
prize collection of twelve fine-foliage plants from Mr. Rann, Handcross
Park Gardens, Crawley, which comprised the gigantic and vigorous speci¬
mens of Croton Warreni, Davallia Mooreana. Pritchardia pacifica, Kentia
Belmoreana, and others, for which that Handcross Park is celebrated. The
stove and greenhouse plants were arranged on the central table, several
classes being devoted to them, and though the plants were of moderate size
they were mostly well grown and freely flowered. Mr. E. Meachen, gardener
to Mrs. Armstrong, Patcham, had the best eight specimens, each 4 or 5 feet
in diameter, even, globular, and bushy examples of Allamanda nobilis,
Pimelea decussa'a, Rondeletia speciosa, Bougainvillea glabra, Allamanda
Hendersoni, and Erica Eweriana. Mr. W. Hobden, Hastings, followed, a
Statice and Allamanda being the best of his half dozen. The same exhi¬
bitor was, however, first with four plants, followed by Mr. Rann and Mr.
Jupp, gardener to G. Boulton, Esq., Eastbourne, the last named having a grand
specimen of Eucharis grandiflora with thirty heads of flowers.

In a local class for four stove and greenhouse plants Mr. Jupp and Mr.
Townshend, gardener to Capt. Thompson, were the priz- takers. Messrs.
Hobden, Meachen, and Townshend also exhibiting well in the Pelargonium
classes. The various groups were decidedly interesting features, classes
being set apart for Begonias, Coleuses with Ferns, Ferns, and miscellaneous
plants of the usual type. The groups of Ferns were especially admired,
owing to their fresh green graceful appearance. Mr. Towshend was a
capital first, his group being mainly composed of Adiantums, such as
farleyense, cuneatum, and gracillimum, very tastefully arranged. Messrs.
Jupp and Meachen were second and third with a greater variety of Ferns
informally disposed, but they did not have such an effective appearance as
the first. Mr. J. Turner, gardener to Major Way, Wick Hall, contributed
the mo3t elegant group of Coleuses and Ferns, the surface undulated and
very charming. Mr. Jupp had also a bright tasteful group. The Begonias
were chiefly varieties of the tuberous type, and made a bright display. Mr.

F. Rapley, Jevington, Polegate, Mr. Spottiswood, gardener to C. Duddell,
Esq., Queen’s Park, Mr. R. Pannell, and Mr. Jupp were the successful com-
petito s. The leading group of miscellaneous plants, which was staged by
Mr. Turner, consisted principally of Palms, yellow and red Celosias,
Liliums auratum and speciosum, Gloxinias, Fuchsias, and small Crotons,
very pleasingly arranged ; Mr. Meachen being second with a ratlnr crowded
though bright group, and Mr. Townshend third, the leading feature of
which were the plants of Peristeria elata.

Cut flowers were principally represented by Dahlias, Asters, Roses, and
Hollyhocks. Messrs. Keynes & Williams, Salisbury, were the chief
exhibitors of show and fancy Dahlias, Messrs. Cheal & Son, Crawley, having
some handsome stands of single Dahlia blooms. A. Slaughter, Esq ,
Steyning, gained most of the prizes in the amateur clashes for Roses; Mr.

G. W. Piper, Uckfield, securing three first prizes in other c'nsses for Roses,
Tea varieties predominating. Messrs. Webb & Brand, Saffron Walden,

210

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September 2, 18 11.

bad some fine Hollyhocks, and Mr. Walker, Thame, some beautiful Asters.
Mr. Chard of Clapham Common showed well in the bouquet and floral
■decoration classes, securing the chief prizes ; Mr. F. Webber, Tonbridge,
was also successful.

Fruit. — There was good competition in the fruit classes, some excel¬
lent samples contributed. Mr. C. Goldsmith, gardener to Mrs. C. A. Hoare,
Beckenham, was first for twelve varieties of fruits, Muscat of Alexandria
and Black Hamburgh, good in bunch and berry and well coloured; Noblesse
Peaches, Brown Turkey Figs, Colston Basset Melon, Bellegarde Peaches,
Williams’ Bon Chretien Pears, Moorpark Apricots, Plums, and Cherries, all
very clean handsome fruits. Mr. Waterman, gardener to H. A. Brassey,
Esq., Aylesford, was placed second with Black Hamburgh Grapes, rather
smaller but of fair colour ; Muscat of Alexandria, of medium size ; Hero of
Lockinge Melon, good ; Lord Napier Nectarines, Jefferson Plums, and
Morello. Cherries, handsome. Mr. Gore, gardener to Capt. Taylor, was
third, his best dish being Alnwick Seedling Grapes, good in bunch aud
colour. Grapes were numerous and of fair quality. Mr. Gore was first with
u ®llection of six varieties, three bunches of each, showing Alnwick
Seedling, Mrs. Pearson, Gros Colman, large in berry ; Black Hamburgh,
Muscat of Alexandria, rather green; and Lady Downe’s. Mr. ChatfielJ,
■gardener to T. Holmesly, Esq., East Hoathly, was second with Buckland
Sweetwater, extra fine ; Alicante, large but not coloured ; Gros Colman and
Victoria Hamburgh being also wanting in colour. Mr. Waterman was
third, Foster’s Seedling, Canon Hall Muscat, and Black Hamburgh being
the best. For sir bunches of Muscat of Alexandria Messrs. Goldsmith,
Spottiswood, and Chatfield were the prizetakers ; Mr. Duncan, gardener to
C. T. Lucas, Esq., Warnham Court, being first with three bunches, followed
by the two first named exhibitors in the preceding class. Mr. Spottiswood,
Mr. God by, gardener to Dr. W. Moore, Burgess Hill, aud Mr. Goldsmith,
were prizetakers in that order for six Black Hamburghs ; and for three of
the same variety, Messrs. Spottiswood, Holston, gardener to B. H. Penney,
Esq., Dyke Road, and Inglis,. gardener to T. Cunliffe Lester, Esq., Cuck-
field, were the successful exhibitors. Melons, Peaches, Nectarines, Plums,
Cherries, Green Gages, Apples, and Pears were all shown in considerable
numbers, the exhibitors already named taking some of the leading prizes.
Vegetables were not quite so abundant, but the premier collection of six
sorts from Mr. Waterman was excellent.

The arrangement of the Show was very satisfactory, the courteous
secretary, Mr. Edward Carpenter, having had considerable experience in the
management of this exhibition.

[Mr. A. J. Brown, The Finches, Lindfield, Sussex, desires us to state
that a square wicker basket lent to him for the conveyance of his fruit to
the above Show was taken by some exhibitor in mistake, and as it is of
special value to the owner, he will be glad if it is returned !to the above
address.]

SANDY AND DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

The eighteenth annual Exhibition of this flourishing Society (which
receives the support of 1000 subscribers) was held on Friday last in the
beautiful and highly appropriate grounds of J. N. Foster, Esq., Sandy Place,
and as the weather and the company were all that could be desired, the
horticultural display, which is combined with a poultry show and a large
number of allied subjects, such as farm produce, could not fail to command
great success, as the well-filled tents testified. This, however, could not have
been secured without the harmonious working of an energetic Committee
kad aided the untiring efforts of the courteous and well-trained Secretary,
Mr. W. Green, who has for so many years contributed to the growth and
development of the Sandy Show. If grumbling be recognised as part of the
duty of a Press correspondent, his work at Sandy this year must be prac¬
tically a sinecure, the only noticeable difficulty being the limited amount
°f tent accommodation for the large and greatly extended number of
exhibits, which has much exceeded that of former years, and which
increase it would not be easy to foresee or provide against. This applies
especially to the provision made for plants and cut flowers, which were in
consequence hardly seen to test advantage, and doubtless before another
show the Committee will recognise the full importance of Sandy Shows
and that the liberal prizes of £12, £8, £4, and £3 they offer for a collection
•of stove and greenhouse plants in the open class will naturally bring good
competition and comparatively large plants, which can be more appro¬
priately placed and seen to better advantage on a lower level than when
mounted on a massive wooden stage many feet above the heads of the
visitors. On this occasion five collections were staged in this class, the
plants being generally well-flowered and fine specimens, the first prize
falling to Mr. W. Finch, gardener to J. Marriott, Esq., Coventry, whose
Pu1'ntlrWe t® somewhat larger and better flowered than those of the redoubt¬
able Mr. James Cypher, of the Exotic Nurseries, Cheltenham, who had on
this occasion to accept second honours. Mr. Finch had Lapageria rosea,
Bougainvillea glabra, Stephanotis floribunda, Dipladenia amabilis, Statice
prolusa, Allamandas nobilis and Hendersonii, Ixoras japonica, floribunda,
and amabilis, and Erica Marnockiana, all fine and in excellent health. Mr
Cypher had Phoenocoma prolifera Barnesii, Aitonia Turnbulli, the remaining
5>tlDK chiefly parallel varieties with those of Mr. Finch. Mr. F.
Mould, Pewsey, Wilts, was third, and Mr. G. Redman, gardener to J. H
•Goodgames, Esq., Eynesbury, Hunts, fourth, and extra Mr. W. Rabbitt,
.gardener to General Pearson, The Hasells, Sandy. For six foliage plants
(open to all except nurserymen) Mr. Redman was first, and Mr. G. Claydon,
gardener to J. H. Astell, Esq., Woodbury Hall, St. Neots, second. For
twelve Zonal Geraniums (open) Mr. W. Rabbitt first with very brightly
.coloured and well-grown specimens, his best being Eva (soft rosy carmine)
and l/r. Urton. Mr. Redman was second with smaller specimens. For six
stove and greenhouse Ferns (nurserymen excluded) Mr. Claydon took the
lead with yery fine sprcimens of Adiantums gracillimum, grandiceps,
larlevense, and cuneatum, Blechnum brasiliense, and Gymnogramma chryso-
p 3 11a. Mr. Redman was an approximate second. For six Fuchsias in the
■same division Mr. Rabbitt had remarkably fine specimens, mostly of the older
varieties, and was well to the front, and Mr. W. Bourne, Huntingdon Road,
Cambridge, second. For six Coleus in the same division Mr. Rabbitt again
took the lead with very brightly coloured and well grown plants.

Cut Flower a. These were largely shown, but from want of adequate
tab.e room good Btands had in many cases to ba relegated to the green¬

sward. For forty-eight Roses (open) not less than twenty-four distinct
varieties, Messrs. Paul & Son, The Old Nurseries, Cheshunt, were first with
blooms hardly so good as usual at this season, their best flowers b<-ing
A. K. Williams, Niphetos, Madame Berard, Mardchal Niel, Duke of Teck,
Madame Y. Yerdier, Jean Ducher, Ella Gordon (after thestyle of Mrs.Laxton),
Star of Waltham, Marie Verdier, and Ulrich Brunner. Messrs. J. Burrell
and Co., Howe House Nurseries, Cambridge, came second with rather
smaller blooms of many of the same varieties, Charles Lefebvre and
Alphonse Soupert being good. For twenty-four Gladiolus (open) Messrs.
Burrell, who appear to be assuming the position of successful specialists
with these popular flowers, were greatly ahead with remarkably fine spikes
and large blooms of the following varieties — viz., Baroness Burdett Coutts,
L’Africaine, Rossini, Horace Yemet, L’Unique Violet, Colorado, Shakespeare,
Addison, A. Broigniart, Amalthhe, Pepita, distinct yellow ; Mount Etna,
Ovid, Colbert, Leander, Condd, Le Perle, Celemine, Leda, Hesperide, and
Neride. Mr. E. Atherton of Chatteiis followed second with a stand of seed¬
lings, some of which showed promise. Mr. P. Meyer, Orwell, was third.
For twenty-four show Dahlias (open) the veteran and champion grower,
Mr. H. Glasscock of Bishop’s Stortford, had some grand blooms, which gave
him the lead. The following were amongst his best — viz., Jas. Ashby,
Mrs. Gladstone, Wm. Rawlings, Jas. Service, Ethel Britton, Jas. Green,
and Mrs. W. Stack. Mr. R. Petfield, gardener to A. J. Thornhill, Esq.,
Diddington Grange, Hunts, was a good second, and Messrs. Heath & Son,
Cheltenham, third. In the qlass (nurserymen excluded) for twenty-four
Roses, not less than twelve distinct varieties Mr. E. B. Lindsell, Bearton,
Hitchin, was first, Marguerite Brassac, A. K. Williams, Alphonse Soupert,
and Madame P. Langier were noticeable blooms. The Rev. Dr. King,
Madingley, Cambs, was second with a stand consisting chiefly of Teas.

In the same division for twelve show Dahlias, W. H. Apthorp, Esq.,
Cambridge, had a fine stand, with which he took first honours, his best
blooms being Mrs. Gladstone, Bismarck, James Vick, W. Williams, and
S. Hibberd; the Rev. E. L. Fellowes, Wimpole Rectory, Croydon, coming
a close second.

For six fancy Dahlias, Mr. H. Glasscock was first and Mr. Petfield
second. Asters and Marigolds were well and largely shown. For twelve
Paeony Asters Mr. Redman, for twelve Quilled Mr. Tillbrook, and for
twelve Chrysanthemum-flowered Mr. Redman, and for twelve very fine
African Marigolds, Mr. G. Taylor, Eynesbury, were respectively first.

Mr. T. S. Ware, of Hale Farm Nurseries, Tottenham, showed (not for
competition) some very beautiful single Pompon and decorative Dahlias,
set up in his usual tasteful style, including Mrs. Linaker and Amos Perry,
recently certificated by the Royal Horticultural Society, and a good stiff -
petalled white Duchess of Westminster, all singles, and the charming
decorative variety Mrs. Hawkins, which, perhaps, next to Juarezii, is the
most distinct and useful of all the doubles not recognised by the florists.

Table decorations have not advanced in recent years at Sandy, and the
displays at this Show were singularly mediocre.

Fruit was hardly up to the usual standard at Sandy, the Grapes with
few exceptions not being up in colour and finish. For a collection of eight
varieties, Pines excluded (open to all except nurserymon), Mr. Tillbrook,
gardener to Bateman Brown, Esq., Houghton, Hunts, was first with good
Black Hamburgh and Muscat of Alexandria Grapes, Gros Mignonne
Peaches, Lord Napier Nectarines, Moorpark Apricots, Jefferson Plums, and
Lord Beaconsfield Melon. Mr. Allis, gardener to Jos. Sbuttlewortb, Esq.,
Old Warden, was second ; and Mr. R. Carter, gardener to Colonel Duncombe,
Waresley Park, St. Neots, third. For the collection of six varieties Mr.
W. H. Murfin, Great Staughton, Hunts, took the first position. For two
bunches Black Hamburgh Grapes Mr. Murfin was first. Mr. Tilbrook second,
and Mr. G. Warboys, gardener to Mrs. Medland, St. Neots, third. For two
bunches any other variety cf black Grapes Mr. Jos. Topham, Thorney
Park, Peterborough, was first with fine and highly finished Gros Maroc, Mr.
Tillbrook second with the same variety, and Mr. Allis third. For two
bunches of Muscat of Alexandria Mr. P. D. White, gardener to Captain
Stanley, Longstow Hall, Cambs, was first, and Mr. Tillbrook and Mr. Allis
equal second. For two bunches of any other variety of white Grapes Mr.
Allis was first with Buckland Sweetwater, and Mr. Tillbrook second. For
six Peaches Mr. P. Meyer, Orwell, was first, and for six Nectarines Mr.
Apthorpe. For green-flesh Melon Mr. W. Bourn, Huntingdon Road, Cam¬
bridge; and for scarlet-flesh Mr. F. J. Malden, St. Neots.

Vegetables were good in quality and large in quantity, and always
form one of the striking features at Sandy. For a basket of twelve varieties
Mr. Bourn staged very good examples of all the useful sorts, and was
fairly first. Mr. Ellis, gardener to — . Nixon, Esq., Pemberley, Bedford, was
second, and Mr. Vines, gardener to C. Franklin, Esq., Bedford, third. For a
basket of six varieties Mr. H. Ridgewell, Cambridge, was first and Mr.
G. Johnson, Bedford, a good second. For a collection of Potatoes, six
varieties, Mr. Ridgewell was first with very sound and good-looking sorts,
consisting of Chancellor (Dean), a fine rough-skinned flat white ; Gladstone,
flat round white, appearing to be a first-class useful new variety ; Adiron¬
dack, solid and sound, but somewhat coarse; Beauty of Hebron, Vicar of
Laleham, and Mr Breesee. In the market gardeners’ class Mr. Ridgewell
staged a splendid collection of nearly fifty varieties, all good-looking clean
specimens of the most approved sorts, the most striking being Gladstone,
Garfield, Champion, Fidler’s Prolific, Jos. Rigault, and Champion. Some
very fine Peas were shown by Mr. Waller, gardener to Jas. Howard, Esq.,
Clapham Park, and others, but the Judges appear to have passed over all
the large-podded varieties of the Telephone or Duke of Albany type for
less striking soits of younger growth. Mr. Tdlbrook had some very fine
white Spanish Onions of the Sandy Prize type, perhaps as good as have ever
be* n shown at Sandy, and was deservedly awarded first in the amateurs’
class. The Show appears to have been a most satisfactory one.

SHERBORNE SHOW.— August 25th.

This popular Dorsetshire Society has been in existence ever since 18G2,
and it is a very pleasing duty to note that the Exhibition this year wa3
generally considered the best yet held. A considerable improvement was
manifested in both the number and quality of the plants exhibited, while
the fruit and vegetables, for which the Sherborne meeting is noted through¬
out a wide tract of country, were also better than usual. Mr. G. F. Stokes
is an experienced and very courteous Secretary, and he, with the active

Ssp'emter 2, 1886 ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER ,

211

assistance of Mr. W. G. Pragnell and others on the Committee, succeeds in
rendering the Exhibition pleasing alike to the competitors and the
numerous visitors who patronise it. In addition the beautiful pleasure
grounds with a grand lake of water connected with Sherborne Castle, the
seat of F. D. Wingfield Digby, Esq., as well as the ruins of the old Castle,
near which the Show was held, all served to attract visitors, and in spite
of the harvest operations, now going on briskly in this part of the country,
the attendance must have been highly satisfactory.

The premier prize in the plant section was offered for an ornamental
collection of twelve stove and greenhouse plants in or out of flower, and of
these there were only two lots staged. Mr. T. Wilkins, gardener to T. M.
Guest, Esq., was easily first, having among others healthy medium sized
specimens of Cycas revoluta, Latania horbonica, Croton undulatus, Acalypha
musaica, Alocasia metallica,Pandanus Veitchii, Anthurium crystallinum, and
Phormium tenax variegatum. Mr. W. Appleby, gardener to T. W.
Dampier Bide, Esq , was second, his group including a good Latania
borbonica, Croton Weismanni, and C. majesticus. There were three entries
in the next c'ass, that for a miscellaneous collection of store and green¬
house plants, to occupy a space not exceeding 15 feet. Here again Mr.
Wilkins was first, having Croton Weismannii, A'lamanda Hendersonii,
Dipladenia boliviensis, Caladium3, Odontoglossums, Tuberoses, and various
other plants in good condition. Mr. W. Appleby was a good second, his
group including several good Palms, Crotons, Dracaenas, and Orchids.
Mr. itunnacles, Leweston, was placed third wi h much the evenest and
brightest group, but in which there were no large specimen plants ; his
AJuntum farleyense and other Ferns, Gloriosa superba, Dracaenas, Crotons,
and Gloxinias were very creditably shown. Four competed with groups
arranged for effect in a half circle occupying a space measuring 12 feet the
longest way, and in each instance the display was very creditable to the
exhibitors. Mr. vVitherington, gardener to Major M’Adam, Greenbill
House, was deservedly awarded the first prize, very good taste beiDg dis¬
played in the arrangement of Palms, Crotons, Dracaenas, and other choice
plants, interspersed with Maidenhair Fern, and further relieved by a
judicious addition of well flowered Gladioli in pots. Mr. W. G. Pragnell,
Sherborne Castle gardens, took the second prize for a very tasteful arrange¬
ment, the front, being neatly fringed with pot plants of Selaginella
Kraussiana, in this respect far excelling the other groups ; but gaining here
he yet lost with his background, which was both too low and too formal.

r- Runnacles was third, and an extra was given to Mr. C. Anthony,
gardener to T. Moore, Esq., Yeovil. The last named was fortunate in win¬
ning the first prize for nine Fuchsias, in which class Mr. T. Hannan,
gardener to J. E. Whitby, Esq., Yeovil, was third.

The class for twelve Ferns was a V9ry good one, and added much to the
beauty of the large tent where the plants generally were staged. Mr. J.
Crump, gardener to W. Neal, Esq., Kingsdon, was a good first, his group
including fine healthy specimens of Gymnogramma tartarea, G. Laucheana
gigantea, Neottopteris nidus, Microlepia hirta cristata, Adiantum cuneatum,
Asplenium flaccidum, and Davallia Mooreana. Mr. W. Appleby was second,
and Mr. Wilkins third, both having several well grown specimens of
popular known sorts. Tuberous Begonias were staged by several growers,
G. H. Copp, gardener to J. S. W. E. Drax, Esq., was easily first
with fine fresh plants of a good strain. Mr. T. Wilkins was second. There
were also classes .provided for Balsams, Cockscombs, Coleus, and other
plants, in all of which the competition was close and good.

Cut flowers were largely shown by nurserymen, gardeners, and amateurs
not employing a regular gardener. Mr. J. Smith, Bristol, was first for
twenty-four triplets of Roses, and Mr. G. Campbell, gardener to S. P. Budd,
Esq., Bath, second. The best represented sorts were A. K. Williams, Ulrich
Brunner, Brightness of Cheshunt, General Jacqueminot, A. Colomb, Gloire
de J?n> and Charles Lefebvre. Messrs. Keynes, Williams & Co. were
easily first with twenty-tour Dahlias, some of the best of these being Mrs.
Saunders, Mrs. Seaman, Mrs. Langtry, Royal Queen, Illuminator, Mr. Spof-
Torth, Henry Walton, and Shirley Hibberd. Mr. J. Nation was second.
Messrs. Keynes, Williams & Co. were aRo awarded an extra prize for a
mvely stand of single Dahlias, among which the most noteworthy were
' e‘7et Mantle, Queen of Whites (one of the best of its class), John Cowan,
_>eauty of Cambridge, and Negress. Mr. Runnacles had the best twenty-
four Asters, and Mr. J. Wheeler was a good second. Only two growers
entered Gladioli, Mr. S. Tottle, Taunton, taking the first prize, and Mr. J.
-Nation second. Mr. W. Iggulden, Marston Gardens, Frome, had the
choicest cut flowers, and Mr. S. Kidley, gardener to Mrs. Helyar, Coker
Court, also exhibited cut flowers successfully.

For the Digby cup, value £5 5s., offered for eight dishes of fruit, there
were five competitors. Mr. W. S. Pullman, gardener to R. B. Sheridan,
“s9‘> well first, having large and well finished Muscat of Alexandria

1.1 Hamburgh Grapes, good Dymond Peaches, Pine Apple Nectarine,
Golden Perfection Melon, and rather poor Green Gage Plums, and Williams’
Bon Chretien Pears. Mr. A. Crossman, gardener to J. Brutton, Esq.,

1 eovil, was placed second for a generally good lot, the Black Hamburgh
Grapes, however, being wanting in finish. Mr. C.H. Perkins, gardener to
y? Hambro, Esq., Milton Abbey, took the third prize, his most noteworthy
dishes being Buckland Sweetwater Grapes, Crimson Galande Peaches, and
V ictona Lectarines; and Mr. J. Lloyd, gardener to Vincent Stuckey, Esq.,
Eangport, had the remaining prize for a creditable all-round collection. Mr.

W. G. Pragnell was first for a Pine Apple, and Mr. Brooks second, both
having mirly good Smooth Cayennes. Mr. Pullman was easily first in the
■class for Black Hamburgh Grapes, Mr. T. Horsey, gardener to Colonel
r or bes, being second with large, imperfectly finished bunches. In the any
other black class Mr. Davidson, gardener to Lord Wolverton, Iwerne
Munster, was first with Alicante in good condition ; and Mr. Crossman fol¬
lowed with large bunches of the same variety. Mr. Pullman was again
rst in the class for Muscat of Alexandria, of which he had fine fairly well-
colourea bunches ; and Mr. W. G. Pragnell was a good second. In the any
other white class Mr. Iggulden was first with well-coloured Foster’s Seedling,
he second prize going to Mr. Davidson for the same variety. T. Paul,
isq., had the best Melon, a small and luscious Hero of Lockinge, and Mr.
rossman was second with a good fruit of the same variety. Mr. Iggulden
was first for indoor Peaches, winning with a handsome dish of Crimson
-.rfa c if r‘ ”u^n?an being a good second with Early Grosse Mignonne,
ad first for open-air Peaches, and Mr. C. Perkins second, j both having fine

dishes of Hales’ Early. Mr. G. R. Daley had the best indoor Nectarines,
staging a good dish of Pitmaston Orange, and Mr. Pullman was second with
Pine Apple. Mr. C. Perkins was first, and Mr. W. S. Ridley second for
Pears, both having good dishes of Jargonelle. There were a fine lot of
Plums shown. Mr. Clarke was first in the white class, and Mr. Wilkins
second, both having good dishes of Jefferson. Mr. J. Crump was first for
Green Gages, and Mr. Pragnell second. The last named took the first prize
for dessert and also kitchen Apples, staging respectively Benoni and Lord
Suffield in fine condition. Cherries and Currants were also very fine.

Collections of vegetables were very good indeed, not only in the gar¬
deners’, but also in the cottager,’ tent, tfie latter having some kinds wonder¬
fully fine. In tbe gardeners’ class for twelve sorts of vegetables, the
redoubtable v getable exhibit .r, Mr. W. G. Pragnell, was placed with a
collection almost equal to what he has often shown at the autumn shows
near London. The varieties were Autumn Giant Cauliflower, Matchless
Carrots, Sherborne’s Improved Spanish Onion, Veitch’s Prodigy Peas,
Hathaway’s Excelsior Tomato, White Dutch Runner Beans, Snowball
Turnips, Manchester Red Celery, Lone White Marrows, Lyon Leeks, Read¬
ing Russet Potatoes, and Tender and True Cucumbers. Mr. J. H. Copp waB
a close second, his Grove White Celery, Covent Garden Perfection Potatoes,
and Hackwood Park Tomatoes being remarkably fine. Mr. T. Wilkins waB
a good third. The best eight sorts of vegetables were shown by Mr. A.
Philpot, gardener to W. Parsons, Esq., who had very good examples of Ne
Plus Ultra Pea, Lady Paget Kidney Potato, Pragnell’s Exhibition Beet,
Ellacombe’s Parsnip, Hathaway’s Excelsior Tomato, Autumn Giant Cauli¬
flower, and Williams’ Matchless Celery. Mr. C. Bowers, gardener to T. Hol-
ford, Esq., was a good second, his dishes of Lyon Leek, Globe Artichokes,
and Scarlet Intermediate being very fine. Mr. A. W. Clark, Digby Hotel,
was third. Mr. Runnacles was first for a very fine brace of Tender and
True Cucumber, and Mr. Copp second with the same variety. There were
also classes for Onions, Potatoes, Peas, Beans, and Celery, in all of which
the samples numerously shown were very good indeed. The most note¬
worthy non-competitive exhibit was the bank of Tuberous Begonias inter¬
spersed with Maidenhair Fern arranged by Mr. B. R. Davis, Yeovil. The
strain is a good one, and they were shown in creditable style. Mr. Scott,
Merriott, Yeovil, sent a collection of Plums, consisting of twenty-five
varieties ; of these the best were Red Gage Nectarine, Syston, Washington,
Red Magnum Bonum, Black Diamond, Golden Gage, Prince of Wales, and
Victoria.

BUTE.

The annual Show of this Society was held at Rothesay on the 20th
August. In the open-to-all class Mr. M. Campbell, nurseryman, High
Blantyre, took the first prize for twenty-four Carnations and Picotees (at
least twelve varieties). The blooms were very fine, and were — Carnations :
H. Matthews, Mrs. Gorton, Mercury, Tim Bobbin, Master Fred, Rose of
Stapleford, E. S. Dodwell, Mayor of Nottingham, Ivanhoe, A. Curzon, Tom
Chapman, Edward Adams. Picotees. — Her Majesty, Louisa, Master Nor¬
man, Mrs. Alcroft, Daisy, Nymphe, Clara Penson, Miss Wood, Thos.
Williams, Morning Star, Beauty of Cheltenham, Thos. Hastier. Second
Mr. W. Stewart, Shawlands ; third Messrs. J. Cocker & Sons, Aberdeen.
Twenty-four Roses, distinct varieties, Messrs. J. Cocker & Sons were first
with a very fine stand considering the time of year. The blooms were —
Gloire Lyonnaise, Alfred Colomb, A. K. Williams, Baroness Rothschild, La
France, Charles Lefebvre, Comt; Raimbaud, Due de Rohan, Duke of Albany,
Emilie Hausberg, Etienne Levet, Heinrich Schultheis, Lrelia, Charles
Crapelet, Gabriel Luizet, Hippolyte Jamain, Isaac Periere, Marie Baumann.
Marie Finger, Marguerite De St. Amand, Merveille De Lyon, Pride of
Waltham, Senateur Vaisse, Lady Mary Fitzwilliam. Second Mr. W. Par-
lane, Row. Twenty-four fancy Pansies. — Mr. M. Campbell took first
honours in this class with a splendid stand of blooms — namely, John Gold.
Mrs. G. P. Frame, E. Bruce, A. Ashcroft, Mrs. J. Downie, Pilrig, Catherine
Agnes, Wm. Cuthbertson, Princess Beatrice, Mrs. Findlay, May Tate, Miss
Bliss, Lord Rosebery, Mrs. Sword, Mrs. Goodwin, Endymion, Miss Gladstone,

D. Smith, F. M. Bertram, Craigforth, Em. DalglieBb, Mrs. S. Wright.
Second Mr. W. Stewart ; third Mr. A. Irvine, Tighnabruigh. Twelve table
prize. — The first prize was won by Air. D. Waddel, Southpark. Twelve
tubers single Dahlia. — Mr. M. Campbell was the only competitor for this prize.

In the gardeners’ and amateurs’ classes the articles do not require special
mention. Some of the plants are very fine. Fruit was a very fair show.
The vegetables were superior, as mostly all outside vegetables are late this
year.

Special Exhibits. — Mr. Wm. Spencer, Montford, arranged a fine table
of plants. Mr. M. Campbell three stands of Carnations and Picotees, and
one of Pansies, also a very fine stand of twenty-four double Dahlias ; the
blooms were large and of fine form, the names of them were Champion
Rollo, Criterion, Rev.J.B.M. Camm, Gaiety, Mrs. Saunders, Marquis of Lome,
Julia Wyatt, Henry Walton, Henry Bond, Ovid, W. P. Laird, Thos. Hobbs,
W. Rawlings, Mrs. Dobbs, Flora Wyatt, Rosetta, Ethel Britten, Miss Annie
Melsome, Queen Mab, Mrs. Carter, Mrs. J. Downie, Dewdrop, Lord Chelms¬
ford. This lot was very much admired. Mr. J. G. Paul one stand of
twenty-four blooms Fancy Pansies, and forty-eight blooms Show Pansies.
Air. Peter Lyle, Kilbarchan, exhibited six seedling Pansies for the opinion
of the Judges ; three of them were certificated. Royal Visit, white ground
Show Pansy ; this was the best bloom Show Pansy at Glasgow Show.

Mr. J. Bolton, white ground Show ; this was the first-prize seedling white
ground Show at Glasgow. The other was a very fine primrose self Show
Pansy called Miss E. D. McLaren. Mr. M. Cuthbertson, Rothesay, exhibited
a table of plants and cut flowers grown at his nursery at the public paik
— Albert, Glasgow.

OLD AND NEW ROSES.

[A paper by Mr. Joseph H. Bourn, read before tbe Massachusetts Horticultural Society ]
( Continued from page 188.)

With all the beauty which the Rose possesses, we cannot speak of
perfection in any one variety, and the fine qualities that are manifest in
one season are not likely to be obtained in another; while hindrances to
good culture are constantly presenting themselves to the most experienced
and best informed. Some varieties will flower only in June; others are

212

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September 2, 1886.

handsome but not fragrant, like Charles Lefebvreand Etienne Levet; the
petals of some fade as soon as exposed to a shower, or a strong mid-day
sun, like Madame Naehury, and Gloire de Bourg-la-Reine ; others do not
open well, like Pierre Nutting, Empress of India, and La France. Some
are slow growers, others have delicate stems. A few are subject to
mildew, which spreads and affects others, and should not have a place in
the garden, like the Countess of Oxford, Sir Garnet Wolseley, and
Caroline de Sansal. Nearly every best Rose that is grown has some
defects, and many are somewhat tender, like Marquise de Castellane,
Baroness Rothschild, and Eugenie Verdier. The best and most certain
means for preservation of Rose trees that have a delicate habit is to give
plenty of air and sunshine, the influence of which agents hardens the
texture of the wood and renders it impenetrable to insects. The largest
intelligence, united with constant vigilance, will reward us annually with
only a few flowers which have the requisite qualities of richness and
permanency of colours combined with fulness and gracefulness of form
and sweet odour.

Autumn flowers, I am inclined to believe, are improved when grown
on trees raised from cuttings rather than from the bud or graft ; for those
that are worked are in an artificial condition, and less able to contend
throughout the season with adverse influences than such as carry their
sap in continuous currents. The luxuriantly growing wood should be
allowed to bear moderately until the time for the late blooms. Frangois
Michelon, Fisher Holmes, Monsieur Noman, Marguerite de St. Amand.
Victor Verdier, Boieldieu, Annie Wood, and Alfred Colomb are esteemed
for large, handsome, late flowers.

When blooming in native wildness and simplicity the R se is uni¬
versally admired by ihe botanist, while it has many attractions to the
casual observer ; and the wild Roses of our woods and hedges, though of
a simple type, are the impersonations of elegance and beauty. They
adorn the solitude where they grow ; and glancing, half concealed, from
their green bowers, must have reminded the pilgrim in the wilderness of
home.. In connection with the delightful study of botany, our lovers of
scientific explorations and of beauty in the field could add attractive
graces to our highways and byways by adopting the customs of the
Hungarians, among whom the finest kinds of Roses are found blooming
in unfrequented places, produced by budding the wild varieties, which the
ladies of rank and fashion do in their rambles.

We cannot but decide that the Remontants are of a most heterogeneous
character, and that the varieties are so different in their nature as to
require varied culture and treatment. Our remarks have had special
reference to outdoor growth ; but there are some of this class that do not
expand their flowers freely in the open air, though beautiful when forced ;
while others, of rare excellence in 'the garden, are of little worth for the
greenhouse. The Baroness Rothschild, Edouard Morren, Mabel Morrison,
Hippolyte Jamain, Madame Gabriel Luizet, Duke of Edinburgh, Magna
Charts, Thomas Mills, Anna de Diesbach, Mrs. Harry Turner, and Anna
Alexieff, have a health}’ habit for forcing, are of pure colours, and of full
symmetrical form. Early spring flowers of these and other free-growing
varieties are obtained by cutting well-ripened wood from outdoor trees late
in the autumn, and grafting upon the Manetti and other stocks, which
have plenty of fibres to gather food for their support in December. The
cultivation of this class by artificial means has been yearly increasing to
meet the demand for these sweet reminders of our summer time. They
are called by florists, in the winter, fancy Roses, and produce sparingly
flowers of surpassing elegance, which command large prices, on account
of the demand for them and the extra care requisite to produce good
specimens. Attention is now being given to these beautiful but costly
dainties of Nature in your vicinity, and distinguished success has been
obtained by your honoured President, and others, producing better
flowers than are grovn from like varieties in the open air.

The arrangement of Roses cut from the tree is a matter of taste, in
regard to which there do;s not exist a unanimity of sentiment, else we
should be wearied with a continued sameness. But there are certain fixed
laws that regulate the decorative art in flowers. Too many blooms are
used for single baskets and bouquets, where they are crowded together
promiscuously, exhibiting a mass of petals, the form and colouring of
each separate flower . being indistinct, with little of its own foliage to
render the proper effect. The more nearly Roses are shown as they
naturally grow the better effect they produce. The stiff, artificial stem,
without the leaf of the flower, propped up by Smilax, Ferns, and other
green than its own, is not like nature. Hand bouquets of Roses and
buds are more beautiful when made of the same variety with its own
foliage, stems long and loosely bunched, having a small number, well
chosen, of sweet odour. A collection in basket form, or for parlour
decoration, had better lack a flower than have one too many, the object
being to form a graceful, refreshing, and suggestive picture, preserving
an “easy negligence mixed with art.” Show each bloom separately”
reposing in its own green, and remember that a few colours have a prettier
effect than many. If a combination is thought to be desirable, red, white,
and buff are pleasing. The beauty of Roses is much impaired when
they are displayed in masses. As a rule, if there are to be many flowers,
use the delicate shades ; if few, the deeper tones ; and we should not
forget that large and choice Roses are always most effective when displayed
in standards proper for their reception as single specimens.

(To be continual.)

SUMMER AND AUTUMN EXHIBITIONS.

In the following list are given the dates of the principal shows to he
held up to November 10th of this year, and we shall be obliged if the

Secretaries of Societies holding shows during the season named will
forward us their schedules.

SEPTEMBER.

3rd, Friday. — Crystal Palace, Fruit and Dahlias.

7th, Tuesday. — Royal Horticultural Society, Committees; Fruit and
Dahlia Show.

8th, Wednesday. — Edinburgh.

8th, Wednesday. — Glasgow.

9:h, Thursday. — National Chrysanthemum Society, Early Chrysan¬
themums, Westminster Aquarium.

21st, Tuesday. — Royal Horticultural Society, Committees.

OCTOBER.

6th, Wednesday. — Crystal Palace, Fruit Show.

12th, Tuesday. — Royal Horticultural Society, Committees P.nd Hrrdy
Fruits.

13 tb, Wednesday. — National Chrysanthemum Society, Floral Com¬
mittee.

26th, Tuesday. — Royal Horticultural Society, Committees, and Chrysan¬
themum Show.

NOVEMBER.

2nd, Tuesday. — Ealing.

3rd, Wednesday.— -Havant.

4th, Thursday. — Twickenham.

4th, Thursday. — Stoke Newington.

5th, Friday. — Crystal Palace.

8th, Mondry. — Surrey Chrysanthemum Society.

8th, Monday. — Lambeth,
llth, Tuesday. — Kingston.

9th, Tuesday. — Southampton.

9th, Tuesday. — Royal Horticultural Society, Committees.

10th, Wednesday. — Croydon.

10th, Wednesday. — National Chrysanthemum Society, Westminster
Aquarium.

HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

Now is the time when insects do most harm to fruit. To preserve it
upon the trees as long as possible Nottingham netting should be put
over the trees, and care taken that the covering is so well put on as to
quite exclude all winged insects. To do this well and to preserve the
nets, bind the edges of the netting with broad tape, to which sew small
brass rings, by means of which it may he put upon a wall quickly, or
fastened to wooden frames over trees or bushes in the open garden.

A large, airy, cool fruit-room is now of much value to retard the
ripening of fruit and to preserve it in good condition after it is ripe.
Let all fruit be gathered carefully, without being bruised, or even rubbed
more than can be helped. Gather no fruit prematurely ; this remark
applies especially to Pears and Apples, if we would have fruit in perfec¬
tion. The Pear season has begun, and we must now devote enough time
daily to an inspection of the fruit upon the trees, and take care to remove
the fruit gradually as it becomes ready. Such care is well repaid by
excellence of flavour and the length of time that it is found possible to
have good fruit of favourite sorts, A week or two of fine hot weather
now will do much for a full development of flavour, and we may hope for
a development of aroma in Apples in some degree approaching tint of
American fruit. Early Peaches have been deficient in flavour, as was to
be expected from the prevalence of cold wet weath r as the fruit ripened.
Apricots, too, though plentiful, have not had the full rich flavour which
renders the golden fruit such a general favourite.

If dry weather continues, let fruit borders have a thorough soaking
with sewage or water after the fruit is all gathered from the trees. Such
waterings tend materially to help the formation of full, plump buds, and
consequently do something to help the crop of next year. Some exhaustion
must necessarily attend the production of a full crop of fruit, and we
should do all we can to restore the trees to full vigour. Do not waste
space on sickly exhausted fruit trees, but mark such now for removal,
and make the necessary arrangements for planting other trees early iu
autumn. Keep young Strawberry beds well watered, keep down weeds,
and try and get the plants as Ptrong as possible this autumn, in view of
obtaining a half crop of fine early fruit next seaBon before that upon the
older plants ripens.

FRUIT FORCING.

Vines. — Earliest House. — The earliest-forced Vines should he pruned
without much further delay. It is not necessary to wait till all the
leaves have fallen before pruning, only the wood must be brown and liaid
and the leaves turning yellow. The pruning will cause the Vines to re t
more quickly and thoroughly. It is also important that the house b:
thoroughly cleaned and the Vines also. The Vines should only have the
loose bark removed, washing the rods with clear warm water, and aftei-
wards with a solution of softsoap, 8 ozs. to the gallon of water. If there
be any scale or mealy bug add a wineglassful of petroleum and half an
ounce of soda to the soapy solution, and keep it well mixed whilst beitu
applied with a brush, care being taken to reach every hole, angle, and

September 2, 1885. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

213

crevice. Prior to this the woodwork should have been cleansed with soap
and water, the glass with clear water, and the walls limewashed. Clear
the borders both inside and outside of the old mulching material and the
loose surface soil, and have a top-dressing of turfy loam with about a
twentieth part each of bonemeal and wood ashes inesrporated. Any
weakly Vines or those in an unsatisfactory state may be improved by re¬
moving the soil down to the roots and supplying fresh turly loam with an
admixture of a sixth of old mortar rubbish and a twentieth part of half¬
inch bones, and a similar proportion of wood ashes, lifting any roots
available for the purpose, and laying them out in fresh material not more
distant from the surface than 6 inches. This is best done before the fall
of the leaf. It is a mistake to allow Vines to become very dry at the
roots, and comparative dryness is desirable, yet allowing the soil to get dust
dry is highly injurious, as the young roots are much weakened if not de¬
stroyed. The borders : Outside borders should have a covering of some
kind to protect them from the heavy autumn rains, which reduce the
temperature considerably. Glass lights are much the best, as they throw
off heavy rains whilst allowing the sun heat to warm the soil. These
not being available, and they need only be used in the case of heavy cold
rains, a covering of leaves and litter will he necessary after the weather
sets in cold. If the lights have been removed they may remain off until
heavy rain comes, when they should be replaced, ventilation being given
to the fullest extent. It is well, however, to insure a thorough moistening
of the inside border down to the drainage before replacing them.

Vines in Pots for Early Forcing. — Those intended to be started early
in November should now be completely at rest, the wood thoroughly ripe,
the laterals cut close home, and the cane shortened to about 6 feet — more
or less according to the situation of the plump eyes. The cuts must be
at once dressed with styptic or knotting to prevent further trouble from
bleeding, but keeping the soil rather dry at the roots of the Vines will
reduce the tendency to bleeding. It is a mistake, however, to allow the
soil to get dust dry. Keep them in a cool airy house. Later Vines in
pots may be placed outdoors to harden the growth and induce rest, the
south side of a wall or fence being preferable.

Late Grapes — Continue a night temperature of 70° to 75° and 80° to
85° by day, until the Grapes are thoroughly ripe, ventilating freely and
keeping lateral growths closely stopped, a warm dry atmosphere with a
free circulation of air being essential to good finish ; laterals allowed
to grow only excite root-action, and consequently encourage late
growth. Prepare for covering the borders, for late Grapes keep much
better when the roots are not chilled by the autumn rains ; therefore
larpauling, shutters, or thatched hurdles can be used when required.

Young Vines. — Those that have made a strong growth are late in
ripening, and should be assisted with fire heat, maintaining a minimum of
65u and a maximum cf 75° from fire heat, running up to 85° to 90° from
sun heat, accompanying the artificial heat with a little top and be ttom
ventilation so as to insure a circulation, increasing it proportionately with
the sun heat.

Cucumbers. — Shorter days necessitate closing the house earlier, also
syringing earlier, so as to have the foliage fairly dry before dusk. Fire
heat will also be necessary to maintain a temperature of 70° to 75° by
artificial means, falling 5°, or to 65° through the night. Keep the growths
fairly thin, removing old shoo's eo as to make room for young ones, and so
keep up a succession of bearing wood. Stop them a joint beyond the fruit.
Encourage root-action by a steady bottom heat of 80°, suiface dressings
of lumpy loam and sweetened horse droppings, and afford liquid manure
in a tepid state whenever water is required. Do not allow the fruit to
hang after it becomes fit for uee, and avoid overcropping.

Autumn Fruiters. — Afford every encouragement to these, stopping so
as to insure an even spread of bearing wood. Remove the first fruits,
also the male blossoms and tendrils. No shading will now be necessary'.
Avoid syringing in the morning, and only use the syringe on bright
afternoons, and then early and lightly, keeping the house damped as
occasion requires. Admit air in moderation ; draughts must be avoided,
as they chill and stunt the growths, and if no air is given the foliage
becomes very thin and flabby when kept close, moist, and warm. Seek
to ensure a sturdy thoroughly solidified growth by early and judicious
ventilation whilst opportunity offers.

Winter Fruiters. — Seed having been sown early in August the plants
will now be fit to place out. The house must be a light one, and have
means of securing a temperature or 70° to 75° in all weathers, also of
securing a bottom heat of 80' to 90°. The first consideration is to
thoroughly cleanse the house ; all soil previously used must be cleared
out, and the whole of the interior scalded, if pt ssible, with boiling water,
the woodwork washed with sofisoap, water, and a brush, the glass washed
clean inside and out with water only, the walls lime-washed, and every¬
thing put into thorough repair. If rubble is used about and over the
pipes for bottom heat, see that the material is clean, and if not, take it
out, clean it by washing. Secure the drainage with a layer of turves
grass side downwards. Put in hillocks or ridges of about 2 feet base,
and 10 to 12 inches depth, and 1 foot across at top. Turfy loam laid up
until the grass is killed, chopped up rather roughly two-thirds, fibrous
tandy peat one-third chopped or torn up, rejecting any woody matter, old
mortar rubbish freed of laths and other pieces of wood, the rough broken
email one-sixth, charcoal broken so as to pass an inch sieve one-sixth, the
whole thoroughly incorporated. The compost should be neither wet nor
dry, and only made moderately firm. This material is equally suitable
for plants in pots or boxes, which should be well drained, and only so far
filled with soil that when the plants are introduced their seed leaves will
be about level with the rim of the pots and as they will have some stem
below the seed leaves, this will admit of earthing as the plants increase in

growth. Very useful fruit can be had from plants in pots or boxes in
bouses with a stove temperature. A quart of soot or any of the advertised
fertilisers may be added to every bushel of the loam. Plant when the
soil is warmed through, press the soil gently, and secure the plants by
stakes reaching to the trellis. Ruh off the laterals to that height, and stop
the leading shoot at about the second or third wire of the trellis. Shade
from bright sun until established. Syringe lightly in the early afternoon,
damp in the morning, noon, aod afternoon. Keep a day temperature of
70° to 75°, rai-ing 10° to 15° from sun heat, and a night temperature
of 70°, falling 5° through the night. Plants from seed sown early in
August will give fruit in late autumn, but they must not be cropped
much if they are to give a plentiful supply of fruit from Christmas to
spring.

Sow early in this month, September, for raising plants to give a supply
of fruit at Christmas and onward. Telegraph is one of the best, but it
is being much confounded with other varieties by cross-breeding,
that a true stock of the original Rollisson’s variety is not always secured.
The seed is best sown singly in large 60-pots a little more than half filled
with soil, and covered half an inch deep. Keep them well up to the
glass, earth up as the plants grow, and transfer to 48’s when they need
a shijf t, placing a stick to each, to which secure the plant as it advances.
Rub off laterals as they show, training with a single shoot. They will be
fit to plant during the first fortnight of October.

Pits and Frames. — The growth in these will need to kept thin as a
safeguard against damp, and watering must be done early and judiciously,
as damp and cold make short work of Cucumbers at this season. At
closing time a light sprinkling may be given overhead, but it will not
be much needed after this, or very little water, the plants getting enough
moisture through the decay of the fermenting beds. The beds must be
lined with stable litter, and a little air should be given at back to allow of
any steam escaping. The temperature should he kept at about 65° at
night. Employ a covering of mats over the lights on cold nights. With
care Cucumbers will be obtained from these structures for many weeks
to come.

Strawberries in Pots. — Runners were not in some cases very
accommodating this year ; they were late in forming from the lateness of
the season, and retarded by the dry weather. Any not yet in their
large-t pots should be attended without delay, the plants being given 5 or
6-inch pots will fill them before winter, and, though not so large as those
potted earlier, will give some fine fruit. Plants potted some time ago
should be examined, and if making side buds these should be removed
with a piece of hard wood so as to throw the vigour into the central crown
or bud. If the plants grow vigorously liquid manure will not be necessary,
but those that are weakly should be supplied with it twice a week. Re¬
move all runners as they appear, and loosen the surface of the soil especi¬
ally round the sides of the pots, so as to ensure the more thorough moisten¬
ing of the ball. As the plants grow, increase in foliage, set the pots wider
apart. If red spider attack hold the plants separately inverted with one
hand, and dust the under side of the leaves with the other with soot from
a dredger, or apply softsoap solution, 2 ozs to a gallon, with a brush or
sponge, to the under side of the leaves.

PLANT HOUSES.

Liliums. — If the bulbs of L. candidum has not been potted for next
season’s forcing, it should be done without further delay. Directly the
flowers fade this variety recommences growing, and in a short time pushes up
foliage from the base. Strong flowering bulbs may be lifted from the borders
and placed in 6 or 7-inch pots, according to their size, and then placed outside
until the approach of frost. If a cold frame can be given them they will
advance more rapidly and require less forcing to bring them into flower
afterwards ; the soil is aleo less liable to become saturated by heavy rains.
This variety will do well in any good fertile loam with a little sand added,
and about one-seventh of decayed manure.

Lilium auratum. — Imported bulbs of this beaut ful but uncertain
Lily can now be obtained and should be potted at once, then a good
quantity of roots will be formed before winter. It is a good plan to lay
them in sand or cocoa-nut fibre refuse for a few weeks after they arrive
until it can be ascertained which of the scales are liable to decay. It is
necessary to remove all decaying portions before they are potted. It is a
good plan to allow the bulbs to remain in the fibre or sand until roots
have been emitted from the base. Some care is essential in potting them
when in this stage, or the tender fleshy roots will be broken. Pots the
same size as advised for L. candidum will be suitable for this Lily. The
pots should be well drained, and a good dash of coarse sand placed at the
base of each bulb and the top slightly covered with soil. After potting
no water will be needed if the soil is in a satisfactory state at starting.
Place the pots in a cold frame, and cover with ashes or fibre until they
commence growing from the centre of the bulb. Those that have been
flowering in pots and are healthy should be placed in slightly larger pots.

It is a great mistake to delay potting until later in the season, and then
destroy a large quantity of roots by reducing the ball so as to place them
in the same size pots in which they have been growing. Loose soil from
the surface or about the roots that can be removed without breaking them
may safely be done. These, after potting, must be plunged in cold frames,
and the surface covered to prevent evaporation. This will keep the soil
in a suitable condition for moisture, and the roots will make much better
progress than if the pots are stood on the surface and watering resorted
to. Pot this Lily in two-thirds good loam to one of leaf mould or peat,
with sand added and one-seventh of decayed manure.

Lilium Hamsi.— Bulbs of this Lily are now being offered at a much
cheaper rate than previously, and larger quantities in consequence will

214

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ S ;[ icmticr 2, 1886.

be grown. This is unquestionably the fiaest of all dwarf Liliumi, and is
most effective for decoration in 4 and 5-inch pots. Its large pure whits
trumpet-shaped flowers are shown to great advantage when the plants are
elevated in groups of flowering and foliage plants. This is easily grown,
and is certain to do well if given the same soil and treatment after
potting as advised f or L. auratum. Plants already established in pots
may be potted without delay and placed under cover in a cold frame
until they commence growing freely, which will be in autumn.

Roman Hyacinths.— Pot these at intervals of a month until the end of
October. When the plants are required for various forms of decoration
5-inch pots are the most suitable, five bulbs being placed in each. If re¬
quired only for cutting the bulbs may be packed thickly together in pans
or boxes. After potting plunge the pots outside for six weeks and cover
with about 4 inches depth of coal ashes. A few of French Rose may also
be potted, as the flowers are useful for cutting.

Narcissus , — Paper White and Double Roman may also be potted, but
these should be placed in 6-inch pots. Neither of these varieties is of much
decorative value in pots, for the foliage is rather straggling, but the
flowers ar6 most useful in autumn for cutting. As many bulbs as possible
should be placed into the pots used, and then plunged outside the same as
the Roman Hyacinths.

Border Varieties. — Such varieties as N. Horsfieldi and others are most
beautiful in pots. These can be obtained now and potted, or they may be
lifted from the open borders. If the latter the roots should be lifted at
once, for they root quickly in the ground at this season of the year. To
lift them after root-action has well commenced does not appear to do them
harm, but it is advisable to lift them before they are too far advanced.

Tulips.— Early Due Van Thol Tulips can now be had, and should be
placed thickly together in pans and boxes. Thi3 is a much better plan
than placing them in small pots, for early in the season they flower
irregularly, and seldom good even pots of bloom can be had ; but when
placed together in pans and boxes good pots can be made up by selecting
those that will open their flowers at the same time. White Pottebakker is
the best and earliest of all the white single Tulips, and should be grown in
quantity for early forcing. It is as early as the Due Van Thol varieties ;
in fact, the scarlet variety only is worth growing. For an early yellow no
better than Canary Bird can be had. These are also placed thickly to¬
gether in boxes. The whole of the bulbs enumerated above do well in a
mixture of good loam two parts, one part leaf mould, and one-seventh of
decayed manure, with a liberal dash of sand added. One 6-inch potful
of soot may also be added to each barrowful of soil.

to young flowerless shoots for making into cuttings. Under liberal treat¬
ment Verbenas well repay for any extra trouble taken in their propagation,
and they need not be planted as thickly as most other bedding plants.

Lobelias.— The strains of bedding Lobelias now supplied by all
respect ible seedsmen are usually so good that there is much less need of
wintering a number of old plants for furnishing cuttings or divisions in
the spring. For small, neat beds, however, we still prefer dwarf, showy
named sorts, such as Pumila magnifica, Emperor William, and Brighton.
Plants that are now full of flower are not suitable for lifting and storing,
and our plan is to plant the requisite number in the kitchen garden ;
these being prevented from flowering are full of healthy growth and are
safely lifted any time before severe frosts are experienced. Those who
are able to lift plants of that description must avoid wintering them in
a dry heated house, as they thrive much better in cool pits or frames, care
being taken to keep them dry overhead and to keep all decaying portions
pi ked off. We prefer to winter them thinly in boxes of good soil, and
plants thus treated can in the spring be split up in innumerable pieces
already rooted.

Antirrhinums and Pentstemons. — Cuttings of any sorts worth per¬
petuating should now be slipped off and struck in a close frame or hand-
light. When well rooted they can be potted or boxed off, and wintered
in a cold frame or pit. They will, if given plenty of room, form strong
stocky plants ready tor bedding oat in April, and will produce strong
flower spikes during the summer.

Sowing Hardy Annuals. — There are a few of these suitable for winter
or spring bedding that may yet be sown. These include Calandrinias, Can¬
dytuft, Collinsias, Lasthenia californica, Limnaothes D ouglassii, Nemophila
insignia, Saponaria calabrica, Virginia Stock, and Venus’s Looking Glass.
A warm, light border is the best position, and if the seed is sown in shallow
moistened drills it will germinate quickly. It should be sown thinly, and
the plants can then be eventually transplanted with a trowel. If the
seedling Saponarias and Myosotis are at all crowded they should be
thinned out before they spoil each other, and the thinnings pricked out if
need be. The same remarks apply to the Stocks, Wallflowers, Cam¬
panula?, and other plants that were sown early in the year.

m

HE) BEE-KEEPER.

THE FLOWER GARDEN iAND PLEASURE GROUND.

Propagating Bedding Plants. — In many instances the beds were not
well filled so early as usual, and the work of propagating a stock for next
season will also be necessarily later. The more systematic gardeners
have already decided how they shall plant the beds next summer, and they
propagate the varieties in quantity accordingly. Others, the majority
probably, have their favourite sorts, and of these they strike as many as
they possibly can, either now or in the spring, as the case may be. It is
always best to have plenty, more than are wanted in fact, but on the
other hand overcrowding the cuttings is apt to lead to wholesale losses,
and the aim always should be to winter as many sturdy plants as possible.

Zonal Pelargoniums. — These are still the most popular bedders,
though Tuberous Begonias are fast taking their place in many gardens.
No time should be lost in putting in as many cuttings as can be taken
without disfiguring the beds. They are very sappy, and it is advisable to
lay them in full sunshine for a few hours after they are made, this serving
to heal the wound and also to rob them of much moisture. They ought
at once to be placed under glass, preferably pits or garden frames, and be
kept rather dry until they are commencing to root. Taken off in August
they might with advantage have been stood in an open sunny spot, but in
September we usually get cold rains, and if the boxes become saturated
not many of the cuttings will grow. The more robust green-foliaged
sorts do well in well drained boxes filled with light sandy soil, but the
choicer silver, variegated, golden, and bronze tricolors can be most safely
wintered in well drained pots stood on sunny shelves in vineries, green¬
houses, or other cool houses. We place about four cuttings in a 4-inch
pot, and six, seven in 6-inch pots, anl rarely lose any of them.

Verbenas.— Fewer of these are grown than formerly, simply owing
to so many cultivators being unable to winter a sufficient number of
healthy stock plants. Too much fire heat is a frequent cause of failure,
and since houses are become so plentiful Verbenas have lost ground. At
one time they were kept healthy and clean in ordinary garden frames,
and many a gardener in charge of a small place has supplied his more
favoured neighbours with cuttings in the spring. Cuttings should be
rooted as early as possible, or not later thau the middle of September, and
then they become sufficiently strong to survive the winter without any
coddling. It is always a good plan to keep a few stock plants in the
kitchen garden, and here they can be well attended and prevented from
flowering if need be. Under this treatment they produce abundance of
sturdy yet not too wiry cuttings, very different from the mildewed and
perhaps insect-infested cuttings obtained from the impoverished flower
beds. When the cuttings are procured in August they will strike readily
in a cold frame, this being kept close and shaded from bright sunshine.
At the present time it is advisable to put them in a frame over a nearly
spent hotbed, keeping them close, if there are no signs of damping off
till they are rooted, after which they ought to have plenty of air in order
to prevent weakly growth. Five or six cuttings round the side and one
in the middle of a 5-inch pot filled with fairly rich sandy soil, or about
the same thickness in pans are quite enough, the preference being given

COMB FOUNDATION.

The advantages of using comb foundation, even if they
are not so great as many suppose, are not inconsiderable, for
by using it we can entirely eliminate drone cells instead of
being compelled to look quietly on while some thousands of
drones are being reared, and afterwards taking measures to
destroy them, thus causing a waste of energy and sacrifice of
profit without any commensurate gain. It must not be
inferred, however, from this that drones are an unmitigated
nuisance in a stock, for their presence, even when no increase
is desired, seems to act as a stimulant to greater exertion
than when they are altogether absent. The use of drones is,
to my mind, unquestionable, and even when their number is
greater than desirable, they still, without any effort, perform
a most useful function in the stock ; not that they are more
serviceable than the same number of workers, but that being
there the labour of rearing and attending to their wants
having been expended, it is a waste of forces to kill them,
because they are by nature unfitted for labour in the fields.
It is but seldom that drones leave the hive, and while they
stay within they must add considerably to the temperature,
and thereby allow a much greater number of workers to go to
the flowers than if no drones were present to maintain the
heat necessary for the brood and eggs. They are an evil,
but not an unmitigated one. Their presence in small num¬
bers is beneficial, and if they have been allowed to come into
the world in large numbers their services are sufficient to
more than repay the bee-keeper for the honey which they
consume. If a few are desired, or if their entire absence is
preferred, the use of foundation will in either case enable the
bee-keeper to attain his object. It has been said that one
way to prevent the issue of swarms is not only to cut out all
queen cells, but also the drone cells, but it is if they are
determined to swarm quite as easy to rear drones as queens,
in spite of all the efforts of the bee-keeper to the contrary.
Once bees have made up their minds to swarm it is better,
and far more profitable, to allow the increase than to waste
time and lose honey by combating the instinct of self-per¬
petuation implanted in every living creature. It cannot be

September 2, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

215

too well remembered that the desire must be repressed by
keeping young fertile queens at the head of every stock, and
room well in advance of its requirements, thus taking away
the desire by the removal of the necessity, not creating the
desire and then repressing it.

The economy of using foundation can hardly be ascer¬
tained until proof can be adduced of the amount of honey or
syrup required for the production of one pound of wax. The
common estimate of 20 lbs. is far too high, and a very
common error is that in making experiments with a view to
clearing up this most interesting point, no notice is appar¬
ently taken of the influence of the weather and the strength
of the swarm on wax- production. At present no opportunity
has offered to make an experiment, but “ A Lanarkshire
Bee-keeper ” has evidently an intention of endeavouring to
settle the point, and it will then be possible to say whether
any saving is effected by the use of foundation in the brood
nest. Of one thing I am assured, and that is, that given two
swarms, the one on full sheets of foundation, the other on
starters only, the former fed for a day or two, the latter with
12 lbs. of syrup costing Is., the latter will, other things being
equal, be found at the end of the honey season to show the
best result. It is needless to add that the 12 lbs. of syrup
must be given with care and judgment, or some of it may be
stored instead of being used for comb-building and the feeding
of brood alone.

In supers the foundation must be of the very finest quality,
or the use of it is simply ruinous, and even then a midrib
occasionally spoils a lovely piece of comb. If the presence of
this midrib cannot be avoided starters only must b9 used, and
time will be lost and profit as a natural sequence. The reason
of this midrib being left is that the bees, instead of building
“ of” the foundation, build “ on ” it. The honey is coming
in so quickly that cells have to be formed for its reception,
and apparently it is more easy at such time to use the
foundation as a base for cells than to use up the wax entirely
in the construction of the cells. Now this can be avoided by
the “ piling ” plan, for the supers being continually added
always give the bees a chance, of which they gladly avail
themselves, to draw out the cells before the actual glut or
height of the season, so that when such time comes, instead
of wasting precious hours in wax-production at the most
critical season, a greater number of workers are available for
field labour than is the case where no such system is adopted.
The vast amount of honey gathered in a few days of fine
weather can only be realised by those who have a sufficiency
of empty cells to receive it. When the cells have to be built
the time is gliding away, and when they are completed a
sudden change in the weather may cause an entire or partial
cessation in the honey flow, with the result that the weight
taken from a stock is far less than might have been obtained
if empty cells had been in readiness just when required. If
preferred empty combs given in the body hive and left until
sealed and then extracted, give the same result ; but as
extracted is of less market value than comb honey, it is hardly
desirable to produce comb honey in a body box in an unsale¬
able form when the whitest of comb can be as easily obtained
in the form realising the highest price in the market.

If foundation is used in supers the quality must be beyond
question, and it should be so given that it may be all worked
out ready for the period when honey comes in most freely.
Less will then be heard about the most objectionable midrib,
and the super will be beyond reproach. To have comb honey
and not to be certain that the comb is sweet and good in all
its parts is a sorry position for any bee-keeper to be placed in,
and a false one. If quality must be sacrificed to quantity it
will be wiser to eschew the latter and court the former ; and
it is not matter of doubt that where starters only are used in
supers loss in quantity is occasioned, but of certainty ; for no
assistance can be otherwise rendered, and the bees must be
left to their unaided resources.

By bad management helps may be turned into hindrances
and profit into loss. — Felix.

NOTES ON BEES.

CONDEMNED BEES.

Wherever there is a surplus of bees not required for stocks,
the best plan is to place them into empty straw or frame hives
fitted with foundation, and feed until as many worker combs are
made as will be of service for next year, utilising those with
brood in them for strengthening stocks. If syrup is stored in
any, these placed in an under storey will soon be cleared. When
that is done, they should be removed to the store room, kept
clean and dry. All feeding should be past in September, and
that should be cautiously and judiciously gone about, so that
robbing is not incited through exposure or spilling it. Under
feeders not emptied during the night should be removed early in
the morning, and all top feeders should be covered, so that no
smell can attract bees.

HIVES.

Bee-keepers should note their experience with hives under
their care, such as faults, and where and how these can be
remed ed or improvements made ; also the disadvantages in all
the phases of manipulation and moving about ; in short, to weigh
everything well and make the desired improvements. I have
made these remarks advisedly, because of the many defective
hives that are in use at the present time, which do not meet the
requirements of bee keepers and are at the best disappointing.
The much-abused and despised hive of my earlier bee keeping
days, and still my favourite one, has as if by magic become the
favourite both in Great Britain and on the Continent. I have
so often pointed out the qualities and pi’operties a hive should
possess, that to say more on these points at the present would
perhaps be superfluous ; I shall therefore confine myself to
the frame or frames of the hive Wherever I have seen bees,
they work their combs to a standard distance of H inch from
centre to centre. This rule in Nature must be obvious to the
merest tyro, and should convince him that frames should be
made so that that distance is strictly preserved in all hives. Yet
how often do we see that law violated ! It is a well-known fact
that bees, too, storing their honey at the top occupy at least
1:J- inch as a foundation. One would think that this important
point, and one necessary for the safety of the hive, should not
be violated, but the full breadth given on top bar for a sure
foundation for the bees to build upon. Yet how seldom is that
done. I have seen many hundreds of hives this year, and few of
them have their top bars broader than a little more than half
what is required, not speaking of the inconvenience of exposing
so much of the top of the hive and the operator to the fury of
the bees when uncovered. The narrowness, together with the
thinness at three-eighths of an inch, is not sufficient to support
well-filled frames of honey, and the slightest pressure on the top
is sufficient to cause the comb to collapse, while the flimsy under¬
rail of one eighth thick is of no use whatever.

I have frequently asked the question, What is the virtue or
property of these narrow and flimsy standard frames, which are
so unsuitable for hives ? The question was answered once only,
which was to the effect that by having narrow top bars brood
was reared to the very top. Even if that had been the case, was
there anything more absurd and contrary to the nature of the
bee than allowing it or perpetuating such management? The
very fact that brood appeared to the top of the frame suggested
both the fault and the remedy, which was, the hive is too
small. In the case of a hive having broad top bars, if too small
and the bees are short of provisions, brood will be brought forth
in the uppermost cells the same as if they were the narrow and
flimsy top bar of the standard frame. The first feature of im¬
portance which a common straw hive should possess is a strong
crown. Wooden hives must be the same. So long as such frames
are recommended they will find their way into apiaries and annoy
the bee-keeper. But there is a remedy. Appoint judges of
experience and just as the B B.K. A. examines bee keepers by
questions so as to pass for experts, let the judges ask the
owners of the exhibits to perform in their presence all the
manipulations necessary and which is required in bee-keeping
By acting so, the exhibitor becomes in reality judge of his own
hive, and if he failed to perform any operation satisfactorily, then
it is his own fault and not that of the judge that he loses the
prize. At the Caledonian Apiarian Society Show held at Dumfries
this year, in a class where upwards of a dozen competed, there
were only three hives properly adapted for bee-keeping. Where
rizes are offered for hives or other things restricted to a price,
think it would be fair to examine them thoroughly, so that no
miscarriage of justice be made by awarding a prize to a hive
that could not be made at double the price, as is the case with a
large per-centage of hives shown. Other points of the hive I

216

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Scptc nber 2, 1686.

may take up again, but sufficient has been said on the subject at
present. — A Lanarkshire Bee-keeper.

REMOVING UNSATISFACTORY COMB.

I AM very thankful for the advice you have given me concerning the
bees. Would it be best to take away the bars (there are eight altogether),
hive fresh with foundation and feed, or only take half away each time ?
I thought by taking all away they may not go on so well as by taking
them away gradually, but whichever you think best I will do.

I am sorry I cannot give much information about the bees, for I was
not aware there were any dead larvae until it was pointed out to me just
previous to my writing to you. I have never used tobacco to smoke bees
with, but use corduroy, never on the bars, but usually give two or three
puffs at the entrance previous to opening the hive from Clark’s smoker.
The hot weather warped the floor-board 1- 16th of an inch. I covered it
with brown paper and paste as soon as I noticed it, but cannot say how
long it was open. They may have been short of food in the spring, but I
did not think they were very short. — R. C.

[Remove all the combs at once, then give new frames fitted with
foundation made frcm genuine wax. Keep the frames 1^ inch from
centre to centre, neither more nor less. The piece of comb you sent is
thin, and it appears as if you were acting according to the instructions of
those who advise keeping brood frames much less from centre to centre
than is natural. However, the state of the comb sent and the fact of
the bees dying are so peculiar that it would be not only interesting but
instructive if we had all the particulars regarding the state and manage¬
ment of the hive. “ Chloric dropsical fever ” is the only disease we have
experienced of which bees die and remain inside the hive during autumn
and summer.]

TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

Barr & Son, 12, King Street, Covent Garden. — Catalogue of Daffodils
( illustrated ).

William Bull, 536, King’s Road, Chelsea. — Catalogue of Bulbs and
Tuberous Plants.

®-c' All correspondence should be directed either to “The Editor ’
or to “ The Publisher.” Letters addressed to Dr. Hogg or
members of the staff often remain unopened unavoidably. We
request that no one will write privately to any of our correspon¬
dents, as doing so subjects them to unjustifiable trouble and
expense.

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions relat¬
ing to Gardening and those on Bee subjects, and should never
send more than two or three questions at once. All articles in¬
tended for insertion should be written on one side of the paper
only. We cannot reply to questions through the post, and we
do not undertake to return rejected communications.

Books ( G . TF.). — We do not know of a work on growing and harvesting
vegetable seeds. Hibberd’s “ Kitchen Gardening ” (Groombridge), and
Earley’s “ High Class Kitchen Gardening” (Bradbury), are useful woiks
on the culture of vegetables.

Insects on Chrysanthemums ( H . M.).— The box is received ; its
contents shall be examined, and a reply thereon published in a future
issue.

Manure for Lawns (II. B.\ — Wood ashes and bonemeal are excellent
for applying to lawns. If you intend forming a lawn from seed, the pre¬
paration of the land and its cleanliness are matters of greater moment than
the selection of any particular manure in producing satisfactory results.

Coating Hot-water Pipes ( B . M.). — Yours is not the first instance iu
which black varnish applied to hot-water pipes in glazed structures ha8
“settled ” Ferns and other plants. If you give your pipes two coats of a
mixture of lampblack and sweet oil, applying the second dressing when the
first is dry, heating the pipes gently at first, when the house is freely
ventilated, we think the pipes will be safe thereafter.

Propagating Rhus Cotinus (Young Gardener).— The best way to in¬
crease this shrub is to peg the branches down in fine soil. Make a few
sloping cuts on the under surface of the branches, cover them well with
soil, and keep it moist. It can be done now or in the spring, and when
roots are formed and young shoots are seen rising from the branches they
can be separated and planted where required. Sow the Grevillea seed in a
light mixture of peat and sand in a temperature of 60°, keeping the soil
well moistened without being too wet. It can be sown in the autumn, but
germination is more likely to take place in early spring.

Pruning Peach Trees ( F . L. E.). — As the crop is gathered and the

growths crowded remove some of them at or.ce, making a selection of the
best and most promising, and disposing these on the trellis so that the
leaves are exposed to the direct action of the light. If there are even faint
signs of red spider syringe the trees vigorously, and take care they do not
suffer by a lack of moisture at the roots. Overcrowded growths and too dry
borders are far too common, and these mistakes are not made by the best
cultivators. Drying the roots to accelerate the ripening of the wood is a
dangerous practice, especially when indulged in by persons who have not
had much experience in growing Peaches under glass.

The Stanwick Nectarine ( N . B.). — This Nectarine was raised at Stan-
wick Park, one of the seats of the Duke of Northumberland, from stones
given to Lord Prndhoe by Mr. Barker, Her Majesty’s Vice-Consul at Aleppo,
and who afterwards resided at Suaedia in Syria. The seed was sown in
March, 1843, and the buds were inserted the following autumn on a Belle-
garde Peach, and the first fruit was produced in 1846. Lord Prudhoe, who
had become Duke of Northumberland, placed the Stanwick Nectarine in the
hands of Mr. Rivers, of Sawbridgeworth, for propagation, and on the 15th of
May, 1850, the stock, consisting of twenty-four plants, was sold by auction,
and realised £164 17s., which His Grace presented to the funds of the
Gardeners’ Benevolent Institution, such an amount nevEr having been
realised before for the same number of small Nectarine trees in pots.

Roses for Market ( J . W. M.). — We can give you no assurance that you
will find a satisfactory return from the outlay that will be invested in the
house and its preparation for Roses, as so much depends on cultural skill
and business aptitude. Some amateurs succeed, others fail. It is quite
impossible for us to say which is the most “ remunerative market.” The
cost of carriage is a point not to be overlooked, and, curiously, you do not
name the district in which you reside. First try the most populous centres
with which you have direct and cheap communication. Mardchal Niel
Roses well grown are profitable. Other varieties that are freely grown for
market are Niphetos, Madame Falcot, Safrano, Madame Lambard, Perle des
Jardins, and Souvenir d’un Ami You had better try some others as well,
as varieties do not succeed equally well in all places, and it is easy to
increase those that answer the best, that being the practice of all the most
successful growers of flowers for market.

Cropping Ground (Chappie). — The plot is so small that all we can say
is make it as rich as possible to the depth of from 18 inches to 2 feet by the
addition of as much stable manure as you can mix in, that from horse
stables being preferable for very heavy land, cow manure being better for
light soil ; manure from piggeries is good. If the ground has notbren dug
more than a foot deep turn it up to that depth again, then break up the
stratum below, leaving it there, covering it thickly with manure, then place
on the original top spit of soil. Another year you can turn up the ground
18 inches deep. By proceeding on the lines indicated you will soon double
the producing power of your plot of ground. Three sowings of Broad
Beans, commencing in February, and sowing the second and third rows
when the plants in the others are visible ; two of dwarf Kidney Beans, the
first about the middle or towards the end of April, according to the weather,
the next about the middle of May, and sowing Haricots and Scarlet
Runners the first week in May and again in a month, will be as much as
you can accomplish with those crops on the ground at your disposal.

Orange Tree Gumming (A Constant Header). — It is extremely difficult
to stop gumming in any tree having a tendency to it by outward appli¬
cations. If the gumming be a consequence of injury to the bark by a
knock or otherwise, then cutting out down to the wood, so as to remove the
gummed part, drying with quicklime, and covering the wound with grafting
wax over a ligature of cotton is the best remedy we have seen tried. If it
arises from constitution, then we advise the plant to be repotted, and this
is the best time to repot or retub Orange trees. Turn out the plants,
removing as much of the soil as practicable without injury to the roots, and
clean out the tub, seeing that the drainage is clear, and supply fresh compost
made moderately firm but not very light. Good turfy loam, neither light
nor heavy, tom up rather roughly four parts, one part decayed manure free
from worms, one part old mortar rubbish free from pieces of wood and
broken small, and a sprinkling of half-inch bones and pieces of charcoal the
size of a walnut. Incorporate the whole well together. Water carefully
until the roots are working in the fresh compost, giving water only to keep
the soil moist. The tree will in all probability grow out of the gumming.

Hollyhocks Diseased (B. G. F.). — We are sorry to inform you that the
leaves you have sent are seriously attacked with the “ disease ” that we had
hoped was stamped out. Burn all the leaves that are covered with dark
spots or pustules, and you might try the effects of the petroleum and soft-
soap mixture on the others, or some less affected. When we had the
Hollyhock disease to combat the efficacy of pelroleum as an insecticide
was not discovered, and it is worthy of being tried now on disease-stricken
Hollyhocks. We repeat what is so far as we know the best method of pre¬
paring the mixture Place 2 ozs. of softsoap and half an ounce of washing
soda into a two-gallon stone bottle, and pour upon these one gallon of
boiling rain water or soft water. Stir and shake till the whole is thoroughly
mixed, then add 4 ozs. of petroleum, agitate again, then fill up the bottle
with another gallon of boiling rain water. When cool strain through
muslin or other suitable material, and apply with a syringe or spray-
distributor in the evening. Prepared as described we find the oil thoroughly
blended with the soap solution, and the “ alternate squirting ” into the vessel
and on the plant is not required. We shall be glad if you will try this
mixture on your Hollyhock, and favour us with the results of a few
applications.

Josling's St. Albans Grape Cracking (Ignorant). — A co-respondent
was fully answered on the subject of one variety of Gripe, and one only,
cracking in a mixed house on page 193, last week. Yours appears a very
similar case. Cracking is mainly the result of a naturally tender or defective
skin and a damp atmosphere. The correct name of Josling’s St. Albans is
Chasselas Musque. Dr. Hogg remarks on this Grape in the “ Fruit Manual,”
“ It may be grown in either a cool or a warm vinery ; but the berries are
very liable to crack unless the Vine is growing in a shallow border, and the
roots and the atmosphere of the house are kept moderately dry when the
fruit is ripening. Chasselas Musque reproduces itself very freely from sec d,
hence the number of its synonyms. In 1845 Mr. Josling, a nurseryman at

SeptenVr 2, 1836 ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

217

St. Albany introduced it under the name of [Josling’s St. Albans, and in
1862 it was sent out by Mr. F. J. Graham of Cranford, Middlesex, under the
name of Graham’s Muscat Muscadine, and there is no doubt that both of
these gentlemen acted in perfect good faith in stating that they had raised
their plants from seed.” It is a delicious Grape, but the skin is very tender,
and will certainly split in a moist atmosphere, even if the roots are not wet.
You ask if it is possible to grow this Grape without its fruit splitting ?
Certainly it is. We have had bunches without an injured berry in them ;
but at the same time they are prone to split, and we have found great diffi¬
culty in producing satisfactory bunches in a mixed house, and to insure
them the air had to bo kept drier than was good for other varieties, so
eventually our “Josling’s” was removed. Your own experience proves
that the drier the atmosphere is kept the better for the fruit, as when you
“ left off firing ” you “ soon found that would not do.” The fact, however,
of the fruit shanking as well as cracking shows that the root-action is
defective, and the naturally tender skin of the variety would be the more
imperfect on that account. The Vine will probably never produce good
fruit until a greater abundance of healthy roots are working freely in a
medium that contains the essentials for support of the Vine. Strong and
stout foliage must be produced before the skins of the berries can be any¬
thing like perfect, and we feel certain they are very imperfect in the case
to which you allude.

Names of Fruits. — The names and addresses of senders of fruit to be named
must in all cases be enclosed with the specimens, whether letters referring
to the fruit are sent bv post or not. The names are not necessarily required
for publication, initials sufficing for that. Only six specimens can be
named at once, and surplus fruits beyond that number cannot be preserved.
(Henry E. Treadcroft). — 3, Blenheim Pippin; 4, Tower of Glammis. The
Pears are too immature to show their characters. ( Thomas Joyce). — Every
one of the labels were shak n off the pins ; you should tie them to the stalks.
( Ignoramus ). — 1, Orleans; 2, Blue Perdrigon ; 3, Lord Suffield ; 4, White
Joaneting; 5, apparently a local variety which we do not know; 6, Beurre
Giffard.

Names of Plants. — We only undertake to name species of plants, not
varieties that have originated from seed and termed florists’ flowers.
Flowering specimens are necessary of flowering plants, and Fern fronds
should bear spores. Specimens should arrive in a fresh state in firm
boxes. Slightly damp moss or soft green leaves form the best packing, dry
cotton wool the worst. Not more than six specimens can be named at once.
( John Eastwood). — 1, Melampyrum pratense ; 2, Erythasa pulchella ;

3, Humulus lupulus, the male plant. ( Old Subscriber). — We can scarcely
recognise the fragment sent, but it resembles the Marvel of Peiu, a species
of Mirabilis. ( Young Gardener). — The specimen sent is Rhus Cotinus,
Venetian Sumach. See reply above. (Alice). — The plant, of which a
specimen was sent, is the double White Campion, Lychnis vespertina plena ;
the single form is a native plant, and is found abundantly in fields and
hedgerows. The name vespertina refers to the fact that its perfume is
emitted during the evening. ( Constant Header). — 1, Reserved for com¬
parison with other specimens, but we fear it cannot be identified without
flowers ; 2, Mitraria coccinea ; 3, The Cornel or Cornelian Cherry, Cornus
mascula ; 4, Sempervivum arenarium ; 5, Sempervivum calcareum ; 6, Boc-
conia cordata.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.-
Makket very quiet, with heavy supplies.

-September 1st.

fruit.

a.

d.

8.

d.

8.

d.

s.

d

Apples .

$ sieve

i

6

to 4

0

Melon .

l

0

to 2

0

Cherries .

i sieve

0

0

0

0

Oranges .. ..

6

0

12

0

Currants. B’ack .

i sieve

2

3

2

6

Peaches .

per doz .

2

0

6

0

„ Rea

) sieve

2

6

0

0

Pine Apples English., tb.

2

0

3

0

Figs .

dozen

i

0

1

6

Plums .

J sieve

1

0

2

6

Grapes .. .

0

6

3

0

St. Michael Pines

. .each

4

0

6

0

Lemons .

0

15

0

Strawberries .. ..

per lb.

0

0

0

0

VEGETABLES.

S

d.

s. d

8

d.

8

d

Artichokes ..

. dozen

l

0

to 0

0

Lettuce .

dozen

i

0

to 1

6

Asparagus

. bundle

0

0

0

0

Mushrooms .. .

punne t

0

6

l

0

Beans, Kidney per bushel

2

0

3

0

Mustard and Cress

punnet

0

2

0

0

Beet, Red

. dozen

i

0

2

0

Onions .

bunch

0

3

0

0

Broccoli .. ..

0

0

0

0

Parsley .. dozen bunches

2

0

s

0

Brussels Sprouts

. £ sieve

0

0

0

0

Parsnips . . .. ,

dozen

i

0

2

0

Cabbage .. ..

1

6

0

0

Potatoes .

cwt.

4

0

6

0

Capsicums

100

1

6

2

0

,, Kidney .

cwt.

4

0

6

0

Carrots . . . .

0

4

0

0

Khubarb .

bundle

0

2

0

0

Cauliflowers ..

. dozen

3

0

4

0

Salsafy .

bundle

i

0

i

6

Celery . . . .

1

6

2

0

Scorzonera .. ..

bundle

i

6

0

0

Coleworts doz

bunches

2

0

4

0

Soakale .. . . per basket

0

0

0

0

Cucumbers . .

. each

0

3

0

4

Shallots .

0

3

0

0

Endive .. ..

1

0

2

0

Spinach .

bushel

8

0

4

6

Heros . . . .

0

2

0

0

Tomatoes .. ..

0

2

0

4

Leeks . . # .

0

3

0

4

Turnips ..

bunch

0

4

0

6

PLANTS IN POTS.

s.

a.

S.

a.

8.

d.

s.

d.

Aralia Sieboldi .

. dozen

9

0 to 18

0

Ficus elastica

each

6 to 7

0

„ (common)
Arum Lilies

dozen 0
dozen 6

- .. .. dozen 0

BeddlDg Plants, var. doz. 0
Begonias .. .. dozen 4

Calceolaria . . per dozen 3

Cineraria .. .. dozen 0

per

Cockscombs
Craseula

Cyperus .

Dracaena terminalis,
,, viridis ..
Erica, various
Euonymus, in var.
Evergreens, in var.
Ferns, in variety . .

per dozen 8

dozen
dozen
dozen 30
dozen 12
dozen 0
dozen 6
dozen 6
dozen 4

0 - 0
12 0
0 0
0 0
9 0

6

0

4

0

12

60

24

0

18 0
21 0
18 0

Fuchsia . . per dozen
Foliage Plants, var. each
Heliotrope . . per dozen
Hydrangea .. per dozen
Ivy Geraniums per dozen

Lilium anratum per doz. 12
„ lancilolium per doz. 9
,, longiflorum per doz. 0
Lobelias . . . . per dozen 3

Marguerite Daisy dozen 6
Mignonette . . per dozen 3
Musk . . . . per dozen 0

Myrtles . dozen 6

Palms, in var. . . each 2
Pelargoniums, scarlet, doz. 3
Pelargoniums per dozen 4

6 0
10 0
6 0
12 0
0 0
30 0
18 0
0 0

6 0

0

12

21

6 0
9 0

CUT FLOWERS.

s.

d.

s.

d.

s.

d.

S.

a.

Abutilona

12 bunches

2

0 to 4

0

Lily of the Valley, 12 spray 3

0

0 to 0

0

Ageratum

12 bunches

2

0

8

0

Marguerites ..

12 bunches

8

0

6

0

Arum Lilies .

12 blooms

4

0

6

0

Mignonette . .

12 bunches

1

0

4

0

Asters . . . .

12 bunches

0

3

0

6

Myosotis

12 bunche3

2

0

8

0

Bouvardias . .

per bunch

0

6

1

0

Pelargoniums, per 12 trusses

0

9

1

0

Camellias

12 blooms

0

0

0

0

„ scarlet, 12 trusses

0

s

0

G

Carnations . .

12 blooms

1

0

8

0

Roses

12 bunches

2

0

9

0

it • •

12 bunches

s

0

6

0

„ (indoor),

per dozen

0

6

2

0

Chrysanthemums 12 bches.

s

0

6

0

„ Tea.. ..

0

9

i

0

12 blooms

1

0

3

0

n red

.. dozen

0

8

i

0

Coreopsis

12 bunches

2

0

4

0

„ Moss

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Cornflower . .

12 bunches

1

6

3

0

Primrosep, Yellow, dozen

Dahlias

12 bunches

2

0

4

0

bunches

0

0

0

0

Epiphyllum ..

doz. blooms

0

0

0

0

Pyrethrum . .

12 bunches

4

0

6

0

Eucharis

per dozen

2

0

4

0

Spiraea . . , .

12 sprays

9

0

0

0

Gardenias

12 blooms

2

0

4

0

Stephanotis ..

12 sprays

2

0

4

0

Gladioli

12 bunches

6

0

9

0

Stocks, various

12 bunches

3

0

5

0

Hyacinths, Roman, 12 sprays

0

0

0

0

Sunflowers

0

6

i

0

Iris .

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Sweet Pea, ..

12 bunches

2

0

4

0

Lapageria, white, 12 blooms

2

0

4

0

Sweet Sultan

12 bunches

8

0

4

0

Lapageria, red

, 12 blooms

1

0

2

0

Tropmolum ..

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Lavender dozen bunches

4

0

6

0

Tuberoses

12 blooms

0

4

1

0

Lilium candidum 12 blms.

0

0

0

0

Violets . . . .

12 bunches

1

0

0

0

,, longiflorum, 12 blms.

3

0

6

0

„ Czar, Fr.

.. bunch

0

0

0

0

AMONG THE CHOPS.

Cold wet weather has dwarfed much of the straw of spring
corn and made the harvest much later than usual, yet the
appearance of the crops affords a sufficiently reliable indi¬
cation of the condition of the soil for our guidance in the
treatment of it after harvest. In good hands a heavy crop
ought never to point to soil- exhaustion, for the clear and
simple reason that after every crop the land will be cleaned
and stored with plant food, fertility — take whichever term
you like best if only you will grasp the fact, thoroughly digest
it, and apply it to practice now and always. When will the
British farmer come to regard the soil as a medium for con¬
veying food to plants ? We thought the theory of long
fallows and resting the land was pretty well exploded ; yet
on the day of writing this article we saw a note by a Lanca¬
shire farmer in a leading agricultural paper, who said, “For
many years past it has seemed to me British agriculturists
have been ‘ spurting ’ the land in the endeavour to produce
heavier crops. The desire to make two blades grow where
only one grew before is a very meritorious one, but I am
afraid that in the effort we have left out of our reckoning the
condition of the principal factor, the land. By the aid of
whip or spur you can get an occasional spurt from a horse ;
human beings will, in like manner, respond to a stimulant ;
but no one would dream of keeping up the spurt throughout
the race. As with the land so with our live stock, in regard
to quick and heavy maturity. In all cases of forcing it is
well to pause occasionally and ask whether they have not
gone far enough, for if we keep up the strain too long there
is the palpable danger of breaking down the constitution and
throwing us even still further back than the original state
from which we started. Are we not in this latter state now ?
and is not the present poverty of the land as much owing to
the attempts to over-force Nature as it is to the poverty of
the pockets of the tenants ?” The writer of this extraordi¬
nary farm note evidently clings to the antiquated idea that
soil partakes somewhat of the nature of an animal, that it
requires rest as well as food, or it will become exhausted.
Every practical farmer ought to know that “poverty of the
land ” is an inevitable outcome of negligence either in the
regular application of manure, in keeping the land clean, or
in imperfect drainage. To talk of “spurting the land ’’ is
ridiculous, unless, indeed, it pointed to slovenly haphazard
practice — a heavy dressing of manure one year and none at
all another year — a fitful uncertain treatment without defi¬
nite purpose or plan.

Results are before us now, and we shall do well to examine
them closely to see how near they approach the condition of

218

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Septemb r 2, 1886.

good, better, best, and to decide what course of treatment
will be best for each field in its preparation for another crop.
It must be our especial aim to insure a strong growth from
the germination of the seed onwards to the full development
of the crop. In doing this we combine the first principles of
farming with ths most advanced teachings of science. Dry
land, clean land, fertile land, these are the rudiments, the
first principles of fundamental importance. Applied to prac¬
tice now and always, year by year, or rather month by
month, they go far to insure success. Experience, combined
with scientific knowledge, tempered with common sense,
enable farmers to apply them in the best, and we may add ad¬
visedly the most economical manner. We want no “ spurt¬
ing of the land,” but steady, persistent, intelligent efforts.
Very grateful is the soil for all we do to it, if only we do it
in the right way. Relieve it of superfluous water by drain¬
age ; cleanse it from foul weeds ; break it up deeply ; apply
manure consisting of potash, nitrogen, and phosphorus mixed
in well-balanced proportions according to the condition of
the soil and the requirements of the crop to be sown in it ;
sow the best and most carefully selected seed that can be
had, and you will obtain results proportionate to the excel¬
lence of your work.

How best to render the land clean, dry, and fertile has
repeatedly been set forth in full detail, as assuredly it will
have to be again and again. It is by the superiority of our
culture and the excellence of our farm produce that we can
only hope to make farming answer now under the low prices
and keen competition with the markets of the world that is
forced upon us. Earnestly do we strive both by precept and
practice to help in so good a cause ; and though occasionally
the man who keeps no sheep and clings to the muck heap for
the whole of his crops “ smiles superior ” when we venture
to hint at the possibility of progress and improvement, yet
we have pleasing evidence that efforts for cultural improve¬
ment are being made in many parts both of England and
Scotland.

(To be continued.)

WORK ON THE HOME FARM.

Caution must be our watchword if the fickle weather which has
prevailed up to the present time continues. It is of course important
not to let slip any opportunity of saving the corn, but there must be no
undue haste, no carting till it is really ready for staking. Oats, espe¬
cially, must have time for both grain and straw to harden after the cutting
and we find no plan answer so well with this crop as mowing, leaving it
untied upon the ground, and turning it over to the 6un when ready. We
are thus enabled to ensure perfect dryness, and avoid all risk of hurtful
heating in the stack. Without such care Oats often heat so violently that
bo.h corn and straw has a musty flavour. Barley, too, will be best if left
untied, for the straw is generally somewhat sh >rt this year. Not a day
must be lost in getting Barley together and the stacks thatched, for this
gram is liable to become discoloured if exposed to much rain after it is
mowed. So much rain has fallen since the grain began to harden that
fears are already entertained of discolouration. Much of the Wheat
comes down in excellent condition, and the yield bids fair to exceed tbe
general average. White Wheat is so good that we shall probably grow
much more of it, for we get a better crop both of straw and grain than
we do ot Red Wheat. This to us is important, since we have so materially
reduced the number of cattle, and are able to sell a large quantity of
straw at an average rate of 40s. a ton. Our winter Oat crop, though late,
proves profitable. The grain has realised about £7 10s. per acre, and the
sraw affords us an invaluable supply of chaff for home consumption
We had arranged to cut part of the corn crop on one of our off farms
with a self-binding reaper, but it was not hired eventually, owing to the
unsettled state of the weather. Self-bin lers are very useful implements
in fine hot settled weather, but in such a season as this we prefer only to
bind up Wheat into sheaves, and to keep other corn fully exposed to wind
and sun till it is carted to the stacks. Sheep and pigs are turned upon
the stubbles daily, but we are cautious not to allow the sheep to take
too much corn, just as we avoid risk of gorging with Clover. Care and
watchfulness are important in all such matters, to avoid waste of food
as well as a loss of animals. Wilh pigs there is very little risk of
harm from an overdose of food, and they will now fatten quicklv for
market. ^ J

FOREIGN GOODS AND ENGLISH RAILWAYS.

Foe years past there has been much said in various quarters as to th»
desirability of Parliament dealing with the vexed question of railway
es, which in the vast majority of cases press heavily upon the home

producer to the advantage of his foreign rival. The question itself is
one of such magnitude that it could not be adequately dealt with in the
limits of a short aiticle ; but seeing that the question of foreign competi¬
tion is very much to the fore just now, it may be worth while to briefly
sketch out the evident advantages afforded by our railway companies to
foreigners to the detriment of our agricultural and commercial indus¬
tries. It must be understood that there is a reason, and, from a share¬
holders’ point of view, a very cogent reason, for this apparent preference.
Railways have to compete with steamboat companies, and hence, in many
instances, they reduce their rates for foreign goods, produce, and mer¬
chandise, in order to bring upon their lines traffic which would otherwise
be conveyed by steamer, if not at so rapid a rate, at least at a charge
which would in certain things compensate for the slower mode of transit.
Now this, from a business point of view, is perfectly fair and right, but
the railways, in order to compete with the steamboats, have to carry
goods at a rate which does not pay them a reasonable profit, and therefore
it must be made up in some way. It is made up, but, unfortunately, it is
made up at the expense of the British producer, who is taxed in order
that the railways of his own country may take the foreign import traffic
away from the steamship companies. This certainly does not seem just
to the Englishman, and this is one of the great questions with which
Parliament has over and over again attempted to grapple without any
appreciable result. To fully realise the disparity of charges between the
conveyance of home and foreign goods, it will be well to take a few
instances from a return issued by the Board of Trade as to the rates for
the conveyance by rail of certain classes of goods, merchandise, and
produce. Perhaps one of the most important items is meat. Well, for
Scotch meat from Glasgow to London the charge is 77s. 6J. per ton,
while for American meats it is only 45s. This difference is, of course, to
prevent the meat being conveyed by ocean steamers to London, but the
difference tells very seriously againet the Scotch grower. From Liverpool
to London American beef is carried at 25s. per ton, while English meat
has to pay just twice that amount, the reason, of course, being the same as
just indicated. Grain is on a similar footing. It would be needless to
multiply instances, but here is one as a sample. Imported corn is con¬
veyed from the Victoria Docks to Peterborough, a distance of seventy-six
miles, for 6s. 8d. per ton, while the rate for English-grown corn is 14s. 5d.
Now, taking cheese, the rate for American cheese from Liverpool to
London is 25s. per ton, but if the train stops at Cheshire and takes up a
consignment of English cheese for the same market, the English maker
is mulcted in 42s. 6d. per ton carriage. Foreign butter is conveyed from
Cherbourg to London at £1 10s. per ton, but English butter from Wey¬
mouth to London pays no less than £2 5s. Potatoes cost 15s. a ton less
to convey from Cherbourg to London than they do from Penzance. Home¬
grown fruit is at a similar disadvantage, as it appears that a man in
Holland can send his produce to London via Sittingbourne at the same
price that a Kentish grower would send from Sittingbourne to Covent
Garden. In the case of some other articles of commerce the anomaly is
yet more striking. Hay can be sent from Rotterdam to London for
9s. per ton, but 10s. per ton is the charge from London to Reading.
Plate glass is charged at the same rate from Brussels to Birmingham as
from Birmingham to Wolverhampton, a distance of thirteen miles. It is
unnecessary to multiply examples ; the glaring discrepancy is only too
apparent, but how to remedy it is quite another qu stion. This much is
ceitiin, that on foreign railways the rates do not press on the home
producer or favour the foreigner as they do here. We are fain to confess,
therefore, that railway rates are one of those things that they do order
much better in France, and, in fact, on the Continent generally. There
is, however, a probability that the matter will be deliberated upon by a
Royal Commission, when it is to be hoped that something like an equitable
arrangement will be arrived at, and the magnates of the railway world
made to understand that they cannot fritter away the trade of the country
in this fashioD. — ( St . Stephen’s Review').

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS’.
Camden Square, London.

Lat. 51° 32' 40" N.; Long. 0° 8' 0" W. ; Altitude, 111 feet.

DATE.

9 A.M.

| IN THE DAT.

a

a

X

1886.

August.

Barome¬
ter at 32«
and Sea
Level

Hygrome¬

ter.

Direction
of Wind.

| Temp, of
Soil at

I foot.

Shade Tem¬
perature.

Radiation

Temperature

Dry.

Wet.

Max.

Min.

In

sun.

On

gras-

Inches.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

d*(r

deg.

deg

In.

Sunday .

30.056

60.3

58.9

N.E.

60.1

79.4

57.1

118.8

50.0

Monday .

23

3 >.002

58.4

56.8

N.E.

61.2

75.8

55.9

118.6

54.3

_

Tuesday .

24

29-918

64.2

60.5

E.

Cl.G

814

56.8

123.8

51.2

Wednesday .

25

29.996

63.9

59.3

N.E.

62.2

76.2

56.2

115.8

49 9

Thursday ...

26

80.068

64.0

59.3

N.E.

62.2

75.9

55.2

120.2

49.9

_

Friday .

27

30.175

65.5

62.6

N.E.

62.6

80.9

57. 3

118.4

51.4

Saturday ...

28

30.131

68.7

61.9

S.E.

63.3

77.3

59.5

112.6

52.0

—

30.049

63.G

59.9

61.9

78.1

56.9

118.3

51.2

-

22nd.— Dull till about 11 A M., then bright and warm,

23rd.— Dull early, tine, but close afterwards.

24th.— Fine and hot, but rather oppressive.

2*)th.— Warm and bright.

ht'L slVlsllin1e l,n morning, clear afternoon, a lovely summer day.
tStb.-DuUefrfyTfl^Smdiy?^ the m0rning : SUn8hine iQ afte™oon.

weaJ£eL frequently close and oppressive. Temperature
SYMONS. b Ve that f the precedin£ week» aud about 7° above the average.-Q. J

September 9, 1888. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

219

9

10

TH

F

Show of early Chrysanthemums and Dahlias at Westminster Aquarium.

n

s

12

13

SUN

12th Sunday after Trinity.

14

TU

15

W

PEAR CULTURE AT CARDIFF CASTLE.

ALL and pyramidal- trained Pear trees grow
vigorously here and produce heavy crops of
fruit in good seasons. Professional gardeners
and other visitors are generally struck with
the size, shape, and healthy appearance of the
trees ; indeed so much so that I have been
asked on several occasions by readers of this
Journal to write a short paper on the method
I adopt in pruning and training. In the first
place I should say that the soil (a rich, deep, calcareous
loam) and climate suit their growth admirably, and if the
trees escape the frost and cold easterly winds so prevalent
during the time they are in flower they are sure to bear a
good crop of fruit. The kitchen and fruit gardens are laid
out with broad gravel walks up the centre and round the
wall borders. The ground is divided into squares by other
walks crossing these at right angles, and the borders on each
side of the walks are planted with pyramidal-trained Apple
and Pear trees.

In planting I have kept the varieties as much by them¬
selves as possible for the sake of uniformity of growth and
convenience in gathering and storing the fruit. I prefer
what are termed maidens — that is, plants of one year’s growth
from the bud, to trained trees which have been cut and
haggled with the knife in the nursery perhaps for several
years. Maidens, to begin with, are much cheaper than
trained trees, and if properly managed will in the majority
of cases make the best specimens. I also prefer a free stock
to the Quince. My experience is that trees worked on the
Pear stock grow stronger and last longer in good health than
those worked on the Quince. The Quince stock, I have no
doubt, may answer well in some thin heavy soils and in
small gardens where ground is restricted, as the habit of the
stock dwarfs the growth of the tree ; but as regards pre¬
cocity in fruiting, I think there is but little difference between
the two stocks. If the most luxuriant trees on the free
stock are carefully lifted when young, and the roots properly
manipulated in the way of pruning, they will come into
fruiting as soon as those worked on the Quince. Most of
the trees growing here were planted maidens some ten or
eleven years ago. Those worked on the Pear stock and
trained in pyramidal form have attained a height of 24 feet,
and many of them are as much as 10 and 11 feet in diameter
at the base, and furnished with fruiting branches to the
ground, whilst those worked on the Quince stock and planted
at the same time are not more than from 6 to 8 feet in height
and from 4 to 5 feet in diameter at the ground.

The majority of the trees are planted by the sides of the
walks at the distance of 13 feet apart and 6 feet from the
Pox edging. Some of them are worked on the Pear stock
and some on the Quince. The borders of the first cross walk
in the lower kitchen garden are planted with seven Pitmaston
Duchess and five Glou Morcaau on one side, and five
Easter Beurre, five Williams’ Bon Chretien, and two Beurre

No. 324. — Vol. XIII., Third Series.

Clairgeau on the other. The Pitmaston Duchess and Glou
Morceau are worked on the Pear stock, and Williams’ Bon
Chretien, Easter Beurre, and Beurre Clairgeau on the Quince.
The trees are all good, but the Pitmaston Duchess and
Glou Morceau are the best. They are 20 feet high, and
much stronger and better furnished with fruiting branches
than the trees on the opposite side which are worked on the
Qnince. Easter Beurre and Williams’ Bon Chretien are
from 8 to 10 feet high. They are thin in branches, and the
trees are a little loose in habit. Beurre Clairgeau is 14 feet
high, compact and columnar in growth. Pitmaston Duchets
is erect, strong, and symmetrical. Glou Morceau forms a
graceful weeping pyramid. Nearly all the varieties are so
heavily laden with fruit this year that they have to be propped
up to prevent the branches being broken, but the finest and
largest fruits are on the trees worked on the free stock.

The sides of the next cross walk are planted with tLe
same number of trees. Some are worked on the Quince
stock and some on the Pear. The varieties consist of Louise
Bonne of Jersey, Marie Louise d'Uccle, Durondeau, Williams’
Bon Chretien and others, and the results here are the same
as in the former case. The trees on the free stock are much
stronger in growth, and the fruit larger and better in quality
than those on the Quince.

The walls enclosing this garden are 12 feet high and faced
in the inside with bricks. The trees are planted at the dis¬
tance of 21 feet apart, and trained in fan shape. The whole
of the east and west walls and a portion of the south wall
are planted with Pear trees. There are nine trees on the
south aspect, eleven on the west, and ten on the east. The
varieties on the south wall are Jargonelle, Beurre d’Amanlis,
Chaumontel, Beurre Superfin, Broom Park, and Marie
Louise. On the west — Ne Plus Meuris, Winter Nelis, Gansel’s
Bergamot, Marie Louise, Fondante d’Automne, and Chau¬
montel ; and on the east — Louise Bonne of Jersey, Jargo¬
nelle, and Marie Louise. The north wall is partly covered
with Pear trees ; some are trained in fan shape, and some in
single cordons. The early sorts ripen their fruit fairly well,
but the late varieties do not ripen satisfactorily. The wall
was formerly covered with Morello and other Cherry trees,
but they did not succeed well, and I had them taken out and
planted Pear trees in their place. This was done partly to
cover the wall, and partly to train trees to plant elsewhere.

The upper garden lies some 400 yards to the north of this.
The whole of the south wall and part of the east and west
walls are covered with Pear trees. Besides these a great
many pyramidal-trained trees are planted in the borders on
each side of the walks and in some of the open quarters.
The trees grow remarkably well here. Those trained on the
south wall have not failed to produce crops of excellent
fruit for some years past, and this year both they and the
pyramidal trees are loaded to the ground. The south wall is
14 feet high. It is wired from top to bottom at the distance
of 9 inches apart, and the trees which cover it are planted at
24 feet apart, and trained in fan shape. The varieties con¬
sist of Duchesse d’Angouleme, Pitmaston Duchess, Beurre
d’Amanlis, Williams’ Bon Chretien, Easter Beurre, Beurre
Clairgeau, Beurre Bose, Beurre Superfin, Glou Morceau,
Marie Louise, Ne Plus Meuris, Bergamotte Esperen,
Beurre Diel, and General Todtleben. The east and weet
walls are furnished with somewhat similar varieties.

Conspicuous amongst the fruit trees in the open quarters
is a row of very fine pyramidal Pear trees 24 feet high.
They are planted in the centre of the garden, in a border by
themselves, with a broad gravel walk on each side. The
trees are 13 feet apart, and the points of the branches meet
each other at the base. The row consists of nine Pitmaston
Duchess and eleven Beurre Superfin, winch are covered
with large fruit from base to apex. The other trees border¬
ing the walks, and those in the open quarters of the garden,
are fruiting equally well this year ; but I may safely say the
best trained trees, both wall and pyramid, are those which were

No. 1980 —Vol. LX XV., Old Series

220

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September 9, 1886.

planted maidens, tvith a single stem of one year’s growth.
They were planted, pruned, and trained in the following
manner. In planting the wail trees were kept 6 inches away
from the bottom of the wall, the roots spread out carefully,
covered, the ground made firm, and mulched afterwards.
The stems were pruned or cut back to within 18 inches of
the ground, and fastened loosely to the wall. In the following
year they produced from three to five shoots each, which
were carefully nailed to the wall as required during the
season, and allowed to grow to their full length. At pruning
time the centre shoot of each tree was cut back to within
18 or 20 inches from where it started, according to the
strength of the growth, and the two or four remaining shoots,
as the case might be, were nailed to the wall their full
length ; the two lower shoots horizontally, one on each side
of the main stem and the others at a slight angle up the
wall. From this time on, until the trees had filled their
allotted space, they were examined regularly every spring
shortly after starting into growth, and all the superfluous
buds rubbed off the leading shoots, and a few of the buds
near the ends of the branches picked off to strengthen the
terminal bud. I never prune or shorten the points of the
permanent branches until they have grown their full length,
unless they have met with an accident, or the wood happens
not to be sufficiently ripe to remain, and I may also say I
never pinch and stop the growths during the summer, the
same as recommended by many writers. To build up the
trees and furnish the walls with them in the shortest time
possible, the leading shoot of the current year’s growth is
stopped after it has grown about 2 feet in length, this causes
it to send cut lateral branches. In good seasons the wood
ripens well, and a year’s growth is gained by adopting this
method. The breastwood is taken off two or three times
during the summer, and the points of the permanent branches
nailed in as required.

When the trees are pruned, which is as soon after the
leaves fall as possible, the roots are mulched with rough stable
litter for a breadth of 3 feet from the wall, and the trees
syringed with a wineglass of petroleum to a gallon of water.
All is thoroughly mixed by the syringe continually churning
it up during the operation. The petroleum thus applied kills
scale and all insects it comes in contact with, and it gives
the bark of the trees a smooth and healthy appearance. This
finished, the branches are then secured in the proper position
for the year. The maiden pyramidal trees are built up much
in the same way. The year after planting they throw out
several shoots. One of the strongest of these is selected for
a leader, which ultimately becomes the stem of the tree.
All the cffher shoots are rubbed off except three of the best
placed, which are retained to form the base and framework of
the tree. The shoots are allowed to make the season’s
growth without being stopped in any way. When pruning
them the leading shoot is left from 18 inches to 2 feet long,
and the side branches a little shorter, according to the
strength of the wood. This system is practised year after
year — cutting out all cross and superfluous wood, and train¬
ing and furnishing the tree with well arranged branches until
it has filled its space. The growth is then spurred in the usual
way close to the permanent wood every season at pruning. —
A. Pettigrew, Castle Gardens, Cardiff.

[Some portions of fruit bearing branches sent to us show
that the Pear trees at Cardiff Castle are in splendid condition.
The clusters of fruit were among the heaviest we have seen,
and the crop was practically borne on natural spurs, not
spurs formed by close pinching and pruning ]

HEATING BY HOT WATER.

[Read before the Members of the Preston and Fulwood Iloral and Horticultural
Society, August 7th ]

( Continued from page 206.)

Patent .Toints.— Some advance has certainly been made during
recent years in the manufacture of patent joints for fitting together
hot-water pipes. For tenants’ fixtures and the horticultural trade

they are undoubtedly valuable, because they can be taken to pieces
without the aid of a fitter or the destruction of any of the pipes.
The patent flange joints of Mr. B. Harlow may be mentioned. These
joints, in case of failure, allow of any length of pipe being removed
without disturbing the remainder. A labourer could fit or take them
to pieces. The joints are fitted together by the aid of an indiarubber
ring or rope and red lead, then screwed together by two bolts, one on
each side ; one length of pipe being cast with a slight projection,
while in the other to be fitted with it is a similar-sized cavity, so that
when bolted together the ring or packing material is pressed firmly
into the cavity that it is impossible for the joints to leak. This
maker's flange pipes were used by Mr. Sam Deards in the late boiler
contest at Liverpool. Not a joint leaked, and they were fitted
together and taken to pieces in the shortest possible time. Certainly
in my opinion one of the best patent joints in the market is Messrs.
Foster & Pearson’s. It is so made that the pipes can be fitted
together with one fast and one loose flange or two loose ones. A
short length of pipe is fitted between, and then by the aid of india-
rubber rings the joint is made watertight, when the bolts are screwed
up. Any short length of piping can be fitted with these joints in
case of failure, which is a great advantage. The rings or flanges of
this joint are so cast with square edges that any number of pipes can
be laid one on the top of the other. This joint acts as an expansion
joint, and on this account alone is important. With this joint one
pipe cannot well be taken out without unbolting the second, but this
is not much trouble. It is very similar to Messrs. Jones & Attwood’s
expansion joint, with the addition of square edges on the flange.

Valves. — It is impossible to dispense with these in arrangements
of heating by hot water — that is, in all well-arranged schemes.
Where only one house is heated from the boiler there is no occasion
for valves, but in large or moderately large establishments — in fact,
in all systems where there is more than one house to be heated from
the same boiler — valves are indispensable, in order to regulate the
temperatui-e that may be desired. In extensive arrangements it is
important that large high-pi essure screw valves with brass slides and
facings be employed on both the flow and return from the boiler or
boilers as the case may be. This is requisite if two boilers are set
side by side, so that they can be worked conjointly or separately as
may be desired. If good valves are used one boiler can be worked
if the other fails during severe weather ; but without the aid of
valves to prevent the water returning into both boilers the whole
system would be stopped until repairs had been completed. The
same kind of valves should be placed on every branch from the
mains, so that the pipes in any of the houses can be shut off, repaired,
or altered without disturbing the working of any other portion. Each
house should also be provided with screw valves on both the flows
and returns. When this is done any repairs or alterations can be
made at any time with one house while all the others may be at work.
In many instances valves are only placed on the flow pipe ; but all
such systems are incomplete, for when arranged thus the heat must
be stopped from all the houses connected with the branch from the
mains and beyond the valves that have been provided on it. From a
letter before me I find that Messrs. F. & J. Mee’s large screw valves
are perfectly watertight with a pressure of 85 lbs. to the square inch.
These valves are working in Derbyshire, and if I am not mistaken
this firm first brought these screw valves before the public, but am
open for correction on this point.

Throttle valves should not be placed in such positions, for they
will not hold the water back. They are good for placing in the
pipes where a check only is needed. The old make need not be
described, for it has been entirely superseded, and the difficulty' of
taking out the wing or disc overcome for cleaning or repairs. Messrs.
Foster & Pearson’s new patent is a great acquisition, for the working
part of the valve — that is, the wing — can be taken out in any position
if set fast. Not only can this be done, but the seat of the valve as
well. The cap or cover is secured by two bolts, and when these are
unloosed the whole of the valve can be lifted out, whether turned on,
off, or in any intermediate position. This is a convenient valve, and
as durable as it is convenient, for it is fitted with a brass seat, the
disc being of the same material. H valves are useful in arrangements
where the heat has to pass through one house to the other. By the
aid of two throttle valves beyond the II piece one house can be
heat' d without the other, but there should always be a valve in the
centre of the H piece, so that it can be shut off to prevent circula¬
tion round the one house instead of both when necessary to heat the
two. When only one needs heating the valves beyond should be
closed and the one in the II piece open. The ordinary H piece with
the old throttle valve will answer for this purpose. An excellent
valve of this description that I have seen is manufactured by Messrs.
Messenger & Co., Loughborough.

Expansion Valves. — Where the length of mains are great,
expansion valves should be placed on both the flow and return pipes,
It is not so essential to place them on the latter as the former,

September 9, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

221

because they are seldom so hot — in fact, never should be, and there¬
fore the expansion is not so great. These valves should not be placed
close to the boi'er, or if they are another should be placed about
100 feet away if the mains run for that distance in a straight
length. A good place for them is just before the mains branch to
the right and left. At these points the pipes are more liable to break
than in straight lengths if expansion is in any way impeded. These
valves should always he placed in such positions where they can be
got at readily, for they are liable to leak from the manner in which
they are packed, for indiarubber rings will fail. The value of these
valves is not recognised by the majority, and then they wonder why
the joints are drawn — that is, when packed with iron filings, if not
broken when the pipes are thoroughly tested. This is due to expan¬
sion, which would not have been the case if sufficient valves had
been used as a preventive, according to the length of the mains. It
should not require a large amount of intelligence to convince those
who ignore the use of these valves when it is state 1 that the linear
expansion of cast iron when heated from 323 to 2123 is 135 inch in
each 100 feet. What but leaky joints can be expected when no
provision has been made for the expansion of the metal ?

Air Taps and Tubes. — Air taps should be inserted on the
highest point on the flow in all the houses — in fact, in any position
where air is likely to accumulate. Brass taps should be used, and
from them a few feet of copper tube, until the wall or end of the
house to which they are to be secured is reached. From this point
ordinaiy gas piping w'll do. If lead is used from the tap it is more
liable to be broken -when work is being done in the houses than is
the case with the copper tube. All air pipes should be open to ensure
safety, but when provided with a tap they can be closed if at any
time it is necessary to do so. It is a common practice to turn the
ends of air pipes outside, but this I consider a mistake, for the ends
may become stopped or frozen up during severe weather, and a
breakage in the pipes is then almost certain. If carried up the roof
or end of the house to a higher level than the supply cistern hot
water will not be driven out of them when hard forcing is necessary.
To be on the safe side, where a large quantity of piping has to be
heated, an air pipe should be placed close to the boiler or attached to
it ; if in the latter it should be placed at its highest point and the
end turned into the supply tank. This should be of 1-inch or three-
quarter-inch iron pipe, and will insure the safety of the boiler, for it
will be impossible to blow it. up if the fire is put on and the large valves
on the mains, by neglect, have not been turned on. When two boilers
are worked side by side this air pipe may be placed on the point on
the flow pipe where the two unite into one pipe This arrangement
will answer for both boilers, or whichever may be working ; but not
if the valves are closed. It is best to place one to each boiler, but
when the other system is followed it is necessary to carry a yard
or two of the pipe backwards in an horizontal direction and then
upright if the end is placed in the supply tank. This pipe should be
sciewed together with a T cmnec'ion at the point from which it is
run up vertically. One end of the T should be plugged, so that it
can be opened and the pipe cleaned in case of corrosion. This
provision should always be made with pipes of this description, and
also the supply pipe from the cistern. Trouble has often been given
in forcing a passage through pipes arranged without a T connection,
but when provision is made the plug can be removed annually and
the pipes examined and cleaned if they need it, and the plug returned
in a few minutes. In very large arrangements another of these
large air or safety pipes should be arranged. A good place for the
second and third if desired is on the centre of three socket connec¬
tions where the mains branch to the right and left if this form of
arranging the pipes has been followed. With one, two, or three of
these pipes on the main, according to the extent of them, there is no
fear of failure from the accumulation of air. It is important that
every provision should be made for the escape of air, for it must be
remembered that air is 827 times lighter than water, and therefore
would escape from the air pipes that number of times faster than
water would pass through them. Under these circumstances it
cannot be expected that air will descend to escape, and for this
reason air pipes should always bo placed on the highest points of the
pipes.

Taps for Drawing Water.— While tapping the pipes half or
three-quarter brass taps should also be inserted in the flow pipe in
every house. They should be placed close to the water tanks ; if
this is not possible they can be carried to them by the aid of a
wrought iron pipe of the same size as the tap. It saves consider
able labour in a large garden to be able to run hot water into the
tank when tepid water is required for watering and syringing both
plants and fruits. Some object to use the water from the pipes for
this purpose, but experience has convinced me that it will do no
injury. It would not be advisable to use the water for these purposes
if left in the pipes for years, as is the case in some gardens. When
large supplies are drawn daily during the winter and spring months

the water is perfectly fresh through being constantly changed. In
addition to this all the pipes as well as the boiler should be emptied
annually ; this cannot be too forcibly impressed upon all. By so
doing a large amount of sediment is removed from the boiler and
pipes, but this will be further discussed when considering boilers and
the provision made for emptying them — Wm. Bardney.

(To be continued.)

FORCING STRAWBERRIES.

C Continued from page 151.)

Supporting the Fruit.— Forked twigs of Birch, Hazel, &c.,
form the best supports for the fruit, cutting them into suitable
lengths, the lower ends pointed and thrust into the soil at such
an angle and position as will best suit the trusses and support
the fruit above the foliage or clear of the pot. The trusses or
individual fruits have their stems placed in the fork so th >t the
fruit will be clear of the stick, pot, and foliage. It will get air
and light without impediment, and forming under those condi¬
tions its quality will be enhanced, and there will not be nearly as
much danger of its getting damaged, or of damping or spot¬
ting through being in contact with other substances. Small
stakes, and the fruit stem secured to them with string, will be
found useful in the case of large fruit, which is very much more
liable to damage and damp than the small or medium-sized fruit.
These last will have all the support they need on the pot edge,
but this is scarcely growing Strawberries.

Gathering the Fruit.— The fruit should, as far as prac¬
ticable, be gathered in the morning, and it should be just ripe,
which requires some experience and judgment with different
varieties so as to tell when a Strawberry is fit to be gathered.
An under-ripe fruit and an over-ripe one is unsatisfactory : when
nnder-npe it is too sharp, and if over- ripe it is nit brisk enough
for most palates. The fruit should always be gathered with
sufficient stem to hold it by.

Retarding the Fruit. —Sometimes the fruit comes on too
rapidly, and it is necessary to keep it back — retard it, in order to
maintain the succession, or reserve it for particular occasion.
This is a difhcuk matter, as it will not keep, and some judgment
is necessary. It is no use, however, striving to retard the fruit
before it is swelled and is well advanced in colour; then much
may be done by turning the fruit from the sun, or removing the
plants to a north house, where plenty of air can be admitted,
and with all the light possible without sun the fruit will ripen
perfectly ; indeed, I have been told that sun-neated fruits are
never so gjod flavoured as those that have not been sun-heated.
This I can understand — viz., the p'ants have been kept too dry,
and then the sun heats the fruit, the quality being considerably
deteriorated, but with the plants duly watered and ventilated
there is nothing like sun for improving the flavour. If a north
house is not at command, a single thickness of tiffany shading
will prevent the fruit ripening so fast, the temperature being
kept at 60° to 65°. • When the fruit is ripe, or very nearly so, the
plants may be moved to a cool airy fruit room, and have the
shutters down so as to admit light. In such position it will keep
some time. There must not be any attempt to keep the fruit off
the plants. In an ice house it will keep, of course, and it will
have little or no flavour when taken out if it remain there
long.

The Plants after Forcing. — The plants are useful after
forcing for placing out, and if the autumn is favourable they
will afford a crop of fruit at that time, and if not they will give a
full crop the following summer. Early-forced plants are not
good for planting out, as the plants are too much enfeebled by
the process, but plants that are not started before the new year,
or ripen their fruit in early April, and all those started later are
suitable. They should be hardened before being placed outdoors
— i.e , those that ripen their crops from March to May inclusive ;
late crops, or those off by the close of May may be placed out¬
doors at once, the other needing frame or other protection until
hardened. They may be planted in rows 2 feet asunder, and
18 inches apart in the rows for the early varieties, allowing
6 inches more space etch way for the larger varieties. In plant¬
ing firm the soil well about the roots, and water well, repeating
as the weather necessitates. Keep the plants free from weeds,
give a mulching, and protect the autumn fruit with nets. Our
autumns are too variable for reliance on autumn fruit, but I have
had some good fruits in the north of Yorkshire by covering with
span-roofe I frames so as throw off the wet, and at the same time
admit of a thorough current of air Sir Harry and Vicomtesse
Hericart de Thury are the best autumu fruiters. After a year s
fruiting outdoors the plants may be cleared off, but 1 usually
keep them a second year, and they invariably bear well.

222

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September 9, 1686.

Adapting Forcing to Circumstances. — In some places,
indeed a majority, there is no Strawberry house. In that case
the best must be made of any house that can be improvised, or
of the shelves in Peach houses, vineries, &c. There is no in¬
surmountable difficulty under such conditions, only the Straw¬
berries very often make their presence felt by filling the Peach
trees and Vines with red spider, and this is a dear price to pay
for forced Strawberries. This is to some extent, perhaps, the culti¬
vator’s fault, still it is a practice that must be followed, and can
be done with little disadvantage to the Peach and Grape crops.
Shelves in Peach houses and vineries fixed so as not to be more
than 3 feet from the glass, nor nearer than 15 inches, are suitable
places for forwarding Strawberries, and fruiting them for that
matter, only the danger of red spider is greater when the plants
ripen their fruit than when they are removed to another struc¬
ture after the fruit is set and swelling. In order to swell Straw¬
berries properly they require a high temperature and plenty of
moisture. A Melon house or a Pine stove is not too hot, pi ciug
the plants on shelves, and in such structures, when the fruit
is fairly swelling and continuing until it is well advanced in
ripening, when a somewhat cooler and drier atmosphere will be
more favourable to flavour. The fruit may, of course, be finished
in such structures, and will be large and fine, with the quality
fairly good. Some hold a forced Strawberry must be large and
red, but it hardly holds good with fruit after March. The plants
not being on turves. &c., can be moved about at the desire of
the grower, and which must be instituted according to the means
at command and requirements, of which everyone must be the
best judge in each case.

Maintaining the Succession. — The fruit being wanted at as
early and over as long a time as possible, the means must be ample.
Plants introduced about the middle of November will afford fruit
from the middle of February to March, and to maintain a regular
succession until the open air fruit comes in will need fresh
batches of plants introduced at not less frequent intervals than
three weeks up to early May. It is no use calculating on Straw¬
berries outside before July, for however good our early sorts may
be, the table must be furnished with British Queen, Dr. Hogg,
and Cockscomb until the early varieties outdoors come in.
Orchard houses, Peach, Plum, and other late fruit houses, are
just the places to afford a late supply of those varieties, of which
the supply may continue indefinitely without asking for a change,
but I find a late supply can be had from span frames, the pots
stood on the soil or partly plunged, and the fruit is mostly very
fine and of excellent quality. The plants can be introduced to
such structures when the last batch is placed in the larger struc¬
tures, and they will supersede the outdoor varieties, if we use the
same sorts, by a fortnight, and if such varieties as President,
Dr. Hogg, &c., they will come in with the outdoor early sorts
and be very acceptable ; in fact the supply for dessert will be
drawn from them as long as there is any. In introducing the
several plants it must be an invariable practice to look to the
succession. It will not do to leave off with one section of varie¬
ties at once; for instance, a batch of Vdcomtesse Hericart de
Thury must not be introduced in early February, and the next
a fortnight or three weeks later of President, for that is courting
a blank in the succession, but when the last of any variety, or,
say, section I., is introduced, we must also introduce a batch of
section II., and so on to the end of the chapter in order to have
an unbroken succession of fruit.

Insects. — In summer caterpillars are sometimes troublesome.
They are best removed by hand-picking. Aphides do not usually
attack plants outdoors, but if they do watering or sprinkling
them with tobacco juice diluted with six times the quantity of
water will destroy the insects. Thrips and red spider sometimes
attack the plants, which syringing would have prevented, and
dipping in a solution of softsoap, 2 ozs. to a gallon of water, will
destroy these pests. There is a grub which gets into the crown
of the plants and eats out the heart bud, and the plants are con¬
sequently blind. The plants should be examined in late summer,
looking about the base of the crown, and it may sometimes be
taken. It is not, however, very troublesome. When in frames
aphides infest the scales of the crowns. Sprinkling with the
tobacco water is the best cure. Inside the forcing structure
aphides multiply rapidly on the swelling crown, and infest the
trusses as soon as they appear. A sharp look out should be kept
for them, and when one is seen fumigate thoroughly, and repeat if
necessary, and continue this until the flowers are showing colour.
There must not be any aphides upon the plants at that time, or
any time, while fumigation must not be practised when the plants
are in flower, and after the fruit is set fumigation must be done
very moderately and carefully, or the fruit will be so dried or
injured that it will not swell kindly afterwards. The tender
foliage also is injured by excess of tobacco smoke. Red spider

will not trouble, if the plants are syringed as advised, and the
supplies of water and food are adequate. It is poverty and
drought that cause red spider. The best remedy is to sponge
with soapy water, 2 ozs. to the gaflon, and if this state of things
prevail on Strawberries in Peach houses or vineries, remove them
at once, for it cannot by any possibility be kept off the Peach
trees or the Vines if anyway near them.

Mildew. — This is peculiar to ome varieties forced. The
worst I have noticed for it are Black Prince, Sir Joseph Paxton,
and Pioneer. It mostly arises from a close atmosphere, or
during a dull period when air cannot well be admitted or syring¬
ing practised, and on a dry or sunny period following it increases
or developes with astonishing rapidity. The best remedy is
dusting with sulphur and afterwards well washing with water
from the syringe. Fruit attacked by mildew is rarely any
good

Strawberries in Autumn and Winter. — To have fruit
these times the plants as they are forced must be saved. Those
that ripen the fruit in March will fruit again in late August or
early September, those fruited in April in October, and the
May-fruited batches in November. The only varieties I have
tried are Sir Harry and Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury. Sir
Harry gives the finest and best coloured fruits. The plants
must be hardened before being placed outdoors and are stood on
ashes for a short time, or a good plan is to plant them out of the
pots in good soil in an open situation, making the soil firm about
them, and watering till established. If kept in pots they must
not be neglected for water. If the pot system is followed the
plants after being hardened in pits or frames should be stood on
a north border. This is a good plan to follow even with those
that are to be planted out for lifting, as it insures to them a
season of rest. In J une the earliest forced may be turned out of
pots, be partially disrooted, have the old drainage removed, and
any straggling shoots shortened, The may be placed in a size
larger pots, or from 5 inch to G inch. Drain the pots well,
and the compost the same as previously advised. The potting
must be moderately firm. It will be an advantage to stand on a
north border, or if placed at once in a sunny position shade for
a few days after potting, and to sprinkle over the foliage occa¬
sionally. Afterwards stand them in a sunny situation, and keep
the plants well supplied with water, it will save watering if the
pots are plunged in ashes. By early July the second plants
should be potted, and the third before or by early August.

The first plants will set their fruit outdoors, and the plants
may be moved indoors to ripen, the shelves of a late Peach
house being suitable. The second batch must be placed in frames
by the close of September, with air constantly — a circulation —
and by the middle of October they can be given a house with a
temperature of 50° to 55° artificially, and plenty of air, but with
moisture, or the fruit will not swell freely. A close atmosphere
is fatal To swell the fruit off properly a temperature of 60° to
65° is necessary, and they are higher in flavour. In the lower
temperature they will keep in steady progress, and plants can
be introduced to the higher temperature as required to have the
fruit ripe. It does not answer to place the plants in the higher
temperature direct from the frames. They are best given ten
days or a fortnight in the lower temperature before placing in
the higher one. The third plants should be in the frames by
early October, and in the house with a temperature of 50° to 55°
by November. With these fruit may be had in January, care
and judgment being all that are necessary to have Strawberries
in winter as well as in summer, introductions being made at
intervals from the lower to the higher temperature so as to
maintain the succession. Guard against damp and cold currents
of air. Lift the outdoor plants with plenty of roots and pot
them, the earliest by the close of August, and the later batches
from the middle to the end of September. Placed in frames,
damped overhead, and kept rather close, they will soon push
fresh roots, and then should have air freely, and be moved in¬
doors as advised for those shaken out and repotted.

A little weak liquid manure may be given, but the plants will
not need nearly so much water in the autumn as during the
spring months, and in applying it be careful to keep it off the
fruit. Damp soon spoils the fruit. Thinning the fruit is
necessary if it is wanted fine, and supports are quite as necessary,
indeed more so in autumn than in spring and summer, in order
to have them well exposed to light and air. Early- forced plants
of La Grosse Sucree will fruit well again by August, the plants
having been hardened and rested a short time on a north border,
then potted and grown on in an open situation, and the other
will follow and maintain the succession, so that a supply of
ripe Strawberries can be had in every month of the year. —
G. Abbey.

September 9, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

223

We are informed that the Bury and West Suffolk Horticul¬
tural Society's Show of Fruit and Chrysanthemums will
be held on Thursday and Friday, November 11th and 12th. Mr. P. Grieve
is the Hon. Sec.

as a People’s Park and Recreation Ground. Provision was to be made
for a cricket-ground, gymnasium, lawn- tennis court, &j. The Corporation
invited designs for laying out and planting the ground in an appropriate
manner, and offered a prize of £20 to the competitor whose design was
most approved, and £5 as a second prize. The designs were sent in
marked with a motto, so that the authors were not known until after the
selection had been made. The prize of £20 has been awarded to Messrs.
R. Yeitch & Son of the Royal Nursery, Exeter ; the second going to Mr.
R. Upcher, of Scole, in Norfolk. There were, eighteen designs stnt in
from all parts of England. Messrs. Veitch Sc Son are to be congratu¬
lated on their success. — ( Devon and Exeter Daily Gazette.')

- Mr. Edmund P. Dixon, Hull, sends us specimens of Chrysan¬
themum Cups and Tubes, and informs us he has named this appliance the
“Jameson Tube.” The cups and tubes are identical with those figured on
page 177, and described by Mr. Molyneux. We suspect it is the Molyneux
tube with the Jameson spring, and therefore ought to be good and of
service to exhibitors of cut blooms of Chrysanthemums, by whom the twin
appliance will, no doubt, be largely used. It is advertised in another
column.

- Gardening Appointment. — Mr. C. O. Sjoquist, for several

years general foreman to Mr. Rann, Handcross Park, Crawley, the well-
known successful plant exhibitor, has been engaged as head gardener by
W. H. Loder, Esq., High Beeches, Crawley.

- We have received the schedule of the Kettering Chrysan¬
themum Show, in which a number of moderate prizes are offered in
the different sections. Non-members of the Society can exhibit on pay¬
ment of an entrance fee of 4s. There are prizes also for vegetables and
fruit. The Show will be held on November 20th, and Mr. W. Pike is the
Secretary.

- Another Chrysanthemum Show. — We have received a

schedule of prizes of the first ChiysanthemEm Show to be held in con
nection with the Sutton (Surrey) Rose Society, and observe that the
Exhibition will be held on November 12th and 13. h. Mr. Ernest Wilkins
is the Hon. Secretary.

- Rose Growing.— A correspondent writes:— “If < J. W. M. ’

would feel disposed to join me in a small venture in Rose culture in the
south of France, which I am about to undertake, 1 should he very pleased
to hear from him on the subject.” We are at liberty to send the address
of our correspondent to “ J. W. M.,” if he desires it.

— — A Lincolnshire correspondent, who says he has grown
Carter’s Champion Black Currant “ever since it came into exist¬
ence,” would like to have the opinion of those who cultivate it as tj its
value. He has “ not been able to secure bunches of fruit from it as
large as Grapes, nor does he consider it surpasses Lee’s Prolific for size
and flavour.’ ’

- A correspondent states that there is now in the Folkestone

Exhibition a magnificent specimen of a Lilium AURATUM, the property
of the Recorder of Folkestone. This plant has forty-five stems and bears
315 blossoms, each averaging 8J inches in diameter. Its perfume is so
powerful that it scents the whole nave. This is the nineteenth year it has
blossomed.

- A Northern Rose grower says that on the 23rd of last month

he cut two good blooms of the Tea Rose The Bride from two buds that
were inserted in the stock on June 8th, 1886.

- Mr. Eastwood, The Gardens, Muncaster Hall, Rainford,

alluding to the Variegated Troileolum that Mr. Mitchell refers to in
last week’s Journal as a distinct variety, writes “ I should be pleased
if Mr. Mitchell would inform us where any other distinct variety from
that at Aberaman Gardens is to be procured. I did not take the green
variety to Aberaman Gardens, but the variegated one which perhaps was
the parent to Mr. Mitchell’s ‘distinct ’ form. The centre of the leaf of
my variegated Tropmilum was a pea green with a creamy white broad
edge, the flowers bright scarlet, and the plant as f.ee-blooming as the
green variety, but, as I have stated, have not seen it bedded out. Grown
outdoors it would no doubt be much improved in col .ur and dwarfer in
gioivth.”

- The Right Hon. Lord Wimborne has presented to the

Corporation of the Town of Poole thirty five acres of land, to be laid out

AUTUMN TREATMENT OF HARDY FRUIT TREES.

Failure to secure a crop on bush or pyramidal trees of Apples,
Pears, Plums, and Cherries, as well as from the trees grown upon
walls, is too frequently attributed either to the unripened state of the
wood of the previous autumn or to ungenial weather in spring. There
can be no doubt that spring frosts, when the trees are in full bloom,
will blight the prospect of a crop of fruit, but failure year after year
is not due in every instance to the inclemency of the autumn and
spring.

Those who are in the habit of visiting gardens, and who know
how fruit trees should be managed, do not wonder that failure results
from the imperfect condition of the wood. The weather of autumn,
however warm and genial, would be insufficient to perfect the wood
and fruit buds of many trees. Recently we remarked to the person
in charge of a number of fruit trees of various kinds and modes of
training, “ You appear to have no Pears this year.” “ No,” was the
rejoinder, “ the autumn being so bad the wood was poorly ripened.”
Last autumn was very much better than we generally have in this
neighbourhood, and the fruit buds of our own trees could not possibly
have been in better condition, the result being a heavier crop of Pears
than we have had for some seasons.

One of the greatest mistakes in the management of hardy fruit
trees, whether grown as bushes, pyramids, or trained upon walls, is.
crowding the trees with branches. Trees can be found that it is
impossible to see through, and they are totally destitute of fruiting-
wood and buds inside, and even outside the tree they are a crowded
mass of weak imperfectly developed spurs. With such trees symme¬
try of form appears to be the main object of the cultivator rather than
the crop of fruit. Such trees resemble perfect pyramidal Hollies
rather than fruit trees for the production of a crop of fine fruit
annually or whenever the weather proves favourable in spring until
the blossoms are set. Crowded trees have never perfect fruit buds,
and the flowers they develope are in consequence imperfect and will
fail to set properly however genial the weather may be. It must also
be remembered that such trees are cut back hard in winter, which
adds to the evil rather than averts it. It is possible that I may be
pointed to standard or pyramidal Pears or other fruit trees that
become crowded and yet fruit abundantly all round the exterior of the
tree. This i9 very true, but these trees are not mutilated every
winter and compelled by such barbarous treatment to push forth
strong robust shoots that can never be properly ripened. The ground
they are growing on has become less fertile in many cases than that
surrounding young or miniature trees — of these I am principally
writing — in our borders. The growth of trees that are treated
naturally is short and sturdy ; in fact, it is arrested early in the
season, and perfectly developed fruit buds are the result.

There are other methods of training pyramidal and bush trees that
are perfect as regards form, which may appear in winter grand
examples of manipulation, and the branches may seem to be suffi¬
ciently far asunder ; but in summer when the foliage is developed
and lateral growths issue from the tree in various places along the
branches they become too crowded, and the majority of the fruit
buls are never exposed to sufficient light and air to solidify and
mature them for the production of perfect flowers, which would result
in a good crop of fruit, providing the weather were genial ; but the
condition of such trees to the practical eye is sufficient to convince
even in the previous summer that failure as regards a crop of fruit the.
following season is certain to result.

The branches of such fruit trees that have been enumerated
should be far enough apart to admit light and air to the whole of the
foliage and fruit spurs in the inside of the tree. It is not sufficient
to leave them a few inches apart to give room for the leaves thai
surround the fruit buds in formation, but they must be wide enough
to allow light and air in abundance to penetrate even when the lateral
growths have been pinched to about 4 inches in length, say about
midsummer. AH may not be ready for pinching by that date ; for
instance, this will be the case with Apples, but Pears, Plums, and
Cherries will be readv as well as the majority of small bush fruits.

I should be afraid to speculate on the distance the main branches

224

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September 9, 1E86.

must be apart to accomplish this end if (he trees were not subjected to a
periodical system of root-pruning and judicious summer pinching.
Trees that are neither root-pruned occasionally nor have their shoots
regulated in summer are to be found in both large, moderate, and
small gardens. They are certainly stumped back in winter, only to
grow with greater vigour and energy the succeeding summer. This
system is followed year by year as if it was the true road to success.
It is the very opposite, for such treatment will not bring a crop of
fine fruit, and in a few years the trees are ruined, or partially so, by the
treatment to which they have been subjected. To be short, the tree is
each year wasting its energies on the production of wood that is cut
away in winter and burned, and which eventually' predisposes the tree
to canker and other diseases.

It has been argued again and again in support of such treatment
that the labour and time at disposal are insufficient to carry out
effectually any other system. Such excuses carry with them but
little weight, for the enormous amount of pruning required during the
short days of winter takes up more time than a judicious system of
summer pinching and root-pruning. The last system results in
perfectly healthy trees that are in condition every season to bear a
crop of fine fruit, weather permitting, while the others are in the very
opposite state.

Every tree, whether grown as a bush or pyramid, or upon a wall, and
whatever mode of training is adopted, the branches should be suffi¬
ciently far apart to admit every ray of light with a corresponding
amount of air penetrating to them ; then, and only then, may success
be anticipated in this changeable climate of ours.

Hard pruning in winter is the source of many evils, and it would
be better to dispense with the knife altogether than continue its use
to the extent that is practised in too many instances. Perfect fruit
buds are not the result of cutting back trees severely in winter-
neither are they formed with freedom on gross luxuriant trees, the re,
suit of youth and rich heavily manured soil that generally surrounds
them in private gardens. Fiuit buds are the result of arrested growth,
which is proved, if a simple instance may be taken, by lifting or
digging round the roots of a tree in autumn and winter. This
certainly brings the growth of the tree to a standstill for the time
being, and results in wood the following season of a smaller kind,
yet firmer, and of a more solid nature that is in autumn studded with
fruit buds. Better had the knife be dispensed with, and the growth
of the trees regulated in winter by root-pruning them diiectly they
display signs of luxuriance. This will seldom be the case if properly
managed, for the crop of fruit will sufficiently regulate the growth of
the trees, unless unfavourable springs prevent the trees carrying their
usual crop for two or three years in succession. The lateral growths
would need due attention to stopping and the breaking out of lateral
-and sub-lateral growths as they appear. In the majority of cases after
the shoots have been once stopped an intelligent boy can do the work
for the remainder of the season as well as a man.

Trees can be managed on this principle without a knife, and
would be in ten times better condition for bearing fruit than by its
injudicious use. The knife, however, is a useful instrument when
properly applied to fruit trees, and if they are managed on the right
principle at the roots in winter and the growths during summer there
is but little to be done during the cold sunless days of winter when
pruning is not one of the most agreeable occupations.

The present weather is just what we require for perfecting hardy
fruit and fruit buds. Trees that are crowded on the principle de¬
scribed should have their main branches thinned without delay in
preference to allowing them to remain untouched until the winter.
Hot only should the main branches be thinned, but lateral growths
should be shortened back to within 4 inches of the main branches, and
those at the extremity to the same distance, unless the extension of the
tree is requisite. In this case they may be left 9 inches or 1 foot, or
even longer, as the case may be. By such a course of treatment’ if
genial weather follows, many of the fruit bu ’s, if any exist, will de-
velope wonderfully, and with the aid of root-pruning in early autumn
or winter a crop or partial crop of fruit may be insured another
year.

Many trees that are in a suitable condition of vigour and were
stopped at the time pointed out will have the lower portion of these
shoots bristling wilh fruit buds. This will be especially noticeable with
Plums, Cherries, Apricots, and many Pears, while thrse that are not
fully developed will be on the last named and upon Apples after the
following season’s growth. Many of the latter produce them freely
enough on the current season’s wood. When the shools are stopped
early in the season they require repinching a second time, and the sub
laterals breaking out at this season of the year. By clearing out the
small young shoots that have started away since they were last
stopped, light and air is not only admitted to the branches and fruit
buds, but the fruit is exposed to the sun, which will colour it wonder¬
fully in its last stages of development. This is not all. T he re¬
sources of the tree are devoted to the development of the fruit and

^he perfection of the fruit buds for the following season instead of
spending its energies on useless wood that will only be cut away later
in the season. With trees in the best possible fruiting condition
they will only need pinching once in the season, and then the sub¬
laterals breaking out at this season ; but with more vigorous trees it
will be necessary to go over them the number of times stated. All
useless growing shoots on Peaches, Apricots, Plums, and Cherries on
walls should also be removed. There is no fear of the main or lower
buds bursting again after this date ; but with trees carrying no fruit
and in very luxuriant condition this may be the case, but no harm will
result if stopped at the distance from the main stem that has been
pointed out.

Morello Cherries on north and other walls need attention now the
fruit has been gathered. If properly disbudded and the shoots
thinned early in the season the wood that has borne the fruit only will
need removing, as well as any shoots that are likely to crowd the
trees. If this work is done and care exercised in laying in the young
wood for next year, little pruning will be needed in winter, and the
work of nailing will be reduced to a minimum. Winter attention
will consist in looking over the trees and the removal of any bare
shoots, for this is always necessary in order to keep the trees furnished
from the base to the top of the wall. These, as well as the other
fruit trees that have been enumerated, pay abundantly for the labour
bestowed upon them at this season of the year. It is only by atten¬
tion to judicious stopping and thinning of the shoots during the
summer and early autumn, and root-pruning in winter to arrest the
luxuriance of trees, that real success with hardy fruit trees can be
attained. — Scientia.

CHRYSANTHEMUMS AND THEIR CULTURE.

( Continued from page 200.)

DRESSING- THE BLOOMS.

“ Dressing ” is a term used by growers of Chrysanthemums for
exhibition ; it means arranging the florets evenly and straight, each
one having an inclination towards the centre of the bloom. Occa¬
sionally the florets are so close together in places that some will be
crossed, others create deformities, commonly known to growers as
ribs. Oftentimes some of the florets reflex instead of incurve;
these should be turned back so that they assume their proper
character. Some varieties produce “ eyes,” which means a large
patch in the centre of the flower full of seed ; such defects should
be filled up when it is possible. Much has been written against
this so-called dressing by a certain class of critics, who profess to
admire flowers unadorned and presented in a natural manner as
growing on the plants. Such critics have possibly not had much
close experience with blooms of the incurved section. So long as
nothing but legitimate means are employed to improve the appear¬
ance of Chrysanthemums there is no firm ground for objection to
dressing, and opponents of the practice have only to attend a large
Chrysanthemum show, stand near a box of highly finished blooms,
and hear the words of praise applied to them from the Chrysanthe¬
mum-loving public who know and appreciate good specimens when
seen, then change the position and remain for an equal length of
time opposite a stand of blooms “ staged as grown,” and they will soon
learn which finds the most favour. Is it not often a case of “ sour
Grapes ” with decriers of dressing ? Be this as it may, it is certain
that a person wishing to gain success with cut blooms at an exhibi¬
tion stands but a poor chance of gaining even a third prize if he
stages blooms as grown, without any manipulation of the florets.
There is no comparison in the appearance of two blooms, one with¬
out any dressing and the other with the florets neatly arranged.
The globular form so much admired in incurved blooms cannot be
had without time being bestowed in removing inequalities. Those
plants which receive correct attention during growth produce
flowers which require far less dressing than those on plants imper¬
fectly managed. If any dishonest practices are employed, such as
inserting portions of other flowers of the same variety, fixing them
into position by the aid of gum, then the sooner dressing is extinct
the better, but I do not think such means are employed in these
days to “ improve ” the blooms.

When the blooms are about half developed some growers apply
supports made from cardboard cut circular in form with a slit
half way across to admit of the support passing the stem under the
flower. Those supports are intended to preserve the form of the
lower petals, and preventing them falling out of place. This
method does not find ready acceptance with me, as I think it favours
damping by excluding the air ; and, moreover, it diminishes the
depth of the blooms by preventing the lower florets falling below
the guard. A much better method than the preceding one is to
hang the blooms downward when they are about half expanded ;
this is best done by releasing the stems from the stakes, when the
weight of the flower will in most instances bring it down to the

September 9, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

225

position required. In the case of large blooms of the Queen type,
which might be injured by the stems of other plants while growing
together in the group, it is better to remove the former to other
structures. If small span roofed houses are at hand for growing
Primulas and other greenhouse plants the stage is a capital position
to place a few plants of Chrysanthemums without much interfering
with the regular occupants, first taking out the stakes and tying the
stems to the rafters of the roof in such a manner that the flowers
will hang down. In such a position the petals develope evenly in
their proper places, incurving at the same time in the best possiblo
manner. Blooms treated in this way do not require nearly so much
dressing as those do grown under ordinary circumstances. They
can also be retarded better in this way than when growing in a
mass, for the reason that the sun does not shine so fully on the
centre of the blooms, which in many instances causes them to open
quicker and reflex much sooner than when in a downward position.
The daily trouble, too, of shading is dispensed with to a great ex¬
tent, as it is seldom that shade is required when the plants are
grown in this manner. Failing the position named, a vinery in
which the foliage has fallen from the Vines answers well. Place
the plants near the front of the house, tying the stems to the wires,
hanging the blooms down in the same manner. All incurved blooms
require dressing to a greater or less extent. I have heard people
remark that such and such flowers in stands had not been dressed,
as they were varieties that did not require any assistance, growing
so well in form that nothing can improve them. This is a mis¬
take. No flower which I have at any time staged for competition
ever failed to go through the dresser’s hands ; even those of the
Bundle type and Princess of Wales, which develope flowers so evenly
in a natural way, require some of their florets arranging before they
can be termed perfect examples. When some varieties — the Queen
family for instance — are about three parts open, it will be seen that
there may be too many florets in the centre to expand fully for
want of space ; in such cases remove with the medium-sized forceps
a few over, say, a space of half an inch in diameter, quite in the
centre of the bloom, scraping the base quite clean ; this allows the
adjoining florets to grow into a much larger size and incurve natu¬
rally towards the centre, and thus the bloom assumes the desired
form.

Blooms which require dressing should be cut with a stem
G inches longer than the tube in which the flowers are to be placed,
the extra length of stem being required for the operator to draw
the bloom down into the tube. Select tubes of the size required
for each specimen so that the flange is not seen ; cut off the leaves
from the stem, slip the stem through the tube, bringing the latter
close up, but not pressing on the petals at first ; then take the
flower in the left hand, and with the longest forceps as shown on
fig. 19, page 132, take out any florets, one at a time, that are
damaged or out of place. It is useless to allow such to remain, or
any that are too stiff to incurve. The centre of a bloom will some¬
times show a cavity known as an “ eye.” The common cause of
this defect is “ taking ” the buds at a time not best suited to
the variety, generally too late. Such blooms are not easy to
dress. The short yellow quill-like florets, commonly known as
“ seed petals,” which form in the centre, must be removed with
the medium-sized forceps. The next thing to do is to draw the bloom
down in the tube ; this reduces in some instances the depth a
little ; however, this is necessary to gain the globose form so much
desired. It is extremely difficult to say how far each bloom requires
to be pulled down to the tube ; the operator must be guided in this
by the variety and the solidity of the bloom. The tube should
hold the petals in their place, those in the centre incline towards
the middle of the bloom, so that no “eye ’’will be visible. The
flower stem is best fixed in the tube by means of small pieces of
cork cut wedge-shaped. These are best soaked in water before
using, rendering them softer and more easy to push into their
places with the thumb. As the cork and stem are in the water con¬
tained in the cup the cork swells and remains tight in its place, but
is easily withdrawn by the forceps should necessity require its
being taken out. Some growers use plugs of wood to secure the
stems in the tube, but I think they are too hard and likely to cause
injury to the stems of some weak-growing varieties, likewise they
cannot be so easily placed in or taken out of the tube ; also that
more time is taken up by preparing them than do the cork stops.

When all the details which appertain to dressing the blooms,
and which I have endeavoured to explain, are completed, the
arrangement of the petals should be the next consideration. The
accompanying engraving, fig. 30, shows a bloom of Jeanne d’ Arc
necessarily reduced, the full size being 5 inches in diameter and
4i inches deep ; this represents an incurved bloom about two-thirds
dressed, the remaining part rough, and is thus sketched as a guide
to beginners. The top or centre of the bloom is the correct place
to commence dressing. If the florets there show an inclination to
reflex, then, holding the flower in the left hand and with the small

forceps in the right, veiy gently draw the jaws up the edges of the
florets from the base to the point. If this is done with care and
good judgment the centre will be quite filled and the bloom a model
of regularity. Great care must be exercised in applying the
forceps, or the florets will be bruised. This may not show at once,
but the marks maybe too visible by-and-by, an 1 spoil the appearance
of the flower.

My remarks on dressing have been confined to the incurved
family, because well-grown examples of other types — viz., Japanese,
Reflexed, and Anemones require no dressing beyond the removal of
a badly placed floret, as for instance several flat florets may appear
in the disc of an Anemone bloom, or an irregular-shaped ray or
guard floret may protrude unduly ; in both instances they must be
removed, thus rendering the blooms neat and symmetrical. Some
Japanese varieties are rather addicted to showing an “ eye ; such
an unsightly object must be removed, first pulling out the “ seed
petals, “then turning the bloom upside down, and by giving it a severe
shake the florets next to the centre will generally fall into the
place of the abortions previously removed. Well-grown retlexed
varieties require no dressing beyond the removal of any long
irregular florets that detract from the neat appearance ot the
blooms.

A GOOD BLOOM.

There is much misunderstanding amongst growers of Chrysan¬
themums, especially young one , as to what qualities constitute a

Fig. 80.— Dressing Chrysanthemums.

good bloom. Having had considerable experience, I will give
what, in my opinion, is required in a bloom before it can be called

a representative specimen. It is a fault amongst young growers
(and some old ones too) to imagine that mere size is the desideratum
to aim at. Size I grant is the first object a cultivator has in view,
but it must be accompanied by other good points in a Chrysanthemum
before it can rank as a first-rate specimen. I will state the several
qualities of an incurved bloom as I think they ough o ‘ ' ,
— namely, size, depth, solidity, breadth of petal, foim, nis >
ness, and lastly colour. In some localities, owing to atmospher ical

conditions, such as dry pure air and strong soil, the colour of t e

flowers is much deeper and richer than it is m other district
the light is less intense, as it is in the vicinity of large towns low
damp situations, and light sandy soils I prefer to measure and
compare all blooms when they are dressed and arranged in t
stands. Under other conditions, such as when growing on
plants or before being dressed, they are deceptive. AH
being dressed are smaller, especially m depth, always

manipulation of the petals has taken place. y * g ^

reduced somewhat by cupping, notably those > ‘ ~ t e

The diameter of a dressed representative bloom of tje Queen yp
should not be less than 5 inches nor its depth leu ®

the blooms are often larger, but the size mentioned may be considered
to indicate good average specimens. Then takeHeroofStoke
Newington as a typical medium-shaped bloom ; this should

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ September a, isse.

ess than from 4 to 44 inches in diameter, and 2^ to 2J inches deep.
This variety produces some of the deepest flowers we have in pro¬
portion to the diameter of each. A smaller type is represented by
Princess Teck, which possesses much solidity of petal ; when in
good condition 4 inches in diameter is a good size for this and
2.4 deep. Solidity is an essential point of merit. An experienced
judge knows at once when he sees flowers which are not solid, as
the florets do not lay evenly over each other. Solid blooms. should
bear squeezing between the finger and thumb without being injured
or indented. Blooms of any particular variety which are not very
broad in the petals are often more solid than those which have
florets of greater breadth, these through their extra size not
embedding so closely as do the narrower ones. Breadth of petal,
without coarseness, is an acquisition, the breadth being due more to
the nature of the soil used in growing the plants, and also to a low
and damp atmosphere at the time of expansion, than to skill in
culture. Good growers try then’ utmost to produce blooms with
broad florets, but owing perhaps to the absence of the conditions
named fail to achieve their object. Form is depth consistent with
the diameter in proportion to the sizes named. Finish is the manner
in which the flowers are dressed, whether smooth in outline or
rough in appearance. Freshness is a point which carries more
weight than perhaps almost any other with judges. Blooms devoid
of freshness lose points at all times in competition, for adjudicators
only have regard to the present condition of the blooms, taking no
account of their state a week previously. A want of freshness can
be detected at once, showing as it does around the bottom petals
by discoloration and softness of the texture. Colour should be
good in all cases, particularly the lilacs, pinks, maroons, and bronzes ;
the yellows should be clear, as for instance orange shades of yellow
are easily seen if they are not up to the standard ; primrose, too, is
sometimes pale, being nearer dirty white ; the lilacs show more
than any other want of colour, and lose their colour quickly. —
E. Molyneux.

(To be continued.)

PRESTON SEEDLING AND FILBERT PINE STRAWBERRIES.

As this is the time when most gardeners are making new plantations
of Strawberries, and are anxious to procure the most prolific and
remunerative sortq I wish to introduce to your numerous readers what
appears to me, if not a new Strawberry, yet it is but little known. I have
it by the name of Preston Seedling. It was sent here by Mr. Lovel, of the
Strawberry Gardens, Driffield, two years ago, and it has proved to be the
most prolific Strawberry I have met with for many years. The fruit is
very large, though not what may be termed handsome in the strictest
sense of the term ; the flavour is tolerably good, perhaps a little acid.
When the fruit is quite ripe it becomes much sweeter than when gathered
in an unripe condition. We had a good supply of fruit until the middle
of August, when it was a useful addition to our dessert. Its chief recom¬
mendations are — it is an enormous cropper, and continues bearing for a
long time. Another good useful late Strawberry is Filbert Pine. The
fruit is medium size, cone-shaped, fine flavour, possesses a beautiful
aroma, and continues in bearing quite as long as Preston Seedling. It is
unquestionably one of the best late Strawberries known, and deserves a
place in every garden. — Q. R.

THOUGHTS ON CURRENT TOPICS.

A very prominent topic of discussion of late has been introduced by
“ Saxoring,” under the heading of “ Flower and Fruit Show.'.” In his
communication on page 75 your correspondent formulated two complaints,
the first, the alleged practice of persons buying and borrowing garden
produce and winning prizes with it at exhibitions ; the second, the sug¬
gested unfairness of “ real amateurs ” having to compete at Rose shows
with growers who have “ acres of Rose farms,” and ‘‘professional Rose
gardeners who do all the budding and grafting.” To my mind the
former allegation is of far the more public importance, yet it has passed
unnoticed, while the latter seems to have caused quite a flutter of excite¬
ment in the Rose world, and “ Large and Small Rose Growers ” has become
a familiar theme in the Journa'.

I All not sure that I should not have kept my thoughts to myself on
this subject had not Mr. W. H. Raillem pointedly alluded to me on page
157. I do not in the least object to the association, but fail to remember
saying or implying a “ wish not to hear anything more about Rotes till
next midsummer.” I assure your correspondent I am such a thorough
aim Ter of ihe Rose, and have loved it so long, that I should be very far
from content with any such deprivation. It is quite true I am not a
“ specialist,” and in one sense I can advance a claim that may, perhaps,
entitle me to the honour of, say, a brief literary connection with the large
and small growers who have so pleasanlly taken part in the discussion.
The “ spnce ” is that humorously indicated by “ F. H. G.,” who (page
112) does not like to call himself a large Rose grower, because he is not
quite (5 feet high. According to that standard I have been both a small
and a large grower, as I could bud Roses just as well at ten years of age,
weight perhaps 6 atones, as I could when nearly thrice that weight, and
five times that age. Therefore I am not without a little experience. I

have also exhibited a little, judged a little, and have had the P\aas”e 0^
awarding the first prize to several small and great growers, including
Messrs. Cant, Cranston, and Canon Hole.

I do not remember seeing the blooms of Mr. Raillem, who as^3 ITje
what I should think of such a proceeding as the suppression of the owner s
name from a prize card, the gardener’s alone remaining, as Mr. Dla ,
Swaggerfield Court.” I should think that if any gardener did that to
magnify his own importance, his action would be regarded with contempt
by all sensible men. But I have seen the owner s name erased for a
different reason, and I daresay Mr. Raillem can conceive occasions when
the master of a gardener would prefer not to see even the mentio
name “ in the papers.” Every case must be decided on its owo merits.
I heartily wish the race of swaggering vainglorious gardeners yer ’

and pompous gardeners’ t >rmenters ditto, and I am glad to feel t a
•‘dying out.” And now having answered the question propounded, 1 w

X _ _ of ovliiViitimT

I heartily sympathise, as many a “great” Rose grower will, wi
their smaller, but not less earnest, brother who has to be absent trom l
garden from 8.20 A.M. till 6.40 P.M., and with a salary too small to allow
him to engage help in growing his Roses, and who, when he exbitn s
the Crystal Palace, bas to compete against a gardener to a gentleman wno
has a large estate, and others similarly situated. The 1 small Ros
grower” is severely handicapped under those circumstances no aourn,
just an the small tradesman is handicapped by the big merchant, ana l
the former cannot, successfully compete with the latter on his own groun
he mutt take his goods to another market. Let our friend search tor ana
find a local show where the giants do not appear, and after he succeeas
there take a step upwards. If he cannot win prizes at the smaller s ows
it is hopeless his attempting to do so at great gatherings of a national
character. The directors of the Crystal Palace will make no special
classes for “ amateurs who do not have assistance more than two ays a
week.” Such restrictions only work well at very local shows, it then,
where “ everybody knows everybody else,” and are quite mappUcab e
large exhibitions open to competitors from all parts of the country.

Ip I am not under a misapprehension some of the mist famous ex i-
bitors of Roses in the amateur classes do not employ a gardener two days
a week, nor even one day. Many have time “ of their own, no dou ,
to attend to their plants, but that fact would not, nor could not, excim e
them from the classes proposed ; and as for the “ bar-gardener classes,
that would be of no practical advantage to the present complainants in
the face of so many real amateurs who can well hold their own against
the best of the blue aprons. The only practical suggestion, as it appears
to me, that has yet appeared for giving small growers better opportuni¬
ties for distinguishing themselves, is that of “F. H.G., ’ on page o ,
of increasing as far as possible the limitation classes — that is, Raving
certain classes which are not open to competitors in others that are
stipulated. That is an established system at many shows, but it mignt
perhaps be extended without weakening the displays, and at the same
time bring in a few more exhibitors.

I AM inclined to think that more classes for twelve blooms might be
provided with advantage, only allowing the same exhibitors to enter in
two or three of them. In most or all large shows Bix classes ot twelve
blooms would be filled well — -namely, twelve Roses distinct, any varie les ,
twelve Hybrid Perpetuals, distinct ; twelve Teas and Noisettes, distinct ;
then the same number of blooms in three other classes in not less than
nine varieties ; the prizes in the three latter trio to be of somewhat
lesser value, and closed against exhibitors in the former. There are
dozens of persons able to cut twelve good blooms in nine varieties that
could not stage twelve distinct. The higher prizes for the latter wou
induce competitors to enter them who were able to do so, while t e
“ nines ” would invite new and smaller growers. This plan answers well
at Chrysanthemum shows ; and in some of these there are classes for sti
smaller growers — namely, for six distinct blooms, and six blooms in three
varieties in the different sections. By some such plan as that room wou 1
be found for the smallest of small Rose growers, and the more that can be
induced to enter the lists the better, for the more earnest would not long
remain content in the minimums, but would aim higher, and make room
for other beginners in turn. I should like to see “small Rose growers
encouraged in every possible and practicable way ; but “ D Deai, who
is at least as earnestly desirous as I can be to bring the greatest number
into the fold, shows conclusively, on page 206, that the object cannot be
attained by provisions and conditions which are essentially indefiuit“,
expansive, and open to misinterpretation, misunderstanding, and abuse.

The mention of “D., Deal," reminds me of an observation over that
signature in a report of a flower show which carried my thoughts back to
a circumstance which showed that your correspondent’s taste, in respe t
to flowers, differs very widely from that of a Royal Trincess. Cockscombs
are described on page 162 as “hateful things.” The miserable abortions
that are often seen I admit are the reverse of fascinating ; but when per¬
fection of culture is developed in a select strain, the result is not
“ hateful ” to everybody. At the show to which I allude, and which was
under Royal patronage, half a dozen Cockscombs commanded general
attention, and Her Royal Highness was so delighted with them as to
express a desire lo have such plants. It is scarcely necessary to say that
a choice of them was placed at the Royal lady’s disposal, and plants were
graciously accepted and much prized. Cockscombs grown as these were

September 9, 1888. 1

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

227

afford evidence of cultural skill such is rarely more conspicuously
displayed in stands of Roses or any other florist’s flowers. In respect to
those Cockscombs, I vote with the Princess that they were not “ hateful,”
though of course this does not prove that all their admirers were not
wanting in taste.

I ALWAYS read with pleasure the practical articles of “ Utilitarian ”
*on growing vegetables and fruit for profit, hut I think in his last remarks
he is a little “ mixed.” I do not exactly see that it can be highly pro¬
fitable to grow Apples against walls, and am of opinion that, except in a
very few districts, wall space could be more advantageously occupied than
in growing the Devonshire Quarrenden. I think his article on Pears on
page 176 much better than that on Apples and Plums on page 198. I
have heard a good deal of Oullins Golden Plum as a profitable standard
for market, and have seen rot a few trees of it growing with great
freedom, but I suspect instances are rare of its giving a rich return. I
fear this Plum is over-rated for that purpose, and am very firmly of
opinion that Rivers’ Prolific and Denyer’s Victoria would buy the land on
which a plantation were established before Oullins Go'den would pay the
rent. I shall be very glad indeed to have proof to the contrary, as I
know the variety last-named is excellent, and think it should have a
place in all private collections, but growing for market is quite another
thing.

While on the subject of “marketing,” I think the “Traveller,”
whose note is published on page 202, is rather a tantalieing person. He
seems to have said either a little too much or not quite enough, espeeia'ly
the latter. If he knows how Potatoes are to be treated to produce a good
and profitable crop at Christmas, I am sure many persons who do not
grow them for market would be glad to have the information ; but perhaps
the Channel Islanders did not tell him the whole story. Thore enterpris¬
ing individuals appear, from what we hear, to know how to live by and on
the land, and some particulars about their methods of culture would be
acceptable to gardeners generally in the “ old country.” It seem9 to me
as if there were something behind the little note in question, and I confess
I should like to fetch it out.

I AM glad to see that Mr. Abbey and myself are coming to terms,
and I thank him for his lucid definition of fruit-bud formation on page
304. I have said a “fruit bud is an arrested wood bud,” and I say so
still ; but that does not appear to be quite understood, or accepted ; hence
we are told that “ a fruit bud is the embryonic leaves of a bud trans¬
formed into calyx, corolla, and staminate organs, the embryonic shoot
changed into ovary and pistillate organs, a concentration of the vital
forces on the organs of reproduction which otherwise are expended in
growth.” My worthy friend has nearly got above me at last ; but how
anyone can know all that and not perceive that a fruit bud is an
arrested wood bud passes my comprehension. The very “ transforma¬
tion ” of one part is explained, and the “change ” in another elucidated.
It is clear Mr. Abbey was either making a little harmless fun of my
•‘'metamorphosis” theory, or drawing me out; at any rate, he now not
only admits its truth, but details the process. That point settled, all the
■rest is subsidiary ; and if in our little controversy we have set younger
gardeners — not to say inexperienced amateurs — “ a thinking,” we shall
not have struggled in vain, for with the fact that was sought to be en¬
forced fairly grasped the management of fruit trees becomes simplified,
and fewer mistakes will be made in the future than have been committed
in the past on pruning.

Just another thought. I have been told that Mr. Abbey is still out
of harness. Well, “more’s the pity,” not for him alone, but for the
owners of good gardens which are not managed so well as they might be,
for I happen to know he is a man of rare attainments, ripe experience,
and exactly the reverse of one of those “ kid-gloved gentlemen,” which,
as gardeners, are very properly going out of fashion. If, like the historical
“Tittlebat Titmouse, Esq.,” I should “come in” for “ ten thousand a
year,” I should engage George Abbey as my gardener ; but as that for¬
tune (?) is not likely to < ccur, there is a chance for somebody else more
worthy of his services than is — A Thinker.

HORTICULTURAL SHOWS.

BATH. — September 1st and 2nd.

Nearly every town and village of importance in this neighbourhood
have their horticultural exhibitions, but these would not appear to detract
from the popularity of the Bath fixture. All that is wanted is fine weather,
but in this respect the Bath Committee are very unfortunate. The first
day was all that could be wished, and a large and fashionable attendance
was the result; but on the concluding day heavy showers fell, and this kept
away many would-be visitors from a distance. The Show itself was a
thoroughly good one all round, everything in season being provided for and
well represented, and there being plenty of tent room the numerous and
very appreciative visitors had a good opportunity of enjoying the treat pro¬
vided by the efforts of the Honorary Secretary, Mr. B. Pearson, and the
hark- working Committee, of which Mr. R. King is the genial Chairman.

Fuchsias. — 'These always oceupyffhe premier position on the prize list,
and the fairly liberal prizes offered invariably attract good competition. On
this occasion they were not so good as we have seen them at Bath, and were
certainly inferior to the best recently shown at Trowbridge, but they were
much more effectively grouped. They were arranged in a grand bank,
having groups of fine-foliaged plants on either side of them, and viewed from
the ends of the tents they presented an almost unique appearance. Mr. J.
Lye, gardener to the Hon. Mrs. Hay, waB a good first for nine specimens ;

this veteran grower and raiser of Fuchsias staging freely flowered but
rather stiffly trained pyramids, averaging about 10 feet in height, the
varieties being Doel’s Favourite, Benjamin Pearson, Thomas King, Henry
Brooke, Emily Bright, Pink Perfection, Lye’s Favourite, Floribunda, and
Final. Mr. G. Tucker, gardener to Major W. P. Clarke, Trowbridge, took
the second prize with more freely trained plants, but which contained
two that were very shabby. His best were Doel’s Favourite, Bountiful,
Miss Lucy Finnis, and Charming. Mr. G. Snell, gardener to Mrs. Counsell,
was a good third with dwarfer, more bushy, and well-flowered specimens,
the best of which were Arabella and Mrs. Bright. The first prize for six
plants was awarded to Mr. J. Reddish, gardener to Mrs. Pinder, who had
medium-sized beautifully furnished pyramids of Charming, Arabella, Load-
me-Well, Thomas King, Bountiful, and Victoria. Mr. A. W. Southard,
gardener to F. G. Walker, Esq., was second, his collection including good
specimens of Mrs. Lye and Doel’s Favourite. Mr. W. C. Drummond was
third. With four plants Mr. A. Hawkins, gardener to T. Jolly, Esq., was a
good first, showing Charming, Doel’s Favourite, and Final. Several neat
pyramids were shown in the classes for single specimens. With a light
variety Mr. A. Hawkins was first, winning with a small beautifully flowered
Miss Welsh, and Mr. Lye was second with a well-flowered plant of J. Lye.
Mr. Tucker was first for a dark variety, staging a good specimen of Charming,
and Mr. Lye was second with Lye’s Rival.

Stove and Greenhouse Flowering Plants. — Mr. J. Cypher, Chelten¬
ham, was very easily first with twelve flowering plants, these consisting of
Allamanda Hendersoni, A. nobilis, Anthurium Andreanum, Bougainvillea
glabra, Phmnocoma prolifera Barnesi, Erica Aitoniana Turnbulli, Cleroden-
dron Balfourianum, Ixora regina, Ixora Duffi, Allamanda grandiflora, Erica
Marnockiana, and Lapageria alba, all shown in their well-known perfect
style. Mr. W. Long, gardener to C. Gardiner, Esq., was awarded the second
prize for a group which included several Ixoras, Allamandas, and Bougain¬
villea glabra in good condition. Mr. J. F. Mould, Pewsey, was a creditable
third, his best plants being Allamanda Hendersoni, Erica Aitoniana turgida,
and E. Marnockiana. In a corresponding class for six plants, and from
which the exhibitors in tbe larger class were excluded, the first prize went
to Mr. G. Tucker, who had medium-sized specimens of Stephanotis flori¬
bunda, Lapageria rosea, Allamanda Hendersoni, Rondeletia speciosa major,
Bougainvillea glabra, and a stale Anthurium Schertzerianum. Mr. W. J.
Mould, gardener to E. E. Bryant, Esq., was second, his group including
well-flowered plants of Allamanda Hendersoni, Ixora amabilis, Erica
Eweriana, and Rondeletia speciosa major. Mr. W. C. Drummond was third
with a badly trained lot. Several lots of Ericas were shown, but none of
them was particularly good. Mr. J. Cypher was first with six varieties,
these consisting of neat plants of Iberyana, Marnockiana, ampullacea
Barnesi, Austiniana, Hartnelli, and Turnbulli ; Mr. J. F. Mould was a
good second ; and for thr.>e plants Mr. W. J. Mould was first, and
Mr. W. C. Drummond seco id. The single specimen flow-ring plants were
of average merit, Mr. Cypher being first for a stove plant with Allamanda
nobilis very handsome, and Mr. W. Long second with a fairly good Ixora Wil-
liamsi. Mr. Cypher was also first for a greenhouse plant, staging a good
Erica aemula, and Mr. G. Tucker was second with Statice profusa.

Fine-foliaged Plants.— Several classes were provided for these, and
these were well filled. Mr. J. Cypher was a good first for twelve specimens,
which comprised large beautifully coloured Crotons Sunset, Prince of
Wales, Johannis, majesticus, and interruptus aureus, Latania borbonica,
Cycas revoluta, Kentia Fosteriana, and other fine Palms. Mr. J. F. Mould
took the second prize for a collection which contained well coloured Crotons
Queen Victoria, Andreanum, and Sunset, and several good Palms; while
Mr. W. J. Mould was third for a group much deficient in colour. Mr. W. C.
Drummond was first for eight varieties, among which were a good Cycas
revoluta and Bonapartea gracilis. Mr. W. Dobson was second, and for a
single specimen Mr. Cypher was first with a good Cordyline indivisa, and
Mr. Drummond second.

Ferns. — There were several excellent groups of exotic Ferns, most of
which came from the neighbourhood of Trowbridge. With fifteen varieties,
Mr. J. Coke, gardener to A. P. Stancombe, Esq., was a good first, his group
comprising handsome plants of Dicksonia squarro3a, Dicksonia antarctica,
Neoltopteris Nidus, Gymnogramma chrysophylla, Adiantum farleyense,
Gymnogramma Laucheana, and Lygodium scandens. Mr. W. J. Mould was
second, and Mr. G. Tucker third, both having praiseworthy collections.
The best nine varieties were shown by Mr. T. Truckle, gardener to T. Carr,
Esq., who had good Davallia Tyermanni, Davallia Mooreana, and Adiantum
gracillimum. Mr. W. C. Drummond was second, and Mr. W. Dobson
third.

Miscellaneous Plants. — Liliums were well shown by several growers
and were quite a feature. Mr. A. A. Walters was first for three pots, staging
L. lancifolium album in beautiful condition. Messrs. G. Cooling & Son were
second with well-grown plants, and Mr. W. Dobson third. The best single
pot of Lilium auratum was shown by Mr. J. Cypher, Messrs. Cooling being
second, and Mr. W. C. Drummond third, the exhibits being most praise¬
worthy in each instance. One class for six varieties of Orchids was pro¬
vided, and of these there were three exhibits. Mr. J. Cypher was easily
first, having a splendid pot of Dendrobium bigibbum with thirty spikes, the
best of them bearing seventeen blooms ; Saccolabium Blumei, Cattleya
speciosissimum, Cattleya Dowiana with five lovely blooms ; and Cattleya
Gaskelliana. Messrs. Heath & Son, Cheltenham, were second, their plants
being somewhat overshadowed by a huge trade card, and Mr. R. B. Cater,
Bath, third, the latter having a pan of the charming Oncidium Jonesianum
with three spikes of bloom. Tuberous Begonias were particularly good,
notably the six specimens staged by Mr. J. Dyer, gardener to the Rev.
C inon Bernard, who took first prize for beautifully flowered examples of
Snowflake, Edith Box, Empress of India, White Swan, Dr. Masters, . and
J. Laing. Mr. W. Snell was a good second, his best being Marquis of
Salisbury, Madame Arnont, aline double pink ; and Louis d’Or, good double
yellow. Mr. J. Durbin was third, and Mr. Guisell, gardener to W. Clifford.
Esq., was highly commended. Mr. J. Lye was first for six Coleuses, J. H,
Clifton, Esq., second ; and Mr. Lye was also first for six handsome silver
variegated Pelargoniums. Tricolors were not so good, and with these Mr.
W. C. Drummond was first and Mr. J. Lye second. Mr. G. Tucker was the
only exhibitor of Gloxinias, and was fortunate in being awarded the first
prize. Mr. W. Mattock was first for Balsams, and Mr. A. Hawkins second;

228

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDEEER.

[ September 9, 1886.

and Mr. Mattock was also first for six Verbenas. Mr. A. W. Southard had
the best Petunias, the second prize going to Mr. J. Durbin, gardener to
S. Tredwell, Esq. Several good lots of Cockscombs were shown ; Mr. J.
Weston, gardener to the Bev. C. C. Layard, was first, Mr. W. Mattock
second, and Mr. J. Coke third. Zonal Pelargoniums were very good, notably
the first prize six staged by Mr. G. Tucker, these consisting of Lizzy Brookes,
Eev. Atkinson, Mrs. Strutt, Evening Star, Mrs. J. Gibson, and President.
Mr. W. J. Mould was first for a new and rare plant with Anthurium Veitch-
ianum, and Mr. J. F. Mould second with Croton Bergmanni, these plants
being preferred by the Judges to Mr. Cypher’s Mormodes luxatum with a
strong spike bearing ten flowers.

Cut Flowers. — There was a better show of EoBes than might have
been expected. The best twenty-four varieties in triplets were staged by
Mr. J. Mattock, Oxford ; Mr. G. Campbell, gardener to S. P. Budd, Esq.,
being a good second, and Messrs. G. Cooling ifc Son a close third. The Teas
were largely shown in each instance. Mr. W. Narroway was first for twelve
triplets, and Mr. W, Davis was also successful in this class. The best twelve
varieties, single blooms, were shown by Mr. W. Smith, Mr. Campbell being
a good second, and Mr. W. Narroway third. Some of the best of the Eoses
shown were La France, La Bosiere, C. Darwin, Hippolyte Jamain, Princess
of Wales, Marie Baumann, Madame Eugenie Verdier, Dupuy Jamrin,
Souvenir d’Elise Vardon, Perle des Jardins, Jean Pernet, Marie Van
Efoutte, Anna Olivier, Comtesse de Nadaillac, Catherine Mermet, and
Marechal Niel. There was a very effective display of Gladioli. Mr. S. Bird,
gardener to S. Dobree, Esq., was well first with thirty-three spikes, these
including Lulli, Meyerb:er, Sweet May, St. Crispin, Queen of Canaries,
Undine, Purity, Vesuve, and many other fine varieties at their best. Mr.
G. S. Walters was second, and Mr. W. Brookes third, both having very
creditable spikes. Mr. J. Tont was first for twelve varieties, Mr. S. Tottle
second, and Mr. J. Mattock third. We never remember seeing better German
and French Asters. With twenty-four blooms of the former Mr. W. Jones
was first, Mr. A. A. Walters second, and Mrs. W. Jones third, and with
French varieties Mr. F. Evry was first, Mr. W. Jones second, and Mr. T.
Salter third. Messrs. Keynes, Williams & Co., Salisbury, had a grand lot
of Dahlias, and were well first for twenty-four varieties, among which may
be mentioned Gloire de Lyon, Colonist, Mrs. Gladstone, Lord Chelmsford,
Prince of Denmark, J. Wyatt, Miss Cannell, Mrs. Langtry, W. Eawlings,
J. Ashby, Mrs. Dodds, Imperial, and Vice-President. Messrs. Heath and
Son also exhibited in good style, and took the second prize. Mr. H. Bush
was first for twelve varieties, Mr. Humphries second, and S. Tottle third, all
having good blooms of well known sorts. Messrs. Keynes, Williams & Co.
were first for nine Fancies, these consisting of Fanny Sturt, General Gordon,
Eebecca, Gaiety, Salamander, J. B. M. Carom, Pelican, and H. Glasscock;
Mr. Humphries was second. Single Dahlias in twelve varieties, shown in
bunches of not less than six blooms, were capitally shown by several
growers, and in most instances they were most tastefully displayed. Messrs.
Keynes, Williams <fc Co., were first, the varieties consisting of Negress, Miss
Tutt, Paragon, White Queen, Queen of Singles, Magnificence, Yellow
Queen, J. Cowan, B. Barkaway, Mauve Queen, and Victory. Mr. A. A.
Walters was a good second. Mr. A. Hawkins was first for bunches of
Verbenas, Messrs. Cooling & Son second, Mr. A. A. Walters third; while
with twenty-four bunches of Zonal Pelargoniums Messrs. Cooling & Son
were first, and Mr. J. Mattock second, both having collections of the best
varieties. Messrs. Heath & Son were easily first for twenty-four bunches of
choice flowers, and Mr. W. C. Drummsnd second. The vases of cut flowers
were especially good, Mr. J. Cypher being first for a very light arrange¬
ment of choice] flowers, Mr. W. Dobson second, and Mr. E. T. Hill third.
Very beautiful also were the hand bouquets, M. J. Cypher winning the first
prize, Mr. W. Dobson being a good second, and Mr. E. C. Drummond
third.

Fruit. — One good-sized tent was wholly devoted to the display of fruit,
aud although he competition was not so keen as last year, especially in the
Grapes, there was yet a most interesting show of all kinds in season, and
some including late Grapes that were not yet fit for the table. Only three
collections of eight dishes were brought, and all were of nearly equal merit.
Mr. W. Nash, gardener to the Duke of Beaufort, received the first prize, his
dishes of small fruit being the best throughout. He had rather poor
Muscat of Alexandria and well-finished Black Alicante Grape, a handsome
Golden Gem Melon, and good Bellegarde Peaches, Brunswick Figs, Washington
Plums, Moorpark Apricots, and Elruge Nectarines. Mr. W. Pratt, gardener
to the Marquis of Bath, Longleat, was a close second, his Black Hamburgh
and Muscat of Alexandria Grapes being very fine, but his smaller fruits
were not first-class. Mr. Miller, gardener to W. H. Long, Esq., M.P., Eood
Ashton, was third, he also having good Black Hamburgh and Muscat of
Alexandria Grapes. The first prize, value £5, offered for eight bunches of
Grapes in four varieties, was awarded to Mr. W. Taylor, gardener to Aider-
man Chrfifin, Bath, but he only had a very slight advantage over his for¬
midable opponent, Mr. W. Pratt. The premier collection consisted of
handsome, heavy, and perfectly finished Alicante, Alnwick Seedling, Muscat
of Alexandria, and Gros Maroc. One of the bunches of the latter was
exceptionally good, and although not perfectly coloured was, perhaps, the
finest ever shown, many gard< ners thinking it must be Gros Colman. Mr.
Pratt had extra large well-finished clusters of Muscat of Alexandria,
Alicante, Black Hamburgh, and Mrs. Pince, and it was the want of finish
in the latter that most probably gave Mr. Taylor the advantage. No third
prize was awarded, but Mr. G. Bastin, gardener to G. Holloway, Esq., re¬
ceived an extra prize for a collection considerably behind the above-men¬
tioned. The Black Hamburgh class was a fairly large one, but, on the
whole, a poor lot was staged. Mr. W. Marchant was first with small well-
coloured bunches ; Mr. Pratt second with clusters more than double th ;
weight of any others shown, but which had lost colour ; and Mr. F. Edwards,
gardener to J. Lysaght, Esq., was third. There was only one exhibitor of
Gros Colman — viz., Mr. J. Miller, gardener to J. McPherson, Esq., and he
was decidedly fortunate in securing the first prize, as both bunches and
berries were small.

In the class for any other black variety Mr. W. Nash was easily first with
well finished Alicante ; Mr. E. J. Peacock being second ; and Mr. A. Young,
gardener to B. Thomas, Esq., Clifton, third, these also showing fairly good
Alicante. Mr. Pratt was first for Muscat of Alexandria, having extra
heavy bunches fairly well finished ; Mr. J. Ellicott, gardener to H. W. Tug-

well, Esq., being second, and Mr. W. Taylo third, both showing very credit¬
ably. With any other white variety. Mr. A. Young was first with highly
coloured Buckland Sweetwater ; Mr. W. Iggulden being a good second with
well-coloured Foster’s Se- dling ; and Mr. W. Eye, gardener to J. Dc-rham,
Esq., third with Golden Champion in fairly good condition. Mr. A. Miller
was the only exhibitor of Pine Apples, and was rightly awarded the first
prize. Several Melons were shown, and, as usual, the majority were quite
unfit to eat. Mr. E. Gibson, gardener to Earl Cowley, was easily first with
a green- fleshed variety, showing Sutton’s Perfection in perfect condition.
Mr. J. Weston, was second with a good Golden Gem; and Mr. W. Long
third with Victory of Bath. In the class for any other sorts, Mr. J. Comp¬
ton, gardener to J. English, Esq., was first with Sutton’s Scarlet Invincible ;
Mr. C. Holland second w tlr Bead’s Hybrid ; and Mr. S. Pearce, gardener to
Captain Crotters, third ; but in neither case was the quality first-rate.
There were ten competitors with a dish of nine Peaches, Mr. W. Iggulden
being first with a good dish of Barrington ; Mr. G. Pymm, gardener to Mrs.
Gouldsmith, second with a very fine and handsome dish of Exquisite ; and
Mr. E. Trotman, gardener to J. Colmer, Esq., third with a good diBh of
Vanguard. There were a similar number of dishes of six Peaches, exhi¬
bitors in the preceding class being debarred from again competing. Mr.
W. Eye was first with a poorly coloured dish of Ford's Seedling ; Mr. H.
Lewis, gardener to Boddam Castle, Esq., being a good second with Boyal
George ; and Mr. W. Carpenter, gardener to A. Cole, Esq., third with
Bellegarde. Mr. W. Marchant was first for nine Nectarines, showing large
Elruge, well coloured ; and Mr. G. Pymm being second for a better dish of
Pine Apple. Mr. W. Mattock had the best six Nectarines, Mr. F. Bice
following, both showing fairly good Victoria ; and Mr. J. Miller was third.
Mr. G. Pymm was first for Cherries, Mr. E. Thomas second, and. Mr. W .
Haskell third, all having fine dishes of Morellos. The competition with
three varieties of Pears was close and good. Mr. W. Eye was first, having
good dishes of Doyenne du Comice, Madame Treyve, and Beurre d’Amanlis.
Mr. W. Bannister, gardener to H. St. Vincent Ames, Esq., was a good second,
his varieties being Pitmaston Duchess, Souvenir du Congres, and. Doyenne
Boussoch ; and Mr. A. J. C. Bess was third. There were twenty-five single
dishes of Pears staged, Mr. T. Herve taking first prize for Williams’ Bon
Chretien of good size and colour. Mr. Iggulden was second with Jar¬
gonelle, and Mr. E. Hall third with the same variety. A remarkably good
lot of Plums were shown, there being as many as thirty-five dishes of
Green Gages alone, and nearly as many in each of the other two classes.
With the former Mr. E. Hall was first, Mr. J. Weston second, and Mr. W.
Mattock third. In the class for any other dessert variety there were
several good lots of Jefferson shown, but the preference was given to a fine
dish of Washington shown by Mr. F. Dando, the second prize going to
Mr. Miller for a good dish of Kirke’s ; and Mr. W. T. Smi’h was third with
Washington, very highly coloured. Mr. J. Carpenter v a- fust for culinary
Plums, having a very fine dish of Fonthill, Mr. Bess following with a
handsome dish of Goliath, and Mr. E. Hall was third with Fonthill. Apples
were al=o plentiful and good. Mr. Hall was first for three dessert varieties,
these consisting of Irish Peach, Quarrenden, and a seedling. Messrs.. W.
Woodman and J. Bogers were respectively second and third. Mr. Miller
was first for three culinary varieties, showing fine dishes of Stirling Castle,
Ecklinville Seedling, anl Loddington. Mr. Bess was a good second, and
Mr. H. Taylor third.

Vegetables. — A grand lot of these were shown both by gardeners and
cottagers. In the former class for eight varieties Mr. A. Miller was a good
first, this well-known successful exhibitor never probably staging a better
lot ; the kinds were Early London Cauliflower particularly good, Green Globe
Artichokes, Old Bed Tomatoes. Bousham Park Onions, Beading Eussett
Potato, the weakest dish shown, Ne Plus Ultra Peas, Snowball Turnips, and
Ne Plus Ultra Eunner Beans ; Mr. T. Evry was second, and Mr. W. Smith
third; four other good lots were shewn. There weie eleven collections
of six varieties, Mr. E. J. Day taking the lead with pood Incomparable Celery,
White Spanish Onions, Perfection Tomatoes, Telegraph Peas, Beading
Eussett Potatoes, and Champion Scarlet Eunner Beans. . Mr. G. Snow,
gardener to Col. C. W. Grant, was second, and Mr. J. Smith third, each having
excellent produce. In a largi cLss for four varietu s Mr. C. Hollbrook was
a good first, Mr. E. Bolwell s c ni, and Mr. J. Jones third. Tomatoes were
well shown by several growers. Mr. Iggulden was first for a handsome dish
of Carter’s Perfection, E. B. Cater, Esq., second, and Mr. Peacock third.
The baskets of salading were exceptionally good, Mr. T. Evry. was first, and
Mr. Tylee second. Mr. G. Horsell was easily first for a collection of Gourds,
having an immense heap in a great variety, Mr. W. Mead was a good second,
and Mr. G. S. Bolwell third.

Not for Competition. — Mr. T. S. Ware, Tottenham, had a grand exhibit
of single Dah ias and Pompons in bunches, as well as CactuE and other
Dahlias in vaiiety. All were most tastefully set up, sprays of Asparagus
being mixed with the blooms, and the bunches were bedded in moss and
given plenty of room. This group attracted much attention, as also did
another on the opposite side of the tent, and arranged by Messrs. G. Cooling
and Son, Bath. In this instance cut Boses were principally exhibited, and
of Teas Messrs. Cooling would appear to have unlimited quantities, large
bunches of the best sorts and a whole box of W. A. BicharUson in large
bunches being shown. They also had a box of single Japanese varieties,
siDgle Dahlias in variety, and other interesting flowers.

CBYSTAL PALACE FEUIT SHOW.— September 3rd and 4th.

An exceedingly satisfactory Exhibition wai held at S3 denham on Friday
and Saturday last, one of the best that has taken place there for some
years. The competitors were numerous in all the pricc pal classes, and
they staged some fine produce, especially remarkable for high merit being
the handsome Grapes from Mr. W. Taylor, and the grand Pine Apples from
Mr. C. Boss, which constituted the features of the Exhibition. An excellent
method of arrangement was adopted by Mr. W. G. Head at this Show, the
stages being disposed in two seiies of separate tables, with a convenient
space between, instead of the two long continuous tables as before. So
long as the competing collections can be placed near together the change is
an improvement, for while it prevents, to a great extent, the crowding
which frequently takes place, it also diversifies the general effect mo-t
agreeably, as Palms and other suitable fine-foEage plants were emp’oyed in
the centre of the tables.

Seplember 9, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

229

Collections op Fruit, — The leading class of the Exhibition was that
for a collection of fruit, not less than twenty dishes, to comprise four
varieties of Grapes (two white, two black; two bunches of each variety),
two Pines, two Melons, two dishes of Peaches, two of Nectarines, and two
of Plums. There was an excellent competition, seven collections bung
entered, and some of these were so nearly equal in merit that they occupied
the Judges a considerable time. Mr. J. H. Goodacre, gardener to the Eirl of
Harrington, Elvaston Castle, Derby, won the premier award (£12) with
twenty-two dishes of good quality fruit, the majority well ripened, a point
which evidently had considerable weight with the Judges. This collection
included the following : — Grapes, Foster’s Seedling, well ripened ; Black
Hamburgh, medium-sized bunches of good colour ; Muscat of Alexandria,
very large handsome bunches, and Alnwick Seedling, bearing an excellent
bloom ; Hero of Lockinge and Conqueror Melons were good specimens ;
Walburton and Bellegarde Peaches were represented by fine fruits ; Elruge
and Victoria Nectarines of fair quality, Smooth Cayenne and Queen Pines of
good size and well ripened, Hemskirk Apricots fine, Turkey Figs, Washington
Plums, Morello Cherries, Strawberries, Jargonelle Pears, Warrington Goose¬
berries, Kirke’s Plums, and Gladstone Apples. Mr. J. Mclndoe, gardener to
Sir J. M. Pease, Bart., M.P., Hutton Hall, Guisborough, was a good second
(£8), showing a collection of thirty dishes, but if some of the less important
of these had been omitted he would have rather improved the appearance
of the collection as a whole. His Grapes included Duke of Buccleuch, with
very large clean handsome berries ; Black Hamburgh, large bunches of fine
colour ; Trebbiano, handsome, and Gros Maroc, beautiful bunches and
berries highly coloured. The other dishes were Scarlet Premier, Best of All,
and Monarch Melons, the first named beautifully netted ; Elrnge and
Humboldt Nectaiines, Golden Eagle Peaches, very handsome ; Princess of
Wales, also large ; Negro Largo and Brown Turkey Figs, Moorpark Apricots,
Green Gages, late Duke Cherries, Large Red, White Dutch and Black Naples
Currants, Whitesmith and Warrington Gooseberries, Clapp’s Favourite
Pears, Worcester Pearmain and Grand Duke Constantine Apples, Imperial
Lemons, Exquisite Oranges, and Kirke’s Plum. The third position after a
close examination was adjudged to Mr. J. Roberts, gardener to Messrs.
Rothschild, Gunnersbury Park, who had exactly the stipulated minimum
number of dishes — viz., twenty. The fruits were all distinguished by their
clean appearance, the following being especially noteworthy Dymond
Peaches, Smooth Cayenne Pine Apple, Morello Cherries, Williams’ Bon
Chretien Pears, Moorpark Apricots, Red Astrachan Apples, La Grosse Sucree
Strawberries, with Muscat of Alexandria, Madresfield Court, Trebbiano, and
Black Hamburgh Grapc-s in capital condition.

A second class was provided for a collection of twelve dishes of fruit, in
which four competitors entered, Mr. J. Roberts in this case scoring an easy
success, taking the first place with excellent examples of Gro3 Maroc and
Muscat of Alexandria Grap’s, Charlotte Rothschild Pine Apple, Williams’
Bon Chretien Pears, Brown Turkey Figs, Victoria Nectarine, William Tillery
Melon, Morello Cherries, Marquis of Downshire Peaches finely coloured,
Moorpark Apricots, Blenheim Orange Melon, and La Grosse Sucree Straw¬
berries. Mr. J. Mclndoe followed, again showing Golden Eagle Peaches in
splendid condition, Trebbiano and Black Hamburgh Grapes being also of
fine quality. Mr. A. Miller, gardener to W. H. Long. E-q., M P., Trowbridge,
secured the third position with good fruits, Black Hamburgh Grapes, Belle-
garde Peaches, Hunt’s Tawny Nectarine and Brunswick Figs being praise¬
worthy dishes. With a collection of eight dishes Mr. Pratt, gardener to the
Marquis of Bath, Longleat, won first honours, the Grapes in his contribution
being very fine. Three bunches of handsome Muscat of Alexandria, weighing
111 lbs., and the same number of Black Hamburgh weighed 12 J lbs. Figs,
Apricots, Peaches, Nectarines, Melons, and Plums were also of good quality.
The second place was taken by Mr. S. Pullman, gardener to R. B. Sheridan,
Esq., Frampton Court, Dorchester, whose Black Hamburgh Grapes, Pine
Apple Nectarines, and Dymond Peaches were the best dishes ; Mr. H. Oclee,
Blickling Hall, Aylsham, being third.

Grapes. — Eleven classes were devoted to Grapes, and, excluding those
in baskets, about 400 bunches were staged. They varied considerably in
merit from absolutely green Muscats to some of the best finished Grapes
that have been seen this season, but taking them generally well coloured
samples predominated.

The large class for ten varieties, two bunches of each, was well filled,
four exhibitors staging the requisite number. Mr. J. H. Goodacre was
again the premier exhibitor, showing good fairly coloured but not extraor¬
dinary bunches of Muscat Hamburgh, Duke of Buccleuch, Lady Downe’s,
Alicante, Foster’s Seedling, Madresfield Court, fine bunches and berries ;
Muscat of Alexandria, large clean bunches ; Alnwick Seedling, Black Ham¬
burgh, and Golden Queen. Mr. H. W. Ward, gardener to the Earl of
Radnor, Longford Castle, Salisbury, was a close second, showing Muscat of
Alexandria, Madresfield Court, Buckland Sweetwater, Alicaute, Trebbiano,
Alnwick Seedling, Foster’s Seedling, Lady Downe’s, and Gros Maroe, all
clean well ripened samples. Mr. Wildsmith, gardener to Viscount Eversley,
Winchfield, was third with good bunches of Gros Maroc, Alnwick Seedling,
Muse it of Alexandria, Alicante, White Tokay, Gros Guillaume, Black
Hamburgh, White Frontignan, and Madresfield Court.

The next class for five varieties of Grapes, two bunches each, was
important and interesting, also including some of the finest Grapes in the
Show. There were six competitors, and Mr. W. Taylor, gardener to
J. Chaffin, Esq., Bath, gained a remarkable victory, repeating his success
of a few days previously at Bath, securing the premier honours for grand
specimens, both in size of bunch, berries, and colour. The varieties were
Alicante, large bunches superbly coloured ; Gros Maroc, excellent in bunch
and berry ; Madresfield Court, splendid bunches, but with rather small
berries ; Muscat of Alexandria, richly coloured, one bunch being extremely
handsome in this respect, and Alnwick Seedling with remarkably fine
berries. These admirable specimens proved how well Mr. Taylor deserves
his reputation as a Grape grower. One of the Alicante bunches was a model
both as regards form and finish ; and the berries in one of the bunches of
Gros Maroc were so large and round that many gardeners thought the variety
was Gros Colman. We have, however, ascertained from Mr. Taylor that both
the Gros Maroc bunches were cut from the same Vine. The second prize was
won by Mr. W. Pratt, but beautiful as were the Longleat Grapes, they were
several points behind the first. His Muscat of Alexandria were extremely
handsome ; Lady Downe’s, Black Hamburgh (9£ lbs.), Mrs.Pince, and Alicante

being all meritorious. Mr. Elphinstone, Shipley Hall Gardens, Derby, fol¬
lowed, showingGros Colman, large, and of fine colour ; Gros Guillaume, large
berries ; Muscat of Alexandria, Black Hamburgh, fine bunches, and Canon
Hall Muscat. After the awards had been made it was found that a
“ shoulder ” had been tied to the bunch of the last-named variety, and a
protest was entered by one of the unsuccessful exhibitors.

Five classes were devoted to special varietits of Grapes — namely, Black
Hamburgh, Muscat of Alexandria, Gro3 Maroc, Madresfitld Court, and
Alicante — with one class each for any other white and any other black
variety. Taking these classes in the order they are named, the following
were the results of the competition : —

Blade Hamburgh.— Eight exhibitors competed with three bunches of
Black Hamburgh,' Mr. Pratt winning first honours with large handsome
bunches, but their appearance was slightly injured by the bloom having
been partially rubbed off one of them. The second place was taken by Mr.
Moorhouse, gardener to J. W. Temple, Esq., Groombridge, Tunbridge Wells,
who also had large compact bunches, but rather small berries. Mr. W.
Howe, gaidener to H. Tate, Esq., Park Hill, Streatham Common, was third
with medium sized bunches, well finished.

Muscat of Alexandria— There were nine exhibitors of this favourite
Grape, and again Mr. Patt took the lead with clean beautiful bunches ana
fine berries, the three bunches weighing 9J lbs. Mr. J. Roberts followed
with smaller bunches, but very clean and well ripened, Mr. 0. J. Goldsmith
being a good third. Most of the other exhibitors staged samples that were
far from ripe, one in particular having three very green bunches.

Gros Maroc. — This attractive Grape was well shown by seven com¬
petitors, Mr. Elphinstone securing premier honours with excellent bunches
and fine berries, superbly coloured, and bearing a dense bloom. Messrs.
Rivers & Son, Sawbridgeworth, were second, their bunches being smaller
than the first, but beautifully coloured. Mr. J. Mclndoe took the third
prize for medium size, compact, symmetrical bunches, finely coloured.
Nearly all those entered were notable for their colour and bloom, diiieiing

chiefly in size. „

Madresfield, Court. — The competition was smaller in this class, only five
entering, and none of the specimens were in their best condition as regards
colou1', though in size of bunch and berries they were fairly satisfactory.
Mr. J. Bury, gardener to A. Richards, Esq., Tewkesbury Lodge, Forest Hul,
was awarded the first prize for capital well-formed bunches, the kernes
also large, but wanting in colour. Mr. H. Perkins, gardener to the Right
Hon. W. H. Smith, M.P., Henley-on-Thames, was second with wonderfully
large bunches and berries, but they were not fully ripe, and the C®^I0
bunch was slightly spotted, otherwise they were admirable examples o : this
beautiful Grape, which Mr. Perkins can evidently grow well, lhe third
place was taken by Mr. F. Jordan, gardener to B. Fost r, Esq., Godaiming.

Alicante. — Nine exhibitors staged in the Alicante class, and the majority
were good examples of this variety. Mr. W. Howe gained the first place
for splendid bunches superbly coloured, defeating Mr. Pratt, who was second
with large bunches weighing 9| lbs., but somewhat rubbed and irregular in
size. Mr. W. Tidy, gardener to J. R. Holland, Esq., Great Stanmore,
Middlesex, followed with fair bunches. _ T

With any other white variety there were thirteen competitors. Mr. J.
Wallis, gardener to the Rev. W. Sneyd, Keele Hall, Newcastle, Staffs, was
first with Mrs. Pearson in fair good condition for that variety, but not
better than Mr. Berry’s beautiful examples of Foster’s Seedling, which were
placed second. Mr. Perkins was third for large buncheB of the same variety.
Mr. W. H. Ward had the best “any other black,” medium sized but hand¬
somely coloured bunches of Alnwick Seedling. Mr. Hudson, gardener to
H. J. Atkinson, Esq., M.P., Gunnersbury House, Acton, followed with the
same variety, and Mr. J. Mclndoe with Gros Colman, large, but not first-
rate in colour. Amongst seven exhibitors of baskets of black Grapes Mr.
W. Howe was first for beautiful highly coloured bunches of Black Ham¬
burgh, Mr. J. Mclndoe was second with the same variety, and Mr. Hudson
third with Alnwick Seedling weighing 13J lbs. In the simllar class for
white Grapes Mr. C. J. Goldsmith took the lead with Muscat of Alexandria
handsomely coloured, Mr. Mclndoe was second with excellent examples of
Duke of Buccleuch, and Mr. Osman, gardener to L. J. Baker. Esq., Ottershaw
r>r,»-L- r'l-.ovfoziTT azarM-ivAri tiio t.hirrl nlap.A with Muscat of Alexandria finely

Pine Apples. — Though the competition was not very keen with these
ruits.the remarkably handsome specimens of Smooth Cayenne which gained
Hr. C. Ross, Welford Park Gardens, Newbury, the first prize, constituted one
if the principal features of the Exhibition. They were grandly formed noble
ruits. richly coloured, and weighed 9 lbs. 2 ozs. and 9 lbs. b ozs. respective y.
Mr. W. T. Smith and Mr. Mclndoe, who followed in the order named with the
same variety, both had good fruits, but far behind those from Mr, . Ross, who
aas previously given us some good examples of his skill in the cultivation of
Pine Apples. The Queen Pines were of an ordinary character, Mr. W. i.
Smith and Mr. Mclndoe being respectively first and second.

Peaches and Nectarines.— These fruits were numerously and well shown
in the several classes devoted to them. Eight entered with four is es o
Peaches, Mr. J. Mclndoe leading with large ripe fruits of Stirling Castle
Princess of Wales, Golden Eagle of fine colour, and Violette Hative, also
highly coloured. Mr. C. J. Goldsmith had Lady Palmerston, Prince of
Wales, Barrington, and Royal George in his second-prize collection ; and Mr.
H. G. Oclee, who was third, had Desse Tardive, Barrington, P°£al
and Lord Palmerston. No less than seventeen entered with one dish .of
Peaches ; and Mr. W. H. Divers, gardener to jT. Hop wood, Esq., Let. on
Hall, Stamford, won the chief prize with admirable fruits of Pnnca of
Wales, large and finely coloured. Mr. W. T. Smith was secon ,

Ridout, gardener to T. B. Haywood, Esq., Woodhatch, Reigate, was third

with Violette Hative. . . „„ A ■><-_

Seven collections of four dishes of Nectarines were staged Mr. Wm
Elphinstone winning fi st honours for medium-sized finely co oured and
ripe fruits of ElrugefPitmaBton Orange, Pine Apple, and \ lolette Hative
Mr. G. H. Richards, Somerley Gardens, Rinewood, Hants, Allowed with
Pine Apple, Victoria, Pitmaston Orange, and Elruge, Mr. J Roberts bein
third for Victoria, Downton, Balgowan, and Muirey, most of the others
shown bein'g unripe. Of the fifteen single dis^s of Nectarines Mr M
Hanagan, gardener to R. C. Naylor, Esq., Hooton Hall, Chester, had the best

230

journal or horticulture and cottage gardener

f SiiptPinbar 9, 1RK8.

ripe well coloured fruits of Pine Apple. Mr. S. Pullman and Mr. A. Evans
followed with the same, none of the others being so ripe as they should be.

A class was also provided for a collection of six varieties of Peaches and
six of Nectarines, in which Mr. Elphinstone secured leading honours with
good fruits of Peaches Princess of Wales, Royal George, Bellegarde, Bar¬
rington, Walburton Admirable, and Noblesse ; Nectarines, Victoria, Elruge,
Pine Apple, Pitmaston Orange, Albert Victor, very green ; and Violette
Hative. Messrs. T. Rivers it Son gained the second place, showing hand¬
some examples of Peaches, English Galande, Stirling Castle, Dymond,
Princess of Wales, Lord Palmerston, and Dr. Hogg; Nectarines, Albert
Victor, Pine Apple, Goldoni beautiful colour, Rivers’ Orange, Otway, and
Dryden. Mr. W. H. Divers, who was third, had Peaches Prince of Wales,
Dr. ’Hogg, Violette Hative, Rivers’ Early York, Grosse Mignonne, and
Goshawk ; Nectarines, Albert Victor, Lord Napier, Pine Apple, Stanwick
Elruge, Humboldt, and Violette Hative.

Plums. — A capital show of Plums was formed by the exhibits in the
three classes for red, purple, and yellow varieties. There were eight collec¬
tions of four dishes of red varieties, Mr. G. H. Wingfield, Brighton, having
the best — Magnum Bonum, Prince of Wales, Victoria, and Cooper’s. Mr. J.
Wells, gardener to R. Ravenhill, Esq , Windsor Forest, followed, showing
Pond’s Seedling, Goliath, with Denyer’s and Frogmore Victoria. Mr. Ward
was third for Pond’s Seedling, Font Hill, Goliath, and Victoria, all of good
size and well ripened. Mr. Wingfield was again first in the purple variety
class amongst eleven exhibitors, showing fine fruits of Diamond, Mitchel son’s,
Purple Gage, and Goliath. Mr. Richards followed with Diamond, Prince
Englebert, Kirke’s and Belgian Purple ; Messrs. Rivers & Son taking the
third place, having Belgian Purple, Late Prolific, and Prince Englebert in
good form. Seventeen entered with four dishes of yellow or green Plums,
and here again Mr. Wingfield was first for Washington, Green Gages,
Golden Drop, and Egg Plums. Mr. Neighbour, Bicklev, followed, having
White Magnum Bonum, Jefferson’s, Green Gage, and Washington; Mr. J.
Wells taking the third place with Jefferson’s, Oullins Golden, and
Washington, very fine.

Melons. — The competition was strong in the two classes for scarlet and
green-fleshed Melons. In the former fourteen entered. Mr. J. Lambert,
gardener to H. W. Segelcke, Esq., Herne Hill, took the lead with Hero of
Bath. Mr. O. Goldsmith, Polesden, was second with Oliver Goldsmith, and Mr.
Mclndoe third with Scarlet Premier. In the green-flesh variety class Mr. G.
Pullman was first with Golden Perfection, Mr. W. Wildsmith second, and
Mr. J. Morgan third, both with neat fruits.

FiG3. — Ten exhibitors staged two dishes of Figs. Mr. M. S. Fuller,
Lancing, Sussex, being first with Brown Turkey and Brunswick of good
size and well ripened ; Mr. Richards was second for the same varieties, and
Mr. Wallis third with White Ischia and Brown Turkey.

Apples and Pears. — There was a fair display of these, but it seemed to
be somewhat too early for the majority, especially in the Pear classes. With
a collection of twelve varieties of Apples Messrs. J. Butler, A. Waterman,
and W. S. Fuller were the prizetakers, also with three dishes of Apples the
two first were in the same positions, followed by Messrs. G. & J. Lane, St.
Mary Cray. For ten dishes of Pears Messrs. Butler, Waterman, and Hunter
were the successful competitors, and with three dishes Messrs. WiDgfield,
Butler, and Waterman were placed in the order named.

In the fruiterers’ class, for a collection of fruit, Mr. G. H. Wingfield was
first, followed by Mr. G. H. Redman and Mr. E. Peters, all of Brighton.
Mr. C. J. Goldsmith had the best six dishe3 of Tomatoes — namely, Stam-
fordian, Trophy, Vick’s Criterion, Acme, and Read’s Perfection. Mr. C.
Jennings, gardener to J. Freeman, Esq., Farnborongh, and Mr. Waterman
were second and third, also with good fruits.

Plants and Cut Flowers. — Prizes were offered for a group of early-
flowering Chrysanthemums, but it was too soon to obtain these in their best
condition. Mr. N. Davis, Camberwell, had far the best and most effective
group, easily winning the first prize, his collection comprising some bright
and pretty varieties, such as Blushing Bride, Flora, La Vierge, Madams
Desgrange and G. Wermig. Mr. Piercy was second, and Mr. H. James third.
The only other class for plants was six Cockscombs, but they were not of
remarkable merit, Mr. R. Spinks, Horley, Mr. J. R. Tranter, and Mr. J.
Lambert being the priz Rakers in that order.

In the cut flower classes Gladioli were capitally represented, the Asters
from Mr. J. Walker, Thame, Mr. J. Jones, Mr. W. Sloper, and Messrs. Salt-
marsh & Son were fine. Hollyhocks were admirably shown by Messrs.
Webb & Brand, Saffron Walden, in the open class, and by Mr. H. Whitton
Bedale, Yorkshire, in the amateurs’ class. The collections of stove and
greenhouse flowe-s were of great merit, Mr. T. N. Penfold, Mr. A. Gibson,
and Mr. H. James gaining the awards in the older named, Mr. Prewett of
Hammersmith also having a meritorious collection, including some fine
Orchid flowers.

Miscellaneous. — Special prizes were awarded to the following exhibi¬
tors : Messrs. T. Rivers & Son, for a handsome group of Vines and fruit treeB
tastefully arranged. Messrs. W. Paul & Son, Waltham Cross, for an exten¬
sive collection of Apples ; to Mr. J. R Hannah, gardener to Sir H. E. Max¬
well, Bart., M.P., for a huge bunch of Trebbiano Grape weighing 21J lbs. ;
to Messrs. J. Laing & Co., Forest Hill, for an effective group of Tuberous
Begonias and fine-foliage plants ; to Mr. T. Garratt for African Marigolds
and Zinnias ; to Mr. R. Mann for African Marigolds ; Mr. W. Gordon,
Twickenham, for a group of Lilies ; and to Mr. R. W. Proctor for a collection
of Roses, Pinks, and Carnations. Messrs. G. Bunyard & Co., Maidstone,
showed a collection of fine Apples, as also did Messrs. Cheal & Son of
Crawley ; and a basket of beautiful fruit of the Duke of Buccleuoh Grape
was staged by Messrs. Wm. Thomson & Sons, Clovenfords, the berries very
large and clean, but a trifle green in colour. First-class certificates were
awarded to Mr. J. Douglas for Picotee Terra Cotta, and to Messrs. Webb and
Brand for Hollyhock Grace, which have been previously described.

THE NATIONAL DAHLIA SHOW.— September 3rd and 4th.

This Exhibition was held at the Crystal Palace, Sydenham, on the same
days as the fruit Show, and the two constituted a most extensive and varied
display. The Dahlias were represented by numerous admirable collections,
affording ample proof that these plants are by no means losing favour
with cultivators. The general quality of the blooms was satisfactory, and
the competition was so close in some of the principal classes that the Judges

had a formidable task in determining their relative positions. In the large
cla83 for forty eight indeed they found it necessary to award two equal first.
priz“B, though some thought that sufficient difference could be detected to
avoid this. The show and fancy flowers have a stately symmetry of form
that will always find them many admirers, but to the general public the-
exquisitely neat Pompons and graceful single varieties were more pleas¬
ing, especially now that exhibitors set their flowers up in such an
elegant manner with their own or other foliage.

Show Varieties. — In Class A for forty-eight blooms, distinct (nursery¬
men), six collections were staged, equal first prizes being accorded to Messrs;
Keynes, Williams & Co., Salisbury, and Mr. Turner, Slough, both having-
superb blooms clean and bright. The Salisbury stands comprised the-
following varieties : Hugh Austin, Prince of Denmark, Harrison Weir,
Henry Walters, Defiance, Georgians, Prince Bismarck, Constancy, Joseph
Ashley, Colonist, Rebecca, Mrs. Harris, Mrs. John Laing, T. Good winy
Rev. J. M. B. Camm, Mrs. Foreman, Royal Queen, Seraph, Thomas
Hobbs, Henry Glasscock, Illuminator, Mrs. Jeffard, Rosy Morn, Imperial,
Cardinal, Shirley Hibberd, Mrs. Langtry, C. Wyatt, Ethel Britten, Mrs;
Spofforth, Mrs. Stanscombe, Mrs. W. Slack, Vice-President, Harry Keith,
William Rawlings, Buttercup, John Wyatt, General Gordon, Miss Cannel),
Mrs. Glasscock, James Cocker, Mrs. Gladstone, Lord Chelmsford, Gloire
de Lyon, and several unnamed seedlings. The Slough collection included
the undermentioned varieties : Mr. Wm. Slack, John Wyatt, Georgiana,
Statesman, Sunbeam, J. Service, Prince of Denmark, Mrs. HodgsoD,
Harry Keith, Flag of Truce, John Bennett, Mrs. Kendall, J. Stephens,
Ethel Britten, Imperial, Bendigo, G. Rawlings, T. J. Saltmarsh, J. Ashley,
Mrs. Langtry, Thos. Hobbs, Mrs. S. Hibberd, Prince of Denmark, J. H.
Keynes, Rosetta, Seraph, Burgundy, H. W. Ward, Mr. G. Harris, Herbert
Turner, Constancy, Champion Rollo, John Standisb, J. Cocker, Hon. Mrs.
Wyndham, Mrs. Jeffard, Clara, Rev. J. Godday, Hope, Wm. Rawlings',
Cecilia, Ovid, Mrs. Gladstone, Mrs. Harry Turner, and unnamed seedlings.
Mr. W. Boston, Bedale, and Messrs. Heath & Son, Chelmsford, were third
and fourth. There were seven exhibitors of twenty-four show blooms, the
winners being Mr. John Walker, Thame, Messrs. C. Kimberley & Son, Stoke
near Coventry, Messrs. Harkness & Sons, Bedale, and Messrs. Saltmarsh
and Son, Chelmsford. For twelve blooms, also from nurserymen, Mr. (k
Humphries, Langley, Chippenham ; Messrs. Rawlings Bros., Romford -r
John Burrell & Co., Cambridge; and Cheal & Son, Crawley, succeeded in
obtaining the honours in the order named.

Three classes for show varieties were similarly devoted to amateurs, and/
some fine blooms were staged in the premier collections. With twenty-four
blooms Mr. R. Petfield, gardener to A. J. Thornhill, Esq., Diddington,
Buckden, Hunts, secured the first place with even, symmetrical, and fresh
blooms of the following Miss Cannell, J. Ashby, Seraph, G. Rawlings,
Constancy, J. Stephens, Mrs. Langtry, Prince Bismarck, Primrose Perfec¬
tion, Imperial, Flag of Truce, J. W. Lord, T. J. Saltmarsh, J. Cocker, Mrs.
Gladstone, S. Hibberd, Earl Ravens worth, J. Vick, Harrison Weir
W. Rawlings, Mrs. G. Rawlings, John Standisb, Royal Queen, and John
Wvatt. Mr. H. Glasicock, Rye Street, Bishops Stortford, was a close
second, showing very fine blooms. Mr. T. Hobbs, Bristol, was third, and
Mr. T. Garratt, Bishops Stortford, fourth. Fourteen competitors entered
with twelve show varieties, Mr. C. Hockney, Greenfield House, Stokesley,
winning the premier honours for handsome examples of Wm. Rawlings,
Earl Ravensworth, Harrison Weir, Criterion, Pioneer, Clara, Prince Bis¬
marck, Mrs. Gladstone, James Vick, Ethel Britten, Shirley Hibberd, and
Goldfinder. Mr. J. Tranter, Upper Assenden, Henley-on-Thames, wae
second with a good collection, of which the following were notable : — John
Henshaw, George Barnes, Jame3 Cocker, Joseph Ashby, Hope, and John
Bennett. Mr. W. H. Apethorpe, Albion Brewery, Cambridge, and Mr. H.
Whitton, Bedale, were third and fourth. Of the ten exhibitors in the six
variety class Mr. J. Perkins, London Road, Chippenham, was the most suc-
cessfu1, taking the first prize with Mrs. Langtry, Mrs. Gladstone, Hope,
J. Stephens, Mrs. Harris, and Aurora. The other prizes were secured by
Mr. A. Tunbridge, gardener to the Rev. W. Trimmer, Broomfield, Chelms¬
ford ; Mr. H. Steer, New Eltham; and Mr. T. W. Girdlestone, Sunningdale,
Berks.

Fancy Varieties. — These were not nearly so numerous as the show
varieties, but were very satisfactory in quality, and their bright varied
colours render them greater favourities with some persons. Messrs. Keynes,
Williams & Co. had some handsome blooms in their premier stand of
twenty-four varieties, and were followed by Mr. C. Turner, Mr. W. Boston,
and Mr. H. Clarke, Leeds. Mr. J. Walker, Thame, had the best twelve
fancy blooms in a class of nine exhibitors. His varieties were C. Wyatt,
John Forbes, Peacock, John Salter, Professor Fawcett, Mrs. Browning,
Fanny Sturt, Tippy Bob, Florence Sturt, Flora Wyatt, Chorister, and
Prospero. Mr. G. Humphries was a good second, Mr. Campbell, Blantyre,
third, and Paul & Son, Cheshunt, fourth.

The hast amateurs’ twelve fancy blooms came from Mr. C. Hockney,
who had excellent specimens of Rebecca, H. Glasscock, Prospero, Mrs.
Saunders. Polly Perkins, Flora Wyatt, Mrs. N. Hall, Miss Large, Peacock,
Gaiety, Fanny Sturt, and G. Barnes. Mr. R. Petfield followed, showing
A. F. Barron, Mrs. Saunders, W. G. Grace, and Henry Eckford in fine con¬
dition. Mr. H. Vincent, gardener to J. Hart, Esq., Keymers, Sussex, and
Mr. H. Glasscock were third and fourth amongst five exhibitors. Fifteen
stands of six fancy varieties were entered, Mr. A. Whitton, Askew, leading
with C. Wyatt, Flag of Truce, Mrs. N. Hall, Mrs. Saunders, Hugh AuBten,
and Lottie Eckford. Mr. J. Perkins was placed second, but many thought
h is blooms were entitled to the first place. The best varieties were Rev.
J. M. B. Camm, Rebecca, Chorister, Lottie Eckford, and Egyptian Prince.
Mr. J. G. West and Mr. W. H. Apthorpe were third and fourth.

The premier show bloom was a fine example of John Standish from Mr.
J. Walker, and the premier fancy bloom was an equally beautiful specimen
of Henry Eckford from Mr. Turner.

The Turner Memorial prize for twelve show and six fancy varieties did
not bring many competitors, only three collections being entered. Mr.
J. G. West, Cornwallis, Brentwood, being the successful exhibitor w.th neat
blooms — Show varieties : — Mrs. Gladstone, Prince Bismarck, Mrs. S.
Hibberd, C. Wyatt, T. J. Saltmarsh, Mrs. Langtry, Mr. G. Harris, Miss
Cannell, Wm. Rawlings, Georgiana, and Goldfinder. Fancy varieties : —
R -becca, Henry Eckford, Hugh Austen, Chorister, Gaiety, and Mrs. N. Hall.

September 9, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

231

Pompon (Varieties. — A charming display of these neat and graceful
Dahlias was formed by the numerous collections entered both by nursery¬
men and amateurs. Five stands of twenty-four varieties were contributed,
Mr. Turner winning premier honours, and Messrs Keynes, Williams & Co.
were placed second, but many preferred the latter, and the Judges might as
well have awarded equal first prizes in this case as with the forty -eight show
varieties. The best of Mr. Turner’s were Golden Gem, Dora, Little Arthur,
Isabel, Rosetta, Lady Blanche, Fair Helen, and Ernest. In Messrs. Keynes and
Williams’ stand very notable were Golden Gem, Darkness, Lady Blanche,
Dora, Northern Light, Mabel, and Gem. The only fault that could be urged
against the stand was that too many yellow varieties were included, while,
on the other hand, Mr. Turner had several very dull coloured varieties.
Messrs. J. Cheal & Son were third, and J. Gilbert, Ipswich, fourth. With
twelve Pompons Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshunt. were first, showing neat and
pleasing blooms of Royalty, Pure Love, Fair Helen, Dove, Gem, D u-kness,

Numerous seedlings were exhibited, and first-class certificates were
awarded for the following : —

Nellie Tranter (J . R. Tranter) a beautiful yellow self variety, a very fresh
and bright tint, the bloom of good substance and excellent form.

Bendigo (C. Turner). — A handsome show variety of a warm crimson
colour, the bloom very deep and symmetrical.

Florence (C. Turner). — A show variety of a bright yellow hue and
excellent form.

Defiance (Keynes, Williams & Co.). — A magnificent bloom of a peculiar
scarlet shade. A fine show variety, very deep, and of great substance. -*:< .£

Colonist (Keynes, Williams & Co.).— A show variety of excellent form,
very distinct, the colour a peculiar terra-cotta orange, tinged with
crimson.

B. T. Rawlings (Rawlings Bros.).— Another bright yellow show variety :
making the third certificated at tlrs Show.

Fig. 31. — Easton Lodge, Ddnmow. (See page 232.)

Fanny Weimer, Lady Blanche, and Little Bobby. Messrs. J. Henshaw, J.
Burrell & Co., and Apthorj e were the other prizetakers, while for six
Pompons Messrs. H. Glasscock, J. West, A. Tunbridge, and J. Bullard were
placed in that order.

Single Varieties. — Only (wo classes were appropriated to single
varieties — namely, one for twelve and the other for six. In the first-named
there were seven entries, Mr. Turner being accorded first honours for some
charming varieties, bright in colour and neat in form. They were Defiance,
Duchess of Westminster, Negress, Ellen Terry, Juno, Mary Anderson, Mrs.
Bowman, Dorothy, Harlequin, Paragon, Rupert, and Yellow Queen.
Messrs. Keynes, Williams & Co. were second, their best varieties being
Chilwell Beauty, Queen of Singles, Mauve Queen, Magnificent, and Negress.
Messrs. Cheal & Son and Paul & Son were respectively third and fouith.
Mr. T. W. Girdlestone was deserved awarded the first prize for six single
varieties, showing extremely graceful, light, and pleasingly coloured blooms
of Walter Ware, Marion Hood, Sunningdale White, Sunningdale Star,
Brightness of Sunningdale, and Calico, rosy mauve margined with white, a
very pretty variety, and, with mo3t of the others, have been raised by the
exhibitors. Mr. H. Vincent and Mr. Spinks were second and third with
pretty varieties.

Mrs. Theobald (Rawlings Bros.). — A beautiful variety of the show type;
rich rosy mauve, very neat in form and of good substance.

Alice (J. Burrell & Co.). — A charming neat Pompon variety, ciimson
tipped with white, very pretty and distinct.

Dandy (Turner). — A warm crimson self Pompon, excellent shape.

Don Juan (Turner). — A black maroon self Pompon, the blooms small and
most symmetrical.

Mrs. Coninck (T. S. Ware). — A single variety, with broad fine’y formed
florets, white at the base, deeply tipped with rosy lilac.

Amos Perry (Turner). — One of the Paragon type, but of a deeper richer
colour, with a narrow margin of a lighter shade.

Chilwell Beauty (Turner, Cannell & Sons). — A very distinct single,
variety, the florets bright orange in the centre edged with scarlet, the
general outline of the bloom being good and the flo etj broad.

Black Knight (H. Cannell & Sons).— Certificated as a d corative variety;
the blooms of medium size, very freely produced, anl intensely deep maroon,
nearly black.

Charming Bride, (H. Cannell & Sons). — This was also certificated as a
decorative variety ; the florets being white tipped with crimson, and the
blooms of| good form.

232

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September 9, 1886.

Miscellaneous. — Several collections of Dahlias not in competition were
exhibited, and notable amongst these were the stands from Messrs. H.
Cannell & Sons, Swanley, which comprised a fine selection of the leading
varieties in each section. Mr. T. S. Ware, Tottenham, contributed a varied
collection of singles and Pompons very tastefully arranged with Asparagus
sprays. Messrs. Cheal & Son, Crawley, also had a choice display of single
and other varieties, and seedlings were shown by several growers.

EASTON LODGE, DUNMOW.

The county of Essex generally is not remarkable for its picturesque
beauty, and the majority who hate not explored it seem to have formed
the idea that it is one of those flat uninteresting tracts of land such as are
often found on the banks of rivers, especially on the opposite side of the
German Ocean. As regards that poition of the county which borders the
Thames, and with which Londoners at least are most familiar, this is quite
true, but a few well-chosen excursions inland, and particularly to the north
of Chelmsford, will reveal landscape attractions that were quite unex¬
pected. The beauty is of a quiet homely character, the land undulating
and in some districts pleadingly wooded, giving typical English rural
prospects which, though less striking than those in the more boldly
varied and hilly counties, yet have a refreshing and peaceful effect that all
lovers of country scenes can fully appreciate. One such district is found
in the neighbourhood cf Dunmow that was formerly so noted for its
peculiar “ Flitch of Bacon ” custom, and a drive of four miles from this
little town to the residence of Lord and Lady Brooke, Easton Lodge,
effectually dispels any illusions formed respecting the uninteresting
character of Essex scenery, while at Easton itself is found one of the
grand old parks for which England is famed.

Dunmow is readily reached by the Great Eastern line from Liverpool
Street to Bishops Stortford, and from there a branch line runs to Dun¬
mow, but Takeley on the same branch and Elsenham on the Cambridge
line are nearly equal distances from Easton Lodge. A public road
extends through the park, and a most agreeable thoroughfare it is
in the summer and early autumn when the trees are in their best con¬
dition. The park comprises over 1000 acres, and is beautifully wooded,
the great features of the place being the old Oaks, some of which have
attained enormous dimensions with large gnarled boles and widely
spreading heads that are most picturesque. Some that must date back
several centuries have now little more than a trunk-like shell remaining
to show what giants they were in their prime, but there are plenty of
others which are still in full vigour, and for a kind of sturdy nobility we
have no trees to equal a full-grown Oak ; none of the quick- growing
trees so usually planted can be compared with them. Sometimes, how¬
ever, Oaks are seen planted in most unsuitable positions, a remarkable in¬
stance of which recently came under notice. An avenue of closely
planted Oaks had been formed leading to a mansion, and a sorry
appearance they had, for a great length of time would be needed to
enable them to assume anything like their proper proportions. In such
a position a quick-growing tree of any kind would have been far more
appropriate, and if Oaks are to be seen at their best they must be
scattered in small clumps, or preferable as single specimens, as they are at
Easton.

Approaching the house by the public road a good view of the south-west
part is obtained, and the first impression is that the “ Lodge ” is a very
modest title for such a substantial and handsome structure. It is built
chiefly in the Tudor style, only one small portion in the Elizabethan
style remaining of the original house erected by Sir William Maynard in
1593. The old house was nearly destroyed by fire in 1847, and the
present structure erected in its place at the cost of £12,000. The illus¬
tration (fig. 31) shows the north-east side, and is from a photograph
by Mr. Stacey of Dunmow. On the left is a remarkably old and hand¬
some Catalpa syringasfolia, which flowers abundantly, and at the time the
photograph was taken it was very beautiful, loaded with its large heads
of funnel-shaped spotted flowers, like small Gloxinias. The principal
flower garden is situated on this side of the house, and though of simple
design is extremely effective, and has been capitally planted this season,
attracting the admiration of many visitors. The beds generally are
arranged in the form of a bell, the base of which is nearest to the house.
There are four outer long beds forming the outline, filled in the centre
with Pelargonium Manglesi and Verbena venosa mixed, a row of Iresine
Lindeni round this, and a broad outer band of Oerastium tomentosum.
These have a beautiful appearance, and the mixture is one of the most
pleasing we have seen. Next to these outer beds is a series of eight
smaller beds, four of which, in opposite, are filled with Pelargonium
Vesuvius edged with a double row of Lobelia Brighton Blue, two are
filled with Pelargonium Bijou, and two with Pelargonium Mardchal
MacMahon, each being edged with the Lobelia, like the others. An inner
series of eight horseshoe-like beds are planted alternately with Tropaeolum
Vesuvius edged with Cerastium tomentosum, and a dwarf Ageratum
edged with Pyrethrum Golden Feather. The centre circular bed has Cen-
taureas in the middle, surrounded by a star of Coleus Verschaffelti, angles
of Pyrethrum, and margined with Echeveria=. In other portions of the
garden are several other good beds, notably a long scroll near the con¬
servatory, planted with Lobelia Brighton Blue edged with Antennaria,
and with small circles in the loops of the scroll filled with Biota aurea
in the centre, surrounded by Coleus Verschaffelti, and the whole design is
enclosed by a band of Golden Harry Hieover Pelargonium. A large
cai pet bed opposite this has also been very tastefully designed, having a
gronndwork of Antennaria with a tracery of Alternanthera9 amcena,
magnifica, paronychioides and aurea, and a few scattered Chammpeuces

and Grevilleis. The whole of the bedding is very unpretentious, but
extremely effective, and it has been repeatedly proved that the simple
well- chosen methods of planting are the most satisfactory.

The garden altogether comprises about twelve acres, of which 3J acres
are included in the kitchen garden. Roses are an important feature at
Easton, about 2300 plants being placed out in the quarters specially
reserved for them. Numerous varieties are grown either as bush or
standard trees, but chiefiy as the farmer, and of some varieties like
Charles Ltfebvre, which is a great favourite with Lady Brooke, there are
many beds. Other favourites are La France, Baroness Rothschild, Dr.
Andry, Capitaine Chribty, and Marie Baumann, together with the
fiorifercus little William Allen Richardson, which is grown against a wall
and has been very satisfactory. All the Roses are treated liberally in
the shape of manurial applications, and they thrive very satisfactorily,
yielding great quantities of flowers to supply the large demands. The
glass houses are not very numerous, but there is a neat conservatory that
is kept well furnished, and which has a particularly beautiful appearance
in November when the Chrysanthemums are in flower, as these form another
specialty at Easton are then effectively arranged on the stages and up the
roof so as to constitute a kind of floral avenue, In the kitchen garden are
vineries, Cucumber and Melon houses, frames, &c., with a Peach house
(erected a short time since by Messrs. Boulton & Paul) 80 feet long, and
planted with Princess of Wales, Barrington, Stirling Castle, Early Louise,
and Nectarines Lord Napier and Violette Hdtive, healthy trees that have
already yielded well and give excellent promise for the future.

The kitchen garden is well stocked, and, like the whole of the garden,
kept in admirable condition, very creditable to the gardener, Mr. H.
Lister. There is a good number of fruit trees, Apples, Pears, and Plums,
some old, but others in vigorous fruit-bearing condition. Very notable is
a large specimen of the Myrobalon or Cherry Plum, from which as much as
10 bushels of fruit has been obtained in one year. This is much valued
for preserving, and is a favourite fruit in the district. Apples are a
rather short crop this season, but small fruits have been abundant, Goose¬
berries succeeding wonderfully well, and yielding fruit of exhibition size.

The lawns, shrubberies, and walks around the house are well attended,
and the garden generally gives the best evidence that it is under good
management. — L. Castle.

GRAPES COLOURING.

White Grapes undoubtedly colour best when not too heavily shaded
with foliage, and, on the other hand, black Grapes seem always to colour
best when beneath a heavy’ shade of leaves. Black Lrapes seem to lose
colour if exposed to the sun after having coloured well beneath the foliage.
There seems some subtle distinction in the composition of white and
black Grapes that makes this difference ; we may not be able to define it,
but experience tells us that such is the case, and we must be guided by
experience and Ireat the different colours differently. Muscats seem
especially7 to like a very thin shade of foliage, and some growers go the
length of allowing them to have the full blaze of the sun. I prefer to
have some shade on them, as when fully exposed to the sun, though they
take a deep golden colour, they at the same time shrivel a little, and in
some cases become brown. They are, when in that condition, too sweet
for my taste : I prefer them a shade less golden, provided they are quite
plump and fresh. Golden-coloured Muscats, without the peculiar browny
gold of full exposure to the sun, are more likely to keep well than those
which are roasted into the more deep and even browny gold that is
sometimes seen, and which, by some, is considered perfection.

This month, September, has opened grandly for the finishing of all
Grapes, and the sun, which at present is so steadily shining, will do
wonders for all vegetation, and for colouring “the fruits of the earth
that still remain to be matured. Late Grapes should keep well this year
if we have a continuance of this sunny summer weather ; but I would
advise all who wiBh their Muscats to keep for some time, not to expose
them to the direct rays of the sun, but to maintain a partial shade of
foliage. — Reader.

GLADIOLI AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE.

The unexpected, we are told, always happens, and the saying was
certainly fulfilled in this part of the Exhibition held on Friday and
Saturday last. Knowing that two new competitors in the nurserymen’s
class were about to enter the field, I, in common with some others, was
looking forward to the grandest display of these flowers which had ever
been held. I had weighed in my mind how these new men would stand
in comparison with the older exhibitors — Messrs, Kelway and Campbell.
But when I got there I found that neither of these redoubtable
champions had entered the lists, and that virtually the contest lay be¬
tween them, for the two other collections were far behind. These two
competitors were Messrs. Burrell, How House Nurseries, Cambridgeshire,
and Messrs. Harkness of Bedale in Yorkshire. Neither of them had been
to the manner born. One had been an amateur Rose exhibitor in the n< rth,
and like some others, carried away by his love of the flowers, bad passed
away from the amateur to the grower, and has very successfully com¬
peted during the past season. The ethers were in business of another kind,
bnt have taken mainly to flower culture, have been most successful as
Rose exhibitors in the north, and have now established their name as
very successful growers of Gladioli, thus giving another illustration ih it
a mau may, despite his never having been lrougtt up to it, become a
successful horticulturist.

September 9, 1836. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

238

In looking at the two collections we could perceive at once the
deficiencies of both, and their excellencies as well. Mr. Burrell’s collec¬
tion, which was placed rightly first, exhibited great depth of colouring,
well finished spikes, and good quality, while Messrs. Harkness’ were
deficient in colour, there being a too great preponderance of light flowers,
a fault which was found with Mr. Campbell’s collection last year. The
flowers, too, had been too much shaded, although this is perhaps more
necessary in Yorkshire than it would be further south. All the collec¬
tions, whether in the nurserymen’s or amateurs’ class, exhibited the
effects of the recent very hot weather. It was the same with them as with
Rises af:er the hot weather in the early part of July — they were rushed
into bloom and were consequently small. I know that in my own case
many flowers that I had fondly hoped would have stood by me on the
show day had to be rejected, as the lower blooms had all passed.

Taking, then, the collection which gained the first prize, I may remark
that it was a most even lot; the spikes had from six to ten flowers ex¬
panded. They were rich in colour, but would have gained a little, I think,
if the stands had been covered with baize, and a little foliage had been
added. Amongst the most noticeable flowers were the following : — Ovide,
a very bright carmine-coloured flower, tinted with lilac. I was surprised to
see this in such good form, as I had almost discarded it. Leviathan, a
very large light-coloured flower ; Duchess of Edinburgh (Kel way’s), this
very much surprised me, not by its excellence, for that I knew it always
possessed, but by its being there at all. I have never been able to get it
into bloom until October, but here there were three or four spikes of it in
excellent condition. ; it is without question a very grand flower. In the
same way I was surprised to see Phoebus, a grand high-coloured flower of
Souchet’s, but which I discarded long ago for the same reason. Mount
Etna, a grand high-coloured scarlet flower ; Flamboyant, another of the
same type ; Grand Rouge, a splendid flower in the way of Meyerbeer,
perhaps even brighter in colour, but I question if it is superior to that old
and grand flower ; Le Vesuve is another of the same type, very brilliant,
but not so large as Mount Etna and Grand Rouge ; Atlas, a very fine
light-coloured flower, white, striped with lilac ; Crepuscule, a flower which
I did not think a great deal of when it came out, but here it was very
pretty, a delicate soft porcelain white ; Cervantes, bright and good rose,
tinted with lilac ; Legouvd, the best bloom of this old and once f ivourite
flower that I have seen for some time; Cameleon, slatey lilac flamed
orange ; Mabel, this I think is, taking it all in all, the best Gladiolus we
have, it is very close and compact in form of spike like Meyerbeer, the
colour is a clear beautiful waxy white, with delicate carmine markings, a
most chaste and lovely flower ; Dr. Fostain, another very bright flame
colour ; M. Mann Me^s, very good, but one of the most delicate kinds we
have ; Baroness Burdett Coutts, a very large flower, forming a grand
spike of lilac. It is very attractive, although perhaps it may to
some extent dominate the other flowers in a stand, and serve them the
same as Paul Neyron does a stand of Roses ; Dalila, a very favourite
flower of mine, with a soft pleasing shade of salmon rose, a good spike,
and undoubtedly the finest we have of that shade of colour ; Archduche3.se
Marie Christine, a fine large flower, but somewhat too loose both in the
flower itself and in the spike ; Addin, a very bright flower of dark
amaranth colour, with white lines ; and Rossini, another old flower which
I had long since thought ought not to be grown, but here it was very
bright and good ; Mdlle. Marie Nines, bright and clear, but my experience
of the variety is that it is very difficult to keep ; Horace Vernet, a very
favourite flower of mine, with its rich deep crimson colour ; Colorado, a
very bright flower ; Andre Leroy, deep cherry red, striped with a darker
shade with white lines ; Hesperide, white ground with rosy salmon stripes,
and Lacepede, rosy violet, shaded white, and striped with lilac. Besides
these Mr. Burrell had some promising seedlings, one in the way of
Shakespeare, and another light colour with a margin which was intended
to be permanent, and if so would be likely to be very valuable. Before
dismissing Mr. Burrell’s exhibits, I may state that many of these flowers
were cut from bulbs which he had collected for three years, thus disposing
the idea of deterioration, and that a large proportion of them were from
bulbs which had been cut in two previous to planting. The soil and
climate of Cambridge are no doubt favourable, with a rainfall of only
22 inches and a higher temperature in autumn than most places possess ;
it seems more to resemble that of Fontainbleau and Montereux, where the
great bulk of Gladioli is grown in France, than any climate in England
with which I am acquainted. I have always thought that parts of Lin¬
colnshire around Spalding would be favourable, and this seems very
like it.

Messrs. Harkness & Sons’ exhibit was a most creditable one, and for a
ddbflt at a metropolitan show, I think nearly as remarkable as Mr.
Burrell’s. There were two defects in it ; there were too many white and
light-coloured flowers, and too much foliage. This gave it a dull appear¬
ance, especially when contrasted with Mr. Burrell’s close to it, while at a
little distance the flower appeared hid in the too great quantity of greener}-.
These are drawbacks which can be easily remedied. There was one
noticeable feature in this collection, the manner in which some of the old
flowers came to the front — such flowers, for instance, as Colbert, a bright-
looking red flower ; Didon, an old white ; Orphde, of which there were
some of the best spikes I have seen for some time ; Pactoli, an old yellow
in very good condition, were very good, and proved that some of the old
flowers, when well cultivated, can still hold their own. Africaine was
very fine, and is unquestionably a very desirable variety, contrasting so
well with light flowers. Leviathan and Celume were also good, while
Ondine, pure white, was shown in remarkably good form, being probably
the best white we have.

With regard to the amateurs’ class little need be said. I do not think

the writer will be accused of “ bumptiousness ” when he says his own were
very far ahead of the others, although they were not equal to those he exhi¬
bit -d last year. The stand included Dalila, with ten flowers expanded;
Abricote, a most lovely shade of clear apricot colour ; Meyerbeer, with
fourteen expanded flowers ; Mabel, white seedling ; Tamerlane, very dark ;
Pyramide, bright and good ; Baroness Burdett Coutts, large and well
coloured ; Horace Yernet, Adolphe Brongniart, Mount Etna, and Grand
Rouge. The second prize was taken by Mr. Whetton, Bedale. His flowers,
both in their excellencies and defect1, bore a striking similarity to those
of Messrs. Harkness. Owing, no doubt, to their being neighbours and
friends the same system of shading had apparently been adopted. Mr.
Catley of Bath gained the third prize, and among6t the flowers were
some of Mr. Kelway’s varieties, but they were not in good form. It is
much to he wished that more encouragement were given to this fine
autumn flower, which seems to be taken up warmly in the noith, as all
florist’s flowers are. — D., Deal.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

September 7th and 8Tn.

The Fruit and Dahlia Shows at South Kensington formed an extensive
display in the conservatory on Tuesday and Wednesday last, Grapes being
particularly well shown. Groups of plants and flowers also added consider¬
ably to the interest of the occasion.

Fruit Committee. — Present : John E. Lane, Esq., in the chair, and
Messrs. John Burnett, T. J. Saltmarsh, G. T. Miles, J. Roberts, W. Warren,
William Paul, G. Goldsmith, G. Norman, J. Willard, P. Crowley, R. D.
Blackmore, and G. Bunyard. Mr. Bannister, Cote House, Westbury-on-
Trym, showed a seedling Grape, said to be a cross between Muscat of
Alexandria and Black Hamburgh, the berries oval, of medium size, and of a
fine golden colour. The Committee wished the Grape to be shown again in
two months’ time. Mr. W. Carmichael, Bignor Park, Pulborough, also
showed a seedling Grape, said to he from Muscat Champion. It was sown
in April, 1881, and fruited at midseason, 1886; the berries were large,
globular, and red. Mr. G. T. Miles was awarded a cnltura' comm -ndation
for large handsome fruits of President Strawb rry, which wore much
admired. Mr. Burnett, Deepdene Gardens, showed fruks of Pear Biurre
Pres d’ Artois. Mr. J. Blundell, West Dulwich, exhibited dishes of Boddaert’a
Green Gage and Cox’s Emperor Plums, also Cox’s Pomona Apples. Mr. W.
Allan, Gunton Park Gardens, Norwich, sent a bunch of Grapes under the
name of Foster’s Seedling, which it was thought resembled White Tokay.
The Commissioners of Western Australia contributed a collection of dried
fruits, principally Raisins, which were highly commended. A vote of
thanks was accorded to MM. Vilmorin, Andrieux & Co., Paris, for twenty
varieties of Haricot Beans. Mr. Mortimer, Farnham, exhibited twenty-four
fruits of Sutton’s Imperial Green Flesh, beautifully netted and o' fine flavour.
Mr. T. Lockie had a seedling Melon, named Oakley Court Seedling, a green-
flesh of good quality. Mr. T. Spencer showed a seedling Melon, a cross
between' Hero of Bath and Munroe’s Little Heath. Messrs. James Veitch,
Chelsea, exhibited a large collection of Carrots, comprising over twenty
varieties, scarlet, yellow, and white. W. Roup 11, E^q., Haivey Lodge,
Roupell Park, exhibited a collection of Grapes, comprising good bunches of
Muscat Hamburgh and Madresfield Court, the latter being exceedingly
fine ; ten bunches of these were shown in capital condition. A collection of
highly flavoured Grapes was also shown, comprising Purple Constantia,
Grizzly Fontignan, Dr. Hogg, La Bruxelloise, the Raspberry, the Strawberry
Grape, and the Trebbiano.

Floral Committee. — Present : G. F. Wilson, Esq., F.R S., in the chair,
and Messrs. H. Bennett, W. Bealby, T. Baines, H Herbst, J. Hudson, R.
Deau, A. L. Lendy, J. O. Brien, J. Dominv, C. Noble, H. Turner, G. Paul,
G. Duffield, E. Hill, J. Douglas, W. B. Keflock, H. Cannell, J. Walker, and
Dr. M. T. Masters.

G. F. Wilson, Esq., F.R.S., W^ybridge, was awarded a vote of thanks for
Lilium auratum, with five large flowers, the petals broad with numerous
spots. A vote of thanks was awarded. A vote of thanks was accorded to
Mr. R. Dean, Ealing, for a collection of very tine seedling Pentstemons,
brightly coloured and large flowers. Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea,
showed several new plants, for wh'ch certificates were awarded. They
also had a fine specimen of Nephrolepis rufescens tripinnatifida, which has
been previously certificated, and Selaginella gracilis, an elegant species
from the South Sea Islands. Messrs. Laing & Mather, the Nurseries, Kelso,
N.B , were awarded a vote of thanks for some seedling Carnations. Mr.
Mortimer, Farnham, showed flowers of Chrysanthemum G. Werinig. Mr.
G. Humphrey, Kingston Langley, Chippenham, had several distinct seedling
Dahlias. Mr. Bannister, Cote House Gardens, Westbury-on-Trym, suit a
good variety of Mignonette named White Perfection. Mr. John Walker,
Thame, contributed a pretty stand of quilled Asters. Mr. Munday, Basing¬
stoke, sent flowers of Cactus Dahlia, named Empress of India, striped with
crimson and maroon. Mr. Garlandvoy, Stanhope Park, Greenford, showed
a dark-coloured single Dahlia, and Major General Carey de B avoir,
Guernsey, showed a Cactus Dahlia named Fanny Carey, of a dark fcarlet
colour. Messrs. Heath & Son, Cheltenham, exhibit d a plant of Olonto-
glossum mirandum, not a verv good variety, and a plant of Dendrobium
ciliatum, a curious species, with a brownish deeply fringed lip. Messrs. F.
Sander & Co., St. Albans, showed a basket of p'auts of Galeandra Devonians,
bea'ing a large number of its purple-lipped flowers. A vote of thanks was
accorded. A cultural commendation was awarded to Messrs. Hooper & Co.,
Covent Garden, for a fine plant of Dasylirion glaucum. A vote of thanks
was accorded to Mr. T. S. Ware fer cut flowers, and to Mr. Gore on ot
Twickenham for a collection of Lilium auratum, representing several line

Y&ri6tl6S« • •

Certificated Plants. — Vanda Dearei (Baron Schroder). A distinct
species with curving leaves 18 inches long. The flowers are nearly 3 inches
in diameter, the sepals and petals obovate, creamy white petais and sepals,
the column white, and the lip yellow. , ,

Phrynium jucundum (J. Veitch & Sons). — A handsome variegate i p ant
from Dutch Malaya, the leaf-blades lanceolate, about 6 inches long, freely
variegated with white. -

234

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER

[ S ptember 9, 1888.

Davallia return (J. Veitch & Sons). — An elegant Fern, with bipinnate
fronds. The pinnules retuse, rather triangular in shape, and light green:
the stipes reddish. ’

Dahlia Lady E. Dyke (H. Cannell & Sons). — A yellow Cactus variety,
with handsome, fresh, and bright blooms.

Dahlia Mrs. Kennett (Cheal & Sons). — A single variety, very distinct,
striped with yellow and deep scarlet.

Certificates were also awarded for the following Dahlias, which are
described in the Crystal Palace Show report : — Colonist (Keynes, Williams,
and Co.), Black Knight and Charming Bride (Cannell), and Mrs. Theobald
(Rawlings Bros.).

FRUIT.

. Nineteen classes were devoted to Grapes, and the competition was close
in the majority of cases, but as the exhibits were in several cases the same as
at the Crystal Palace we have only briefly noted them in the order of the
schedule.

With two bunches of Alicantes Mr. W. Taylor, gardener to J. Chaffin,
Esq., Bath, was first with the grand bunches shown at the Crystal Palace
and noted in our report. Mr. J. Hollingworth, gardener to J. F. Campbell,
Esq., Woodseat, Uttoxeter, was second with good bunches weighing 7.) lbs.,
smaller in the berry ; and Mr. Howe, gardener to H. Tate, Esq., Park Hill,
Streatham Common, was third, there being five exhibitors.

Eight pairs of Alnwick Seedling were staged, Mr. W. Taylor being again
first with two beautiful bunches, closely followed by Mr. J. Drinkwater,
gardener to C. Bill, Esq., Farley Hall, Cheadle, Stoke-on-Trent, and Mr.
Goodacre. Elvaston Castle Gardens, Derby.

Six exhibitors of Black Hamburghs entered, Mr. J. Roberts, gardener to
Messrs. Rothschild, Gunnersbury Park, Acton, leading with compact well
colourtd bunches ; Mr. J. Hudson, gardener to H. J. Atkinson, Esq., M.P.,
Gunnersbury House, Acton, being second with smaller samples ; -and Mr. T.
Spencer, gardener to H. C. Moffat, Esq., Goodrich Court, Ross, was third, his
bunches being somewhat rubbed.

There were only two lots of Black Prince, Mr. C. Goldsmith, gardener to
C. A. Hoare, Esq., Kelsey Manor, Beckenham, having very compact and
well finished bunches, for which the first prize was awarded ; and Mr. J. Baird,
gardener to C. A. Daw, Esq., Homefield, Ealing, was second with much
thinner bunches.

Buckland Sweetwater were capitally shown by four exhibitors, Mr
Lockie, Oakley Court Gardens, Windsor, being first with very handsome
bunches and large berries well ripened. Mr. J. Roberts was second with
smaller but very compact bunches ; and Mr. H. W. Ward, gardener to the
Earl of Radnor, Longford Castle, Salisbury, was third with good bunches.

Duke of Bucc'euch was shown by four exhibitors. Mr. W. Allan,
gardener to Lord Suffield, Gunton Park, Norwich, took the first honours
with well ripened samples. Mr. John Wallis, gardener to the Rev. Walter
Sneyd, Keele Hall, Newcastle-on-Tyne, was second with medium-sized
bunches and large berries, but not quite so well coloured, Mr. Goodacre
being third.

Poster’s Seedling was well represented by seven pairs of bunches, Mr. J.
Roberts leading with beautiful bunches well ripened. Mr. G. T. Miles,
Wycombe Abbey Gardens, High Wycombe, a very close second with fine
bunches, but not quite so highly coloured, Mr. Ward being third with good
samples.

For Gros Colman, Mr. Elphinstone, Shipley Hall Gardens, Derby, was
first with good bunches and berries ; Mr. G. T. Miles second, and Mr. S. T.
Wright third, the two latter not having quite such will coloured bunches.

Gros Guiilaume was exhibited by four competitors, Mr. H. W. Ward
securing the first place with very large bunches and good-sized berries, but
they had been considerably rubbed, the appearance of one buDch being quite
spoiled. Mr. T. Spencer followed, and Mr. Miles was third, none of these
being well coloured.

Six competitors entered with Gros Maroc, the exhibits being all of con¬
siderable merit, especially the two fine bunches with which Mr. W. Taylor
took, the first prize. Mr. Wallis was second with smaller bunches, but
bearing a dense bloom, and Mr. Elphinstone fook the third place for compact
well-coloured samples.

The competition was keen with Lady Downe’s Seedling, there bring nine
entries. Mr. T. Osman, gardener to C. J. Baker, Esq., Ottershaw Park,
Chertsey, secured the first place with compact bunches, well coloured.
Mr. Hollmgworth was second with good specimens, and Mr. J. Wallis
third.

Madresfield Court was represented by six exhibitors, Mr. W. Taylor again
taking the first position with two beautiful bunches, the berries not quite so
large as some of the others. Mr. Bury, gardener to A. Richards, Esq.,
Tewkesbury Lodge, Forest Hill, was second with well-coloured bunches,
and Mr. Goodacre third with handsome bunches, bearing a fine bloom.

With Mrs. Pearson Mr. T. Osman was first, showing two very large but
green bunches, Mr. J. Roberts was Becond with riper samples, and Mr. J.
Wallis was third with lesser bunches, but apparently the ripest of all. There
were four entries.

Mr. W. Pratt, Longleat Gardens, Warminster, had the best two bunches
of Mrs. Pince, taking the first prize, but they were not in first-rate condition
as regards colour, though the size of the bunches and berries was satisfactory.
Mr. J. Horsefi id, gardener to Lord Heytesbury, Heytesbury, was Becond
with smal'er berries, but with a dense bloom ; Mr. A. Miller, gardener to
W. H. Long, Esq., M. P ., Rood Ashton Court, Trowbridge, being third with
large bunches.

Muscat Hamburgh was shown by five competitors, Mr. Goodacre being
first with very fine bunches and good berries. Mr. Cooper, gardemr to M.
Meatman, Esq., Widmore, Bromley, was second, and Mr. Horsfield third.

There was a good class of Muscat of Alexandria, nine competitors
staging fine specimens. Mr. W. Pratt was easily first with enormous
bunches weighirg 10J lbs., large in berries and well coloured. Mr. R.
Gray, gardener to Earl Stanhope, Chevening, Sevenoaks, was second, also
with large bunches clean and of fine colour, Mr. Roberts being third with
good specimens. _Mr. Hollingworth was first with two bunches of White
Tokay, weighing 7 lbs., and Mr. Wallis second, these being the only samples
shown, and both were rather green.

In any other variety class Mr. T. Spencer was first with Pearson’s
Golden Queen, of good size and colour for the variety, but very bright and

clean. Mr. J. Wells, gardener to B. Ravenhill, Esq., Femhill, Windsor
Forest, was second with Gros Colman, very fine, and Mr. Hollingworth was
third with Tmbbiano. There were eight entries.

Special prizes for nine Tomatoes were offered by Messrs. Carter & Co.,
High Holborn, Mr. T. A. Beckett, Cole Hatch Farm Penn, Amersham, being
first with Carter’s Perfection, very handsome ; Mr. C. J. Waite, gardener to
Col. Hon. W. P. Talbot, Glenhurst, Esher, and Mr. L. Harris, High Wycombe,
were second and third with the same varieties.

Messrs. Sutton ifc Sons, Reading, also offered prizes for Tomatoes, which
were won by Mr. Lockie with Sutton’s Main Crop, very handsome ; Mr.
Waite with Sutton’s Perfection, and Mr. Beckett third with the same. Seven
dishes of fine fruits were shown. Special prizes were off-red for six roots
of Sutton’s Early Gem Carrots, and there were thirteen exhibitors; Mr.
G. H. Richards, Somerley, Ringwood ; Mr. W. Meads, Beckett Gardens,
Shrivenham ; Mr. R. Lye, gardener to W. H. Kingsmill, Esq., Sydmonton
Court, Newbury, being third, all showing good samples.

DAHLIAS.

Three classes were provided for these, and those in competition
together with the many blooms in miscellaneous exhibits, formed an excellent
display. The principal class was that for twenty-four show or fancy bloomsi
and there were seven entries. Mr. Charles Turner, Royal Nurseri-s, Slough,
was awarded the first prize for an excellent stand, the blooms being of good
size, even, and perfectly fresh. The varieties were a3 follows, the names
being given in the order the blooms were placed, read from left to right : —
Back row — Julia Wyatt, Harry Keith, Henry Walton, Prince Bismarck,
Mrs. Forman, Duchess of Albany, Hon. Mrs. P. Wyndham, and Wm.
Rawlings. Second row — Imperial, Constancy, Hugh Austin, Gaiety, Jas.
Cocker, Mrs. Foster, J. N. Keynes, and John Standish. Front row — Mrs.
Gladstone, Bendigo, Royal Queen, Sunbeam, Herbert Turner, Chrrles Wyatt,
Mrs. Langtry, and Clara. Messrs. Keynes, Williams & Co., Salisbury, and
Mr. John Walker, Thame, Oxon, were placed equal second, both showing
some fine blooms. In the stand of the former firm Henry Walton, Mrs.
Geo. Rawlings, and Mrs. Gladstone were conspicuously good, and Seraph,
Royal Queen, and Julia Wyatt were noticeable in that of Mr. Walker. The
third prize was adjudged to Messrs. Rawlings, Bros., Old Church, Romford,
whose blooms were beautifully fresh, but somewhat small. Four stands of
twenty-four Pompons were in competition, all being good. Mr. Turner was
again first, showing the following varieties : — Back row — Fanny Weiner,
Isabel, Golden Gem, Rosetta, Cupid, Comtesse von Sternberg, Darkness, and
E. F. Jungker. Second row — Favourite, Little Princess, Gem, Dora, Ernest,
White Aster, Heidwig Polwig, and Louis Rodani. Front row — Titania, Lady
Blanche. Nymphe, The Khedive, Eccentric, Thos. Moore, Rosalie, and Fair
Helen. Messrs. J. Cheal & Sons, Crawley, were a good second, their
flowers being fresh and bright ; and Messrs. Paul it Son of Cheshunt secured
a meritorious third. Messrs. Cheal showed single Dahlias splendidly, and
gained an easy victory in the class for twenty-four blooms ; the flowers were
very large, perfectly fresh, and the colours remarkably clear. We have never
seen a better stand. Mrs. Walker, Juno, White Queen, Mrs. Bowman, and
Edith were exceptionally fine. A good but somewhat uneven stand won
the second prize for Mr. Turner, and Messrs. Paul it Son of Cheshunt were
third. There were four entrants.

MISCELLANEOUS.

The miscellaneous exhibits were numerous, and they formed a highly
attractive feature of the Show. A large and varied collection of plants and
cut flowers came from Messrs. Paul it Son, The Old Nurseries, Cheshunt.
Boxes of Cactus and show Dahlias, of hardy herbaceous plants, and of Roses
were beautiful in front, and baskets of the graceful Kerrya japonica
variegata, Acer negundo variegata, the purple-leaved Prunus Pissardi, the
Purple Nut, Corylus purpurea, and others, with cut blooms of Liliums, &c.,
formed an effective background. Messrs. H. Cannell it Sons, Swanley,
Kent, provided a large collection of Dahlias, comprising boxes of Show,
Fancy, Pompons, Single and Cactus varieties. In each section the blooms
were excellent, and several variet’es, which are elsewhere named and
described, received first-class certificates. Messrs. Charles Lee & Son,
Royal Vineyard Nursery, Hammersmith, arranged a much-admired group of
hardy ornamental trees and Bhrubs, pleasantly relieved by a few Roses,
Clematises, and Liliums. A beautiful collection of Dahlias and hardy
flowers, amongst which Liliums predominated, represented the well-known
firm of T. S. Ware, Tott-nhim. The DahliaB were arranged with sprays of
Asparagus plumosus, and some of the Liliums were cut, others growing in
pots. The New Plant and Bulb Company, L:on Walk, Colchester, staged a
group of Liliums interspersed with Ferns; and Messrs. Kelway & Son,
Royal Nurseries, Langport, Somerset, were represented by boxes of
herbaceous flowers, including 1 oxes of charming Pyrethrums and Asters,
and by a fine group of Gladioli, comprising some scores of beautiful varieties.
M ssrs. Cheal & Son showed Asters and hardy flowers, together with some
sixty or seventy dishes of fruit. Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, Royal Exotic
Nursery, sent a collection of vegetables, Carrots, comprising most of the
varieties in cultivation, and a large collection of Apples. Several boxes of
Cactus Dahlias came from Mr. C. Turner ; Mr. Geo. Prince, Market Street,
Oxford, staged boxes of Roses and Dahlias ; Messrs. Vilmorin, Andrieux
and Co., Quai dela Megisserie, Paris, exhibited a box of Asters, and Messrs.
Wm. Paul iSi Son, Waltham Cross, staged ten boxes of charming cut Roses,
together with a basket of the pretty Japanese Rose, Rosa rugosa, and a fine
collection of Apples. Messrs. Lane & Son, Berkhampstead, sent six Vines
in pots, all well fruited, some containingexcellent bunches. Dishes of Plums
were also shown by this firm. Three excellent boxes of Quilled Asters were
exhibited by Mr. Walker of Thame. Mr. Goldsmith, Beckenham, sent a
collection of Melons, and Messrs. W. it J. Birkenhead, Fern Nursery, Sale,
exhibited a simple but effective trap for cockroaches, beetles, ifcc. It con¬
sists of two wooden boxes, one within the other, the upper being covered by
two pieces of glass which slope to the centre, where there is a hole about
1 J inch long by 1 inch wide for the ingress of the insec’s. Escape is quite
impossible, and the insects are removed by a circular hole in the bottom of
the box. This trap is cheap and appears to be efficient. Mr. Chapman,
Alresford, sent a brush for cleaning sashes, that also seemed adapted for pot¬
washing.

September 9, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

235

MAKING NEW STRAWBERRY PLANTATIONS.

The Strawberry is one of the most commonly cultivated fruits.
The Gooseberry may be more generally grown, but it is not more
popular, as when the Strawberry is bearing ripe fruit all other
fruit is neglected for it, and the desire of all who possess a garden
is to have a Strawberry bed and gather quantities of this exquisite
fruit. It is the most easily cultivated of all fruits, as ordinary
•culture will produce fruit, and it is only mismanagement which
causes the plants to be sterile. I have known some fail
to flower, and I have known many others which flowered,
but failed to perfect their fruits, and in both cases the
fault rested with the cultivators. But the after cultivation of
Strawberries is not so important as the attention required in
making a new plantation, and when this is properly done there is
no danger of subsequent failure for many years at least. Shady
positions should never be selected for a Strawberry bed, as there
the plants will, as a rule, make a superabundance of foliage, but
little or no fruit. Some may be inclined to think that by planting
them in the shade they will be able to have a good supply of late
fruit, but this is a mistake, as it is by planting late varieties that
this is secured.

It is no use attempting to grow Strawberries successfully
under the “ odd corner ” system. They certainly will cover any
“ odd corner ” with foliage, but they require a good position to
obtain abundance of high-class fruit from them, and the first
and foremost thing to do in either introducing them for the first
time, or making a new plantation anywhere, is to select a spot
well exposed to the sun and where the soil is of a substantial
nature. Strawberries can be grown in light soil, but they do best
in heavy material, and a stiff soil will always produce more
robust plants and finish finer crops of fruit than light soil. I
have known Strawberries planted in very light soil bear excellent
crops for a year or two if the weather happened to be moist at
the time the fruit was swelling, but when the season chanced to
be dry at that time they were almost a total failure. It is when
the fruit is swelling and ripening that the quality of the soil is
tested. Many are heard to complain that their Strawberry
plants were full of bloom, the fruits formed freely, but most of
them were lost before ripening; and that is the evil of planting
in light soil, as it is very rarely the crop fails in heavy material,
and the fruit as a rule swells to the last berry.

In many cases the surface soil of a garden is very fine and
light, whilst the subsoil is heavy, and if trenching was done there
before the Strawberries were planted it would benefit them highly.
The subsoil should then be brought well up to the surface, and
the whole of the quarter for the Strawberries should be trenched
before any manuring is done. It is generally understood that
Strawberries delight in a rich soil, but there is a danger of giving
them too much manure, especially at first. I have known beds
to be originally composed of almost half manure and the plants
made astonishing growth in it, but this was all, as leaves took
the place of fruit in a great measure, and these strong plants
were by no means so fertile as those of medium strength. A
very moderate supply of manure will grow Strawberries well for
the first season, and afterwards they can be easily and advan¬
tageously fertilised by mulching in early spring, which is the
best of all times for this operation. In dea'ing with Strawberries
from this point of view, the newly trenched ground and soil
being dug for the reception of young plants should only have a
medium coat of manure worked into the surface, but what is
used should be as good as possible. It must be remembered that
a new Strawberry plantation ought to remain in prime bearing
condition for four, five, or six years, and if a quantity of weedy
manure is introduced to the soil at the first it will give endless
trouble or may lead to the plantation having to be dug up pre¬
maturely. There is never any satisfaction to be had from a
plantation which is constantly full of weeds, and when these are
introduced with the manure it is a difficult matter to keep them
down or clear them out. The b st aud shortest way of preparing
the ground for Strawberries is to clear everything from the
surface, dig or trench it if necessary from 1 1 foot to 2 feet deep,
then fork a quantity of good clean manure into the surface and
plant. If the soil is inclined to be light, use cow manure; if
rather heavy, introduce stab'e manure As a rule it is not an
advantage to plant Strawberries where Strawberries were before.
Like many other things, a change of soil is very beneficial to
•them, and they may follow Potatoes, Onions, or any kind of
vegetable crop which is being cleared off about this time.

As to the best time for planting, I do not think there is a
better than the end of August or very early in September. The
young plants have then time to form roots and become well
established before November, and once this is accomplished they
will bear a light crop the first summer after planting. It is

always a very great advantage to have strong runners to place out,
and if these were cut off and lifted some time ago and planted
closely in a nursery bed to form roots they may now be trans¬
planted without receiving a check. Secure a ball of soil with
each if possible, aud plant without breaking this. Newly dug or
forked ground is always loose, and as the young roots establish
themselves much more quickly in firm soil than loose material,
when the whole have been planted the ground around each plant
should be firmly trodden down. We find that those of the Black
Prince type do very well with a distance of 2 feet between the
rows and 18 inches between the plants, but the more robust-
growing ones should have at least G inches more room each way.
— J. Muir, Margarn Parle, South Wales.

SMALL ROSE GROWERS-HER MAJESTY.

I HAVE received a note from the gentleman who signs himself “ W. R.
Raillem,” without date or address, postmark a town in Suffolk. He
rallies me on my “ poverty ironically assumes me to be a “ millionaire ”
parson ! forgetting that pluralities are abolished. I own with shame my
extravagance and reckless expenditure. Vaulting ambition over-leapt
itself. Of course I hoped to win the prize for the best H P. at Kensington
and perhaps elsewhere. Well, Her Majesty suggests one thought more.
Loyal imperialist that I am, I was speaking very disrespectfully of Her
Majesty to a friendly nurseryman, who tried to soothe me, saying,
“ Depend upon it, sir, next year Her Majesty will take the prize every¬
where for the best H.P. in the show.” But suppose some dispute Her
Majesty being an H.P. ? To avoid wrangles, let committees in preparing
schedules avoid the letters H. and P., and assign the prize for the “ best
Rose in the show, not being a Tea Rose or Noisette.” After a fair trial
given, one year more will be time enough to take in hand the question
whether Her Majesty is to be catalogued as an H.P. or not, and settled as
tie Hybrid Tea Rose question was. — F. H. G.

A DRIVE IN SURREY-KINGSWOOD WARREN.

Calling on Mr. Rapley at Bedford Hill House, Balham, a short
time ago, he was found making preparations for a drive to Kingswocd
Warren, the seat of H. Cosmo Bonsor, Esq., M.P. ; and as Mr. Rapley
appeared more than willing to “ make room for another,” and as the
other evinced no reluctance to occupy it, the pair started on a ten-miles
drive to the destination indicated. There was little or no time for seeing
the gardens at Bedford Hill House ; but a glance was had at the Tuberous
Begonias that have been in splendid condition ; and the Carnations in pots
for autumn and winter flowering compelled a pause on account of their
sturdy vigour, thick broad glaucous fuliage, and the stout uprising flower
stems of the more precocious varieties. The cuttings were inserted in
February, and the plants, stood in a sunny position in the open air, are
now well established in 6-inch p ts, and in condition to produce fine
blooms in abundance, and to maintain a supply throughout the winter
and spring months. “ They like a little peat in the loam,” remarked the
cultivator, and it is certain they enj lyed what they had ; “ but afhr all,”
he further remarked, “ there is more in good watering than anything else,
and a blunder in that re-pect soon throws them wrong, and they are not
easily got right again.” These observations are jotted down in the hope
that they may be of service to somebody who fails in growing these
coveted flowers to his satisfaction. Carnations are favourite flowers at
Bedford Hdl, one of the young gentlemen of the family, Mr. George
Brand, being a great admirer of them, especially the border varieties, of
which he has a very extensive collection, procured from Chelsea and other
places. He has also raised some seedlings of promise, and will not unlikely
enter further into the interesting pur?uit of intercrossing. The display
has been very fine, and has confirmed what has so often been said in
these columns, that free- growing Carnations rank amongst the very best
plants for suburban gardens and more or less smoky districts. Bedford
Hill is famed for Calceolarias, the Rapley strain being quite in the front
rank; but the plants for next year are in their infancy, cleaD, crisp, and
fresh, in a cold frame in the coolest and dampest position that can be
found, those being the conditions in which they are the most happy in
the summer. The flower garden was remarkably gay, and it is not easy
to imagine more brilliant beds than of the old Waltham Seedling semi-
Nosegay Pelargonium, and which, moreover, continues flowering as long,
if not longer, than any ether variety in cultivation. The conservatory
was fragrant with Bouvardia jasminitiora, which, when well grown, is one
of the most delightful of plants at this period of the year. Some plants
stood outdoors were growing like Willows, and producing fine trusses of
flowers equal in texture and purity to the Stephanotis, and more delicately
sweet. The plants are easily grown, and it may be said of them as of
the Carnations — “ they like a little peat in the loam, but there is more in
good watering than in anything else.” Thunbergia Harrisi and Alla-
mandas intermingled on the roof of a stove had a beautiful effect, and
the former is, perhaps, not so much gro*n as its merits deserve. This is
not much like a “drive,” however, but we shall start directly, and have
been having a rush round till our steed, to use a flower-showy phrase, was
“ placed in position.” Just berore being “staged,” which a horsey man
would call “ on the box,” we peep into a pit at some Tomatoes. “ What
is that big one ? ” was the hurried inquiry, for gardeners are naturally
inquisitive, and received for reply, “ Oh ! that is Ne Plus Ultra, sent out
by Williams ; fine, isn’t it?” It was very fine indeed, and its quality
was equal to its appearance, for it must be confessed that a “ hands off ”

236

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September 9, 1886.

policy was not rigidly adhered to at the moment. And now we leave the
fine old grounds of Bedford Hill House ; it may be for the last time, for
the builders have pushed up to the gates, and Mr. Brand has determined
to remain no longer near them, but has secured another estate well beyond
the outposts of the invading army of speculative builders, that appear to
lay siege to every open space or pleasure ground in the environs of the
metropolis.

At last we start, and sure enough the very firct gentleman’s park we
see, after skirting Tooting Common, is “ in the market.” This is
Furzedown Park, Mr. Seely’s fine property. It is natural to suppose
that the owner will hold out against the builders, and prefer not to have
the desmene “ cut up.” But they will have it sooner or later, and
by-and-by it will be quite a long “ drive ” to get out of London. We
are, however, out at last and nearing Mitcham, which we can smell before
we can well see, for it is famous for herb culture, notably Lavender.
This is the great crop of the district. Field after field is occupied with
it ; stacks are made of it, and barns filled with the fragrant spikes. The soil
is warm, rather light, and resting on gravel. The plants are grown for a time
about 18 inches apart, and eventually thinned to twice that distance, the
ground being inter-cropped with Lettuces and Cabbages till the Lavender
spreads and requires the whole space. Mr. Rapley thinks Mitcham
must be a healthy place, as he sees so many old people in it, and wonders
if the herbs and Lavender act as an antiseptic. As is well known moths
do not like Lavender, so it may possibly be that “ microbes ” do not
relish it either ; and as time goes on it will, perhaps, be found that these
are the origin of half the diseases that attack mankind. Mitcham is a
curious straggling old village, many of the cottages being made of wood
— or at least the “ walls ” are formed of overlapping boards. It is a
cheap method of building, no doubt, but some of the domiciles look cosy
and comfortable, with bright garden plots in front of them and climbers
trained round the windows. On the whole, Mitcham is not a place to
fascinate ; it suggests a village trying to be a town, but just failing in
the attempt, and is, therefore, “ neither one thing nor the other.” I once
invested in a b ttle of Lavender water “ fresh from the still,” so the man
said, “ and would last twice as long as the adulterated stuff sold at the
shops.” He was quite right as to the lasting, for I have had it ten years
and it is not done yet. He was taking a load of it to London — at least,
so he said — and it was the custom to give the carters three or four bottles
which they could dispose of for refreshment. I was fresh from the
country then, and thought myself fortunate in my bargain. The cork
neatly sealed and the bottle properly labelled suggested something good.
It proved, at least, “ pure,” and was, no doubt, “ fresh from the still
of Nature.” It was clear spring water, collected, it may be, miles
from where Lavender grows ; but it cost me 9J. It is preserved as a
standing monitor, and I have not invested in a London “ bargain ” of
unkuown value since, and thereby have been the gainer. That man, no
doubt, made a trade of carting about boxes and bottles of his “ pure ”
(Lavender) water, and I was only one of his many “ supporters.” The
moral of this is, Let no honest countryman visiting London think that
everybody there is as honest as he is, as he will assuredly be “ taken in,”
and, it may be, purchase experience at a greater cost than “ 9d.”

On we go to Sutton, which is famed, among other things, for its Rose
shows. Sutton is a beautiful town, and there are not wanting signs of
at least a good number of its inhabitants being a flower-loving people.
The town occupies much space, and there appears to be quite as many
trees as houses. These ornaments of Nature abound even in the main
thoroughfare, and, emerging into the suburbs, beautiful groves extend on
each side like boulevards, and have a particularly cool and agreeable
appearance. It is very pleasant to see this evidence that trees are really
cherished in one town in England, and that is Sutton in Surrey. Beyond
the town are the Metropolitan Schools (I think that is the name) from
whence so many good vegetables have come, as grown by Mr. Ooman,
and successfully exhibited at the Crystal Palace and other shows. The
land surrounding the great building is evidently well cultivated, and if
the whole of the fields of Britain were similarly managed we should hear
less about depression.

We travel onwards and upwards to Banstead Downs, the great empo¬
rium of loam for London gardeners. It is a yellow turfy loam of good
body, and carts are constantly at work carrying the coveted turves away.
One load of really good loam is worth half a dozen of the worthless stuff
that many gardeners have to use, as not only are better results obtaine .
by the former, but it can be used, and is used, twice over in many gardens,
first for Chrysanthemums and various kinds of plants, then for Cucumters
and Melons, and then again often for Potatoes in frames and Tomatoes.
There is nothing much dearer than cheap soil, and nothing much more
unreasonable than to expect gardeners to produce the best results from
bad mate) ial.

Over the Downs is Kingswood Warren. It is approached through
Heather and Bracken. It is a beautiful estate splendidly timbered, and
fortunately owned by a gentleman who has not only the means, but the
disposition to improve it. The mansion is a fine castellated building that
has been restored and enlarged by its present owner. New lawns have
been made, and terrace walls with flights of steps leading to the panels.
One part of the forest comprising several acres is now being transformed
into a pleasure ground by Mr. Thomas, the eminent landscape gardener,
and when completed will have a beautiful effect from the mansion. The
park is being enlarged to bring into prominence several fine trees ; glades
are opened out and vistas formed, one with the church in the distance,
and seen from the front door, being a striking feature. Grass rides
traversing the wood, or home preserves, quite near to the mansion,
are alive with pheasants. There must be thousands of them ; and the
splendid groups of Scotch F.rs here and there are extremely ornamental ;

but perhaps the most interesting trees, to gardeners, are two famous
Cedars of Lebanon. They may be octogenarians, or even centenarians,
but whatever their age, they were removed to their present pcs.tion only
a very few years ago by Mr. Barron of Elvaston, and appear as healthy
as if they had not been disturbed. Mr. Barron was engaged by Sir John
Haitopp, Bart., a former owner of Kingswood Warren, to move tbe.e
trees, and they are monuments of the transplanter’s skill.

There are two gardens on the estate, which have been for some years
under the management of Mr. Charles Blurtcn — a “ Rangemore man,”
and undoubtedly competent. One of these gardens is devoted wholly to
the culture of vegetables and hardy fruit, the other including also
herbaceous and other flowers for cutting, with houses and pits for the
production of plants, Peaches, and Grapes. In the former garden the
rows of Peas were remarkably fine. A bountiful supply had been main¬
tained, and, judging from the successional rows of Ne Plus Ultra, will
be continued till frost occurs. This is simply the result of the Celery
trench system. Trenches are dug out and manure dug in them, and the
rows being wide apart, the growth of the Peas is characterised by a
vigour and productiveness that could not be approached by the orthodox
close sowing on the level, and earthing up so as to throw off the rain
from the roots. By this latter plan Peas are starved in many Soils, by
the former supported ; a short and fitful supply resulting in one case, and
a bountiful and prolonged yield in the other. It would be well if culti¬
vators generally chose the better way. The pyramid fruit trees were
bearing sparsely, an 1 consequently making vigorous growth. It was a
matter of regret to the gardener that they had to be “ restricted ” to the
position, as he knows quite well if they had room to grow they would
soon bear thrice the weight of fruit that is possible under the present
circumstances.

Potatoes were being lifted, and many of the unwieldy tubers of the
International Kidney were diseased. Covent Garden Perfection was
yielding well and pronounced of good quality ; Vicar of Laleham better,
and the yield remarkable, but perhaps the finest crop of all was Reading
Russett — a Potato of high quality, handsome shape, and no waste in
peeling. This variety is probably destined to be very extensively grown
for second early and mid-season use.

The glass structures at Coombe Warren are old and ill-placed. They
were right enough once, no doubt, but the garden appears to have
extended beyond them. When the time for remodelling this part of the
establishment comes round — and everything cannot be done at once — it is
not difficult to see that a very great improvement can be effected. But
the old houses produce good. Peaches, excellent Black Hamburgh Grapes,
and serviceable table Muscats ; but the Vines are evidently worked hard.
At one end of the Muscat house a Vine of Madresfield Court was carrying
a heavy crop, and the cracking of the fruit can only be prevented by
heating the pipes and maintaining a dry atmosphere — so dry that it is
inimical to the Gros Guillaume near it, and in consequence of the dif¬
ferent treatment required by theee two Vines one of them will have to be
removed. Several letters have appeared as to the splitting of the fine
Grape in question, and the experiment noted is at least suggestive.

The mention of a good collection of herbaceous plants and a magnifi¬
cent bed of German quilled Asters must bring to a close these random
jottings, and it only remains to add that the courtesy of Mr. Blurton,
as extended to his visitors, was such as to induce them, if they should
ever be on wheels again, to turn the horse’s head towards Kingswood
Warren.— A City Man.

BARLOW WELL-DRESSING.

A short distance from the town of Chesterfield in Derbyshire is
situated the picturesque village of Barlow, surrounded by hills and dales
and magnificent scenery. Like some other parts of the county, the village
has for many years past been noted for the ancient custom of well-dressing.
Thinking it may interest many readers of this widespread Journal who
take great interest in floral work, and as the custom of well-dressing is
almost unknown in some counties of England, I give a brief description
of the decorations of the present year.

The annual festival was held in the feast week which commences on
the nearest Sunday to St. Lawrence. Two large wells were splendidly
decorated with flowers, Ferns, &c. The chief one, which is situated on
the main road near the church, consists of a large pump surrounded by a
well-built stone wall open at the front, and was erected in the year 1840,
over which is placed a large Gothic arch; on each side the arch on the
front is a large spire, the whole having the appearance of a church porch.
The chief designs of the decorations, which were splendidly drawn out by
the Rev. C. Dyson, vicar of the parish, beiug the represent .tions of Child¬
hood, Youth, Old Age, and Death, all being handsomely ma;e in various
colours of flowers, the groundwork throughout the structure being of a
rich green moss. The first design, which was the representation of
Childhood, consisted of a boy and girl about the age of six years. The
boy, who was taking ho'd of the girl’s hand with his left, was bu-ily
engaged in catching a butterfly with his hat in his light hand. The girl,
who had just lost one of her boots, was looking behind to pick it up ;
both attired in a rich blue dress made of blue Cornflowers, black boots
made of a small wild black flower ; the boy wearing a scarlet tie made
of Geraniums, yellow stockings made of annual Chrysanthemums, black
hat trimmed with red made of a small wild flower and red Stocks; the
girl wearing a white apron and white stockings made of double white
Feverfew, and dark bonnet made of dark French Marigolds. On the
top, in large white, letters made of double white Feverfew, surrounded
by a beautiful border of yellow annual Chrysanthemums, were the words,
11 Happy Chilahcod.”

September D, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

237

The second design, which was the representation of Youth, consisted
of a young gentleman and lady about the age of twenty years, just
starting out for a walk on a fine summer’s evening ; the lady carrying
on her left arm a beautiful basket of flowers, attired in a rich light dress
with yellow sash, made of the finest light double Stocks and yellow
Marigolds, a rich dark cape made of dark Sweet Williams, black hat
trimmed with yellow, made of yellow Marigolds and a small black wild
flower, and boots to match ; the young gentleman being attired in a rich
crimson coat with yellow buttons, made of crimson Candytuft and yellow
Marigolds, a scarlet vest made of Geraniums, white trousers made of
double white Feverfew, red stockings made of double red Stocks, light
tie, gold scarf pin, dark hat, gloves in right hand, and boots to match.
The features of this couple were remarkably good, for although the young
gentleman was offering his lady-love a beautiful white Rose, she was
evidently in a deep study, as if some solemn qu stion had just been asked.
On the top, in large white letters, surrounded by a beautiful border of red,
was the word “ Couitship.”

The third design, which was the representation of old age, consisted
of an old gentleman and lady about the age of seventy years returning
home by the footpath from a short afternoon walk enjoying the beauty of
autumn. The old lady, who is getting tired and weary with the journey,
approaches a stile. Here the old gentleman was seen handing her over
with his right hand, having his walking stick in his left, and wearing a
crimson coat of the old style with yellow buttons made of crimson Candy¬
tuft and yellow Marigolds, white breeches made of white Feverfew,
yellow leggings made of Marigolds, dark hat, white cuffs, spectacles and
boots to match. The old lady was attired in a bright red dress and pink
cape both made of double Stocks, a yellow head dress made of Marigolds,
and boots to match. On the top in large white letters surrounded by a
beautiful border of orange Marigolds were the words “ Honour Old
Age.”

The fourth design, which was the representation of death, consisted of
an angel ascending to Heaven with the departed, and was beautifully
made of different colours of flowers, chiefly Feverfew, Pinks, Blue
Buttons, &e. On the top in large white letters surrounded by a beautiful
border of yellow annual Chrysanthemums were the words “ Rest at Last.”
On the right hand of this design made in a twining manner of gold letters
in a white ground were the words “ In the Hour of Death Deliver us.”
Underneath and appropriate to the above designs were the four seasons of
the year — spring, summer, autumn, and winter — in large white letters
surrounded by a beautiful border of yellow Chrysanthemums. On the top
of the pump was the English coat of arms all in flowers, with the words
in red berries on a white ground “ Dieu et Mon Droit and in yellow
letters on a white ground “ Peace and Plenty.” The remaining portion of
the pump was beautifully decorated with Ferns, Heath, and a variety of
drooping flowers such as Liliuns lancifolium and white Lilies arranged
with good effect. In the centre of the basin was a water fountain in
good working order. The floor of the structure was covered with green
sods. Each spire on the front was decorated with the finest flowers
obtainable worked in various forms of stars, See., including a cricket bat,
ball, and stumps, and round the front of the arch, in large white letters,
were the words, “ Thanks he to Him who giveth all.” On each side was
a row of different coloured annual Chrysanthemums.

Having given a brief description of the above, which is supposed to be the
finest example of floral decorations ever seen in the county, I fear space will
not permit to give every particular of the second, which is situated in the
north of the village. The structure resembled the above, except that there
was an open well in the centre instead of the pump. The chief designs were
the coat of arms in large size, and the Prince of Wales’ Feathers, both very
beautifully made in various colours of flowers. On the top of the former
were the words, “ God save the Queen,” and on the top of the latter,
“ God bless the Prince of Wales,” and round the front of the arch, “ How
manifold are His works,” all being made in large white letters. The
flowers used at this well were chiefly wild ones, which had a very pleasing
appearance. The work was quite equal to the first, the front being
remarkably good. Great praise is due to all who took part in both
decorations, which were greatly admired by a large number of visitors
who came from dilferent parts of the country. A large marquee was
erected near to each, where dancing took place each evening. Those
readers who reside in the neighbouring towns and villages, and are spared
until the festival of 1887, the wmer would recommend them to pay a
visit, where they would find every comfort and enjoyment, and return
home thoroughly satisfied with their visit to Barlow Well-dressing. —
Edward Margereson, Florist, Barlow, Chesterfield.

OLD AND NEW ROSES.

[A paper by Mr. Joseph H. Bourn, read before the Massachusetts Horticultural Society.]
{Continued from page 212.)

Born in the East, the Rose has been diffused, like the sunlight, ever
all the world. Syria, according to some writers, took its name from Suri,
a species of Rose indigenous to that country. From the Celtic word
11 rhudd,” signifying red, we trace a resemblance in the names by which
various nations distinguish this plant — Rhodon, Rosa, Rosier, Rosajo,
Rosal, Rosiera, Rosenstotk, Classical writers, from Homer to Horace,
extol the Rose above all other flowers ; and those who loved beauty most
have been its greatest admirers. The Rose is “the honour and beauty
of flowers,” says Anacreon ; and it is spoken if at the Persian ferst as

“ The floweret of a hundred leaves,

Expanding while the dew-fall flows,

And every leaf its balm receives.”

In the beginning of the ninth century Charlemagne manifested an
appreciation of this particular flower, and later the hanging gardens in
HLpania, under the Moorish dominion, were richly and heavily decorated
in brilliant bud and bloom of Roses. How elegantly Cowper describes
the expanding Rose, filled with the rain drops of the passing shower, as
'■ weeping for the buds it had left with regret and Cowley sings of a
Rose, surpassing those we have on earth, that the angels scattered from
gilded baskets : —

“ Some did the way with fall-grown Rosea spread,

Their smell divine, and colour strangely red ;

Not such as our dull gardens proudly wear,

Whom weathers taint and winds’ rude kisses tear.”

The Empress Josephine was passionately devoted to the Rose, and
sought for every novelty which the nations of Europe possessed, in order
to gratify her pleasures in the garden at Malmaison ; and it is said of her,
that in all her greatness, a single Rose in her hair surpassed the jewelled
diadem. In almost the last letter Mr. Longfellow penned, he spike of
arranging some wonderful Newpoit flowers in his library under the lamps,
“fancying myself back in the days of the troubadours playing at the
floral games of Toulouse.”

Memory bears us up the stream of time, when we are to believe the
Roses in the famous gardens of the East were as pure and steadfast as
now, relics of Eden’s bowers, “ sweet nurslings of the vernal skies,
bathed in soft airs.” The same resistless beauty was doubtless manifest,
flaunting in the shades of early morn ; the same sunshine loved them
then, because they were so fair ; the same closing and fading of the
petals were descried under the dropping of the dews in the gloaming.
The ages certainly have not detracted from the loveliness of beauty’s
queen, nor has constant association made the Rose less alluring. The
admirer of the Rose in summer time in this favoured locality can sit
before his favourite flower in mute admiration, and find refreshment, rest,
and peace in the parterre, as he surveys with delight his collection, whose
brightness and sweetness bring tender memories, solaces, and hopes, while
the reflections awakened by floricultural nomenclature afford new sources
of enjoyment. He seems for a britf period to dream of other climes, in
the companionship of distinguished friends and acquaintances, all attired
in richett apparel. The counts and countesses, dukes and duchesses,
princes and barons, lords and marquises, queens and empresses, sultans
and presidents, cardinals and doctors, generals and captains, senators and
reverends, ladies and knights, madames and mademoiselles, are a royal
family, grand and graceful when expanded to fullest beauty “ of flowers
purple, red, and white, like sapphire, pearl, and rich embroidery,” amidst
Rose buds blushing through their bowers of green, more lovely still the
more concealed.

“ There a noble crew
Of lords and la lies stood on every side,

Which, with their presence fair, the place much beautifled.”

And so we talk, when the earth is clad in snow-white robes, “of the
sweet season that bud and bloom forth brings.” Now our thoughts
again revert to the delights of spring and summer, full of sunny days
and Roses. They carry us also to the primitive home of our cherished
flower, where the objects of admiration are never exhausted ; where the
Syrian and Musk Rose, replete with dewy wine, cover the sacred ground.
No frost there visits the grass. Emblems of life continually exist, and
Roses glow in gem-hke tints, hanging in cataracts from the grey walls
of the fortified village0, topped by a crown of foliage. Amid such Ecenes
the traveller exclaims in wonder, “ Who can paint like nature ! ” as 1 e
views this shadowy curtain of gorgeous colours on mouldering stone- work
when the sun goes down behind the amethyst-tinted hills.

“ Soon we shall see the swelling buds,

As one by one tlieir tender leaves unfold ;

As if they knew that warmer suns were near,

Nor longer sought to hide from winter’s cold.”

Transitory, almost ephemeral, is a Rose’s brief life of joy; hut i< s
swee’est gift is pre erved in soft perfume as we drink the breath of the
crushed, roral leaves, after they have fallen and withered.

“ She did not care to see their glorious hues,

Fearing the richer perfume she might lose.”

“ Yet, though thou fade,

From thy dead leaves let fragrance rise,

And teach that virtue lives when beauty dies.”

<f And yet may sweet things with us stay ;

As in the garden Roses blow
In white and red, — just as they lay
In white and red so long ago.”

ssk

'Cy

WORK F0A.THE WEEK, . O

KITCHEN GARDEN.

Late Vegetable Marrows. — A market grower was informing us
(he other day that he was now selling his Marrows at 30s. a ton, and, as
they were much overgrown, we thought the price exceedingly high, as old
overgrown Marrows are never good, and all who wish to enjoy them in per-
fe ction shou' d use them when they are quite small and tender. The recent

233

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Sep ember 9, 1883.

hot weathei has induced many of them to mature quick'y, and several
plants are now bearing a crop of fall-sized fruit. If these are allowed to
remain no more young fruits will f >rm, anl the supply of useable
Marrows will cease. If, however, the old fruits are cut a fresh set of young
ones will soon follow, and a full supply of Vegetable Marrows of the
best quality will be produced unt 1 the plants are cut ofE by frost in the
early winter.

Ridge Cucumbers. — These have been fruiting very freely of late.
Indeed it is astonishing the quantity of fruit they bear, and close cutting
is one of the surest ways of securing a succession. Many fruits are often
left until they become quite yellow, and, as in the case of the Marrows,
these matured fruits are entirely against young ones forming, and where
good late crops are desired the fruit must be cut as soon as ready for use.
Attention should also be given to watering, as the roots should never be
allowed to become so dry as to cause the leaves to droop. Liquid manure
may now be given them with advantage.

Cauliflower. — These have been exceedingly good this season The
grub at the root — often so hurtful — has been quite harmless ; the plants
have attained a large size, and produced excellent heads. In many
exhibits of vegetables of late, Cauliflower have been a leading dish in the
collections. The heads cut in July and August were from plants sown in
heat in February and March, and besides these it is always well to secure
some from autumn sowings. Seed of approved varieties should be sown
at once, that the plants may be dibbled into frames in October to stand
the winter and head as early as possible next summer. There will now
be many Cauliflowers heading, and as it is very important that they be kept
white and tender, tie the leaves over the top of them as soon as it is
noticed that they are being exposed to the light. Where caterpillars are
troublesome, dust the plants over with lime. If there are too many
heads going to be in at once, take a spade and cut the roots close to the
stem on one side of some of the plants. This will partially check them
and retard their swelling for a little.

Celery. — Crops generally may now be earthed up. The rows in¬
tended for use in October and November should now be fully earthed.
Those for December and January may be earthed about half way up, and
the latest of all will be benefited by having a little soil put to the roots.
We find when Celery is left very late without any earthing up the leaves
are very apt to spread out and fall so much that they crack near the root.
A little earthing to keep them upright prevents this. Some time ago we
earthed up several shoit rows with a special mixture of ashes and sand
with the object of having the stems extra clean for exhibition, but during
the hot weather experienced afterwards the ashes became so hot and dry
that they caused the plants to droop, and the plants are now inferior to
the main crop, which is very good. Another time we would substitute
sawdust for the ashes. The utmost care must be taken in all cases of
earthing that none of the soil drops into the centre of the plants, and
dusting them with soot or a little lime now and then will keep them
f cee from worm marks.

Miscellaneous.— Continue to clear off all old crops as fast as they
become useless. Place them together in an odd corner to be mixed up
with manure and be used again iu the spring on flower borders and
vegetable ground. Preserve the freshest of the Pea sticks. Take Onions
that are ripe under cover. Destroy all weeds before they seed. Cleaning
one part and allowing another to remain infested is fruitless work, a3
the seed will blow about everywhere. Plant Cabbage extensively ; sow
more late Radish and Onions ; plant out large quantities of Lettuce and
Endive ; keep a sharp look out that slugs and snails do not destroy the
young plants. Dust them with lime or put a handful of bran down with
a Cabbage leaf over it, when they will congregate under the leaf and can
then be “ removed.”

FRUIT FORCING.

Peaches and Nectarines— Earliest Forced, Trees.— The trees
have now shed their leaves, and they may be syringed with water at a
temperature of HO3 to 150°. It must not, however, be used carelessly ;
if too hot it will injure the trees, and iflower in temperature it is innocuous
as regards scale and the eggs of red spider. The trees being loosened
from the trellis and tied in small bundles for facilitating cleansing opera¬
tions, wash the woodwork with brush and soap, rexching everv angle and
crevice. Limewash the walls, and if required paint the wood and iron
work. Pruning will be a light afftir — merely thinning the shoots where too
crowded or too weak for carrying fine fruits, no shortening being neces¬
sary, except for the production of shoots for extension. Wash the trees
with softsoap solution, 6 ozs. to the gallon, and afterwards dress with an
insecticide, being careful not to dislocate the buds. Tie the trees to the
trellis loosely, leaving sufficient room for the swelling of the branches and
shoots. Remove the loose surface soil down to the roots, and supply a
couple of inches depth of rather strong loam containing a sprinkling of
half-inch bones. Avoid heavy surface dressings, they only exclude air
and render mulchings of little value. If the lights have been removed,
they should be replaced as soon as the borders are in a thoroughly moist
condition, or before they become saturated by the cold autumn rains.
For very early forcing Alexander and Waterloo Peaches are valuable on
account of their size and colour, but under fixed roofs they have a tendency
to over-maturity of the buds, common also to Early York and Noblesse,
the best antidote for which is the removal of the roof lights as soon as the
wood is sufficiently ripened, or in July. Under fixed roofs they in some
instances are not satisfactory for very early forcing year after year.

Second- Early-forced House. — The trees will be shedding the leaves if
the roof lights were taken off by the middle of August. In this, where we
have Royal George, Noblesse, and Early York, we find the two last very
much given to over-maturity of the flower buds; indeed, we have had

Early York blossoming and setting fruit in September, and the Noblesse
cast its bu is in a shower later on, but the Royal George and Elruge
Nectarine — indeed, the small-flowered Peaches and Nectarines generally
— have not the tendency to over-maturity of the buds, as is exhibited by
the large-fl iwered varieties. Hale's Early and Early Alfred, also Dr. Hogg,
have large flowers, and do not show the premature development of the buds-
nearly so markedly as the Alexander, Waterloo, Early York, and Gros Mig-
nonne, with Noblesse, but they are never so reliable as Royal George anl
Stirling Castle, a form only of Royal George, and very excellent it is.
Early Beatrice and Early Rivers have large flowers, but they are nit
nearly so liable to the same unseasonable precocity as the others
named, so that the hypothesis of small flowers being not liable to over¬
maturity of the buds and the large-flowered varieties subject to it rests on-
something constitutionally cultural, and so far as we know is from too-
long subjection to a hot and dry regime. The removal of the roof
lights prevents it if effected in time. When the leaves are all down treat
it the same in every respect as the earliest-house trees, but the roof lights
should remain off until the approach of severe frost and snow, and when
replaced admit air to the fullest possible extent, so as to insure perfect
rest to the trees, with freedom from severe frost and cold rain and
snow.

Succession Houses. — Any trees that have a tendency to over-
luxuriance should, as soon as the wood gets sufficiently firm, have a trench
taken out one-third the distance from the stem the tree3 cover in extent
of trellis and quite down to the drainage, so as to detach all roots, and
this may be left open for a fortnight, then the soil may be removed
with a folk down to the roots and picked from amongst them, laying in
the roots in fresh material ; good loam rather stiff being be:,t, with about
a sixth of old mortar rubbish. A good watering being given the roots will
soon work freely in the fresh material, and the fruits invariably set well
afterwards. In removing the soil care must be taken not to disturb the
roots to an extent causing the sudden collapse of the foliage. Defer root-
pruning and lifting until the leaves give indication of falling. The above
plan is more especially necessary with young trees, the taking out of the
trench being very effectual in assisting them to ripen the wood thoroughly.

Latest Houses. — The bright weather is greatly in favour of late
varieties, which are something wonderful in size and beauty, and if given
proper supplies of water and nutriment during growth are excellent in
quality. A free circulation of air is necessary, utilising sun heat if the
fruit is backward, as with ventilation in the early part of the day the tem¬
perature may run up to 85° or 90°, which is of infinitely more value than
fire heat at a later period. The trees must have sufficient water, but a
rather drier condition at the roots is advisable when the fruit is ripening.
Keep the wood thin, stop any growing shoots to about 15 inches, and all
laterals closely to one joint as growth is made.

Melons. — The last plants are now well up the trellis and showing
fruit blossoms. These should be fertilised daily, the atmosphere being
kept dry, a little ventilation being given at night so as to insure a circu¬
lation of air and prevent the deposition of moisture on the blossoms.
Stop the shoots one joint beyond the fruit. As soon as a sufficient number
of fruits is set on a plant remove all the staminate and pistillate flowers,
reducing the fruits to three or four on a plant, or according to their vigour.
Earth up the plants af cer the fruit is fairly swelling, and be careful in
syringing the foliage, only using it on bright afternoons, but keeping a
genial condition of the atmosphere by damping in the morning and after¬
noon. Be careful not to give too much water, but encourage healthy ropt-
action by moderate moisture in the soil. The temperature must be main¬
tained at 70° to 75° by day artificially, and 80° to 90° by day from sun
heat, with a night temperature of 65° to 70°.

Plants in pits and frames will not require further damping over the
foliage, and should only have sufficient moisture in the soil to keep the
foliage from flagging, which should be kept rather thin, and the fruit well
elevated above it on flower pots, each fruit being placed on a piece of slate,
applying good linings so as to finish the fruit satisfactorily, which requires
a warm and dry atmosphere with free ventilation.

Ia orler to enhance the flavour of late fruits maintain a brisk heat by-
day with enough ventilation to insure a circulation of air constantly, and
keep water from the house after the fruit commences ripening, and do not
afford any at the roots, or only to prevent flagging. Tne Oct iber-fruiting
plants will be swelling, and must be assisted with tepid liquid manure
whenever they become dry. Keep the laterals well in band, also a
sharp look out for canker, and rub quicklime into the affected parts,
repeating as the appearance of the soil renders necessary, for it is next to-
hopeless striving to avert the evil at this late period of the season, only so
far as to secure the ripening of the fruit is concerned. If there be any
fear of cracked fruit cut the Vine about half way through a little below
the fruit. It will check the flow of tap, but the chief cause of cracking
is a close atmosphere, causing the deposition of moisture on the fruit
during the night. Ventilate freely, and keep the air dry both as a pre¬
ventive of canker and cracking.

PLANT HOUSES.

Dendrobiums. — When such kinds as D. Wardianum, Devonianum,
crassinode, and others have completed their growth and commenced
ripening they should be exposed to full sun. If they have been allowed
to grow under moderately light conditions n > harm will be done by
placing them in the sun at once; but if the shade used has been of a
permanent nature exposure must be gradual, or premature ripening will
take place. This must be avoided if plump well-developed pseudo-bulbs
are expected. Whether these varieties flower well or the reverse depends
entirely upon the manner in which they are ripened. As they advance,

September 9 IS' 6 ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

239

and the foliage is naturally ripened, less water, a cooler and a drh r
atmosphere, should be provided for them. Water should not be withheld
suddenly, but gradually. D. nobile that was pushed early into growth
will have developed fine large pseudo-bulbs, and if they are to flower
profusely they must be exposed to the sun at once, or they will not
beer me sufficiently ripened to flower on the growths that have been made
this season. Any plants of this and other varieties that have not finished
erowing should be kept in brisk heat and more light afforded them than
has been necessary up to the present time. Light, air, and a drier atmo¬
sphere are essential at this season of the year to complete and ripen the
pseudo-bulbs before the approach of autumn, for if this is not accom-
pl’shed before then a bountiful supply of flowers cannot be expected.

Thunias. — Seldom, indeed, do these flower satisfactorily when the
growth of the plants in spring is retarded and made late in consequence.
Every attempt should be made to bring the growth to a standstill, and
ripen them in a slightly lower temperature than the one in which they
have been growing, fully exposed to the sun. Very frequently the house
in which these plants are grown is too much shaded and they become
drawn, the growths often attaining a height of 5 feet. Such growths
are seldom well ripened and often die back or damp during the winter
when at rest. If this calamity does not befall them they very rarely
flower the following season. They should not be grown too hot,
or subjected to too much shade. If a circulation of air is maintained
daily, or whenever favourable, and sufficient light to solidify the growths
as made, every one of them will flower, the pseudo-bulbs become well and
early ripened, and success the following season insured.

Balia anceps. — If grown moderately warm with the Cattleyas flower
spikes will be visible, which will scarcely be the case if the plants have
been in an intermediate temperature. Plants producing flower spikes are
very subject to aphides, which should be destroyed at once, for they suck
the juices from the tender flower stem, which eventually turns yellow.
Light fumigations with tobacco is the best and quickest method of
destroying these insects. If desirable to retard any of these plants for
forming a succession of bloom, the most backward portion of the stock
may be removed to a slightly lower temperature. It is a mistake to do
this by placing the plants in too low a temperature, for more barm than
good will result from such treatment. Such treatment checks the plants,
and they fail to make satisfactory growth the following season. While
subject to a cooler temperature a little less water should be given, which
will insure the roots remaining in good condition.

Cypripedium Sedeni. — This beautiful variety grows and increases very
rapidly in stove beat, and its flowers are very effective. The time of
flowering depends entirely upon the temperature in which the plant is
growing. With sufficient plants and growing them in slightly different
temperatures a long succession of bloom will be produced. This plant
bears retarding without injury ; directly the flowers fade growth commences
fiom the base.

Cypripedium Spicerianum. — Earlier than usual this year this variety
is throwing up its delicate and beautiful flowers. If they are not wanted
for a time, the plantr may be retarded. By giving a lower temperature
for a time, extra luxuriance has resulted. We have always been rewarded
with two flowers on each spike, which this plant is capable of doing
under liberal treatment and judicious rest. While in a lower temperature
care is necessary in the supply of water, it must not be too liberal ; the
water used should be tepid, cold water falling upon the foliage after
removal to a lower temperature earning the leaves to be spotted.

ft

w

dE BEE-KEEPER.

$

RENEWING WORN-OUT COMB.

The older a comb is tbe less serviceable it becomes in a bive.
Three years is quite long enough for any comb to be in use,
especially in the brood nest, and for these reasons — 1, Because
many cells are filled with pollen, which is generally found in
every hive in greater quantities than are required, and, 2, Because
the cells become less every time a bee is hatched in them. Hives
with comb twice seven years undisturbed by man may and have
done well, but it is very ill-advised in anyone to trust to instances
of this kind. Jn a small hive the lessening of the number of
cells available for breeding purposes is nothing less than ruinous,
while in a larger hive it hardly seems profitable to have cells
filled with pollen which might be used to a better purpose. In a
small hive a cell rendered useless means an egg wasted, and a
worker lost ; in a large hive it is not quite such a serious matter,
because there are more cells which can on necessity be utilised by
the queen for breeding purposes. There are several ways in
which new comb can be obtained to take the place of old in bar-
frame hives, but it wi'l be sufficient to give two, and the best of
them is, after taking away all the old combs, either uniting the
bees of two hives together or else strengthening the hive the
comb of which it is desired to renew in the manner pointed out a
few weeks ago, to put into the hive frames filled with foundation
of the very best quality, and then feed as in the case of a skep,
except that as the foundation will materially assist in the comb

construction, less syrup will be required than for a skep where
every cell has to be formed from wax elaborated by the bees
themselves. The next plan is to take out from one of the
strongest stocks with new comb every alternate comb and put in
the place of the frames so removed others filled with foundation,
taking the others so removed from such stock and placing them
and a frame of foundation also alternately in the stock the comb
of which it is desired to renew. Both stocks will of course
require feeding until the foundation is built out and food for
winter is stored. The former plan has more than one advantage
over the latter, and not the least is this, that in an apiary where
comb is constantly renewed there is less likelihood of foul brood
getting foothold, and also it is unnecessary to disturb any other
stock ; while if there is any disease in any stock, the moving of
combs from one hive to another is the most ready way to spread
it. The time for building up sugar-fed stocks is not yet over,
and if it is desired to renew any combs it may still be done with
a certainty of success. Comb built in autumn is preferable to
that built in spring, unless foundation is used, and even then
there is sometimes the same disadvantage, because in the spring
bees are prone to build drone comb, whi'e in autumn hardly any
drone cells are formed at all ; so the effort must be made to get
every cell completed, and this, too, without any delay. Founda¬
tion must not at this time of the year be put outside the other
combs, and in spring it is a very injurious practice to spread the
brood by putting a frame of foundation in the centre of the hive.
The time for all such manipulations, if they are to be performed
at all, is immediately after the close of the honey harvest. The
outside frames will probably contain honey of good quality, and
therefore they may be broken up ; but if the honey is not required
they may, if of proper form and not containing drone cells, be
brought nearer to the centre of the hive. In nine cases out of
ten it is preferable to renew all the combs at once. Dzierzon
does, I believe, approve of what he calls “ spring pruning ” of
combs, and argues that if occasionally drone cells are formed
where workers were before the reverse is often the case ; but in
practical apiculture, in this country at least, the practice is fraught
with danger and is inimical to the true interests of a practical
bee-keeper.

All that is required in moving hives is a perfect ventilation
and fixity of combs. The former can be had by fastening a
piece of wire netting on the top of the hive after removing the
quilts and all other covering, and also fastening a piece of the
same over the entrance, while the combs may be kept from
moving either in the elaborate method given on page 105 of
Cowan’s Bee-keepers’ Guide Book, or if the frames have shoulders
by screwing some laths tightly over the tops of the frames, and
if there are no shoulders, also putting in wedges to keep each
frame in position, and as an additional precaution a rack may be
used to pass along the bottom of the frames transversely, and
they will thereby be held most securely in position. New combs
travel very badly indeed, and it is very dangerous to have a hive
which contains combs only a few weeks old. In previous numbers
“ A Lanarkshire Bee-keeper ” has touched upon this point of
moving hives, so that by referring back all the necessary infor¬
mation for guidance will, I think, be found.

Excluders of every description are a nuisance, and with proper
hives they are totally unnecessary ; they hamper the bees in their
work and spoil the progress of a super. If there is, as there
ought to be, a good breadth of sealed honey above the brood
nest the cases will be very rare indeed in which the queen will
pass this natural barrier. Not one single cell of brood has there
been in any super in my apiary this year, and I am convinced
that it would be a wiser policy to run what little risk there is
of having a super occasionally marred by brood than to use
excluder zincs. 1 f brood is seen in a large super it can be cut
out as soon as it is perceived, and a few days of fine weather will
remedy the mischief ; while if sections are in use it is the rarest
possible occurrence to hear of the queen entering more than one,
and this one maybe put into the combs from which it is intended
to run the honey. — Felix.

TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

Sutton & Sons, Reading. — Catalogue of Bulbs for 1886 ( illustrated ')•

Webb & Sons, Wordsley, Stourbridge. — Bulb Catalogue for 1886 {illus-

George Bunyard & Co., Old Nurseries, Maidstone. — Illustrated Cata¬
logue of Fruit Trees. ,r , r„

Dobie & Mason, 66, Deansgate, and 22, Oak Street, Manchester. Illus¬
trated Catalogue of Flower Boots.

Compagnie Continentale d’Horticulture, 52, Rue du Chaume, Ghent,
Belgium. — Catalogue of New Plants. , ,

Charles Turner, Royal Nurseries, Slough. — Catalogue of Hyacinths and
Choice Bulbous Plants.

240

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September 9, 18S6.

All correspondence should be directed either to “The Editor ’’
or to “ The Publisher.” Letters addressed to Dr. Hogg or
members of the staff often remain unopened unavoidably. We
request that no one will write privately to any of our correspon¬
dents, as doing so subjects them to unjustifiable trouble and
expense.

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions relat¬
ing to Gardening and those on Bee subjects, and should never
send more than two or three questions at once. All articles in¬
tended for insertion should be written on one side of the paper
only. We cannot reply to questions through the post, and we
do not undertake to return reiected communications.

Name of Insect (C. D.). — Sirex gigas, largest-tailed wasp. It will be
more fully referred to.

Registration of Nurserymen ( J . J.). — We know of no other medium
for registration than horticultural and trade directories. Your own bill¬
heads are sufficient evidence of your being in business, and we fail to
conceive that with a remittance or banker’s refe ence you should experience
any difficulty in purchasing goods at “trade” price. We feel confident
there are nurserymen both at home and abroad who would supply you on
that basis.

Insect on Chrysanthemums (JET. M. ) . — Owing to the excessive heat of
the weather while your last box was in transit to us the specimens enclosed
were not only dead but dried. It has, however, been determined that they
are the grubs or larvae of a beetle which have been feeding externally on
the leaves and stems. The species cannot be determined, but there are
several already known as being thus destructive to cultivated plants. We
would suggest that, later on a watch be kept for any be-t'.es amongst your
plants, though it is probable that these hybernate and do not deposit eggs
until the early summer. Something might then be done by way of appli¬
cation, in order to render the plants distasteful to the insects.

Judging Shallots (W. B.). — When judges differ and a referee is not
called in to give a casting vote the responsibility of settling the point in
dispute rests with the Committee. If the judges in your class awarded you
the first prize, and the prize-card was affixed and remained there after the
public had admittance to the Show, and, moreover, if the judges confirmed
their decision on a re-examination, we suspect that you are entitled to the
prize according to law; but please understand we do not advise your
“ going to law ” or anything of that kind, as decisions are proverbially
uncertain, and it is often an exceedingly costly process to win a case, saying
nothing about the risk of losing. Regulation VII. in the schedule does not
strictly apply to your case, though it has a slight bearing on it. If the
alteration was made before the show was open to the public we think you
have no claim to the prize. We do not think you acted wisely.

Vine Leaves Withering ( William). — The premature ripening as repre¬
sented by No. 1 leaf is either the result of a very dry atmosphere or defective
root-action, and this latter may arise from an insufficiency of water or
unsuitable soil. You say nothing about the growth, whether strong or
weak, nor the treatment accorded ; it is certain, however, the Vine does not
receive the support that is requisite for maintaining it in a satisfactory
condition. The No. 2 leaf appears to have been eaten by a weevil or cater¬
pillar, and you had better make a search, with the aid of a light, an hour or
two after nightfall. The leaf is also slightly scorched. We suspect the air
of the house is too dry, and you may possibly err in your method of
ventilation ; also if the roots are inside the border it may not be sufficiently
moist.

House for Tomatoes and Chrysanthemums (.4. B.). — Considering
that you want the house for Chrysanthemums after Tomatoes the larger
house would be much the better, as the sma’ler houses whilst right for the
Tomatoes would be less suitable for the Chrysanthemums. With the large
house the side walls need only be a couple of feet out of the ground, as
there will be sufficient head room through the increased width of the
house. For heating, three rows of 4-inch pipes along both sides of the
house will be required, and 2 feet from the side walls, so as to allow of a
bed in which to grow the Tomatoes that are to be trained up the roof,
trellises being fixed about 12 inches from the glass, and only extending
about G feet up the roof, so that light could get at the central bed, in which
Tomatoes could be grown also. The pipes must be kept above the ground.
The pathways may be of laths. Bottom heat is not necessary.

Seeding Cucumbers ( A . C. J.). — There ought not to be any difficulty in
getting the fruit to seed at this time of year. Impregnate some of the
most promising flowers when they are fully expanded, a dry fine day on
which air is given freely being best for the operation, and the fruit'will
swell, and if there is seed in it will form a knob at the end. Fine even-
swelled fruit are not equal to the knobby ones for affording seed. If there
are any fruit with knobby ends we should let them remain, as they have
been fertilised and contain seeds, so that you will have a better chance of
ripening it than by fruit now fertilised, as the season is getting advanced
for that purpose. The fruit should be left on the plants until it turns
yellow, when it may be cut and kept in a warm house until the pulp
becomes soft, when the seeds maybe removtd, washed, dried, and stored
away.

Destroying Plantains on Lawns (J. TV.). — The best plan we have tried
is to lift the Plantains during moist weather with a daisy fork. If care iB
taken it will draw them up by the roots, and any that break off near the

top can have sulphuric acid (oil of vitriol) dropped on the part, and it will
kill the root. Our plan in using it is to clean out an old blacking bottle,
tie a piece of wire round the neck so as to form a handle to hold the bottle,
which makes all safe in handling, then make notches at the end of a stick
about as thick as the finge ■, then notches all round, and about 1 inch up the
stick ; some of the sulphuric acid being put in the bottle apply the notch
end of the stick and it will retain suffi.-ient of the acid to apply to each
Plantain, putting it on the root. It will kill the Plantain by applying it to
the centre of each plant ; but we prefer to pick them up. Care must be
used with the sulphuric acid, not trusting it to a careless or mischievous
person.

Insects on Ferns ( Downton Lodge). — The insects are brown scale, and
have nothing to do with the soil. They are common to Ferns and many
other plants. The best remedy is to pick them off whilst quite young, as
when left to become brown and hard their shells only contain an innumer¬
able host of young ones, and their disturbance in that state is wholesale
propagation. The best plan to pursue will be to cut away the most infested
fronds and burn them, and the others you may syringe with a solution ot
softsoap, 2 ozs. to the gallon of water, and petroleum at the rate of a wine-
glassful to four gallons of the soap solution, and this should be k^pt well
mixed by stirring briskly whilst bring applied. Be careful to wet every
infested part, and keep it from the roots, the plants being laid on their
sides. If planted out use sponge and brush, and some approved insecti¬
cide, most of those advertised being efficacious if the directions are
accurately followed.

Peach Tree Unfruitful (M. L. (?.). — It would be much the best plan to
well thin out the branches now, leaving no more than will be required for
furnishing the tree and giving next year’s crop. It would be a capital
plan as soon as this is done to take out a trench about one-third the dis¬
tance from the stem the tree covers in extent of trellis, and down so as
to cut off all roots, leaving the trench open for about a fortnight ; this
will check the tendency to a late growth and encourage roots to form in
the radius next the tree. The trench may then be filled up. When the
leav.s give indications of falling re-open the trench and remove the soil
inward from the trench towards the tree, tiking care not to injure the
roots, and continue thi9 working under the roots until you get so near the
stem that a spade can be got under the ball, so as to cut off any roots that
may strike down. It is well to leave the soil for a distance of about
18 inches or a couple of feet undisturbed, but removing the loose sou over
the roots. Proceed to lay in the roots nearer the surface in fresh soil, and
make it firm as the different tiers of roots are laid in the fresh material,
covering the topmost roots about 3 inches. Mulch with 3 inches thickness
of partially decayed manure about a foot further than the roots extend.

Resting Cattleyas ( A . B. C.). — You must encourage your plants of
C. Mossite to complete the growths they have recently started from the
base of the pseudo-bulbs. These growths must have been on the verge of
issuing forth before you wrote to us ; but even had this not been the case it
is too early in the season to commence resting this variety of Cattleya. This
season’s growth could not have been thoroughly developed if made after
the plants flowered in May and June, their usual time of flowering. The
growth of the plant is not fully developed when the pseudo-bulb has been
made and the flower sheath appears. It requires further development,
which is not accomplished by subjecting the plants to rest, but by light and
heat, a circulation of air, and. a moderately liberal supply of moisture in
the atmosphere and at the roots of the plants until the pseudo-bulb
becomes firm. This treatment results in fine flowers, but the reverse those
of small size, which are certain to be deficient in colour and substance.
By resting your plant directly the pseudo-bulbs seem to be completed and
the sheath appears, as waB the case when you wrote to us, you prevent the
plant making roots, which will end sooner or later in weakened growth
and enfeebled health, and finally death. The production of back growths
from the old pseudo-bulbs and a second from the leader displays to us that
your plants are doing well, and you will be the gainer rather than the loser
even if your plant failed to flower for one season. By destroying these
growths or preventing them pushing by prematurely resting the plant you
render it incapable of increasing its size or the number of flowering pseudo¬
bulbs. Orchid growers would willingly forego the flowers for a season to
increase the number of leads or breaks of their plants. Your plants are
growing slightly out of their season, but when plants are healthy they not
unfrequently do thi3. We have a good number in the same condition, both
of imported plants of last spring and the previous summer, but instead of
trying to prevent their starting we are pleased to think they have broken
so freely into growth. Nearly all the plants imported last spring are in this
condition. These may not develope into pseudo-bulbs strong enough to
flower, but they will do so another year. The plants in this condition must
have every encouragement to complete this growth and ripen it, then there
will be a fair season in which to rest the plan s. As they will grow longer
they must be rested a little later in the spring than those plants that
complete their growth earlier in the season. The principal object is to
ripen these growths as thoroughly as possible, and then if the rest is short
let it be complete by a slightly lower temperature than that given to the
earlier ones, the atmosphere a little drier, and the plants given less water
at their roots. If you do this, then start the plants into growth, and push
them on in a little warmer temperature, or place them at the warmest
end of the house— the position they should occupy now — they will grow
with greater regularity, and the following autumn you will not regret
the second growths having started.

Names of Fruits. — The names and addresses of senders of fruit to be named
must in all cases be enclosed with the specimens, whether letters referring
to the fruit are sent by post or not. The names are not necessarily required
for publication, initials sufficing for that. Only Bix specimens can be
named at once, and surplus fruits beyond that number cannot be preserved.
(Pomona). — 1, Scarlet Nonpareil; 2, Scarlet Nonpareil; 3, Kerry Pippin;
4, Ross Nonpareil; 5, White Paradise; 6, Brabant Bellefleur. ( Thomas
Hogg). — Nectarine Plum. (T. S). — 1, Keswick Codlin ; 2, Fearn’s Pippin;
3, not known ; 4, Jefferson ; 5, undoubtedly Victoria ; 6, Kirke’s.

Names of Plants. — We only undertake to name species of plants, not
varieties that have originated from seed and termed florists’ flowers,
Flowering specimens are necessary of flowering plants, and Fern fronds

September 9, IRB6. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

241

should b-ar spores. Specimens should arrive in a fresh state in firm
boxes. Slightly damp moss or soft green leaves form the best packing, dry
cotton wool the worst. Not more than six specimens can be named at once.
{A. C.). — 1, A variegated Orange, which you will find in some of the nursery¬
men s catalogues as Citrus aurantiaca variegata j 2, Is Magnolia glauca.
(T. F. Ii.). Lycium europasum. {J. T. W.). — The flowers are varieties of
Hibiscus sjriacus, one of the most attractive of summer-flowering shrubs.
{Name Omit ed).—l, Solidago virga aurei ; 2, Melilotus alba: 3, Ley-
c°stena formosa.

Renewing Worn-out Comb (C. Scott).— Probably the article by “ Felix”
m the present issue gives the information you require.

COYENT GARDEN MARKET. — September 8th.

The soft fruit being all over, our market has settled ’down to a quiet
trade with heavy supplies.

Apples . i sieve 1

Cherries . 1 sieve 0

Currants, B'ack . . £ sieve 0

» Red .. J sieve 0

figs . dozen 0

Grapes . ft. o

Lemons .. . . ,, «, case 10

Artichokes .. .. dozen 1
Asparagus .. .. bundle 0

Beans, Kidney per bushel 2
Beet, Red .. dozen 1
Broccoli .. ,, .. bundle 0

Brussels Sprouts .. j sieve 0
Cabbage .. .. .. dozen 1
Capsicums .... 100 1

Carrots . bunch 0

Cauliflowers .. .. dozen 3

Celery . bundle 1

Coleworts dcz. bunches 2
Cucumbers .. .. each 0

Endive . dozen 1

0
0

FRUIT,
d. s. d.

6 to 4 0
0 0 0
0 0
0 0
0 9
S 0
15 0

Melon . each 1

Orauges . 100 6

Peaches . . .. .. perdoz. 2

Pine Apples English., ft. 2

Plums . j sieve 1

St. Michael Pines ..each 4
Strawberries.. .. per lb. 0

s. d. 8. d

0 to 2 0

12 0

2 6

VEGETABLES.

Herbs .. ., ., bunch
Leeks .. .. .. bunch

Aralia Sieboldi , .
Arbor vitas ("golden)
,. ("common)
Arum Lilies.. ..
Bedding Plants, var.
Begonias
Caloeolaria
Cineraria
Cockscombs
CrasBula

Cyperus .

Dracaena terminalis
„ viridis . .
Erica, various
Euonymus, in var.
Evergreens, in var.
Ferns, in variety . .

per

per

per

dozen
dozen
dozen
dozen
doz.
dozen
dozen
dozen
dozen
dozen
dozen
dozen 30
dozen 12
dozen 0
dozen 6
dozen 6
dozen 4

Abutilons .. 12 bunches
Ageratum .. 12 bunches
Arum Lilies .. 12 blooms

Asters . . . . 12 bunches

Bouvardias .. per bunch
Camellias .. 12 b'ooms

Carnations .. 12 blooms

,■ . . 12 bunches

Chrysanthemums 12 bches.

12 blooms

Coreopsis
Cornflower
Dahlias
Epiphyllum
Eucharis
Gardenias
Gladioli

12 bunches
12 bunches
12 bunches
doz. blooms
per dozen
12 blooms
12 bunches

Hyacinths.Roman, 12 sprays

Iris . 12 bunches

Lapageria, white, 12 blooms
Lapageria, red . 12 blooms
Lavender dozen bunches
Lilium candidum 12 blms.
„ Icngillorum, 12 blms.

. d.

8. d

s. d.

s

a

0 to 0 0

Lettuce .. ..

to 1

6

0

0 0

Mushrooms .♦

..punnet 0 6

1

0

0

3 0

Mustard and Cress punnet 0 2

0

0

0

2 0

Ouions .. ..

0

0

0

0 0

Parsley .. dozen bunches 2 0

8

0

0

0 0

Parsnips .. ..

2

0

8

0 0

Potatoes .. ..

5

0

6

2 0

,, Kidney

.. cwt. 4 0

6

0

4

0 0

Rhubarb .. ..

0

0

O

4 0

Salsafy .. ..

1

6

6

2 0

Scorzonera

.. bundle 1 6

0

0

0

4 0

Soakale . . . .

per basket 0 0

0

0

3

0 4

Shallots .. ..

0

0

0

2 0

Spinach .. ..

4

6

2

0 0

Tomatoes

0

4

3

0 4

Turnips .. ..

0

6

PLANTS IN POTS.

a.

b. d.

8. d.

8.

a.

0 to 18 0

Ficus elastica

.. each 1 6 to 7

0

0

0 0

Fuchsia

per dozen 2 6

6

0

0

12 0

Foliage Plants, Tar. each 2 0

10

0

0

0 0

Heliotrope

per dozen 4 9

6

0

0

0 0

Hydrangea ..

per dozen 6 0

12

0

0

9 0

Ivy Geraniums

per dozen 0 0

0

0

0

6 0

Lilium auratum

per doz. 12 0

80

0

0

e o

„ lancifolium per doz. 9 0

18

0

0

4 0

,, longiflorum per doz 0 0

0

0

0

0 0

Lobelias . . . .

per dozen 0 0

0

0

0

12 0

Marguerite Daisy dozen 6 0

9

0

0

60 0

Mignonette . .

per dozen 3 0

6

0

0

24 0

Musk .. ..

per dozen 0 0

0

0

0

0 0

Myrtles . . . .

12

0

0

18 0

Palms, in var.

each 2 6

21

0

0

24 0

Pelargoniums, scarlet, doz. 3 0

6

0

0

18 0

Pelargoniums

per dozen 6 0

9

0

CUT FLOWERS.

a.

8. d.

8. d.

8.

a.

0 to 4 0

Lily of the Valley, 12 sprays 0 0

to 0

0

0

3 0

Marguerites ..

12 bunches 2 0

6

0

0

6 0

Mignonette ..

12 bunches 1 0

8

0

3

6
0
0
0
0
0
0
6
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0 0
3 0

Myosotis .. 12 bunches

Pelargoniums, per 12 trusses
„ scarlet, 12 trusses
Roses .. 12 bunches

„ (indoor), per dozen

„ Tea . dozen

„ red .. .. dozen

„ Moss . . 12 bunches
Primrose0, Yellow, dozen

bunches .

Pyrethrum . . 12 bunches
Spiraea .. .. 12 sprays
Stephanotis . . 12 sprays
Stocks, various 12 bnnches
Sunflowers .

1 6
0 9
0 3
2 0
0 6
0 9
0 8
0 0

0 0

8 0
1 0
0 6
9 0

Sweet Peas ..
Sweet Sultan
Tropseolum ..
Tuberoses
Violets . . . .

„ Czar, Fr.,

12 bunches
12 bunches
12 bnnches
12 blooms
12 bunches
.. bunch

8 0
9 0
2 0
S 0
0 6
2 0
0 0
0 0

0 0

0 0

AMONG THE CEOPS.

Good Barley will this year be one of our most profitable
crops, for taken generally the Barley grain is coarse, small,

and discoloured. Some improvement has doubtless taken
place in this crop, but the fine hot dry weather came too late
to afford us a full, plump, clear-skinned grain, and some
caution will be required in selling it. We may take it as a
foregone conclusion that corn dealers will take full advantage
of any inferiority of condition in the grain, and there must
certainly be a limit to the reduction in the price of inferior
grain beyond which we ought not to go. Till after the
threshing it would be somewhat premature to come to a deci¬
sion about selling, but if prices rule exceptionally low we
shall certainly devote all the inferior grinding Barley to pig
feeding. Our success in doing so last year would, of course,
induce us to repeat a process which was so clearly our best
possible course, and of which the results were so eminently
satisfactory. So far as we are able to judge the samples
from sound, well-drained, mixed soils are the best, and those
from heavy lands are the worst. Of two ears upon our table
that from mixed soil is full 5 inches in length without the
beard, with handsome clear-skinned grain, while that from a
heavy land farm is not so long by 2 inches, and is also
inferior in every other particular. It is only after a critical
inspection of the Barley upon the whole of our farms that we
mention this, and we may add that reports from thin light
lands are unfavourable.

In many districts Barley has been regarded as the only
profitable crop under the depression, and a much larger area
than formerly has been devoted to its culture. The fact of
so much Barley having been spoilt for malting purposes last
year, and the low condition of much of it this year, naturally
gives rise to the inquiry, Is it desirable to extend the culti¬
vation of Barley in this country ? We have repeatedly
cautioned our readers against flying to extremes in cropping,
and we again say that we find it answers best to endeavour
to improve on practice generally, so as to obtain larger crops
of all kinds of farm produce, rather than to sacrifice some for
the speculative growth of others. Wheat, Oats, Barley,
Beans, and Peas may all still be grown profitably, if only
the method of culture is sound, and the land clean, dry,
and fertile. Pray note how we cling to this, how persistingly
we repeat that the soil must have due care, if we would have
it yield us crops as full and abundant as is possible. The
nature of the soil, its condition, its requirements, its treat¬
ment, are all matters to be thoroughly mastered if we would
be successful farmers. We have recently heard frequent
complaints of the crops on light land, and we must own that
before being able to accord sympathy to the holders of such
land we should like to know all about their treatment of it.

The mention of light land reminds us of a field under
Mangolds this season where the soil is light and sandy. The
crop is certainly a good one, but it has recently shown such
clear evidence of suffering from drought that we know it might
be better than it is but for a fault in culture, for which nothing
can now atone. Artificial manure is of course highly neces¬
sary in root culture, but so too is farmyard manure. In such
a light sandy soil as that of the field in question a double
quantity of farmyard manure should be used for roots, simply
because the large proportion of moisture contained in it insures
them from harm from drought when once the plants are up
and growing freely. This was not done, in point of fact the
furrows were not half filled with dung, and during the hot
weather the drooping foliage plainly indicated a cessation
of growth, which must seriously affect the final result. Such
a case as this is really only one of many where no thought is
given to the special requirements of the soil. Mangold is so
useful a crop that it should have much better cultivation than
is usually given it. Stored with care the succulent roots are
useful till midsummer, if only we have enough of them to
keep up the supply so late as that.

Swedes and White Turnips also repay us well for careful
cultivation, if only we use them in the right way. They are
aids to successful farming which we would always have in
season as good as is possible. This year they are generally
good, and the sight of them has been very agreeable to us in

242

[ September 9, 188$.

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

our walks among the crops. We have striven to study and
apply to practice the lessons gained in such walks, and we
would urge upon our readers the high importance of a study
of the peculiarities of each season of growth, in view of gain¬
ing fresh information — hints for our guidance in the future.
We have little faith in the man who knows all about farming
and says he at any rate has nothing to learn. Sweet are
the lessons of adversity, and we shall indeed find them so if
they lead to better work in every department of farming, and
enable us to hold our own in our keen competition with the
markets of the world.

would have been very much more favourable than they are. We are
therefore led to the conclusion that a good deal of the deficiency in the
Wheat harvest of 1886 is due to the very cold winter and spring, and
that even with a fine hot summer the yield would still have been short of
the average. One injurious effect produced by the late spring was the
retarding of the harvest time — always a mischievous process. Over the
southern counties of England reaping has begun this year nearly a fort¬
night later than usual. In connection with this topic the following table,
showing the date of commencement of Wheat harvest in West Wiltshire,
may perhaps be of interest : —

Dates op Commencement op Wheat Harvest in West Wiltshire
During the Thirtv Years 1853 to 1882, with Amount of Diver¬
gence from Average Date.

WORK ON THE HOME FARM.

Weekly purchases of sheep has brought our number up to nearly a
thousand head, and, we must add, made a serious strain upon our farm¬
ing capital, yet we still require another hundred for an off farm, and then
we shall have perfected our plans for sheep-feeding for the season. The
opportunity for doing this has arisen from the extraordinary growth of
both green and root crops, and glad are we to be able to turn it to
account. We have ploughed in several fields of Mustard, but one field
with a fine crop of Mustard nearly 4 feet in height is being folded with
sheep, because it adjoins an outlying grass meadow which they will go
upon daily for a change. With a liberal allowance of cake and a run
upon some Wheat stubbles those sheep will soon be ready for sale fat
for the butcher, as they were forward in condition when taken to the
Mustard. Upon another farm the sheep will go from Clover to white
Turnips, which are so forward as to be now ready for them, not puny little
roots, but splendid large ones and plenty of them. This crop of Turnips
will be as useful in its way as the late crops sown specially for folding with
ewes and lambs next March. If only flockmasters would confine the use
of white Turnips to early and late folding, and would not allow pregnant
ewes to go upon them at all, depend upon it we should not hear such doleful
accounts of abortion as we now do so frequently. Surely it is high time that
there should be an end of the practice which consists in running the risk
of folding ewes upon Turnips before the lambing. We are always ready
to listen to any plans of our shepherds, but we will not allow them to do a
thing which we know to be wrong. If their services are worth having
they will receive our orders with respect and carry them out faithfully.
Let us urge upon every young man the importance of learning every detail
of flock management practically, so as to be able to guide a shepherd. There
is nothing like a master’s eye, again say we. Only a day or two ago we
looked through the ewes upon the home farm, and we detected two cases
of fly-striking. Upon speaking to the shepherd about it he said he had
only just examined those sheep, yet when he went back to them there
were the maggots sure enough, and it only requires a little of Cuff’s oil to
destroy them.

A COOL SUMMER— DATES OF HARVESTS.

When the summer of 1886 finally leaves us, says the Daily News, it will
not be greatly missed. With the exception of a few warm days at the close
of June and the beginning of July, the season has given us no settled
weather at all, and so once more we have to chronicle a cool, changeable
summer. While, however, the character of the season has been so poor,
we must not run away with the idea that it has been bad to an exceptional
or even to an unusual extent. The season has certainly been a little cooler
than that of 1885, and much cooler than in 1884 ; but the summer of 1880
was quite as cool as the one which is just passing away, those of 1881 and
1883 were decidedly cooler, and that of 1879 was very much cooler. This
comparison relates to the United Kingdom as a whole : if we take the
eastern parts of Great Britain alone we find that the summer of 1886 has
been cooler than in any year since 1880 ; while on the other hand, if we
look only to the south of England we find that it has been warmer than
any of the past eight years, with the exception of 1884 and 1885.

As regards the rainfall of the past season, the meteorological records
show that taking the kingdom as a whole the summer has been wetter than
those of 1884 and 1885, but much drier than in any of the five preceding
years, and very much drier than in 1879. In the eastern and central parts
of England, however, the season of 1880 was a dry one ; while in the south
of England the summer of 1883 was nearly as dry as this. The figures
relating to the frequency, as distinguished from the amount, of rain tell a
very similar tale, the number of davs with rain being greater during the
summer of 1886 than in 1884 or 1885. but decidedly less than in any of
the six preceding years. It is thevef ire clear that b >th as regards tem¬
perature and rainfall the summer does not compare so badly with those of
recent years. But then it must be remembered that these years have
themselves been very poor. In the course of the past decade there has
been only one hot summer, and that was in 1878. The season of 1884 was
fairly good, but its warmth was due entirely to the excessive heats of
August, the months of June and July being anything but summerlike.

Although the weather of the past few weeks has been upon the whole
unfavourable to our cereal crop3, it has not been so bad in itself as to
afford anv satisfactory explanation of the miserable reports that are now
arriving from the agricultural districts. In the Wheat-producing localities
as a whole the rainfall has not been in excess of the average, and in some
portions of these districts it has been very much below the normal. Tem¬
perature again has not been excessively low, and there can be little doubt
that had the Wheat crops commenced with a fair start the harvest reports

Days.

1858.

Aug.

13-

- 6

later.

1854.

99

)»

18-

-11

19

1855.

21-

-14

t)

1856.

JJ

6-

- 2

earlier.

1857.

July

29-

- 9

19

1858.

))

29-

- 9

19

1859.

99

23-

-15

11

1860.

Aug.

27-

-20

later.

1861.

}j

6-

- 1

earlier.

1862.

JJ

19-

-12

later.

1863.

99

8-

- 1

11

1864.

July

27-

-11

earlier.

1865.

1)

26-

-12

19

1866.

Aug.

4-

- 3

19

1867.

19

10-

- 3

later.

Days.

1868. July 16—21 earlier.

1869. Aug. 5 — 2 „
1870 July 27 — 11 „

1871. Aug. 12— 5 later.

1872. „ 8— 1 „

1873. „ 9— 2 „

1874. July 27—11 earlier.

1875. Aug. 16— 9 later.

1876. „ 3— 4 earlier.

1877. „ 10— 1 later.

1878. „ 1— 6 earlier.

1879. Sept. 4—28 later.

1880. Aug. 16— 9 „

1881. „ 6—1 earlier.

1882. „ 15— 8 later.

The table, besides being an agricultural record, is in itself also a
meteorological register. In the cold season of 1860 we find that the
harvest was twenty days later than usual ; in the hot and dry season of
1868 it was as much as twenty-one days earlier ; while in the disastrous
season of 1879 reaping did not commence until September 4th, or nearly a
month later than the average date. This year Wheat-cutting in Wiltshire
was nearly a fortnight behind the usual tim6.

Every now and then it seems a9 though the seasons had completely
changed; but if we will only take the trouble to go back far enough we
shall find historical proof that we are not being dealt with more hardly
than our ancestors. The records from time immemorial show that there
have been occasional runs of bad weather followed sometimes by cycles
of drought and heat. In the reign of Edward II. incessant rains were
reported to have fallen every summer with only two or three exceptions,
and fifty years later corn was again dear for some years owing to the wet
seasons. After this there was a run of fruitful years until 1542, when
commenced a period of rainy summers which lasted till nearly the close
of the century. Again, in 1692 there commenced a long series of excep¬
tionally bad seasons, traditionally referred to as the barren years, at the
close of the seventeenth century. In 1773 Gilbert White remarks : —
“ Such a run of wet seasons as we have had the last ten or eleven years
would have produced a famine a century or two ago.” Then from 1792
to 1817 another cycle of bad seasons was experienced, after which the wet
and dry years were pretty evenly balanced to 1877. Since then the
general character of our summers is well known to us all. Whether any
scientific explanation can be given of these periods of drought and wet,
of abundance and of famine, is a question we must leave our philosophers
to fight out among themselves. At present there is, so far as we are
aware, no satisfactory solution of the mystery.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.

Camden Square, London.

Lat. 51° 32' 40" N.; Long. 0° 8' 0" W.; Altitude, 111 feet.

DATE.

9 A.M.

IN THE DAT.

Rain

1886.

Au crust and
September.

Barome¬
ter at 32«
and Sea
Level

Hygrome¬

ter.

Direction
of Wind.

| Temp, of
Soil at

1 1 foot.

Shade Tem¬
perature.

Radiation

Temperature.

Dry.

Wet.

Max.

Min.

In

sun.

On

grass

Inches.

deg.

deg.

dec:.

deer.

dev

deg

In.

Sunday .

20

30.006

65.3

59.7

N.E.

63.5

78 8

52.2

106.5

45.3

—

Monday .

30

3 >.024

08.4

62.8

N.E.

62.7

88 4

53.4

123.2

47.5

—

Tuesday .

31

30.101

07.6

01.8

S.E.

63 7

87.8

56 1

1244

49.3

—

Wednesday ..

1

80.125

66.2

02.2

Z.

64 5

84 2

59 0

117.7

52.2

— •

Thursday .. .

2

30.083

65.3

58.8

N.E.

G5.2

00.2

58.6

80.4

53.8

0.232

Friday .

3

30.' 90

61.9

60.6

E.

62.8

70.8

54.8

92 7

55.6

0.3C9

Saturday ....

4

30.045

64.5

64.1

N.E.

62-8

79.1

02.0

116.8

56-2

o.04a

80.076

65.6

61.4

03.6

79.3

56.6

108.8

51.4

_0.58»

REMARKS.

S9th.— Fine and hot, bat a little hazy early, and fog in early afternoon.

30th. — Bright and hot ; a splendid August day.

31st.— Another glorious day : slight haze early,
lat. — Rather hazy early, very fine afterwards.

2nd. — Overcast miming, with stealy fall of temperature ; small rain bigan at 1 i’-M-*
wet afterwards.

3rd.— Dull morning, bright afterwards.

4th.— Slight rain at 5.15 a.m., thunderstorm at 8. '0 A.M., with very heavy rain, thunier
at intervals till 11 A M„ hall ai 10.33 A.M. ; fine, hot, ani damp afterwards.
The warmest w.ek thii year, the temperature being about 9° above the average. —

J. Etmons.

September 16, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

243

16

th

17

F

18

S

19

SUN

13th Sunday after Trinity.

20

M

21

TU

Royal Horticultural Sooiety Committees at 11 am. Cottagers’ Show

22

w

WHAT COOL ORCHIDS WANT.

LTHOUGH numbers of Orchids grow and flower
well in what may bo termed a warm greenhouse
temperature, it does not follow that they will
succeed in all greenhouses. It is evident that
some misunderstanding exists as to the essential
requirements of Orchids, and it is certain that
many plants have been ruined in consequence.
The great majority of Orchids derive their sus¬
tenance mainly from the air, and this to be sup¬
porting must be moist. Rough fibrous material, such as spongy
peat and moss, is suitable for the plants, not so much because
of its innate virtues, but because it is such a good medium
for holding, so to say, a large volume of moist air. Air fills
all the interstices in the medium in which the plants are
established, but if it is dry air they soon assume a sickly hue,
whereas if it is properly moist they flourish.

Uniform moisture, such as Orchids delight in, cannot be
maintained about the roots even by applications of water
alone in a house having a dry breezy atmosphere. The
medium employed in potting or basketing may be made
wet enough at times, but if the air that follows the water —
and it always does follow it— is dry the benefit conveyed by
watering is momentary rather than sustained. Dry air, then,
is inimical to the roots, and it is not less so to the foliage
and pseudo- bulbs of the plants. Steady sustained moisture
is the chief requirement of Orchids, the degree of moisture to
be determined by the season of growth and temperature.

The atmosphere of even a warm greenhouse in which
flowering plants generally are maintained in a satisfactory
condition is quite unsuitable for Orchids. It is too dry for
them, and to afford the requisite moisture would necessitate
the house being kept too close for the other occupants.
Orchids and Ferns will thrive together, but Orchids with
Pelargoniums is an unnatural alliance. It is not a question
of temperature alone, for this may be right for both, but of
moisture in the air, on which success or failure mainly
depends.

Many so-called cool Orchids are far better in frames in
summer than in greenhouses with other plants, because the
air of the frames can be kept in a far more equable state of
moisture than is possible on the dry stages of a house and
with the wind driving through the sashe3. Several Orchids
succeed excellently in frames in the summer, the plants
elevated on pots inverted in saucers of water, the ashes
between the saucers being also moist, at least in dry weather.
During a dull and damp period and towards the autumn the
air is naturally damp, and it may not be necessary to syringe
either the plants, pots, or base on which they stand. Various
forms of Odontoglossums, Oncidiums, Cypripediums, also
Lselias, Cymbidiums, Epidendrums, Masdevallias, Coelogynes,
and sundry other Orchids may be kept in admirable condition
in frames from early summer till early autumn, and they can
be much better kept in warm greenhouses in the winter than
they can in the summer, because in winter they do not

No. 325. — Vol. XIII., Thikd Series.

require so much moisture, and the houses can be ventilated
without throwing the front sashes wide open ; indeed a posi¬
tion can generally be found for the Orchids where the front
sashes can be kept closed, but dry air must never rise up
amongst them from hot-water pipes, or the plants will be
almost certain to go wrong. A close stage is essential, and
it must be kept more or less moist according to the weather
and temperature. In some houses and under the manage¬
ment of some persons the plants do not suffer in a tempera¬
ture of 45°, but that is fully too low for damp structures, and
a few degrees more warmth will be found generally advan¬
tageous. From 45° to 50° may be regarded as a “ comfort¬
able ” night temperature in conservatories in winter, and
suitable for a great variety of plants besides cool Orchids.

Many Orchids succeed admirably in well managed
vineries that are started in February or early March, \ines
will rest quite well in a temperature of 45°, or a few degrees
higher ; so will cool Orchids. The slightly increased heat
and moisture that are necessary for starting the Vines also
gently stimulate the plants, and both Vines and Orchids
require a steady progressive temperature and increased mois¬
ture as growth proceeds. The shade from the Vme3, that
deepens daily as the sun gains power, suits the plants beneath,
and the genial moisture that is needed for expediting the
swelling of the fruit is equally enjoyed by the swelling pseudo¬
bulbs. Then as the Grapes colour the gradual reduction of
moisture is invaluable for the ripening of the fruit above ana
the plants below. This is practically “ warm greenhouse
temperature, for greenhouses in summer are as warm as
vineries ; but there is a vast difference as regards atmospheric
moisture in those structures, and that is exactly the reason
why Orchids succeed in one case and so often fail in the other.
Moisture they must have during the season of growth or
they will make no satisfactory progress, and if they are not
going forward they will soon go backward, as they cannot
stand still for long. — Experientia docet.

It is surprising to me to see doubts cast upon the sue
cessful cultivation of Orchids amenable to cool treatmen
when grown in a cool house, and I think when failure occurs
it must be the cultivator instead of the cool treatment which
is at fault. The way not to succeed with Orchids amenable
to “ cool treatment ” is to place them in a greenhouse along
with Pelargoniums, Fuchsias, and such like plants on a dry
open stage with a cold harsh current blowing amongst the
Orchids, and these, further, imperfectly watered. In hun¬
dreds of cases cool Orchids have been treated like ordinary
greenhouse plants, and then the grower coolly says that it is
the “ cool treatment” which is at fault when the Orchids go

wrong. . .

I daresay not one cultivator in a score who is successful
in the cultivation of cool Orchids will differ from me when I
say that to cultivate these plants successfully is to subject
them to cool treatment. Very little artificial heat is required ,
only sufficient to prevent the temperature falling below w >
and on cold, wet, or foggy days to maintain a buoyant
atmosphere by dissipating excessive moisture. As the season
advances the temperature must be allowed to take a natural
rise. The staging should not be dry and open, but composed
of slate, and this should be covered with shells, broken cinders,
or fine coal with the dust sifted out. This should always be
kept moist, which will cause a genial humidity about t e
plants. The plants must either bo elevated on pots or ou
light stage erected about 6 inches above the other ; it wou
then be a double stage. .

Ventilation is very important. It should be applied at e
apex of the roof, and in such a manner that a cold draug t
does not blow on the plants ; this must be especially guar e
against, and the quantity of air admitted should be deter¬
mined by the state of the weather. When the weather is
mild and moist, or close, more air will be needed than when
the air is dry, or when a cold cutting wind is blowing, with

No. 1981 —Vol. LXXV., Old Series

244

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September 16, 1886.

strong sun heat. When this latter is the case the house
should be more heavily shaded, and be kept well damped bo;h
between the pots and on the floor. The side lights should
not be opened, but bottom ventilation is very beneficial when
it can be applied under the staging by what are termed
“ hit and miss ” ventilatorp. Whatever aspect the house has,
shading must be applied so as to keep the sun from shining
fiercely on the plants from early in March until about the
commencement of October, and if the house has side lights
the safest plan will be to tack on some tiffany or scrim the
whole of the summer.

The majority of Orchids amenable to “ cool treatment”
should never be allowed to suffer by the want of water,
winter or summer, as they are never completely at rest, and
to dry them off like a Dendrobe would be to court failure. The
safest guide is to keep the sphagnum healthy and growing,
and when this thrives the Orchids will do the same. We
apply water just as the sphagnum commences to have a
white tinge, and it is applied with a syringe, which is far
handier for the purpose than a water-pot.

The material used for potting is equal parts of growing
sphagnum and very fibrous peat, with a good addition of
charcoal and clean crocks broken to about the size of a hazel
nut. The pots should be about three parts filled with cleanly
washed crocks, the centre of the plant elevated about an inch
above the rim of the pot, and the potting material be firmly
packed about the roots. Orchids are now comparatively
cheap, and it is generally the cheapest in the end to buy
established plants from nurserymen who make a speciality
of Orchids. — A. Young.

I am glad to find by the remarks of Mr. J. MacDonald (page
208 of the Journal) that my inquiry with regard to so-called
cool Orchids has attracted attention. I should, however, like to
explain that I was not referring to the treatment of Orchids with
greenhouse plants, but in houses specially devoted to them. It is,
I think, generally understood that orchidaceous plants, though not
always requiring a high temperature, need more moisture and less
air than the generality of greenhouse flowers, and careful shading.
I append a selection from a list of Orchids which are said by one of
the first nurserymen to be admirably suited for cool treatment,
which, however, my experience does not confirm — Anguloa Clowesi,
Cattleya marginata, Coelogyne cristata, Cymbidium eburneum,
Cypripedium Harrisianum, C. Sedeni, C. venustum, Laslia anceps
and autumnalis, Miltonia Morelliana and spectabilis, Odontoglossum
grande and Insleayi, Oncidiums aurosum, crispum, curtum,dasytile,
flexuosum, Forbesi, and praetextum ; Sophronitis grandiflora, and
Zygopetalum Mackayi. All these I have found do better in the
Cattleya house.

To sum up, a distinction should be made between Orchids which
will stand to flower in a cool house, and those which will grow and
flourish there. — A Subscriber.

PRUNING AND TRAINING VINES.

The observations and experiences of “ Esperientia docet” at
page 173 are, to my thinking, eminently seasonable and suggestive.
Spur-growing and restricting the growths is not the way to get
Grapes on weak Vines, and to prune vigorous ones c'osely is to
prevent their bearing. The system your correspondent advances
is as “old as the hills;” known formerly as the rod system, there
being both the long and short rod systems, and is certainly
anterior to the spur system. In these days the rod system has
lost its name, and is analogous with the resurrectioned one of
“ extension,” which may mean anything or nothing, but under its
proper term of rod is readily recognised by those having some
few years’ experience of Grape cultivation. I can remember
when there were as many Vines on the rod as on the spur system,
and the finest and most successful of Grapes exhibited at the
local shows, as well as those honoured with medals by the London
Horticultural Society (R.H.S.), were those grown on the rod
system. The idea of the rod system was that of securing fruit
on the wood of the previous year not having borne fruit - that is,
wood or a cane allowed to grow to a certain extent without
hindrance or the burden of fruit, as is the case with the shoots
of a young Vine pruned on the spur system. Instead of the
annual growths being cut back to one or at most two eyes, as in
the case of a spur growth, the whole of those on the rod system

were leaders eventually shortened more or less according to the
method adopted.

1 have pruned Vines on the rod system, leaving about 15 inches
for the short rod and 30 for the long rod, choosing the best eyes as
ends nearest the length named. All the laterals or side growths
fruited, or as many as were allowed to remain at disbudding,
being cut away in the autumn or with the Grapes. This system
gave some splendid bunches. There were no small, in fact, unless
they were taken from shoots that arose from the lower part of
the rods — i.e., of the annual length made ; besides some
“thumpers” at the top as the leading shoot of each rod was
allowed to fruit on the last length made, i have a clear reco'lec-
tion of this long and short rod system ; indeed, have seen a cane
taken from the bottom to the top of the rafter in a season, and from
one end to the other of a long house in the same time, and allowed
to carry fruit, a bunch from every other shoot on opposite sides
of the rod the year following, twenty-two bunches on the upright
and over forty on the horizontal. This was growing wood one
year to fruit the next, and is the same now practised with Vines
in pots, with the difference that we got a much stronger cane
from the Vines planted out and established in a border than in
pots. The bunches were big, loose, uneven in berry, and not
very satisfactory in finish. The whites were the more satisfactory ;
they did not show the bad finish nearly as much as the black.
They were liked at table when there were parties and for the
exhibition, which was perhaps once a month in the first case and
once a year in the other ; but for everyday use the small bunches
of three-quarters to 1 lb , tbe produce of Vines on the spur
system, were most in request. The bunches on the spur system
were twenty to twenty-four on a rod in a house of 18 feet width ;
on the rod system we had, perhaps, half a dozen “ thumpers,”
weight for weight per Vine not materially different, but there
was a great difference in usefulness. The small bunches compact,
large in berry, and fine in colour and finish, were liked because
fresh and good, and the big bunches were not liked because they
were too much for once and not presentable a second time.

It is with Grapes as with butter, which is liked best when
in smaU lumps, even old butter looks most like fresh when made
from the lump into pats. The rod system means big bunches,
loose, coarse, and unserviceable; the spur system means medium¬
sized bunches, compact, stout in shank and footstalks, large
even-sized berries, perfect in colour and bloom, with every other
characteristic of high finish, and most serviceable in early, mid¬
season, and late, through their better keeping quality. Either
system may be overdone. This is not, perhaps, what your cor¬
respondent alludes to in his observations on the unsatisfac¬
tory cropping of weak and gross-growing Vines, but 1 consider
it has that tendency, extension meaning larger bunches and
often badly finished fruit. Vines in a suitable border and house
judiciously managed are, so far as 1 have seen and experienced,
with few exceptions most satisfactorily treated on the spur
system. Some Grapes are shy at fruiting where close pruning
to the orthodox bud or a couple of eyes is practised ; but they
are rare when the Vines are sufficiently vigorous and the wood is
thoroughly ripened. The most notable examples are in the large-
bunched varieties such as Gros Guillaume; but even with these the
most compact bunches and most perfect in finish are had from
the eyes nearest the base, and the biggest, loosest, and coarsest
the nearer they are the top of the previous year’s wood. Muscats
a) so bear best from eyes some little distance from the base, and
the like remarks might be further extended, but is the same in
all cases — viz., the nearer the base the buds are left at pruning
the more compact the bunches and better the finish of the Grapes,
and the further the buds are from the base the more we increase
the liability to looseness of bunch, to unevenness of berry, and
uncertainty of finish. These are well-known axioms in Grape
culture and I think they are, by the remarks of your correspon¬
dent, likely to be overlooked, quite unintentionally on his part,
for it is perfectly clear his animus, if he have any, is not directed
against the spur system so long as it affords satisfactory results,
but against that apathy and inanition which discontent with
things as they are does not result in efforts at improvement.

As an example of the mode of training alluded to on page
173, t may mention the Vines in the large conservatory at
Chiswick. They seem to be trained on the rod and spur system
combined, a sort of go between, neither the one nor the other
particulaidy, but something of both. When a rod gets aged and
gives too small bunches or too few on the spur system a young
cane is trained in and the old rod displaced by the young, and it
seems to be a continuous process — ie.,the training-in of young
canes to displace old rods so that there is no lo3s of crop ; in
fact, it is taking time by the forelock, not waiting a disaster
before taking remedial steps, but foreseeing increased diminution
of crop in present weakness, promptly meeting it by increased

September 18, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

245

vigour in an extension of growth, increased root action, greater
supplies of nutriment passed to enlarged parts through freer,
because younger and wider channels. The system pursued is a
modified rod and spur system of Vine cultivation. The principle
is to train in a young growth wherever there is space or one is
wanted to displace a rod weakened by fruiting, and so by
rej uvenation of the Vines an abundant crop is had of bunches,
large, medium, and small, all line in berry and of good finish, so
that every want and taste is catered for and met, whether it be
the big bunch for parties or the medium and small for everyday
consumption. This, I thinV is the system your correspondent
wishes to see extended in gardens, so as to increase the cropping
of the Vines, secure crops of Grapes of greater interest and
service to the proprietors and doing more credit to the cultivators.
It is the principle of the rod denuded of its crudities, the prin¬
ciple of extension without its disadvantages, in that no growth is
allowed to he made, but that having full exposure to light and
air, especially those leaves that are to transmit elaborated and
assimilated nutriment to the buds at their base, and which are to
be pruned to or reserved for furnishing next season’s Grapes. It
is a certain means of keeping the roots active, and of reliance on a
crop on parts not previously burdened and weakened by fruiting.
The only danger is in overcrowding, common alike to the rod,
spur, or that to which your correspondent has directed attention
in a manner which should set Grape growers thinking how best
they can act to increase the produce of their Vines. I thank
‘ Experientia docet,” as many others will no doubt without
giving it public expression, which is to be regretted, as it might
prove an incentive of something equally trite on other subjects of
interest aud importance.

Extension is the panacea propounded by our friend for weak
and gross Vines, the roots in both cases not being practically
under control. I have had Vines in “ borders ” of a yard wide with
an 8-foot gravel walk and lawn in front To get at the roots in
such case was simply impracticable. They had rambled away. I
found some in planting an Ai’bor Vitae on the lawn at least
8 yards distant. A V'ine filled a house 40 feet by 20 feet in
one case, and that a Black Hamburgh Some young canes were
run up, and though they did not improve much in vigour the
first year they were much stronger in the second, though the
crop, through the fruit being borne on young wood, left at
pruning 6 inches to 5 or G feet long, was much better ; in fact,
double in weight to what it was in the previous year. The Vines
kept on improving. In a mixed vinery I once had charge of was
a Vine labelled Alicante. It was an old vinery planted in 1837,
roots all out-ide. The other Vines were fairly satisfactory in
fruiting, but this particular Vine was sterile. Its roots went
straight down by the wall ; subsoil clay over freestone They
were in a cold wet medium, bare and fibreless to the depth of the
border. Nothing was allowed to be done at the roots. The
Vine must not be touched. The growth was gross as to length,
long-jointed, and though it was late in starting it soon out¬
distanced all others in growth. It must be kept to its space,
therefore was stopped, and it showed fruit on the laterals— poor
things of bunches. A cane was run up, which ripened and gave
fruit the year after, which, though it did not colour well, gave
satisfaction, and that was everything. — G. Abbey.

CHRYSANTHEMUMS AND THEIR CULTURE.

( Continued from page 226.)

ARRANGING IN STANDS.

That there is a right and a wrong method of arranging Chrys¬
anthemum blooms in stands for exhibition is plainly exemplified at
almost every show which is held throughout the country. To a
beginner this matter may appear to be of little importance, but when
he ha3 had experience he will find that a considerable advantage is
gained by arranging his blooms in the stands in a manner calcu¬
lated to show them to the best advantage. An error into which
nearly all young exhibitors fall is this, they cut the blooms with
much too short a stem, thus fixing them in the tubes so that the
blooms rest on the board, which dwarfs them in appearance consider¬
ably. The correct method of arranging in the stands is to place the
blooms at such a height from the board that the size of each is
displayed to the best advantage. The stem should be cut 1 inch
longer than the tube ; this allows for elevation, when cups are not
used of the pattern as shown by fig. 25. When the blooms are re¬
quired to be higher than the stem will allow, and cups without
springs are used, narrow strips of brown paper wrapped round the
stem of the tuba will raise the blooms to any required height. If
they are placed too high in the stands they look ungainly ; there is
a certain point at which they look the best, and this I will en¬
deavour to make as clear as possible. I will take a stand of

twelve incurved flowers, giving the names of those varieties which
I consider make a representative collection, arranged according to
the colours of each so as to harmonise agreeably. This is a point
requiring much consideration, as nothing is worse to the eye than
two flowers the colours of which kill each other, so to speak, by
being staged in the wrong place. I will also give the height at
which the back, middle, and front row flowers should be placed
from the board measuring from the bottom florets ; the names of
the blooms in each row read from left to right as follows — Queen
of England, 5 by 3 inches ; Empress of India, 5 by 3 inches ;
Alfred Salter, 5 by 3 inches ; Lord Alcester, 5 by 3 inches ;
Princess of Wales, 5 by 2f inches ; John Salter, 5 by 2f inches ;
Jeanne d’Arc, 4} by 2£ inches ; Prince Alfred, 5 by 2| inches ; Jar-
din des Plantes, 44 by 2j inches ; Hero of Stoke Newington, 44 by
2£ inches ; Refulgence, 4 by 2£ inches ; Princess of Teek, 4^ by
2i inches. The blooms in the hack row should be elevated
l| inch from the stand, those in the middle 1 \ inch, and those in
the front row fixed 1£ inch above the board or stand. By fixing
them at these heights every bloom is shown to the best advantage.
The figures following the blooms denote their sizes, the first one
representing the diameter, while the second gives the depth. A selec
tion of varieties could be made to appear much larger on the
boards by including such as Golden Empress and Golden Queen of
England in the middle row in the place of, say, Princess of Wales
and Jeanne d’Arc ; the last named would then be brought into the
front row in the place of Princess Teck and Jardin des Plantes ;
but such a stand as that is seldom if ever seen. Therefore I
think it far better to enumerate those varieties which are in more
general use than to mislead by including the unlikely ones. Reflexed
and Anemone flowers should be arranged in the same manner as.
the incurved.

The varieties of Japanese with long drooping florets require
setting up a little higher on the board, just sufficient to allow the
points of the florets to stand clear. The cupping of these should
be done in a careful and judicious manner. Each variety requires
special study, as the forms vary so much in character. Take Boule
d’Or or Meg Merrilies for instance, neither of which possessing'
long drooping florets should be “ cupped ” in such a manner that
the florets are placed in a horizontal position ; the tube should be
of sufficient diameter to support them in such a way that they
retain their drooping character, not quite in such a perpendicular
form as when growing on the plant, because in this way much of
the size of the bloom is lost by not spreading them out to the best
advantage. Place them in the tube then in such a way that the
florets droop easily ; the relative length of these of each variety
must guide the exhibitor in fixing the height from the stand. It
would be almost impossible to define accurately the height in inches
of each flower. The number of varieties of Japanese so far ex¬
ceeds the incurved that a “ selection ” if given would perhaps not
be available at a given date. Owing to the interlacing of the florets
of some sorts and recurving of others the blooms in this section
are not so easily arranged in the tubes as the incurved type. The
best way to proceed is the following : Take a bloom of any of the
long-petalled varieties, turn it upside down, slip the tube over the
stem, place the stem of the flower in the mouth of the operator ;
this sets both hands at liberty. If the florets are interlaced at the
back of the flower, with loth hands disentangle them and spread
them out evenly, then with one hand hold them in position, and
with the other hand slip the tube into its place close under the
base of the florets. Tightly hold the stem of the flower and the
tube in the hand, turning it into position so that the correct height
to fix the tube in position can be ascertained ; by slipping up or
down at will, the florets can thus be brought into the required form,,
then with the cork as previously described make the bloom fast in-
the tube. The new type Anemone Japanese owing to their long
guard florets require treating in the same manner as the others.

Pompon and Anemone Pompons are generally shown in
bunches of three flowers, one on each stem, with their foliage. In
arranging these in the stands the flower stems for back row should
be cut 7 inches long, for the middle row 5| inches, and for the front
row 44 inches ; the blooms are placed in a triangular position, two at
the top and one below, just sufficiently low to allow of the bottom
flower being plainly seen without in any way interfering with those
above. As varieties varying in size of flower it is difficult to say
how much the front flower requires to be lower than those above ;
therefore the size of the flowers must guide the grower in this
respect, but 1 inch will allow for the arrangement in most instance5.
The peduncles of some varieties are so weak that supports at o
necessary to show the blooms to the best advantage, in fact, all
are much improved by fixing them firmly and exactly where wished.
Nothing is better for this purpose than galvanised wire, about the
thickness of small knitting needles, cut the same length as the
flower stem. About 3 inches from the point at the top give the

246

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September 16, 1886.

wire an easy bend of say 1 inch from the straight ; this gentle
curve holds the blooms free from each other. Of course the two
longest wires are bent in an opposite direction ; then bind fine
wire around the stem and the stout wire, and the blooms will be
kept in the proper position, and can be set into the cups at will.
The front or shorter flower should have a leaning towards the front
when staged on the boards. All the leaves being retained on each
stem much improves the appearance of this class of Chrysanthe¬
mums. Arranged and fixed in the manner described the flowers
travel securely any distance. Only the cups containing the water
are used in staging these types. Uniformity in the size of the
blooms is a point to consider as being necessary to insure success,
and an harmonious arrangement of the colours should be adopted.
A white and a deep lilac or a purple go well together ; never place
two pinks or two yellows close together.

Naming should be done with accuracy ; misnaming causes much
confusion in the season following, if not at the time. An exhibitor
not naming his flowers correctly often causes nurserymen much
trouble and annoyance. Many people go to shows and see flowers
well shown ; they take the names and order the varieties, conse¬
quently, if wrongly named at the show, when the plants bloom in
the following season they are quite different to those expected,
because the nurseryman has sent the varieties true to name. Hence
there is annoyance to the purchaser as well as to the nurseryman ;
and it behoves all growers of Chrysanthemums to be particular in
naming their specimens. There are various methods of naming the
flowers adopted by growers, but the most satisfactory way that I
am acquainted with is that adopted by the Kingston Chrysanthe¬
mum Society. It is stipulated in its schedules that all names must
be written upon labels supplied by it, thus uniformity in the
naming is insured in all classes of cut blooms in the show. Those
-supplied by this Society are adhesive, about 3 inches long by 1|
inch wide, each label bordered with a narrow blue line. This
ornamentation is purely a matter of choice as regards the colour,
but the method is good, as when the blooms are arranged in the
stands at home the names, plainly written, are fixed on the board
in front of them, when if any bloom has to be removed for con¬
venience in packing its proper position is easily found again by the
fixed label ; hence the advantage of adhesive labels. Some growers
have small cards with the names printed upon each ; this is an
excellent plan to enable the public to ascertain the names, but
they are liable to be lost when laid loosely on the stand ; also too
much time is taken up on the morning of the show in placing them
in their relative positions. I prefer the adhesive labels to all other
methods of naming.

Attempts have been made by persons desirous of initiating a
change of arranging the blooms in stands by staging them in a more
natural manner, but the best attempt I have seen has ended in a
failure. Such inventors may be pushed to adopt a fresh scheme
because they cannot accomplish the dressing of the flowers in a
satisfactory manner, therefore I attach little importance to the
innovations. Societies have offered prizes for blooms staged with¬
out dressing and without tubes, but have always failed in their
objeet — -viz., to obtain a representative collection. Many varieties
are too weak in the peduncles to admit of their being staged with¬
out support, hence the failure. Again, some kinds” produce
peduncles 9 inches long, and consequently in such instances no
foliage can be staged with the blooms, rendering them gaunt-look-
ing objects. I have seen the stands covered with green moss and the
front edged with Isolepis gracilis, but surely well-grown flowers of
Chrysanthemums do not require any adornment. The old-
fashioned plan of placing paper collars under the blooms has be¬
come almost obsolete, and a very good thing it is ; they never
improved their appearance, but rather the reverse.

STAGING AT THE SHOWS.

The same care observed in “ preparing for shows ” should be
followed in staging. Close attention must be given to all small
matters. The plans as to how the necessary arrangements shall be
carried out, and what part each person who goes to the show shall
take in the final arrangements, should be well thought out. The
most important point is to arrive in good time, so that no rush or
hurrying over what is to be done need take place. When the show
is reached unload the boxes from the conveyance as carefully as
possible, and stand them under cover where neither the sun nor
rain can harm them, and also be sure they are not placed in the
way of any other exhibitor, thereby interfering with his con¬
venience. Let it be borne in mind that all exhibitors have an
equal right, or should have, to any privileges for the quick dispatch
of minor matters in connection with staging. Be careful to exer¬
cise the greatest civility to all your opponents, and do not be above
lending a hand to lift a box, or assist in any other reasonable way.
These amenities go a long way towards establishing a friendly

feeling amongst exhibitors, and thereby making the visit to the
exhibitions so pleasant as to create a desire to attend again. Look
around for some quiet corner in the building, or a room connected
therewith, where visitors cannot trouble you, as criticism of the
flowers at that time interrupts far too much the work in hand.
Many exhibitors waste much valuable time in walking around
examining other people’s exhibits and so on. Take one class at a
time, re-arrange the flowers according to the colours as previously
decided. This is easily done if the labelling of the blooms has been
carried out as advised. Each flower should be examined separately,
brushing off any dust which may have accumulated during transit
with the brush, using it always in an upward direction in the case
of incurved blossoms, always finishing off in the centre, which
tends to preserve the incurved form. Some florets will be almost
sure to be shaken out of place ; these must be re-arranged with the
forceps, preserving the form previously acquired, and in the case of
the Japanese family, if the flowers are at all stale, or even fully
developed, the florets will, in some instances, be shaken down,
exposing too much of the centre or eye, which must be filled up.
This is best done by taking the bloom out of the cup, holding it
upside down, and giving it a vigorous shake. Place blooms at the
height previously named ; examine all again to see that no mis¬
take has occurred in naming, and especially see that a duplicate
bloom has not been accidentally placed in the stand where not
required. Spread over the flowers thin sheets of tissue paper,
which prevents dust accumulating, and also shades them from the
sun, shelters from sharp wind and from the gaze of opponents, who
are often anxious to know what they have to contend against in
each class, and if they are weak in certain points they can marshal
their forces, so to speak, to their advantage ; therefore take all
available means to keep them in the dark until it is too late for
them to make any alterations in their stands. When all the
flowers are completed and covered it is time to ascertain the various
positions the stands are to occupy, so that when staging them no
confusion need take place, as is often the case where the classes are
not accurately defined on the tables. All good secretaries make
this an essential point of observance. Some exhibitors are very
fond of exposing their flowers as soon as they reach the show,
staging them at once, thereby exposing themselves too much to the
chances of defeat. Many exhibitors attempt to fill too many
classes ; it is far better to make fewer very strong. Always pay
especial attention to the leading classes, making them as strong as
possible, even if it can be seen that you are almost sure to win by
points ; but remember that there is safety in numbers. When the
time arrives for staging commence with the small classes first, and
always be punctual, remembering that if exhibitors are not ready
at the time, the judges are not allowed sufficient time to maketheic
awards as carefully as they would wish in some cases, as the publir
object to be kept waiting longer than the stated time for opening
the show. When staging the flowers be sure that the card denot¬
ing the number for each exhibit is in its proper place ; when this
is ignored confusion often occurs, which might be avoided by using
a little forethought. — E. Molyneux.

(To be continued.)

HEATING BY HOT WATER.

[Read before the Members of the Preston and Falwood Floral and Horticultural

Society, August 7th.]

( Continued from page 221.)

Temporary Supply Pipes.— When the water pipe which
feeds the supply tank is fitted with a ball-tap considerable
labour is saved in filling the pipes and keeping them supplied
with water. By this method any quantity of water can be
drawn from the pipes without fear of the boiler suffering by
being short of water at any time. The pipe from the supply
should be fitted to the lowest point of the boiler or into the
return pipe, which is preferable. Where two boilers are working
side by side, conjointly or separately as occasion may demand,
the supply pipe should be placed in the return beyond the main
valves where the two returns unite into one. By so doing the
one pipe will supply one or both boilers according to whether
the valves are opened or closed. In large arrangements five or
six hours and often more are taken up in filling the whole of the
pipes and boilers by means of one ordinary supply pipe. One is
sufficient in the majority of schemes, but not in such large ones
as have been referred to In such instances temporary supply
pipes should be provided, so that they can be used when it is
necessary to fill the pipes as quickly as possible. One or more
of these may be provided, say one in tbe centre and the other at
the extreme end of tbe pipes. Two-inch pipes should be em¬
ployed, but they must be carried as high as the supply tank
These pipes should be under cover, then when they are not in

September 16, 1836. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

247

use, if fitted with a cap, they can be closed by screwing on the
cap provided for the purpose. If the mains are laid side by side
in the trenches these temporary pipes can be arranged on the
return, but if one above the other they must be on the How for
the sake of convenience. Smaller pipes than those named may
be used, but the size given will allow of an ordinary garden
hose being attached to the nearest tap and placed in the end of
the pipe. Considerable care is necessary, however, with these
temporary feeders when fitted to the flow pipe. It is a very
general plan in gardens where a large number of houses have to
be heated to start the fire after the boiler and the pipes on the
lowest level are full of water. All is safe until circulation has
taken place round the houses nearest the boiler, but when the
warm water makes its way to those on a higher level the second
supply must be stopped, or the pipes somewhere on the mains
between the supply and where the pipes are warm will certainly
give way. This is due to a volume of air being driven by the
cold water towards the boiler (if the pipes decline in that direc¬
tion) where there are no means of escape for it, and the pipe
gives way in consequence. When the supply is stopped, the
warm water being forced up by the fire at the boiler drives the
air, which is lighter, before it until it makes its escape at the
first air tube provided for it The third and fourth supplies may
continue to feed the pipes until the water has been circulated in
the houses near where the second was arranged, but they in turn
must be stopped to insure safety. By this principle when
houses are on different levels they can be heated as quickly, or
nearly, as they are filled with water after a good fire has been
secured.

Boilers. — In considering the value of boilers of various
makes it would be difficult to determine which are the best for
heating horticultural structures or public buildings. It is not
my intention to single out any one in particular, because local
circumstances, the level of the ground, drainage of the stokehole,
and the kind of fuel most readily obtained in the neighbourhood,
must and should be thought about before any decision is arrived
at. It is said that cast boilers are better than wrought iron
ones welded better than rivetted, horizontal tubulars better than
vertical ones. The claim for the first is because they are less
liable to incrustation from the use of water impregnated with
lime than those made of wrought iron. This is perfectly true,
but the cast boiler is more liable to break through expansion and
contraction of its parts, especially if made in sections, than is

Fig. 32

the case with those made of wrought iron. Welded boilers are
most reliable. Two common saddles were taken out here that
had done duty for twenty years They were not of large size,
but this length of time speaks for the durability of those under
notice. I do not think, however, that very large boilers can be
so effectually welded as smaller ones, especially if they are com¬
plicated in their arrangements. I have never seen rivetted
boilers that have been in use the period of time stated above,
but if rivetted boilers were not durable and reliable they would
not be so largely made for steam purposes. I have two large
rivetted boilers capable of heating 20,001 feet of 4-inch piping
between them that have been in constant work for nearly eleven
years, and from all appearance they are as good as ever. Hori¬
zontal tubulars are claimed to be better than vertical ones,
because more direct heating surface is brought in contact with
the fire.

Boilers, although there are many makes, may really be classed
under six heads — namely, the common saddle, improved saddles,
coils, upright tubulars, horizontal tubulars, and those of conical
shape. The common saddle is still a good boiler, but must give
place to the improvements that have been effected- Fig 32 shows
the ordinary saddle boiler, and by its side the waterway back
and patent bars of Messrs. F. & J. Mee. Fig. 33 shows the
boiler complete, with the back and bars referred to, and as

worked by this firm in the late boiler contest at Liverpool in
connection with the Royal Horticultural Society’s great Show in
Wavertree Park. This boiler gained the highest award in the
contest in the c'ass for 2000 feet of 4-inch piping, and therefore
very little needs to be said in its favour. It is necessary, how¬
ever, to say that the plate can be removed from the waterway
bars for the purpose of cleaning out any sediment that may
settle in them. This does away in a large measure with the need
of sluice pipes in the ends of the boiler. The water bars are of
wrought iron, and specia'ly mide for the purpose, their dura¬
bility being beyond question. The ordinary cast fire bar in large
boilers only lasts one season. The hollow bars I have examined
after being in use for eleven years were perfectly sound, and
only removed because the boi'er had worn them through corro¬
sion, caused by water falling on it through the brickwork. The
back and bars can be placed to any existing boiler, and the
power they add to a boiler was proved in Sefton Park at the
Liverpool Horticultural Association’s Show, when the bars and
back were worked separately. The back can be added to any

orDouble Acting Wrought Iron Saddle 3oiler.
Fig. 33.

common saddle boiler without the bai*3, which alone adds mate¬
rially to its heating power. This boiler must be set in bi ick work,
and will burn any kind of fuel. Another advantage is that a
very deep stokehole is not needed.

Mr. Joseph Bramham, 104, Da'e Street, Liverpool, has kindly
lent me a block of his saddle boiler and waterway back. Fig. 34
will show the two connected. It differs slightly from the one
previously described, as will oe seen from the engraving. This
sadd'e is a special ma e, being wider and less in height than the
common saddle, which gives a greater direct heating surface.
This arrangement is good where coke is used for fuel. Fig. 35
is “Bramham’s Allerton Priory,” a terminal end saddle with
four flues. As will be observed, very little heat can be lost by
such a boiler, for directly it strikes the waterback it is turned
through the two lower flues, and is compelled to pass through
the other two before it reaches the chimney. If properly stoked
no heat need be lost, and the boiler will practically consume the
whole of the smoke. To the front will be observed the cap,
which is a small boiler instead of the usual brick arch usually
employed between the front and the boiler. The return pipes
from this cap are connected to the large boiler on each side,
while the flow pipe from it is carried into the main flow from the
large boiler. Some may think there is very little economy in
such an arrangement, but I can prove from experience that such
is the case. I have these caps to my large boilers, and frequently

Fig. 34. Fi!?- 35‘

when working the flow is perfectly hot. This Allerton Priory
boiler will burn any kind of fuel, and really only requires brick¬
work to the front and for the back fine ; thus the main body ot
the boiler can be left bare. It can be bricked to prevent radia¬
tion or coated with some non-conducting material, as previously
described for the mains. The “Gold Medal ’ boner is very
similar, but has only three flues — one large one, through which
the heat passes afier leaving the furnace, and then returns
through two smaller ones to the chimney. There are several ot
these boilers very similar in construction— for instance, the

248

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September 16, 1886.

“ Chatswortli,” which has only one flue through the saddle, the
flame being then returned over the top of the boiler. The
“ Imperial ” is fed from the top, and has two lower and two
higher flues. The “ Climax ” is another very similar boiler, and
undoubtedly a very powerful one. These are all welded. The
large boilers at Norris Green by Messrs. James Coombe & Sons
are rivetted, and differ only from the “ Allerton Priory ’
in haying ten cast tubes passing horizontally through each of
them. They are quick and powerful, and have a large amount
of heating surface exposed to the direct action of the fire.
W. Bardney.

(To be continued.)

now Nor to grow roses.

Mr. D. Gilmour, jun., has explained in your columns one method of
accomplishing the above. May I suggest another ?

Start early on a chilly autumn morning for the garden of some cele¬
brated nurseryman, selecting, if possible, one whose fame rests more on
his pertinacity as an advertiser than his skill as a horticulturist. On
arriving at your destination, after a long and tiresome journey, you are
surprised to find the gardens almost deserted, save perhaps by one
“ personally conducted ” party disappearing in the distance. However,
you happen to catch sight of an under gardener or journeymen loafing
amongst the Roses. In answer to your inquiries he will inform you lint
the men are at dinner and “ the foreman ” at present engaged. While
resolutely refusing to compromise himself by affording you any informa¬
tion as to price, &e., he puts an end to further interrogatories by dis¬
appearing in the direction of “ the office.”

After being kept an interminable time kicking your heels while
perhaps a bitter east wind almost cuts you in two, 11 the foreman,” whom
you speedily recognise as the “ personally conducting ” individual, makes
his appearance. After some slight conversation you will find him to be
merely the salesman of “ the firm,” who knows as little about Roses as
they know about him, his business being simply to make the customer
buy, not what he wants, but just what he does not want. Previous to
your visit you may have prepared a list of Roses suited, according to
“ the firm’s ” publi-hed catalogue, to your soil and situation. To each of
these names the salesman will remark that the variety is out of stock, but
“ we can get it for you,” nr that be cannot recommend such a Rose, or
some other excuse. He, however, suggests others which you find on
inquiry to be at least double the price of those chosen by you. You
naturally feel somewhat dissatisfied, but having taken so much trouble to
purchase plants at this nursery you feel disinclined to roturn home empty-
handed, and accordingly, by mutual concessions, a list of Roses is made
out, though very different to your own. You mildly express a wish to
choose your own trees and take them with you. The selection (?) is per¬
mitted, but the idea of removing Roses just then is ridiculed, and you are
given to understand that you have made a great fool of yourself for
suggesting such a thing. You are, however, assured that the plants shall
be forwarded without delay directly the weather is favourable. Feeling
somewhat cowed you retreat to the station to find your (rain gone and
your day utterly wasted by the nurseryman’s procrastination.

As you still probably retain faith in the firm’s professions you
will doubtless wait many weeks without hearing any tidings of your
Roses till, as the period for planting almost expires, you summon up
courage to write expressing a wish to cancel the order. This threat at
once produces a reply from “ the firm,” who, while ignoring all your
previous communications, “ regret the delay in executing your order owing
to the difficulty in obtaining such and such varieties,” these being the
very ones that the salesman professed to have in stock. “ The trees will
be forwarded at once, invoice for same being enclosed.” Thus ends the
letter. Day after day inquiry is made at the railway station, but nothing
is known of your Roses, till late on Saturday night you are informed that
the package has arrived. As it is then impossible to have out a cart they
must remain exposed to all the vicissitudes of weather and temperature till
the following Monday. “ The firm ” have carefully arranged that the
wretched plants should have been travelling for the best part of a week.
You had given directions that they should be sent by a particular line of
railway because it is the quickest and cheapest ; “ the firm,” on the
contrary, elect to send your goods by that line which is both the slowest
and the most expensive. Voila tout.

When at last the Roses reach your house and are unpacked, you find
them highly interesting from an entomological point of view, being, in
fact, a perfect cosmos of insect pests; indeed, so infested are the plants
that they will require months of quarantine and hard work before they
are approximately clean. Again, should any of their roots shine with a
metallic lustre it might be well to send portions to an analytical chemist,
who will probably report that they have been “ pickled ” in order to kill
them. If after this you happen to compare the names on the labels with
those in your list you wid find very few tally, whilst amongst the majority
you will recognise names which the salesman had tried to palm off on
you during your visit to the nursery, but which you had then declined.
You will also discover that all the kinds which should have been standards
are dwarf, and vice versa.

Should you write to complain, “ the firm ” is profuse in its apologies,
and regret its having failed to obtain the Roses you ordered, quite
forgetting that these names were given as of plants in stock in their
elaborate catalogue. 'Jhey, however, lay stress on the fact of having
aided one or two (worthless) Roses “grat’s” to your order. By the

time this correspondence is concluded the trees have been placed in the
ground, and it becomes a nice question of law whether they can be returned.
Any customer who has had experience of the glorious uncertainty of
English law in general, and British juries in particular, thinks twice betcre
be engages in a lawsuit with a tradesman, consequently the nurseryman
generally “scores,” though the cuttimer vows never to deal with that
firm again.— FAIRPLAY.

[Is this a burlesque P]

RED SPIDER ON VINES.

Red spider is a pest that most people who grow Grapes have to
contend against, and it may safely be said that much damage is done
to Vines and much vexation caused to growers by this little insect. In
many cases the pest is allowed to get a firm hold before measures are
taken to cope with it, and it may often be seen swarming on the berries
and making them unsightly, as well as damaging the skin of the same.
When it is first noticed in a vinery no time should be lost in attacking it
with a copious and forcible discharge of clean water. If there sti
remain some of the spiders at the time when the Grapes are rip-ming,
sulphur should be thickly sprinkled on the pipes, a brisk fire staited, an
as strong a fume as possible raised. This should be done either on a < u
day or in the evening, so that the house may not require ventilation or
some time. When a strong fume has been raised it will generally be
found that the red spider has suffered thereby.

Great attention should be paid to the thorough cleaning and scrubbing
of the Vines in winter, so that as many of the eggs of the spider as
possible may be destroyed. Some Vines, such as Lady Downe s and
Alicante, which are, as a rule, not early forced, and are also of a very
robust habit of growth, are not much troubled with spider. Muscats
seem more troubled with this pest than any other kind, and this may
easily be accounted for by the extra amount of fire heat which mos
people find necessary to ripen this variety. It is a great matter to attack
the enemy as soon as perceived, and not to allow it to get a hold betore
attention is paid to its extirpation. — A. B. C.

TRENCHED verses DNTRENCHED SOIL.

I AM afraid “A Kentish Gardener,” page 135, has arrived at the
conclusion that I do not intend to “ crack his nut,” but I can assure
him that I only deferred that pleasure to a time when I had more leisure
to enjoy the process. He feems to have fallen into a very common error
of thinking that Marston ani Somerset generally are favoured spots, but
that we who practise in these parts are such fortunate individuals is yet
to be proved. That part of the west of England where I am located is
no more favoured than Kent ; in fact I should prefer the latter, and I
ought to know something about it, seeing that I spent the earliest halt ot
my career in that pleasant and most fertile coumy. If “ A Kentish
Gardener” will do me the honour of looking up the back numbers and
read what I have previously advanced on this subject, he will fiud that I
frequently expressed the opinion that there are some s nls which may be
trenched with advantage, and I may now add just such described on t e
page quoted would be benefited by it. His soil is rather light, 2 teet
thick, and resting on a gravelly subsoil. Our soil is naturally heavy
and clayey, is about 18 inches thick, even less in places, and rests on an
almost solid and badly drained subsoil. Yet Marston is a “favoured
spot” For my part I should be delighted to change conditions, and then,
no doubt, trenching would be more resoited to. .

I should be sorry to be thought bigoted or dogmatic, and if 1 honestly
thought trenching wise under all and any circumatinces it would soon
come out in the pages of this Journal. But it is not, and the more
gardens I visit the more I am convinced that inju icious trenching has
much to answer for. Each season we have tried the effect of trenching
on different parts of the garden, and for various crops, but always with
the same result — viz., that well-manured and well-worked, but not trenched
land, is the most profitable. This season half of the Oni n quarter was
bastard-trenched, and the other half deeply dug only, about the same
amount of manure being used in each portion. The ground being in good
condition at sowing time, all the seeds alike germinated evenly, but until
within six or seven weeks ago it would have been a difficult matter for a
stranger to point out where the different portions commenced and ended.
Now, however, the case is very different, as the Onions on uutrenched
ground are actually ripened ready for storing, the ground being already
occupied with winter Cabbage, while those on trenched ground are s'lll
quite green, and are not nearly such a solid pretty lot of bulbs. It is
always the same here, and in wet seasons especiady the advantage is
Btill more decided in favour of uotrenched ground. Were we to sow
Beet, Carrots, and Parsnips on trenched ground, they would either become
far too large to be serviceable, or, if the season was very wet, they would
refuse to grow at all, the tops turning a sickly yellow. The only, or
principal reason, why trenching is efficacious on medium and light sot s
is that it both increases the depth, and a small portion of the subsoil
mixed with it improves the staple, and the deeper it is the longer it is in
becoming dry. Heavy land holds moisture only too well, and trenching
further aggravates the evil, at least such is my belief. Improve the
surface by all means, but let the nasty subsoil alone.

“A Kentish Gardener’s” Peas on trenched ground were a great
success, and taose on untrenched ground a signal failure, and he naturally
concludes my theory is altogether wrong. But if trenching is so
efficacious in all cases, how comes it so maDy failed with Peas this
season ? During Aueust I conversed at different places in Wilts,
Somerset, Gloucestershire, and Dcrsetshire, with scores of good gardeners

September 18, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

249

and’the general cry was how suddenly the Peas had collapsed. It was all
the same whether the ground was trenched or untrenched, or if the Peas
were sown in Celery-like trenches, the short spell of tropical heat
experienced in July was too much for them, and thrips completely got
the upper hand. In our case several of the rows had been specially
prepared for withstanding hot weather, but these broke down as quickly
as any, and it was only the most robust sorts that yielded a few pickings.
For my part I wish all our summers would be as hot as that, say, of 1885,
for I find if a few things suffer from heat and drought, many of our
vegetables do better and are much more quickly established than in cooler
or wet weather. Fruit trees of all sorts are considerably improved of late,
and last season appears to have put quite new life in some of the more
delicate varieties of Apples and Pears.

Some of fhe finest Strawberries seen this season were grown in the
gardens at Hill House, Langport, by Mr. J. Lloyd, the practical gardener
in charge, but he particularly pointed out that he did not trench the
ground for the plants. The soil he has to contend with is even more
clayey than ours, and trenching renders it almost unworkable for several
seas ins. Mr. Lloyd, like myself, believes in good surface culture, and
this, with timely mulching, prevents oracking and rapid loss of moisture.
When I saw the garden recently all the crops were growing strongly, and
Onions and other roots on a steep declivity were equal to any I have seen
elsewhere this season. There are plenty of Kentish gardens as stiff and
unworkable as any we have in Somerset, and by good surface culture
these are made to produce excellent crops of fruits and vegetables, whereas
if trenching were resorted to much more labour must be expended in
getting the surface into a workable condition without any marked com¬
pensating results. I maintain that the value of trenching has been much
overrated, and that plenty of instances are annually happening where
harm instead of good has resulted.

Having cracked “A Kentish Gardener’s” nut perhaps he will return the
comoliment. Some time ago I a?ked in these pages for an explanation of
the fact that some of the finest Lettuces ever seen as well as heavy crops
of Kidney Beans can be grown on the ridges between the Celery trenches,
and that too in the hottest weather. They pet no manure ; the principal
portion of the soil they have to root in is undug, while watering them is
out of the question. Yet they thrive, not unfrequently better than those
in presumably more favourable quarters, or even on trenched ground.
Will “ A Kentish Gardener ” account f rr this ? — W. IGGULDEN.

Hew Zealand Edible Fungus. — Mr. Thomas Yeasey asks if
any of our readers can name any book in which he could find a
chemical analysis of this fungus, or where he could procure a specimen
in this country.

- Plums at the Crystal Palace Show. — “ W. W. W.”

writes : — “ It is stated in the report of the above Show that the third prize
frr four varieties was adjudged to Mr. Ward for Pond’s Seedling, Font-
hill, Goliath, and Victoria. How is this ? All the catalogues give the
first two as synonymous.” The catalogues are right in describing Pond’s
Seedling and Fonthill as synonymous.

- Many will regret to hear of the death of Mr. John Cox, late

gardener at Redleaf, which occurred on the 30th of August, age seventy-
one years. Mr. Cox resigned his situation at Redleaf through failing
health, and was in consideration of his long service and high character
allowed an annuity, upon which he retired to the Isle of Wight. The
disease from which he suffered wa9 softening of the brain, which became
more intensified shortly before his death, when he had an apoplectic
seizure, which terminated fatally. He is buried in Brading Churchyard.
Mr. Cox was wellknown to the readers of this Journal, to which he was a
contributor, especially on the management of fruit trees, for many years.

- Mr. Wm. W. Brown of Cotenola House, Evesham, has sent

us a remarkable cluster of the Damascene Plum. It resembled a bunch
of Grapes, so closely were the fruits packed together, of which there
were eighty on a length of stem of a shade over 5 inches.

- A correspondent writes : — “ As an indoor decorative plant

Begonia metallica must be described as invaluable, fur an excel¬
lent specimen of it cm now be seen in the heart of the Midland Black
Country standing in the fireplace of a small house in the midst of Darla«-
ton. Mr. Wilkes has had the plant in his room for several weeks in a
darkiih place, and it could not be in better health if grown under glass.”

- Royal Horticultural Society. — At a meeting of the Fruit

and Vegetable Committee, held at Chiswick on September 2nd, present;
John E. Lane, Esq., in the chair ; Messrs. Woodbridge, Norman, Smith,
Saltmarsh, Paul, Burnett, Silverlock, and Miles, the collection of Potatoes
growing in the Garden was examined, and on being cooked first-class
certificates were awarded to the following varieties : — Ft/vie Flower (R.
Farquhar, Aberdeen). — White kidney, rough skin, yellow flesh, medium
size ; heavy cropper. Seedling A 1 (A, Harris, Woburn, Beds). — Large
white kidney, smooth skin, white flesh ; good cropper. Bouncer (T.
Laxton, Bedford). — White round, smooth skin, white flesh, very hand¬
some ; moderate cropper. Maggie (J. Murdoch, Rothiemay, N.B.) —
Large white round, smooth skin, white flesh, deep eye ; very heavy
cropper.

- A correspondent asks “ What is the experience of growers of

the Wilson Junior Blackberry? I got some plants when sent out,
and I fail to see that it grows so freely and is as fruitful as the Lawton,
and this does not give the same amount of fruit as the Parsley-leaved I
have against the wall of a building. Wilson Jun. is certainly a fine
large fruit, but the plants were so small when received that they take a
long time to get strength enough for affording a profitable crop ; even the
blackbirds seem tired of waiting. Surely this like many others is not
taking the place it ought through over-propagation. Miserable bits that
are scarcely the weight of the price in silver given for them is not the way
to bring anything out.”

- Our correspondent further states that “ Blackberries and

Apples are excellent for mixing in tarts. The Blackberries impart a
sweetness or relish similar to that of a handful of Raspberries to a quart
of Red Currants. We consider either or both good, separately or together,
and everyone can have them, as they will grow anywhere and might
supplant the Nettles and rubbish only too common about homesteads.”

- “ Foreman ” wonders “ Why Montbretia crocosmasflora

is not more generally grown. It is very useful for decorative purposes,
grown in 7-iuch pots, the foliage being like a small Gladiolus. The
stems are 2 feet and more high, with long one-sided spikes of orange-red
Gladiolus-like flowers, much larger than M. Pottsi. After two years’
trial it has proved very valuable for late summer display.” This plant is
comparatively new, and will no doubt become popular when its merits as
a late summer and autumn decorative plant are more fully known.

- The same correspondent mentions, “ Gathering New York

Violets by the gallon from plants planted in April a foot apart every
way, mulched, and well watered during the hot weather. The fragrance
is much appreciated now we have the house full of company for shooting,
especially by the ladies. I consider New York the best for late summer
and autumn flowering, with Da Parme to follow. Count Brazzia, White
Neapolitan, is also very fine and much liked.”

- “A. M.” finding Morello Cherries did not succeed on a

north aspect, supplanted them with Currant*. He describes “Lee’s Pro¬
lific Black Currant as excellent, and hangs well. Carters’ Champion is
very similar, if anything larger and better, and not liable to shrive1, but
Baldwin’s is far the best. Hought m Castle Red is quite distinct from
Victoria, but both are good, and they hang until the leaves fall if the
birds are kept off with nets. I find it a better plan than matting bushe3
in the open. La Versaillaise is a very large red. Of whites, Transparent
is large and showy, but White La Versaillaise is very large. Those that
like Red Currant and Rasp tart should grow October Red Raspberry,
cutting the canes down to the ground in spring, and netting the row as
soon as the fruit turns red, or the birds will have the harvest.”

- A retired tradesman, who has his villa gay with Clematises,

describes C. Henryi as a charming white, having large flowers of great
substance ; in blues he finds none equalling Jackmanni. Trumpet Honey¬
suckles give a charm to the windows they twine round, the Clematises
hanging in festoons over the door.

- The same amateur punts to Apples of his own grafting on

the Paradise in rows 3 feet apart, and 18 inches asunder, in the three
summers’ growth from the graft laden with fruit— Lord Suflield, Lord
Grosvenor, Stirling Castle, Hawthornden, Ecklinville Seedling, Winter
Hawthornden, also Pears on the Quince of St. Switbin, Beacon, Fertility,
Williams’ Bon Chietien, Louise Bonne of Jersey, Doyennb du Comice.
Durondeau, and Josephine de Malines, averaging adiz n fruits each, and
is quite proud of them, and well he may be, for they are very good.

250

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER

[ September 16, 1886.

- A correspondent who has visited Swanmore Park writ >s

how much pleared he was with the collection of Chrysanthemums grow¬
ing there in the manner which Mr. Molyneux has so clearly detailed in
the Journal. Our correspondent was informed that the plants were not
quite so tall this year as usual. Still, they are tall enough to indicate
by their vigorous appearance that good blooms may be expected from
them by-and-by. The buds were fast being “taken,” and several of
the earliest were swelling to a good size, while some of the plants had
not shown their flower buds. By “ taking ” the buds at different
times a longer season of blooms can be depended upon. The stems cf
the plants presented a deep brown colour, denoting a thorough ripening,
which Mr. Molyneux considers most essential for the production of high-
class blooms.

- Our correspondent expresses himself as equally pleased with

the way in which several of the Flower Beds are filled in the same
garden. Two or three that attracted particular attention were planted
in the following manner, and may be suggestive to others : — One bed,
oblong in form, was planted with Lobelia cardinalis'in three rows 1 foot
apart, the surface of the bed being carpeted with Antennaria tomen-
tosa. An edging of the blue Lobelia of the Heckfield type completed the
planting, and as the scarlet Lobelia had grown very strong, producing
thick stems and spikes of blooms 2 feet, long, the effect of the dark-
coloured foliage and brilliant flowers with the silvery carpet of Antennaria
was very striking.

— — Another bed was planted with “Blue Marguerites”
(Agathea coelestis) as a groundwork, dotted here and there with single¬
stemmed plants of Abulilon Thompmni, which had developed its finely
marbled foliage to perfection ; amongst these were freely planted Gladiolus
Brenchleyensis, bearing good spikes of bloom. The edging was composed
of Antennaria tomentosa intermixed with a row of dwaif plants of Iresine
Lindeni. The effect of this bed was most pleasing, the colours being
balanced evenly.

- Other beds were planted with Tuberous Begonias in various

forms and colours, the ground carpeted with Veronica repens, which
prevents the flowers being splashed with the soil from heavy rains, retains
the moisture for the Begonia roots, and forms an excellent setting
whereon the various colours of the flowers are displayed to advantage.
Many of the Begonias were seedlings of this year. Evidently the climate
and cultivation suits them admirably, but there must be something in
culture as well, and Mr. Molyneux could impart information that would
be of service to many readers by detailing his practice in the growth of
these deservedly favourite plants.

- Another fact worthy of record is the very fine Crops of

Apples on bush trees at Swanmore, the varieties including such as
Warner’s King, M6re de Menage, Ecklinville Seedling, Nelson’s Glory,
King of the Pippin^, Cox’s Orange Pippin, the only failure being,
strangely enough, Keswick Codlin. These are not pigmy trees, but are
large, and have been rendered fruitful by the thin disposal of the branches
and root-pruning to check exuberant growth.

- We take the following paragraph from a " Society ” paper as an

item of interest to the Chrysanthemum fraternity : — “ His Royal High¬
ness the Prince of Wales has attracted the favourable notice of the Mikado,
and is to receive from him the Imperial Order of the Chrysan¬
themum, which is the most exalted. distinction the ruler of Japan can
bestow, and which decks the breasts of only a few Royal personages and
Prince Bismarck. Such an expression of the Mikado’s approbation must
he very sweet to the Heir Apparent. But what is the Mikado expecting
in return ?”

- “ SAXORING ” writes, in reply to a Lincolnshire correspondent :

— “I, too, have grown Carters’ Champion Black Currants three
years. I found a very fine strain here. Each year these have been larger
and borne heavier crops on them than on two bushes of Carters’ I got
from that firm. Black Currants here and almost everywhere have been a
heavy crop, mine extra large, but far removed from ‘ Grapes ’ ”

- A New Variegated Poinsettia pulcherrima, — Some

plants of a very distinct and bright variegated form of this plant can
now he seen in Mr. Hans Niemand’s Royal Nurseries, Birmingham. It is
the result of a sport in the form of a small variegated shoot on an
ordinary Poinsettia pulcherrima, and Mr. Spinks has succeeded in per¬
petuating it, and has now about a dozen strong plants, some of which he

contemplates exhibiting in London this winter. It has not yet flowered,
but the plants will do s ) during the early part of the coming winter.

- Tuberous Begonias out of Doors. — A correspondent

writes : — “ In the flower garden in front of Mr. E. Cooling’s house in his
Mile Ash Nurseries, Derby, these plants have been in great beauty in a
small bed this summer, eclipsing many of the Pelargonium and other beds
in colour and effect. Amongst them is a seedling of an intense scarlet
colour, erect compact habit, and a very profuse bloomer. If we are to have
bedding-out Begonias, here is the type of plant we should look for, for it
is a striking object amongst the others.”

- Mr. Joseph Mallender sends the following Summary of

Meteorological Observations for August at Hodsock Priory,
Notts: — Mean temperature of month, 60 43. Maximum on the 30th >
79‘8° ; minimum on the 5th, 41-2°. Maximum in the sun on the 7th,
129'0°; minimum on the grass on the 3rd, 29 2°. Mean temperature of
air at 9 A.M., 60' 0Q. Mean temperature of soil 1 foot deep, 60'5°. Below
32° on the grass, one night. Total duration of sunshine in the month, 141
hours, or 31 per cent, of possible duration. We had three sunless days.
Total rainfall, 170 inch. Maximum fall in twenty-four hours on the 9th,
0 38 inch. Rain fell cn twelve days. Average velocity of wind seven
miles per hour. Velocity exceeded 400 miles on one day ; fell short cf
100 on nine days. Approximate averages for August — Mean temperature
60 2°. Rainfall 2 50 inch. Sunshine 152 hours. A mon.h of average
temperature, deficient sunshine and low rainfall, and no thunderstorms.

- The New Agricultural Hall at West Kensington^

which is progressing, appears to be a building of imposing dimension3.
The main hall is 440 feet long by 250 feet wide, roofed in three spans)
of which the centre one is 170 feet wide and 100 feet high to the soffit
of the crown of the main arched ribs. These are placed 34 feet apart and
are 7 feet deep. The main roofing is carried by main and intermediate
purlins, and is glazed on Mr. T. W. Helliwell’s principle, who is also
executing the work. The superficial area of the ground floor is over
100,000 square feet, and from these figures it will be readily realised
that the new hall is one of great extent, and fully capable of accom¬
modating the exhibitions and “ shows of every description” for which
it is intended.

- “Utilitarian” informs us “That he finds much difference

between manure from a farmyard which is exposed to all weather
and that from a covered yard which gets no rain whatever, but is taken
direct to the land. There is also a difference between that taken from
the farmyard and that piled in a heap to rot and lose in manurial value.
The covered yard manure is twice as good as the open yard, and the open
yard twice as good as the dung heap manure with its steaming of ammo¬
nia into the air for weeks, and having its virtue washing out and carried
off the land by the ditches for month after month. The ditch sides are
rank now with Nettles, Hemlock, and other gross weeds, and the hedges
are wide and high enough, a great waste going on while the land is poor,
needing, as Liebig and Lawe3 have pointed out, all the nitrogenous
matter that is allowed to escape in the air or run away by the ditches.”

- A London paper (the Echo) having advocated a more extended

cultivation ot Vegetables FOR Market, has inserted the following reply
from a correspondent : — “ In your article on the above the writer says,

‘ Pass to vegetables, London is so poorly supplied with them.’ At what
period is the writer referring to? Surely not th;s last summer. Green
Peas when in seas in in many cases do not pay even their expenses of
picking and carriage, let alone growing them. At no time did they make
a fair price. Cabbage for a long time did not realise more than from Is.
to 2s. 6d. per tally of sixty. Scarlet Beans week after week have only
made from 6d. to Is. 3d. per sieve of 40 lbs. Bags cf 90 lbs. to 112 lb?,
of Beans have been sold at 6d. and 3d. ; Is. to Is. 61. has been a good
price. Vegetable Marrows have been so plentiful that it has been very
difficult to sell them at any one price, Is. to 2s. per tillv of sixty, and
those very large. Good Turnips, grown for domestic use, have been sold
for cows at 5u per ton, when the rail expenses have been 6s. 81. anl
7s. 6J. per ton. Hundreds of tons of Potatoes have hem, and are now
being, sold to cowkeepers at just what they choose to give, and in many
cases they have been asked to oblige by taking them away. The best
thit can be hail are only making from 3s. 6d. to 4s. 3 1. per cwt. Goose¬
berries and Plums, in many places have not paid for picking. The only
article that does not seem over-plentiful are really good Apples. In
every other article of general consumption there is enough and to spare.

September 16, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

251

The writer of the article must take his opinion from what some green¬
grocer tells him, in the neighbourhood of Regent Street or Fleet Street,
who has to give a month’s or three months’ credit, and send every article
home after sending for the orders — even if it is a pennywoith of water¬
cress — and pay £100 a year rent and taxes. How he gets it he can only
tell ; but his price must not be taken as the general price of vegetables in
London.”

- Reverting to the subject our contemporary states : — “ As a

source ofemploymentforour people, 10 acres of market garden gives more
employment, and feeds more persons by its cultivation, than 100 acres of
ordinary tillage, or 1000 acres of grazing ground. It would, therefore,
appear to be the duty of the Government to do all in its power to en¬
courage an art which aims successfully at getting out of the land by the
expenditure of human labour the greatest possible amount of food. For
twenty miles around London enormous amounts of fruit and vegetables
are raised ; these are subject to a comparatively very heavy expense for
labour, not only while attending the growing crop, but even more when
preparing it for market. In many instances the labours (fa year spent,
say, in growing Strawberries or other soft fruit, are worse than thrown
away by the crop, when it comes to market, being met by a similar crop
from abroad. In a single train this year 78 tons of Strawberries from
France reached the London market, and so reduced prices that the money
produced by the English fruit did not pay even the expense of picking.
Letters on this subject show the very great uncertainty which, under oar
present system, attends the growth of fruit and vegetables for the London
market, caused by the competition of foreigners, whose cost of raising
them is very small when compared to the rent, tithes, rates, and taxes our
people are obliged to pay. Every day the competition increases, and as
railways grow and new steam routes are opened, unless some check be
placed upon the free importation of fruits and vegetables which can be
grown here, the extinction of market gardens around London is not far
off in the future.”

- Foe ourselves we can only repeat our conviction that the

advice which is often tendered to agriculturists to convert their farms
into gardens, and so win prosperity, is dictated by motives of philan¬
thropy rather than founded on practical experience. If the most exper t
of market gardeners do not find their employment lucrative — men who
are acquainted with the best methods of culture and kinds of vegetables
that “ take ” in the market, and, moreover, are cognisant of the best
means of disposing of their produce — how is it possible that the inexpe¬
rienced can hope to succeed ? A few favourably situated may make
u lucky hits,” but the great majority, instead of reaping the reward they
hope for, will be far more likely to incur loss, it may be serious loss, as
not a few have done, and bitter disappointment. Fields embracing
many acres of vegetables are now growing that will never be sold at a
prefit to the cultivators, and tons of produce will rot on the ground.

- Hard and Easy Names. — The “American Gardtnsr’s

Monthly ” says : — “ A florist who is a German does not think the English
names of plants any easier than Latin ones, and even the English
names used in florists’ work worry him considerably. He thinks Dutch
names might be adopted with great advantage by those who think easy
names a great desideratum. For instance, he thinks the common phrase,
‘ Florists’ Supplies,’ a terrible word for anyone to pronounce, and he
would substitute for this, Gartenwerkzengfabrik. While the subject of
short and easy names is up, this simple word may be worth considering.”

- From the same paper we cite the following on Roses in Egypt

— “ 1 B.’ writes: ‘ I enclose a slip that I have just enjoyed from a very
readable ladies’ article on Roses — ‘ Cleopatra, at one of her receptions
to Marc Antony, caused Roses to be massed on the floor of the hall to a
depth of 18 inches. It was customary at great outdoor festivals to float
thousands of Roses on the placid lakes, and to wind garlands of choicest
blossoms around the trunks of trees. In great and distinct varieties Rose3
abound everywhere ; even within the polar circle a variety is found which
blooms in the midst of snow and ice, and sledges of the Esquimaux, as
well as their reindeer and sealskins, are often decorated with large double
Roses. All along the coast of this country indigenous Roses adorn the
marshes and fields ; these differ in point of colour and in the number tf
petals, but are alike in odour and general appearance, the five-petal pink
R se being the most common.’ I find no fault with the lady’s article ; i^
is what any graduate of a modern college might have written. But it
reminds mo of doubts I have had in my classical readings whether the
Egyptians ever grew Roses at all. I cannot now recall the passages'

but I am sure there are some in the ancient writings that imply that they
imported their Rose flowers, as our country towns now get them from
the large cities. The Egyptian climate now is unfavourable to Rose
culture, and I fancy it must have been more so in the past. Again, we
are finding that our translations are not always correct. It is said that
Rose should have often been translated ‘ Reed,’ and perhaps the ancient
Roses of the Egyptians were not Roses as we have them to-day. My
desire, however, is to suggest that if they had real Roses, and imported
but did not grow the flowers, their knowledge of the art of transportingj
cut flowers must have been great for that early time.” The Editor of the
‘ G. M.” never heard of such a suggestion btf me, and leaves it to those
versed in the niceties of early Latin or Greek literature to reply, so do we

GROWING FRUIT FOR MARKET— APPLES ON WALLS.

The kindly recognition of our genial friend, “ A Thinker,” induces
me to write explaining that the wall on which the Apples are grown is a
boundary one, 6 feet 6 inches high, without a projecting coping, and was
formerly covered with Ivy. The Ivy was removed, and the wall utilised
for the larger and showier kinds of Apples on the free or Crab stock.
The trees are fan-trained, and commenced bearing the second year from
planting. The fruit is much larger, and very much higher coloured than
the same sorts grown on standards, so much so that they would scarcely
be taken for the same varieties. The wall Apples are “ beauties ” at
dessert, and fetch a “ fancy ” price at the fruiterers. These are considera¬
tions of importance. Mr. Gladstone Apple from a wall is a very different
looking fruit to the best from bush or standard ; Gipsy King is vermilion
itself compared with the brown dirty wash of fruit in the open ; and The
Queen is truly regal with the shelter of the wall. The fruiterers like
them for their shops ; they must “ dress,” and the better it is done the
greater the attraction. The “sensational” fruit sells in and out of the
shops, many persons being willing to pay for what is extra good. It pays
to grow “toppers” — even Apples must have a “topping” appearance, or
they will not realise the “ top” prices.

As to the wall being more profitably occupied I very much question it,
for as Lord Egertonof Tatton stated the other day at Chester, in speaking
on agriculture, “ that in our small island, competing as we did with every
Dation of the globe, the only way in which we could exist was by pro¬
ducing better things than other countries, and so making other countries
of the world as far as possible come to us for that which we could grow,”
and that we can grow Apples equal in size, quality, and appearance with
any that are grown under the sun this low wall has given abundant
testimony. To excel is only a question of means, and in what country
are they more abundant and so little utilised as in England ? Excellency
is also only a question of degree — standard fruit for the masses, bush,
pyramid, and espalier fruit for the fastidious, wall and glass-grown fruit
for connoisseurs, who have as much right to have their tastes catered for
as anybody else. Surely your able correspondent is not ambitious of
“ catching a Tartar” twice. I considered 1 bad done something to be
proud of in rooting up the Ivy and substituting Apples ; but if he prefers
Ivy I have no objection. There is no accounting for tastes.

Besides the Apple wall I have 300 yards of south wall for tbotenderest
and choicest fruits, the same extent of east wall for Plums and Cherries,
the corresponding extent of west wall for Pears, and 300 yards of north
wall for Morello and Duke Cherries, with culinary Plums, which bear
heavily, especially those your correspondent mentions, the Plums having
displaced Pears, which last I find verify the statement of Mr. Witherspoon
in the Journal some time back that Pears in the best varieties are as
tender as Peach trees in their blossom and young growths, and to have
fruit equalling in size, appearance, and quality that of the Channel Isles
and France we must give them the best aspects, or glass if we can “ raise
the wind.” This receives confirmation from the lucid and practical article
by Mr. Pettigrew, very appropriately honoured last week as leader. With
1200 yards of high-coped wall, 100 yards cf low wall is surely not too
much to devote to the larger and showier kinds of Apples. Anyway they
pay better than the Ivy, and utility is by most thinkers considered before
ornament.

As to the Plums, Mr. Thinker will perhaps find the selections more
to his taste when he sees the next list. It may have escaped his notice
that 1 do not like the dessert Plums so well as the culinary ; but I gave
the best according to my experience, and no one can be more desirous of
having better and more profitable than — Utilitarian.

VARIEGATED TROP^EOLUM.

Referring to the variegated Tropasolum which Mr. Eastwood says
he biought to Aberaman Park, your correspondent asks if I can mention
where any other distinct kind can be procured other than the one at
Aberaman. If Mr. Eastwood will refer to the Journal of Horticulture,
February 4th, 1886, page 100. he will find h's question answered. Mr.
Eastwood also says, grown outdoors it would no doubt be much improved
in colour and dwarfer in growth. It is quite the reverse with me ; when
bedded out it grows much stronger and not so dwarf as when grown up
rafters under glass. Mr. Eastwood also says he did not bring the green
variety to Aberaman. but the variegated one, which was perhaps the
parent plant to Mr. Mitchell’s distinct form. Allow me to say I have not
said or claimed the one in question to be a Mitchell distinct form ; I only
claim it to be raised in these gardens, and unt'l I am convinced where the

252

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER

[ September 16, 1888.

original spoit came from that Mr. Eastwood speaks about I shall maintain
this claim. Mr. Eist wood’s description of his form resembles mine with
the exception of the general habit of the plant. — H. Mitchell.

BROOME LEASOE, NEAR LICHFIELD.

Broome Leasoe is a commodious and modern mansion, and is the
residence of C. H. Inge, Esq. It is built of red brick, and situated on
a gentle eminence, and is sheltered and protected from the blighting
effects of the east winds by the beautiful woods of Fisherwick — once a
well-appointed establishment of a former Lord Donegal.

Mr. Inge is an enthusiastic amateur gardener, and therefore is very fond
of his garden, although it is neither very pretentious nor extensive, yet it is
one of tbe best stocked and best managed private gardens to be seen.
When I state that Mr. Inge and his lady manage the garden, with the
assistance of their general factotum, who does the heavy, rough, and
general work, between them, your readers will not expect anything very
sensational ; but I venture to say that any intelligent visitor will find
something both instructive and interesting.

At the front of tbe residence are large beds filled with Calceolarias.
These are grown sturdily through the winter and spring, and when
planted out, arranged so as to shelter each other to some extent from the
scorching rays of the sun, and for sturdiness and fioriferousness they
are all that could be desired. I have an idea, and eleven consecutive
years’ practice has strengthened the idea, that if shrubby Calceolarias are
grown hardily and sturdily from cuttings to planting time, and are then
planted so c'ose, either to each other or to their neighbours in the
flower beds, such as Pelargoniums, as to very Dearly touch, that they are
not apt to “ go off ” like they do when plant-d very thinly, or as isolated
specimens, and I think the reason is because the sun’s rays do not directly
reach the lower part of the stem, or collar, of the plant, and also the
ground is kept more uniformly moist by the natural shade afforded.
Next to the Calceolaria beds are others filled with Carnations, one a rich
pink in colour, much deeper than is usual. Mr. Inge thinks the deeper
colour is owing to the nature of the soil, for when young plants have been
planted elsewhere they have assumed a lighter shade of pink, and similar
to a beautiful variety we have in these gardens.

A large bed is devoted to choice hardy Rhododendrons and single
Dahlias. The latter are very good varieties, and they seed here quite
freely. Last year the ground about was covered with thousands of self-
sown seedlings, and probably it wou'd have been the case this year, hut
the surface of the soil appears to have been more frequently disturbed.
There are a few to be seen here and there that have escaped the fork and
hoe, and tbey are now showing flower. I think it is rather unusual, is it
not? In tbe herbaceous borders are a few old-fashioned flowers and
flowering shrubs, such as Genista prmcox, Spiraea filipendula, Salvia patens,
Bergamot, Plox setacea, Campanulas, &c.

In the warm greenhouse or stove is a very good plant of Allamanda
Schotti trained on the roof, and flowering most profusely. Close to it is
a Tomato plant grown on the extension system — the variety is apparently
Hathaway’s Excelsior — and thi3 has borne, and is bearing, as heavy a
crop of good fruit as anyone would wish to see. I have frequently grown
this variety on the extension system, and also on the single rod system,
but I have always had by far the best results from the former system ;
but perhaps my comparative failure with the latter way is my fault, and
not the fault of the system. I could not help admiring the beautiful
“ colour effect” produced by the rich yellow of the Allamanda and the
cornelian red of the ripe Tomatoes. Close by are several nice plants of
Dendrobium nobile, which have made excellent growth and are now
ripening up their pseudo-bulbs. They will produce a nice lot of flowers
next spring if all goes on well. Under the shade of the Allamanda is a
magnificent specimen of the Golden Fern, Gymnogramma chrysophylla.
Mr. Inge says it is a seedling ; if so, he is to be congratulated on the
possession of such a first-rate variety.

The greenhouse contains tbe useful occupants of such a structure, but
there are several things that are not usually found now in any but botanic
gardens. For example, there are several varieties of the almost perpetual
flowering Pelargonium echinatum from the Cape. These are charming
flowers, and lend themselves to such a variety of purposes. Then close
by are several plants of the old Diosma fragrans ; farther away in a
sunny position are five or six Phyllocacti and a Melocactus.

In a cool unheated structure a back wall is covered in a very pleasing
manner by an admixture of Plumbago capensis and Genista, the lavender
blue of the Plumbago harmonising with the yellow Genista very satis¬
factorily. A healthy Camellia alba plena appears to be at home in one
corner, and a Lilium lancifolium, 6 feet high, nearer the door, shows what
a handsome plant it has been.

The kitchen garden is thoroughly well stocked with clean health?
fruit trees and an abundance of capital vegetables, every square inch
being occupied with something appropriate to the position. — J. U. E.

AMATEURS.

I have, as an amateur, read with greatest interest for years everything
written by “ D., Beal,” and from no contributor to the Journal of Horti¬
culture have I learned moie useful lessons. On page 206 he says about
the National Rose Society, “ But I do most sincerely hope it will never
fall into the erior of distinguishing between those who employ a regular
gardener and those who do not. It lays the door open to much dishonesty,
which unhappily many are too ready to practise,” &c. He being an old

judge at shows, I should much like him to expliin clearly the above
sentence; others besides myself do not quite unders'.anl it. He might
find time possibly to make the subject a little cl rarer, and oblige an admirer
of his and other readers of the Journal. — Saxobing.

THE “U” SYSTEM OF TRAINING FRUIT TREES.

This system I first had an opportunity of seeing this spring in the
house of an amateur gardener. The house is devoted to Vines planted
about 6 feet apart, and only trained two-thirds up the roof, the object
being to have some Grapes and yet allow of sufficient light for Tomatoes
being grown in the interior of the house, this being done so as to pay
incidental expenses with interest on the cost of the house. Peach and
Nectarine trees are on the back wall, and managed on the “ U ” system of
training, that I will endeavour to describe. I confess that of all the-
systems I have seen of training Peaches and Nectarines the “ U ” plan
is the most simple and generally applicable. It was a case of “ falling
in love at first sight,” and I naturally ai-ked whence the idea came.
Tbe answer was prompt — viz , from Rivers, and it is figured in tbe
Sawbridgeworth Catalogue of Fruits.

“ This system,” states Mr. Rivers, “ which has found such favour with
Continental Peach growers, is undeniably more simple and more pro¬
ductive than the fan-training in use in England.” This was my
impression, and I long for an opportunity of practising it. There is
nothing but what appears sound in the system, and though my remarks
murt of necessity be hypothetical, I have no hesitation in advising its
adoption with as much certainty of a successful result as had they been
safeguarded by a lifetime of experience. If without experience of the
*' U ” system, I am not by any means inexperienced in the upright training
of Peach trees, and the only difference cons’sts in the “ U ” being con¬
fined to two branches with radiating shoots for bearing, whilst in the-
upright the main branches can be multiplied to any extent, and each
branch of these c rresponds to one of the “ U ” system, so that I am not
badly fortified after all with experience ; indeed the principle is identical,
only there is a difference in applying it. In the upright of many branches-
we are likely to get a very unevenly balanced tree, as the depression of
the two first shoots after heading to get the upright primaries causes the
sap to rise most rapidly into the two uprights on opposite sides of the
stem, and the others in consequence have varied degrees of vigour ; but by
following the “U” system we have the sap equally disposed in two-
uprights only, and attain to an equal vigour in both primaries. This is
a point of great importance in training fruit trees, and is very in¬
differently afforded in the fan and Seymour mode of training by which the
lower branches, being more horizontal than those filling up the centre of
the trees or upper part of the wall or trellis, are much weaker, and in
time get so enfeebled as to be unprofitable, very generally dying and
leaving a large amount of unprofitable wall space.

The “ U ” system is especially recommendable for securing a speedy
covering of wall or trellis space (for which reason I adopted the upright
training, using trees that had been trained as fans) and keeping it filled with
fruitful trees. This, I am aware, can be effected by cordons, of which
I saw good examples at Cniswick a few years ago, having it pointed out
to me by Mr. Barron as an admirable method of training Peaches and
Nectarines, insuring a speedy covering of the wall space and a good crop
of fruit, with the advantage of greater variety than can be effected by the
fan, Seymour, or other mode of training. The system — i.e., cordon train¬
ing, is, however, different from the “ U.” In the cordon the main branch
is trained oblique, or at an angle of 45°, and the side growths or bearing
wood trained at a corresponding angle with it, so that the tendency of
the sap upward is arrested by the depression of the main branch, and
upright training of the fruiting wood secures for it as free a flow of sap at
the lower part of the cordon as at the upper, and in this respect the
oblique cordon system possesses an advantage. In the “U” the flow of
the sap is all upright, unless we follow the horizontal training of the side
or fruit-bearing shoots, to which I take a decided objection, for I am con¬
vinced that of all systems of training the horizontal is the most objection¬
able, the best way to render any tree unfruitful and unsatisfactory, the
vigour being expended in useless spray in the central or top part of the tree,
and which of necessity must be cut away ; indeed, we waste more of the
tree’s energies and the soil’s nutrition in foreright and other useless sprays
than is expended on fruit and fruiting growths, the remedy for which is a
different method of training and complete control over the growth by
limiting the rooting area.

With a fan or other description of tree covering a large extent of wall
or trellis we must of necessity have a large width of border, as the roots
extend outward from the wall, the borders being in most instances equal
to the height of the wall ; and as these borders are valuable for early
vegetable crops they are cropped. With the digging the roots within a
cultivable distance of the suiface are mutilated and destroyed, and as a
consequence the fruit trees as a rule are not satisfactory in cropping, the
trees making much wood, and late growths be ng encouraged by the roots
being at a distance from the surface.

In fig. 36 we have a wall 10 feet high, the scale being quarter-inch
to 1 foot, a border, a a, 2 feet 6 inches deep, resting on 12 inches of
drainage b, and a 3-inch drain c, placed 3 feet from the wall, and having
proper fall and outlet. The border need not be more in width than < ne-
third the height of the wall, and this kept exclusive to the fruit tiees.
The roots could, of course, be allowed to extend into the border beyi nd,
and by taking out a trench, in case of the trees becoming over- luxuriant,
at the outside of the fruit border, the roots being detached, the trees
would be perfectly under command, This procedure I strongly recommend

September 16, 1886, ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

253

to all engaged in fruit culture against walls, as it keeps the fruit tree
roots under control, so that the trees can be fed by watering and mulchmg
without interfering with the vegetable crops, and vice versa.

As regards the trees, we may best convey our meaning by commencing
with a maiden tree. This is headed at 9 inches from the ground, or not
nearer than 6 inches, it being essential that the tree have a stem of that
length. This will give rise to side growths ; two of the best of these
are selected, and as nearly on a level as possible, and taken to the right
and left t f the stem respectively, with a curve upwards. All other buds
are rubbed off after the two main shoots are secured. The point is to get
the shoots of as near equal vigour as possible, which may be effected by
depressing that taking the lead. Laterals should be pinched at the
first joint, and to every succeeding one afterwards as it is made. In
the autumn, after heading, we have two strong shoots, and if they do
not ripen kindly, cut the roots by passing a spade down 18 inches from
the stem all round. This may be done at the close of September, and in
November we plant it against the wall with others 5 feet apart, the end
tree, of course, 2 feet 6 inches from the end of the wall. The growths
are loosely secured to the wall. In February, the weather being mild,
the shoots are brought down and secured to the wall, so that we get
2 feet 6 inches between the two branches, which are taken upright, and
headed so as to get a strong shoot from each, as well as a side growth
above the bend ; the bar across the shoots at Din the tree A shows what is
intended.

The heading will give rise to several shoots. One is trained upright
from each main as a leader, and three on each branch are retained as
bearing shoots for next year, shown at E, and all other shoots are rubbed

growths being trained 9 inches apart, on the same principle as Peach trees „
the fruit being taken on last year’s wood as in Peaches, and another
secured in the current to supplant that fruiting, giving fruit in the fol¬
lowing. It is the best way of all in training Morello Cherries ; in fact,

I think the sooner we make a departure from our present system of
growing choice fruit on spurs the better. It is clear we have all the
finest fruit on the young wood.

In the case of Plums annual shoots would not answer, or only with a
few kinds, but I see no reason why the “ U ” system of training should
not be applicable to Plums, Pears, and Apples, originating the side shoots
as in the case of Peaches, the current year’s growth would be thoroughly
solidified, the next season it would form spurs its full length except at
the base. We could take a shoot from that point and train it in, and the
following year another shoot from it, so that we should have a shoot of
the current year to stimulate root-action, another shoot forming spurs or
fruit buds, and a shoot carrying an ahundance of the finest fruit, because
borne by the best shoots ; and it could be cut away after fruiting, and the
shoot a year younger would tike its place bristling with fruit buds. It is-
the only way to allow of the extension system being practised in limited
space and to keep up a succession of young fruitful growths. In fact,
instead of cutting away heaps of breastwood, it would be much better to
cut away the branches that are masses of elongated barren spurs, and
train shoots in their place, which in the third year at farthest will give
fruit equal to any that the tree ever produced. The tree3 become
rejuvenated by the fresh growth, no matter how old, and is a practice,
whether it be effected by grafting or the encouraging of young shoots,
vastly superior in results to keeping the shoots closely pinched. The way

Fig. 36.

off, or they may be pinched at two leaves, and to one afterwards, which
causes them to form spurs. The side shoots ate stopped at 15 to 18
inches length, if they are likely to much exceed that length, and the
laterals pinched at the first joint, and to one afterwards. The upright
shoots F are not stopped, only the laterals are pinched, and they are cut
back to the bar G, or about 3 feet from their origin.

In the following year we have the bearing s u ots E of the previous
year’s formation, and we take a shoot from the base of each, as shown by
the dotted lineq and these t ke the placr of those now fruiting for next
year’s crop. On the uprights we take shoots at every foot distance, and
get five on each at H. These are trained at an angle of 15° with the
uprights. We also get the continuation of the uprights of the tree B —
V.Z., J, which are cut back to the bars K in early spring. The bearing
shoots E have a growth retained on a level with or above the fruit, and it
is kept pinched to three, and afterwards to a joint of growth, and after
the fruit is gathered these are cut out, and those shown by the dotted
lines take their place.

C shows the trees advanced a stage, the routine being the same as in
b, only extended ; D shows the trees a year more advanced, and the
complete tree is shown in E. The dotted lines in all cases show the current
year’s growth, and the other the bearing wood. The trees are shown
5 feet apart, the uprights 2 feet 6 inches asunder, and the shoots 12 inches
apart. This is not too much space to allow of all the growths being
properly exposed to light and air.

In addition to Peaches and Nectarines, to which the “ U ” system
appears espscially applicable, Morello Cherries are amenable, the side

to have fruit is to get fresh wood and keep it. It is Nature’s plan, and
never fails. — G. Abbey.

A SEPTEMBER CHRYSANTHEMUM SHOW.

The first public Exhibition of Chrysanthemums in September was held
in the Westminster Aquarium on the 9th and 10th inst., under the auspices
of the National Chrysanthemum Society. ThiB was not, however, the first
Chrysanthemum Show of 1886, for a very good one was held in January.
We have seen blooms of Chrysanthemums during every month of the year,
but what may be termed the “ out of season ” examples bear no comparison
in intrinsic merit with the magnificent specimens of the great Chrysanthe¬
mum month — November ; still varieties that flower freely, and so to say in
a “ natural ” manner, both before and after the orthodox period, are undoubt¬
edly valuable for decorative purposes. At the Show in question th“re was
no lack of “ naturally ” early and profuse bloomers, which are suitable alike
for border and pot culture ; but there were stands of blooms of large-
flowering varieties for which prizes were awarded that do not come under
that category, for they were from early buds of naturally later-flowering
sorts, and the great majority of the blooms consequently inferior examples
of the same varieties as seen fully developed at a more seasonable time. We
are not suggesting that the Judges erred in their awards in respect to these
blooms, they had no option but to grant them ; nevertheless, and this is
the point and gist of the matter, if the vast majority of gardeners and Chrys¬
anthemum-loving amateurs who cannot visit early shows, simply order
those varieties that are named as being arranged in the winning stands,
under the impression that the plants will bloom as freely in September as

254

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September 16, 1886.

Madame Desgrange, G. Wermig, and the summer Pompons do, they will
be greatly mistaken and probably disappointed. It is a question how far
it will answer even from a “ trade ” point of view to encourage what may
be termed these accidental precocities, which, viewed from a florist’s or
even decorator’s standard of excellence, are wanting in essential qualities that
can alone render them acceptable — namely, perfect blooms in one case, and
a reliable free-flowering character in the other. This is a practical aspect
of the question that should not be overlooked in a reference to September
shows of the popular flower that it is sought to make more popular still.

The Exhibition under notice has shown that there are very few
large early-flowering Chrysanthemums that can he properly placed in com¬
parison with Madame Desgrange and G. Wermig. If these had been left out
there would have been little left to notice beyond the “ pretty Pompons.”
Still there were a few large-flowering vari- ties more or less promising. The
two named, especially the former, were splendidly represented, and the Show
was worth holding if only for letting the public see what can be done with
them by disbudding and high culture. Instead of “ ragged clusters,” line
full blooms, 5 inches in diameter, predominated. Small early- flowering
varieties were excellently represented. It must be conceded, however, that
the effect of the Chrysanthemums was somewhat dimmed by the greater
and brighter display of Dahlias, Zinnias, Gladioli, Gaillardias, and other
early autumn flowers that occupied the greater extent of the tables.

The best large-flowering varieties of the Japanese type, apart from the
two above named, were M. Pynaert Van Geert, bronzy orange, in Mr. Davis’s
group, and Martha Harding in Mr. Stevens’. This is a larger flower and a
little darker than the one just named, with long twisted florets. Both
these varieties appeared quite “ in season ” and worthy associates of
Madame Desgrange and its yellow sport. William Holmes required another
week for expansion, and gave promise of fine blooms, while the colour ex¬
ceeded in richness, bright crimson, all others in the Show. Madame
Lacroix can evidently be made to flower in September very well ; but what
is wanted is a “ crimson Desgrange.” Alice Butcher is the most distinct and
bright of the summer Pompons. It is a sport from Lyon and almost the
colour of a dark French Marigold. It was effectively shown by Mr. Davis,
as was Blushing Bride, a charming companion plant with silvery lilac
symmetrical blooms. Other good varieties are named in the winning col¬
lections. When towards the close of the summer both the hardy-border and
bedding plants begin to lose their beauty, early Chrysanthemums commence
to bloom freely, and they make the garden gay and provide abundance of
flowers for cutting. Instances of their effectiveness may be observed at the
present time in Hyde Park, where several large beds are planted with such
varieties as summer Jardin des Plantes, Madame Desgrange, and Precocite,
and very striking they are.

The groups of plants at the Aquarium Show were very fine, but one or
two classes had not filled well. This remark does not apply to Class 1, for
a group not exceeding CO square feet, in which there were five entrants, Mr.
N. Davis, Lilford Nurseries, Camberwell, gaining a somewhat easy victory.
His admirably arranged group was surprisingly good. Many plants bore
excellent blooms, and there was sufficient variety of colour to gire the
exhibitor an effective advantage over the other groups in competition, in
which there was a great preponderance of white and yellow flowers. Mr.
J. Wright, gardener to the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple,
London, staged a pleasing group of healthy plants, well furnished with
flowers, and was awarded the second prize. Lacking in variety, but of
good quality, were the plants constituting the third prize group of Mr.
G. Stevens, St. John’s Nursery, Putney. A class provided for a group of
plants on a space not exceeding 40 square feet, nurserymen excluded, fell
through from absence of entries, and there was but one in that for a collec¬
tion of forty-eight plants as grown for market ; the second prize being
awarded to Mr. William Holmes, Frampton Park Nurseries, Hackney,
London, N. This group was composed of dwarf bushy plants in 8-inch pots,
but it would have been more effective had the show been a little later, for
few plants were in full beauty, the majority being liberally furnished with
buds. Entries were likewise scarce in Glass s 4 and 5, these being provided
respectively for six untrained plants of Madame Desgrange, and for six
untrained plants of any varieties except the latter. In the former Mr.
J. W right was first, each of his plants bearing about half a dozen very fine
blooms, dwarfer but good plants from Mr. Stevens gaining him the second
prize. This exhibitor was awarded first prize in the other class referred to,
showing well.

Cut Flowers. — Competition was good in the majority of the classes
for cut flowers. For a collection, any varieties, a stand from Mr. Stevens
was placed first. About twenty varieties were staged, and they were
arranged in threes with blooms of Madame Desgrange ; G. Wermig, Mrs.
Cullingford, Martha Harding, Nanum and Lyon were very fine.° Mr.
N. Davis took second place. His collection was a large and in every way
excellent one, the varieties being numerous and arranged in bunches of
from twelve to twenty flowers each in wide-mouthed bottles. Mrs. Culling¬
ford, Blushing Bride, Mrs. Pilcher, Madame Desgrange, M. Pynaert Yan
Geert, and Fiberta were particularly good. This collection was unquestion¬
ably more representative than the first prize one. Mr. W. Piercey, 89, West
Road, Forest Hill, was awarded the remaining prize for a smaller but good
assortment. There were four entries in the class for twelve blooms of
Madame Desgrange, and this provided the feature of the cut flower portion
of the Bhow in the beautiful blooms which so deservedly won the first prize
for Mr. Wright. They perhaps averaged 5 inches across, and were
charmingly compact, symmetrical, and pure. Mr. Stevens’s second prize
blooms were little inferior in size, but were less regular, neverthelf ss good ;
and a pretty stand from Mr. Sadler, gardener to C. Lambert, Esq., Leigham
Court Road, Streatham, received the third award. With twelve blooms, any
varieties except Madame Desgrange, there were but two competitors—
namely, Messrs. Sadler and Davis, who were awarded first and second prizes
respectively. Both showed good stands, the first prize one consisting of
M. Astorg, L’lle des Plaisirs, Madame de Sevin (exceptionally fine), Mdlle.
Lacroix (good), Orphee (rich), and Isadore Ferral. Mr. Davis showed
G. Wermig, Margot, Madame Pynaert Yan Geert (bright), Boule d’ Argent,
Mdlle. Lacroix, and Henderson & Son in capital condition. This exhibitor
was first with twelve Pompons, three flowers of each, having a charming
box of the following varieties— Lyon, Blushing Bride (very beautiful), Mrs
Cullingford, Alice Butcher, Precocite, Madame Blanchet Pertuzts, Flora’

Madame Piccol, and Fiberta. The only other exhibitor was Mr. W. Holmes,
whose stand of smaller flowers was adjudged the second prize. There was
only one entry, strangely, of six bunches of Madame Desgrange — namely,
that of Mr. Stevens; his blooms were very fine, and the first prize was
awarded. In the corresponding class for any varieties except that just
named there were two stands, and these were of such moderate quality that
a third prize only could be given, it going to Mr. Bolas, The Gardens, Hopton
Hall, Wirksworth.

Gladioli. — Two classes were provided for these — one for a collection of
spikes, any number, the other for a stand of twelve, but there was no
competition in either. In the former class Messrs. Burrell & Co., Howe
House Nurseries, Cambridge, were awarded the premier prize for a superb
col ection of nearly 150 spikes, all very fresh, and composing some of the
finest varieties grown ; while the Rev. H. H. D’Ombrain, Westwell Vicarage,
Ashford, leceived first prize for twelve spikes, which worthily upheld the
reputation of the grower. Collectively the Gladioli of course made a most
brilliant display.

Dahlias. — As an inaugural show of early Chrysanthemums could be
only anticipated to be of moderate extent, the Executive wisely provided
for a Dahlia section. The schedule embraced nine classes, the majority of
which were well filled with some of the best growers. The leading class
was for forty-eight show and fancy blooms, not less than twenty-four
varieties, and there were five entries. Messrs. Keynes, Williams & Co.,
Salisbury, were first; Mr. C. Turner of Slough second; and Mr. Boston,
Manor Farm Nurseries, Carthorpe, Bedale, third. The following varieties
were represented in the first-prize stand, and it will be observed that few
fancy blooms were included : — Back row — Charles Wyatt, Miss Cannell,
Mrs. Langtry, Thos. Hobbs (two), James O’Brien, Frederick Smith (two),
James Cocker, Mrs. W. Slack, Mrs. Jefford, Royal Queen, ,Ga'etyi a scarlet
seedling, Harry Keith, and Henry Walton. Middle row — George Barnes,
sport from G. Barnes, William Rawlings, Mrs. Wyndham, Mr. Spoffortb,
sport from Gaiety, Mrs. Stancomb, Spitfire, Imperial, J. B. Stephen, sport
from Rebecca, Miss Cannell, General Gordon, Richard Dean, Flora Wyatt,
and Harry Eckford. Front row — Mrs. Gladstone, Mrs. Foreman, J oseph Ashby,
Thos. Goodwin, Lady Golightly, Mrs. Glasscock, Mrs. Langtry, Bessie, General
Gordon. Rebecca, Harrison Weir, Rev. J. B. Camm, Seraph, Lizzie Leicester,
James Vick, and Mrs. S. Hibberd. All were fresh and symmetrical blooms
of good size. Many good blooms were noticeable in Mr. Turner’s collec¬
tions — for instance, Sir G. Wolseley, Grand Sultan, Clara, Mrs. Gladstone,
and John Forbes. Mr. Boston’s flowers ran these close, the stand containing
some excellent flowers. There were no less than ten entries in the class for
twenty-four show blooms, and Mr. C. Turner secured the first prize with an
excellent stand, in which George Rawlings, Mrs. Foreman, Jas. Stephen,
and Ethel Britton were conspicuously good. Messrs. Saltmarsh A Son, The
Nurseries, Chelmsford, were a good second, their flowers being fresh, but
somewhat small ; and Messrs. Keynes, Williams & Co. were third.

A corresponding class for fancy varieties produced four entries, and here
Messrs. Kevnes, Williams <fc Co. were first with a very fine Btand, splendid
blooms of General Grant, George Barnes, M. Chauviere, and Rebecca, with
two sports from Gaiety, being noticeable. Mr. W. Boston was second with
a good stand, and Messrs. Rawlings Bros., Old Church, Romford, third, their
blooms being fresh bur small. There were five entries in the class for twenty-
four bunches of Pompons, and several fine collections were staged ; that of
M- ssrs. J. Cheal & Son, Lowfield Nurseries, Crawley, which secured the first
prize, was a splendid one, Gem, The Khedive, Isabel, Lady Blanche, Fair
Helen, Nymphe, Favourite, &c., being superb. Mr. C. Turner was a good
second, and Messrs. J. Burrell ifc Co., Howe House Nurseries, Cambridge, a
close third. Messrs. J. Cheal & Son repeated their victory in the corre¬
sponding class for single varieties, their stand being a most beautiful one,
Mrs. Bowman, White Queen, Dorothy Fell, Mrs. Walker, Juno, and the
recently certificated Mr. Kennett being very fine. Mr. Turner was second,
also showing remarkably well ; and Messrs. Keynes, Williams it Co. were
third. There was one other entry.

Nurserymen were excluded from the four remaining classes, and in the
first of these and that for twelve Show blooms there were as many as nine
competitors. The premier prize fell to Mr. H. Glasscock, Rye S reet,
Bishops Stortford, for a very fresh and regular stand. Tne vai i- ties were : —
Back row — Prince of Denmark, Earl of Ravensworth, James Stephen, and
J. D. Saltmarsh. Middle row — Mrs. Dodds, J. N. Keynes, Mrs. G R iwiings,
and Mr. H. Glasscock. Front row — James Dick, Ethel Britton, W. R wlings,
and Mrs. Gladstone. Mr. C. Hockney, Greenfield House, Stokesley, was a
good second ; and Mr. J. West, gardener to W. Keith, Esq., Cornwalls,
Brentford, third. In the c’ass for twelve fancy blooms a fine collection from
Mr. Glasscock was placed first, followed as before by Mr. Hockney, the third
prize going to Mr. H. Vincent, gardener to J. Hartley, Esq., Keymer, Sussex.
All showed well. There was but one entry each in the classes for twelve bunches
of Pompons and twelve of single flowers respectively. In both cases first
pi izes were deservedly awarded, in the first case to Mr. West, and in the
second to Mr. T. W. Girdlestone, Sunningdale, Berks.

Miscellaneous. — Many exhibits not in competition were worthy of
note. Messrs. Kelway <Si Son, Langport, S u ers- t, showed a large collec¬
tion of Gladioli. Some of the spikes were past their best, having presumably
done service at a p evious show; nevertheless, the group was a very fine
one. Messrs. Cheal it Suns staged a large collection of Apples and some
boxes of Dahlias, and Messrs. Keynes, Williams it Co. a box of pretty
Cactus Dahlias. Mr. R. Owen, Maidenhead, sent a collection of cut flowers,
including some fine Begonias, early Chrysanthemums of the segetum and
coronarium types, very fine, and double Zinnias, for which a vote of thanks
was accorded. Messrs. H. Cannell it Sons, Swanley, Kent, staged a large
and fine collection of cut flowers, Dahlias and double Zinnias being its chief
feature. Messrs. J. Laing it Co., Forest Hill, were represented by a collec¬
tion of Begonias of the high quality usually conspicuous in the firm’s
exhibits : and Mr. J. Blundell, The Nurseries, West Dulwich, showed a
beautiful stand of Hollyhocks. Various horticultural sundries were Bhown
by Messrs. H. G. Smyth, 21, Goldsmith Street, Drury Lane, London, W.C.,
and B njamin Field, Swan Place, Old Kent Road, London. Messrs. Wood
and Son, Wood Green, London, N. showed samples of their special com¬
posts and artificial manures : and Messrs. W. & J. B rkenhead of Sale had
on view the cockroach and beetle trap described in our report of the Royal
Horticultural Society’s Show last week.

September 16, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

255

Certificates. — First-class certificates were awarded to the following : —

Dahlia Emp>ess of India (R. H. Munday, Basingstoke). — A dark crimson
Cactus variety, the upper petals dark velvety purple, with a broad pink band
through the centre.

Dahlia Willie Garratt (J. Garrett, Bishops Stortford). — A seedling show
flower of good shape ; colour dark crimson.

Dahlia King of Purples (Keynes, Williams and Co.). — A rosy purple
show variety of excellent form.

Dahlia if. T. Rawlings (Rawlings Bros.). — A bright yellow show variety,
good shape.

Dahlia Mrs. Theobald (Rawlings Bros.). — Bright pink, good shape.

Gladiolus The Mikado (Burrell & Co.). — Bright vermilion witn white
throat, a large flo.rer of considerable substance.

Gladiolus Cantab (Burrell ife Co.). — Soft ro3e, a large and beautiful
flower.

Gladiolus Ormonde (Kelway). — Salmon, pale throat, fine flower.

Gladiolus Duchess of Westminster (Kelway) white, striped with delicate

rose.

CHRYSANTHEMUM CUPS AND TUBES.

In the Journal of 9th inst., in your notice of the Chrysanthemum
tubes sent you by Mr E. P. Dixon of Hull, you say you “suspect it is the
Molyneux tube with the Jameson spring.” This, however, is an error. I
have had the tubes in question without the springs in use for some years,
the original ones having come from quite another source, the spring is a
recent addition.

The illustration of a tube in Mr. Molyneux’s article of 26th August is
made from one I sent him. The tubes he has hitherto used are of much
smaller diameter, and with a differently shaped flange. I shall be much
obliged if you will kindly correct the misapprehension in your next issue.
The cups, however, advertised by Mr. Dixon are the same as Mr. Moly¬
neux’s, except that the stem is made of larger diameter to fit my tubes. —
R. Falconer Jameson.

LATE GROWTHS AND RESTING OF VINES AND

FRUIT TREES.

“ After the crops have been gathered from Vines and fruit
trees under glass a free lateral growth often occurs, and there are
diverse opinions as to whether this should be encouraged or sup¬
pressed. Can you publish anything bearing on this subject ? ”
Thus writes an inquirer, “ S. B. D.,” and in answer we publish the
following from a gardener of great experience, and the subject
appears to be not unworthy of further discussion.

Most gardeners who cultivate indoor fruits must be aware that
the Peach, and, indeed, other deciduous fruit trees, begin to assume
another guise when the fruit is ripe or gathered. The tree gradu¬
ally loses its verdant character, the older foliage begins to show
“ the sere and yellow leaf,” and very frequently a later growth
manifests itself, arguing of course considerable powers of absoip-
tion still at work, notwithstanding an apparent general decline — a
phenomenon of annual occurrence. But in the midst of all this
approaching quietude in the vital forces a practical observer will
see, in the turgid and bronzy foliage of the earlier developments, a
desire yet to maintain its ground until some hidden process shall
have been carried out. Under such circumstances many persons
are puzzled to find Vines, Peaches, &c., reproducing spray at the
very period when the trees are evidently approaching a rest con¬
dition. I will here offer my opinion? concerning this apparent
anomaly. In the first place, granted that there is and has been a
strong root-action, what can become of the ascending fluids after
the earlier growths of the trees are supplied otherwise than a
renewed attempt at growth ? Fresh twigs have started ; a demand
still exists for the ascending fluid, which an energetic root is ready
to meet ; and the question arises whether it is proper to encourage
such late spray. To remove it entirely would be to force the plant
into a rest condition ; to leave it at random would be to divert the
solar light from the principal foliage, where it is so much needed.
Most good gardeners hold with removing such portions of the spray
as shade the principal leaves. In order to explain this subject
fairly I will just examine the following heads, which would seem
to comprise the whole subject : —

Firstly, a forced rest ; secondly, a natural rest ; thirdly, rest as
connected with the encouragement of the red spider or other insect
enemies ; fourthly, rest as connected with the future spring.

A Forced Rest. — This is accomplished by strictly pruning
away all late growths and by shutting up an unusual amount of solar
heat, sometimes over 90°. Its effect is to hurry the tree into a rest
condition, and, as a consequence, to place it in a position for a
somewhat earlier f jrcing in the ensuing year. But it is presumed
that this is effected at the expense of a little power, and that
retaining for a time a portion of the later growths increases the
volume of new fibres in the border, as also the fund of alimentary
matter in the tree. Nevertheless, it may be readily supposed that
in hot climates, where the Vine is indigenous, it hurries on to
immediate rest in obedience to the climate, possibly its exit being
hastened by a few pelting hailstorms.

I come now to head the second,

A Natural Rest. — Aithough I cannot flatter myself that I
have chosen the most applicable term as to what I would explain,
I must use it for the present as a provisional title. By this I mean
what is generally practised by good gardeners, and what I have
before alluded to — viz., a compromise between two extremes, the
Vine being, as it were, either scorched and snubbed or encouraged
into a state of rest. Our intelligent readers will here perceive that
what I would urge is, that although we may not dictate to Nature
in her best moods, we may, at any rate, in practice qualify per¬
nicious extremes of a purely accidental character ; for whoever
thought of imitating a hailstorm or a burning hot sirocco in a
hothouse ? I therefore conclude that we do well to feed our hard¬
working Vines and Peaches for awhile after the fruit is gathered.

Rest as Connected with Insects. — Here we have another
important consideration, although of a collateral character. All
practical gardeners are aware of the fact that the red spider, scale,
&c., are fearfully on the alert as soon as the foliage of the Peach
or Vine gets into full play, or is on the decline. This, no doubt, is
owing to the character of the sap of the tree, together with the
atmospheric conditions as regards heat, &c. The elaborations are,
doubtless, at this period at a high pitch, and must form a rich treat
to these marauders. Now, the more the plants are hurried to rest
the faster these insects pursue their depredations ; and herein is
another reason for sustaining the trees in a healthful condition until
their purposes are fully carried out. Good gardeners, therefore, at
this period use the syringe very frequently, and batter well the
foliage of both Vines and Peaches.

Rest as Concerning the Future Spring. — Rest has the
power of creating what is generally called excitability in fruit trees,
and the more it is prolonged, and the more performed it is within
given limits, the greater, in general, will that excitability prove.
Still it must here be observed that the ideas of this rest condition
were rather extravagant in years gone by. Most gardeners, some
forty years since, made a practice of taking Vines out of the front
sashes of their houses every winter in order to “ harden them,” for
such was the technical phrase in those times. I have helped to get
Vines out under such circumstances, having stems 4 to 5 inches
in diameter. I have known about seven men employed to get out
one of these old Vines, and it was really absurd to witness the
mighty fuss there was over this ceremony, the poor old Vines
frequently cracking and splitting at sudden bends.

Now, although rest of a somewhat decided character is requisite
for forced deciduous fruit trees, there is really no necessity for
subjecting them to intense frosts. A Vine which has enjoyed for
months a temperature ranging from 70° to 90° will find sufficient
rest at a temperature ranging from 32° to 45°, or perhaps even
more. Of this there can be little doubt, so that those who possess
what are called greenhouse vineries need not distress themselves
about the freezing of their Vines.

I may now take a brief retrospect of the whole affair, and in
doing so I shall endeavour to show to the uninformed what is good
practice in these matters. In the first place a distinction must be
made between borders inside houses and those outside. Of course,
to have the roots saturated with moisture when the trees are
gradually sinking to a rest condition is by no means desirable ;
therefore, if the roots be outside we must make allowance for those
dashing rains which sometimes occur in August and September,
and water accordingly. But as to inside roots the case is very
different ; these are generally in a very dry condition at the period
named, and, such being the case, a thorough soaking often becomes
necessary. But let us again observe the object in view. The
Peaches are gathered, the foliage is just commencing its autumn
discoloration, yet, if in good health, still producing young shoots in
various parts of the tree, particularly towards the grosser portions
of the extremities. What should be done ?

In this case a double purpose may be served ; the blossom-buds
at the base of the earlier foliage may be rendered more plump, and
the strength of the tree may be equalised. Suffer them, therefore,
to grow a week or two, say nearly three weeks ; but as soon as the
prouder terminal points have produced three or four eyes let them
be pinched, but suffer all the weaker portions of the tree to grow
to the very last, at the same time removing all mere breast spray
which shades the principal wood. And as to Vines, here we shall
find a similar movement. If they are healthy, and the trees have
not been overtaxed, we shall have them still producing small spray,
with numerous small leaves, which at once show, by their character,
their inefficiency as to the production of any amount of elaborated
sap ; but they may be made subservient to the production of fibres
in the border, and we seldom hear gardeners complain of a border
too full of roots. I think it well, therefore, to suffer these late
growths for awhile at the extremities of the tree, or, indeed, in any
portion where then’ shade will not damage the chief foliage on

25G

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September 16, 1E86

which the next crop depends, or create inconvenience to the plants
or other matters below. But they should not be allowed this
liberty long- — not above three weeks ; they should then be closely
pinched, or, indeed, pruned away if the trees are manifestly inclin¬
ing fast to a state of rest.

CALOCHORTUS (CYCLOBOTHRA) PULCHELLUS.

Altogether there are perhaps between twenty and thirty species
of Calochorti known to botanists, though probably not more than a half
of these have ever been in cultivation, and at the present time, unless in
specially sheltered districts, half a dozen would include all those grown.
Most of them seem to require special treatment and care during winter,
a3 it is at this season that the bulbs seem to suffer most. The want of
sufficient sun heat during summer, so as to thoroughly ripen the bulbs, no
doubt renders them less capable of standing our ever-changing seasons,
and a choice of position will go a long way towards success. A sunny

south border, if at disposal, will suit them better than any other, well
drained, and with a good slope to the front. The soil should be light and
rich, free of decaying material, such as leaf mould, &c., and the bulbs
planted ft good 6 inches beneath the surface. C. pulchellus, along with
C. albus, a charming species with white flowers, which we have seen
growing well nestling close to a south wall, belong to a group by them¬
selves, characterised by the flowers being sub-globose, with concave petals,
nodding stem, usually tall and branching, and by which they are readily
distinguished from all other members of the genus. The flowers never
fully open, and though less brilliant in the markings than some of their
brethren, they are also less fugitive, and in consequence more useful as
cut flowers. C. pulchellus was first introduced by Douglas about 1830
when travelling for the Horticultural Society, and originally described by
Bentbam about fifty years ago in the Transactions as Cyclobothra pul-
chella. C. flava, “Lai. Bot. Register,” sub. t. 1662. C. lutea, “Lai.
B. R.” 1663. C. barbata, Sweet, “Flower Garden,” t. 273. The
characters which originally distinguished Calocbortus from Cyclobothra
have been found in later introductions to slide into one another in such a
way that it is not considered worth while to keep them distinct, and is
oertainly much easier for growers. The stem is somewhat flexuous, with
much-spreading branches from 1 to 2 feet in height, the bracts narrow,
lanceolate, exceeding the flowers ; sepals yellowish or green, shorter than
the petals. The latter are bright yellow or orange, sparingly sprinkled
with short stiff yellow hairs, which are also seen distinctly on the edges
in the form of a fringe ; flowers always drooping or nodding ; flowering
in early summer. Confined exclusively in their distribution to California,
British Columbia, Mexico, and the Rocky Mountains. — M.

DRESSING CHRYSANTHEMUM BLOOMS.

Your correspondent, Mr. E. Molyneux, iu giving his experience on
dressing Chry.-anthemum blooms, on page 224, says much has been
written against dressing of the blooms. He also says undressed blooms
stand no chance against dressed blooms ; but may I ask why the judges at
the R >yal Aquarium last November gave the first prize in the class for

twelve incurved blooms to undressed examples when there were some
good stands of well-dressed blooms 1 Why not have a class for dressed
blooms and a class for undressed blooms ? If you will insert, this for your
correspondent to see I shall esteem it a great favour. — W. M,

HORTICULTURAL SHOWS.

ROYAL CALEDONIAN SOCIETY’S SHOW.

This was held in the Waverley Market, Edinburgh, on the 7th and 8th
inst. We thought the amount of produce staged was baldly equal to what
we have previously seen at the autumn shows of this Society. Plants
certainly were not so numerous, and the fact of only tin ee exhibitors staging
for the big collection of fruit, whilst hardy frui's, such as Apples and Pears,
were not in such abundance as in some seasons, militated greatly against
the appearance of the fruit section. Vegetables, however, were both
numerously and well shown, and the florist flower department fairly held its
own, Hollyhocks being quite a feature of the Exhibition.

As fruit holds the first place in the schedule we may very well take it
first in our report. First on the list is a collection of twelve sortB, and here
Mr. Mclndoe, Hutton Hall, Guisborough, Yorks, was first, having fair Gros
Maroc, Black Hamburgh, fine Duke of Buccleuch and Trebbiano Grapes,
two fairly good Pine Apples, good Galande Peaches, a couple of Melons,
Figs, and good Humboldt Nectarines. Mr. Murray, gardener 10 the Marquis
of Ailsa, Culzean Castle, May bole, was a close second, notably good being
his Bucklaud Sweetwater Grapes, good Galande Peaches, and extra fine
Castle Kennedy Figs. Mr. Morrison, gardener to Miss Nisbet-Hamilton,
Archerfield, Drem, third. Eight exhibitors st iged in the class for eight dishes,
and here Mr. M'Kelvie, gardener to the Dowager Duchess of Roxburehe,
had the premier prize, Grapes being good — Black Hamburgh, and small
but well-finished clusters of Buckland Sweetwater, good Grosse Mignonne
and Noblesse Peaches, Elruge Nectarine, Figs, Plums, and Melon. The
second prDe went to Mr. Day, Galloway House, Gar lieston, his best dish
being Alicante Grapes, others only moderately good. Mr. MKinnon,
gardener to Viscount Melville, Melville Castle, Lasswade, was third, the
Peaches and Nectarines in this collection being particularly fine.

For a collection of ten sorts of hardy fruits, grown out of doors, Mr. L.
Dow, gardener to Sir David Baird, Bart., Newbyth, Prestonkirk, was first with
a fair lot, consisting of Noblesse and Stirling CaBtle Peaches, Elruge
N ctarines, Breda and Moorpark Apricots, Jargonelle P. ars, Moiello
Cherries, and two varieties of Plums. Mr. McIntyre, Woodside, Darlington,
and Mr. Day, Galloway House, took second and third prizes in the order
named. For twelve dishes of orchard house fruit, at least six sorts, Mr.
Hunter, gardener to Earl of Durham, Lambton Castle, Fence Houses,
Durham, was first with six dishes of Pears, large, but not quite ripe, three
dishes of Apples, and a dish each of Nectarines and Plums. Mr. Melville
gardener to Hon. Mrs. Dalrymple, Elliston, St. Boswells, second, with a finer
lot of fruit, and Mr. Bowman, Lasswade, third.

We come next to the Grapes, and found the white sorts generally
unfinished, though in other respects fine. For twelvebunches, six white and
six black, Mr. McKelvie took the first place, having beautifully finished
Muscat of Alexandria, fine Buckland Sweetwater, and Raisin de Calabrie,
f >r white ; and very fine Gros Maroc, Kempsey Alicante, and Muscat
Hamburgh, for black. Mr. Boyd, gardener to T. Forbes, Esq., Callander Park,
Falkirk , was second with very fine Golden Hamburgh, ext ra good Black Ham¬
burgh, fine Muscat Hamburgh, and large Mrs. Pearson. Mr. Hunter. Lambton,
third with very large bunches of Gros Guillaume and Alicante, Canon Hall
and Muscat of Alexandria, also large but unripe. Mr. Murray, Parkhall,
Polmont, in the same class, had very noteworthy Gros Maroc, Alicante and
Alnwick Seedling ; Mr. Hammond, Brayton, and Mr. Murray, Culzean, also
showed good Grapes. For eight bunches Mr. Boyd secured the first posi¬
tion with grand Alicante, Alnwick Seedling, extra fine ; Madresfield Court
and Muscat Hamburgh, with Muscat of Alexandria not quite ripe. Mr.
McKelvie was a good second, his Muscat being again superb iu condition, and
Mr. Murray this time third, Messrs. Hunter and Hammond also showing.
Again Mr. Boyd was first, with four bunches, showing superbly finished Black
Hamburgh, Muscat Hamburgh, Alicante, and Alnwuk Seedling. Tne
second prize fell to Mr. McHattie, gardener to Marquis of Lothian, New-
battle Abbey, Dalkeith ; Mr. Hammond being third, and four exhibitors
were left out in the cold, much of the fruit wanting in finish.

For two bunches of Muscat of Alexandria, Mr. McKelvie was first with
magnificently finished golden clusters, and Mr. Day s cond with large but
unfinished fruit. Mr. Boyd had the best two Black Hamburghs, medium
as to size, but well finished, Mr. Murray, Culzean, being second. The single
bunches of Muscat of Alexandria were in each case ureen, Mr. Potter, White
Hall, Carlisle, having the best. Black Hamburghs were also g • ne'-ally poor
in finish, Mr. Collins, Walkerburn, Peebles, having th- best single bunch.
Alicantes were good, Mr. Wilson, Kingsknowe, Galashiels, being first with
a 4 lbs. cluster, and Mr. Caldwell, Ashley Bank, Langholm, second. Mr.
Murray, Culzean, took first with a very fair sample of Alnwick Seedling;
Mr. Murray, Parkhall, second with larger, but much rubbed bunches.
For Gros Colman, Mr. Jeffrey, gardener to R. Pringle, Esq., Craigclemp,
Langholm, was first with a fine 2 lbs. buuch ; Mr. Murray, Culzean, a very
close second. For Lady Downe’s, Mr. Murray, Parkhall, was first, and Mr.
McKelvie second, both good. For the best of any sort of black, Mr. McKelvie,
with a well finished Gros Maroc, was first, and in the corresponding class
for white, Mr. Ramsay, gardener, Fordell, Inverkething, took first with
very fine Chasselas Napoleon, Mr. McKelvie second with good Duke of Boc-
cleuch. The finest flavoured black was Muscat Hamburgh ; of white
Duchess of Buccleuch, and the finest bloom Alicante was from Mr. Boyd.

Very few Pine Apples were shown, the best Queen being fiorn Mr.
Ramsay, and Mr. Mclndoe second ; and the best Smooth Cayenne from Mr.
McIntyre, The Glen, Peeblrs. who also had the best two varieties. Melons
were not numerous, Mr. Dow being first for green-fleshed, and Mr. Mclndoe
for scarlet fleshed sorts. Six dishes of very good Figs were shown, the best
bring from Mr. McIntyre, The Glen.

Of Peaches there were nine dishes, Mr. McLeod, gardener to J. Smith,
Esq., Breutham Park, Stirling, being fi -ft with very beautiful examples of
Lord Palmerston. Mr. J. Harkness, Broadmeadows, Berwick-on-Tweed,
had the best Nectarines, medium-sized Pitmaston Orange. The best Apricots

September 16 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

257

were from Mr. Galloway, gardener to Earl of Minto, Minto, Hawick. Mr.
Parker, gardener. Impney Park, Droitwich, had the best Green Gage and
red Plums, and Mr. Potts, gardener to J. W. Laidlay, Esq., Seacliff, North
Berwick, the best yellow Plums.

Pears were very deficient, the best six sorts being orchard house fruit
from Mr. Merray, Parkhall, who also had the best dish of Jargonelles. Of
Apples, considering the poor crop throughout the country, a very satisfactory
lot was staged. Eight exhibitors staged collections of twelve sorts, Mr.
Galloway, Minto, being first with well-finished, but not large fruit, and Mr.
Brunton, gardener to Sir Alex. Kinloch, Gilmerton, Drern, second. For
twelve varieties of kitchen Apples Mr. Brunton was first and Mr. Parker,
Impney Park, second ; Mr. Murray, Culzean Castle, having the best dessert
Apples. Prizes were offered for six fruits of various kinds, the best of these
being Ecklinville Seedling, seventeen dishes of which were shown, Mr.
Brotherston, gardener to the Earl of Haddington, Tyninghame, Prestonkirk,
being first, and Mr. McLean, Vinter’s Park, Maidstone, second, both with fine
samples. Stirling Castle, thirteen dishes, Mr. George Wood, Woodside,
Musselburgh, first, and Mr. Cairns, gardener to Earl of Home, The Hirsel,
Coldstream, s cond. These were also very fine. Lord Suffield, twenty-one
dishes, Mr. McLean, first, and Mr. Blackie, Viewforth Ho, Leith, second, with
large and fine fruits. Keswick Codlin, eighteen dishes, Mr. Brotherston first
and Mr. McKelvie, Broxmouth, second with extra fine samples. No fewer
than four varieties of Apples were shown as Keswick in this class, a most
remarkable fact in the case of so well-known an Apple. Blenheim Orange
brought twelve dishes, Mr. Parker being first and Mr. McLean second with
smaller but better finished fruits. Warner’s King brought only six dishes,
Mr. Brotherston being first and Mr. Kerr, Sunlaws, Kelso, second. The two
heaviest dishes of Apples were Warner’s King from Mr. Brotherston and
Mr. McKelvie respectively. Of miscellaneous exhibits Messrs. Dickson and
Co., Edinburgh, staged 130 dish-s of Apples, mostly small and green, and
Messrs. Thomson & Sons, Clovenford Vineyard, a basket each of Duke of
Buccleuch and White Muscat Grapes.

The vegetables formed quite a show of themselves, the largest display we
have sjen in Edinburgh. For a collection of twelve sorts seven exhibitors
staged, that from Mr. R. Cairns, gardener to Lord Charles Scott, Jedburgh,
being first ; extra good Onion, Cranston’s Excelsior, fine autumn Giant
Cauliflowers, Telephone Peas, Moore’s Cream Marrow, large clean Leeks, and
Trophy Tomatoes were the most noteworthy dishes. Mr. Potter, Seacliffe,
second ; and Mr. Gourlay, gardener to Professor Cbarteris, Loanhead, third.
The other vegetables especially noteworthy were Onions from Mr. Murray,
Culzean Castle ; Celery from Mr. Cairns, The Hirsell ; Cauliflowers from Mr.
Harper, Perth. Tomatoes were largely shown, Mr. Hunter, Lambton
Castle, being first with rather unripe fruit, and Mr. Mclndoe second.
The latter also showed for exhibition some very fine Tomatoes. Collec¬
tions of Potatoes were not largely shown, the best twelve sorts being from
Mr. John McIntyre, and the best six sorts from Mr. G. Ormiston, Jedburgh.

Plants were not numerously shown, Mr. J. Patterson, gardener, Millbank,
being the only exhibitor of Bix stove and greenhouse plants, and securing
first prize for the same. His best specimens were Erica Marnockiana,
E. Turnbulli, E. Irbyana, and E. retorta major. Mr. Turnbull had also the
best greenhouse plant in flower, the best Cape Heaths in 9 inch pots. Mr.
D. Greig, gardener to Mr. Christie, Liberton, was first for the greenhouse
flowering plants with small specimens. Exotic Ferns were extra well
shown, Mr. Mackinnon, Melville Castle, being first for six varieties with
moderately large and extremely fresh plants, the best being a Davallia
Mooreana and a fine lot of Microlepia hirtacristata. Mr. Forbes, gardener to
Niel Fraser, Esq., Rockville, Murrayfield, was second with smaller but equally
well cultivated plants, Dictyogramma japonica being especially fine. Mr.
Forbts was first for four Adiantums with very fresh and fire examples of
Flemingi, Williams!, cuneatum, and gracillimum. Mr. Grossart’s first-prize
Crotons and Dracaenas were the most noteworthy among foliage plants. Of
Orchids there wa9 a poor show ; for four plants Mr. Grossart being first
with Cypripedium Harrisianum, C. calurum, Odontoglossum grande, and
Vanda sua vis. Mr. Patterson had the best two Orchids, and Mr. Grossart
was first for one plant with Vanda suavis (Manchester variety). Mr.
M'Leod, Brentham Park, second with Cattleya gigas with seven flowers.
Specially noteworthy among other plants were the first-prize Tuberous
Begonias from Mr. Kerr, Sunlaws, KeRo, the six Chrysanthemums from
Mr. A. W. Henderson, G. Wermig and Simon Delaux being very fine, and
fine Eucharis amazonica from Mr. Patterson, to which first prize was
awarded. Of table plants Mr. McIntyre had the best six foliage, Mr.
Grossart the best six flowering, and Mr. J. Cumming the best Bix Ferns.
Only two tiWes of plants arrayed for effect, neither being noteworthy.

The competition for the best table of plants, 40 feet by 10 feet, open to
nurserymen, was confined to Messrs. R. B. Laird Sc Sons and Messrs. Ireland
and Thomson, the first prize being awarded to the former. The general
effect was perhaps a little heavy, coloured-leaved Dracaenas and other foliage
plants being set rather closely among a groundwork of Ferns and small
flowering plants. The second prize table was much lighter, Liliums forming
a feature in the arrangements. The best Palms and Coniferae came from
Messrs. Ireland & Thomson, Messrs. Laird securing first for twelve table
plants in foliage, for twelve in flower, and twelve berried plants, Messrs.
Ireland & Thomson being first for twelve Conifers suitable for table plants.

Among miscellaneous exhibits, Messrs. Dickson & Co. showed a table of
Apples and various florists' flower s intermixed with plants ; Messrs. Methven
and Sons had a table of decorative stove and greenhouse plants, while from
Messrs. J. Lamont & Sons came an attractive table of single Dahlias, Pinks,
Sweet Peas, Ac. The Botanic Gardens furnished a table of curious and
interesting plants not generally cultivated. Mr. Thos. Ware, Tottenham,
London, showed some very attractive stands of Bingle and bouquet Dahlias,
and from the New Plant and Bulb Company, Colchester, came cut Liliums,
mainly auratums and tigrinums.

[We regret that the notes of our reporter on florists’ flowers at this Show
did not reach us in time for publication ]

GLASGOW AND WEST OF SCOTLAND HORTICULTURAL
SOCIETY.

The aufumn Show of this Society was held on the 8th inst. in the St.
Andrew’s Halls, and was in some respects superior to that of last year.
This was more than we anticipated, the season not ing very favourable,

and the heavy rainfall a few days previous to the Show rendered it very
probable that the cut flower section would thereby suffer. Such care, how¬
ever, had been taken by competitors that scarcely a Boil-d bloom could be
seen in the Halls. The number of entries was much in excess c f former years.
The large hall was entirely filled with plants and fruit, while three lesser
halls were filled with cut flowers and vegetables respectively.

The centre of attraction in the large hall were the tables of plants
arranged for effect. _ This prize has now become the leading feature of the
exhibitions. Additional interest was attached to this class on account of a
gold medal being added to the first prize by the Vice-President, John L.
Henderson, Esq., Westbank, Partick. Five tables were staged, all of them
reflecting credit on the respective competitors, some being conspicuous for
well grown specimens, others for good arrangement. After careful con¬
sideration the Judges awarded the first prize to Mr. James Ross, gardener
to George Ferguson, E^q , Trinidad Villa, Ibrox. His table wsb made up of
Crotons, Dracoenas, Maidenhair Ferns, and Palms, very well grown and
neatly arranged. Second prize to Mr. Mathieson, gardener to John L.
Henderson, Esq. — a very good table, a fine Palm in the centre, much too
large for the size of the table, very likely losing it first place. Third prize
to Mr. Alexander Raeside, gardener, Yorkhill. Orchids were conspicuous by
their absence in all the tables. A few Odontoglossum Alexandras and
Nerine would have given a superior tone to them all.

The platform was beautifully decorated with choice Crotons, Dractenas
and Palms by Messrs. J. & R. Thyne in their usual style of artistic work¬
manship and elegant finish, groups of their Croton Thynei showing to
great advantage under the large Palms. This collection was deserving of
the highest commendation, which was unanimously awarded. The same
firm had on exhibition specimens of their floral handiwork in wreaths
crosses, bridal and assorted bouquets, done up tastefully with Chrysan¬
themums, Tuberoses, Lapagerias, Tea Roses, and Nile Lilies, very highly
commended.

A number of tables were filled by nurserymen for exhibition only, and
added much to that section of the Show. Mr. Matthew Campbell, nursery¬
man, High Blantyre, filled two tables, a coPection of Hollyhock, spikes of
fine quality, forming a splendid background. Two seedlings were much
admired; they were named John Lyon, a primrose self, and Sir Garnet
Wolseley, claret colour, highly commended. The Carnations and Picotees of
this collection were very fine. Messrs. Dobbie & Co., Ror,hesay, contributed
good specimens of thei- new Turnips and stands of their famous strains of
Marigolds, &c. Mr. Cuthbertson, Rothesay, had Pansies, Antirrhinums, and
Marigilds, highly commended. Mr. Lister, Rothesay, had a similar
collection, his Pansies being also highly commended. Mr. John Sutherland,
nurseryman, Lenzie, had a stand of a hundred Carnations, large blooms and
good varieties, very highly commended. Messrs. McGredy & Son, Wood-
side Nursery, Portadown, had a splendid stand of Cactus Dahlias, including
Glare of the Garden, Constance, and a new yellow named M s. Hawkins,
very attractive. Mr. Baxter, Daldowie Gardens, Broomhouse, exhibited his
seedling Viola York and Lancaster, and was awarded a first-class certificate.
A model flower garden design, which attracted much attention, was made
and exhibited by Mr. W. George, the Gardens, Beaconsfield House, Kelvin-
side. This was certainly the most excellent exhibit of the kind ever sent
to this Society for exhibition.

For twenty-four blooms Pansies, twelve show and twelve fancy, Mr.
John Sutherland was placed first, and Mr. A. Lister second. In the class
for twelve varieties of single Dahlias in bunches of ten, Messrs. John
Lamont Sc Sons were, as usual, successful in carrying off the first piize,
Their best varieties were Highland Chief (new), Duke of Edinburgh,
Volunteer, Yellow Qu»en, Mr. Cameron, Sunray, Wnite Queen, Comet,
Zulu Improved, Golden Volunteer, and Franc Gibb Dougall. Second, Mr.
M. Campbell ; and third, Messrs. Jas. Cocker & Sons, Aberdeen.

In the class for nurserymen only, twelve plants for table decoration,
distinct varieties— First, Mr. John Sutherland; second, Mr. A. Lister.
Twenty-four spikes Gladioli, distinct varieties — First, Messrs. Samuel
McGredy & Sons, Portadown. Some of the best sp kes were Ida, Lizzie,
Emily Fordyce, Standard, May Robb, Alice, Conspieua, Mrs. Johnston,
George Kincard, Evelyn, Mrs. David Paul, and Mrs. Bell. Second, Mr. E.
Campbell, Cove Gardens, Gourock. Twenty-four blooms Dahlias, distinct
varieties— First, Mr. D. Macfarlane, Finnart Gardens, Greenock. This
stand also gained the silver medal for the best twenty-four blooms in the
Exhibition. His varieties were Rev. J. B. M. Camm, Queen of York, Champion
Rollo, Hon Mrs P. Wyndham, Grand Sultan, Mrs. Saunders, Georgina, Vice-
President, Harrison Weir, Julia Wyatt, W. H. Williams, Ciar.i, Herbert
Turner, James Dick, Mrs. Langtry, Madame Soubyre, Mrs. Gladstone,
Henry Walton, Rebecca, Goldfinder, Joseph Green, and Flora Wyatt.
Seeond, M. Campbell ; third, Mr. Jno. Sutherland.

Twenty-four blooms Roses, distinct varieties. — Messrs. Samuel McGredy
and Sons were first with fine blooms of the following varieties : — Prince of
Wales, Baron N. de Rothschild, Laslia, Madame Clemence Juigneaux, Louis
Peyronney, Madame E. Verdier, Ulrich Brunner, Madame Marie Verdier,
Dr. Andry, Baroness Rothschild, Etienne Levet, Antoine Ducuer, White
Baroness, Earl of Pembroke, Merveille de Lyon, A. K. Williams, Mabel
Morrison, Princess Beat: ice, Louis Van Houtte, and Victor Hugo. Second,
Wm. Montgomery, nurseryman, Cardross; third, James Cocker Sc Sons,
Sunnybauk Nursery, Aberdeen.

Twenty-four blooms, Carnations and Picotees. — The first prize was gained
by Mr. John Sutherland, with a splendid stand of large blooms ami good
varieties ; second Messrs. James Cocker Sc Sons, third Mr. William
Campbell.

Plants. — Ferns were well shown. In the class for four exotics Mr.
James Thomson, gardener, Clydeview, Helensburgh, was first witn neat
specimens of Gymnogramma Martensi, rarely so wed shown, and Adiantum
gracillimum in fine condition. For two Gleichenias Mr George Weston,
gardener, Murcia House, Pollokshields, was first with good clean-grown
plants of G. dicarpa and G. speluncse. Fine-foliage plants were well shown
by Mr. John Mathieson, gardener, Westbank, a splendid specimen of C)cas
circinalis, Dracaena indivisa, and Croton Weissmani, very well coloured. He
had also first prizes for a specimen Palm and three pots of Lilium lanci-
folium. For six plants, table decoration, twelve lots were staged, and a more
uniform display could not be seen anywhere. Mr. B. S. Williams admitted
he had not seen better. Mr. James Ross, gardener, Trinidad Villa, secured

253

JOURNAL OF HORTIOULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September 1G, 1886.

the first place, and Mr. P. D. AgQew, Ascog, second. The favourite plants
were Pandanus Yeitchi, Croton Chelsoni, and Aralias Veitchi and Chabrieri.
Orchids were not numerous; the best wore from Mr. J ohn McLeod, Brentham,
and Mr. Peter Walker, Bonnybridge. British Ferns were a splendid lot,
Mr. William Landsburgh, gardener, Beech wood, Bearsden, winning the first
prize with fresh well-grown examples. For six Zonal Pelargoniums Mr.
John McQuator was deservedly first with densely flowered plants of good
semi double varieties. Cockscombs were coarse with the exception of the
first prize plants of Mr. George Bob 'rt3on, Woodside Gardens, Greenock.

CtJT Flowers. — For twenty-four blooms Dahlias Mr. Thomas Hoag,
gardener, Aitkenhead, was first with good samples. He had also the first
prize for twelve blooms of fancy varieties. The prize for twelve show
Dahlias was won by Mr. Robert Smith, Howood. For eight bunches of
single Dahlias Mr. Thomas Hamilton, Dunreiff Gardens, had the first place.
Annuals were a good show ; for twenty-four distinct varieties Mr. George
Gray, Moat Cottage, Carluke, was first with a grand stand. He was also
first for twelve show Pansies and twelve blooms of African Marigolds. For
twelve annuals, general, Mr. J. Stewart, Lenzie, had first position ; he was
also first for twelve blooms of Pansies (fancy), and for twelve bunches of
herbaceous and twelve blooms of Asters other than quilled. For twelve
bunches of Violas Mr. J. Baxter, Daldowie, was easily first, his seedlings
York and Lancaster, Countess of Kintore, and Skylark, beiug very fine ; this
stand was very tastefully arranged. For twelve blooms of Roses Mr.
McRorie, Burnbrae Cottage, Kilbarchan, was first. Phloxes were exceed¬
ingly fine, particularly those shown by Mr. George Greenshields, Biggar,
who was first for six spikes in both the gardeners’ and amateurs’ classes.
French Marigolds were largely shown, the best were of Messrs. Dobbie and
Co.’s strain grown by Mr. P. McCullum, Rothesay. The Carnation and
Picotee prize offered by Baillie Goodwin, Kirkintilloch, was won by Mr.
Storrie, Lenzie. Mr. John Lyon, gardener, Greenhall, Blantyre, had the best
Hollyhock blooms. For twelve spikes Gladioli, distinct varieties, Mr. Jam-s
Thomson, Clydeview, Helenburgh, was first with fine spikes. In the class
for six spikes Mr. David Kidd, Fairlie Lodge, Fairlie, was deservedly first.

Fruit. — Of this there was a creditable display considering the rather
unfavourable season. For twelve dishes of fruit the only collection forward
was from Mr. Alex. Crosbie, Buchanan Gardens, Drymen, but it was of
good quality, and was awarded first prize. The prize for six dishes was
taken by Mr. John McLeod, Brentham Park, his dish of Peaches Lord
Palmerston being very fine. Six dishes of hardy fruit was well shown by
Mr. A. Wilson, gardener, Auchencrive, Ayr. For four bunches black Grapes
other than Hamburghs, the prize offered by Messrs. J. & R. Thyne was
taken by Mr. J. Maule, gardener, Midtonfield, Howwood, with good examples
of Black Alicante. For two bunches of Black Hamburghs, Mr. Jas.
Thomson, gardener, Broomhill, Partick, had first for splendid examples, the
berries being large and finely bloomed. Mr. John McLeoi had first for two
bunches of Muscats ; and for two bunches other than Muscats, Mr. James
Cocker, gardener, Wheatlands, Bonnybridge, had first place. For six
distinct varieties of Apples, four of each, Mr. Strathall, Yarbottom, was
first with very fine examples of the following varieties — Hawthornden,
Beauty of Kent, Warner’s King, Ecklinville Seedling, Lord Suffield, and
Lord Grosvenor. For six Peaches, Mr. John McLeod was first, and D.
McBean a good second. For one Melon Mr. Wm. Thorburn, Castle Semple,
was an easy first. Mr. Wm. Forrest, Clydegrove, Crossford, was first for
twelve Plums and twelve baking Apples. Mr. A. Wilson was first for
twelve Pears, and Mr. Procter first for twelve dessert Apples.

Vegetables. — The show of vegetables was considered not to have been
equalled at any former exhibition. The premier prize, as usual, was taken
by Mr. D. McBean, girdener, Graigend, Johnstone. The Leeks, Cauliflowers,
and Peas in this collection could hardly have been excelled. He won also
first prizes for the following : — Two Cucumbers, six Leeks, two early
Cabbages, two Red Cabbages, and twenty-four pods French Beans. For
three heads of Celery, Mr. Tnomas Hogg, gardener, Aitkenhead, was first
with well-blanched heads ; the other lots, though large, were very gre n
and coarse. For twenty four pod9 of Peas, Mr. John Jamieson, Alexandria,
was first. For six Carrots, Mr. Wm. Hewet, Temple Sawmills. Cauli¬
flowers were well shown by Mr. Jas. Cocker ; Parsnips by Mr. Thos. Brown ;
Turnips by Mr. Robt. Inglis, and Parsley by Mr. Walter Rae. The prize
for six Onions was won by Mr. G. Thomson, gardener, Springrove, Kilhar-
chan ; six distinct varieties of Potatoes by Mr. Thos. Barbour, Parkthorn,
Dundonald ; Tomato in 10-inch pot, by Mr. Robt. Dunlop, Viewpark
Gardens, Uddingston ; twelve Tomato s by Mr. Robert Strathall ; Savoys
by Mr. Alex. Raeside; Beetroots by Mr. Jas. Hutchieson, and Beans by
Mr. Walter Welsh.

Amateurs. — Tbe amateurs made a creditable display, being considerably
in advance of former years. Notably in the vegetable section was this
apparent, the Leeks, Carrots, and Celery being very well grown, and in one
or two instances taking the prize from the professional gardeners. Much of
the success of the Society is due to the untiring energy and able direction
of the Secretary, Mr. F. Gibb Dougall. — G. R.

DURHAM SHOW.

The fourteenth Exhibition of flowers, fruit, and vegetables was held in
the New Markets and Town Hall on the 7th and 8th inst., and was the best
the “ Floral Society ” has held. The surrounding district is noted tor
vegetable growers, most of whom compete, vegetables forming one of the
principal features of the Exhibition. An account of these and. the various
exhibits will now be given.

Stove and Greenhouse. — Four collections of specimens were staged.
Mr. F. C. Ford, Pieiremont, Darlington, was first with Ericas Jacksoni and
Austiniana, both good ; Allamanda Wardleyana and Phtenocotna prolifera
Barnesi, the latter well flowered, and all very fresh. Mr. Thos. Suffield,
Elmridge, Darlington, was second with an excellent Erica Marnockiana
and a good Clerodendron Balfourianum as his best plants. Mr. Morris,
Park Road, Filling, third ; and Mr. James Moore fourth. There were six
entries. In the groups class Mr. J. Mclndoe, Woodside, Darlington, was
first with an ornate and chaste arrangement, consisting of Cocos Weddelliana
and Crotons, a groundwork of Adiantum cuneatum and Lobelia, edged with
Panicum variegatum. Mr. W. R. Armstrong, Newcastle, was second ; and
Mr. F. C. Ford third. For four foliage plants Mr. McIntyre was again first
Cocos Weddelliana, Cro ons Hamondi and Dasylirion glaucum being v. ry

good. Mr. Morris and Mr. S.iffi fid folio we 1. For four Ferns (exotic) Mr.
McIntyre was once mor - fi st with Gleiih nia rapestris an! Adiantums
cuneatum, farleyense, and decorum, a'l in good condition. Table plants
were well represented, Mr. F. C. Ford being first with Dracseaa indivisa,
Pandanus Veitchi, Croton irregulars, Aralia Veitchi, Dracieaa superba, and
Cocos Weddelliana.

Table Decorations. — These were a new feature to the Exhibition ;_the
Society offering £13 in prizes. Mr. M. D. Thompson, South Hill, was first.
The epergne was gracefully filled with the lighc-fl >wered Francoa rarnosa,
Lapageria rosea, and alba, and a light Clematiu The base was composed of
Ixoras, Water Lilies, Allamandas, and Cactus Dahlias. Mr. 0. Lamb,
Hermitage, was a good second. The third was inferior in tast), yellow
Calceolarias and blue Violas predominating, and by gaslight must have
been very ineffeciive. It is to be hoped that as the Society. offers such
liberal prizes next year may be witnessed a great improvement in this style
of decoration.

Fruit.— The show of fruit was not large, but was very g o od. For six dishes
Mr. Westcott, Riby Castle, was first with Black Hamburgh Grapes (fine),
Muscat of Alexandria Grapes, Royal George Peaches, Pumaston Orange
Nectarines, High Cross Hybrid Melons, and Williams’ Boa Chretien Pears.
For two bunch s of Black Hamburgh Grape3 Mr. Jenkins, Aldin Grange,
Durham, was first ; they were finely coloured, large in berry, and perfectly
finished. The same exhibitor was first for Grapes any other colour. The
variety was a spl mdid example of Alicante. For white Grapes Mr. Elliot
was first with Muscat of Alexandria, good. Mr. Westcott wts first for the
heaviest bunch with a Black Hamburgh weighing about G lbs. Mr. W.
Laidlaw was first for Peaches, with Royal George, Mr. Westcott was in the
same position for Nectarines, and also first for Pears with Jargonelle.

Vegetables. — For a collection of eight dishes of vegetables there were
eight entries, Mr. W. Robson, Milburngate, being first, showing splendid Cauli-
flow-rs, Golden Ball Turnip, Sandringham White Celery, L eks, very large
round and kidney Potatoes Mr. G. II. Proctor was second, red and white
Potatoes, Celery, Spring Onions, and Golden Ball Turnip being very good.
Mr. J. Brooke was third, and staged excellent Leeks, measuring 12 inches
in blanches and 6 in circumference. L eks were excellent throughout,
there being fourteen entries in the class for them, _Mr. Robson s first
prize examples being clean and measuring 13 inches and 7 in circumference.
Carrots and Parsnips were also excellent, Mr. W. Walton being first with
roots 15 inches long and 12 in circumference. The same exhibitor wae also
first for Parsnips, these were 30 long and 9 thick. Potatoes were good, and
this useful esculent gets justice done to its growth at Durham. lor white
kidneys Mr. J. Tweedy, Ferry Hill station, was first, and Mr. J. H. Proctor
second with International. For round Potatoes Mr. J. H. Proctor was first
with Schoolmaster, which were much admired, and evoked no little amount
of entnusiasm. The same gentleman was also first with red kidneys, and m
the same position for six heaviest Potatoes, with the Brazilian, weighing
11 lbs. 2 ozs.

This is a Vrry large Exhibition, only the principal outlines being given.
It embraced an entry of plants 65, table, decoration, and cut flowers 1G3,
vegetables 430, giving a total of 658. We cannot help mentioning the very
unsatisfactory mode the Society has of letting the public know who are the
prizewinners. Tner; is on the prize card a number only, and if you are

interested in any exhibitor you must perforce buy a catalogue at 6d., and
hunt up for the class you wish to know about. Not only is this cumber¬
some, but a tax which ought not to be imposed. The system adopted at
Newcastle and other good shows would be a great improvement at
Durham.

WATER AS AN ORNAMENTAL FEATURE.

In many gardens of the highest note water f rms an object of the
greatest possible importance, and next if not quite equal to shrubs and
trees. The value of water may also Vie easily und^stood by the careful
way in which it is economised. In most places of note water is made
visible in some form. If a stream cannot be commanded a piece of still
water is made to do duty ; and now and then highly ornamented or
elaborate works of art are devoted to its reception, but even without the
aid of these it is at all times attractive, even in its simplest form. Let a
visitor to Hampton Court but take the trouble to ascertain whe her any
portion of the beautiful grounds receives more attention than the circular
has in of water with its gold fLli. All classes seem to delight in gazing on
the glassy or rippled surface of water wherever it may exiot, be it as a
noble river, a running brook, or a placid pond. Water, therefore, may be
regarded as a universal favourite ; and considering that it is of such im¬
portance to the well-being of the community, we need not be surprised at
now and then hearing of disputes where it is misapplied or its purity
destroyed. It uses, however, for ornamental purposes in gardens are
those to which I chiefly intend to confine myselh

Water being so essential a feature in all dressed grounds, there are
few places where its introduction, at whatever cost, is not desirable, not
only for its own sake but also for the display of the works of the architect
and sculptor, and which otherwise it might not be possible to bring in
with propriety. How much the gardens at the Cryetal Fa' ace would lose
in public estimation if deprived of their fountains. Not less important
are the cascades and fountains at Chatswortb ; while the silvery Thames
lends its aid to the noble grounds at Cliveden. Kew is perhaps less
blessed with water than most public gardens, but the Thames runs by it,
and a sheet of water forms a foreground to the view in one direction from
the large Palm house ; lakes and borrowed streams are doing duty of a
like kind in hundreds of other places.

Water as a feature in the landscape is so much valued that its presence
is courted at times, perhaps, when good taste might even question i s
beiDg in character with other things ; but these cases are comparatively
few, as there are few places where it may not be appropnately admitted.
Peihaps one of the principal objections to s use as an ornamental feature

Sap'emcer 16, 1386. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

259

is where it cannot be had in sufficient quantity to keep itself clear.
Muddy impure water is at all times objectionable, but it is questionable
whether the plan of removing and destroying everything of a vegetable
kind that exists in water is good ; on the contrary, stagnant water is
rendered more pure by the vegetation'which is supported by it. Many a
pond in an undisturbed corner is entirely covered over with duckweed,
presenting a pale green surface completely hiding the water, and yet no
hurtful effluvia arise. Nature in this case, as in many others when she
is not hindered by officious hands, provides the antidote as well as the
poison ; and it is not until the ditch, pond, or watercourse is disturbed
that any noxious vapours are diffused. A rank coarse herbage of other
plants often accomplishes the same object, the rankness and vigour being
in proportion with the quantity and quality of the food ; so that our
country friends living near stagnant pools have less canse to be alarmed
in summer than they may expect. The vapours arising from wet, marshy,
undrained land are quite different. The more exposed sheets of water
are to the action of the wind the purer and better they will be, the moving
mass being less likely to pass into a state of impurity than when it is less
agitated. In many places of note the most impor'ant feature is water,
and in some tbe duties water is made to perform differ in reality but little
from those of the modern flower bed.

Water may be considered scarcely less necessary than trees and shrub t
in a complete place, and I advise all who can command its services to do
so.— N.

HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

Koot-pruning — Apple, Pear, and Plum tree3 having a vigorous
wood growth but no fruit, and which are practically barren, should now
have all or part of the roots pruned to check such wasteful growth and to
induce a free formation r f fruit buds. All the leading roots of young
trees may be pruned, but old trees with very big roots should have only
half the roots pruned this autumn, and the other half next autumn, in
order to avoid the ritk of killing the trees, which there certainly would
be if all tbe roots were severed. The size and age of each tree must
therefore be our guide to its particular treatment. The distance from the
stem at which we should sever the roots is from 2 to 6 feet. A circle being
described around the stem at a distance proportionate to its size, a trench
is opened outside the circle and half way round it, downwards in the soil
till a point is reached immediately beneath the stem itself. The trench
is only made wide enough to enable the workman to get at the roots.
When they are cut the trench is refilled with turfy loam, and the other
half of tbe circle is done if the tree is a young one. A3 each tree is done
it is at once made fast with stout tarred string and pegs driven securely
into the ground to avoid all risk of the tree being loosened in the soil by
wind ; a band of some soft substance, such as old sacking, garden mat, or
hay, is first put carefully round the stem to prevent injury from string or
wire. Particular attention is given to prevention of injury to the bark of
the tree in the manner indicated, and in occasional but regular subsequent
examinations of all supports and fastenings. Not lightly or hastily should
root-pruning be decided upon. Barrenness in young trees is almost
always owing to rampant growth, but in old trees it may either be caused
by the roots having gone down into a cold wet subsoil, or to hard tissue
and sluggish sap action in the branches. In the latter case it answers
best to leave the roots alone, and instead of turning to root-pruning as our
remedy, to shorten the branches sufficiently to get rid of all the parts
that should have borne fruit, and to regraft, not tbe stem but each arm of
every branch. The effect of this process is remarkable, for the tree is
soon clothed with a fine head of frn Pul though vigorous growth.
Mention is made of the grafting as an important specific for barrenness
now, because it ought to influence our decision about tbe treatment of
barren trees. By barrenness we do not mean the accident of a season,
but a chronic condition, which an examination of the branches shows to
us. If we find wood buds only upon the branches we know that we can
expect no fruit, and the tree requires special treatment to bring it into a
fruitful condition as speedily as possible. A fruit grower should live
among his trees and should make their condition his special study,
especially during the season of growth, in order that he may know what
shou’d be done to them in autumn and winter.

Preparations for Planting. — Early planting is sure planting,
and we would urge upon our readers the great importance of making
ready for this work to be done in October or as early as possible in
November. Tbe trees are then nicely established in the soil before
winter sets in, some root growth is made, and we are able to render an
early strong spring growth a certainty. Do not be satisfied with any¬
thing short i f this. There can be no worse practice than the late planting
which is almost invariably followed by a season of stagnation. This note
of warning must suffice this week, but we hope to give detailed directions
for the preparation of stations, and for the entire process of autumnal
fruit tiee planting.

FRUIT FORCING.

Cucumbers.— The Autumn Fruiters.— Give every attention to these,
affording copious suppltes of tepid liquid manure ; remove superfluous
laterals so as to guard against an overcrowded growth, take off male
bloss ims and tendrils, avoiding overcropping, and do not allow the fruit
to hang on the plants after it becomes fit for use. Maintain a genial
atmosphere by damping available surfaces other than the plants in the
morning, afternoon, and evening ; but the plants may be syringed in the
afternoon of bright days. Pinch out the points of the shoots one or two
joints beyond the show of fruit, looking over the plants twice a week for
that pumose, and retain no more foliage than can be fully exposed to
light. Earth up the ro its as the plants advance in growth, only just
covering up the roots each time of their showing at the sides of the
hillocks or ridges, the soil being placed in the house some t un previously
to be warmed before use. All waterings should be of the sams tempera¬
ture as the house.

Winter Fruiters. — Pot off or shift into large pots, plunging in a
bottom heat of 80° or 90° until the plants are established, then raise
them near the glass, maint lining a temperature of 70° at night, 75° by
day, with an advance from sun heat of 10° to 15°. The fermenting
materials, if such are used for bottom heat, must be in preparation,
throwiag into a heap, applying water and turning the heap over t > iuduce
fermentation and dissipate noxious gases before making up the beds.
For producing fruit in February, plants not being raised previously, a
sowing may be made at the beginning of next month ; but they will not
be necessary where there are other plants.

In pits and frames the temperature must be maintained by renovating
the linings as necessary, and night coverings applied to prevent too great
diminution of temperature. Give water very carefully, aud spriukle the
plants only on bright days. Keep the foliage thin by removing bad
leaves and exhausted growths, aud close early with as much suu heat a3
possible.

Young Vines. — These must hive every encouragement in keeping
the foliage clem, removing all laterals, a3 growth produced after the date
is of no value, and maintain a warm well ventilated atmosphere until the
canes are ripe. The ripening of the wool may be accelerated by keeping
the house rather close in the day, so as to get a temperature of 85° to 90°
from sun he it, opening the ventilators at night. Any supernumeraries
intended to fruit noxt season should have the laterals cut away to the
principal buds, leaving, however, an outlet for any excess of sap by a few
laterals at the top of the cane, an 1 be carefnl not to injure the principal
leaves.

Late, Houses. — Muscats and other late Grapes still require fire heat, as
they are late this season, accompanied with a free circulation of air, con¬
tinuing it until they are thoroughly finishei. Muscats should have the
foliage rather thin, indeed the leaves may be tied aside, as it is necessary
the fruit have abundance of light and air, so e sential for thorough ripening
and putting on the amber colour so characteristic of good quality and
finish. The night temperature should be kept at 65° to 70° wuh a fall of
5° through the night, and the heat should be turned on in go id time in
the morning so as to allow of an increase of ventilation, aud the tem¬
perature be raised to 70° to 75° so as to insure to 'he Grapes a long
ripening day, the temperature being kept at 80° to 85° from sun and with
a free circulation of air 90° to 95°. The heat should be kept up by
reducing the ventilation w.th the declining sun, and the temperature
allowed to gradually decline at night, only keeping warmth in the pipes
to allow the top and bottom ventilators to be left open to a slight extent
so as to insure a circulation of air and prevent the deposition of moisture
on the berries during the night. This should be continued until the
Grapes are thoroughly ripe and finished, when a graiuil reduction of
temperature must take place, otherwise the fruit will shrivel ; this must
further be guarded against by not allowing the bord -r, especially inside,
to become dry. If there is any fear of this a good watering should be
given on a fine morning when air can be freely given, and the border
should be covered with dry material to keep down moisture. A temperature
of 50° to 55° is necessary for the keeping of Muscats in go d condition
after they are rip q and other houses of late thick-skinned varieties will
require a similar temperature some time longer, or after they are finished,
for the benefit of the Vines, and that the conditioning quality s > essential
to use, especially in such varieties as Gros Colman, Gros Guillaume, &c.,
may be effected.

Late Houses of Hamburgks. — The Grapss will be well advanced in
colour and ripening. A gentle warmth in the pipes is necessary, so as to
admit of a free circulation of air, and to maintain the night temperature
at 60° to 65°. A little artificial heat during the day will also be of benefit
in allowing of free ventilation and making the most of suu heat.
Hamburghs colour and finish best beneath a good spread of foliage, but it
is well not to encourage lateral growth now, at tbe same time the tendency
to shank ng is accelerated by large reductions of foliage, and equally so
by sudden fluctuations of temperature. A little air should be left on top
and bottom until the Grapes are ripe. If there is any d fi -iency of
moisture in the borders it will be better to give a supply now than put it
off until a later period, covering with some dry material so as to prevent
damp rising. Outside borders will in most instances be sufficiently moist,
if not they must be watered, and unless the weather set in wet they need
not be covered at present, but light shutters or tarpaulin should be in
readiness for placing over them, so as to throw off heavy rains.

Early -forced and Pot Vines. — There must be nnv further delay in
b e pruning of Vines intan isd to ripen their fruit by the end of April or

WOHK.foiItheWEEK..

260

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Septenab r 16, 188®.

beginning of May, and in cleansing the house and Vines so as lo have all
in proper woi king order. Shorten the canes to about 8 feet, or lower
according to the disposal of the plump buds, and prune the laterals close
in to prevent bleeding ; dress the cuts with Thomson’s styptic or patent
knotting.

PLANT HOUSES.

Winter Flowering Plants. — Such plants as Poinsettias, Plumbago
rosea, Justicias, and other similar plants in cold frames, must he watered
with great care, for if the water used be cold the roots will die and the
plants become unhealthy. If tepid water is carefully and judiciously
applied, they may safely remain in these positions for another fortnight.
The colder state of the air at night renders it necessary for the frames
to be closed early in the afternoon while the sun is upon them. The
syringe should be discontinued for these plants in the afternoon, for they
will be covered with a deposit of dew in the morning from the natural
lowering of the temperature. Unless the day following is bright the
plants will hang wet through the whole day, and if in this condition for
many days damping and other injurious results will follow. All shading
for these plants must be discontinued, so that every opportunity will be
afforded for thoroughly ripening their wood. If this is not accomplished
the plants cannot be expected to flower satisfactorily. A light house,
where a good circulation of air can be given and a little warmth when
occasion requires, should be washed and cleaned ready for the reception
of the plants directly it becomes too cold for them in cold frames.

Begonias. — These plants will be safe in cold frames for a few weeks
longer provided watering is done in the morning, and the atmosphere
about the plants kept as dry as possible. If the frames are closed at
night the plants will not suffer from cold for some weeks, but directly it
is found impossible to keep the foliage dry they must be removed to a
more suitable position. Damp is the greattst enemy to these plants in
autumn, and prevents their being kept in cold frames in some localities
as long as many other varieties of plants. Begonias are often spoiled by
too high a temperature in autumn, although it may prove necessary to
house them before long ; no heat will be needed in the drier house in which
they may be placed. The foliage of the plants must be preserved lrom
damp, or else half their beauty is destroyed.

Celosias that are in a backward condition must not be kept in cold
frames after this date, or their beautiful plumes will not be developed
before the approach of short days. If they have to hurried out in heat
towards the end of October or the beginning of the following month they
will not last long for decorative purposes. When developed in a warm
close atmosphere they damp off just above the soil in the lower tempera¬
ture of the conservatory. These plants should be placed at once in a light
structure where a night temperature of 60° can be maintained with a
circulation of air day and night, which will prevent their moning up tall
and weakly. As the plumes advance the temperature should be gradu¬
ally reduced and less moisture sustained in the house until it is lowered
to 60°.

Panicum variegatum. — For a variety of forms of decoration small pots
full of this variegated Grass are most useful for associating with small
Ferns and Selaginellas. For this purpose cuttings should be placed
thickly together in sandy soil in 2 and 3-inch pots. Cuttings strike
quickly in the propagating frames at this season of the year. After they
are root d the plants should be grown in brisk heat for a time, then
gradually hardened and fully exposed to the light.

Tradescantias. — The variegated forms of T. zebrina are useful for the
same purpose as Panicum variegatum, in fact more useful, for they last in
rooms in good condition fully twice the length of time. Cuttings will root
and grow in almost any soil if a little sand is added and they are stood in
a warm moist structure where they can be shaded from the sun. It is a
good plan to place four or five cuttings in each 2-inch pot, or they may
be rooted in pans or boxes. When the latter is done they should be
lifted directly they are rooted and about four of them placed together.
The roots can be bound round with a little moss, and then stood in boxes,
the spaces between them being filled with leaf mould. When treated
after this manner they lift out of the box with good roots, and the plants
last as long as if they had been grown in pots. When well rooted or
established in boxes they should be grown fully exposed to the sun and
moderately cool, or they grow too rapidly and soon become too straggling
for many forms of decoration. It is a good plan to strike batches at
intervals of about one month.

Coleus. — Where varied forms of decoration have to be carried out
during autumn and winter too many small plants of these cannot well
be provided. Bright little plan's of Coleus in thumb pots are amongst
the most beautiful. They do not last long in rooms, but as 3 et we
have not found any other plant that can be raised in sufficient quantity
to replace them. They root freely on a shelf in a warm house, and
when confined at the root in the pots named they Only grow slowly,
therefore sufficient are rooted now to last until January. Some hundreds
of neat plants in these small pots can be accommodate! on a shelf, where
the temperature does not fall below 60°. Fittonias or any similar foliage
plants may be propagated in quantity for the same purpose.

Acalyphas. — Few foliage plants in a small state are more beautiful
than these when grown fully exposed to the sun and not too warm from
the present time. It is a good plan to strike well-coloured tops at this
season of the year in 3-inch pots. This size is large enough for the
accommodation of suitable specimens for decoration. They root freely
and quickly without losing a leaf, and if grown fully exposed afterwards
they will be most striking in colour with their foliage nearly hiding the
pots. These plants have no beauty when drawn up tall in warm, moist,

shaded stoves, but when grown as advised they cannot fail being
admired.

BEES AT THE MOORS.

The last two weeks of August and a few days in the
beginning of September constitute the warmest period of the
season, the mean temperature being 65°. That, with the
recent rainfall and electric state of the atmosphere will, it is
feared, be conducive to the Potato disease, and cut short the
honey season, which promised so well on the 3rd and 4th of
the month. On the last date mentioned I paid a visit to the
bees at the Heather. Hives have risen in weight from 12 to
40 lbs., but very few supers have boen filled. As a rule the
bees were only taking to them. On the day mentioned we
saw some hives weighed at 10 am., and again weighed at
4 p.m., when they were 8 lbs. heavier. Many bees were in
the fields too, and would be for two hours longer — the best
part of the day — so that I doubt not but if they had been
weighed later they would have been some pounds heavier
still. There is much reason to fear, unless in early localities.
Heather comb will be scarce this season, and either no supers
or partially filled ones will be the result.

Filling partially filled supers with pure Heather honey
when there is abundance of loose Heather honey in the body
of the hive is an easy matter, and is the most judicious and
profitable thing for bee-keepers to do. The hive best adapted
for that purpose is the B.H.I.O., but any hive having move-
able floors can be arranged to feed back surplus honey stored
in combs of the stock. Hives with fixed floors should not be
termed hives. It is impossible to give instructions how-
hives should be prepared for this important work without
seeing them, but your readers have had the principles of
workings of B.H.I.C. explained, and will be enabled to make
suitable arrangements. The simplest plan is to have a box
without a lid, but with a floor placed beneath the hive. One
end or side of this hive should open, but when shut should be
perfectly close, so as not to attract robber bees. Into this
box, which should be of sufficient depth to hold frames in¬
verted, should be placed those containing Heather honey to
be cleaned out, and the honey therein carried aloft to the
supers by the bees, which supers should be wrapt up and kept
warm. The hives selected to fill supers in this way must be
strong, and the body of their hive well filled to insure all the
honey being stored in supers. By acting according to these
instructions, supers will be as superior as if they had been
filled and finished in the natural way. We have had them,
but care must be taken that nothing but Heather honey is fed
back. It has taken us upwards of thirty years to convince
bee- keepers generally of the superiority of the Stewarton
system, and there is no hive so well adapted for bee-keeping
in general, and for feeding back in particular, as “ the best
hive in creation.”

USEFUL HINTS.

At this season it is perhaps desirable to warn bee-keepers
against introducing queens, or joining swarms having two
queens, rashly. I admit that a en queens can be, and are,
joined to a hive safely without c ging, and I could cite many
cases where only a second or two expired between the depos¬
ing of the queen regnant and the introducing of an alien one
which was well received ; but the mishaps by reckless intro¬
duction which I am cognisant of are by far too numerous te
warrant me in advising the introduction of queens without
the use of a cage.

It is the health and unmaimedness of the queen that is
the royal road to profitable bee keeping, and in the absence
of these a breakdown in the hive is sure to occur sooner or
later, and at a time when the loss is irreparable. Therefore
use every precaution before introducing queens or joining
swarms together.

September 16, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

2G1

The balling of queens is, in my opinion, entirely due to
stranger bees ; at least, I have never witnessed a case other¬
wise. There are different phases of balling, but the most
prominent one is when the bees favourable to the queen dis¬
cover one or more fractious bees they immediately ball her.
If the disloyal bee or bees are kept outside the queen is safe,
but if one or more get near her she is either maimed or stung
to death. Therefore select a young queen and cage her for
at least twenty-four hours, releasing her at dusk.

Young bees at this season are doubtless not to be despised,
neither are much older ones ; both make capital stocks. It is
the care and judicious management of these that determines
our future success with either — not their age. One great
thing with all queens is to take care and not stimulate these
to breed at this season. All their strength and egg-laying
power is best to be conserved till spring, the season that is
most required for profitable bee-keeping.

If there is a paucity of bees in the hive containing a
young queen, it rather taxes the powers of an aged one (in¬
tended to be deposed) to fill a few frames with brood, and
place in the hive containing young queen intended for stock.
Hives that require to be fed now, and not having a ventilating
floor, should, immediately the feeding is past, have a clean
dry board substituted, and, indeed, should be continued at
intervals throughout the winter. A ventilating floor obviates
all that, and conduces to having healthy bees, and many of
them.

Robber bees are now on the alert. Keep a strict watch
over all weaklings, and contract entrances according to the
strength of the colony. Be careful neither to spill about nor
expose syrup nor feeders. These are the things that decimate
the bees, and those who have for years advised the autumnal
stimulative feeding of hives must have, in their ignorance of
the proper management of bees, practised some or all of the
above. For many years it has surprised me why bees re¬
quired feeding in autumn to stimulate breeding, when our
own hives, as well as those in the whole district, were over¬
flowing with bees. A clergyman of my acquaintance used to
say, “ Instead of requiring to feed to cause breeding I would
rather feed to reduce the population of the hives, as they are
by far too strong.” While I advise strong hives for stocks at
this season, I must not forget that for many years my best
and most profitable ones were simply nuclei occupying only
two or three frames, only they had large stores, and were
kept comfortable. — A Lanarkshire Bee- keeper.

BEE-KEEPING IN CUBA.

The honey bee waa introduced into Cuba from Spain at a very early
period of its history ; and being a land of perpetual flowers, with no winter
to impede their labour, they soon spread to all parts of the island, and
bee-keeping has long since become one of the established industries.
There is probably no other country of equal extent on the globe which
has furnished an equal amount of honey and beeswax. The latter has for
more than two centuries illuminated the churches of both this island and
the mother country, besides furnishing the supply needed for other pur¬
poses, while the former has found a remunerative market in all civilised
countries, chiefly in Germany, England, France, and the United States.

A Cuban bee hive is very simple, consisting merely of a hollow palm
log, or oblong wooden box, 10 to 15 inches in diameter, and 5 to 6 feet in
length, open at both ends. These hives are arranged in a horizontal posi¬
tion, 3 or 4 feet high, supported on a framework of long bamboo poles
resting on posts driven into the ground. When these hives are full of
honey, the Cuban bee-keeper, after thoroughly smoking the bees, thrusts
into one end of the hive a long sword-shaped knife and cuts the combs
loose from the inside walls. He then inserts a long iron rod, flattened at
the end and bent in the form of a right angle, clear into the brood-nest
(which generally occupies about 15 inches in length of the centre of the
hive), cuts the combs, and pulls them out one by one. He then performs
the same operation on the other end of the hive, and so continues until
the whole apiary is gone over. The combs are now submitted to pressure,
and the wax separated from the honey. Of course, the honey so obtained
is not very pure, being mixed with pollen, propolis, dead bees, and the
juices of larvae, all of which tends to cause fermentation ; Cuban honey
(than which, when pure, there is no finer in the world) has gained an
unenviable reputation. Native apiaries of from fifty to 300 or 400
colonies are frequent, and sometimes as many as 2000 are kept in a single
yard. The season for surplus honey extends from October to April, the
height of the flow being from the middle of December to the middle of
February ; but there is almost always a sufficiency for breeding purposes,

and hence the Cuban bee-keeper never resorts to feeding. He “robs”
his hives only once or twice during the year, and seems satisfied with an
average production of 75 to 100 lbs. of honey, and 4 or 5 lbs. of beeswax
per hive.

Nearly three years ago the writer introduced for the Messrs. J. N. and
P. Casanova, 100 colonies of Italians in moveable-frame hives, together
with all the modern appliances necessary to insure success. They were
located about eighteen miles south-east of Havana, eight miles from the
ocean, and, we believe, constitute the first apiary on modern principles
ever seen in the island of Cuba ; and to the gentlemen referred to belongs
the credit of this great change in the systems of bee-keeping, from which
promising results will undoubtedly be realised by many of their brethren
in the near future.

MODERN BEE-KEEPING versus THE OLD WAY.

The year following the introduction of these bees, 113 colonies of them
gave, in a period if four months, 43.000 lbs. of choice honey, being over
380 lbs. per hive, or more than four times the amount produced on the old
plan. The success of this experiment far exceeded the most sanguine
expectations of the Casanova brothers, and, being gentlemen of means,
they at onoe set about and completed one of the best appointed modern
apiaries to be found in any country ; and for the benefit of the readers I
will briefly describe it.

The apiary and buildings cover nearly three acres of ground, in the
form of a rectangle, sloping to the south-east with a descent of 10 feet in
100. Near the centre of this plot are two sheds, each 200 feet long,
extending across the plot in parallel lines, east to west, and about 30 feet
apart. Opening out from the northernmost of these sheds are six others,
extending to the north line of the plot in parallel lines 25 feet apart. At
the centre of the south one of the two first mentioned is another shed
extending to the south 60 feet, to the extracting room. These sheds are
all 9 feet wide, 6 feet high at the eaves, peaked palm-leaf roof about a
foot thick. They are high and airy, affording perfect protection from sun
and rain, and are always comfortable, even in the hottest weather.

Along both sides of the sheds, just inside of the eave-lines, are the
long rows of twcwtoiey hives, painted white, 5 feet apart, and, of course,
facing outward, so that the flight of the bees in no way interferes with
the workmen. The ground, all sloping toward the honey-house, makes
the wheeling-in of the loads of well-filled combs comparatively easy. The
extractor is a six-frame reversible, of heavy galvanised iron, and delivers
the honey through a large pipe on top of the centre of a broad screen,
covering the top of an evaporating tank holding 8000 lbs., where the
honey is freed from any little pieces of comb, &c., which may have got in
by accident. From the concave bottom of this tank an iron pipe extends
down the sloping ground 60 feet further, to a broad covered shed, where
the honey is received directly into the bungholes of the tierces by merely
turning the large faucet on the end of the pipe. Along the lower side of
this barreling shed, and coming close up to it, is the roadway, which is
enough lower than the floor of the shed to admit of the rolling of the
filled tierces into the carts ready for transportation to the depot.

It will thus be seen that, from first to last, there is no dipping or lifting
of honey required. We might go on and describe the uncapping arrange¬
ment, with their screen bottoms and troughs leading to the evaporating
tank, and many other useful appliances of the large airy extracting room;
but our “story” is already drawn out beyond the space we supposed
necessary to tell it; so we will close by saying that everything is built
substantial, ample, and yet simple, and contrasts strongly with some of
the little “ cluttered up ” arrangements too often seen in our own country,
— A. J. King (in The American Bee Journal).

TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

James Yates, Underbank, Stockport. — Catalogue of Bulbs.

Ketten Freres, Luxembourg.— Catalogue of Boses.

George Bunyard & Co., Old NuraerieB, Maidstone.— Descriptive Catahgue
of Fruit Trees.

Corry, Soper, Fowler & Co.— Trade List of Horticultural Sundries.

Wood & Son, Wood Green, London, N.— Li*t of Horticultural Specialities

All correspondence should be directed either to “The Editor’
or to “ The Publisher.” Letters addressed to Dr. Hogg or
members of the staff often remain unopened unavoidably. We
request that no one will write privately to any of our correspon¬
dents, as doing so subjects them to unjustifiable trouble and
expense.

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions relat¬
ing to Gardening and those on Bee subjects, and should never
send more than two or three questions at once. All articles in-

262

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September 18, 1886.

tended for insertion should be written on one side of the paper
only. We cannot reply to questions through the post, and we
do not undertake to return rejected communications.

“ Bosh ” (£>.). — We have seen the paragraph to which you call our atten¬
tion, and have nothing to say jagainst it. It is, perhaps, true. We are
under the impression that we have inserted articles by the writer of it in
these pages.

Mould in Manure ( Guildford ). — It is quite natural for manure to become
white with mould if it remains long undisturbed or gets too dry. If turned
occasionally and kept moist there will be no mould to interfere with the
growth of Mushrooms, but ODe load is not sufficient for making a bed in the
open air. See supplement to the fourth edition of “ Mushrooms for the
Million.”

Brussels Sprouts (TV. J.). — If you will write on one side of the paper
only and send your article early in February it will be then more acceptable
and generally useful. Letters on seasonable subjects from practical
gardeners are readily inserted.

Grapes Decaying ( One in Trouble). — No doubt the wet weather and
leaky house have had much to do with the mishap, with a too low night
temperature. The colder a vinery is the greater is the condensation of
moisture on the berries, and it is this which causes them to decay. We
suspect also that the Vines are not in the best of condition, and the berries
have too thin skins.

Notching Vine Roots (A. Z.). — If Vine roots are notched now, and a
gritty compost, consisting of turfy loam and a large admixture of wood
ashes, be placed round them they will form fresh roots this season ; at least
that is what we found in the case of some Vines that were improved by
that process. Old Vines, such as you describe, and which cannot be lifted,
usually bear better by training young rods very thinly in the summer, and
not cutting them back closely at the winter’s pruning. You can scarcely
err by following the practice described on pages 173 and 174.

French Marigolds ( William Dean). — The strain, of which you send
flowers, is excellent. Tne blooms are compact and symmetrical, not coarse,
and the colours rich and clear. They are the more remarkable as being
grown in the middle of a smoky town, and the cultivator deserves praise
for tending the plants so well. Their superior condition proves that French
Marigolds are admirably adapted for gardens in towns and smoky districts.

Brompton Stocks and Wallflowers ( T . M.). — The Stocks having been
thrice transplanted ought to withstand an ordinary winter in sandy soil ;
still, as there is always the possibility of a severe winter occurring it is
prudent to establish as many plants in pots as can be accommodated in a
cold frame, or where some protection can be improvised. With a clear
space between the rows of your Wallflowers the plants ought to be
sufficiently hardy for passing the wint-r with little or no injury, but every¬
thing depends on the severity and continuance of frost. Tree leaves
lightly placed amongst and over the plants afford good protection in severe
weather.

Fungus on Pear Leaves (A Young Hand). — The Pear leaves sent are
seriously attacked by the parasitical fungus Rcestellia cancellata. In
its early stages it may be checked with sulphur. Collect and burn all the
leaves, wash the trees and wall (if they are trained to one) in winter, and
take away the surface soil, adding fresh; in fact we think the roots require
to be placed in fresh soil, and the site deeply drained. You do not ask for
information respecting the Vines to which you allude, and which require
much the same treatment to render them satisfactory.

Gardeners Leaving {Young Gardener). — lathe absence of any special
agreement the time for giving notice is determined by the payment of
wages, and as you are paid we kly a week’s notice on either side suffices to
terminate an engagement, though it is often more convenient to give longer
notice. We know nothing about the advertising agency you mention ; but
we know that there never was a time when gardeners experienced so much
difficulty in procuring situations as at present, and we earnestly hope that
no one will take hasty action in throwing himself out of employment
who cannot afford to remain out for several months —or years.

Azalea Bed {St. Catherines). — The best soil for Azaleas is unquestion¬
ably peat, but we have had them thriving admirably in loam on the sandstone
and freestone formations, and quite luxuriantly in sawdust from loose
boxes in which hunters have “run” during th) summer, 'mixed with an
equal proportion of turfy loam. We have no doubt of cocoa-nut fibre refuse
being an excellent material for mixing with loam for the growth of Azaleas
and Rhododendrons, having a sixth of sand added, and put in 18 inches
deep and made quite firm. We have also seen them luxuriating in a shallow
siliceous loam overlying sand, with a good mulching each year of cowdung.
The condition of your plants shows the soil to be unsuitable, and we should
take it out and have 18 inches depth of peat, which is best taken from a
moor where Heather grows, the top 3 or 4 inches being best, and with a
goodly admixture of particles of white sand. This chopped moderately
small will grow them perfectly. The brown spongy peat used for Orchids
is not suitable for Azaleas. We should not cut the plants down — at least,
not until they had become well established in the peat bed, and then you
may cut away the stunted growths, so as to encourage stronger growths
from the base, and so insure larger trusses of bloom. Hardy Azaleas in
variety are not so common as they deserve to be in gardens.

Green Gage Plums Gummed {Old Subscriber). — It is generally the result
of a deficiency of calcareous matter in the soil, but not always, as we
have seen it occur when there has been a very vigorous growth followed
Toy a large reduction of foliage. We think, however, in your case that
it is caused by a deficiency of calcareous matter. In the autumn we
should give a dressing of quicklime at the rate of a bushel per rod
(30^ square yards), and point it in with a fork as deeply as can be done
without in j ury to the roots, mixing it with the top 9 inches or a foot of
the soil. A better plan would be to get some old mortar rubbish, breaking
it small, and picking out any pieces of lath or wood ; and removing the
soil down to the roots picking some from amongst them and giving fresh, to
which has been added a sixth of the mortar rubbish. If the roots are

deep they should be raised, bringing them ud so that the topmost are not
deeper than 3 or 4 incheB when covered with soil, which also should contain
the lime rubbish. Make the soil firm about the roots, and mul:h the surface
with short littery manure.

Planting Pinks and Violas —Burying Leaves ( E. T. B ). — Pinks are best
planted now, so that they may become well established before winter, and
if mulched before the setting in of severe weather they will not be likely
to suffer any injury from frost. Violas for spring flowering are best planted-
in October, or so soon afterwards as the beds or borders are cleared of their
summer occupants. If you mean to bury leaves in a body with a view to-
form leaf mould you will prevent their decaying so quickly as if they
were made into aheap above ground, kept moist, and turned over occasiona'ly
outdde to inside, so as to insure and hasten decomposition.

Peach House (Aurora). — A house 12 feet wide is much the b st-
Narrow houses are most common because they are most economical, but
they are not nearly so good as houses that will allow of trees in front
trained to a trellis fixed about 15 inches from the glass and brought about
two-thirds up theroof, so as to allow of trees being grown at the back. The
upper part of the front trellis should be curved downward or brought down
from the glass to about 3 feet, so as to admit of more light to the back
wall. Ours are of the width named — 12 feet. We have the trellis 15 inches
from the front lights, and curved so as to cut off the otherwise sharp angle
that would occur by following the lights, the trellis being t»ken up tbe roof
at 15 inches from the glass for about 4 feet from the front, and the distance
then gradually increised to 3 feet from the glass at 8 feet from the front of
the house. This admits of light to the back wall trees. Our houses have a
foot of wall above ground supported on piers of 9-inch brickwork, with
2-feet openings between to allow of the roots passing outside, stone heads
covering the openings just level with the inside and outside borders. The
front lights are 3 feet, and open by crank and lever movement from the
bottom outwards the whole length of the houses, each house, of course,
separately. The back wall is 11 feet 6 inches high to the under side of the
coping, and the roof is fixed under it. At the upper part we have lights 2 feet
6 inches wide, which open by crank and lever movement. Such houses cost
more than the narrow Peach cases, but have the advantage of a double set
of trees — i.e., in front and against the back wall. The trees are planted
inside beneath the trellis. Peaches are well grown also on trellises across
the border up to the roof. A very fine house of this kind at Wilton Park
was figured and described in this journal of January 10th, 1884.

Propagating Clematis Jackmani (A Florist). — These plants can he
increased by cuttings of nearly half-ripened wood in the spring of the year
if inserted in sandy soil and placed until they are rooted under bellglasses
in a temperature of 50° to 55°. This, however, is not a certain method, and
layering is never practised by the trade. The best, quickest, and safest
method is to propagate them by means of grafting. Strong roots from any
other kind must be procured during the winter and kept moist in cocoa-nut
fibre refuse, sand, or any similar material until wood is ready for the scions
in spring. Plants from which the wood is taken are generally wintered in
cold frames and brought forward in them by keeping the frames moderately
close. The young wood should be used for scions, say after it has attained
3 or 4 feet in length, and before it becomes haif ripened towa’ ds the base of
the sloots. Each scion should be cut off just above a pa;r of eyes, and the
wood betwe n the joints left to each scion should be cut wedge shape. The
strong roots should be cut clean across the top, then split down the cent e
and the scion fitted in between. The bark of the scion and the root. must
be fitted together on one side and then bound into position by matting)
worsted, the first being the best. One pair of eyes is sufficient for each
scion. After this the grafted roots should be potted singly in 3-inch pots in
sandy loam. A gentle watering should be given, and the pots plunge! in a
propagating case where the bottom heat ranges about 75°, and the top heat
55° to 60°. Attention must be paid to dewing them over daily, preventing
the sun from striking upon them, and lifting the lights of the case.
Clematises are easy to graft, but unless care is taken with them for the
first few days or a week afterwards they will all go off. Union soon takes
place between the stock and scion, and if they can only be kept from damp¬
ing until they have reached that stage they will be perfectly safe afterwards.

Sirex gigas (C. D.). — The Sirex gigas is found in the north of Europe ;
it has been taken in England, but very rarely ; it is a Briish species, and is
sometim -s taken in Scotland. It is likely to be met with in Pine forests, as
the female seems to prefer that wood to deposit her eggs in. The male is
considerably smaller than the female, and has no sting. The sting of the
female consists of three parts — a sheath which divides into two parts or
valves, and a fine instrument somewhat resembling a needle ; it is with thi9
instrument it wounds its enemies, and the sting is said to cause excruci¬
ating pain. The microscope discovers this part to b; beset with a number
of very minute teeth, like the edge of a saw ; with this sting the creature
can pierce the wood of sound tre-s ; for we suspect it does not always
deposit its eggs in such as are decayed, but rather in such as will supply
the larva with nourishment when it is hatched. The eggs are laid in clusters
of 200 or 300 together ; they are of a pile yellow colour, about the thirtieth
part of an iuch in length, and shaped like a wearer’s shuttle. The larva
live3 in the body of the tree, < nlarging its habitation as it increases in sice,
for it never leaves the tree till it becomes a winged creature. The larva
when full grown is about ljj inch in length, and as thick as a goose quill.
It is a heavy sluggish creature, almost cylindrical, the head very small, and
the whole of an uniform pellucid yellowish colour. It has a small spine at
the end of the body like those by which the larva of some spinges are
distinguished ; this Bpine is also a striking character in the perfect Sirex.
In the pupa the form of the winged creature is more visible than in the
larva state ; it is of a browner colour than the larva, and the rudiment of
the sting and legs are very visible.

Plants for and Arrangement in Herbaceous Border (M. C. B.). —
The roots from the Laurels will extend a considerabl s distance, and the
heat in summer will have a drying influence on the border. About 3 feet
from the background or hedge of Laurels is near enough to plant the
herbaceous plants, and that distance should be allowed between the plants
in the back row ; the next row 2 fe -t from it, and 3 feet apart in the row in
quincunx order ; the next row 18 inches, and the plants 18 inches asunder
in the row ; front row 1 foot from the other, and plants 1 foot apart in the

September 16, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

263

row, and this being 1 foot from the border edge you will have a border 8 feet
6 inches wide from the Laurels to the outside of the border, and nave four
rows of plants. In the back row you can have Anchusa itilica, Bocconia
cordata, Asphodelus ramosus, A. luteus, Campanula latifolia macrantha,
Campanula pyramidalis and var. alba, Coreopsis lanceolata, Delphinium
cirdinale, Echinops Ritro, E. spinosus, Eryngium paudanifolium, GaRga
officinalis alba, Harpalium rigidum, Helianthus multiflorus, H. multiflorns
fl -pi., H. multiflorus maximus, Leucanthemum maximum, Lathyrus grandi-
florus, L. latifolins albus, Lupinus arboreu?, Monarda didyma, Papaver
orientale. Pentstemon barbatus, Pyrethrum uliginosum, Spiraea Aruncus,
Tritoma Uvaria, Aster versicolor, A. formosissimus, A. laevis, A. ericoides,
A. noyse-anglicffi and var. rubra. Second row from the back : — Achillea
Ptarmica fl.-pl., Aconitum japonicus, Alstrcemeria peruviana, Auemone
jrponica, A. japonica alba, Auth-ricurn Liliago major, A. Liliastrum major,
Aquilegia chrysantha, Asclepias tuberosa, Bupthalmum salicifolium, Cam¬
panula grandis, Catananche bicolor, Centaurea montana and var. alba,
Dictamnus Fraxinella and var. alba, Dielytra ppectabilD, Dracocephalum
Ruyschianum japonicum, Erig<ron speciosum snperbum, Eryngium ame-
thystinum, Fnch>ia Riccartoni, Gaillardia grandiflora, Geranium ibericum,
Geum coccineum plenum, Gillenia trifoliata,Gypsophila paniculata, Helenium
pumilum, Hemerocal is disticha fl.-pl., H. flava, Hypericum triflorum,
Lychnis chalcedonica fl.-pl.. Lychnis vespertina fl.-pl., Halva moschata alba,
Meponopsis nepalense, Rudbeckia Newmanni, Salvia, patens, Scabiosa cau-
casica, Schizostylis coccinea, Senecio pulcher, Sidalcea Candida, Sparaxis
pulcherrima, Spiraea Slip ndula fl.-pl., Thermopsis fabacea var. montana,
and Yerbascum phceniceum. Third row from the back : — Agrostemma
coronaria fl pi., Anemone sylvestris, Antherictim graminifolium, Aquilegia
ccerulea, Cyclobotbra pulchellus, C. venustus, Campanula glomerata dahu-
rica, C. HencRrsoni, C. nobilis, C. persicifolia alba plena, Chrysanthemum
speciosum, Delphinium cashmerianum, Dianthus Atkinsoni, Dielytra
eximea, Doronicum caucasicum, Erodium Manescavi, Funkia speciosa,
Gentiana asclepediadea, Geranium armenicum, G. Endressi, Hesperis
matronalis alba plena, Iberis gibraltarica, Lychnis dioica rubra fl.-pl.,
L. viscaria splendens plena, Megasea cordifolia p irpurea, M. Stracheyi,
QEaothera fruticosa major, G3. speciosa, Papaver nudicaule and var. album,
Polemonium Richardsoni, Potentilla formosa, Sedum spectabile, Solidago
virgaurea nana, Spigelia marylandica, Statice latifolia, Stokesia cyanea,
Thalictrum adiantifolium, Tradescantia virginica and var. alba, Veronica
longifolia var. sub-sessilis, and Zauchneria californica. Fourth or front
row : Achillea tomentosa, Adonis vernalis, Anemone apennina and var.-
alba, A. coronaria and stellata va.rs., A. nemorosa bracteata pi., A palmata
alba, A. stellata fu'gens, Aquilegia glandulosa, Armeria plantaginea rubra,
Astragalus hypoglottis albus, Aubrietia grseca, Arabia alpinus, Callirhoe
involucrata, Campanula grandiflora pumila, C. nitida and var. alba, C. car-
patica, and var. alba, C. pulla, C. pumila and var. alba, Cheiranthus alpinus,
Erigeron aurantiacus, Erythrfea diffusa, Gentiana acaulis, G. verna, Geum
montanum, Iberis semperflorens plena, Myosotis dissitiflora, Onosma
tau ica, Orobus vernus purpureus, Oxalis floribunda rosea, Phlox amcena,
P. caroliniana ovata, P. Nelsoni, P. verna, P. setacea var. atro-purpurea,
The Bride, grandiflora, Perfection, and Vivid, P. frondosa, Primulas in
variety, Ranunculus speciosus, R. amplexicaulis, R. anemonoiles, R. acris
fl.-pl., Saxifraga Camposi, S. granulata fl.-pl., Silene alpestris, Sisyrinchium
grandiflorum, Trol ius japonicus flore-pleno, T. ameri'-anus. T. europaeus,
T. asiaticus, and T. napellifolius, Helleborus niger, Hepiticas, &c. In
the back row Liliums are displayed to great advantage, also Hyaeinthus
candicans. Between the plants in each row Narcissus an 1 Snowfl flt9s may
be planted also in the second row ; in the third Hyacinths, and in the front,
6 inches from the edge, Scilla sibirica, Snowdrops, Crocuses, an I Winter
Aconite. Any blanks or bare space we fill up in summer with Zinnias.
Asters, Stocks, Indian Pinks, ifcc. We have also Carnations, Pinks, early
Gladioli, Pyrethrums, Pseonies, Potentillas, Picotees, &c., interspersed with
the herbaceous plants, and some more Asters in the second row, or
A. Amellus bessarabicus, A. dumosus, A. Shorti ; and in the front A. alpinus,
A. discolor, and A. Chapmaninm, and with A. pilosa, A. pohphyllus,
A. tubinellus, &c., in the back row, have flowers from an early to a late
period for cutting. We have named perhaps more than you rpquire, but
some are easily omitted. In the front row we have Pansies and Pinks so as
to get the right number, b ing a mixture of the most useful of hardy flowers,
and always interesting from the dawn of spring to frost and snow. Trench
the ground as deeply as the good soil allows, loosening that at the bottom
of the trenches so as to allow of the free passage of water, but do not bring
up any, or very little, of the inert or stubborn soil to the surface. A good
dressing of manure may be given after trenching, and forked in prior to
planting ; and after planting afford a dressing of rather littery manure or
leaf soil, placing it neatly about the plants, and an inch or two thick over the
whole surface. In trenching cut off all roots within 1 foot of the Laurel
hedge or screen.

Names of Fruits. — The names and addresses of senders of fruit to be named
must in all cases be enclosed with the specimens, whether letters referring
to the fruit are sent by post or not. The names are not necessarily required
for publication, initials sufficing for that. Only six specimens can be
named at once, and surplus fruits beyond that number cannot be preserved.
( Ashwell ). — Transparent Gage. (G. S.). — Jefferson. (T. N.). — Plums :

1, Jefferson; 2, Mirabelle ; 3, Goliath. Apples: 4, Irish Peach; 5, Lord
Suffield ; 6, K- swick Codlin. We do know of a cheap book on the subject
to which you refer. ( Prunus ). — 3, Victoria ; 4, Diapree rouge ; 5, Quetsehe.

Names of Plants. — We only undertake to name species of plants, not
varieties that have originated from seed and termed florists’ flowers.
Flowering specimens are necessary of flowering plants, and Fern fronds
should bear spores. Specimens should arrive in a fresh state in firm
boxes. Slightly damp moss or soft green leaves form the best packing, dry
-cotton wool the worst. Not more than six specimens can be named at once.
( J . R.). — 1, Inula Helenium; 2, Euphorbia Cyparissias ; 3, Ophiopogon
japonicus variegatus. We do not name varieties of florists’ flowers. (U. S.).
— Saponaria officinalis flore-pleno. (C. B.). — 1, Lasiandra macrantha;

2, SeDginella ccesia ; 3, Polystichum capense ; 4, Pol) podium pustulatum ;
6, Nt-phrodium molle ; 6, Phlebodium aureum. ( C . £>.). — Achillea mille¬
folium roseum. (James Ear land). — Quercus coccinea; Swainsonia coro-
nilifolia.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET. — September 15th.
Trade quiet, with no alteration. Supplies heavy.

FRUIT.

s.

d

8.

d.

s.

d.

8.

d

Apples .. ..

i

6

to 4

0

Melon . . . .

0 to 2 i

Cherries . . . .

0

0

0

0

Oranges ..

0

12

0

Currants. B'ack

• • £ sieve

0

0

0

0

Peaches . . ..

0

4

0

„ Red

. . 4 sieve

0

0

0

0

Pine Apples English., lb. 2

0

4

0

Figs .. ..

0

6

0

9

Plums . . . .

0

2

0

Q-rapes . . , .

0

6

3

0

St. Michael Pines ..each 4

0

8

Lemons .. ..

0

15

0

StrawberrieB ..

. . per lb. 0

0

0

VEGETABLES.

s

. d.

S

d

8

d.

s

d

Artichokes ,.

.. dozen

l

0 to 0

0

Lettuce .. ••

0

to 1

6

Asparagus

.. bundle

0

0

0

0

Mushrooms ..

. . punne t 0

6

1

0

Beans, Kidney

per bushel

2

0

3

0

Mustard and Cress punnet 0

2

0

0

Beet, Red

.. dozen

i

0

3

0

Onions .. ..

3

0

0

Broccoli .. ..

0

0

0

0

Parsley .. dozen bunches 2

0

s

0

Brussels Sprouts .. i sieve

0

0

0

0

Parsnips .. ..

.. dozen 1

0

2

0

Cabbage .. . .

1

6

0

0

Potatoes .. ..

0

5

0

Capsicums

100

1

s

3

0

,, Kidney

.. cwt. 4

e

6

0

Carrots .. ..

0

4

0

0

Rhubarb .. ..

2

0

6

Cauliflowers ..

.. dozen

s

0

4

0

Salsafy .. ..

0

1

0

Celery . . . .

1

6

2

0

Scorzonera ..

.. bundle 1

6

0

0

Coleworts dcz. bunches

a

0

4

0

Soakale .. ..

per basket 0

0

0

0

Cucumbers

. . each

0

3

0

4

Shallots ..

3

0

6

Endive .. ..

l

0

a

0

Spinach .. ..

0

4

4

Heros . . . .

0

2

0

0

Tomatoes ..

3

0

6

Leeks . . . .

0

3

0

4

Turnips .. ..

j. bunch 0

4

0

0

PLANTS IN POTS.

8.

a.

8.

a.

8.

d.

B.

a.

Aralia Sieboldi

. . dozen

9

0 to 18

0

Ficus elastica

. . each 1

8 to 7

0

Arbor vitae (golden) dozen

0

0

0

0

Fuchsia

per dozen 2

$

6

0

(common) dozen

6

0

12

0

Foliage Plants, var. each 2

0

10

0

Arum Lilies . .

. . dozen

0

0

0

0

Heliotropo

per dozen 4

6

6

0

Bedding Plants,

var. doz.

0

0

0

0

Hydrangea ..

per dozen 6

0

12

0

Begonias

. . dozen

4

0

9

0

Ivy Geraniums

per dozen 0

0

0

0

Calceolaria . .

per dozen

3

0

6

0

Lilium auratum

per doz. 12

0

so

0

Cineraria

. . dozen

0

0

0

0

„ lanoifolium per doz. 9

0

18

0

Cockscombs

per dozen

8

0

4

0

,, longifloium per doz 0

0

0

0

Crassula

per dozen

0

0

0

0

Lobelias . .

per dozen 0

0

0

0

Cvperus . . . .

4

0

12

0

Marguerite Daisy dozen 6

0

9

0

Dracaena terminalis, dozen 30

0

60

0

Mignonette . .

per dozen 3

0

6

0

„ viridis

. . dozen 12

0

24

0

Musk . . . .

per dozen 0

0

0

0

Erica, various

. . dozen

0

0

0

0

Myrtles . . . .

0

12

0

Euonymus, in var. dozen

6

0

18

0

Palms, in var.

. . each 2

6

21

0

Evergreens, in var. dozen

6

0

24

0

Pelargoniums, scarlet, doz. 3

0

6

0

Ferns, in variety

. . dozen

4

0

18

0

Pelargoniums

per dozen 6

0

9

0

CUT

FLOWERS.

8.

d.

B.

d.

s. d.

B.

d.

Abutilons

1 2 bunches

a

0 to 4

0

Lily of the Valley, 12 sprays 0

0

;o 0

0

Ageratum

12 bunches

a

0

8

0

Marguerites ..

12 bunches 2

0

6

0

Arum Lilies . .

12 blooms

4

0

6

0

Mignonette . .

12 bunches 1

0

8

0

Asters

12 bunches

0

8

0

6

Myosotis

12 bunches 1

6

3

0

Bouvardias . .

per bunch

0

6

1

0

Pelargoniums, per 12 trusses 0

9

1

0

Camellias

12 blooms

6

0

9

0

„ scarle

, 12 trusses 0

5

0

s

Carnations . .

12 blooms

1

0

8

0

Roses

12 bunches 2

0

9

0

12 bunches

S

0

6

0

„ (indoor),

per dozen 0

6

2

0

Chrysanthemums 12 belies.

3

0

6

0

„ Tea.. ..

. . dozen 0

9

1

0

12 bloom 3

i

0

3

0

„ red

. . dozen 0

8

1

0

Coreopsis

12 bunches

2

0

4

0

Moss

12 bunches 0

0

0

0

Cornflower . .

1? buDches

1

6

3

0

Primroses, Yellow, dozen

Dahlias

12 bunches

2

0

4

0

bunches

0

0

0

Epipbyllam . .

doz. blooms

0

0

0

0

Pyrethrum ..

12 bunches 8

0

6

0

Eucharis

per dozen

2

0

4

0

Spiraea . . . .

12 sprays 9

0

0

0

Gardenias

12 bloom3

s

0

4

0

Stephanotis ..

12 sprays 2

0

4

0

Gladioli

12 bunches

6

0

9

0

Stocks, various

12 bunches 3

0

5

0

Hyacinths, Roman, 12 spray3

0

0

0

0

Sunflowers

6

i

0

Iris .

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Sweet Peas ..

12 bunches 2

0

4

0

Lapageria, white, 12 blooms

2

0

4

0

Sweet Sultan

12 bunches 0

0

0

0

Lapageria, red .

12 blooms

1

0

2

0

Tropaeolum ..

12 bunches 0

0

0

0

Lavender dozen bunches

4

0

5

0

Tuberoses

12 blooms 0

4

1

0

Lilium candidum 12 blms.

0

0

0

0

Violets . . . .

12 bunches 1

0

0

0

„ loogiflorum,12 blms.

3

0

6

0

„ Czar, Fr.

.. bunch 0

0

0

0

AFTER HARVEST.

Harvest work has been brought to a speedy and, on the
whole, a satisfactory conclusion, although it was begun and
finished later than usual. The late spring and singular
changes of weather in early summer, kept back growth so
much that a late harvest became inevitable, yet when the
corn was once full grown the ripening process went on with
marvellous rapidity, so that on some farms Wheat was ready
for the mower as soon as Winter Oats, and on others Barley
was ready before Wheat. The harvest has, therefore, been
an exceptionally busy one. The work went on briskly and
well from the outset, the whole of the corn was saved in good
condition, and thus far the labours of another year have been
crowned by success.

As we sit down to write this paper in the early morning
of September 8 th, the sun is rising brightly in a clear sky ;

264

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September 16, 18b&

calm, fair, and settled is the weather, and we have one more
golden opportunity of pushing on autumn farm work under
the most favourable conditions. Not a day should be lost in
turning to account such fine weather, for wet October will
soon be upon us, and every effort must be made to get as
much work done before then as possible. Of really urgent
work the sowing of Trifolium incarnatum came first. That is
a trifling affair, for which we have only to select a clean
stubble, to drill or sow the seed broadcast, and to harrow the
surface sufficiently to cover the seed well. To make this
matter quite plain to beginners it may be well to say that by
a clean stubble we mean one that has no couch grass nor
other foul perennial weeds upon it. No ploughing or stirring
of the soil is required for Trifolium incarnatum ; the soil must
be precisely in that compact state in which it is left after the
corn is carted off it. Sow good new seed, 30 lbs. per acre, and
cover it by harrowing so that birds cannot get at it. Next to be
sown, and of even more importance than Trifolium, is Rye for
our earliest springsupply of green food for flock- folding, as well
as for cattle and horses. This important crop should always
be sown early in September, 3 bushels of seed per acre upon
rich well-drained land, light rather than heavy. We like to
have the plants robust and well established in the soil before
winter, and we cannot manage this unless the soil is really
in good order, and sufficiently stored with nitrogenous
manure to ensure a strong quick growth from the germina¬
tion of the seed. The fallacy of the dictum that nitrates
must not be used in autumn is easily seen by practical men
alive to the importance of robust growth in autumn-sown
crops. How can a starveling seedling be expected to become
a fine plant ? An early crop of Rye is of especial value for
folding ewes and lambs. Like all other crops it was much
later than usual last spring, but it was nevertheless most
useful, and the folding was managed so that the Rye was
not in full ear even in the last fold. For horses Rye answers
best if cut into chaff and mixed with some dry food. Mention
is made of this simple fact because we have had some diffi¬
culty in having this done. To give Rye to horses as it is
brought from the field without chaffing involves much waste,
especially after it is in ear.

V* inter Oats and Wheat may be sown as soon as the land
is ready. Sow early, if possible, and if the plant becomes
“ winter proud” it can easily be checked by running the
sheep over it. The possibility of early sowing should depend
altogether upon the condition of the soil. Far better is it to
sow late, or to wait till spring, than to sow in wet or foul
soil. We must have a clean, dry seed bed if we would have
a full crop, and we should not be satisfied with anything short
of that. V*e must also restore the fertility of the soil by a
judicious and economical application of manure to it. This
has either been done by sheep-folding, by ploughing in green
crops, or we shall do it with chemical manures containing
well-balanced proportions of nitrogen, potash, and phos¬
phorus, according to the condition of the soil and the
requirements of each particular crop. Let us take for
example some of those for the sowing of which we have now
to prepare. We find that the principal manurial consti¬
tuents of an average crop of an acre of Wheat in decimal
parts are— of nitrogen about 60, of potash 35, and of
phosphates 62. Of an acre of Oats, nitrogen 63, potash 49,
ana phosphates 43, so that a similar mixture would b9
suitable for both sorts of grain, and having regard to the
low price of Wheat, Oats may prove the more profitable crop
of the two. For Beans a special and more expensive mixture
ls^required, the average crop of an acre containing of nitrogen
lo7 parts, of potash 113, and of phosphates 89. A half
dressing of chemical manurein autumn at the time of sowing,
and another half dressing in spring, answers best for grain
crops. For Beans we prefer a Clover field upon which sheep
have been folded, or land into which a green crop or two has
been ploughed. In either case we should give a liberal
dressing of chemical manure to the crop in spring.

(To be continued.)

WORK ON THE HOME FARM.

Barns are filled, the last cornrick for the season has been built, thatch¬
ing of ricks has been done, and we are once more at liberty to turn our
attention to ploughing and sowing. Prompt and energetic must be our
efforts now to turn every hour of fine weather to account, and to do our
best to get all land work well forward before winter sets in. Pigs and
sheep are out upon the corn stubbles daily. After stubble feeding is over
some of the inferior Barley will be threshed for the pigs, much of it being
so poor in colour that we shall not attempt to sell it. Good Barley is so
scarce that there is already a brisk inquiry for it, and the trade is likely to
improve in the course of another month. We have bad several new
asphalt floors made in the barns of several tenants’ farms, and some of
this work is still in hand. When well done it proves very durable, and in
order to insure such durability due care must be taken to make it upon a
sound foundation, and to have the asphalt of a thickness suitable for the
wear and tear to which it may be exposed. If heavy loads of corn are to be
drawn over it 3 inches is not too thick, but half that thickness is sufficient
when horses and carts are not to go upon it. The asphalt, we may
explain, consists of a mixture of boiling pitch and road grit or silted road
sand. A floor an inch in thickness costs Is. 6d. per square yard. We are
anxious to have the whole of this work finished before corn-threshing
becomes general, for we strongly object to the use of rick cloths on barn
floors for cleaning corn upon, the trampling of the workmen being
sufficient to wear out the best cloth in a season. Wheat has gone to the
ricks ripe and hard, yet we advise caution in threshing, for soft grain is
not a marketable commodity, and there is always some risk of it in early-
threshed corn. The winter Oats upon one of our farms was so superior
to any other that we had that enough of it was kept to afford a supply of
seed for all our farms. It is our rule to use the best seed of all kinds we
can procure, and equal care is taken to have it pure and free from weed
seeds. If only seed merchants who make a speciality of choice carefully
selected seed would keep down their prices within reasonable limits it
would prove altogether better both for buyer and seller, for they would
soon find their sales increase so fast as to prove the advantage of small
profits and quick returns over high prices and long accounts.

OUR LETTER BOX.

Lime and Ferns (Frond). — If by Ferns you mean the common Bracken
or Brake (Pteris aquilina) then there need be no hesitation about usiug
quicklime upon the surface for the destruction of liver fluke, for if the
crowns of the Bracken suffer there will be plenty of growth from the
creeping stems which abound just under the surface; but if the Ferns are
of other species which have crowns and no creeping stems, then there would
be risk of hot lime proving injurious, and probably fatal to them.

Root Crops (Inquirer). — If the field is a small one digging would be
decidedly preferable to ploughing, because of the deeper stirring of the
soil, and trenching is certainly to be recommended for Parsnips. _ Both the
digging and trenching should be done this autumn, the surface being left as
rough and open as possible. In March apply the chemical manure broad¬
cast by hand, and work it well into the surface with harrows, and the soil
will then be well stored with suitable fertelisers for the cropB you mention.
As you intend using only chemical manures the quantities you will require
per acre are cwt. nitrate of potash, 2J cwt. nitrate of soda, 4 cwt. steamed
bone flour ground to a very fine powder, 2 cwt. ground coprolite, and 2 cwt.
agricultural salt. Procure each sort of manure separately, and have them
carefully and thoroughly mixed under your own supervision before using
them.

Chemical Manures (Cambs). — Muriate of potash is cheaper to purchase-
than the nitrate, and is used by many excellent farmers. The relative
economy of the two forms can only be determined by experiments, as their
effects are not uniform on differing soils.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATION?.
Camden Square, London.

Lat. 51° 32' 40 ' N.; Long. 0° 8' 0" W. ; Altitude, 111 feet.

DATE.

9 A.M.

In the day.

i c* o3_

Hygrome-

o .

Shade Tem-

Radiation

B

1886.

ter.

5 a

§«§

perature.

Temperature

X

September.

5 fe a-1

In

On

os

Dry.

Wet.

So

N

Max

Mtn.

sun.

gras-

Inches.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

d*e

dee

deg

In

Sunday .

5

29.918

64.8

61.5

S.E.

63.4

72 8

59.3

108.3

54.1

0.028

Monday .

6

39.003

62.5

57.6

w.

62.4

71.2

54.8

112.2

49.8

0.050

Tuesday .

7

30.O3G

61.4

55.7

N.W.

61 8

71.2

54.7

105 7

43.2

—

Wednesday ..

8

29.923

69.9

56.1

8.

61.2

69.7

50.3

108.3

44.4

0.01$

Thursday ... .

9

29.928

64.4

61.4

S.E.

61.2

71.2

60 6

106.2

56.5

0UIO

Friday .

10

29.7 8

65.8

6L.0

s.

61.6

63 7

61.9

75.1

57.8

0.418-

Saturday ....

11

30.023

54.6

52.0

s.

6').2

69.4

46.8

108 4

40.9

—

29.934

62.1

57.9

61.7

70.3

55.5

103.5

502

0.528>

REMARKS.

5th. — Lull morning ; generally fair, but shower in afternoon.

6th. — Bright tine day.

7th.— Rain before 2 A.M., then fine and bright.

8ih.— Fine breezy morning ; overcast in uDernoon ; fair evening.

Otli. — Rain early, and again about 11AM.; sunshine, showers, and fresh S.W.'wintf
afterwards.

10th.— Dull early, with strong S.S.W. wind, a thoroughly wet day, ceasing about 5 P.M. ;
damp evening.

11th.— Fine, bright, and fresh.

Maximum temperature much lower than in the two previous weeks, but still above
the average.— G. J. symons.

September 13, 1888. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

265

23

TH

24

F

25

S

26

SUN

14th Sunday after Trinity.

27

M

28

TU

29

w

ARRANGEMENT OF HARDY PL1NTS.

TRIKING arrangements of tender plants for the
adornment of our gardens during the summer
months are frequently recorded ; in fact, every
year the most telling beds and mixtures are
minutely detailed for the edification of readers
who desire to carry out this style of flower
gardening ; but methods of arranging beds of
hardy plants and those that can be raised
annually from seed without much trouble are
seldom given. Hardy plants have long since been recom¬
mended for beds and borders. The advocates of this plan,
although many times invited to do so, have failed to submit
any reasonable plan how the plantd in various shaped bads
can be suitably associated to make telling features in garden
decoration. It will not, I think, be disputed that it is next
to an impossibility to group these plants in the small
peculiarly shaped geometrical flower gardens that surround
many private mansions, or such as are formed in some of
the public parks. These beds and flower gardens are not
suitable for displaying the true character of hardy plants.
For such beds the tallest growing perennials (some of which
are amongst the most beautiful) are unsuitable, though many
of the smaller growing Sedums, Saxifragas, and others are
used with admirable effect in carpet and other beds.

The ornamentation and interest of a garden depend in a
large measure upon the variety of the trees, shrubs, and
plants employed ; in fact, the greater the diversity in the
formation of the grounds themselves and the modes of
ornament adopted (provided they are in keeping with sur¬
rounding objects), the more attractive and instructive is the
garden. Gardens that are year by year decorated on the
same principle become monotonous. There can be change
and variety sufficient to meet the wish of the most fastidious
even in the decoration of flower beds with tender plants, and
I do not see why these should be either ignored or despised
by persons who wish to push forward their own fads and
fancies. If the most ardent supporters of hardy plants would
spend a few days iu the public parks of London and observe
the numbers that linger about the carpet beds, then notice
how many in comparison stay to admire the borders of
herbaceous plants, they could not fail to be impressed with
the difference.

I fail to see why any system of ornamenting gardens
should be condemned for any other particular system. Those
who “ pay the piper ” have a perfect right to “ choose the
tune” if they desire to do so. But for the mere sake of
change it is useless to condemn any system, and only a waste
of time in attempting to do so. It certainly would not be
so bad if those who tried to revolutionise flower gardening in
this country laid down rules for the suitable grouping of
hardy flowers, instead of condemning a system and offering
in return no feasible alternative plan. The one mode is
known to the public, the other is not, and even were they
willing to follow the “ hardy plant men ” they are left to
take their own course and arrange the plants iu their beds

No. 32G. — Von. XIII., Third Series.

as they think best. Failure and disappointment for several
seasons is certain to be the result before an effective method
of grouping hardy plants can be arrived at. In fact, I can
go further and say however long they try they will not suc¬
ceed in rendering flower gardens innumerable as effective
and enjoyable as they are made at present by the plan's
known to the majority and cultivated for the purpose. There
is ample room for both systems, and I shou'd be sorry to see
the present style of flower gardening swept away. I admire
hardy plants, and many of our gardens might be render d
more beautiful by their judicious employment.

Hardy plants have unquestionably advanced in favour
during the past eight or ten years, though perhaps not in
many of our largest gardens, to which we are apt to look for
guidance. In town and suburban gardens the value of hardy
plants for yielding flowers for cutting have been recognised,
and no more profitable plants could be employed for the pur¬
pose. But cottagers more than any other class must bo
credited for preserving these old favourite flowers. They
have had no opportunity in many instances to change their
plan of beautifying their little plots which they devote to
flowers, but many persons who have had the chance have
wandered away from this good old style for the tender plants
that have filled the beds of our flower gardens for so many
years. With this class and amateurs the rage for tender
plants is fast dying out, and their place is being filled with
a selection of the best and most showy hardy plants that
answer the same purpose and are of a suitable nature for
making “ posies ” for their friends or filling vases when they
desire to cut them. For the neighbourhood of towns or in
localities where the rainfall is considerably above the average,
and the deposit of dew abundant, early in the season Pelar¬
goniums and other similar plants are of little value, for they
give much trouble after July when they should be in their
best. Instead of flowering profusely they make strong soft
growth. Carpet beds are much more effective than these ;
but as they fail to yield flowers for cutting, hardy planta muff
find a place.

The almost general plan of arranging hardy plants ha3
been in borders on the “dotting system,” and this ha3 told
somewhat against bringing them prominently into use for
garden decoration. A mixed border, not of rubbish, but
useful kinds, is perhaps the best, from which a supply of cut
flowers can be obtained, for there is always something that
is useful for the purpose. But at the same time there are
always some plants “ going over,” and in consequence look
shabby, which tells materially against this system of garden
ornamentation when the surroundings are in good keeping.
Gardens can be made very gay with a limited, selection of
plants only. What I mean is to have a dozen or a hundred
good Phloxes, the same number of plants of Anemone japonica
red and white, and an equal number of Campanula persici-
folia and its variety alba, in preference to growing all the
species of these plants obtainable.

Hardy plants are highly effective amongst shrub3 if some
such plan as the following is adopted— for instance, Del¬
phiniums of light or dark varieties, according to the nature
of the shiubs, planted not too thickly, and intermixed with
Lilium candidum, L. testaceum, and L. tigrinum. The first
will be over by the time the first or second named Lilies come
into flower, and these will be succeeded by the last named.
The Delphiniums, if cut down directly the flowers fade, will
commence flowering again by thetime the Lilieshave withered.
Towards the front Gladiolus Colvilli and G. Colvilli the Bride,
if planted in October, will flower early in the season. Amongst
these can be planted Asters for late flowering. For early
flowering in the year Anemones, Narcissus, and various other
plants may be employed.

The following examples will illustrate how hardy plants
may be arranged to prove effective from the end of July until
cut off by frost, and earlier flowering kinds can be grouped in
a similar manner. TI19 arrangements that will b 1 given may

No. 1982 — Vol. LXXY„ Odd Series

266

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September 2$, 1886.

be represented with a background of shrubs or in large beds
or borders in various parts of the pleasure grounds. The
first bed or border may consist of Helianthus multiflorus
plenus in the centre or background, surrounded with Anemone
japonica alba, followed by a band of A. japonica and edged
with white East Lothian Stocks. The edging for variety may
consist of a variegated Eunkia or variegated Weigela cut close
back every spring. The last in time will become too large,
but young stock is easily propagated at this season of the
year in cold frames or under handlights. This bed, although
gay the first year will be doubly effective the second, for the
whole of the plants will increase in height and strength.
Another telling arrangement can be made with Helianthus
multiflorus or H. rigidus (Harpalium rigidum) for the back
or centre, followed by Anemone japonica alba or Phlox Virgo
Marie, one of the best whites, surrounded with a mixed col¬
lection of Scabious, edged with mixed Asters, say a row of
tall Chrysanthemum flowered next to the Scabious, and a row
of the dwarf form of the same kind to the front. Another
very effective bed or group can be formed with the bright
Phlox coccinea, followed by Hydrangea paniculata grandi-
flora with scarlet East Lothian stocks for an edging. A
fourth bed may be planted with Fuchsia gracilis or F. Ric-
cartoni edged with a broad band of White Asters or a white
dwarf-growing Antirrhinum.

A charming bed may be made with Phlox Virgo Marie,
surrounded with Veronica longifolia subsessilis, and edged
with Geum coccineum, which can be raised from seed in
autumn or spring in a cold frame. A very beautiful bed or
group is formed by associating Phloxes, such as lilacina,
Gloire de Nancy, or Countess of Eosslyn, with Pentstemon
Morna to the front or all round as the case may be, then a
row or two of a beautiful dwarf compact- growing light kind
named Mrs. Heywood, edged with purple East Lothian Stocks.
A very telling bed for this season is Gladiolus brenchleyensis,
with a groundwork of Asters, mixed colours, tall varieties,
edged with a row of dwarf kinds. A very similar and beauti¬
ful bed can be had by planting Lilium tigrinum with a ground¬
work of East Lothian Stocks scarlet and white, edged with a
row of purple ones, or vice versa as the case may be, to corre¬
spond with other beds or groups ; Phlox Alexander Mathieson,
a charming variety, surrounded with Pentstemon Mrs. Pat¬
terson, and edged with Senecios (Double Groundsel) raised
from seed sown outside in spring forms a very telling arrange¬
ment. One that will not be despised can be formed with
Anemone japonica alba, edged with a mixture of various
coloured Antirrhinums. Dahlia Glare of the Garden, enclosed
with a broad band of various coloured Everlastings (Heli-
chrysums) with a front border of St. John’s Wort (Hypericum
calycinum) is very pretty. Another may be planted with
Ammobium alatum grandiflorum, surrounded with a dark
tall-growing Antirrhinum, edged with Dianthus. Other good
Pentstemons are Mrs. Iiilgour, Osgood McKenzie, Acros,
Sir William Forbes, and Lord Salisbury, which would make
charming beds. No hardy plants for massing are more beau¬
tiful than Pentstemons, and Pelargoniums by their side are
insignificant. The Hydrangea and Fuchsia named also
make charming beds associated with these plants.

These few examples of grouping hardy flowers are only
given as a guide for those defirous of decorating their gardens
with these useful lasting plants without the trouble of raising
tender plants annually. Earlier displays in the season can
be obtained by selecting such plants that flower and last
about the same length of time in beauty. But it must be
remembered that hardy plants are most beautiful when massed
in quantity or employed in conjunction with shrubs. — A
Northerner.

EARLY APPLES.

Apples are never in great demand in August, as other fruits axe
very plentiful then for tarts an! dessert, but about this time and cnwards
the demand increase0, and now the Plums are almost over the Apples are
greatly valued ; in fact, a supply is of more importance than at mid¬
winter, as then preserved fruits are more in season. Those who have a

good supply of early Apples will always find them very acceptable, as it is
from these the Applo jelly is generally made, and many who make mince
meat also prefer eaily fruit. I have frequently observed that early Apples
are as a rule the most prolific, and they also bear more constantly than
others. Lock, for instance, at Keswick Codlin, Lord Suffield, Hawthornden,
Manks Codlin, and Eckliuville Seedling. Their failing to bear is quite
an exception, and they may frequently be seen in full crop when many
of the later ones are quite sterile. If all Apples were as sure fruiters as
these we should hardly ever hear of a failure in the Apple crop. The
varieties named are remarkable for the heavy crops they produce in the
smallest gardens and the most ungenial of situations.

I ought to explain to those who are not thoroughly acquainted with
these early Apples, that although they are generally designated “early,”
they do not become ready for use in August or September and fail to keep
afterwards, but any or all of them will remain perfectly fresh and in prime
condition throughout the whole of October, November, and December,
and some of them, particularly the Hawthornden, is often as sound in
January as in the autumn months. Amongst early dessert Apples Bed
Astrachan and Worcester Pearmain exhibit that peculiar fruitfulness
and persistency in hearing a crop remarked of in the above, and the
Worcester Pearmain is in season from now until the new year. It is
often noted that some sorts of Apples succeed only in certain districts,
and these are a bad class to have any dealings with ; but I do not think
any of your readers could point out a distrust where the varieties named
above fail, and now that the planting season is at hand all gardeners will
find it remunerative to introduce them freely. — J. Muir.

HARDY FUCHSIAS.

Though hardy Fuchsias are well known and frequently met with,
I think it may be said that as a class they have suffered con¬
siderable neglect, which can be accounted for only by supposing that
the tender varieties have absorbed a good deal of the interest and
attention that should be theirs. To show some neglect it is only
necessary to point out the limited range of colour to be found among
them, for surely our skilful raisers could have obtained long ago the
white sepals and petals and other variations of their indoor relatives,
which were originated with no better material and without the inter¬
vention of parents possessing those features. But there is still
perhaps a further neglect in not using these beautiful plants to the
full extent of their merits as garden ornaments. It would not be
difficult, I think, to find many gardens without a conspicuous bed of
them, or without at least some of the most meritorious forms. It is
now a good time, in this era of improving taste, when it is freely re¬
cognised that tender bedding-out plants do not include all that is
necessary for the flower garden, to advance the merits of these hardy
Fuchsias, and I propose therefore to enumerate the varieties.

Here, in the Cambridge Botanic Garden, is an old bed which,
with the help of two other hardy plants suitable for contrast and
relief, is equal in character, I think, to some of the combinations pro¬
duced only by the aid of winter care and expense. The two other
plants are Gaura Lindheimeri and (Enothera macrocarpa. The
former is beautifully light and graceful, producing multitudes of
white flowers on slender stems, which associate well with the sprays
of red Fuchsia. The latter is a creeping plant with large yellow
flowers, also in colour very effective in combination, and it occupies
the outer circle. It would be easy no doubt to find others equally
good, but these plants were used as belonging to the same natural
order. I do not recommend these Fuchsias alone for flower garden
beds, but they are beautiful almost anywhere, either on borders or as
forming isolated lawn beds or specimens. Years ago I remember a
long line of Fuchsia corallina at the foot of a low wall, and its beauty
I am not likely soon to forget. Let us hope that the breaks in
colour to which I have alluded may be attained before long. The
following are the kinds known to be hardy, and as some may exist
where the names are unknown or doubtful, I briefly describe them
from my own plants growing out of doors.

A. Tube quarter of an inch long, more than one-eighth of an inch
thick.

F. Riccartoni. — Stems upright, branching ; flowers about 2 inches
long by 1 j inch across the sepals ; sepals spreading at right angles ;
corolla cylindric ; stigma not large, spindle-shaped. This is one of
the best as well as one of the most common. In the south-west of
England and other mild parts it grows up into a shrub and is not
killed in winter, but in less favoured situations it becomes herbaceous
in habit. It is remarkable for bright red stems when fully expoced.
It was raised from F. globosa crossed probably with some other
variety.

F. globosa. — Stems spreading, less branched than the last, and
not so tall ; buds globose ; flowers 2 inches long, 1J- inch across the
sepals ; sepals broadly ovate, only about twice as long as broad ;
corolla almost cup-shaped ; stigma ovoid, large. One of the most
charming, distinct, and desirable. It is with me one of the dwarfest.
It is said to have been raised from F. conica, which, however, it far
surpasses. The hardiness of F. conica I have not tested.

Sfptember 23, 1888. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

2G7

B. Tube half an inch long, more than one-eighth of an inch thick.

F . corallina. — Perfectly glabrous, young stems polished ; habit

robust ; stems long and spreading, with few branches ; flowers
3 inches long, 2 to 2£ inches across the sepals ; sepals bright crimson,
not reflexed to be at right angles with the flower ; corolla purple.
The dark green or reddish leaves are strong and almost leathery,
ovate, tapering, or slightly rounded at the base, with red midribs
about 3 inches long. This is a beautiful plant, one of ihe finest, and
bearing the largest flowers of all. On the coast of Devon it grows
against the houses as high as the eaves, but inland, not far distant,
becomes herbaceous. It was raised by Mr. Pince of Exeter, and was
expected to supersede F. exoniensis, which, however, maintained its
position. F. discolor, I think, was probably one of the parents.

F. exoniensis. — Stems pubescent, especially also the ovary and
tube ; habit more branching than the last, and stems rather slender ;
flowers not quite 3 inches long, about 2 inches broaj! ; tube rather
more than half an inch long ; sepals dull red, spreading, and even re¬
curved ; corolla purplish red ; leaves ovate, inclined to be cordate at
the. base. This beautiful and distinct kind was lost sight of by the
majority of those interested in the genus till about three years ago,
when it was brought to notice on the appearance of a figure of F.
corallina under its name. It is of interest as one of the early popular
Fuchsias, and, like F. corallina, was raised by Mr. Pince of Exeter.
It has been said to be from a cross between F. cordifolia and F.
globosa. There is, however, no evidence in its appearance of the
former species.

F . discolor. — Stems long and spreading ; flowers 2£ inches long,
rather more than 2 inches across the sepals, differing from those of
F. exoniensis by being glabrous ; sepals bright red ; corolla purple.
The narrowly ovate leaves differ from those of F. corallina in their
smaller size, greener colour, and softer texture. One of the largest I
have measured is 2 inches long. This is considered the hardiest of
the hardy Fuchsias, but it is of less beauty than the two preceding.
It was raised from Patagonian seed.

C. Tube about three-eighths of an inch long, slender, scarcely, if at
all, exceeding an eighth of an inch in thickness.

F. gracilis. — Tall, erect, and slender, more or less branching ;
flowers 1} inch to 2i inches long in the different forms, 1 to lj inch
broad ; sepals narrow and slightly curved. Under this species I am
obliged to group four different forms, all, however, with the same
flowers. The true F. gracilis, etill more slender than these, with
rather large ovary and tube, I do not happen to have. One form I
have received from Backhouse as F. salicifolia, a name I do not find
recorded. Its stems produce branches down to the base ; the
peduncles are nearly as long as the flowers, a greater length than I
find ^in any other. Another form is very pubescent, the leaves
reddish and the flowers profuse. This I call “ Rufus.'’ The next
(“ Free Lance ”) is nearly glabrous, with numerous small green
leaves and rather small flowers, and branching very little. The third
(“ Burning Bush ”) is nearly glabrous, but the leaves are rather
larger than those of the last, and the branches interlace to form a
thicket. All these, with the exception of the first, have been known
as gracilis, and they cannot be referred to anything that has been dis¬
tinguished under a name. They are probably seed variations. All
the hardy Fuchsias are referred by Mr. Hemsley to one species — viz.,
F. macrostema, but for garden purposes they are more conveniently
distinguished as above. The true F. coccinea is not hardy ; it differs
from all these by having very short hairy and flat petioles. F.
recurvata (“ Bot. Mag." t. 3521) is apparently a very fine variety,
and worth looking out for, as probably it exists in some collection. —
R. Irwin Lyncii.

NOTES ON GRAPES AT THE EDINBURGH SHOW.

For beauty of finish some bunches were perfection, notably Mr.
McKelvie’s Muscats, which were of a deep golden colour and without spot
or blemish. The whole of the Grapes exhibited by Mr. McKelvie proved
him to be a first-rate cultivator. Such varieties as Alnwick Seedling,
Alicante, Gros Guillaume, and Gro3 Colman were shown by | others
in what may be called perfection of finish as far as concerned appearance ;
but if the question of taste comes in, then certainly we cannot call them
“ perfectly finished,” as they would still require some time before being in
good condition for the dinner table. However, as late Grapes will always
(most likely) be shown before they are really at their best for eating, we
may say that some of the samples in Edinburgh might be called A1 in re¬
gard to finish. Allowance can be made for the fact that time alone is
needed to develope the edible qualities, as other evidences of “ finish ” go
far to assure us that in due time they will also be A1 in their various
classes in regard to dessert qualities, though some of them have a standard
of perfection in that respect which is not particularly high.

Gros Maroc was shown fine in colour and bloom, and it is really a
very handsome Grape. It colours more easily and quickly than Gros
Oolman, and its fine berry will insure its being pretty largely grown by
those who think more of appearance than taste, as certainly it cannot be
called high class in regard to the latter quality.

Barbarossa (Gros Guillaume) maintained its character for being a

handsome-hunched variety, and though the size of berry was much behind
Colman and Gros Maroc it still presented a very fine appearance.

Madresfield Court in some cases was wanting in finish, though there
were some fine samples shown. Lady Downe’s was wonderfully well
coloured, but not particularly striking in regard to either size of hunch or
berry. That fine-flavoured Grape Muscat Hamburgh was well shown,
some fine bunches well finished being staged. Gros Colman was, as a
rule, wanting in high colour and bloom, but a noticeable exception to this
was the bunch shown by Mr. Jeffrey, Craigcleuch, Langholm. It was
highly coloured and well bloomed. Mrs. Pince showed its peculiarity of
not colouring well at the footstalk, some fine bunches suffering in appear¬
ance from this. It is sometimes seen thoroughly well coloured, but more
often not. It is a pity, as the quality is good, its distinct Muscat flavour
being a great recommendation for a late black Grape.

Duke of Buccleuch was shown by several exhibitorsin very good style ;
in most cases the bunches were not very large, but berries were good,
colour fair, but not so fine as has been seen before. No signs of cracking
were visible, the bunches being compact and firm. Messrs. Thomson and
Sons exhibited a fine basket of “ The Duke,” a little behind in colour but
otherwise good. They also showed a basket of Muscats well up in colour
and good in bunch and berry. Duchess of Buccleuch wa3 shown in con¬
siderable quantity, and in several instances the bunches were very large and
finely coloured. One bunch would weigh about C lbs. and was beautifully
finished. Another bunch would be nearly 5 lbs., if not over that. It was,
however, deficient in colour, as often happens. “The Duchess ” carried
the prizes in the competition for the best flavoured white, several
bunches of it being Bhown in that class.

Chasselas Napoleon, a handsome white Grape not so much grown as it
should be, was shown in grand condition by Mr. Ramsay, Fordel. Its
qualities are by no means inferior, it fruits freely and keeps well into the
winter when well ripened, though sometimes it cracks and is unsatisfac¬
tory. Mrs. Pearson was shown fine in bunch and berry, though a little
longer time was needed to improve the colour. This Grape seems a use¬
ful variety, though not of the best for quality. Many finely coloured samples
ofGol ien Hamburgh were shown. Its colour is pretty, but its quality and
flavour are poor. There were very good examples of other varieties of
Grapes, and there were also some very poor exhibits that would have
been better kept in the background. — Visitor.

CHRYSANTHEMUMS AND THEIR CULTURE.

( Continued from page 246.)

JUDGING CHRYSANTHEMUMS.

I have much pleasure in incorporating in my series of chapters
on the Chrysanthemum the following notes on judging, with which
I have been favoured by Mr. J. Wiugiit, of the Journal oj
Horticulture, who has had great experience in the work, and shared
in awarding the twenty-five-guinea cups that I have had the for¬
tune to win in excellent competition ; and it is gratifying to feel
that my able opponents have borne willing testimony to the justice
of the awards on the several occasions.

Notes on Judging. — Chrysanthemum shows may b9 said to form
a brilliaut close to the floral year. They are the last and brightest of
exhibitions, and appear to be constantly increasing in number, extent,
quality, and popularity. At no other shows are visitors more numerous,
and especially more critical, and for no cut flowers are there so many
substantial prize3 offered as for the great November favourite. For these
reasons the question of judging is of paramount importance. The blooms
are grown to be judged, and cultivators strive to produce them in the
best possible condition, whether they are placed iu public competition or
arranged to form home exhibitions. Many of these are_ highly meri¬
torious, and the public are thoughtfully invited to share in the enjoyment
of the owners of the collections. These are “ judged” unofficially, but
judged nevertheless, and it is a consciousness of this fact that stimulates
growers to excel in the culture of the plants and blooms. The root and
mainspring of this commendable spirit of emulation is traceable to the
public displays where man competes with man in friendly rivalry for the
coveted prizes.

It is obviously a matter of vital moment that these prizes be rightly
awarded, both as an act of justice to individuals and as indicating a
standard of excellence for the guidance of those cultivators who have still
“ something to learn,” and these, it may be confidently stated, are in a
considerable majority. A prize, then, wrongly adjudged is something
more than an act of injustice to an individual, for it amounts to setting
up a wrong standard ot value, which is a public misfortune. An example
will render the matter clearer. Several stands of incurved flowers are
placed in competition for a silver cup. Those in one stand range from
5 to 6 or more inches in diameter, and 2 pr 2j inches deep ; the florets
are broad, though some of them are not particularly fresh, but the blooms
almost cover the board. Those in the competing stand range from I to 5
inches in diameter, but are 3 inches or more deep ; the florets may n°t
be quite so broad as the others, but are faultlessly disposed, and the
blooms fresh and firm. Yet the prize is given to the former because ot
their size and “ weight but the latter term is a misnomer, for if the
whole were weighed the so-called small aud “ light blooms would be
the heavier because of their solidity. By such an award hollowness and
roughness, which are really defects, are recognised as virtues, and culti¬
vators are invited to perpetuate those defects if they hope to win a silver

268

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September 23, lt86

cup. Such a mistake as the one cited, therefore, means much more than
the loss of a cup to an individual, for it represents the seal of authority
stamped not on a true but a false standard of excellence, aDd the inex¬
perienced are thereby guided along the wrong path.

A peifect Chrysanthemum bloom must embody several qualities —
namely, size, depth, solidity, breadth of peta', finish, freshness, colour.
That is the order in which they are placed by Mr. Molyneux. In prac¬
tice the qualities are grouped somewhat in this way : the judges take
into consideration size, with symmetry, solidity, and freshness ; breadth,
substance, and colour of florets, with the general finish of the blooms.
The question of size is not dttermined by the circumference alone, for
depth is never overlooked, or ought not to be, and the nearer the depth
approaches the diameter of a bloom the more meritorious it is in point
of “ build.” The presence or the absence of those qualities are perceived
at a glance by the trained eyes of experienced adjudicators, and the value
of each bloom can be determined in a moment and expressed in “ points.”
Judges must, furthermore, be acquainted with the character of each
variety and its capacity, so to speak. It is not possible, for instance,
for a “little Cherub” to occupy as much space as a “ big Empress,”
but that is not a sufficient reason that the latter should always
receive a greater number of points than the former. The exact reverse
would occur if the small, variety were better of its kind than the large one.
That is the real question to determine, and to enable the actual merits of
the blooms to be appraised the judges must have an ideal bloom or peifect
example of every variety that may be under examination in their “ mind’s
eye ” when engaged in their work. When all other qualities are apparent
size carries the day, but if accompanied with roughness, hollowness, or
dinginess, mere bulk fails to secure for the bloom a high position, and a
full, fresh, solid, bright, and well-finished medium-sized bloom often wins
five points when a considerably larger example, but otherwise defective,
only scores three or four. When a prize is offered for the “champion
bloom ” in a show, it is very seldom indeed that the largest example is
selected. The honour usually fulls to one approaching it in size, but
possessing other qualities that the t'igger one lacks. The points to aim at,
then, in producing a perfect bloom are the greatest size combined with the
highest quality attainable, so that the bloom when staged is in the most
“ peifect phase of its possible beauty.” If an incurved Chrysanthemum
bloom in the acme of its freshness is anything over 5 inches in diameter
and 4J inches deep can be thrown across a room and caught like a cricket
ball, yet still retain its contour, it is not far from being perfect. Blooms
are not, of course, judged in that way, but the simile is introduced to
impress on cultivators the importance of solidity.

Mr. Newton, of the Inner Temple Gardens, London, has defined a good
bloom as follows: — “It must possess symmetry — that is, excellence of
form, all the parts of the flower being duly balanced ; it must possess
firmness — that is, density of petals, each possessing sufficient substance
to retain it in the desired position ; it must possess colour and freshness —
that is, the bright colours should be as bright as possible, and the light
flowers clear and pure. Now we come to size. On this point 1 would
say the larger the bloom is, provided it possesses all the above properties,
the better. Of course, I mean size of bloom in relation to quality. For
instance, a very large and loose bloom, with its consequent roughness, I
should not deem equal to a bloom somewhat smaller, yet solid, bright,
and smooth.” This is in complete accord with the above description of
a superior bloom, and in no practical sense differs from the enumeration
of “qualities” by Mr. Molyneux.

As to the method of judging, this in close competition must be by
prints, There is no other way in which justice can be done except by
lucky guessing, nor the decisions, if questioned, defended. When
25-guinea cups are at stake there must be no guessing in the matter,
but absolute certainty of the accuracy cf the awards must be arrived at
in a systematic manner, founded on the critical examination of every
bloom, and registering its merits ; and if that is requisite in the case of
valuable challenge cups it must of necessity be equally so when smaller
prizes are at stake. Justice is not to be measured by money. It is as
dear to the poor man as the rich, to the winner of a 5s. prize as to one of
five times £5 in value, and the same method should be adopted, and the
same care exercised, no matter what the value of the prizes may be.
And, as a matter of fact, more time is often spent in awarding the prizes
in a minor class than in one for which all the floral world is “ waiting for
the verdict.” It is equally true also that judges are often much longer
in deciding on the second and third prizes in a “ big cup ” class than in
awarding the premier prize. This is not mentioned in the seme of
praising men who want no praise, but to let second and third prizewinners
and exhibitors in small or “local” classes know that the mere “ value ”
of the prizes is never thought about by adjudicators of standing who offi¬
ciate at the leading shows, and they would not be worthy of the trust
reposed in them if it were.

In the rules formulated by the National Rose Society for the guidance
of judges we find the following — “Judging shall be by points. Three
points shall be given for the best blooms, two for mediums, one for those
not so good, but not bad enough to cut out, and an extra point for a
very superior bloom.” And again, “ When stands are equal in respect of
blooms judges shall proceed to consider the general evenness, variety,
arrangement, and setting up, the boxes being placed side by side and in
the same light for that purpose.” Those “instructions” are applicable
to judging Chrysanthemums, subject to one very important alteration.
“Three points,” with an occasional “extra” thrown in, are quite in¬
adequate as a maximum number for a perfect Chrysanthemum bloom, for
the simple reason that it is not possible to group the blooms into three
defined orders of merit. Not less than six points should be allowed for

perfect bloom3, as then the slightly differing gradations in merit of the
others can be much better expressed than when three points only are
allowed as a maximum. Even when the larger numbers are taken as a
basis two stands of blooms occasionally “ point up” equal, then an extra
point is sought for in evenness, colour, or arrangement. And, further,
judges are often in doubt as to whether a bloom should have, say, three
or four points — that is, they feel that three scarcely does it justice, while
it is hardly worth four. What then? They usually “ strain a point, ’
and enter four, bearing the entry in mind, and doing the same in a case
of doubt in respect to a bloom in the competing stand. That is judging
by compromise, and not on a fixed scientific principle. To arrive at a
true estimate of merit there should be two denominators — points and
marks, twelve marks making one point, just as twelve pence make one
shilling, which is easy enough to remember, and clear and simple enough
in reckoning. If a bloom is not worth six points, yet five scarcely does it
justice, why not enter it at 5 6, the six representing marks or half a
point? similarly we may find the true value of the next 59, its neigh¬
bour 53, and another in the row 5'6. Suppose these represent the back
row in a stand of twelve blooms, we have a total of 22 points, the 24
marks making 2 points. If points alone were relied on the first bloom
would probably be awarded 6, the second 6, the third 5, and the fourth
6, or a total of 23 points, one point being gained not by the merits of the
blooms, but the fault of the system. If one point can be gained in four
blooms six can obviously be gained (or loBt) in a stand of twenty-four, which
is certainly not a pleasant contingency ; and it is suggested that in all
cases in which the relative merits of the competing stands are not clearly
shown by one denominator that two should be employed, and the chances
of a mistake occurring would then be reduced to a minimum.

It does not follow that “point” judging should be adopted through¬
out a show. Common sense must be exercised in this matter. In many
classes the distinctions between the competing stands are manifest
at a glance, and it would be a waste of time to examine the blooms in¬
dividually ; but where the competition is at all dose the value of each
bloom should be noted down and the added numbers will be the verdict.
Nor is the process a slow one. Judges often spend twice the time in
marching backwards and forwards, balancing the blooms in the different
stands (and not infrequently getting confused in the work) that would be
necessary for “pointing” them systematically. Good judges will deter¬
mine the value of the blooms almost as quickly as the figures can be put
down, and a stand of 24 is often completed in three minutes. When this
method is resorted to the blooms should be “ taken ” from left to right in
each row, first completing the back row, then coming back to the second
and front lines respectively. These should be done in all the competing
stands in which “ pointing” is necessary before any of the rows of figures
are added up. The totals are found in a few moments, and the work is
done. If the press reporters, as most of them do, take down the names
of She varieties in the same order in which the blooms are judged, the
value of every one can be seen on comparing them with the judges’ figures,
and thus these officials are fortified in case their decisions should be
questioned ; and it may safely be said that in the event of revision the
original verdict of experienced adjudicators stands in ninety-nine cases
out of a hundred. It is not assumed that the best of judges are immacu¬
late, but it is a fact that if an error occurs it can usually be traced to
hurried action through delay in staging, leaving not much more than
half the allotted time for the completion of the work. In that event they
must either “ rush through ” the collections too quickly, or be hemmed
in by a crowd of visitors. In either case it would be little Bhort of a miracle
if every award were absolutely correct, as it should be ; and if a mistake
occurs under those circumstances the responsibility cannot wholly rest
with the judges, but at least a large share must be borne by the officials
of the show in failing to carry out the conditions of the schedule. In this
respect a well-merited word of recognition must be accorded the direc¬
torate of the Kingston Show where everything is invariably in readiness
at the appointed time, and the proceedings are conducted like clock¬
work.

It is very impirtant, tint exhibitors exercise great care in Darning
their blooms, or duplicates may be accidentally inserted. In that case
the stands will almost ceitainly be disqualified, for careful adjudicators are
in the habit of satisfying themselves that they are acting in accordance
with the schedule. That is their plain duty, and they will do it however
painful it may be to them to rule splendid stands “ out of competition.”
One mistake is quite sufficient in a class, and no judges can be expected
to knowingly make another, as they must do if they ignore the conaitions
that are published for the guidance of all.

In view of the practice of offering prizes for twelve blooms in eight
varieties, twenty-f jur blooms in eighteen varieties, or forty-eight blooms
in thirty-six varieties, awards have occasionally been made in favour of
exhibitors staging the greatest number of varieties, while the blooms in
the competing stands, in which there were necessarily duplicates, were, on
that account, much superior. Such verdicts are not sound. The prizes
are given, or ought to be, for the best bloomy and if in a class described
as “ twenty- four blooms in eighteen varieties” an exhibitor stages the
stipulated number of varieties (eighteen), and his twenty-four blooms are
better than his opponent’s in twenty-four varieties, the latter cannot be
jusily adjudged the prize, simply because he has exceeded the limitation.
So long as an exhibitor meets all the stipulated conditions he does all that
is required, and the merits of the blooms, not the number beyond the
limit, should be considered by the judges ; indeed, in a class worded
exactly as quoted, stands that exceed either the number of blooms or
of varieties should be disqualified, just as collections of fruit or vegetables
are disqualified that contain a greater number of dishes or varieties than

September 23, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

269

are named in the schedule, for if it is right to dieqmlify in one case it
seems difficult to understand how it can be wrong in the other. If the
stipulation were for “ twenty-four blooms in not less than eighteen
varieties ” the judges could not disqualify if there were more than the
minimum number, as it is implied that more may he staged, but the
merits of the blooms alone should determine the awards. The framers of
schedules cannot be too precise in the wording of the classes, for when a
sentence is capable of more than one interpretation neither exhibitors nor
judges know exactly what to do to be right. — J. W.

My experience of judging, which is not slight, and according to
numerous invitations may increase considerably, enables me to
appreciate the soundness of the above remarks in every particular.
As an exhibitor I have been accustomed to examine carefully the
relative merits of competing stands, and am convinced that in close
competition the only way in which justice can be insured is by
“ pointing” the blooms ; and I am further convinced that occasions
arise when one denominator is not sufficient for gauging with
exactitude the merits of some of the examples, therefore I am
strongly of opinion when stands “ point up ” nearly equal in the
ordinary way that they should be examined again, and their merits
recorded in the manner suggested. As in the balancing of accounts
pence must be included as well as shillings, so in ascertaining the
exact value of stands of Chrysanthemum blooms that approach
each other in merit, the “ marks,” that bear the same proportion to
points that pence do to shillings ought not to be ignored. We
occasionally find that judges, when in a difficulty in respect to two
collections, find relief in awarding equal prizes ; but this cannot
be done when a cup or other article of value has to be adjudicated,
and I suspect that it is no more likely for two stands of blooms to
be staged absolutely equal in merit, or with not a mark of diffe¬
rence, than that two exhibitors shall appear without any dissimi¬
larity between them. There is a difference in the blooms, and that
difference should be found and expressed. This can be done in the
manner suggested, and I cannot imagine it can be accomplished so
well in any other way. Nothing is more easy than judging some
classes : it is close competition that tests the capacity of experts,
and as it is impossible to foretell how severe the contest may be,
skilled and independent adjudicators who have reputations to
maintain should be provided to officiate at shows, and their names
published in the schedules, good judging being not less important
than liberal prizes in establishing public confidence in Chrysanthe¬
mum societies. — E. Molyneux.

(To be continued.)

HEATING BY HOT WATER.

[Read before the Members of the Preston and FulwODd Floral and Hortic ultural

Society, August 7th.]

( Continued from page 248.)

Horizontal Tubular Boilers. — The “ Red Rose ” boiler is a
new one, and has been the outcome of the inventive genius of Mr.
Joseph Witherspoon, Red Rose Yineries, Chester-le-Street, Durham.
It is described as a horizontal tubular which is formed with a

number of cast sections ; the number of these sections vary accord¬
ing to the amount of piping to be heated. It is a tubular saddle
boiler and possesses great heating power, for the whole of the heat
produced by the fuel must be brought into direct contact with the
heating surface of the boiler. There are no flues to be choked or
stopped by soot, as is the case with flued saddles, in which the soot
acts as a non-conductor of heat unless the flues are cleaned daily.
The boiler, as seen by Fig. 38, has a waterway back and front.
The sections are braced together by means of wrought iron rods.
No heat can be lost, for one of the sections acts as a break, the
same as in a terminal end saddle boiler, which compels the flame,

after striking the top of the boiler, to pass into the combustion
chamber beyond. This chamber is full of cross tubes. From
amongst these the smoke must pass out at the base. The soot box
can be made any size to last one or ten years, according to its size
and the material used for fuel. The soot chamber is formed by
digging a hole in the ground below the cross tubes. If one of the
sections fail the connecting rods should be unscrewed, and also the
connections provided for uniting the boiler and flow pipe Aj, When

this has been done the back can be drawn to allow room for the
removal of the broken section. The remaining sections can be
pushed up, and when screwed together again the boiler is complete.
A small addition, however, is needed to the brick flue by making
the boiler one section shorter, and also a few inches of pipe from
the boiler to the flow pipe. The sections are connected with india-
rubber rings, but these do not come in contact with the fire. The
return pipe is connected with the back of the water bars, close to
the terminal section. No bricks are required in setting the boiler
except for it to stand upon to form the ashpit, the soot box, the
flue from it, and the chimney. No heat is lost by radiation when
the boiler is placed inside the structure to be heated, which may

Fig. 40

with safety be done. Anyone, by paying a visit to the Red Rose
Yineries, can see the boiler at work in them, and splendid well-
finished Grapes hanging just above it. It may be well to state that
when the boiler is placed in such a position the fire and all the
stoking should be done outside. This boiler is very quick in action,
economical in fuel, and will burn any kind. It appears to be well
adapted for churches and public buildings where a quick heating
boiler is needed. No sinking in the fixture of this boiler is required,
and this is a great advantage in wet localities, and also for the horti¬
cultural trade, to whom the sinking of a stokehole is a serious
item.

Mr. J. G. Wagstaff, Alma Iron Works, Dukinfield, Manchester,
has a very similar boiler to the above, which is a saddle in form, as
represented by Fig. 39. The tubes, which are in sections, are
Y-shaped, and therefore expose a large amount of heating surface to
the fire. This boiler can be incased with brickwork or rendered
portable by the addition of a saddle over the tubes, as shown in
Fig. 40. The inner tubular boiler having a corrugated surface and
waterway back presents three times as much heating surface to direct
action as the common saddle of the same size. The plain outer
saddle, owing to the flues passing between the tubes on each side of
the inner boiler, also receives fairly direct action ; thus the whole
of the boiler internally is direct heating surface. A good draught
can always be insured, as horizontal Suing is avoided. The tubular

270

Journal of horticulture and cottage gardener.

[ September 2S, 1886.

water bars are separately connected, and can be removed without
removing the boiler. The return pipe can be connected with the
boiler instead of the tubular bars, and plain cast fire bars used if
they are preferred. The whole of the surface of the boiler can be
freed from soot in a few minutes from the soot boxes at the front.
Two doors, it will be observed, are arranged to the front of the
boiler, the lower one for cleaning and clinkering, and the higher
one for feeding.

The engravings represent the boiler as it worked in the contest
at Liverpool, and it is clear that when filled with fuel it will keep
the pipes hot and last for at least twelve hours. The fire was
banked at 8 P.M., and at 8 a.m. the following morning the tempera¬
ture of the water in the flow was 104°, and in the return 100°, and
the fire was a good one. This is a slow-combustion boder as well
as a quick heating one. It can be set without a single brick, as was
the case at Liverpool. Boilers that require no sinking or costly
brickwork in setting them are certain to be in demand in the
future.

There are other boilers of a very similar make in the market — for
instance, those of Messrs. Richardson & Co., Darlington, and
Messrs. Stavely & Todd, London. These boilers have been
illustrated in the Journal of Horticulture, and are not left out on the
present occasion because they are inferior or less worthy than any
that may be figured or described. There are numerous boilers that
cannot be mentioned which are good, choice, and capable of doing
their work well. The selection of a boiler is very much a matter
of taste, which, in many instances, entirely depends upon the price.
— W. Bardn-ey.

(To be continued.)

TRENCHED v. UNTRENCHED SOIL.

Mp., Iggulden’s reply to “ A Kentish Gardener’s ’’ query on the
aoove-mentioned topic is a most instructive and interesting one, and was,
no doubt, looked forward to with much interest by many readers of this
Journal. Mr. Jggnlden keeps to the principles which he has advanced
on more than one occasion in the pages, of the Journal of Horticulture ,
and no doubt he is fully justified in so doing, seeing that he has given it
good trials indifferent parts of the garden under his charge. As one
who is acquainted with the garden under notice, I am able to state that
the soil is of such a character as to require great forethought and patience,
so as to obtain the best results at all seasons of the year. Trenching
has advantages as well as disadvantages. Some soils can and are im¬
proved thereby, while others are often injured by the practice. Trenching
has been carried out by gardeners, perhaps, from the earliest date on
record, and doubtless will continue for years to come ; yet I think, with
Mr. Iggulden, that it would often be best left undone. Partcf the garden
here was trenched during the past winter ; Peas and Potatoes were the
crops planted thereon. Neither crop showed any signs of improvement
to justify the cause of trenching, the latter being carried out simply as
an experiment. The best crop of Peas obtained this season were from
ground well manured and deeply dug ody, the previous crop being late
Broccoli, and lrom these sowings we are gathering good Peas daily at
the present time. Some were sown in trenches dug two spades in width
and prepared the same as for Celery, but the produce was not equal to
those grown in ground that was prepared in the ordinary way. Possibly
the method would have answered much better if we had had time to keep
them well watered. Our soil is of a light sandy nature about from
18 inches to 2 feet deep, resting on a bed of sandy clay, and is well
drained. The ground dries wonderfully quickly — in fact, too quickly for
growing plants to hold their own during such tropical weather as was
experienced during July of the present year. Mulching has to be strictly
attended to with us, otherwise Peas as well as other crops would net
prove satisfactory. Strawy litter fresh from the stables we use for Runner
Beans and Peas ; short grass from the mowing machine is freely used for
Celery, Onions, Carrots and Vegetable Marrows, Tomatoes against walls
outdoors, &c. ; the latter is applied almost weekly during the earlier part
of the season.

It is a singular fact that Lettuces and Kidney Beans in many instances
produce heavier crops on ridges between Celery trenches than when
grown in any other position, notwithstanding under these conditions no
manure is given and the ground left unmoved, except 2 or 3 inches on the
surrace. which is thrown out of the trenches. We have this season had
much heavier crops of these Beans on Celery ridges than on ground that
has been dug and manured, the plants, too, growing with unusual vigour
in spite of their apparently unfavourable elevation and the long-continued
snel! of dry weather at the time when the plants were in actual growth. —

I WAS pleased to see Mr. Iggulden has altered his opinion about
trenching sufficiently to admit that it is beneficial on s ;me soils. It would
teem by Mr. Iggu'den’s letter that thesoil at Marstou is far too rich when
trenched, as it grows Carrots and Parsnips too large to he serviceable. I
wish I lived a little nearer to Mr. Iggulden, that I might see some of his
vegetables. I have seen some of them at exhibitions that were well worthy
of first honours ; but I suppose these would be grown on untrenched
ground, and not on the different pieces of ground that he has trenched
each season. There may be some soils which are not improved by

trenching, but I have not had charge of such myself. I have seen
soils that were the worse for being trenched, and that were in an
unworkable condition for a loDg time. On one piece in particular that
I knew of, which had not been known to be trenched before, a spit
of stiff subsoil wa9 brought to the surface which was quite unfit for
sowing seeds on the first year. Had this been ba6tard-trenohed and at the
same time leaves, ashes, or old soil from the potting bench worked in with
the bottom trench the following season, or each season, a small poition of
the second spit might be brought to the surface with much benefit, as it
would gradually increase the depth of soil, making it more suitable for
vegetables to root into.

With regard t > trenches for Peas, mine were placed out about Christmas
time in the same way as for Celery, a heavy coating of manure being dug
in, and we have never missed a day (excepting three days in July when
my employers were away) without sending Peas into the house since the
beginning of July up to this date (September 17th), and some are now
getting too old for table use, and if good weather continue I hope to have
sufficient to send in daily for at least another fortnight. With me, Peas
have continue d unusually prolific this year, while last year they were the
reverfe. I may add that we have had company staying here nearly the
whole of the time Peas have been in season, and they have many times
been sent in twice a day. I may be wrong, but I attribute my success to
growing them in trenches prepared in winter. — J. L. B.

I do not agree with the surface cultivation advocated by Mr. Iggu'don.
A heavy soil is not likely to benefit by deep cultivation unless it is
drained. I am practising on a clay soil that has been drained, and I
always bastard-trench fur anything I wish to grow particularly well. I
cau assert that it benefits the crop it is intended for, and succeeding crops
too. If Mr. Iggulden will examine the Lettuces, &c., on the ridges
between Celery trenches he will find the roots have penetrated the undug
soil to the bottom, and I believe the’r luxuriance is caused by the double
depth of fertile soil. Few gardeners are allowed to treat a kitchen garden
in the manner “ F. H., Cobliam ,” described in the former discussion ; but if
I had charge of an undrained garden with a sour clay soil, I would first
drain it, then bastard-trench it, and dig into the b ttom spit ashes,
rubbish heap, road scrapings, lime, or anything likely to make it work
better, and by thus letting the water out and the air in the depth of
fertile soil would be doubled in a few years, and it would be against
scientific and practical t aching if the crops were not benefited by such
treatment. — A. L. G.

HECKFIELD.

Gardeners who are in the habit of visiting these fine gardens, which
are most picturesquely situated five miles from Winchfield station, com¬
manding such extensive views in the county of Hants, always find much
to interest them at all seasons of the year. The general “keep” of the
whole place is so good that one feels almost inclined to envy the method
by which such a vast amount of work is accomplished, and this without
any great bustle and excitement. The different details are so carefully
“ mapped ” out beforehand that everything works like clockwork. It is
no exaggeration to say that this is one of the best kept places in the
country ; scarcely a weed can be found anywhere. And this is not all,
the crops in every department are excellent. Nowhere can such a varied
assortment of bedding be found in a private place. True, the natural
advantages of the place are all in its favour — pure air, excellent shelter
from winds, and a free- working soil. Space will not allow of a full
description of the garden, but I wish to record a few salient points which
I noted during a recent short stay. The extent to which Chrysanthemum
culture has been taken up here would astonish those persons who have
heard Mr. Wildsmith speak in not too favourable terms of the “ big
bloom” method of growing these plants, but knowing that a “convert”
was being made at Hedcfield to the present method of producing first-
class blooms, I was not surprised (o find as fine a collection of plants as
can be seen. The varieties include the best. The plants are tall, strong,
and well ripened, possessing foliage of that thick leathery description
which is so essential to success. The buds are most of them “ taken ” at
the right time for producing fine blooms and prolonging the show of
flowers at home. I shall be much surprised if blooms from these plants
do not figure prominently at some of the autumn shows. There is a
magnificent crop of Peaches on the walls outside, the trees being clean,
showing clearly the benefits of constant and correct attention to their
requirements. Pears are not quite such a heavy crop as is customary
here, but still there is wbat many would call a good show. The trees
are in the beet condition as regards health, holding out promises of what
they will do another year.

Two long borders, one on each side of the central path in the kitchen
grrden, are very attractive ju.-t now. A capital hedge, about 5 feet high,
of Cupressus Lawsmiana forms the background; alongside this and
trained flat to the hedge is a row of single Dahlias ; below are yellow and
white Marguerites, a few Pelargoniums, and some Ageratums; then the
front, a space of about 2 feet wide, is planted in panels of Autennaria
tomentosa, Alternantheras, and Begonia Princess Beatrice, a new variety
sent out by Messrs. Sutt >n & Sons, and a capital bedder, growing dwarf
and flowering in profusion ; the flowtrs are white, with age they assumj
a salmon tinge. Other panels are filled with a new Iresine, bright in
colour, which originated with Mr. Coleman at Eastnor Castle Gardens.
It is a sport from I. Lindeni, and is likely to be a valuable acquisition to
the flower garden. The centre of the panels was occupied with neatly
grown plants of Cupressus Lawsoniana erecta viridia and Retinospora

September 23, 1836. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

271

plumosa aurea, the groundwork to all being Herniaria glabra, the whole
arrangement being particularly pleasing. Flower beds and baskets on the
terrace were charming, the arrangement being varied yet harmonious, the
object being to alter the style of planting each year, not following any
strict rules of fashion. The result is a most interesting mass of plants
most effectively disposed. All the beds have raised edges 4 inches high,
and planted with Herniaria glabra, which contrasts well with all sur¬
roundings. Sutton’s Miniature Sunflower was used largely for the
decoration of the large stone baskets, mixed single and whits Cactus
Dahlias, Castor Oil Plants, &c. The centres of several beds were planted
with Fuchsias. Charming in name, and charming, too, they were, flower¬
ing profu-ely, hanging in a graceful manner, the carpet under them
being Verbena Purple King, which contrasted well with the Fuihsias
above. Two oblong beds were planted in quit9 a suggestive manner, as
follows : — Two single-stemmed plants of Abutilon Thompsoni and one of
Ricinus Gibsoni were placed among a centre arrangement of Pelargonium
Henry J acoby in one and Waltham Seedling in the other ; next to this was a
broad band of yellow Calceolarias profusely blooming ; next was a band
6 inches wide of Coleus Verschaffelti, then a squarely clipped band
3 inches wide of Silver Thyme, next to this was the raised edging of
Herniaria glabra. These beds lent colour to their neighbours, which were
of a duller hue. In some of the beds were plant ;d Rudbeckia New-
mani and Lilium auratum. As these were blooming freely the effect was
grand with other foliage plants. The houses were all characterised by
extreme neatness. Strawberries in pots were very strong and promise
a future good crop of fruit,

The noble owner, Lord Eversley, now in his ninety-third year, is very
active both in mind and body, taking a personal interest in all matter!
connected with the garden, even to the details of planting the fl iwer beds,
the result bemg a grand combination between the employer and his
excellent gardener, Mr. Wildsmith, who is most courteous to all visitors.
— E. Molyneux.

PEAR CULTURE AT CARDIFF CASTLE.

Me. Pettigrew, The Castle Gardens, Cardiff, has through the
Journal furnished us with the method he adopts in Pear culture. During
my visit to Cardiff on the 17th inst. I took the opportunity of visiting
these gardens for the first time, where, with Mr. Pettigrew’s able foreman,
Mr. Smith, I made my way to the fruit garden, and I at once came to the
conclusion to endorse Mr Pettigrew’s writing on Pear culture. I read in
the Journal of Horticulture, April 28th, 1885, page 337, that the fruit
trees at the Castle Gardens were not so hard pruned as generally seen,
plenty of young wood being allowed to remain, and this I found to be
true. In the upper garden the south wall is completely occupied with
Pear trees, all creditably trained fan shape and in fine health, bearing, as
it were, ropes of fine Pears from top to bottom of the branches. Amongst
them were some extremely fine Duchesse d’Angouleme, such as are seldom
seen, both in size and quantity, all other varieties being almost equally
good. In the lower garden is the fruit room, and here I was astonished
to see such a fine lot of Pears, Pitmaston Duchess and Glou Moreau
were very large ; they are the finest Pears that I have ever seen. I may
mention the fruit trees are in fine healthy condition, with strong robust
shoots beautifully spurred, showing they receive the attention which
they require. — T. Tebby.

ORCHIDS.

With this I send you the following Orchids for your approbation —
Miltonia Clowesi, of which we have a plant now in bloom with five
spikes, two of the spikes have eight flowers each ; Odontoglossum
bictonense, and two varieties of 0. b. album ; Coelogyne Massangeana,
this spike has been in flower for a fortnight ; Cattleya velutina, we have
had several in flower this season, but this we consider the b st variety
that has opened yet : Cypripedium Ashburtoniac, a twin-flowered spike ;
Cypripedium Lawrenceanum, a twiu - flowered spike ; Cypripedium
Veitchi ; Cypripedium insigne Maulei ; Cypripedium insigne album mar¬
ginatum ; Laclia pnestans, cut from a plant on a bio -k having a number of
flowers. We have also now in flower twenty-six plants of Oncidium
JoDesianum, some of the plants bearing three and four spikes, with ten to
fouiteen flowers on a spike.— H. Simpkins, Gardener to R. J. Measures,
Esq., Cambridge Lodge, Flodden Road , Camberwell.

[A very attractive assortment of very well-grown flowers, but withered
by being picked in dry paper instead of soft green leaves.]

A REMINISCENCE OF DONALD BEATON.

If the late Mr. Donald Beaton had lived and practised in the present
decade be would have been obliged to considerably modify his ideas as to
the value of the Tomato for dessert purposes, but I question if he would
not still hold the same opinion concerning Melons. I am not the for¬
tunate possessor of many back numbers of the Journal of Horticulture,
or, as it was called in the days of Mr. Beaton, The Cottage Gardener,
and am indebted to a friend for the extracts I am about to comment on.

Mr. Beaton, in his report of the Crystal Palace Fruit Show held on
September 7th, 1859, in criticising a dinner-table decoration of fruit and
flowers, remarked (see The Cottage Gardener, September 13th, page 349),
“ Such devices are not out of place on dessert tables, but there were two
fundamental errors in this fruit device which would keep it out of
company who appreciate what is appropriate — Grapes, Melons, Peaches,
Pears, Plums, Nectarines, Currants, and Tomatoes f Who could conceive

the idea of putting raw Tomatoes in a dessert before a civilised being ?
The next fault was in principle. The Melon was higher up in the cone
indicating that a false cone of stuffing was inside, which is never done in
actual desserts.”

Further down the same column he goes on to say, “ Melons were an
enormous trial for the Judges; every Melon was cut and tasted, and if
some of the tasters do not get the cholera through it, it will be a mercy.
There were scores of them, but I only took a few notes of the smaller
kinds. If I were a duke, or a marquis, or even a baron, I would not
tolerate a Melon in my dining room that was over 2 lbs. weight. There
is nothing so thoroughly vulgar as putting a large Melon before gentility.
But as long as vulgar people are happy, societies must encourage fruit to
their taste ; Tomatoes and large Melons to wit.”

Only a short time ago there were plenty ready to ridicule me for
suggesting that Tomatoes be tasted at exhibitions, with the idea that we
should then get at the best sorts and not have to award the prizes to
turnipy monstrosities ; and although this may not be altogether prac¬
ticable, I still think, in spite of Donald Beaton and his notions that they
are not fit for civilised beings, that the time has arrived when a class
should be provided for dessert varieties. It is really surprising how many
there are who eat uncooked Tomatoes with as much avidity as a schoolboy
will an Apple. For instance, in our long midnight ride to the Liverpool
meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society, out of six in the same com¬
partment only one refused an uncooked Tomato, of which one of our
party had a good supply in his bag, by way of supplying a little needful
moisture. That single civilised being was myself, as, if the truth must
be told, I did not then care for raw Tomatoes unless as a salad. Since
then I felt that the ta9te must be cultivated, and raw Tomatoes are now
eaten as readily as other fruit. A good Tomato is really fit for the
dessert of those classes to which Mr. Beaton alluded, but I do not assert
many of them yet admit them to the dessert table, but the time will come
for even that. As has often been remarked, the love for Tomatoes must
be acquired, and why so many dislike them at first is because they
commence with shop fruit instead of having them fresh from the plant.
To form an adequate idea of their taste they should be eaten when just
ripe and quite firm. If kept till they are soft they become flat and to a
certain extent insipid. At one time I was under the impression that the
solid fruit, or those with the fewest seeds, of which Trophy is a good type,
were the best, and many seem to be still of this opinion, but such are
really not the best for eating raw, and the preference should be given to
the small Orangefield or medium- sized fruit of Carter’s Perfection. The
latter for my choice, and altogether it is the handsomest and one of the
best flavoured sorts in cultivation, being good alike for dessert or salad
purposes.

Melons would appear to vary considerably in quality in olden times as
much as they do now, and if the truth must be told we have not made
much progress either as regards improving the varieties or in their culti-
tion. Instead of the old dung frames we have now well-heated houses,
and the larger the Melons are grown the better pleased is the cultivator..
Strange to say, the small frame-grown fruit very frequently gain the
awards at shows, being found altogether superior to the over-fed and poor-
flavoured giants grown under presumably more favourable circumstances.
We may procure seeds from what source we will, including the fruit we
have awarded the first prize, but, after all, everything depends upon the
treatment given the plants. For a fruit to be of first-class flavour it must
be cut from a healthy plant, whereas more than half the fruits shown are
from dried or dying plants. Well might Mr. Beaton anticipate a
cholera attack. I would much rather taste fifty Tomatoes than half that
number of Melons at a show.

Mr. Beaton’s ideas would appear to be much at variance with those of
the Fruit Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society, for did not “ The
Goodwood” Melon gain a first-class certificate on August 14th, 1883 ?
The fruit of this novelty which gained the approbation of the Committee
weighed 21 lbs., and if they had been content to award a cultural com¬
mendation, as first suggested, it would have received its due ; but,
fortunately or unfortunately, as the case may be, it was cut and found to
be good to eat; hence the award. But who grows it? or who has
exhibited it in a presentable condition ? If it had existed in the time of
Mr. Donald Beaton it might have done well for the centre of the cone he
described, and obviated the use of any padding ; but what would he have
said of this monstrosity for table purposes ? He thought a Melon ought
not to weigh more than 2 lbs ; the Fruit Committee like them ten time3
larger. Our tastes with regard to raw Tomatoes are materially changed,
and it may be large Melons are not such vulgarities as they were considered
thirty years ago. — W. Ig gulden.

HOW NOT TO GROW ROSES.

“ F airplay’s ” communication on page 248 is either a burlesque, or he is
one of those terrors to nurserymen who expect hours of attention, which
means money, in consideration of giving a trifling order — a fitting com¬
panion to ladies who appear to delight in making a draper’s assistant
display everything in a shop, and then coolly depart, as nothing quite
suits” her. We are, “if possible,” to find a nurseryman whose fame rests
more on his “ pertinacity as an advertiser than his skill as a horticulturist.

“ Fairplay ” may well say “if possible,” for the great Rose and general
nurserymen, without an exception, are justly famed for their skill. As to
the “ cosmos of insect pests ” on Roses in winter, will your correspondent be
good enough to say what they are ? I have no interest in defending
nurserymen. I am a buyer and not a seller, and have, during a period of
forty years, dealt with many firms, meeting with uniform courtesy from all.
It is, on the face of it, absurd to suppose that any firm could long conduct

272

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September 23, 1886.

business in the manner indicated. “ Fairplay ” has possibly been hunting
after “ cheap ” goods, the “ culls ” or remnantR, and at remnant prices, then
expecting to have the best in the catalogue. There are numbers of “never-
satisfied” people in the world, and when some of these are seen to visit
nurseries the attendants get out of their way in the best way they can ; but
they act very differently with persons who are not known and notorious
for their time-wapting and bantering proclivities, that are so repellant to
straightforward business men. I hope “Farplay” is not one of these
nurserymen’s tormentors, but that his extraordinary production on the page
quoted was in'ended as a burlesque. — Fairdealer.

We are informed that it has been arranged that the Annual
Provincial Show op the National Rose Society shall take place at
Edinburgh in 1887, in connection with the Koyal Caledonian Horticultural
Society’s Show and Exhibition on July 13th,

- At an ordinary meeting of the Wakefield Paxton Society,

held on Saturday evening, the 18th inst., Mr. J. A. Mann, gardener to
Dr. Kendell of Heath, gave a thoroughly practical essay on the cultivation
of the Melon. The essayist is well known in the district as a Melon
raiser and prizetaker, and his remarks on the subject were generally
confirmed by most of the members. A good discussion ensued, having
especial reference to the fertilisation and other details in the cultivation
A hearty vote cf thanks was passed to the essayist on the motion of Mr
B. WaleF, and seconded by Mr. H. Oxley. At the meeting preceding the
above the subject for discussion was the Pea, when about twenty varieties
were placed on the table, which, considering the late period, were in good
condition. Of that number, Ponttfract Castle, Sutton’s Satisfaction,
Walker’s Perpetual Bearer, Telephone, and Veitch’s Sturdy were amongst
those most liked. It was generally agreed that the season had not been
favourable for the Pea crop in this locality. The Society continues to
hold meetings every week, when essays and lectures are given, and are
generally well attended. Other towns also appear to be following in the
lead of this Society, the latest formation being a Paxton Society at
Bradford.

- An extremely interesting Botanical Address was recently de¬
livered before the British Association in the biology section by Mr.
William Carruthers, F.R.S. The principal object of this lecture was
apparently to compare certain species of plants now known with the
earliest preserved specimens or with fossils to prove that there has been
less variation than might be expected. After giving a long list of plants
Mr. Carruthers remarked : — “ The various physical conditions which
necessarily affected these species in their diffusion over such large areas of
the earth’s surface in the course of, say, 250,000 years, should have led to
the production of many varieties, but the uniform testimony of the remains
of this considerable pre-glacial flora, as far as the materials admit of com¬
parison, is that no appreciable change has taken place.”

- Some experiments in Tobacco Cultivation have been

undertaken by Sir Edward Birkbeck at Horsti ad in Norfolk. A
number of varieties, the seeds of which were obtained from Kew, have
been tried, and up to the present the Virginian variety seems to have
given the most satisfaction. One plot is situated in the kitchen garden,
alongside a bed of Asparagus ; another plot is at the end of an open and
exposed field on which Barley was growing. There had been no special
cultivation of either plot for this particular plant, which had to take its
chance in the kitchen garden with the vegetables for culinary use, and in
the field with the Barley crop. But it may be inferred that the land in
each case was in “good heart,” though not in such excel'ent condition as
is necessary for Tobacco cultivation, which demands high farming. The
seeds were sown in a hctbed, where the plants grew rapidly, and were pricked
out in shallow wooden boxes, to be kept for a time in a 1 iwer temperature
It was not till the middle of June, became of the cold nights, which
would be fatal to them, that the plants could be set out in the open. It
is intended to carry out the experiments on a more extensive scale another
year, and it is proposed to employ an eDgine house for drying and
“ curing ” the leaf.

— Mr. W. B. Hartland of Cork sends us blooms of his “Old

Dahlia,” which he terms “a remnant of past days in the garden of Ould
Ireland.” It is one of the Cactus type, with rich scarlet maroon florets
much reflexed. It was at first thought to be the same as Cochineal, but
is evidently distinct, and remaiktble for its fine colour.

- The Leeds Paxton Society have issued the following pro¬
gramme of essays for the third quarter, 1886. The meetings are held
weekly at the Society’s rcom, Greyhound Inn, Vicar Lane, every Satur¬
day evening, commencing at 7.30 p.M. September 25th, half-yearly
meeting, election of officers, &c. ; October 2nd, “ The Maidenhair Fern
and its Uses,” Mr. W. Grix, gardener to Sir Jas. Kitson, Bart., Gledhow ;
October 1 6tb, “Notes on Gardening: Some of its Difficulties,” Mr. J.
Newman, gardener to Mrs. F. W. Kitson, Burley Hill ; October 30th,
“ Cultivation of the Pleione,” Mr. P. Massey, gardener to T. A. Titley,
E-q., Gledhow; November 13th, “General Principles of Gardening,”
Mr. Jas. Inman, Chapel- Allerton ; November 27tb, “Mushroom Culture,”
Mr. J. Bolton, gardener to — Walker, Esq., Hambleton House, Shadwell;
December 11th, “ Critique on Molyneux’s Chrysanthemum Culture,” Mr.
T. Garnett, gardener to Miss Mackie, St. John’s House, Wakefield.
Mr. George Hemming is the Honorary Secretary.

- “D., Beal'' writes — “As I have always maintained that

Rose Madame Gabriel Luizet is a true Hybrid Perpetual, I am
rejoiced that this season has so fully confirmed my view. Some time ago
I mentioned to a very good rosarian that I had some autumn blooms.

‘ Umpb,’ was his reply, ‘ I am glad of it,’ as much as t> say, ‘all a
fluke,’ but now I have to add that no Rose in my garden has been so
full cf bloom as this. Every shoot has flowered, and the blooms have
been, owing to this lovely September, clean and beautiful. In a note
I have just had from that good rosariaD, Mr. Geo. Mount of Canterbury,
he says, ‘ I do not know if your Gabriel Luizet has been good this
autumn ; mine have been very good indeed. I have cut several blooms
from my garden at Harbledown fit for exhibition. I have thought,
perhaps, you would like to know, as there is no doubt of its being a
good autumn bloomer.’ I do not know whether the experience of others
is the same as ours, but I think it is very satisfactory that this most
lovely Rose has made good its claim to be thoroughly a Hybrid
Perpetual.”

- It is with unfeigned regret that we announce the death of a very

old correspondent of this Journal who was well known to our readers
under the signature of “ C. P. P.” The Rev. Charles Pierrepont
Peach, vicar of Appleton-le-Street, in Yorkshire, died on the 17th inst.,
at the comparatively early age of fifty-seven, after protracted suffering.
There was no one of our correspondents whose views on horticultural
matters had more weight, for there was an originality and freshness about
the way in which Mr. Peach presented them that they always attracted
attention, and frequently produced lively and genial discussion. No one
could be more ardent in the pursuit of his favourite recreation. It mattered
not whether the subject was Rose3, herbaceous plants, fruit trees, Vines,
or stove plants, he was ever in the front with them all, and as a horticul¬
tural engineer and chemist there were few to surpass him. He was a very
estimable man, and greatly beloved.

- September is not a month in which we expect to find many

Orchids in Flower, and it is therefore surprising to see such a pretty
display as that provided in the first house of the Orchid range in Messrs.
J. Yeitch & Sons’ Chelsea nursery. The leading feature there is Odontc-
glossum grande, a handsome old species that when well grown can be
scarcely equalled in brightness, especially the finer varieties. About a
dozen plant0, with from three to eighteen large flowers each, are arranged
with numerous plants cf the bright purple-flowered Dendrobium bigibbum
and the free yellow Oncidium tigrinum, the effect being very pleasing, as
sufficient graceful foliage plants are employed. For a late summer
display these Orchids are invaluable, particularly O. grande. In other
houses there are several other beautiful species, varieties, and hybrids
in flower, such as the well-known Dendrobium formesum, the golden
D. chrysantkuro, a grandly coloured Lae’.ia elegans Turneri, a fine form
of Cattleya Acklaud m. the distinct and beautiful Dendrobium Phalscnopsis
which is seldom seen, with the valuable and handsome Aerides Lawrencia:
and maDy others.

- A distinct novelty, named Odontoolossum Harryanum,

is also now in flower. It has undulated sepals and petals about half an
inch broad, barred with brown, the petals with some purplish spots at
the base. The lip is large, scoop-shaped, 1^ inch long, yellow, veined

Septembar 23, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

278

with purple, and with a yellowish crest in the centre. The pseudo-bulbs
are flat, oval, and ribbed. It is a striking form, quite distinct from other
Odontoglossums.

- In the entrance corridor of the same nursery Lapagerias are

flowering abundantly, the long wreath-like shoots of red or whits flowers
associating very beautifully trained over the roof, walls, and pillars.
The stock of young Lapageria alba plants is also a large one, and they
are looking extremely well, clean, healthy specimens from one to two
years old. Some of the former are flowering, hut the latter are found
the most satisfactory, and the largest flowers are generally produced by
vigorous two-year-old plants.

- The bright sunny weather of the past two months has ass'sted

in maturing the Amaryllis Bulbs in an exceptional manner, and such
finely ripened samples give the best promise of a highly sati factory dis¬
play next season. In about a month’s time the foliage will be cut off,
but already there are some varieties so far advanced that it could be
spared without any loss. There is much difference in this respect in the
varieties, some being nearly always growing.

- The extensive stock of Hybrid Rhododexdrons is still yield¬
ing meritorious novelties, three now in flower being Queen of Yellows,
clear yellow with red stamens, Distinction, pile rosy salmon, and Rose
Perfection, soft clear rose, twelve blooms in a truss. They are all single
varieties, but the flowers are of good size and shape.

- Gardening Appointment. — Mr. Alfred Bishop, late head

gardener to Mrs. Davidson of Abbotsford Park, Burgess Hill, Sussex
(which he left through the death of his employer), has succeeded Mr.
Wick-on as head gardener to R. Burrell, Esq., Westley Hall, Bury St.
Edmonds. Mr. Alfred Bishop is the eldest son of Mr. W. Bishop, nursery¬
man, Ac., Hemsby, and late head gardener of Bylaugh Park, East
Dereham, Norfolk.

- A correspondent states that “the celebrated traveller and

botanist, Dr. Schweinfurth, who has just gone to Berlin to attend the
Colonial Congress, has lectured there on the Kew Botanical Gardens,
which he characterised as the finest in the world. Kew, he said, is the
Botanical Foreign Office for all nations, for it is the centre of all
botanical news from all parts of the world.”

- We are informed that the Lewisham and District Floral

Society will hold their annual Chrysanthemum Show at the Ladywell
Public Baths, Lewisham, on November 12th and 13th. Mr. Henry Drake
is the Honorary Secretary.

Mr. E. J. Lowe, Shirenewton Hall, Chepstow, has sent us a
box of interesting Seedling Flowers, and remarks : — “ I enclose some
blooms of hybrids ; first, Anthemis tinctoria x Chrysan’hemum stratum,
producing a large buff yellow bloom and having the habit of Anthemis
tinctoria (the seed bearer), this I have named Sulphur Giant. A single
pointed-petal Dahlia (several blooms) named Vishnu, the most distinct
and showy Dahlia that I know, and most prolific bloomer. A bloom of a
single Dahlia (white with yellow centre) also very showy, named Metis,
Hybrid Mimulus (hardy). M. lu.eus X M. cashmerianus (of gardens),
by far the most brilliant hybrid that has yet been raised. These I enclose
for your inspection, they have been seen by many florists and botanists
and greatly admired.” The seedlings are distinct and beautiful, the
Mimulus being uncommonly rich in colour and varied in markings.

- Mr. W. Piercy, 89, West Road, Forest Hill, S.E., sends us three

home-raised Seedling Chrysanthemums which have been obtained
from seed saved on the Continent. The varieties are named Blanche
Columbe, pale sulphury wh te of medium size and free ; Piercy’a
Seedling, bronzy yellow, bright and neat ; Pierre Veifiel, bronzy red.
They are somewhat like others of the early- flowering type, but the tint j
are good and clear.

- “ The occupation of a farmer,” writes “ W.,” “does not

in all cases seem to be a profitable one, if many cases occur like the
one brought to light in a morning contemporary. A farmer of Spalding,
which is about ninety miles Lorn London, sends to one of the principal
markets four tons of early Potatoes. They were sold for £5. The rail¬
way company first had their sbar’, which in this case came to £3 7s. 10J. ;
then the commission agent £1 10 j. ; while the farmer, the producer, ob¬
tained the remaining 2s. 21.” In another case it was mentioned that a
firm was sending goods to Liverpool at a cost of 27s. per ton, while

similar goods were being sent to much more distant parts of the con¬
tinent for 11a. per ton.

- Mr. Charles Payne, gardener to E. W. Nix, Esq-, The

Gardens, Frashurst, Dorking, writes, “ It may be of interest to numerous
readers of the Journal of Horticulture to know that we have a plant of
Lapageria alba growing in an intermediate house, and bearing a spray
between 6 and 7 feet long, with 111 flowers and buds on it. Seventy of
the flowers are now open. It is flowering at every leaf at the top of the
shoot. The plant is in a pot, and has been flowering for several
months.”

- A Cucumber Grower for Seed des’res to state for the

benefit of others that he has this year devoted a house to the growing
of seed of Telegraph for the trade, and that he ad pted the new or non
ventilating system. His house, over 100 feet long and 13 feet wide
was a sight ; fine straight fruit hanging on both sides cf the roof of the
span as thick as they well could, and 18 inches to 2 feet long, made
a splendid picture photographed. He goes on to say, “ I had to smear
the glass thinly in hot weather with whitening brought to the con¬
sistency of limewash with skim milk to keep the foliage from scorching,
which it did most in the afternoon, from four to six o’clock. The
flowers were carefully impregnated, the fruit swelled well, thickening
and knobbing fairly well, but ripened tardily. As they turned yellow
they were cut and placed in a pit in the full sun, and the fruit matured
very much more quickly than under the shaded ro f. I had a quantity
of seed fully one-third le3S, however, than when I grew the plants under
an unshaded roof and with ventilation on the old system, and what makes
the mo t difference is that as I sell the seed by the ounce and it doe3
not weigh heavy my profits are proportionately reduced. The seed
seems to have good germinating power, but whether the grower will
find the plants as satisfactory as the seeds are to the seedsman is
matter of experience. What is the experience of others on this subject?
I had the house full of Tomatoes one year, and they paid better than
Cucumbers, but this year I expected something extra from such a remark¬
ably grand show of fruit.”

- “A Traveller” sends the following note : — “ I have just

returned from a visit to St. Neots, and in a stroll whilst there through
the grounds of Mr. Isaac Hall at Eynesbury, who farms 150 acre5,
have seen a large field of Onions, followed by Parsley sown with the
Onions, acres of Cucumbers, Wood’s Ridge, not much smaller patches of
Vegetable Marrows, enough to make anyone wonder where they all go t ',
acres of Runner Beans wbh a bevy of damsels at work gathering the
pods, and was told Royal Ashleaf Potatoes had been grown between the
rows of runners ; Brussels Sprouts in breadths larger than most kitchen
gardens, sturdy plants beginning to button ; equally large expanses of Red
Beet and Parsnips, acres of Jerusalem Artichokes, with pickling Onions
and Red Cabbage enough, anyone would think, to supply a town. But
this is only a little of what is grown about St. Neots. Mr. John Hall,
Eaton Socon, farms 250 acres ; the Messrs. Marshall perhaps more, to
say nothing of smaller growers, and that the gardening stretches right
away 1 1 Sandy and Biggleswade — a veritable land of vegetables of the
highest quality, grown principally for and consumed in the great centres
of industry of the west and north. Scarcely a weed is to bs seen,
nothing hut high and clean culture.”

- Oranges from Australia. — The experimental consignment)

from Sydney and Adelaide have been sufficiently successful to afford
encouraging prospects of a large traie, and the British public, with this
addition to existing supplies, will be able to obtain Oranges all the year
round. The enterprise which has achieved this result originated with a
colonial bank, and the first consignment, per the John Elder, came to hand
from Adelaide in April. It consisted of 1000 cases, and succeeding
steamships have brought several more, in lots of 400 and less. The
Oranges are not conveyed in the lefrigerating chambers, but as ordinary
cargo, except that care is taken to allow the air free access to them. They
are packed in cases, the majority of which hold 160, although some have
con'ained GOO. Each Orange is wrapped in paper, and on the whole the
cases when opened are in fair condition. J uly and August are expected
to be the two months when the Australian Oranges will be in chief
demand. These that have been cold in this country already have not all
been kept in London, the first consignment having been purchased on th ;
behalf of c untry dealers, but the greater portion of the later cargoes fount
its way to the Colonial and Indian Exhibition, where the fruits are being

274

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September 23, 1886.

retailed at Id., lid., and 2d. each. The Oranges are highly commended
for their flavour and marketable qualities, but they are badly picked and
indifferently sorted. Some cases, judging from their appearance, would
almost justify the belief that they had been placed under the trees and
the Oranges roughly shaken into them, large and small indiscriminately.
A scheme is now being arranged to export English fruit to Australia, the
intention being to despatch three successive consignments of Grape3 and
Plums to arrive in the Australian spring. At present the refrigerating
chambers used for the storage of mutton are almost empty on the voyage
out, and the fruit will, if possible, be sent in these chambers.

- Mb. A. B. Seymour, botanist in the Illinois State Laboratory

of Natural History, contributes to the “ American Florist ” a description
and figures of the Palm Fungus, Gbaphiola phcenicis, which has
proved troublesome to many growers of Palms. “ It was first known on
the Date Palm, but is not confined to that. It occurs also on the Sugar
Palm and others. It is a true parasite, and is the cause of disease in the
Palms on which it is found. It originates from minute spores of a
certain kind, which are so minute and light that they float in the air even
more easily than ordinary dust. Falling upon the Palm leaf under
favourable circumstances, a spore germinates and grows. The growth
makes its way into the tissues of the leaf, and, like other parasitic fungi,
produces long slender filaments, which make their way in various directions
through the tissues. After some time it produces it3 fruit or spores, and
then it is first seen on the outside of the leaf. All this growth takes place
at the expense of the Palm. Besides this the green colouring matter of
the leaf is more or less injured or destroyed, and thus the power of the
plant to provide a newsupplyof food is impaired. The most effective
remedy is to cut out and burn all diseased parts. If this is not desirable
it may be beneficial to wash with a weak solution of carbolic acid or a
kerosene emulsion, or to dust with sulphur. Rubbing the leaves with a
wet rag before applying the remedy would remove large numbers of the
spores, which could then be destroyed.”

- In the course of a recent lecture on Beitish Noeth Boeneo)

Mr. E. J. Wells, C.E., remarked that North Borneo, although the youngest
of our colonies, is a most important one both commercially and strategi¬
cally, lying as it does on the high road between China and Australia, and
also within five days’ steam of both Singapore and Hong Kong. The
lecturer considered North Borneo had a great future. The Chinese
followed slowly but surely the treading of European civilisation, and as
soon as the demand for labour arose so soon would the stream of emigra¬
tion set in. The area was about 31,000 square miles, with a sea coast of
about 600 miles. The soil and climate were good, well suited for the
cultivation of sugar, tobacco, &c. The revenue for 1881 was 20,207 dols. ;
in 1885, 110,256 dols. ; the exports had advanced from 145,000 dols. in
1881 to 387,000 dols. in 1885. North Borneo, he said, might be con¬
sidered one of the grand timber yards of the world. Sarawak had an
area of about 40,000 square miles, and a population of about 300,000,
composed of mixed races, and had a ceast line of about 400 miles. The
revenue in 1880 was 229,718 dols. ; in 1884 it was 274,269 dols. Imports
and exports in 1881 were 3,666,902 dols. ; in 1884, 3,631,974 dols. Labuan,
an island on the north-west coast of Borneo, had an area of 30 square
miles. It was ceded to Great Britain in the year 1846, and occupied in
1848. The total population of the island was about 6000 of all nation¬
alities.

- The monthly meeting of the Belgian Horticulturists was

held in Ghent on September 13th, the following being present : — MM.
Desmet-Duvivier, Em. De Cock, Ad. Rosseel, B. Spae, A. Yan Geeit p6re,
Edm. Yervaet, Ph. Blancquaert, and Jules Closon of the firm of J. Makoy
and Co., M. Ch. Yan. Geert of Antwerp presided, andM. Jules Hye acted
as Secretary. Certificates of merit were awarded for Vanda Sanderiana from
M. James Bray ; Curmera Kegeljeani, from MM. Jacob Makoy & Co. ;
and Davallia tenuifolia Veitchi, from the same firm; Alocasia Lindeni,
Cupania denticulata, and Aphelandra Macedoana, from M. Linden.
Cultural certificates were awarded for Alocasia Van Houttei and
Sphmrogyne imperialis, from M. Aug. Van Geert fils. ; Miltonia Clowesi,
from M. Desmet-Duvivier, and Cypripedium Parishi, from MM. Yervaet
and Co. Honourable mention was also adjudged for Pinanga specta.
bilis and Adiantum Weigandi, from MM. Jacob Makoy & Co ; Croton
Alicse, from M. Aug. Van Geert fils ; Ardisia velutina, from M. Linden ;
Lselia euspatha, Bollea pulvinaris, and Cattleya Dowiana, from MM.
Vervaet&Co. ; Cattleya Eldorado, from M. Linden ; Asplenium dimoi-
phum, from M. Bern. Spae.

- “ D., Deal," sends the following respecting “ AmATEUES — I

am sorry that I did not make myself sufficiently plain to ‘ Saxoring ’ or his
friends, and I doubt whether I can enlighten him farther. Let me, how¬
ever, say that the term ‘ employing a regular gardener,’ or 1 regularly
employing a gardener,’ has been interpreted in so many ways that it lays
the door open to many evasions. Does it mean employing anyone who is
a gardener by profession ? Is a person who has a man who acts in the
capacity of groom and gardener (as is so often the case) considered to
employ a regular gardener ? Does another who has a gardener in for
three or four days a week come under the same description ? Is another
who has a labourer in to do all the work which he himself superintends,
employing a gardener ? These are some of the ways in which the term
has been interpreted. I give no judgment on the matter, but only indi¬
cate what a very risky thing it is to bring such a term into a schedule.’ ”

- — The San Francisco Chronicle says that in distributing Water
foe Ibri gating Pueposes in Southeen California, it is calculated
that 1 inch of water will suffice for ten acres. One thousand dollars per
inch is the average value affixed to the title to water, or at the rate of 100
dollars per acre, although sales are daily made at from 150 to 400 dollars
per acre, said lands being absolutely worthless without water. At this
figure the value of water in San Diego county aggregates the enormous
sum of 1,300,000,000 dollars ; while the water of Los Angeles county
where the valuation is 3000 dollars per inch, is worth 2,400,000,000 dollars

- Dr. T. H. Hoskins, writing upon the Relation of Stock

to Scion in Vicks’ Magazine, proceeds as follows: — “A more curious
matter still is, that by grafting ‘ in-and-in ’ upon the same tree the
change produced can be much intensified. By ‘ in-and-in ’ grafting, I
mean grafting a scion upon the limb of a tree, then next year taking a
scion from the graft and grafting it into the same tree ; next year take
a scion from the second graft and insert it in the same tree. This may
be repeated again and again, the result being that you will have all
grades between the original fruit of the graft and the original fruit of
the stock. To be quite successful there must be difference enough
between the stock and first scion to start a change. But by in-and-in
grafting the effect is often so marked from one year’s graft to the next,
and so on, as to make a positive demonstration of what I call ‘graft
crossing.’ R. Dibble, of Brantford, Conn., in June, 1873, first called my
attention to this method of intensification of the graft cross by grafting
in-and-in. He wrote : — ‘ About forty years ago my father had a large
and thrifty Apple tree which bore exceedingly sour fruit. I helped him
graft a part of it from a very sweet Apple standing near. The second
year we grafted another part from the scions set the previous year. The
third year we grafted the rest of the tree from the second setting. These
grafts produced three different kinds of fruit, all differing from each of
the original stocks. The first strongly resembled the sweet Apple, but
were only moderately sweet. The second were slightly striped, like the
sour Apple, and neither sweet nor sour, while the third were clearly
striped, and a moderately sour Apple.’ In grafting common Apples
upon Siberian Crabs the cross is so violent that these effects are very
often seen, and as this is done to a considerable extent in my neighbour¬
hood, I have frequent opportunities of seeing what remarkablejchanges are
thus effected in size, colour, and quality of fruit.”

THE PROPAGATION OF THE CHOICER ALPINES.

When we happen to meet a good collection of alpine plants in private
gardens how seldom do we find the rarer types of alpine vegetation repre¬
sented by more than a solitary specimen, which has been grown for
many years, and no attempt probably to increase it in any way. Too
valuable it may be deemed perhaps to attempt to divide some solitary
rarity lest the operation be unsuccessful, while on the other hand the
experience of the would-be operator may be insufficient to attempt it in
any other way. The number of alpine plants which will not submit to
the care and patience of the propagator are very few indeed, since most
of them, if not all, may be increased either by cuttings or divisions, and
not a few by seeds. I do not wish it to be understood that I am an
advocate of mutilation, and that I would prefer to see half a dozen micro¬
scopic scraps than a fair-sized specimen of any given alpine. On the
other hand, I delight to see and rejoice in good examples of these plants as
much perhaps and probably more than those who find the height of their
ambition in some fine greenhouse plant 4 or 6 feet diameter. What I am
desirous should be gathered from these observations is, instead of being
satisfied with solitary examples of choice alpines, to attempt to increase
them in such a way that small colonies or groups may be formed of them
either in the border or the rockery border, or the rock garden proper, and
when this is accomplished, though the after progress be slow, there will
| remain the satisfaction of having formed a good stock.

September S3, 1888. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

275

Androsaces. — Setting aside preliminaries I will briefly endeavour to
give my experience in regard to some of the so-called fastidious alpines, and
how they may be propagated with success. To my mind, the work of the
propagator is such as anyone can enjoy, not because it is easy and
eimple — which, luckily, in many departments of gardening it really is,
but because it is often beset and surrounded with difficulties, and which
only close attention, patience, and care will overcome, and seeing that
theee particulars are of such importance among the Androsaces, I will
first briefly allude to them. They are, taken as a whole, a race of plants
difficult to establish, and still more difficult to preserve through our
English winters of constant change of damp, and fog, and smoke, all of
which are foreign to them in their wind-swept mountain home. Many of
the collected plants, too, arrive in such a bad state as to be almost worthless
when they come to hand. This is especially the case with those of woolly
tufts of rosettes, and which at any time are impatient of confinement and
damp overhead. Still there are exceptions even to this, for in A. lanu¬
ginosa and A. sarmentosa we find downy leaves, if not tufted growth. It is
worthy of note, too, that while these are two of the best for general
purposes they are the most readily increased. The really difficult
members of this genus are A. Chamcejasme, A. helvetica, A. imbricata, and
A. glacialis. All these, if planted out on the rockery, should be afforded
full sun, and abundance of water in summertime. They should be planted
in equal parts of loam and peat with plenty of sharp grit added, and some
broken brick rubbish may also be added with advantage. In winter time
it is well to protect them from excessive rains with pieces of glass so
placed as to throw off the rain, and at the same time being raised above
and clear of the plants, admit abundance of air on all sides. These may be
propagated by division, though great care is requisite, but what I consider
the better way would be to procure fresh seeds, either collected or home-
saved, and by raising seedlings at home they may become acclimatised
and be better able to endure our changeable climate. The woolly-leaved
kinds of tufted growth I have never tried to root from cuttings, but such
species as A. carnea, A. Cbamrejasme, A. pyrenaica, A. villosa (this sends
forth runners), and A. Yitaliana may be increased tolerably free by division
and also by seeds when procurable. As before stated A. lanuginosa and
A. sarmentosa are readily increased. The former is of trailing habit of
growth, and produces umbels of pleasing delicate rose-coloured flowers. It is,
in fact, one of the most charming of this family, and as a remarkable fact
every inch of stem will root, if cut up into lengths and inserted in sandy
soil, and kept close in handlights or bellglasses. Given the higher positions
on the rockery, and allow it to trail freely, it is a most delightful little
plant. Quite distinct in every respect is A. sarmentosa, which has large
spreading rosettes of leaves. This gives off Strawberry-like runners, which
terminate with small rosettes, which in turn emit roots freely. These
tiny rosettes may be pegged down, previously loosing the soil beneath
them, or if allowed to ramble at will invariably root freely and soon form
a pleasing feature on any rockery. Sandy loam suits it admirably. It
comes from the Himalayas, and produces umbels of rose-coloured flowers
with a white eye.

Omphalodes Lucille. — For another instance where propagation is
anything but easy and well understood we may turn to Omphalodes
Lucilise, one of the most charming alpines and one very slow to increase.
This plant forms tufts of obovate spathulate leaves that assume a glaucous
hue, and from which issue its exquisite though sweetly modest sky-blue
flowers. It comes from Mount Taurus, and as a rock plant it is unique ;
it is perfectly hardy and frost-resisting, and its greatest enemies are damp
and slugs. The latter attack it in a remarkable manner, and especially so
if the plants are weak. Tt is now fourteen years since I first made its
acquaintance, at which time I had never dreamt of rooting cuttings of it,
and from what I could gather, to attempt it would be waste of time.
Seeds were sown, but as these never came abundantly, and what did
mature often took two seasons to germinate, progress was very slow.
Then if seedlings are obtained you must be very careful or some slug will
destroy it. I was not satisfied with the progress the seedlings made, and
at length in 1875 determined to make an attempt with cuttings. This,
however, was not without mature consideration, for those of your readers
who are acquainted with this plant will know that the growths forming
the tuft are very compact and close together, and to sever those from the
main body of the plant was by no means an easy task. A slip of the knife
might have cost me the plant, and I possessed but one. This I planted
out in a square handlight in equal parts of peat and loam made rather
sandy, and to induce it to make longer growths than usual I kept it rather
close for several days. When I deemed them of sufficient length I
exposed them to full air and light that the growths might become hardened
and eventually I succeeded in detaching some thirteen cuttings, all of
which rooted in about a month and made good plants, and of which I was
not a little proud. This was my first experiment with this plant, and up
to the present time I have never discovered a better way of propagating
it, and so far as my experience goes it may be rooted any time from April
to August inclusive, provided that cuttings of the right stamp are pro¬
curable. The cuttings I prefer are those slipped off with a heel attached,
and even these are very short ; in fact, so short that I have many times
been compelled to tie small pegs to the cuttings, the latter having insuffi¬
cient stem to hold themselves erect. I half fill the pots with drainage and
use very sandy peaty soil for cuttings, with half an inch of clear sand on
the surface. Seeeral years ago I saw this plant on the rockery of the
late Mr. James Atkins at Painswick growing most freely and thriving in
a remarkable manner. Evidently the situation suited it, for it was rambling
about freely. It is worth any care, but when taking any special care of
it, just admit of sufficient discretion that it shall not be killed by
kindness.

Arnebia echioides. — The introduction of this interesting alpine
brought with it many difficulties. It was said of it that it was “a rare
seeder, and that cuttings would not strike,” and to divide it was scarcely
possible. It does seed, however, though not so freely as many members of
the same order, and, as regards the cuttings, I have never tried them,
simply because it is not a plant which produces the right material for
cuttings, but there is a way beyond this by which it may be increased
freely. In the month of January or February lift the plant by digging
all round it, and take care of every scrap of root ; cut these into lengths
an inch or so long, and insert them around the interior of some pots or
pans, and place them in slight warmth, gentle bottom heat if possible, the
apex of the root should be just visible ; they will not be long before signs
of life are apparent, and you will observe small greenish buds first issue
from the root and then slowly and surely develope into leaf. The largest
roots will be studded with growth buds, and if the most is required of a
good plant these larger ones may be cut in quarters, and in time you will
have an abundance of young plants. There are many plants which can
be propagated most readily from root cuttings, but which exhibit some
indication by breaks on the main roots ; the Arnebia, however, does not,
though with a little assistance it breaks well. To those who are un¬
acquainted with it the following brief description will give some idea.
The plant grows 15 inches high, having roughish leaves. On first opening
its flowers are of a chrome yellow ; on the second day fire dark spots
appear near the throat of the corolla, which ultimately assume a blackish
hue. This is a peculiar and interesting fact, inasmuch as upon one plant
and at the same time it is possible to have the flowers in all stages ; it is
also most floriferous, commencing early in June and continuing till late
in October with slight intermissions. It is a most interesting and valuable
rock plant, and is a native of the Ural Mountains.

Onosma TAURICA. — I will next refer to Onosma taurica, which for
many years was considered a very difficult alpine to increase. I have,
however, before stated in these columns the best method of increasing it
— i.e., strip the cuttings off the main portion of the plant by the heel, and
without further preparation insert them in sandy loam and cover with a
bellglass or handlight. In careful hands every cutting will root, and I
make it a rule never to touch a cutting with a knife. Of those I have put
in this season I have not a single failure. So long as cuttings are pro¬
curable they may be inserted from June to the end of September. The
last batch, however, are always best if allowed to stand over the winter
in the store pots ; so in view of this do not insert them so thickly as those
which are to be potted off at once. It is, perhaps without exception the
best rock plant we possess; its golden drooping tubular flowers are
deliciously sweet-scented, and when in fine condition — i.e., some 2 feet
across, it will yield an enormous number of flowers. In planting it,
choose a not over-rich soil, for in such it grows too vigorously and is
liable to decay at the collar, and for this reason it is well to place a few
stones round the collar of the plant, so that it may be dry always; the air
filtering, as it were, between the stones, will materially assist to keep it
from decaying. Overhanging a ledge of rock, with its roots running
deeply into some fissure of rock, it always appears extremely happy, and
though it does not make so much growth in this position as it does on an
even surface, it is certainly a longer liver. It forms a compact tuft of
linear-lanceolate leaves, and is a true perennial alpine, the leaves and also
the flower stems being densely covered with short stiff hairs. It grows
from a foot to 15 inches high. — J. H. E.

EXHIBITING BLACK CURRANTS— CARTER’S CHAMPION.

In answer to your Lincolnshire correspondent in reference to Carter’s
Currant, I suppose he means “ Dunnett’s Black Champion Currant.” I
have to confess that I have not been able to get bunches the size of Grapes
from it, but I had fruit from it this year from two small bushes, which I
exhibited at our local show in August in a pretty fair competition, of Lee’s
Prolific and Black Naples, and was easily first in both the gentlemen’s
gardeners’ class and the amateurs’ class. I visited two other shows
afterwards, Alnwick, the largest in our county, being one of them, and I
am quite satisfied that the “ Champion ” is the best Black Currant I have
yet seen.

As regards exhibiting Black Currants in bunches, my opinion is that it
is not advisable ; as, for instance, at one show where I happened to be in
which the rules required the above condition complied with, the public
were quite astonished at what they considered such “shocking judgment,”
in a dish of large Currants not being placed, while two others, “ slovenly
picked,” were first aud second.— John Bunn, Felton , Northumberland.

PIT-MOUND GARDENING IN THE BLACK COUNTRY.

A series of articles appeared in one of the Black Country newspapers
recently in reference to reclaiming much of the pit-mound surface for
gardening purposes, and as the writer’s words descriptive of the surround¬
ings are so aptly illustrative I quote them here : — “ Up to the close of
the last century, and before the invention of James Watt had met with
one of its earlier applications in the raising of coal from the mines, mining
operations in this locality ( i.e .. the Wolverhampton district) had not been
carried on upon any scale sufficiently large enough to have marred the
beauties of the surrounding scenery. But with the introduction of steam
power and the development of pumping machinery, the hidden treasures
of Mother Earth were not only more easily wrested from her, but they
were mote eagerly sought for in every direction. Then as va9t caverns
began to stretch far and wide their glocmy windings below, so a synchro¬
nous change came o’er the spirit of the surface above. The sky line

276

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

[ September 23, 1886.

became broken at every point by the gaunt forms of ‘ whimseys ’ houses ;
the landscape bristled with chimney stacks, and our new-born industrial
life then quickened to the pulsating throbs of nodding and panling beam
engines. The face of Nature broke out into eruptions like so many plague
spots ; swags, subsidences, and ‘ crownings in ’ on the one hand, and
rubbish heaps and pit mounds on the other, at once and for ever obliterated
the natural levels of the entire district. The Black Country is charac¬
terised not only by an unevenness of surface, but by a desolateness and
sterility of appearance. For this must be held responsible in a great
measure the gross carelessness of colliery managers and the callous indif¬
ference of coal owners. It has always been the aim of mine owners to
raise their mineral at the lowest possible cost, and it has always suited a
manager’s interests, and at the same time benefited his pocket, to carry
out this economic programme by ruthlessly ripping up the earth in the
readiest and cheapest manner possible. The collier, in his daily struggle
for bread, is perforce condemned to live in the midst of all that havoc
and desolation which his labours have been made to create.”

This forbidding and uninviting neighbourhood of thriving collieries by
a natural law then exercises a magnetic influence over the surrounding
locality. To such a centre as this there is an irresistible attraction for
the workers and artificers in iron ; for in this twice-blessed country of
England it is the decree of a bountiful Providence that where coal is there
shall iron be also. And as these twin industries of coal and iron have
brought into existence many teeming centres of population throughout the
length and breadth of the land, not the least of which is the South
Staffordshire coal field, these industries have caused quite half a million
beings to be concentrated within the confines of the Black Country. The
life of a collier is not a pleasant one to contemplate. The surroundings of
his house are like the scenery which meets his eye — unlovely. Can it
then be wondered at that his tastes are unrefined, or that his pursuits are
sometimes brutal ? What is there in his daily life to elevate or to refine ?
Let those who sneer at his drunkenness, his dog-fighting, and his many
other traditional brutalities, remember this. From him the beauties of
Nature have ever been shrouded in soot or buried in shale ; as he has
been robbed of Nature’s elevating influence, so also has society and all its
civilising tendencies been denied to him. Society has turned its back on
the Black Country ; a Black Countryman is regarded by society as a sort
of barbarian— as one who must not “ stand between the wind and its
nobility.” Well, this is a truthful description of a long extensive track
of desolated Nature, so ably written by Mr. Hackwood, who holds an
important position in connection with the Board schools of Birmingham.
The Midland Black Country extends from the outskirts of Birmingham to
Wolverhampton, and takes in Smethwick, Old Hill, Darlaston, Wednes-
bury, Oldbury, Bilston, West Bromwich, and a host of other places, each
having a large population of its own ; and some idea of the extent of
acreage occupied by the exhalations of shale and other excreta from coal
pits and ironstone pits may be grasped by the following facts given by
Mr. Hackwo d in the newspaper articles I have alluded to.

“ It has been stated in the public Press that colliery wastes occupy
many thousands of acres of the Black Country. It was with a view to
test the accuracy of this statement that some information was sought as to
the real extent of these wastes and their fitness for reclamation and
cultivation. A circular was addressed to every town surveyor in the
district asking for certain tabulated information and reliable statistics
relating to the question.”

Well, the result of information gained in this way gives us an
approximate area of colliery waste lands in the district of Wednesbury
alone of 246 acres. This is for one township only, and in this district a
large number of small gardens have been reclaimed — that is, converted
into gardens from the shale and other debris turned out of the coal and
ironstone pits in the district. Wednesbury has not yet a horticultural
society, but one is determined upon for next year. Darlaston, which
started a horticultural society this year, and mo6t successfully, is a large
township adjoining Wednesbury. Betwixt Wednesbury and Darlaston
there is a large and well-populated district known as King’s Hill, where
there is an enormous mass of pit-mounds, quite two acres in extent, under
garden cultivation. These are known in the district as “ Knowell’s
Mount,” and an immense amount of credit is due to Mr. John Hall, who
is the foreman painter of the great mass of ironwork manufactured at
the Old Park Iron Works, Wednesbury. This enormous mass of shale
and other non-gardening deposits has been drawn from the coal and iron¬
stone pits underneath, and quite two acres of what formerly was good arable
and cultivated land has been buried by the deposits from the pit. The
immense mass rises from 25 feet to the greater height of 100 feet above
the ordinary ground level, and has no shelter whatever, but is fully
exposed in eve y direction to wind and smoke. The entire mass is com¬
posed of shale, ironstone deposits, and small coal, from which good
garden soil is absent. This great mass has been levelled down to a
certain extent, and night soil has been mixed with it, and although but
about three years in cultivation excellent crops have been grown here. At
the present time the area of two acres, exposed to all the winds which
blow, and, as I before stated, without an atom of shelter, are now pro¬
ducing excellent and large crops of Cabbage, Cauliflower, both crops free
from fly and caterpillar, and it is difficult to find these crops free from
these pests generally in the Black Country. Savoys, French Beans, Little
Gem and other dwarf Peas, Potatoes, Jerusalem Artichokes, good Celery,
Carrots, Leeks, Oni >ns, Parsley, Rhubarb, Brussels Sprouts, &c. It is
really a wonder how these crops are obtained with everything dead against
a fair prospect of success ; but there is in shale and its accompanying
deposits a drought-resisting power which helps vegetation very consider¬

ably, and with the admixture of good stimulants, night 8 >il especially,
good crops can be had when labour is expended on their production.

The cultivation of crops on Knowell’s Mount is done under enormous
difficulties, for, in addition to what we have written, a large galvanising
ironworks exists on the south-west side, within 50 yards, and on the
other side, and within a quarter of a mile, are the very extensive plant of
the Old Park Hall Iron Works, and a host of other deleterious matter is
being poured out from the numerous chimneys of other works close by,
and the “ air we breathe ” there is not such as gardening plants thrive upon
generally. The only manure applied to this large tract of garden is
night soil carted there as it is taken from the closets, and is mixed with
the shale preparatory to its being used on the soil. Some idea will be
formed of the immense area of waste land from pit mounds when we
state that in the townships of Wednesbury, Brown Mills, Wednesfield,
Walsall, and Dudley, there are 2345 acres lying idle, and this is but a
small proportion of the entire acreage of such lands in the Midland
Black Country. — W. Dean.

(To be continued.)

SPATHOGLOTTIS AUGUSTORUM.

At a meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society on July 13th this
year, Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart, M.P., exhibited from his celebrated
Buiford Lodge collection of Orchids a plant of Spathoglottis augustorum,
a little known bnt handsome species well worth attention. The genus
Spathoglottis does not receive much attention now, though there are
several pretty species, and it is somewhat remarkable that Mr. B. S. Wil
Hams does not refer to any of them in the last edition of his “ Orchid
Manual.” That represented in the illustration (fig. 41) is, however,
stronger in habit and altogether of bolder appearance than most of the
others. The flowers on the Sir Trevor Lawrence’s plant were about
2 inches in diameter, but they are said to greatly exceed that size in a
wild state. The sepals and petals are oval, pure white, or faintly tinged
with rosy mauve ; the lip long, very much contracted towards the base,
and two-lobed at the point, of a bright purple colour, a pretty contrast
with the other portion of the flower. The flowers are clustered in racemes
near the apex of a long peduncle, rising above the graceful arching bright
green leaves.

The species is a native of the Sunda Isles, where it was discovered by
M. Auguste Linden and M. Auguste de Ronne, when collecting for the
Compagnie Continentale d’ Horticulture, and is said to occupy damp
hollows or recesses in high regions. It is a terrestrial plant, and requires
a compost of peat, loam, and crocks, a high temperature, and abundant
supplies of water.

MADRESFIELD COURT GRAPE.

In reference to the remarks of your correspondent Mr. Udale, on
Madresfield Court Grape, I wish to join issue with him as to heavy crop¬
ping preventing cracking. I have one Vine here planted in a mixed
house. This Vine has two rods and is now carrying a very heavy crop,
and not a single berry have I observed to be cracked. I may mention I
keep plenty of ventilation both top and bottom, night and day, with a
little fire heat. The border is outside and is very wet and cold, so as to
cause some of the other sorts to shank. I therefore contend it is not
necessary to treat this fine Grape, as a great many people seem to think
is beneficial, by subjecting it to an injurious dry treatment at the roots to
prevent cracking. I also agree with Mr. Cooke as to well thinning out
the berries so as to give them room to swell, as the least cramping of this
very thinskinned Grape would be a source of evil. — Alfked Bishop.

VARIETIES OF VIOLETS.

Sweet Violets may not be all referable to Viola odorata, yet it is
difficult to otherwise account for the fact of our finding much the same
form of Violet in many of the mountainous countries of Europe near the
sea. We get from the Crimea a Violet very little different from that
found in Britain’s hedgerows, from Greece a closer-growing and more
diminutive form of Violet, and from Spain we have a variety not mate¬
rially dissimilar from V odorata, though it is distinguished as V. arbo-
rescens through its forming stems by age. The colour of the flower is the
same, or a bluish purple, and all except the Grecian have white forms,
which is generally the first breaking up of species into varieties. Acting
on this principle, which is only suggested by the cultivated selections, and
not on any definite data, I would only further observe that the double
purple Violets of the East, such as Patrie and Double Russian, are not
very different from the double form of Viola odorata, only in Double
Russian the flowers are imbricated much more than in Patrie, which seems
to have the petals set-on-end against each other. In Viola odorata plena
or Double Purple or Scotch, we have the petals imbricated as in Double
Russian, but in both there is a strange leaning of the petals to the erect¬
ness that prevails in Patrie. In elegantissima plena, which is clearly of
the Patrie type, we ascend to the coveted imbricated form, with a much
decreased vigour and hardiness of plant. In the Neapolitan there is a

September 23, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

277

singular admixture of imbricated and stand-on-end petals, and there is an
equally suggestive co-mingling of broad with narrow, and of short with
long petals, it being manifest that the highest forms are the result of a
long course of cultivation and selection. Our sweet Violet has not
advanced so far as the Russian, simply because it has not been operated
with to any great extent in the sunny and genial climate of the Adriatic
coasts, but we get so far as it has been subjected to advancing influences
greatly improved forms, of which none afford a better example than
Queen of Violets. So far as my observations tend, the Russian Violet is
only another form of Viola odorata, due probably to long cultivation in
the alluvial soil of Ukraine, the same Violet, in fact, as prevails in the
Crimea, the Neapolitan having had a similar origin through subjectiou to
the influences of the Apennines on the one hand, and the Adriatic on the
other. The difference between Viola odorata and V. suavis is not great.

Neapolitan Violets are generally accepted as the progeny of a separate
species — viz., V. italics. It may be so, and if it is, which is the species?
The single Neapolitan ? I think not. The f >liage is certainly somewhat
different, the leaf is longer in proportion to its width, more pointed, and
the lobes are of different length, the longest overlapping the petiole. The
flowers are paler in the species ; lavender, white eye, a pale variety of
V. suavis, intermediate between an albino form of Russian and the
species, a form in fact of V. suavis, due to long subjection to cultivation
in a more favoured climate. The less hardiness of Neapolitan to Russian
Violet is not a fatal objection, as varieties resulting from high cultivation
are more tender than the species, and this is enhanced in favour of our *
proposition when the varieties are originated from varieties of a higher
order than the species in a much milder climate than the species obtains
in its native habitats.

Fig. 41.— Spathoglottis acgustoruh.

In V. odorata the foliage is heart-shaped, blunt-pointed, and with the
lower part or lobes closed or overlapping at the midrib ; petioles long and
comparatively weak, which becomes more marked in the cultivated than
wild state, hairy, having a rough appearance, the petioles not infrequently
becoming twisted, knotted, or warted. The flower stems are weaker and
longer than in Viola suavis, the petals are narrower, and the spurs more
prominent, the flower being more pendant. Russian has larger, more
pointed leaves, glaucous or shining green leaves, much less hairy, and the
lobes open or not nearly so close as in V. odorata; petioles st rater, more
angled, and as shoit or shorter ; flowers more erect, larger, and broader
petals, footstalks stouter but not longer. In fragrance there is no appre¬
ciable difference. In some places Violets are found not distinguishable
from Russian, and the Scotch is identical, but whether they are escapades
from cultivation, or improved forms of Viola odorata, is matter of specu¬
lation. The Russian Violet never forms knots or warts on the petioles,
and this characteristic pervades the varieties equally with the species.

The varieties of Violets may be thus classed : —

Viola odorata, blue. Spring. Britain.

Viola odorata alba,, white. Spring.

Viola odorata var. grey or white and reddish purple. Spring.

Viola odorata rubra, pink. Spring.

Double varieties : —

Viola odorata plena, bluish purple. Spring. Syn., Double Scotch.

Viola odorata alba plena, white. Spring. Syn., Compacta.

Viola odorata rubra plena, pink. Spring ; winter and spring in
frames. Syn., Double Rose.

Viola odorata var. russicus or Crimean, slightly larger in all its parts
than the species, flowers bluish purple. Winter and spring.

Viola odorata var. Patrie, probably the double form of Crimean.
Double, purple-violet, streaked red. September to April.

Viola odorata var. grseca or Grecian, bluish-purple, a small form of the
species. Spring.

278

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDEEER.

[ September 23, 1886.

Viola odorata var. elegantissima plena, double, blue, indigo centre,
■waxy petals, finely imbricated petals, small in all its parts. Probably the
double form of Grecian, Spring.

Viola odorata purpurea plena, double purple. Spring. Syn., Double
Russian. Very little if any difference between this and the double form
of V. odorata or Double Scotch.

Viola odorata var alba plena, Double White. Spring. Syn., Double
White Russian. Very little different from the double white form of V.
odorata or compacta.

The two last named are generally accepted as V. odorata suavis
varieties, but they are. almost identical with Viola odorata plena and Viola
odorata alba plena, and certainly are not varieties of V. odorata suavis or
semperflorens, their foliage being of the well-defined V. odorata type, and
are scarcely worth keeping distinct.

Viola odorata suavis or semperflorens, bluish purple. Spring. In
mild seasons flower in early winter. Ukraine in Russia. Syn., Russian,
Scotch, London, floribunda of some, &c.

Viola odorata arborea, purple. Winter and spring. Syn., Tree
Violet.

Viola odorata arborea plena, double purple. Winter and spring.

Viola odorata arborea plena, double white. Winter and spring.

Varieties of V. odorata not referable to any particular class, the foliage
being intermediate, or partly after the species and part after the sub¬
species or variety suavis, with in one at least after arborea — viz., King of
Violets. They are generally accepted as garden forms of Russian, which
I think erroneous, being more like varieties obtained through cultivation
than transmutation effected from seed if Viola odorata vars.

Viola odorata var. argenteseflora, white, tinted rosy purple, purple spurs.
Spring, but flowers freely on the runner wires, and is almost a continuous
bloomer. Raised by Mr. G. Lee. Evidently a cross between a white and
purple variety of Violet.

Viola odorata parmaensis plena, semi-double, white, striped rose.
Spring. In frames flowers in winter.

Viola odorata La Reine, double white, tinted purple. Spring.

Viola odorata Queen of Violets, double white, tinted purple, occasion¬
ally very large. Spring. Syn., Belle de Chatenay.

Viola odorata Queen of Violets, var. casrulea, double, bright light
purple. Spring.

Viola odorata Empress, double, purple. Spring. Very fine. Originated
by Mr. H. Canned.

Viola odorata Blandyana, double, purple, striped white. Autumn,
winter, and spring.

Viola odorata King of Violets, double, dark indigo-blue. Spring.

Viola odoiata suavis alba, white. Spring. Syn., albiflora.

Viola odorata suavis superba, bluish purple, tinted rosy purple. Spring.
Larger in all its parts than Russian. Syn., Russian Superb.

Garden varieties of Viola odorata suavis and vars. : —

Giant, bluish purple. Early winter, if favourable, to spring.

Devoniensis, deep bluish purple. September to April.

Floribunda, bluish purple, very floriferous. September to April.
Raised by Mr. G. W. Boothby from Giant.

Czar, purple. September to April.

White Czar, white. Autumn, winter, and spring.

Victoria Regina, purple. September to April. Raised by Mr. G. Lee.

Odoratissima, bluish violet. Spring, and during the winter in frames.
Raided by Mr. G. Lee.

Prince Consort, bluish purple. September to April. Raised by Mr.
G. Lee, but not sent out up to 1886.

Princess of Prussia, purple. September to April. Raised by Mr. G.
Lee, but not sent out up to 1886.

The four last named are the largest, best shaped, have most substance,
and bloom over a longer period than most single varieties of Violets.

Viola odorata suavis Wilsoni, pale purple, often pale in colour, and
termed a pale blue, white eye, narrow petals, curious flower, highly
fragrant. Spring, or in frames in autumn, winter, and spring.

Viola odorata suavis Barrensteini, bluish purple. Autumn, winter,
and spring.

Viola odorata suavis Laucheana, purple. Autumn, winter, and spring.

The two last are perhaps only forms of Giant of continental origin.

Viola odorata suavis Lavisiana, lavender, white eye, large, very
sweet, and distinct. Spring, in frames autumn, winter, and spring.

Viola odorata suavis pallida (italica), pale lavender, white eye, very
sweet. September to April.

This is the probable single Neapolitan, the form the doubles occasion-
ally give, and which is very inconstant, evolving into the double forms.
Seedlings are very variable.

Varieties of Neapolitan or Viola odorata suavis pallida : —

Neapolitan, lavender, white eye. Winter and spring. SyD., Double
Neapolitan (Viola odorata Buavis pallida plena).

Marie Louise, lavender-blue, white eye. September to April. Very
liable to evolve into New York.

New York, deep mauve, streaked red, white eye. September to April.
Syns., Odorata pendula, Venice, Marguerite de Savoie, Nice, Marie
Louise of some, Count Brazzi’s Neapolitan, Duke of Edinburgh, Madame
Millet, and De Toulouse.

De Parme, deep lavender, white eye. September to April.

Duchess of Edinburgh, cream white ground, petals tinted mauve,
bordered blue. Winter and spring.

White Neapolitan, occasionally semi-double only. Winter and spring.

By??:’JSwanley' wM*-e> Count Brazzi’s White Neapolitan (Viola odorata suavis
pallida alba plena).

The last named six varieties have double flowers. The whole of the
others have single flowers, unless otherwise stated. — Viola.

PLUMS IN LONDON— FOREIGN FRUIT AND RAILWAY

CHARGES.

Plums and Damsons have been pouring into London in such quantities
as have never been known before. Mr. Skinner, one ot the largest
growers in the country, and who has dealt in Covent Garden for over half
a century, affirms that he has never known a year at all approaching this
for both Plums and Damsons, and indeed stone fruit generally. Usually
large quantities are imported into London from the Continent, but there
is this year such a glut from English grounds that the Continental
growers are altogether out of it. There are no foreign Plums in the
London market. Indeed, it is reported from some quarters of Kent that
great quantities of Plums are being allowed by the owners to rot upon
the trees, as they find it does not pay them to gather them and send them
to market. Growers complain that this waste is due to the exorbitant
charges of the railway companies, who are reaping a rich harvest from
the splendid crops of our own grounds while they are actually bringing
down prices in the market by giving an advantage to Continental growers.
This is not the case this year with Plums and Damsons, since, as it has
been said, there are no Continental fruits of these kinds on our market.

But all such fruits as foreign growers find it worth while to send over
here can be sent at rates lower than those charged to our own growers.
For example, it is said that Pears and Apples are being conveyed from
Belgium to Covent Garden at from Id. to 5d. a bushel. From Maidstone
6d. is the charge. Thus it would seem that it is not only the foreign
sugar trade that is being fostered by a bounty system. There is a bounty
system for the benefit of the foreign fruit trade also, and this is applied
by our own railways. The plea for this very unsatisfactory state of things
is that if our railway companies did not cut down their rates to foreign
growers the traffic would be taken by steamers. They are, in fact, com¬
pelled to this reduction by competition. That may be so ; taut one would
think that where competition does not compel this reduction, common
fairness to rival traders should. If this is not sufficient, some other means
must be adopted. So at least the English growers think, and they are
understood to be casting about for these other means. Some of them
whose grounds are in the neighbourhood of Sittingbourne have been
endeavouring to organise a service of fruit-barges brought up by steam-
tugs. The cost this way, if it were practicable, would not amount to
half the railway rates, it is said. The first experiments, however, do not
appear to have been altogether successful. It is a tidal creek that runs
out from the Thames towards Sittingbourne, and the difficulties of tide have
occasioned the loss of a market to the first cargo. With ripe fruit this, it
is clear, may sometimes prove serious, and may possibly thwart this rever¬
sion to a mode if transit familiar to the days before railways. It does
not, however, seem to be as yet quite certain that a little scheming and
contriving as to the time of dispatch may not overcome this difficulty.
Among growers to whom water carriage is not available there are pro¬
posals of combination to provide means of land transit apart from
railways, should argument fail to secure fair terms. Meanwhile, it would
be interesting to know, if some statistician would tell us, what sort of a
tax Londoners are paying on this ODe item of fruit alone, through the
high rates of carriage rendered to some extent necessary by the extra¬
vagant cost of our railway construction, and the enormous sums which
were originally paid to landowners along their lines of route in order
that towns might be planted and industries developed, and a fabulous
value thus given to the estates of these same landowners. It would at
least be curious, if not startling, to see how large a part of every 6d. we
spend in Plums goes to help out the dividends ou that tremendous outlay
of capital, to t-ay nothing ot the fruit that is rotting on the tri es because
we parched and heated Londoners cannot get at it. — ( Daily News.)

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

September 21st.

Though no prizes were offered on this occasion the exhibits before the
two Committees made a very good display, the collections of hardy flowers
and Dahlias being numerous.

Fruit Committee— Present : T. Francis Rivers, Esq., in the chair, and
Messrs. W. Paul, W. Warren, G. Norm, n, J. Ellam, J. Smith, J. Burnett, G.
Bunyard, P. Crowley, S. Ford, R. D. Blackmore, C. Silverlock, Harrison
Weir, and T. B. Haywood. Mr. T. Hungerford, Berami Station, New South
Wales, exhibited specimens of the Novel Orange from trees eight years old
cultivated without irrigation. The fruits were highly commended. Messrs.
Paul & Son, Cheshunt, exhibited plants in fruit of their new perpetual
Strawberry Roi Henri. Mr. Warren of Isleworth sent several dishes of
Apples, Pears, and Plums. Mr. W. Taylor, Osborn House, Hampton, showed
fruits of Cox’s Emperor Plums. Mr. T. Baines exhibited specimens of the
Cut-leavi d Bramble. Mr. J. Burnett, Deepdene Gardens, Dorking, showed
fruits of the Tyson Pear, and the late Raspberry Belle de Fontenay. Mr. R.
Smith, Kenward, Yalding, Maidstone, sent fruits of Prince of Wales Peach
from trees on open walls. They were of good size and colour. (Vote of
thanks). Mr. Hot ley, Toddington, Beds, showtd a seedlir g purple Plum.
Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshunt, had about one hundred diBhes of Appbs.

Mr. R. Gilbert, The Gardens, Burghley, Stamford, had a fruit of a green-
flesh Melon named Her Ladyship’s Favourite, which was of good flavour.
Mr. Morrall, Rugeley, showed a seedling Apple. Mr. J. James, Cowley Road,
Uxbridge, had a seedling Tomato, large, round, even fruits. Mr. W . Roupel],
Harvey Lodge, Roupell Park, showed some handsome bunches of Madres-
field Court Grapes and a tree of Fertility Pear in a pot, and bearing sixteen

September 23, 1888. 1

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

279

fine fruits. A cultural commendation was awarded. Mr. T. Laxton,
Bedrord, exhibited specimens of his open air Tomatoes, the handsome
Dartmouth Crab, the Czar Runner Bean, and Sandy Prize Onions. A vote
of thanks was awarded. Messrs. J. Yeitch & Sons, Chelsea, sent fruits
of Clapp’s Favourite Pears from a pyramid on the Quince stock. (Vote of
thanks.) Messrs. Paul & Son showed a collection of about a hundred dishes
of Apples, the fruits clean and fine. Messrs. H. Lane & Son, Berkhamp-
sted, showed four large Vines in pots, representing Alicante, Foster’s Seed¬
ling, Black Hamburgh, and Gros Colman, bearing numerous bunches well
coloured. Messrs. W. Paul & Son, Waltham Cross, exhibited about 150
dishes of Apples, representing many varieties.

Floral Committee. — Present ; G. F. Wilson, Esq., F.R.S., in the chain
and Messrs. J. Douglas, T. Baines, S. Hi'oberd, G. Paul, W. Holmes, R. Dean,
H. Ballantine, J. Dominy, H. M. Pollett, A. J. Lendy, J. O’Brien, H. Turner,
H. Cannell, W. Wilks, C. Noble, J. Hudson, H. Bennett, G. Duffield, Amos
Perry, and Dr. M. T. Masters.

From Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, came a collection of new
Rhododendrons and half a dozen plants in pots of the bright scarlet-berried
Crategus Lmlandi, which were loaded with their wax-like fruits, and had
a most ornamental appearance. The Rhododendrons, which comprised
Queen of Yellows, Rose Perfection, and Distinction, are noted in another
column. A vote of thanks was awarded for Curcuma sumatrana, with a
spike of bright red bracts and yellow flowers. An elegant Araliad named
Trevesia palmata from Sumatra was also shown, the leaves having four to
seven deep lobes. Mr. G. Humphries, Kingston Langley, Chippenham, sent
some seedling Dahlias ; and Mr. G. S. P. Harris, Orpington, Kent, also sent
three varieties of Dahlias, a bright yellow self named Freedom being
notable. Mr. W. Bull, Chelsea, sent several new plants that were certifi¬
cated, together with Maranta eminens variegated with light and dark green,
and Palicourea jugosus with elliptical velvety green leaves veined with
white and pink.

Sir Trevor- Lawrence, Bart., M.P., Burford Lodge, Dorking (gardener,
Mr. Bain) contributed a group of Cyrtanthus hybridus, and a variety named
roseum, all flowering well and very ornamental. Crinum Powelli with fine,
large, delicate, rosy flowers was also shown from the same garden. A vote
of thanks was accorded to Mr. A. Monkes, gardener to Dr. Duke, The Glen,
Lewisham, for Cattleya Gaskelliana var. Sunray, a variety with blush-tinted
sepals and petals, with a crimson stripe in the centre of the petals, and a
rich crimson lip, yellow in the throat. Mr. H. Simkins, gardener to R J.
Measures, Esq., Cambridge Lodge, Camberwell, was awarded a cultural com¬
mendation for Grammatophyllum Ellisi, a healthy well-grown plant, with
a spike of fourteen flowers curiously mottled with brown on a yellow
ground. Mr. T. Laxton, Bedford, showed a new Pink named insignis,
Gaillardias, and early Chrysanthemums. Mr. C. Turner, Slough, had a
stand of Pompon Dahlias, comprising several novelties, three of which were
certificated. A vote of thanks was accorded to Messrs. Paul & Son,
Cheshunt, for Aquilegia Rowwolfi aurea, a golden variegated form.

Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, showed a stand of Cactus and other
Dahlias, of which several were certificated. Some trusses of a bright blue
Hydrangea were shown by Mr. G. Ford, Leonardslee, Horsham, who was
awarded a vote of thanks, a similar recognition being accorded to Mr. W. E.
Boyce, Highgate, for an early flowering Chrysanthemum, named Golden
Fl-.ece, of excellent shape, and very bright yellow.

Mr. T. S. Ware, Tottenham, as usual had a magnificent display of hardy
flowers, comprising Tritonias, Lilies, Dahlias, early Chrysanthemums,
Asters, <tc. The Dahlias were especially beautiful, the Cactus section being
well represented by Picta formossima, Mrs. Hawkins, Constance, J uarezi,
and the new Cochineal, which was certificated. Single Dahlias were also
admirably shown. Messrs. Kelway & Son, Langport, Somerset, also had a
large collection of Gladioli, similar to those they have been showing during
the season. Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshunt, exhibited an extensive collec¬
tion of Roses, Dahlias, and ornamental foliage shrubs. A choice collection
of hardy flowers, comprising Asters, Helianthus, Helenium, Rudbeckias,
Physostegia speciosa, and many other flowers. Messrs. Rawlings Bros.,
Romford, exhibited about eighty fine Show and Fancy Dahlia blooms,
includiug all the best varieties, together with a stand of Pompon and seedling
Dahlias. Messrs. W. Paul & Son exhibited eight boxes of fresh and bright
Rose blooms.

CERTIFICATED PLANTS.

Davallia solida major (W. Bull). — A strong growing variety with smooth
shining green bipinnate fronds somewhat triangular in form, 2 feet long
and about 18 inches broad at the base.

SelagineUa tessellata (W. Bull). — A plumose species with large, erect,
and curving fronds, very elegant in the fruiting state.

Cespedezia discolor (W. Bull). — A handsome shrub or small tree with
lanceolate leaves feet in length, of a soft bronzy hue in a young state and
deep green when mature. It much resembled Grias caulifiora in habit and
shape of the leaves.

Cyrtanthus hybridus roseum (Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., M.P.). — A
handsome variety, distinguished from the interesting hybrid previously
honoured by the warm rosy tint of the flowers, the flowers being similar in
other respects.

_ Cypripcdium Sanderianum (J. Veitch & Sons). — A long-petalled species
with a brown striped dorsal sepal and a light brownish lip. It is a distinct
species, but its full attractions could not be judged from the small plant
shown.

Rhododendron Queen of Yellows (J. Veitch). — A garden hybrid with
bright yellow flowers and red stamens, the lobes of the corolla round, and the
truss had nine flowers, though the plant was small.

Rhododendron Rose Perfection (J. Veitch & Sons). — Another fine hybrid
of the same type as preceding, but with well-formed clear rose-coloured
flowers.

SelagineUa gracilis (J. Veitch & Sons). — A South Sea Island species of
slender growth, dark green, the stems drooping, 18 inches or more in
length.

Dahlia Mrs. Foster (C. Turner).— A handsome show variety of grand
form and substance, of a peculiar pink and salmon hue.

Dahlia Q'ieen of the Belgians (Rawlings Bros.). — A delioate pale pink
tinted show variety, much like"Mrs. Gladstone.

Dahlia Gazelle (C. Turner). — A Pompon variety, white, tipped with
bright crimson, the blooms very neat in shape.

Dahlia lolanthe (C. Turner). — A very neat Pompon, white, tipped with
bronze and yellow.

Dahlia Don Juan (C. Turner). — An extremely dark maroon Pompon
variety, very small and neat.

Dahlia Cochineal (Ware). — One of the Cactus section, with broad dark
scarlet florets, very distinct.

Dahlia Empress of India (R. H. Munday, Basingstoke). — One of the
Cactus type, with well-formed blooms, broad florets, light crimson, striped
with maroon.

Dahlia Charming Bride (Cannell). — A single variety, white edged and
tipped with bright rose.

Dahlia Lady M. Marsham. — A single bright scarlet variety, very showy.

Dahlia The Quair (Paul & Son). — A handsome single variety of a very
dark scarlet hue, the florets broad and of great substance.

Dlmus Pitevri pendula (Paul & Son). — An elegant drooping Elm with
deeply serrated dark green leaves.

Cratcegus Lalindei (J. Veitch it Sons). — An ornamental shrub with most
abundant small bright scarlet fruits in dense clusters on the branches.

DRESSING CHRYSANTHEMUM BLOOMS.

In the first place, kindly allow me to thank “ W. M.” for drawing my
attention to his remarks, p.256 of last week’s issue of the Journal, on
the subject of dressing Chrysanthemum blooms ; and secondly, allow me
to inform “ W. M.” that the reason the Judges gave the first prize to the
blooms your correspondent quotes as being undressed (?), was simply
because they were superior to any others which were placed in competi¬
tion with them, and not because they were “ undressed,” as “ W. M.”
assumes they were. I do not f or one moment think they were purely
undressed flowers — that is, staged as grown, without any manipulation of
the petals at all, nor do I think anyone else can think so who saw them
and who knows anything about dressei flowers. Certainly they were
not well dressed, but I venture to say that something had been done
towards arranging some of the florets.

Seldom indeed are Chrysanthemum blooms seen of such extraordinary
size both in diameter, depth, and breadth of petal as those in question,
and it was purely on account of these qualities that the first prize was
awarded to them. Let it be understood they were not blooms such as are
sometimes seen — viz., very large in diameter, flat and thin of petals, and
hollow-eyed ; had they been such as these I know the J udges who officiated
at the show in question would not have placed them where they did.
Many times and in different places have prizes been offered for undressed
blooms, which has always resulted in a failure in this manner. Very
little competition could be obtained, and next to no interest taken in what
was staged in the undressed classes. Why, I thought the subject of
staging undressed blooms of Chrysanthemums was almost done with ;
certainly it is by anyone who understands the difference between the two
blooms. Staging dressed blooms of Chrysanthemums is simply present¬
ing the flowers in the most favourable manner, just in the same way as a
person would stage any other kind of garden produce — that is, use all
legitimate means to show it to the best advantage. Dressing the blooms
of Chrysanthemums is doing no more than washing the dirt off Potatoes
or trimming the roots and tops of an Onion or a Cauliflower when staging
these for competition, and who would dream of presenting these vegeta oles
without “dressing” and expect to win in the bargain? Undressed
bloom3 will not do for competition — that is, if winning prizes is the object
and I fancy this is a weakness amongst most men. — E. Molyneux.

SALVIAS AS OUTDOOR DECORATIVE PLANTS.

The Salvias, including those of subtropical and temperate
climates, constitute a very extensive genus of plants, widely
varied both as regards stature, flowers, and foliage ; and al¬
though, as is often said, some of the finest are unfortunately too
tender to endure our severe winters in the open air, the same
may be said of Pelargoniums and hosts of other plants used for
the embellishment of our gardens during summer. Most of the
Salvias to be mentioned will flourish in the open air during the
warm months ; they are showy, and give as great a profusion of
bloom as most plants used in our flower beds, besides giving a
variety not surpassed by any other genus of plants in general
cultivation, from the most lovely blue through many shades of
purple, scarlet, and yellow to pure white, varying in size as well,
from the charming little chamsedryoides to the large finely formed
bloom of S. patens. By themselves sufficient variation may be
had to make a most beautiful flower bed, and in this way we
prefer growing them, as much for the novelty as the effect.
Many of the species are grown in the greenhouse and conserva¬
tory, but in July, August, and September there is generally no
lack of flowers inside, and these could be well dispensed with.
The less robust kinds, even when in full flower, could be lifted if
required, care being taken in the process, when they would con¬
tinue to flower in a house from which the autumn frosts could
be excluded. Otherwise they are readily propagated by cuttings
taken now, or a little earlier, and placed in heat. During winter
they will require all the light possible, with just sufficient heat
to exclude frost. They are easily drawn, and fire heat seems to
weaken them very much; indeed, they might well be treated in

'280

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September £3, 1886.

-exactly the same way as Pelargonium cuttings, only giving them
a little more room and plenty of light.

S. angustifolia is nearly allied to S. Pitcheri, both of which
are fairly hardy in ordinary winters, and flowering late in the
autumn, both blue-flowered, and charming in their way. On a
south border, where they would get plenty of sun, they would no
doubt flower earlier, and give more satisfaction in every way.
The former is between 2 and 3 feet in height, but rather
straggly, b. azurea, with narrow linear leaves and charming deep
blue flowers, is a desirable plant, native of Carolina. S. aurea,
for which ferruginea would be more descriptive, is a charming
little plant, from 6 to 12 inches high, with hoary roundish leaves,
native of the Cape. S. chamasdryoides is one of the most beau¬
tiful of the small-flowered group, and besides being a good
border or bed plant is pretty for the rockery, where it is hardy,
unless in severe winters ; it is between 12 and 18 inches high, much-
branched, and forming sturdy little bushes, covered with hand¬
some blue flowers; leaves oval, crenated at the margins, and
rugose or rough on the upper surface, native of Mexico. S
Greigi, a charming and easily managed plant of recent intro¬
duction, forms neat little bushes, the branches being thickly
covered with lanceolate shining green leaves, the flowers intense
scarlet, borne on short spikes ; it strikes readily from cuttings,
and prefers cool to warm treatment ; a good plant for winter
flowering in conservatory b. Grabami is an old garden favourite
of rare merit, with bright scarlet flowers, larger, if anything,
than the above, on more elongated stalks ; the leaves are
smaller, ovate, crenate, and rougbish on the upper surface.
There is another, said to be a variety, but widely distinct, with
much lighter flowers and very large leaves. Both are natives of
Mexico. S. interrupts-, a Morocco species, with large blue and
white cowers, is also a desirable plant.

. S- involucrata, a rather better form of which is called Betheli
in gardens, is a rank grower, but a most charming plant when
well flowered. It is fairly hardy in the open against an east or
south wall, profuse flowering, and very peculiar with its large
coloured bracts.. S. paniculata has pale purple and white flowers,
excellent as variety, but none of those above surpass or are even
equal to the well-known S. patens, with its variety alba. It is a
good habited plant, free with its numerous large and brilliant
blue flowers; it. stands well in a cool frame, and is certainly a
desirable plant in every garden. The white variety is particularly
pleasing, making a handsome companion to the type. S. pseudo-
coccinea, coccinea, and porphyranthera are all excellent plants
of the scarlet type, the former being a valuable addition to our
summer flowers. Besides these, S. splendens, S. rutilans, S.
gesneriseflora, S. fulgens, S. Heeri, S. cacalicefolia, and many
others are alike beautiful and useful. Even those of a hardy
nature are so varied that many a collection would be consider¬
ably improved by a careful selection; besides, in the case of
those, who combine a little pleasure with a little profit in keeping
bees in their gardens, these Salvias act as loadstones to the busy
workers. Among the best are S. sylvestris, a good form of S.
pratensis, S. Horminum, S. glutinosa, common Sage, S. offici-
aalis, S. verticillata, S. austriaca, S. solarea, the bracteata form,
aurita, &c.— M.

CUSCUTAS.

A very interesting but pernicious plant is the Hellweed or
Dodder, and it is perhaps at this season of the year that it chiefly
exhibits the characteristics that render it so worthy of notice. There
are two species, known as the Greater Dodder (Cuscuta europsea), and
the Lesser (C. epithymum), both of which have been indigenous from
time immemorial, and one or other of which may be found growing
in nearly every county of England as well as in Scotland and Ireland.
To determine the source from whence it came would be difficult, as
may be inferred in case of the very appropriate specific name of the
former kind, so no one in particular can be fairly reproached for
having contributed to the British flora a plant that is so undesirable
to possess— that is, to any great extent. One thing is certain, that
in some districts of France and Italy its ravages, in past years, have
been so extensive as to occasion serious loss to agriculturists, whose
crops of Lucerne or Clover have been extensively damaged by this
remarkable parasite.

Although denied by Nature both roots and leaves, it is only neces¬
sary to introduce it amongst plants on which it is known to attach
itself to demonstrate its destructive powers as well as its amazing
fertility in producing seeds. These, it may be remarked, are suffi¬
ciently small to admit of their being present in other seeds, more
especially in some samples of Clover, without, being detected, save by
those who are familiar with them ; and, like many others, if allowed to
ripen, it is by no means impossible for them to vegetate when brought
to the surface, although the ploughshare may have buried them in the

ground for many years. The plant cannot but be regarded as nothing
short of a vegetable phenomenon from its very inception. The embryo
of tfie seed is without cotyledons or seminal lobes, being simply* a
spiral thread without roots, and the plant consists only of red-tinted,
succulent, thread-like stalks, severing itself from the soil and twisting
about the plant on which it grows in a spiral direction contrary to
the sun’s motion, and drawing its nourishment from it by small suck¬
ing papillae fixed into the pores of the bark or rind, thereby exhaust¬
ing the foster plant of its juices, imbibing its virtues, and often
destroying it. In this country the crop that is most frequently
attacked by this pernicious parasite is Red Clover, but it will luxuriate
on many other plants than those of this genus, notably the Hop, of
which a very fair example has been forwarded to the Editor. It
grows on many leguminous plants, especially Vetches and Beans, as
well as on Flax, Thistles, Nettles, Mint, Balm, Thyme, Gorse, and
Heather. So destructive is Dodder to the Clover crop that whole
fields have been rendered nearly useless for fodder, and entirely so for
seeding. It may, however, be assumed that in the majority of in¬
stances where a crop has been jeopardised by its presence, sufficient
care or judgment has not been exercised in selecting the seed from
which the crop has been produced. An erroneous notion prevails
amongst some agriculturists that Dodder in certain samples is in¬
sidious rather than separable, whereas its presence can be readily
detected. It cannot be too widely known that the boldest samples of
seed are generally most free from if, or can easily be made so ;
whereas it is not infrequently to be found in samples of small seed,
especially those imported from some parts of the continent, and in
these cases it is not only difficult to free the seed entirely from it, but
a large proportion of the bulk must of necessity be sacrificed in
accomplishing it effectually.

Notwithstanding its devastating powers when luxuriating amongst
our field ciops, there is no reason why it should be denied a place in
our gardens, for these leafless plants produce a profusion of rather
minute flowers in dense clusters, which partake somewhat of the
colour of the thread-like stems, and together present not altogether an
unpicturesque effect. In support of this it may be mentioned that in
the first volume of Baxter’s “ British Flowering Plants,” on page 18,
where the plant is figured, the author states that he had seen “ a large
field of Beans completely matted together with this paraeite ; it has
taken possession of the whole crop, and having elevated itself several
inches above the Beans produced a very beautiful effect, especially
when the sun shone upon it, and he truly observes further on that it
must be a very serious evil to the farmer.” So great an evil was it
in Tuscany as far back as the year 1825, that the crops of leguminous
plants were so much injured by it that the method adopted by the
farmers to become rid of it was “ either by cutting the crop frequently
early in the season (this applied perhaps more particularly to
Lucerne) and thus preventing the Dodder from fixing itself, or by
paring and burning the surface, and thus destroying at once both the
crop and the seeds of the parasite. ”f But, although admittedly a
source of great vexation and pecuniary loss to the farmer, the limits
of the Dodders in gardens can be easily circumscribed, and they then
become objects of interest as well as of beauty. — S. P. E. S.

LONDON’S LESSER OPEN SPACES— THEIR TRESS AND
PLANTS.— No. 10.

Used in its broad sense, Lambeth is a name that covers a suburban
district of something like twelve square miles, but, in its commoner much-
narrowed application, it refers to a space adjacent to the Thames between
Sruthwatk and Vauxhall. Its level is still low, and at one date much of
the ground was really marsh, Lam-bythe, the primitive form, meaning the
“haven of mud or dirt,” antiquaries say, though Dr. Ducarel, friend i f
Tradescant the gardener, angrily denies this, much objecting to its being
8 > styled. However, the moist soil, by the adoption of certain measures, was
made suitable for horticulture, and iu the seventeenth century it looked
very different from what it is, a site of factories, of benevolent institution'1,
and streets of houses, mostly fifth or sixth rate ; we may indeed find a
Paradise Street and a Pleasant Place, but they have lost the characteristics
that gave their names. Vine Street tells us of a spot somewhat elevated
formerly above the marshy flat, where once throve a plantation of Vines,
and in the Stuart times Lambeth yielded abundant fruit and vegetables
also; Asparagus, Peas, Melons, and Aprico's are notable of tl ese. The
mention of sundry trees indicates the existence ot some dry spots amongst
the lowlands. Mulberry trees there were, too ; our ancestors seemingly
l ad more liking for that fruit than we have, and a Queen Elizabeth’s tree
of cmrse, many Mulberries being associated with that Royal dame,
planted perhaps in her honour, as we read she had a weakness for sitting
under one of them when in fruit. Of Lambeth Walnuts, a m mory yet
lingers in its Walnut Tree Walk, though the trees have been felled. Few
gardeners know that some of our familiar evergreens, after they had been
grown here and there as rarities in noblemen’s gardens, were first f t'rly
cultivated at Lambeth by the Tradescants and thir friend1. The younger

* ‘ Flora Scotica,” Vol. IT., p. 1090.
t Loudon’s “ Gardeners’ Magazine," Vol. I., pr- 7 9 an 1 197.

September 23, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

281

TradescanL indeed so Parkinson fells, brought here, in 1628, from Virginia
the first exotic Ferns seen in England — viz., Cystopteris bulbifera^and
Adiantum pedatum.

The teeming population of Lambeth has now, however, a few open
spaces, small or large, which afford a breath cf fresh air, with the sight
■of trees and shrubs. On the edge of it, in the Blaekfriars Road, is
■Christchurch and its churchyard, an enclosure not yet formally open to
the public, but occasionally accessible. This is a space of historic iuterest,
for the ground was once pait of the old Paris Garden, and the manor was
bo named from an owner thereof in the twelfth century. Richard IT. very
sensibly issued an order during his reign, that the butchers of the City,
instead of leaving their garbage to produce unpleasant odours about
London bye-ways, should have it carried across to Paris Garden, where it
might be profitably employed in manuring the land. Afterwards this
garden became a place of recreation, then the church was built, over¬
looking the main road, about 200 years ago. The oldest trees along its
sides are Planes and Poplars ; two of the latter, on the south side, are
remarkably large and densely leafy for London trees. Younger trees are
scattered about of both kinds, the flourishing condition of these indicates
that the subsoil is still moist. For this reason, too, in spite of the dry
season, the Lilacs and sundry evergreens promiscuously set along the
walks, with a flowering Ribes here and there, have not yet the diDginess
of a London summer. The few beds in a grassy space are formed on the
favourite plan of a shrub centre, the outer circle being of Pelargoniums,
Pyrethrums, and Lobelias. Such a winter and spring as that of 1886
tries metropolitan evergreens, but the only kind that seems to have suffered
here is a variety of the Cypress. Aucubas, however, are not benefited by
the Lambeth air, nor are the Bays, but about London these and most
vergreens would fare better if the leaves were now and then well syringed.

The churchyard of St. John’s, Waterloo Road, is a space of about
an acre, and since 1877 a great bocn to a crowded locality, though
mixed in aspect, because some folks who held an interest in old tomb¬
stones objected to tbeir removal. Hence a number of these are stacked
along part of the boundary wall, ethers are arranged on the sides of
the church, where they form the background to rockeries. However,
there is not here followed the practice of another London churchyard,
where I saw rockeries contrived out of bits of smashed-up monuments,
but these surroundings interfere with the garden-like appearance of the
ground, and its rockeries, which might be improved by a judicious assort¬
ment of plants, have at present only feeble-growing Sedges, some Fern9
and Flags, with a few Sedums. Attempts are made to hide some of the
tombs by training over them Ivy and Virginian Creeper, but the latter is
only a covering in the summer. Grassy slopes are in the centre, enclosing
flower beds of small size chiefly filled with Pelargoniums, the borders
along the sides have a variety of shrubs. One large space was totally
occupied by Marigolds exhibiting a mass of bloom, if of a gaudy character.
Amongit the shrubs some fine Lilacs were noticeable, also several Rho¬
dodendrons, though they seldom bloom here ; there have been planted
recently a number of Hazels, and a few Abeles are scattered about. This
is a Bpecies < f Poplar me does not often come across in London, yet it
will flourish a9 well as the commoner black and white species. Of annuals,
only part of those sown generally live. This year Stocks and Nemo-
philas stood as the survivors, and a few Nasturtiums. Of trees this
ground possesses a double line of Planes in proximity to the church,
probably in middle life from their size, and north of it several more of
superior size and age, which doubtless owe their vigour to the freedom
this tree has from the attacks of trunk-piercers of the insect race, so
destructive to town Limes and Elms.

The open space of two acres abutting on Lambeth High Street, though
only a public ground since 1884, already has more of the appearance of a
garden than the one above described, perhaps because it is scant of shrubs
and has no trees. It had some, which have died long since. Indeed, as
the gardener remarked, evergreens and many other species have little
chance, for it is not merely smoke that has to be contended with just
there, but a combination of sulphurous and acid vapours from surround¬
ing factories. He had planted some Poplars and Planes, but had doubts
about the result ; yet, somewhat to his surprise, the half-hardy and
tender plants which had been arranged in the central beds during May
by free watering came into flower and braved the f jul atmosphere well.
Mignonette had been freely sown, and had succeeded. If allowed to
re-sow itself, the plant will pei fume town gardens year after year. The
cockney’s “London Pride’’ and “Sweet William’’ were represented.
Sunflowers were also showing their tall flower-heads, beside straggling
whitish-grey Lilies. My attention was called t> several clumps of
Hypericum oalycioum. These were full ofleaf.butdid not promise for bloom.

To the Metropolitan Public Gardens’ Association the public is indebted
for the conversion cf St. Mary’s Cemetery, Newington (on the edge of
Lambeth) into a pleasant, well-arranged garden, fortunately with purer
air than the last-named ; it has about the same extent. Trees it does
possoss; the oldest are Limes, of which there is a line, planted perhaps
■early in this century, and many young Poplars, with some juvenile
Robinias, which I hope may mike wood, as the species is a favourite.
Elders of various sizes were going out of flower, but had been full of
blcom here as everywhere in 1886, when from some cause this shrub
flowered in unlikely spots amongst London stm ke ; so, too, the Privet,
which exhibited many blossoms in this Newington ground, though they
withered off without forming berries. It is a species that has seldom the
chance of doing its best to attain to size, being principally set f >t hedges,
though I have visited a lane at Old Wandsworth, in Surrey, where there
■are examples tf the Privet that have really almost attained to the dignity
cf trees. Folk used formerly to plant about London churchyards the

“ veeping Villow,” as the cockneys would style it, though it rarely lived
any time. Within this enclosure are some Willows, that testify to its
moisture below ; they belong to the narrow-leaved Salix helix. Amongst
the evergreen shrubs dotted about, varieties of the Holly were conspicuous,
also Thujas and Aucubas making fair progress, but few specimens of the
Bay had their leaves somewhat scant. Of the red-flowered Ribes there
were goodly bushes which must have been planted many years since. It
was curious to see how thickly some patches that had been sown with
grass were now covered with the common Yarrow, which would have
rejoiced a herbalist of the olden time. He might have shared my views
about the Monkshood, which was scattered along one border, and which
folks will introduce in public gardens, objectionable as it is. The Yuccas
had not long been planted, but they were a suitable contrast to some light-
foliaged species around them, and Chrysanthemums were sufficiently
numerous to give a display of flowers when most are going off. Amongst
the gra«s there have been made small beds of quaint devices, chiefly filled
with varieties of the Pelargonium, edged with Lobelia. — J. R. S. C.

REVIEW OF BOOK.

How I Mar. aged and Imp oved my Estate. London : George Bell and
Sons, York Street, Covent Garden, 1886,

In a well printed neatly hound volume of 108 pages a series of papers
is republished that originally appeared in the St. Janies' Gazette , and
which conveys some interesting and useful information upon a highly
important subject. The author, who gives neither name nor nom dc
plume, deals with the subject in eight chapters — 1, Choice of an Estate ;
2, Underwood; 3, Timber; 4, Building and Quarrying; 5, Making
Grounds ; 6, Farming'and Shooting ; 7, F.shponds and Aviaries ; and 8,
A General Concluding Summary. He states in the opening chapter that

“ Some twenty years ago, having obtained the means of satisfying my
longing to return to country life, in which I had been mostly bred, I gave
up my London occupations and looked about for a piece of land which
would suit me ; and, after several journeys into different parts of Sussex,
my favourite county, I found an estate, or rather two contiguous estates,
just after my mind. I gave £14,000 for them ; farmed them and managed
the woodlands almost entirely myself, obtaining during the whole time. I
held the land considerably higher returns than I couid have obtained in
rent ; sold a thousand pounds’ worth of timber ; spent about £5500 on
improving house and land ; and within fifteen years afterwards had parted
with the place, which I had made too grand for my use, for £27,000 : the
whole transaction leaving me £9500 richer than I was before in money, and
richer also in a great deal of pleasant experience and country knowledge,
some of which it may be worth while to note down.”

After describing the estate he proceeds to give some account of the way
in which the improvement was effected that enabled him to dispose of it
so advantageou-ly. A considtrable portion of the outlay was devoted to
the ornamentation of the estate, but attention was devoted to the improve¬
ment of the estate in other directions. For instance, the home farm of
ICO acres was managed under the direction of the bailiff, producing £200
per annum, at the rate of £150 as rent and £50 as interest on the £800 or
£1000 capital required to work it. This arrangement was made with the
bailiff, who it would appear found the terms very satisfactory to himself,
as, says the author, “ After returning me my stipulated minimum of rent
and interest bought the goodwill of a 1 public.’ ” Rearing pheasants was
found to be the lea-t profitable undertaking, as the birds cost £2 each by
the time they were bagged.

In the chapters on Underwoods and Timber some useful instruction
is furnished, as the following extracts from the first named indicate.

“ In Sussex, which is perhaps the most thickly wooded county in
England, it is the custom, as elsewhere, for landed proprietors to keep the
bulk of the woods in their own hands. But tenants of Sussex farms, which
in most cases contain a certain extent of Hop land (usually in the propor¬
tion of about one acre in twelve or fifteen), are commonly allowed to hold a
piece of woodland sufficient to supply th m with Hop-poles. Each acre of
Hops (of 1250 “ hills ” to the acre) requires 3750 poles ; and these in
ordinary farms where boiling in creosote is not practised, have to be
entirely renewed once in four or five years ; the time varying with the more
or less durable nature of the poles, according as they consist of Larch, Oak,
Chestnut, Ash, or Birch : the Sussex woodB commonly consisting mainly of
the four last, Lirch scarcely ever appearing as Hop-poles, except on
especially highly cultivated farms, on account of their greater cost. For
Larch-poles do not grow c op after crop from “ stubs ” as the other kinds
do, but have to be planted on new ground every ten or twelve years. Grow¬
ing Larch poles is sometimes a very profitable thing, a single acre having
been known to bear a crop of twelve years’ growth, worth £120 ; but capital
and long waiting are required for their culture, and for these Sussex faimers
are not famous.

“There can be no fixed proportion on Sussex farms between woocland
and Hops ; for one acre of woodland may grow ten times as many poles as
another, according to its freedom from or embarassment by larger timber,
the number and health of the “ stubs,” and the nature of the wood. Ash
and Chestnut give by far the most abundant cuttings. In one wood I know
there is about half an acre of unmixed ABh which gives more poles than any
five acres of the remainder. .

“The woods had been long neglected. They carried only £4000 worth
of timber upon ground which might have borne ten times as much ; the
underwoods had been cut, crop after crop, at the usual intervals of ten or
twelve years, without any proper supervision to secure that a sufficient
number of fillers’ should bs left for future timber. It is a rule, when
patches of underwood are sold, that the purchaser cuts it down, but leaves
all trees which may have sown themselves since the last cutting standing ;
and, should there not be enough of these seedlings to supply the ga; s in
the large timber, then a healthy shoot from a 1 stub ’ should be left here

282

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September 23, 1886.

and there ; but my woods consisted wholly of more or less ripe timber and
underwood, and there were therefore large planting operations before me.

“ The underwood also had suffered greatly by neglect. Though mostly
standing upon inclines, and therefore easily drained, the old trenches had
not been cl ared for fifty years or more, and could scarcely be traced ; and
much ground which ought to have borne good crops of Ash or Chestnut
had run into Willows, poor Birch, stray Dogwood, and other mar3h-loving

frowth. The roads for carrying cut timber, if ever there had been any, had
isappeared ; so that whenever timber had been felled (and in Sussex it is
the custom to fell the fully ripe trees every time the undergrowth is cut)
the ‘ stubs ’ had been damaged by horses, cart-wheels, and the heavy
trunks which were dragged oyer them at random.

“ Altogether these woods — though as beautiful as could be wished to
look upon (for outside, a wood looks much the same whether it bears £40
or £400 an acre in timber), and though better as pleasure grounds and for
sport than if the planting were perfect — afforded as much room for improve¬
ment as heart could desire ; and I set about it in earnest as soon as I came
into possession. I made timber roads through the larger woods. This is a
simple work, consisting merely in the formation of wide alleys by the
removal of trees and the root3 of the undergrowth.

“ The drainage I found very costly ; for, the ground being uneven, the
open trenches had often to be made very deep. I therefore drained only
the worst spots. Planting could, of course, only be done as spaces of ground
were cleared by the annual cutting of the underwood — that is, on my ground,
at the rate of from ten to twenty acres a year.

“ During my period of possession I planted about 120,000 forest trees.
This sounds like a great undertaking ; but it was really a much less por¬
tentous thing than those may imagine who would infer that, after thirty
years or so, I should have found myself, in return for a commensurate
outlay, the proprietor of that number of well-grown timber-trunks, in
addition to those already standing in my woods.

“ In planting up old underwoods, at least five plants out of ten expire
under the difficulties of their position. When the 1 stubs ’ are wide apart,
the ground is usually choked with rank grass and Briars, which cannot be
kept down, and which stifle all but the strongest young trees before they
are able to strike their roots well and get their heads into the air. When
the growth of underwood is comparatively thick, and there are consequently
no grass or Brambles, the same result is produced by the growth of the
original underwood itself, which in a couple of years overtops and excludes
from the needful air and light all but the most sturdy youngsters.

“ Nor is the expense of planting such a number of trees anything like
what the reformers of our land laws and other persons of exclusively urban
experience might suppose. For planting up underwoods, Larch, Ash, and
Chestnut (Oak, Birch, and Beech are very seldom used) should be about
4 feet high ; and for such plants you pay at the best forest nurseries from
25s. to 30s. a thousand. An active man is able to plant, if I remember
rightly, from seven hundred to a thousand a day.

“ It is of no use to plant underwoods with trees of larger growth than I
have mentioned. They would be more likely to be suffocated than the
smaller ones ; for a year’s addition to the age of a plant renders it much
less able to strike its roots freely. A Larch of 2 feet high, planted in the
open, would probably soon overtake one of 5 or 6 feet, if planted beside it
and at the same time. Of all trees Ash is the most profitable to plant for
underwood, if the soil be rich and not too dry or damp ; for it grows so fast
that it can, in favourable circumstances, be cut over twice, while other kinds
of wood only give one crop. I had a plot of Ash on a piece of rich ground
that gave a crop of poles every five years, which was worth at the rate of
at least £40 an acre. But this was a rarity.

“ Successful planting requires close and intelligent supervision. When
left to an underling, twice as many trees die as when the work is properly
seen to, especially if the work is ‘ piece work ’ — that is, paid for by the
number of trees planted. I found that nothing but my almost constant
attendance on the spot could prevent the planters from doing more than
take out a ‘ spit ’ of earth, stick the tree in one side of the hole, and chuck
the lump of earth back again, settling it with one or two stamps of the
heel. Again, if the matter is left to the ordinary labourer, thousands of
plants, lying ready for planting, may he killed in one night of frost or one
day of dry east wind, by neglect of the precaution of covering them with
loose earth or at least with a sack or two.

“ All planting operations, whether for underwood or large timber, are a
work of considerable time. Underwoods do not begin really to pay until
about twenty-six years after planting — that is to say, at the third cutting.
The first cutting — though this valuable point is commonly omitted — should
he two years after planting, in order to force the young stubs to send up
several shoots instead of one.

“This first cutting is practicable only in a perfectly new plantation, or
where the old underwood is so thin that it may be all cut over again,
together with the new plants, two years after a crop of underwood has been
taken. This, of course, involves a loss of two years’ growth in the next
crop ; but I found by experience that this sacrifice was well worth making,
not only because it allowed of the cutting of the young plants, but still
more on account of the immense advantage they thus obtained from the
admission of light and air, the want of which is so fatal to the new trees
planted among underwood.”

A chatty readable style is adopted, and many amusing anecdotes are
scattered through the pages.

lAJLGr

WORK.fouthe WEEKj!

54

jfpj

KITCHEN GARDEN.

Spring Cabbage. — These are now the most important of young
cr ps. A quantity of these should be grown in every garden, as nothing

will compensate for their absence in spring. They are very often the
only vegetable in the garden in April anl May. The earliest of the
plants were placed out some tim9 ago, but the second-sized ones are now
large, and others should be planted. It is always a good plan to have at
least two plantations of them, and although tne seed may have been
sown at the same time, there is always some difference in the size of the
plants. In fact it will be observed that some of these in the earliest
seed bed are quite small now, and these ought t) be looked after until the
spring, when they should be placed out to succeed those planted now.
We find the slugs and snails very troublesome this season. We have
heard of some young Cabbage plantations being completely spoiled by
them, and many blanks may have to be filled. A dusting of fresh lime
in the morning or evening will destroy a great many pests, and if it is
found that they continue to be destructive, hand-gathering ought to be
resorted to. Dutch-hoe between the first planted Cabbages, and when
they are fairly established draw a little soil up to their stems with the
drag hoe.

Harvesting Onions. — This work may now be completed. Those
of the White Spanish types generally die sooner than such varieties as
James’s Keeping and other strong upright growing sorts, and where any
of these are still fresh and strong in growth they should have their stems
twisted and laid over. It will be found that those of this description
have very thick necks, as the small-necked ones have almost dried up in
the stems, and as the thick ones are bad keepers they should be placed
by themselves for immediate use. When first taken under cover all Onions
should be placed in some cool airy shed until quite dry, and they may
then be stored in an Apple or any other room without emitting any
disagreeable odour. In fact we always keep our Onions on the floor of
our Apple room during the winter, and no harm results from it. Before
putting them in the shed pull the greater part of the stem off, and the
rough loose outer skin can also be cleared from them. Where they are
intended for ropeing the stems should be left a little longer than where
this practice is not carried out. There need be no hurry in doing it, as
this is work which can very well be done on any wet day during October
or November. We never rope our Onions, as they keep equally well
without, and although they may look well hanging in strings, we do not
value this kind of decoration. Autumn Onion seed has germinated
uncommonly well, and the plants are very healthy. Spr.nkle a little
soot or lime amongst them occasionally to prevent the grubs in¬
creasing, and Dutch-hoe amongst them when the surface of the soil is
dry.

Late Potatoes. — These are now well matured and should be lifted
and taken in. Toe disease is more prevalent amongst them than the
early ones, but the crop is a good one. Only dig when the soil is dry, and
it will fall from them when they are cast up on the surface. When dug
on the forenoon of a sunny day they will soon dry and be in good condi¬
tion f r taking under cover in the evening. Place them in an open shed
if possible for a few days, then turn them over, and in doing so remove
any showing signs of disease, but none of the latter should ever be housed
in the first instance. The good ones will keep well in any dark place
where the temperature does not fluctuate very much or rise too high.

Tomatoes. — Plants which fruited under glass early in summer and
until lately have been thrown away. We are now gathering fruit from
the open air, and some late plants in pots will soon be taken into a warm
house to induce them to ripen a crop until far into winter. The open air
plants, which are growing wherever there is a strip of bare wall between
the fruit, are now very useful, as the fruit from them is well developed
and finely flavoured. Do not allow any fresh shoots to form on them, and
cut away some of the largest of the leaves where they are shading the
fruit. (Jive them abundance of liquid manure, and should the weather
become rough and cold place a light over them. If ripe fruits are very
plentiful now bottle them for the winter or convert them into sauce. Do
not allow ripe Iruit to remain on the plants after it is matured, as it
hinders the development of the later fruits which are very important. If
any surplus plants have been standing about in small pots all summer,
transfer them into larger ones now, place them in a genial atmosphere,
and they will produce a useful crop about Christmas. Laxton’s open air
Tomato is the best of all for out of door culture.

Mustard And Cress. — These will not grow feeely in tho open air
after this time, and seed should now be sown in shallow boxes or on the
surface of some bed or border under glass.

FRUIT FORCING.

Peaches and Nectarines. — Trees Ripening the Fruit in July.—
The trees will now be approaching the resting period, and the foliage is
falling. They should be kept somewhat drier at the roots, but if the
lights have been removed, the trees being in a condition to allow of it
being done in August, they should remain off some time longer, in fact
until heavy rains and snow. If the trees are very strong it is not wise
to remove the lights, and if the growth is complete an l the wood not
ripening kindly, form a trench about one-third the height of the treej
from the stem, and detach all roots down to the drainage, leaving the
trench open for ten days or a fortnight, when it may he filled again and
made firm. This will cause the growth to harden, and the sap will be
concentrated on the buds, and help to plump them. Young trees only w.ll
require this, but older trees that have the wood very strong should be
root-pruned and have the roots wholly or partially lifted before the leaves
have all fallen. In the case of weakly trees remove the old soil from
over and amongst the roots, supplying fresh rather strong loam with about
a tenth of crushed bones added, and a twentieth of wood ashes or charred

September 23, 1886. 1

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

283

refuse, making it firm, and following with a good soaking of weak liquid
manure. It will cause the trees to form fresh roots and invigorate them,
also preventing the buds falling.

Trees Ripening the Fruit in August and Early September. — Cut out
the wood that has borne fruit, leaving no more than can be freely exposed
to light and air. Cleanse the foliage of dust and red spider by water
directed with force from a garden engine or syringe, and repeat occasion¬
ally. If there is scale promptly apply an insecticide, also against red
spider and brown aphides, which sometimes attack the younger parts of
the wood in autumn. There must not be any lack of moisture at the
roots, therefore apply water to the inside borders as necessary to keep
them from becoming too dry. Aff >rd abundant ventilation, and if the
wood is not ripening well keep the house rather warm by day, and throw
the ventilators open at nightq but a warm, close, moist atmosphere must
be avoided, as that would be more injurious than otherwise.

Late Trees. — These tre°s will need to have the shoots thinned where
too crowded, and those which have borne fruit should, as soon as the fruit
is gathered, be cut out to a successional shoot at the base. This with free
ventilation and gentle fire heat in dull weather in cold localities, afid with
the growth strong, will assist in ripening the wood, which is of primary
importance as regards next year’s crop. Avoid a too-dry condition of the
borders. The trees must not lack moisture, and yet a rather drier condition
is advisable whilst the fruit is ripening. Some soft netting will be useful
to save any fallen fruit, but it must be looped up in small pockets to
prevent the fruit bruising each other. With an examination of the fruit
every morning by an experienced person, the ripe fruit being removed,
there is no necessity for the netting. The fruit is better gathered
before dead ripe, and kept in a light airy fruit room until required.

Figs. — Early-forced Trees in Pots. — Examine the roots, and as it is
not advisable to increase the pit room, remove a few inches of soil from
the base of the balls, cutting back the roots, and replace, fresh fibrous
loam, about a sixth of old mortar rubbish, and a sprinkling of crushed
bones, good drainage being provided. Remove the loose surface soil also,
and supply the above compost, adding a fourth of well decomposed
manure. Afford a good watering, and place the trees where they can
have plenty of air with shelter from heavy rains and snow. This is only
available for trees that are not in large pots, as those that are in large
pots and have been stood on brick pedestals to prevent their sinking with
the fermenting leaves require different treatment. In their case all the
decayed, indeed every particle of the old Oak or Beech leaves, should be
removed, and remove all the surface dressing from amongst the roots with
a hand fork, shorten the strongest roots, and the drainage being
attended to the trees are placed in position on the loose brick pedestals,
and the soil surface-dressed with the compost named firmly rammed into
the pots. Supply water to settle the soil, and after this keep the house
cool, dry, and well ventilated until the time of starting in November or
early December. This is a preferable plan to repotting annually, as the
trees are less likely to cast their first crop of fruit, and it is not advisable
to disturb trees in 18 or 20-inch pots at the roots more than can be
helped. Trees that are not in as large pots as desired, or when it is
thought advisable to increase the root space, a liberal shift may be given,
the sides of the ball being loosened with a hand fork, and any straggling
roots cut back, also the matted roots in the drainage. Provide good
drainaze, using the same kind of soil for potting as previously advised,
and ram it as hard as the ball, the soil being well moistened before the
potting is proceeded with.

Succession Trees. — Houses in which the trees are ripening off second
crops of fruit must be kept drier as the days become shorter, a little fire
heat being necessary to admit a f ee circulation of air and prevent damp,
Particular attention must be given to the exposure of the wood to the full
influence of sun and air, thin all soft and useless wood, and allow the
points of the shoots to stand well up or out to the glass and light.
Supplies of water must be discontinued for borders that have been
properly mulched and watered up to the middle of this month.

. Lifting Over-luxuriant Fig Trees. — Gross-feeding as Figs are, they are
in rich borders apt to come too strong, and in that case prepare for lifting
them as soon as the leaves have begun turning yellow ; indeed, it should
be attended to as soon as the crop is gathered. Carefully lift the trees,
cut back all long roots, reserving the fibrous only. Good drainage is
necessary. A foot of brickbats with a thin layer of old mortar rubbish over,
and then a couple of feet depth of soil c imposed of good turfy loam, a
sixth of old mortar rubbish, and a similar proportion of road scrapings,
with about a twentieth of crushed bones, forms a suitable and durable
border for Figs. Place the compost together firmly so as to insure a sturdy
shoit-jointed growth. Spread out the tree roots evenly, work in the soil
amongst them and make it firm, placing them in layers as they rise, and
keeping them well up, not covering the topmost more than 2 or 3 inches.
The soil may be moist when used, but it ought not to be wet. Give a
moderate watering, and keep cool and dry. A border of 4 to 6 feet width
is very much better than a wide border, and the pit-like borders filled
with rich soil that becomes a sour mass impervious to air are very unsuit¬
able to Figs. What is wanted is firm sweet calcareous soil that will
admit of the free percolation of water and air through and retain the
manurial elements essential to the production of fine Figs.

Melons. — Latest Plants. — While the fruit are swelling water must be
Riven. Keep the roots active with tepid liquid manure < ccasionally, and
supply ammonia to the atmosphere by damping available surfaces in the
evening. Keep a moderate moisture by syringing in the morning and at
closing time, at which time a light syringing of the foliage may be
practised if the weather be bright. Remove all superfluous growths as
they appear, and admit air early or at 75?, keeping the bottom heat steady

at about 80°. Maintain a night temperature of 65° to 70°, 70° to 75° by
day, and 85° to 90° with sun heat, closing sufficiently early to run up to
95° or more.

A little fire heat so as to insure a circulation of air constantly and
prevent the deposition of moisture on the fruit, and no more water at the
roots than is necessary to prevent flagging, will accelerate the ripening and
do much to improve the flavour. In dung-heated pits and frames no
water will be required, but keep the sides well lined and leave a little air
on at the back at night. Keep the fruit well raised above the surface of
the bed. Any fruit wished to be kept for a time should be cut with a
portion of stem and placed in a dry airy room, or if wanted ripe in a
warm house in the full sun, and they ripen better than in cold frames.

THE FLOWER GARDEN AND PLEASURE GROUND.

Early Frosts. — Already, September 15th, we have had a slight taste
of winter, and although the frost has done no harm, there was enough to
warn us to prepare for more severe weather. If not already done, stock
plants of Alternantheras, Iresines, Coleuses, Heliotropes, Lobelias, Agera-
turns, Tropaeilums, Centaureas, or all that are usually propagated from
cuttings in the spring should be potted up. It is a mistake to lift any
with large balls of soil about the roots, as this is generally of too close or
cold a nature to suit pot plants during the winter. Neither should large
pots be given them, as they will form but few fresh roots before the
spring, at which time they may be given a shift in order to encourage the
production of abundance of soft wood. When first lifted, these old
plants are best stood under frames in a cool position for a few days, or
till recovered somewhat, and must be very carefully watered, or the more
delicate of them will damp off badly. If damaged by frost they are still
more difficult to winter, and all injured parts must be removed whenever
they decay, or it will spread to the sounder portions. In nearly every
case we prefer to prepare stock plants during the summer, as these are
invariably much the most serviceable in the spring. Dahlias should now
be looked over, and the labels attended to, as later on, or alter they are
disfigured by frosts, it is a difficult matter to correctly label them. Seed¬
lings especially ought to be attended to in this respect, as only the best of
these should be preserved. In many instances a little timely attention
saves much subsequent confusion and annoyance.

Summer Chrysanthemums. — With us these are exceptionally fine. For
mixed borders they are simply invaluable, as they flower abundantly
from July till frosts intervene — that is, if planted on fresh or well-
manured ground. La Petite Marie is a little gem, and St. Mary is also
a most useful white sort ; and there are abundance of other good sorts to
choose from, and which may be alluded to at some more seasonable time.
What we have to say no w is that young or spring- struck plants are much
the best. Strong old plants may escape slugs and frosts during the
winter, but unless lifted in the spring and freely divided they will form
too many weakly shoots, which are not the best for long and continuous
flowering. We left all ours out the first winter we had them ; but never
again, as we lost them all, principally by slugs. Already a certain num¬
ber of each sort worth growing next season are carefully potted up, and
after being stood in a cool shady position for a few days were transferred
to the conservatory and greenhouse. Here they are very effective, and
will be till the successional and late sorts are in full bloom. They will
then be cut down and stored closely in a cold frame, and protected from
severe frosts only. In the spring we shall have abundance of good cut¬
tings, which will be struck in boxes and soon transferred to the open
ground.

Shrubby Calceolarias, Violas, and Gazanias. — The two first named are
the most popular, but all are useful, and where many thousands of summer
bedding plants have annually to be put out a good per-centage of Calceo¬
larias and Violas especially ought to be included. They can be wintered
in closer compass and with much less trouble than the majority of bedding
plants, and this with us is a strong recommendation. A good time to put
the cuttings in is either late in September or the first week in October,
later than this there is a risk of the Calceolarias and Gazanias being
injured by frost. We prepare a series of frames for the cuttings, but
where fewer are required one or two frames or a few handlights may
suffice, the preparation and after treatment being the same in every case.
No bottom heat is required, and all that is necessary is to stand the frames
on a well-drained hard bottom, placing inside about 1 foot of semi-rotten
stable manure or leaves, making this firm, and disposing on the top of it
about 6 inches of any light loamy soil, facing this over with 2 inches of
fine sandy soil. In the case of the Calceolarias the preference should be
given to sturdy flowerless shoots, cutting to a joint and trimming off the
lower pair of leaves, and none should be more than 3 inches in length.
They ought to be dibbled in firmly up to the first pair of leaves, and about
3 inches apart each way, as fa9t as they are made, for if allowed to flag
badly they do not quickly recover. After being lightly watered in, the
glass should be put on and the cuttings kept carefully shaded from bright
sunshine. When the nights are mild a little air may be admitted, the aim
being to keep the cuttings fresh and green and to check premature weakly
growth. They strike in about eight weeks, after which they ought to
receive abundance of light and air whenever the weather permits. The
best Viola cuttings are those obtained from the base of the plant and
which have not reached their flowering size ; but the tops ot the old
shoots may also be easily struck and form good plants the following
spring. The former may be pulled off the old plant and require no
trimming, while the tops can be treated similarly to the Calceolaria
cuttings, and in cold frames or under handlights every one of them will
strike. Young shoots of Gazania splendens may be struck as simply as
Calceolarias, and are also very easily protected from frosts.

284

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September 28, 1880.

NOTES ON THE HONEY SEASON.

EXTRACTORS.

Between September 4th and 18th in this part of Scotland
we had heavy rainfalls, high winds, with an almost sunless
sky. One day only during that period the sun shone, and
then for a short space of time only. This has been disastrous
alike to bees, crops of every kind, and threatening a total
destruction in some places to the Potato crop. The other
day of Potatoes sufficient for a family of four, only one was free
from the disease. There has been only one day upon which
the drones flew, the result being that only a few late-bred
queens are fertilised. I have sufficient for my own use, but
some friends must be disappointed. The loss in bees is but
a trifle when compared with the crops lying upon the sodden
soil caused by exceedingly heavy rains.

The honey of this year here in the north is not only
scarcer than that of last year, but is as a rule very much
thinner and inferior in quality, most of it being quite subject
to the extractor. The above report applies to a wide area,
and in many places there is not even a surplus of honey on
account of the low temperature. Where my bees stand at
the Heather we had a fall of snow on May 13th that com¬
pletely buried the sheep, and frost and rain have been seldom
absent since.'

My own harvest of super honey is much below the average,
but in consequence of my nuclei being in good condition to keep
as stocks my harvest of drip honey will be as large as usual,
most of my summer stocks being available for that purpose,
otherwise I should have had to be content with much less
honey. Others who have followed this system of manage¬
ment have also found the nuclei plan a good and profitable
one. There is one difficulty — How are we to dispose of our
surplus bees ? Most bee-keepers of my acquaintance are of
the same opinion as myself, that plenty of bees in a hive now
are as good and better than too many, which would be the
case if we preserved all our surplus bees. I can get rid of
all I have, but I hear from many persons that their surplus
bees are condemned to the brimstone pit. “ What inhuman
treatment!” som8 will say, but our system of management
is in reality the proper one of preserving bees, but they will
by-and-by accumulate, so much so that there will be no
demand for surplus bees, and what is to be done with them ?
If we were to pursue the course of spreading brood, stimu¬
lative feeding, and other questionable manipulations so much
advised at the present time, we should, instead of having
surplus bees to dispose of, be in want of many.

I have said that the honey of this year is thinner than is
usually the case, yielding to the extractor. When such is
the case, and the bee-keeper has nothing but stocks to extract
from and for stock, having no nuclei in reserve, then doubt¬
less it is an advantage to save the combs by its use. I have
always advocated that the merit of everything in connection
with bee husbandry should be proved by actual test or expe¬
riment. Once only at a show have we seen this done. It
was with Abbott’s Little Wonder extractor, from which, after
much puffing and blowing, the honey could not be moved.
Nothing but pressing will extract the best samples of
honey ; but when that cannot be had, it is well to use the
extractor. To ripen thin or unsealed honey by the aid of
heat spoils its flavour, and so does extracting the thinner
and lighter portion to be found on the top. Nevertheless, it
is better to skim it off and give it to the bees than use heat
to volatilise an essential element of honey.

Are honey extractors perfect in their arrangements ? 1
do not think so. Some are made to take one comb and
others four. Some are driven by gear wheels, others by a
simple crank. I prefer the silent movements of the latter,

but with oscillation in both sorts when driven, and without
showing any contrivance to steady or fasten them, and with
the outlet close to the floor, as shown at all exhibitions, I
am sure there is room for improvements in them. I would
therefore suggest that extractors should have the cone-shaped
bottom inverted, having its apex at the bottom. This ar¬
rangement would allow all the honey to flow freely towards
it, which should have a spigot attached. The cylinder
should be supported by three stout legs sufficiently high to
allow a drainer and receiver to stand underneath, and means
so that the whole thing could be fastened to prevent oscil¬
lation. Of course a stout girder of triangle or square shape
must be riveted firm to support the revolving cage, which
I would prefer to take one comb only, but steadied by an
automatic water balance. The above is my idea of what
an extractor should be like.

Lately a cluster of Cyprian queen cells were forwarded
to a gentleman by rail. When lying amongst other parcels
at the railway station they commenced piping briskly, which
greatly surprised the officials, who could not understand the
strange sounds, but concluded it was a musical box playing
foreign airs. — A Lanarkshire Bee-keeper.

HOME MARKETS FOR OUR HONEY.

Some months ago a controversy raged upon the most proper
measures to be taken for promoting the ready sale of honey pro¬
duced by cottagers and the other bee-keepers of this country.
The end was, it will be remembered, that a British Honey Com¬
pany was formed, the chief supporters and, in fact, originators
of this Company being leading members of the British Bee¬
keepers’ Association. The avowed object of the Company was
to facilitate the sale of honey by bringing together the producer
and retailer by means of the wholesale dealer. At the time I
protested against any such method being resorted to, and pointed
out that at the present day a directly opposite policy ought to be
essayed and a serious effort made, not to introduce a third parti¬
cipator in the reduced profits of bee-keeping, but by reducing
the number of hands through which honey had to pass before
reaching the consumer, enable the producer to receive the differ¬
ence saved by knocking off one of the intermediate profits— by, in
fact, bringing together, if not the producer and consumer, at any
rate the producer and retailer without the intervention of any
wholesale dealer, thus saving the profit which must otherwise
be lost to the producer by the intervention of a fourth man.
Protests had, however, at the time but little effect, and the
Company was floated amid the self-laudation of a clique who
were well represented by “George Walker, Wimbledon,” who, in
reply to criticisms, asked those who condemned the enterprise to
wait until sufficient time had elapsed to prove the wisdom or
folly of estab ishing such a Company on a large scale for the
sale not of British honey, but also of foreign bee produce, thus
effectively and for ever keeping down in price our honey, because
on the slightest scarcity of British honey they are at liberty to
go to other markets and purchase what they require.

Now, if this Company had not been formed by professed friends
of the hee-keeper there would be little objection to what would
in that case be a perfectly legitimate commercial enterprise, with
the object of securing a good dividend to the shareholders and.
fees to directors and other officials ; but when we find the Chair¬
man of the B.B.K.A., and Editor of the British Bee Journal , and
others in somewhat prominent positions installed as Directors of
the Company, it is absolutely necessary to criticise so very doubtful
a policy. By their co-operation they give not an implied but an
express sanction to the acts and ways of doing business of such
Company, and authorise the purchase and sale of foreign honey
to the detriment of home bee-keepers. They say that this is not
so, and that the powers taken to trade in foreign honey are only
to be used when English honey is scarce ; but surely this means
that however scarce honey may be in bad seasons, prices will vary
but little from what can be obtained in the best years.

It behoves us all to consider whether in following the advice
of such interested persons we are not acting inimically to the
true interests of bona fide bee-keepers as opposed to the bee¬
keeping shareholder and director At present, indeed, the matter
might have been allowed to lie dormant, but I see in a paper read
by the Rev. J. L. Seager at the second day Conference at the
Colonial and Indian Exhibition on the 4th of August it is written
thus, “ There is one point to which I especially wish to call your
attention, and upon which I much hope we shall have a discussion.
1 refer to the increasing difficulty of selling honey. To a 1 small

September 23, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

285

extent’ the honey companies are doing this. But what we want
to <to is, if possible, to bring the consumer and producer together
without the intervention of the middleman, who practically
absorbs all the profits.” This is surely a most severe criticism
by an eminent bee-keeper and a member of the B B.K.A. on the
policy of the establishment of the Honey Company; and the
concluding sentence is still more pregnant with me ining, for it is
written, “ The cry is constantly making itself heard, * We cannot
sell our honey.’”

There were present at this meeting Messrs. T. W Cowan,
Walker, Hooker, Garratt, Lyon, and others, and Captain Campbell,
Revs. G. Jenyns, and Hon. H. Bligh, and not one of these bee¬
keepers had a single word to say in favour of the Company.
The Company, then, is a failure so far as the attainment of the
object dangled before the eyes of the bee keeping fraternity.
But how can this be ? The cry is, “ We cannot sell our honey.”
Yet every week since the Company was established an advertise¬
ment has appeared in the British Bee Journal something after
this kind: “British Honey Company. — Wanted, honey.” Now,
here is something strange : the Company always wants to pur¬
chase and the producer always wants to sell. This can only be
accounted for in one way, and the c luse is very evident ; in fact,
Mr. Seager in his address virtually gives the reason when he says,
“ the middleman practically absorbs all the profits.” In a few
words, the price offered is so low, and the margin between the
price offered to the producer and received by the middleman
from the retailer is so great, that while a large profit lies in the
hand of the middleman, the producer is left with a miserably
small profit, and the middleman takes away the remainder of
what ought to be the reward of his labour and expenditure. The
necessity for a good dividend and the powers of purchasing
foreign honey have beaten down the price of honey more than
some of us imagine. It is hard that a company floated by the
producer should be worse than useless to its parent.

Bee-keepers must endeavour, if they want to sell their honey
at fair prices, to create a local demand. They must dispose of
all the honey they possib'y can at home, and if the attempt is
honestly made they will succeed far beyond their most sanguine
anticipations; but if the trouble of doing this in any of the
many ways lying open to them is too great, they must be content
to receive what a honey company will give, and see the profits of
bee keeping continually reduced until at last in despair they
forswear bees and bee-keeping as unprofitable, and take up some
more remunerative industry. — Felix.

(To be continued.)

MR. HEWITT AND SIMMINS’ DRY-FEEDING SYSTEM.

In your issue of August 19:b, page 170, “A Hallatnshire Bee-keeper”
— otherwise Mr. John Hewitt — makes the fo'lowing strange statement:
“ Feeding bees on dry sugar alone as a practical thing was my idea, and I
made a big fight for it in the British Bee Journal, and no one tried to
‘ sit’ on the idea more than Messrs. Abbott and Simmins, and yet within
six months the latter claimed all the credit, and said he had been working
at the problem for years, though his published letter, not six months
before, entirely repudiated the theory. In fact, it was entirely owing to
his scouting the idea of bee3 being able to consume dry sugar that I came
out in its defence, and told what I knew. But Mr. Simmins began to
make a trade of it, and advertise his ‘dry sugar feeders,’ and when I wrote
to the “ B. B. J.” pointing out his inconsistency, I was quietly dropped,
and he was allowed to figure as the man.”

To say the least, the claim put foith by Mr. Hewitt is peculiar and
contradictory, and there will be no difficulty in showing that not only
is he entirely in the wrong, but that he has not even introduced a prac¬
tical idea in regard to feeding bees. Your readers, like myself, will be
surprised to hear that Mr. H. can lay claim to having originated the
present system of feeding dry sugar to bees, which embodies the prin¬
ciple of giving uncooked sugar in specially prepared feeders, and which
alone are adapted to the purpose.

My own system was introduced as the result of practice, and is
suitable only for stimulation and storing during such times as it is
desirable so to do. I wish it to be distinctly understood that I have on
no occasion advised my plan for winter feeding, neither do I recom¬
mend feeding in winter in any way, believing it, as proved by my own
experience, always possible to store bees properly before the season
arrives. Yet, it so happens that all Mr. Hewitt can lay claim to is that
in the autumn of 1883 he advanced the long since exploded theory that
bees could exist during winter upon dry combs devoid of liquid stores,
and one or more dry slabs of candy, he considering that the whole of the
8t >res could be extracted and sent to market, while the bees would thrive
until spring upon about 6 lbs. of candy made drier than is usual.

Mr. Hewitt knows as well as I can tell him, that it was not until after
his theory had been advanced that I made any mention of the subject,
and my letter will be found in the “ B. B. J.,” vol. xi., page 195, wherein
I show that not only would the process lead to disaster, but that it would
be simply impossible to get the combs entirely free from honey eo late as
September 20 h, and moreover the act of exposing the pollen, in addition
o the wet combs and frame of candy, would cause unseasonable breeding

and activity, the very thing which Mr. Hewitt hoped would not be the
case. If mild for a week or two after inserting the candy, which often is
the case at the date named, the same would be stored as syrup, or at least
the balance would be, after the requirements of the extended brood nest
had been attended to, and Borne other consumed in building new combs in
the candy frame, as well as the wide space given the bees to cluster in,
and who does not know at wbat expense of vital energy comb-building is
carried on late in the year ? Mr. Hewitt, doubtless, knew afterwards to
his own cott.

In fact, it was due to the hint given by some who had begun to try it
that Mr. H. then advised the inseition of candy at a later date, finding
his first legs fast failing him. How the starving process he then recom¬
mended, and the addition of candy at a later period succeeded, is best
shown by his own silence the following spring. Mr. Hewitt was so satis¬
fied that the whole thing would succeed, and that he had given a new
plan of wintering, that he was going to hang the whole of his stocks upon
this candy peg. No doubt there were many who hoped to hear from the
author of this new theory after his bees were wintered (?), but that the
result was not published no practical bee-keeper was surprised. There
was nothing new in giving candy in frames, as the same thing had been
done for years before Mr. Hewitt mentioned it, and if he has now settled
down to the knowledge that candy can only be relied upon in winter when
given as an addition to liquid stores, then his own good sense ought to
tell him that he has no claim either to a new method of wintering or a
new way of using candy.

In one instance I notice that Mr. H. does mention that he could con¬
ceive no better way of feeding bees from spring till autumn than by in¬
serting frames of candy, but it may interest him to koow that long before I
knew his name I had been remarkably successful with candy poured into
frames for stimulative feeding, but this— called by its right name “candy
feeding” — has been entirely superseded in my own apiaries by my pre¬
sent plan of dry feeding with the enamelled sheet to induce the necessary
moisture.

The strange part of it is how Mr. Hewitt could have mixed this wintering
theory and all the troublesome candy making with the system which I have
made public after the problem had been reduced to practice, a process,
too, which I recommend only to be used during the months of activity,
and by which there is no cooking or other preparation needed. Mr.
Hewitt is fully aware that I have not advertised my feeders for sale, and
that he should say that I have done so cannot be wondered at, consider¬
ing the heedless expressions of which he seems to be capable. Had he been
only as consistent and honourable as it appears he would wish others to
be, there would now be no need for me to remind him of his own posi¬
tion in relation to the theory presented by him.

Mr. Hewitt’s statements with regard to wintering on candy alone
will be found in “ B. B. J.,” vol. xi., pages 119 and 155, and though he
may feel disappointed that the theory did not meet with general appro¬
bation, he may rest assured that the bee-keeping public would willingly
give him his due if only he could show that he had introduced something
worthy of their notice. At the same time I would ask him in a friendly
spirit to abstain from attacking others in the manner that he does, and,
above all, before doing so to be certain that he has truth and justice
on his side. — S. Simmins.

THE CANADIAN EXHIBIT.

The exhibit of honey from Canada, which is now on view at the
Colonial Exhibition, will be likely to cause alarm to timid bee-keepers
who already are dissatisfied, and not without reason, at the small price
oSered for honey, even though the honey harvest of this year has been
much below the average. It is no u*e trying to shut our eyes to the fact
that the sale of this 40 tons of honey will sensibly affect the price of
English honey. Still we venture to think that the ultimate result will bs
to the advantage of English bee-keepers, and for much the same reasons
as the late exhibition of the B.BKA. has done good in bringing before
the public mind the great advantages of honey as food, and the capa¬
bilities of our own country for supplying a large amount of honey. At
present honey has a very limited sale, and until we can educate the public
mind to the fact that it is a necessary food, and not merely a luxury to be
indulged in by the few, so long will there be a difficulty in securing
h ney even at the low price offered by the honey companies and the
dealers.

To take a parallel case, we can well remember tasting our first Tomato
nearly thirty years ago, and thinking how unpleasant it was. For many
years after this there was little or no demand for this fruit, but within the
last few years the demand for Tomatoes has enormously increased, and it
is said to be a better paying crop than Grapes, and as far as we are con¬
cerned we never pass by this fruit, especially in the form of salad.

It would be difficult to point out the reasons for this change, but the
fact remains that the consumption of Tomatoes is steadily increasing.
So with regard to honey, if the public will take it into their heads to use
honey in larger quantities than they have done, there will be no
difficulty in finding out the real value of honey.

The public press is a very good indicator of public opinion. Though the
B.B.K.A. have held several shows in London during the last twelve years,
very slight notice was taken of these shows, for bee-keeping was looked
upon more as a hobby than an industry. But with regard to the last
Show, the Press quickly recognised the fact that there was something in
bee-keeping, and all the leading papers had editorials on the subject,
pointing out the great strides that had been made during the last few
' years.

286

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September 23, 1886.

At present the supply far exceeds the demand, and, except for sections,
there is not much business done in honey, as last year's stocks have not
been exhausted. The Canadian exhibit will help to educate the public
mind, and when once the demand is established there will be no difficulty
as regards the supply either from home or abroad.

This naturally brings us face to face with the question, Can we com¬
pete with Colonial or foreign bee-keepers 1 In the Pall Mall Gazette ,
September 17th, there is an account of bee-keeping in Ontario by Mr.
Jones, one of the deputation from the Oatario Bee-keepers’ Association.
He estimates the average honey harvest at £100,000, and the average
yield of honey from a hive at 30 lbs., though cases have been known
where 100 to 600 lbs. have been obtained from one hive in a single
season. This, of course, is an enormous yield, and we have never known
a hive in Great Britain that could touch this limit, though Mr. Cowan
averages 100 lbs. from his fourteen hives, and we met a bee-keeper in
Wales this summer who bad taken 200 lbs. from one hive, and still had
the Heather honey harvest to increase this yield.

The price of honey in the comb at O itario is Is. a pound, while
extracted fetches 8d. Taking into account the cost of carriage, commis¬
sion, &c., these prices are too high for the English market. Last year
the wholesale price of good 1 lb. section honey varied from 6d. to 8 1.,
and extracted from 4d. to 6d. per lb. This year prices have slightly
stiffened, as the harvest has been deficient, but a large bee-keeper offered
to supply sections at 6s. per dozen, and said that he could at that price
secure a very good profit for himself. Everyone knows that the question
of carriage is the burning question of the day, as far as farm produce is
concerned. Foreign fruit is underselling our home fruit, because the
railways give greater facilities for conveying fruit from the continent,
and charge less for the freight than they do for fruit from the Kentish
orchards, with the result that the farmers are allowing their Plums to
decay on the trees, as it does not pay to send them to Covent Garden.
If the Canadian bee-keepers can get their honey delivered in London at
less cost than we can get honey delivered, say from Lancashire, it will be
a bad look-out for the British bee-keeper ; but though they may be able
to undersell us as far as extracted honey is concerned, it will be a more
difficult task to drive our section honey out of the market. — A Surrey-
shiee Bee-keeper.

TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

J. Broadhead & Sons, Leeds. — Illustrated Catalogue of Brushes.

Hooper & Co., Covent Garden. — Bulb Catalogue for 1886.

James Cocker & Sons, Sunny Park, Aberdeen. — Catalogue of Bulbs.

H. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, Kent. — Catalogue of Winter -flowering Plants
and Bulbs.

P. J. Kane, Kells, Meath. — Ama'eurs’ Annual List of Bulbs.

Wood & Son, Wood Green, London, N. — List of Horticultural Specialities.
William Rumsey, Waltham Cross, N. — Catalogue of Boses, Trees, and
Shrubs.

All correspondence should be directed either to “The Editor”
or to “The Publisher.” Letters addressed to Dr. Hogg or
members of the staff often remain unopened unavoidably. We
request that no one will write privately to any of our correspon¬
dents, as doing so subjects them to unjustifiable trouble and
expense.

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions relat¬
ing to Gardening and those on Bee subjects, and should never
send more than two or three questions at once. All articles in¬
tended for insertion should be written on one side of the paper
only. We cannot reply to questions through the post, and we
do not undertake to return rejected communications.

Old Dahlia (IF. B. Hartland). — We have noted the Dahlia in another
column, and we are obliged to you for the return so promptly sent.

Bedding Plants ( A . L.). — The Lobelia to which you ref r is probably
Snowball, and the Alternanthera is either A. versicolor, which is very dark
in colour, or A. latifolia, which also has large leaves, but of a much lighter
shade.

Gardener Leaving ( Kittie ). — The best time for the gardener to leave
with the chance of obtaining another place would be in March, and notice
could be given expiring in that month. You will probably have no diffi¬
culty in securing the services of such a man as you seem to require for £60
or £70 per year.

Growing Pines (Ferndale). — An ordinary Cucumber frame is of no use
for growing Pines. You will require a structure with at least two compart¬
ments, one for succession, and the other for fruiting plants, also a close pit
for suckers. Without these conveniences and some practical knowledge
Pines cannot be grown satisfactorily.

Pear Congress ( E. F.). — We are not aware that the report to which you
refer has been published.

Muscat of Alexandria Grapes Decayed (J. B.). — The berries are partly
decayed round the base of the stalk, in consequence of the house being
kept too close and moist. It is a very common occurrence this season, also
“ spotting,” which arises from the same cause. The Grapes sometimes
crack next the footstalk, and that arises from the Grapes being grown in
too dry an atmosphere, and afterwards or when ripening keeping them too
moist. The only remedy is to maintain a drier atmosphere, keeping a little
warmth in the pipes so as to admit of a free circulation of air in the day¬
time, and sufficient at night to prevent the deposition of moisture on the
berries. The inside border should also be covered with some dry straw or
fern so as to prevent moisture rising.

Muscat of Alexandria Grapes Shrivelling (A. B. C.). — The cause of the
berries shrivelling is a deficiency of moisture until they were sufficiently
advanced in ripening, with probably a deficiency of heat and of light to
insure their thorough maturity. The check consequent on the breakdown
of the heating apparatus a month ago is sufficient to account for the
shrivelled condition of the berries, as they were imperfectly swelled and
ripened. Nothing will now restore them to freshness, but we presume the
shrivelling is confined to the small berries, the larger ones terns' plump.
Make sure that there is no deficiency of moisture in the border. If fairly
moist it is sufficient ; if dry afford a supply, covering with dry mater.al so as
to prevent evaporation.

Wintering Fan Palm (Gardener). — If it be Chamrerops Fortunei it
may be wintered safely in an outhouse or stable stall if it only have a fair
amount of light, and the roots are protected with hay or straw, only giving
sufficient water to keep the soil moist. Should it be a Latania it would not
winter safely in such position ; but the other is nearly hardy, and would
succeed outdoors in sheltered positions, but it ought not to be put out at
this time of year. Keep it until next spring in the outhouse, and then give
it a trial.

Planting a Slope (Merchant). — The material forming the slope being
stiff clay it will not answer to make large holes in it for planting the shrubs,
as they will only become receptacles for holding water ; or if the soil is so
porous as to allow the water to escape there will only be the good soil in the
holes for the shrubs to grow in, and they will languish in a year or two
after planting. We have tried the plan and found it fail. The best plan
would be to mix some ashes with the clay to the depth of a foot, which will
improve its texture, and then cover the whole of the slope with a foot or
18 inches depth of good soil. Common Laurels pegged down might be the
most suitable. Rhododendrons would not suit the position, and it is
doubtful if the soil would be adapted for them.

Rods of Vines (Idem). — You ought to cut away the rods of the old
Vines as soon as the leaves have fallen, and the young canes maybe trained
in their place. It is not wise to treat the Vines on the annual rod system.
We should cut the present canes back to a third the length of the rafter,
and depress their upper part before the eyes start, so as to cause the lower
buds to break, and when they have done so the cane may be secured in
position. Train up a shoot from the upper part in continuation of the rod
to the top of the house, and this may be treated similarly to that of the
previous year. Iu this way you will have a new rod in three years, the
fruit will be borne on spurs after the first year, and they can hardly fail to
fruit satisfactorily for some time, only do not keep them too closely pinched,
and do not prune closely'. The long rod system is not suitable for general
practice, but a modification of the rod-and-spur system is moBt advisable as
securing the best results. The system advised by “ Experientia docet”
seems most suitable to your case, as you get no fruit, therefore allow more
growth.

Fruiting of the Loquat — Culture of Anonas (Lord Ashbrooh). — The
Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) produces its flowers and fruit from the points
or terminal buds of the shoots, and to get these stout and well matured is
the chief point in its cultivation. It requires plenty of light. The Anona
requires a stove or tropical temperature, 60° to 65° in winter, with 10° to 15°
rise from sun heat, 70° to 75* in summer by artificial means, and a day
temperature of 80s to 90°, or 95°. The Anona attains to the dimensions of
a tree 20 or more feet in height, and will require to be grown in a tub, or
preferably planted out in a border. This, however, need not be done until
the plant is too large for the pot, when it may be placed in a tub or planted
out in a well-drained border, having 2 feet depth of turfy loam, with a sixth
of old mortar rubbish and a twelfth of charcoal. The plant may be
allowed to grow untii it forms a good stem of say 6 feet, when it may be
stopped so as to form a head, and afterwards will not require any pruning,
only in removing irregularities, so as to form a compact head.

Cape Gooseberry Treatment ( W. S.). — Physalis edulis or Cape Goose¬
berry is a half-hardy or greenhouse perennial, and requires to be grown in
a greenhouse, or will succeed in a frame, or even outdoors in summer. We
should shift the plants into 6-inch pots now, using good loam, with a fifth
of well-decayed manure and a sixth of sharp sand well incorporated, and
draining efficiently. Pot moderately firm, but not very hard, and supply
water carefully until the plants ai’e establish'd, when freer watering is
necessary, none being given until the soil becomes dry, but before the
foliage flags, and then afford a thorough supply sufficient to show at the
drainage. Keep the plants in the 6-inch pots during the winter in a light
position, and afford the requisite support to the growth with stakes, or the
growths may be trained to a trellis. The fruit is used for confections, some
persons being very fond of the sweet acidulous flavour. It is of easy culture,
and readily raised from seed. The plants may be shifted into larger pots
in spring.

Renovating a Lawn (Tennis Player). — As the lawn is used for tennis it
is difficult to know when to sow the grass seeds, but now is perhaps
the best time, as when the seeds are sown in spring the ground is used
so soon after sowing that the grasses have scarcely time to become estab¬
lished, therefore sowing is best performed during moist weather in Sep¬
tember. As you have, however, a quantity of other weeds to grub up, and
as these ought to be cleared off before sowing, it may in your case be advis-

Sep emcer S3, 1386 ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

287

able to defer sowing until spring, malting the most of the autumn for
eradicating the weeds. In February, or as soon after as the weather permit,
apply a dressing of well-decayed manure, spreading it evenly, and letting it
remain until the close of March, then with an iron rake scratch the ground
well forwards and backwards, which will assist in getting in the manure
and form an open surface. Early in April remove the loose portions of
the manure by raking it evenly, and any stones should at the same time
he removed.. This will form a good tilth for the grass seeds, which may be
sown early in April, with an early prospect of rain, and on a fine or calm
day. The proper kinds to sow are Festuca duriuscula, 4 lbs. ; Festuca
ovina tenuifolia, 2 lbs. ; Cynosurus cristatus, 8 lbs. ; Poa nemoralis semper-
virens, 2 lbs. ; and Poa trivialis, 1 lb., a renovating mixture of the choicest
grasses for one acre. If the lawn is not used for tennis then add 6 lbs.
Trifolium repens, and 2 lbs. Trifolium minus. This is a capital addition, the
whole for a very bare lawn not being too much ; but if there is a good growth
of grass already the quantities may be reduced one-half, and if used for
tennis the Trifoliums must be very sparingly used, as they keep long damp
towards the end of the season. Rake lightly over after sowing, roll it
firmly, and spare the lawn as much as practicable early in the season, so as
to give the grasses a chance of becoming established.

Orchids Spotted (Pat). — The spot of which you complain is often
brought about by the soil at the roots of the plants having become sour.
It is also due to too much water at the roots of the plants and in the
atmosphere. Nothing will cause the plants to become spotted sooner than
a close saturated atmosphere. The temperature appears to have been high
enough. A low temperature when the house is too moist would very soon
bring about this state of things. We advise you to keep a drier atmosphere,
and the plants slightly drier at their roots, also provide a circulation of air
daily when the weather is genial; at the same time you must avoid cold
draughts, for they are detrimental. If the soil is not sour at the roots and
you follow the directions given the plants may be grown out of the spot
another year. If the soil is sour repot the plants at once, remove carefully
the old material and wash the roots in tepid water, and then place them
amongst fresh soil. Water must be applied with great care after potting
until they commence growing and rooting in spring. When the air in the
house holds the greatest possible amount of aqueous vapour in suspension,
or, in other words, when it is fully charged with moisture, the two ther¬
mometers on the hygrometer will stand at the same level; but as the
amount of moisture decreases the wet bulb thermometer will sink, and the
greater the dryness of the atmosphere the greater will be the difference
between the two thermometers. During the day, if the dry-bulb ther¬
mometer stands at say 7C°, the wet-bulb thermometer Bhould he about 69°,
and at night if the dry thermometer registers 70° the wet one should be
about 66°. These figures are given as examples, but they will be found to
vary considerably with the different changes of temperature and seasons.
By means of a set of tables published by “ Glaisher ” in pamphlet form you
can find the ratio of the weight of vapour which the air actually contains,
to that which it would contain if it were completely saturated. We advise
you to procure Mr. Castle’s book on Orchids, published at this office, price Is.,
post free Is. 2Jd., which will give you further useful information, not only on
the subject of hygrometry, but on the history and culture of Orchids
generally.

Renovating Fruit Trees ( Young Gardener). — A start should be made at
once, and all puny growths that have been made during the season cut clean
out of the trees. Reserve the best and strongest. These should have been
shortened back to within 4 inches of the main stems at midsummer, or soon
after, and then all sub-growths broken out at this season of the year. No
time must be lost in clearing out superfluous shoots, and shortening others
so that light and air can penetrate to the fruit spurs, which are now pro¬
bably hidden from light by a crowded mass of growths. If pruning has
been done as you describe they cannot well be in any other condition, un¬
less the trees are very thin, and even then the necessary light and air will
not reach those portions of the tree from which the fruit another year is ex¬
pected. These growths only serve to rob the trees of their fertility and
give endless labour during the winter in pruning. About the end of
October, before the leaves fall, you may finally prune the trees. Then, or
as soon as their fruit has been gathered, commence to root-prune them. If
this has never been done since the trees were planted you must exercise
great care and caution in the operation. Under BUch circumstances cut a
trench a good distance from the stem all round the trees, and then work the
soil back until you come to the roots. Shorten the strong ones sufficiently
to check the trees, which will cause them to form fruit buds in abundance
next season. If the trees have not been lifted for a good time we advise
you not to approach too near the stem, but leave a good ball of soil undis¬
turbed. Trees lifted or severely root-pruned would require two or three
years to recover sufficiently to bear any but poor small fruits. If the soil
is poor procure some good fibry loam, and add about one 6-inch potful of
half-inch bones to each barrowful of soil, one-seventh of decayed manure
might also be added. Three or four barrowfuls or more of this may with
advantage be placed about the roots of the trees. When you have completed
this mulch the surface with manure, which can be forked into the ground

in spring if appearance is an object, or allow it to remain on the surface

during the Bummer. This would be best if you could do so. By lifting

early while the trees have their leaves upon them they make a few fresh

roots before winter, and start into growth with greater freedom the follow¬
ing spring. After the trees have been once lifted they may as they become
too luxuriant be more severely dealt with. They will have made a quantity
of fibres, and the cutting away of a good quantity of roots will not cause
such a great check as would be the case if you did this at first after being
undisturbed for many years.

Names of Fruits. — The names and addresses of senders of fruit to be named
must in all cases be enclosed with the specimens, whether letters referring
to the fruit are sent by post or not. The names are not necessarily required
for publication, initials sufficing for that. Only six specimens can be
named at once, and surplus fruits beyond that number cannot be preserved.
(Nemo). — 1, Doyenne Boussoch ; 2, Peche ; 3, Bishop’s Thumb. (W. W-). —
Plums cannot be named correctly unless a portion of the young wood and
the stalks accompany the fruit. 1 is Cox’s Emperor ; the other two we
cannot name without these requirements, (T. Stephens). — 1, Springrove

Ccdlin ; 2, Sussex Peach ; 3, Not known — worthless ; 4, Beurrb Caprau-
mont ; 5 and 6, Not known. (W. F. C.). — Denbigh Plum. (3. E. R.).—
Dunmore Plum. (Pomona). — 1, Pigeon; 2, Hawthornden ; 3, Warner’s
King ; 5, Small’s Admirable ; 4 and 6, Not known.

Names of Plants. — We only undertake to name species of plants, not
varieties that have originated from seed and termed florists’ flowers.
Flowering specimens are necessary of flowering plants, and Fern frond3
should bear spores. Specimens should arrive in a fresh state in firm
boxes. Slightly damp moss or soft green leaves form the best packing, dry
cotton wool the worst. Not more than six specimens can be named at once.
(Amesbury). — Crataegus coccinea. (J. F., Collumpton). — The yellow flower
is Lysimachia vulgaris. The other is Euonymus microphylla. (W. 3.). —
I, Erythrina Crista-galli ; 2, Taurus Camphora, the Camphor Tree, and not
the “ Victory Laurel,” which is Ruscus racemosus.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— September 22nd.

Trade quiet, with no alteration. Supplies heavy.

FRUIT,
d. s. d.

Apples . b sieve 1 6 to 4 0

Cherries . 4 sieve 0 0 0 0

C urrants, Black . . 4 sieve 0 0 0 0

„ Red .. J sieve 0 0 0 0

Figs . dozen 0 6 0 9

Grapes . lb. 0 6 SO

Lemons . ..case 10 0 15 0

s. d. s. d.

Melon . each I 0 to 2 0

Oranges •• •« .. 100 6 0 12 0

Peaohes . perdoz. 2 0 4 0

Pine Apples English., lb. 2 0 4 0

Plums . J sieve 10 2 0

9t. Michael Pines ..each 4 0 6 0

Strawberries.. .. per lb. 0 0 0 0

VEGETABLES.

8.

d.

8.

d

Artichokes

.. dozen

1

0 to 0

0

Asparagus

.. bundle

0

0

0

0

Beans, Kidney

per bushel

3

0

3

0

Beet, Red

.. dozen

1

0

2

0

Broccoli ..

0

0

0

0

Brussels Sprouts

. . f sieve

0

0

0

0

Cabbage ..

1

6

0

0

Capsicums

, .

100

1

6

2

0

Carrots ..

0

4

0

0

Cauliflowers

.. dozen

3

0

4

0

Celery

1

6

2

0

Coleworts

doz. bunches

2

0

4

0

Cucumbers

. . each

0

8

0

4

Endive ..

1

0

2

0

Herb3 , .

0

2

0

0

Leeks

0

8

0

4

s. d. s. d

Lettuce . dozen 1 0 to 1 6

Mushrooms .. ..punnet 0 6 10

Mustard and Cress punnet 0 2 0 0

Onions •• , . bunch 0 3 0 0

Parsley .. dozen bunches 3 0 SO

Parsnips . dozen 10 2 0

Potatoes . cwt. 4 0 6 0

,, Kidney .. cwt. 4 9 6 0

Rhubarb . bundle 0 3 0 6

Salsafy •• •• •• bundle 10 10

Scorzonera .. .. bundle 16 0 0

Soakale .. .. per basket 0 0 0 0

Shallots . Ib.OS 0 6

Spinach .. .. .. bushel 8 0 4 4

Tomatoes .. .. •• lb. 0 2 0 6

Turnips .. .. .. bunch 0 4 0 0

PLANTS IN POTS.

Aralia Sieboldi .. dozen
Arbor vitae (golden) dozen
,, (common) dozen
Arum Lilies . . . . dozen

Bedding Plants, var. doz.
Begonias .. .. dozen

Calceolaria . . per dozen
Cineraria .. .. dozen

Cockscombs per dozen
Crassula . . per dozen

Cyperus . dozen

Dr acre u a terminalis, dozen
„ viridis .. dozen
Erica, various . . dozen
Euonymus, in var. dozen
Evergreens, in var. dozen
Ferns, in variety .. dozen

8.

d.

8.

Q.

8.

d.

9

0 to 18

0

Ficus elastica . . each

i

6

0

0

0

0

Fuchsia . . per dozen

2

6

6

0

12

0

Foliage Plants, var. each

2

0

0

0

0

0

Heliotrope . . per dozen

4

9

0

0

0

0

Hydrangea .. per dozen

6

0

4

0

9

0

Ivy Geraniums per dozen

0

0

3

0

6

0 ;

Lilium auratum per doz. 12

0

0

0

0

ft

„ lancifolium per doz.

9

0

8

0

4

0

„ longiflorum per doz

0

0

0

0

0

0

Lobelias . . . . per dozen

0

0

4

0

12

0

Marguerite Daisy dozen

6

0

so

0

60

0

Mignonette .. per dozen

3

0

12

0

24

0

Musk .. .. per dozen

0

0

0

0

0

0

Myrtles . dozen

6

0

6

0

18

0

Palms, in var. . . each

2

6

6

0

24

0

Pelargoniums, Bcarlet, doz.

8

0

4

0

18

0

Pelargoniums per dozen

6

0

CUT

FLOWERS.

s. d.
7 0
6 0
10 0
6 0
13 0
0 0
80 •
18 0
0 0
0 0
9 0
6 0
0 0
12 0
21 0
6 0
9 0

Abntilons .. 12 bunches
Ageratum . . 12 bunche3
Arum Lilies .. 12 blooms

Asters . . . . 12 bunches

Bouvardias .. per bunch
Camellias . . 12 blooms

Carnations . . 12 blooms

„ .. 12 bunches

Chrysanthemums 12 bches.

„ 12 blooms

Coreopsis •• 12 bunches
Cornflower .. ISbuDohes
Dahlias •• 12 bunches
Epiphyllum .. doz. blooms
Eucharis •• per dozen

Gardenias •• 12 blooms

Gladioli . . 12 bunches

Hyacinths. Roman,12 sprays

Iris . 12 bunches

Lapageria, white, 12 blooms
Lapngeria, red . . 12 blooms
Lavender dozen bunches

Lilium candidum 12 blms.
„ longiflorum, 12 blms.

s.

d.

6.

a.

s.

d.

8.

a.

2

0 to 4

0

Lily of the Valley, 12 sprays

0

0

to 0

0

2

0

3

0

Marguerites ..

12 bunohes

2

0

6

0

4

0

6

0

Mignonette ..

12 bunches

1

0

3

0

0

3

0

6

Myosotis

12 bunches

1

6

s

0

0

6

1

0

Pelargoniums, per 12 trusses

0

9

1

0

6

0

9

0

„ scarle

, 12 trusses

0

s

0

«

1

0

8

0

Roses

12 bunches

2

0

9

0

S

0

6

0

„ (indoor),

per dozen

0

6

2

0

s

0

6

0

., Tea.. ..

0

9

1

0

1

0

3

0

„ red

.. dozen

0

8

1

0

2

0

4

0

„ Moss

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

1

6

3

0

Primroses, Yellow, dozen

2

0

4

0

bunches

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Pyrethrum . .

12 bunches

8

0

6

0

2

0

4

0

Spireea . . . .

12 sprays

9

0

0

0

2

0

4

0

Stephanotis ..

12 sprays

2

0

4

0

6

0

9

0

Stocks, various

12 hunches

3

0

5

0

0

0

0

0

Sunflowers

0

6

i

0

0

0

0

0

Sweet Peas ..

12 bunches

g

0

4

0

2

0

4

0

Sweet Sultan

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

1

0

2

0

Tropasolum ..

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

4

0

5

0

Tuberoses

12 blooms

0

4

1

0

0

0

0

0

Violets . . . .

12 bunches

1

0

0

0

3

0

6

0

„ Czar, Fr.

. . bunch

0

0

0

0

AFTEE HAEYEST.

While giving due attention to the timely and careful
preparation of seed beds for winter corn, let us not forget to

288

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

t Sep' ember JS, 1888.

do our utmost to break up all the corn land having no layers,
to stir it well with horse hoes, cultivators and harrows after
the ploughing, to burn couch grass and other noxious weeds,
and then to throw the soil into ridges with ploughs for the
winter. If only this could be done before heavy rain falls we
should have the land in the best order for the winter,
and we should also be able to make splendid seed
beds next spring, for the ridges are so fully exposed to the
action of frost, rain, and wind, that in spring the soil crumbles
before the cultivator like ashes. Do not mind what is said
about the loss of nitrates from bare soil by the drains in
winter. We want, and must have, clean soil always; we
cannot afford to have weeds among our crops, for that
involves a loss that is really serious. If wo would have
crops asfull and abundant as possible there must be no weeds
to steal fertility from the soil ; strenuous efforts to destroy
them now will be repaid by better results among our crops
next autumn.

The mention of results reminds us that we are able t°
record a decided improvement in the quantity of our field
crops this year, but we are not satisfied — far from it.
Knowing as we do that it is possible to grow 80 bushels of
Oats on an acre of land, we cannot and shall not rest satisfied
with anything short of that. Our Winter Oats gave us a
yield of 60 bushels an acre, weighing 2640 lbs., or 240 lbs.
above the general average, and we have reason to hope that
our Black Tartarian Oats will reach or closely approach our
standard yield of 80 bushels. Ten quarters of corn per acre
at £1 per quarter, with the straw to boot, is a paying crop ;
so too is a crop of Wheat, if only we can touch the possible
yield of 6 quarters an acre, which at the lowest current rate
means £9 an acre for grain only, and the straw is worth at
least £2 more. If we concede the possibility of obtaining
such crops, as we assuredly do, what is to be said about the
low general average of the Wheat crop in this country ?
Loud is the outcry, bitter the complaints about foreign com¬
petition, yet if only such competition compels us to effect
such improvements in practice as shall lead to results similar
to those we point to, it will be a blessing rather than a curse
to us. There can be no doubt that the low average of the
corn crops in this country is owing to careless slovenly
practice, combined with ignorance, inferior seed frequently
foul with Charlock and other weed seed, soil foul, wet, and
poor, late sowing, and similar practice all round, all tend to
seriously affect both the quality and quantity of the corn
yield. When the depression came, what was the remedy
which farmers were invited to adopt ? In some few instances
improvements in cultivation were recommended, but generally
fruit farming, dairy farming, poultry rearing, and the culti¬
vation of sugar Beet, were the substitutes for corn-growing,
which we were invited to adopt, and now we have an attempt
at the cultivation of Flax and Tobacco. We know of one
attempt at the manufacture of Beet sugar in East Anglia
which resulted in a loss which we have heard estimated at
£100,000. The factory buildings still exist, but they are silent
and empty, and we have no doubt that the late sugar com¬
pany would gladly hand them over to the Flax and Tobacco
men.

We have repeatedly shown that fruit farming was a rash
speculation, especially for tenant farmers. This year it has
failed to answer even among our famous Kent fruit growers.
Recent accounts state that they continue to suffer from a
plethora of production. At Ashford a farmer says he could
only get 2s. a bushel for his Plums, although they were large
and fine. The price would not cover the cost of gathering
and sending to market, and they were left upon the trees.
Another man at Mersham sold a crop of 60 or more bushels
of Plums on the trees, but the purchaser did not go either
to take them or pay for them. Other statements "tell how
large quantities of Gooseberries have been wasted because
the price which the dealers offered were not sufficient to pay
for picking, how there was an actual loss of £1 over the sale
of 20 tons of bush fruit, and how two growers sent 48 bushels

of Plums to London, which were actually sent to be sold at
Manchester, with the final result of a remittance of 4d. from
the factor to the growers.

Again we say avoid speculative farming, and rather strive
hard for improvement in the culture of what may be termed
legitimate farm crops. Each field should be treated accord¬
ing to its particular requirements. Above all things do not
forget the drains. We have several faulty ones marked for
repairs, and certain fields or portions of fields are to have
new drains. To make sure about this matter it is best to
have a pocket plan of each farm done on tracing cloth, to
mark any weak points in drains as they come under notice.
Whatever outlay is involved now in drainage will prove an
investment of capital upon which next season’s crops will
pay good interest. We regard drainage as the chief factor
in profitable farming, for without it, no matter how deeply
we stir the soil or how highly we manure it, our efforts will
prove comparatively futile, our labour vain.

WORK ON THE HOME FARM.

Ploughs were set at work without the loss of a day after harvest, and
the Rye sowing will he finished before this note is printed. If the sowing
of this crop is not yet done upon the farms of any of our readers no time
should be lost in getting it done at once. In southern count:es Spring
Oats should come next in order of sowing, our object being to have this
crop forward in growth so that it may be ready if we should require it
for the sheep in early spring. In the north midland counties Winter
Tares should be sown in the last week of September, but in the south we
have found this crop answer best if sown a fortnight later. We may add
that we have proved this upon a farm some thirty miles due sou h of
London, where, if sown in September, the Tares were liable to become so
forward in a mild winter as to be spoilt by spring frcsts. We intend
sowing one field of Winter Tare9 after the Mangold crop is cleared and
clamped, the tops being taken off on the land, the leaves being ploughed
in and not eaten by sheep. We mention this as an important matter, for
the leaf growth of Mangolds is so strong this season that the leaves will
when ploughed in impait much fertility to the soil, and contribute
mateiially to invigorate the Tare crop. The second crop of Clover is so
abundant that the sheep could not eat it while it was palatable food for
them, and we have had to have a considerable breadth of it mowed for
stover. We considered this course preferable to seed-saving. We may
mention that we have devoted a ceitain proportion of Clover for seed, but
so many farmers are saving Clover seed this autumn that the price is
likely to be low, and we prefer to make an extra quantity of stover as
the more saleable article of the two. The new Clover layers sown with
Barley have grown so strongly that we have had some trouble in getting
the Barley straw, crowded a9 it was with Clover tops, ready for stacking.
That has been done at last, and the Barley saved in sound dry condition,
but plump, bright coloured Barley will be so scarce that it will probably
command a high price, to the benefit of those farmers who are so fortunate
as to possess it. Fattening sheep are thriving upon Clover, Coleseed,
Mustard Grass, and Turnips, one or more of these articles of diet being
available for them upon one or other of our farms. The growth of
Mustard has been so vigorous that the tops are high above the heads of
the sheep, but they are so foud of it that there is nothing left but the
stalk-,’ bottoms when they pass on to a fresh fold.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Camden Square, London.

Lat. 51° 32' 40" N.; Long. 0° 8' 0" W. ; Altitude, 111 feet.

DATE.

9 A.M.

IN THE DAY.

iS-

Hygrorne-

P •

Oti ;

Shade Tem-

Radiation

P

1886.

oti32 >

ter.

3 a

©w*

§•=§

perature.

Temperature

A

September.

5 S

In

On

Dry.

Wet.

3o

H

Max.

Min.

San.

grass

Inches.

deg.

deg.

deg.

dee.

deg

deg.

deg

In.

Sunday .

12

30.035

64.8

60.5

s.w.

59.4

68.7

54.3

100.2

48.4

_

Monday .

13

3 >.108

67.4

61.8

S.E.

6>.2

77.0

61.9

115.2

58.7

_

Tuesday .

14

30.084

65.2

62. L

N.E.

60 8

79.2

53.4

1152

43 2

_

Wednesday ..

15

30.377

598

53.2

N.E.

61.2

678

55.8

107.7

52.4

_

Thursday ... .

13

30.476

5'5.4

49.9

E.

59.8

63 7

45.0

96.2

37.1

_

Friday .

17

3 .294

57.8

52.2

N.E.

58.6

67.7

42.2

1058

33.8

_

Saturday ....

18

30.149

58.8

54 6

N.E.

67.5

69.4

44.9

106.4

38.5

—

30.218

61.5

56.3

59.6

70.5

5L.1

103.7

45.3

—

REMARKS.

12th.— Bright in the morning, and fair throughout.

13th.— A fine morning and brilliant day.

14th.— Another glorious day.

15th.— Fine with short interval, overcast in a bright afternoon; fresh N.E. breeze
throughout.

16th.— Dull and overcast, with bright intervals in afternoon, and fine evening.

17th.— A fine, bright, almost cloudless day.

18lh.— Another brilliant day.

A tine rainless week, with high barometer; easterly very warm days, and

some cold nights.— G. J. SYMONS.

September 3), 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

289

so

1

2
8

4

5

6

TH

F

S

SUN

M

TV

w

Sale of Orchids at Stevens’ Rooms.

Sale of Orchids at Protheroe and Morris’ Rooms.

l'TH Sunday after Trinity.

Sa’e of stock at the Kmg’s Acre Nurseries, Hereford.

BULBOUS PLANTS.

KOM the want of proper attention at the right
moment it has too frequently happened that a
season’s bloom has been sacrificed, and many
bulbous-rooted plants considerably weakened, by
remaining in the same soil for several years. It
has often been urged that to dry a bulb, tuber,
or corm has a tendency to weaken it, and that it
is not consistent with the conditions under
which they exist in their native habitats. There
is much truth in this statement : still, there are exceptions.
In the first instance we have not to regard the plant as in
its native haunts, for even there we do not find them uni¬
formly distributed over any given area ; on the contrary, we
find some gathered in colonies, as though giving preference
to certain localities and conditions of soil. We have then to
deal with plants under cultivation for the most part as
foreigners, and as existing under very opposite conditions to
those under which they are found in a wild state.

Some plants and bulbs seem to take to our climate most
readily, while others are not so well adapted to it. Some
plants, too, lose all or the majcrity of their roots annually,
and it is here where the line slit uld be drawn as regards the
beneficial results or otherwise of the drying-off process. For
example, the Liliums taken as a whole commence to put
forth new roots immediately on the ripening of the flower
stem of the current season, so that if any new plantations of
these are anticipated it should be done at that particular
time. The common white garden Lily, L. candidum, it will
be observed, at flowering time, and especially during hot
seasons, is rendered leafless, and as soon as flowering is com¬
pleted is the best time for its removal, as by carrying out the
work at this time we do not sacrifice any new roots, which
speedily form and which it is so important should be retained.
I have known repeated instances where even gigantic bulbs
of this particular species have been transplanted in full leaf
and with new roots attached have taken a whole season to
recover. The members of the genus Lilium are by no means
benefited by the lifting and drying process, nor, indeed, are
any bulbous or tuberous-rooted plants, provided the condi¬
tions under which they exist are such as they require ; but at
certain seasons it becomes an absolute necessity to adopt
some means of protecting and preserving them.

Take for another example the genus Narcissus. There
we have one entirely opposed to the Lilium family, inasmuch
as it will endure a great amount of hardship, and provided
the bulbs are lifted and dried at the proper time no amount of
sun will injure them; indeed, in some species it is most
beneficial to them, and becomes a primary condition in their
successful culture. Among those that are benefited by a
thorough periodical baking or drying may be mentioned
monophyllus, citrinus, triandrus, and others. This drying
may of course be accomplished without lifting the bulbs by
simply placing lights over them, so that no rain may reach
them, and this with a scorching sun overhead will have the
desired effect. With the great multitude of Narcissus, how-
No. 327. — Vol, XIII., Thibd Series.

ever, this is not indispensable, for where soil and situation
suit them they may remain for years undisturbed.

The species of Ohionodoxa which lose their roots annually
do not appear to be influenced oneway or the other by lifting
and drying, beyond the fact that those lifted come a little
later in flower, I prefer to leave these undisturbed, for
nothing can surpass, in the darkest days of spring, the lovely
gem which during the past few years has been occupying such
a prominent position among our earliest flowers, I. have had
occasion recently to lift a small bed of it, which have been
only a season planted, and the remarkable progress made
surprised me. This was more noticeable in 0. Luciliie than
in 0. sardensis, though all were similar when planted, and
have been grown under precisely the same conditions.

At the present time plantings may be made of Gladiolus
Colvilli The Bride, but those destined for early work in pots
should have been planted earlier ; the flowering is now some
time past, the growths decaying, and the corms well matured.
This is a most valuable pot plant, and indispensable to the
bouquetist, as by successional plantings and introducing into
warmth the earlier batches they may be had from February
till June, in which latter month they flower naturally in the
open ground. In all cases where this is grown, whether it
may be in pots or in the open ground, a light sandy soil
should be used; in cold, clayey, and retentive soils it soon
deteriorates, and in fact should never be planted in them ; in
light sandy soils it grows freely and increases rapidly, and
we cannot have too much of so lovely flowers. Too often thia
is left to be ordered with the general bulbs, such as Hyacinths,
Tulips, &c., and in consequence time is lost. Those potted
should be placed five in a 5- inch pot, for the corps are not
any larger than a good sized Crocus, and these will be ready
for introduction into slight heat by the middle of November,
and by being brought on gradually will flower early in the
year, and I am of opinion that its flowering period may be
very much extended by adopting special meaus in its culture ;
at any rate, I mean to experiment in this direction, and shall
have pleasure in recording the results hereafter.

All Scillas, Muscaris, Triteleias, Alliums, Brodifeas, Snow¬
drops, and similar bulbs, should be lifted at once if not already
done, if any new plantings are to be carried out, as if left in
the soil too long they will make new roots, especially if the
weather continues showery. While speaking of Scillas I may
mention that S. sibirica (which has found a most formidable
opponent in Ohionodoxa Lucilife) is sometimes very much
damaged on cold stiff soils by a grub which bores into the
bulb, and unfits it for flowering. In such a case it is better
lifted and thoroughly examined, laid in the sun to dry for a
fortnight, and, protected from rain, they will be benefited
thereby. When replanting them use a fair amount of sharp
grit about the bulbs.

I wonder if any readers of the Journal have experienced
difficulty in flowering Anemone fulgens after the first year ;
if so a complete and thorough baking in full sun is the best
cure. They undergo a complete rest, they shrivel, but as soon
as they are again planted they rapidly swell and push forth
roots in an incredibly short space of time. This is the cure for
Anemone fulgens that will not flower, but which rarely occurs
on other than stiff holding soils. On light sandy soils they do
remarkably well, their increase is rapid, and the number oi
flowers increase in the same proportion as the size of the
tuber. A three-months rest is not too much for them.. It
is also a noteworthy fact that not only is this scarlet Wind¬
flower benefited by a thorough drying, _ but also all similar
tuberous species and varieties, by which I mean Anemone
stellata, coronaria, and the like. These may be kept dry
for months without vitality being impaired, and as soon as
they are again placed in the soil they commence swe.hng
immediately. As an example of the quick manner in which
these Anemones answer to the soil, I may state that in the
spring of the present year, about the end of March, I planted
some 500 tubers of Anemone fulgens, dry, shrivelled scraps

No. 1983.— Yol. LXXV., Ore Series

290

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September 30, 1886.

they were too, and these had been out of the ground for at
least eight months — viz., from July of last year to March of
the present. In a little less than two months from planting
time this little batch was a blaze of scarlet flowers, and from
which not less than 700 or 800 flowers were taken. They
occupied a warm south border in turfy loam, and were planted
about 4 incbe3 deep. If this could be followed up it would not
be impossible to have these brilliant scarlet flowers at all
seasons of the year. Of this much I am certain, that it can¬
not be so much dried or shrivelled as to be useless, therefore
none should be cast away. I examined these a month ago,
and judge my surprise at finding the tubers fully three times
their size when planted, or above the average largest size
obtainable from bulb growers generally. I find, therefore,
that they must be lifted, for they will be overcrowded if I
leave them another season. Almost all the treatment referred
to for the Anemone will suit the Persian and Turban
Ranunculus, for these, if ever so shrivelled, will be sure to push
forth if not decayed. These may be lifted and thoroughly
dried, after which place on a dry shelf till required for plant¬
ing again. This latter may be done for the Turbans from
October to March, and the Persians from January to April.

The lovely forms of the English and Spanish Irises are now
at rest, the bulbs are fully mature, and the roots — i.e. fibres,
decayed. It is noticeable in these two sections how much
shorter-lived are the growths of the former compared with the
latter, which are generally the first to flower, and the last by
quite a fortnight to ripen their stems. Where any new
plantings are required these bulbs may be lifted at once and
dried for a few days or even weeks prior to planting again.
The “chickens ” may be either detached or remain with the
mother bulb. I prefer the former, and plant the “ chickens ”
thickly in small nursery beds for a season or two. Provided
the bulbs are sound and plump when planted, they will endure
with impunity a great amount of hard frost ; the late spring
frosts, however, sometimes nip the young growths. There
are some lovely forms in both sections, and all are charming
for border decoration in early summer or for cutting.

The various species of Tulips should be harvested at
once, and given a fair rest and drying off. This is especially
needful on cold soils or wet ; on very light sandy soils
they pass the winter very well indeed. All the species
and forms of Calochortus and Gyclobothra need attention in
lifting, drying, and storing for the winter season. These
I invariably find deteriorate if kept in the soil all the year
round, and as it is natural for them to lose their roots
annually, in common with many I have herein named, they
are better out of the soil than in it, at least when they have
to contend with such a climate as our own. — J. H. E.

LATE GROWTH AND RESTING VINES AND

FRO IT TREES.

I expected that the article upon this subject on page 255 of the
Journal of September 15th would have brought out some of our fruit
growers, but they appear to be silent. I trust they are thinking,
however, and may yet favour us with their views upon this important
subject. As you think the subject one not unworthy of further dis¬
cussion I venture to say a few words upon it, more in hope of gain¬
ing something new than in anything new I may advance myself.

Let us take the Vine, as I think the principle that governs the
proper resting of the Vine covers most other fruit trees bearing an
annual crop, whether grown inside or out. To maintain Vines in a
healthy fruitful condition for any length of time they must have an
annual season of rest. This rest may be divided into two distinct
periods. The first is from the time the fruit is off until the leaves fall
and the Vines are pruned, and may be called “ proper ” or “ strengthen¬
ing ’’ rest. The second is from the time they are pruned until started,
and may be called “ dormant ” rest. The first rest I consider essential ,
the second non-essential, though beneficial when it can be had. Now,
my experience and observation have led me to the conclusion that
this matter is not yet thoroughly understood by the majority of
practical gardeners. What is the prevailing practice ? As soon as
the fruit is gathered the heat is stopped and the ventilators opened ;
and Vines that have revelled in a strong moist heat while growing
are subjected all at once to this unnatural treatment. This is con¬

tinued until all the leaves are off, which is not long, as the sudden
check and a few cold days and nights that we seldom miss in late
summer and autumn soon bring them down, and the gardener con¬
siders his Vines are ripening off beautifully, and he will be able to
give them a long season of rest, that they may be restored, built up,
and thoroughly prepared for the work of another season. Such treat¬
ment I consider radically wrong and unnatural. How can Vines get
reinvigorated after exhausting their energies to a certain extent in
bringing a full crop of fruit to maturity af er their leaves are gone ?
This is what many expect their Vines to do during the season of
“dormant'’ rest, too many considering this period of rest the all-
important one, and ignoring the other altogether. How many
thousands of plants are forced annually for the production of cut
flowers or for decoration, and how many of them are ruined, or at
least crippled beyond the possibility of forcing the following season,
simply through neglect after they have flowered ? I am afraid a
similar fate annually overtakes thousands of our fruit trees after the
hard and trying work of maturing their fruits.

After the fruit is gathered is the time to treat our Vines kindly.
Fire heat, except under unusual circumstances, should not be turned
off ; but rather, in the case of Peaches and such-like that may have
been grown throughout the season without artificial heat, it ought to
be applied to make sure of the perfect ripening of the wood. The
same remark applies to Vines. Perfectly ripe wood must be hard
and brown, but all brown and hard wood is not ripe in the sense of
having a sufficient quantity of material stored up for the production
of first-class fruit. Therefore keep the fires going, and ventilate
freely but judiciously, the aim being to keep the foliage fresh as long
as possible. Feed liberally. If the Vines are in good health and
have plenty of good leaves late growths should not be troublesome,
as the temperature here advocated is not a “ growing ” but a ripening
one. I do not think that the few small and weakly growths that
generally push in autumn are of much consequence either off or on,
tut if allowed to remain they must on no account crowd the principal
foliage. As no fruit is on the Vine to exhaust its strength, every
particle of elaborated sap must go to build up the strength of the
Vine, plumping the buds, and thickening the rods. I believe the
whole secret of successful fruit culture lies in the autumn treatment.
I have known a Black Hamburgh Vine with one rod produce 50 lbs.
of splendid fruit, bunches averaging 5 and 6 lbs., rod 15 feet long.
The Grapes were generally all cut by the end of July. It then
received about four months of the treatment advocated. I think it
was your correspondent Mr. Bardney who some time ago contributed
an article to the Journal upon the setting of fruit, attributing the
failure not so much to the want of pollen as to improper treatment
the previous autumn. I agree with Mr. Bardney on that point, as
I believe the autumn is the time to prepare for a good set, a good
crop, and good finish. — D. B.

THE REV. CHARLES P. PEACH.

IN ME MORI AM.

In common with, I venture to say, all who knew him, the in¬
telligence of our dear friend's death came with mingled feelings
of sorrow and thankfulness — of sorrow for one who was in his
days of health and strength ever the cheery companion and kind
friend, and of thankfulness that his years of suffering were over
and that he had entered into rest, and I feel that I should like to
throw my small pebble on the cairn which many will seek to
raise in their memories to one whom they so loved in life.

It is now some years since I was enabled in my wanderings to
visit the beautiful vicarage of Appleton-le- Street, and there
found not only the hospitable welcome for which Yorkshire is
proverbial, but also much to interest me in its garden and sur¬
roundings. The bedding out system was then in its full glory,
and although the slight murmurings which precede the storm
were heard, our friend would have nothing of it. True, his
bedding out was different from that of most people. There was a
most careful eye to colour, an exact arrangement of the various
shades of the same colour, and a careful selection of the varieties
most suitable for the purpose that tended to give it an appearance
of unusual harmony. This, however, was but a small portion of his
work as a horticulturist. His fine trees, his houses, ferneries,
borders, &c., all showed that he did nothing by halves, that he
held to the maxim that whatever was worth doing at all was
worth doing well ; and combining with his practical skill a
thoroughly sound scientific knowledge, he was able to master
many difficulties and to initiate new modes of culture. He never
took anything on the mere ipse dixit of another, but was ever
prepared to prove all things, and was ever ready to impart from
his stores of knowledge any information that might be needed.

The readers of the Journal in past years knew well the
signature of “ C. P. P.,” and were always sure to meet something

September 30, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

291

worth reading. His papers were always mai-lred with originality
of thought. At times trenchant in his criticism without an atom
of ill nature, and never heeding criticism himself ; unlike some
who, ready to find fault with others, are “ mighty tetchy” when
the same process is applied to themselves.

It is by his contributions to horticulture that he will he best
known to the readers of the Journal; but in the North and
East Ridings of Yorkshire he will be long remembered and
deeply mourned as the indefatigable parish clergyman, the friend
of all around him, and the helper of the needy ; and by nearly
every agriculturist in the Ridings he will be long remembered as
practically the founder of one of the most successful agricultural
associations in the county in which he always was the energetic
organiser; while those who were ever associated with him as
judge, as I have been, know how keen was his judgment and
how rapid the conclusions which he drew.

Those who had the privilege of knowing him in private life
will ever remember him with the kindliest feelings, and will, I
am sure, deeply sympathise with those who have to mourn him
as husband and father. — D., Deal.

SEEDLING GLADIOLT.

When I a year or two ago expressed my opinion that we should soon
hear more of Mr. J. Burrell of Cambridge in the matter of Gladioli, I
hardly anticipated that he would so soon come to the very front. As I
have already said, the stand which he exhibited at the Crystal Palace was
a most remarkable one for a first exhibit at a metropolitan exhibition. I
regret that I was unable to see the one he showed at ihe Aquarium, not
only because it was even better than his at the Palace, but because he had
on it a large number of seedlings of his own raising. I received, however,
from him the other day half a dozen blooms, which were testimony enough
to the excellence of the strain on which he is working, for he is not
trusting to chance fertilisation, but carefully hybridises and keeps a
record of the seedlings, both male and female parents, and thus not only
is enabled to trace the origin of his seedlings but also to see which give
the best results.

Anyone who has grown Gladioli knows that there is a great deal of
difference in their constitution ; some kinds, such as Adolphe Brongniart,
produce seed freely ; others, such as Baroness Burdett Coutts, never have
a seed pod. It is the same with regard to the production of spawn. In
some varieties, such as Horace Yernet and Orphde, they cluster round the
old corm as thickly as they can possibly get together in all shapes and
sizes; others, such as Adolphe Brongniart, rarely produce any. Other
kinds, again, are not only sparing in producing bulbs, but are liable to decay
more than others. Thus Michel Ange and Madame Desportes are still
quoted in the French catalogues at two francs and a half, while flowers
which came out at the same time can be had for a few centimes. All this
Mr. Burrell has noted in his hybridising ; he has crossed the very best of
the French varieties, and has obtained very valuable results. As he
observes, it is remarkable what small bulbs of seedlings will produce good
spikes of bloom, and, a9 all raisers of seedlings know, there are all sorts
of surprises in store for them ; there are a good many blanks, but also
some prizes.

Of the six spikes sent me by Mr. Burrell, No. 1 is a fine white, the
flowers closely packed together on the spike ; this, indeed, is the charac¬
teristic of all of them, and with a beautiful lilac feathering in the lower
petals. No. 2 is a delicately tinted light flesh-coloured pink, with deeper
edges to the petals, and a creamy yellow lower lip, edged with pink.
No. 3 is a large light pink flower with purple markings, the flower a
little too loose, but still handsome, and quite as good as many beauties
what have been put into commerce. No. 4 is a brilliant intense scarlet
flower of fine form ; the lower lip has a white blotch with deeper crimson
feather in the centre. No. 5 is a pale-coloured flower with pink edges, but
the lower petals are too narrow. No. 6 is a beautiful pink-coloured
flower of the type of De Mirbel, with white lines in the petaD, and a lilac
purple feather in the lower petals. All these are remaikable for the
denseness of the spike, and for the number of blooms expanded at one
time. I have bloomed some of the new French varieties of last autumn,
and wish I could say that they were as good as these, but they must have
another trial, as I of'en find that flowers which I had discarded on their
fir^t blooming have afterwards turned out very well. I think Mr. Burrell
is right when he says that the Gladiolus, like the Rose and otter flowers,
has its season — i.e., some varieties are good one year which fail in another,
and I am now reverting to the culture of some sorts which I had discarded.
One gladly welcomes such an enthusiastic grower as Mr. Burrell, as he
is pretty sure to infect others with his enthusiasm.— D., Beal.

A REVIEW OE GRAPES AT SOUTH KENSINGTON.

Grapes were shown in good condition at the Show cn the 7th and
8th inst., but in some classes the specimens staged were of but moderate
quality. Omitting the collections of Grapes from the schedule was con¬
sidered to be a satisfactory arrangement, as a few large growers generally
succeed in taking the prizes yearly, thus limiting the competition in the
variety classes. Twenty bunches in ten varieties is a difficult number
for any but the largest growers to cut at one time, thus inferior quality is
often staged to make up the neccstary dishes. Where prizes are offered

for two bunches in the most popular grown sorts all growers are placed
more on an equal footing.

Taking the schedule in alphabetical order, the Alicantes first claim
attention, those taking first prize from Mr. Taylor being perfect in form
of bunch and berry, but better coloured examples have been seen, there
being a slight want of that density of bloom which characterises the
variety when presented in its best condition. Alnwick Seedling was fine
in quality, indeed this was the best all-round class, all being highly
coloured. It is a pity this Grape is not of better flavour ; at its best it is
but second-rate. The first prize bunches from Mr. Taylor were splendid
examples, the berries being large and even in size. This is one of the
main features in a good bunch of Grapes of any variety. This variety
invariably colours well, but in this instance the winning examples were
superb.

Considering that Black Hamburgh is the most popular variety of
Grape growD, seldom is it generally well shown. On this occasion it was
poorly represented, none was above third-rate quality. All were wanting
in colour, while those placed first were but of fair size, and uneven in the
size of the berries. Some allowance Bhould be made for the lateness of
the season at which the Show was held, as this variety does not long
retain its colour after being ripe. There is no Grape which deteriorates
in appearance so quickly as Black Hamburgh. Black Prince was only of
moderate quality. Buckland Sweetwater was very fine. Seldom are
such large and even berries shown as the first prize pair of bunches. One
of the chief features of this Grape is the unevenness of the berries in a
general way.

Duke of Buccleuch was represented by four exhibitors, the prize¬
winners from Mr. Allan being fine in colour, but all the others showed
the variety in its more general appearance — viz., much too green to be
particularly attractive. One now and again meets with good samples of
this variety, but when a Grape requires so much special treatment to
present it in its true character, it loses much in popularity. Generally
the larger the berries the greener the colour they assume. Foster’s Seedling
was generally well shown ; the first from Mr. Roberts were of extra good
colour, large and even in berry. This is an excellent Grape for mid¬
season, as it is for an early crop. It sets freely. The constitution being
strong, enables it to carry and perfect a heavy crop of bunches.

Gros Colman, which is generally staged largely in point of numbers
and good in quality, on this occasion was only shown by three exhibitors,
owing, I presume, to the sunless weather at times during the season..
Where this variety is grown in a mixed collection it suffers more through
the reason named, and does not assume such a good finish as when grown
in more heat, hence the reason of the scarcity. The first prize bunches
were very fine in berry but slightly wanting in finish . Gros Guillaume
had evidently felt the effects of want of sun, judging from the specimens
staged, as all were wanting considerably in colour. It is a pity this
variety is not generally better grown. When in its best form it is
handsome in appearance. The bunches are most shapely ; the berries of
large size ; it keeps well, and the flavour is good when properly ripened
and kept till say December. Many people imagine this variety will not
produce bunches freely when grown on the close-spur system, but this is
a great mistake, for if the Bpurs are allo wed ample room whereby the
foliage has free development, the wood thoroughly ripened, depend upon
it bunches will be freely produced upon the close-spur method of pruning ;
at least such is my experience of the variety.

Gros Maroc was represented by six pairs, the first prize being awarded
to the much-discussed bunches staged by Mr. Taylor at the Crystal
Palace Show the previous week ; certainly the two bunches were
not identical in appearance, the larger bunch having berries much
rounder at the point than the other. It partook strongly of the colour of
Gros Colman when not in its very best condition a9 to colour ; the bunch
in question was large in size and excellent in form, while the berries were
extra large, but the colour and bloom was slightly deficient, and it was the
general opinion at both shows that the two bunches were not the same
variety. The second prize pair, although much smaller in bunch, were
typical of the variety in its best form owing to their grand colour.

Lady Downe’s was staged by nine competitors, all being most creditable,
the bunch form of all was excellent. Mr. Osman's first prize pair were-
c mpact in bunch, extra large in berry, but just the merest shade short in
colour ; the second and third prizetakers were perhaps slightly superior in
colour, but lacked the size of berry which characterised the winning
stand.

Six competed with Madresfield Court, and there, in my opinion, a
mistake occurred in awarding the prizes. The first was given to bunches'
large in size ; this was their only recommendation, the berries being
tightly wedged owing to not being sufficiently thinned ; they were notr
even in size, were rather red, much rubbed, and, wbat was worse, many
berries in the centre of the largest bunch were much decayed ; their proper
place, in my opinion, was third. Those placed second were much smaller
in bunch, but the berries not only were much larger but even in Bize,
better colour, and were quite plump and fresh and really fit for a dessert
table ; merely size of bunch must have carried the Judges away in this
class. Again, in the class for Mrs Pearson, size of bunch was the
winning .element, the berries were small and quite green, while the
second prize bunches, although smaller, had better berries, and, what was
of more importance, the colour was infinitely better ; the positions of
these two should have been reversed.

Both Mrs. Pince and Muscat Hamburgh were anything but first-class ;
indeed the latter was very poor, while the former showed that want of
colour which baffles many men to produce it in any other form. A large
entry of Muscat of Alexandria (nine) brought out some excellent samples

292

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Septemb'r 80, 1886.

of this grand Grape ; those staged by Mr. Pratt and awarded first prize
were examples of high culture ; the bunches were large, of capital shape,
while the berries were of good size and most compact, showing that the
thinning had been done to perfection. Bunches of this variety are often
thinned far too much ; the consequence is, when the bunches are cut and
laid down too much stem and berry stalks is visible ; in a really perfect
bunch none of these should be seen, each berry should fill its allotted
space and no more. Green samples were the best staged of White Tokay,
while two pairs only were forthcoming of Golden Queen; at its best it is
but dirty in appearance, but the flavour of well-grown samples is
excellent, there is something so firm and crisp in its ta?te. Three lots of
Trebbiano were staged, but all were poor in quality, the date being too
early for this variety except under exceptional circumstance?. A seedling
Grape was shown by Mr. Bannister, Cote House Gardens, Westbury-on-
Trym, Bristol, the result of a cross between Muscat of Alexandria and
Black Hamburgh, but it is too much like the Bowosd Muscat to be
distinct. — A Medallist.

HEATING BY HOT WATER.

[Bead before the Members of the Pre3ton and Falwood Floral and Horticultural

Society, August 7th.]

( Continued from page 270.)

The “ Chilwell Nurseries ” b Aler is a horizontal tubular,
composed of 4-inch cast pipes, see fig. 42. The water passes
from the return into water boxes at the front and then through
eight horizontal tubes, four on each side, into other water boxes
about the centre of the boiler, and then passes out into two tubes
beyond to another water box. From this the water returns
through seven tubes to a water box at the front, these tubes being
directly over the fire. From this position the water again passes
to the centre of the boiler to another waterbox, and then from
the boiler into the main flow pipe. In setting, the whole of these
tubes are incased with firebrick, and then the remaining space
filled with sand. This boiler does not require a deep stokehole,
but rather a long one. In the late contest it proved itself to be
the most economical as regards fuel in the 2000 feet, but, as I

Fig. 42.

have said, it was badly stoked, and did not fully display its quafi-
ties. It is clear that a good flame amongst the tubes, such as
would be caused by burning “ nuts,” is needed, which would
heat the boiler much more quickly than coke. The use of coke
for a boiler constructed on this principle does not bring half the
tubes in direct contact with the heat thrown off by the fuel. I
may have observed wrongly on this point, but feel certain that if
a good blaze had been constantly playing amongst the tubes the
boiler would have heated the water more rapidly and proved
itself to have been a quick-heating boiler.

The boiler Mr. J. Wood entered in the contest was quite
distinct and perfectly new to me. It is a hoi'izontal tubular, and
is represented by fig. 43. The fire bars are composed of water
tubes about 2 inches in diameter, which are connected to a water
box at the back and front. These tubes are continued round each
side in the same shape as the ordinary saddle. These are fitted into
a continuation of the same water boxes as the water bars. Three
water boxes are continued for afoot or more above the tubes. Three
tubes run through the centre of the fire, the same length as the rest,
and are connected to the front and back water spaces. The
whole of the tubes are surrounded with firebrick to form a flue,
which allows the fire to play through the tubes and thus exposed
them to direct action. This boiler is fed at the top and cleaned
and clinkered at the front. From all appearance this boiler is
well adapted for burning coke ; in fact, all tubulars fed at the
top work better with this fuel than any other. Mr. Wood’s boiler
does not contain a large water, space, and the whole being fully

exposed to the fire, it cannot be long before the water is heated
and circulation must commence. Many boilers contain too much
water, and require a good time, and plenty of fuel to heat it before
it is passed from the boi'er to the pipes. This is a great disadvan¬
tage, but the one under notice is constructed on the right principle.

Fig. 43.

and proved in the late trials to heat quickly and to raise a high
temperature in a very short time.

Coil Boilers. — This form of boilers are not so generally
known or employed for heating garden and other structures as
many others of various designs. Mr. Sam Deard’s “Champion
Coil” boilers are represented by figs. 44 and 45. The first worked
in 1000 feet contest at Liverpool and gained the highest award, as
also did the latter in the contest for 500 feet. The boiler consists
of one continuous coil of pipe, which completely surrounds the
fire ; the larger one, as will be seen, is set upon water bars. The
durability of these boilers is beyond question, for the coil is
composed of cast iron segments connected by molten metal,
which when contracted forms the joint, and is said to bear 100 lbs.
pressure to the square inch. These boilers when properly set can
be employed for quick action or equally well for slow combustion.
Further details on this head, as well as that of the economy of

Fig. 44.

these boilers, need not be entered into, for a mere glance at the
report of the contest will be ample to prove their qualities in
these respects. The small coil, fig. 45, is constructed on the same
principle as the larger one, but is set without water bars. The
method of setting these boilers is illustrated in the engravings,
and does not require a large amount of brickwork. A narrow
flue surrounds the coil, which is divided by two or three mid¬
feathers according to the size of the boilers. The one at the
back is constructed to throw the flame round the flue before it is
allowed to pass up the chimney. Yery little heat can be wasted;
in fact, none, if the damper in the chimney is properly regulated.
From the manner in which these boilers worked at Liverpool I
have formed a very high opinion of them, and do not doubt that
they will be more largely used by gardeners and others in the
future than has been the case in the past. Another advantage,

September 80, 1886. 1

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

293

and one that canies great weight in the selection of a boiler, is
that they do not require a very large or deep stokehole, and only
a moderate amount of bricks in comparison with what are needed
to set many other boilers.

Conical Boilers. — These may very propei-ly be termed
“anybody’s’’ boilers, for they are made by many well-known
firms of boiler makers. They vary slightly in shape, but the
principle of construction throughout is the same. Some are
cast and others rivetted. The whole are wider at the base than
the top ; in fact, they gradually taper from the base upwards.
They are fed at the top or near that position. The water space
is all round the fire. A small portion of the flue, with a valve to
regulate the draught, is cast to these boilers ready for placing in
the chimney, which can be either of brick or various sized cast
pipes, according to the size of the boiler or the convenience of
each individual. The flow pipe leaves the boiler near the top and
the returns enter near the base. These boilers are portable and do
not require a single brick in seating them, for the ashpit is cast to
the boiler, and therefore are invaluable for many localities and
also for warming public buildings. There is, comparatively

Fig. 45.

speaking, no dust from them, and if desirable they can be fixed
in the kitchen to heat conservatories or greenhouses attached to
dwellings. They are quick heating and at the same time
thoroughly economical, for when once tilled with fuel the damper
can be regulated so that the fire will last for many hours without
attention. There boilers will burn any kind of fuel, but coke or
cinders from the dwelling house is best for them. There are no
complications that are likely to prove bewildering to amateurs,
or those having only a small structure to heat. All things con¬
sidered, it would be difficult to employ a better boiler for heating
small houses. Some are arranged with a coil inside, which adds
materially to the heating power.

Upright Tubulars. — The forms of these boilers are as
numerous as in any of the sections that have been referred to.
The majority, especially those that are made with two or three
sets one above the other, require very deep stokeholes and are
not suitable for all places. They have, however, been fixed in
numerous instances and most highly approved by those who have
worked them. I am informed on most reliable authority that
these vertical tubulai’s are most powerful when once the water
has been heated and circulation commenced. The same authority,
who presides over one of the most extensive gardening establish¬
ments in England, is working two of Messrs. J. Weeks & Co.’s
large tubular boilers, and considers them to be the most powerful
and economical large boilers that he has used. One of the
greatest faults that attach to these boilers is the choking of the
space between the two sections of tubes where two rows of tubes
form the boiler. The best provision is not made for cleaning
them, and great care is needed, for if they become choked by
cinders and ashes the boilers lose much power and are most
liable to break. Fortunately, however, these large boilers are
made in three sections, one above the others, and if a tube fails
it can be replaced without the destruction of the whole boiler
This was not formerly the case, for when a tube gave way the
boiler was useless and a new one had to be supplied} Some are

still made on this principle, and in the selection of a reliable
boiler should be avoided. There are new forms of vertical tubular
boilers that do not require such deep stokeholes. The tubes in
several instances are V shaped and exjose a large upright surface
to the action of the fire. My experience with upright tubulars
has been somewhat limited, and therefore shall refrain from
saying anything farther about them. — Wm. Bardney.

(To be continued.)

EARLY FLOWERING BULBS.

Being in one of those establishments where the family only
stay a portion of the year, we always fry to have as many flowers
as possible during the time they are here, and as that is from the
beginning of October until the middle of January, early bulbs
which will flower with certainty and do not require much forcing
are invaluable to us. My reason for objecting to bulbs which
require hard forcing to bring them well into bloom is that our
houses and forcing pits are old-fashioned and rather deficient of
heat, so that the plants would fail to flower at the desired time.
This, however, need not be much regretted (although it is cer¬
tainly often an inconvenience), as the bulbs we grow, and of
which I write now, are only such as may be successfully cultivated
by amateurs and all who have only moderate appliances. Early
bulbs we find most useful, as they flower freely, have showy and
fragrant blossoms, and form a most valuable addition to all other
flowers. In variety they are not so abundant as spring-flowering
bulbs, but they are fairly numerous, and amongst the first to
demand attention are the

Roman Hyacinths. — These are undoubtedly the most useful
of all easily forced early flowering bulbs. They might be had in
flower at Christmas by window culture, and when forced on by a
little heat in a pit or house in October they may be blossomed in
quantity in November and onwards. We force many hundreds
of them, and they invariably give the highest satisfaction to all.
We pot 100 or 200 at a time, and have them coming on in succes¬
sion. The first were potted on September 1st, and others will be
potted in every three weeks until Christmas. The compost used
for them consists of loam, sand, and half- decayed manure, there
being two parts of the former to one of each of the latter. Six-
inch pots are chiefly used, and from five to eight bulbs are put
into each. The pots are well drained, and they are then filled
loosely with the soil, the bulbs being rammed into this and then
made firm. When finished only the crown is seen above the soil,
and they are immediately placed in cool frames and covered with
finely sifted ashes to the depth of 8 inches. A light is placed
over them when it is too wet, and here they remain until the
growths have become 2 inches or so in height. They will grow
this length in three or four weeks, and then they are taken out
and placed in the light where the temperature is from 55° to 65°,
and they come into bloom in from three to four weeks, the time
altogether from the one first potted until they a>e in full blossom
not exceeding eight weeks. Some dealers offer very cheap bulbs,
but the best are not included amongst these, as really good bulbs
can only be bought at the best prices, and in the end they are
much the cheapest and most satisfactory. I have proved
repeatedly that the cheapest Roman bulbs are the smaller sizes,
and I have had hundreds of them produce one spike only, whereas
the very best invariably bear two good spikes of flowers and not
infrequently three, and in this way I never found any profit in
cheap bulbs. The large bulbs force more freely and are more
massive in their development.

Tulips. — We have tried many of these, but now confine our¬
selves to the Due Yan Thol section, and amongst these the
easiest to force is the scarlet variety. It takes a fortnight longer
to come into bloom than the Roman Hyacinths, but it is most
useful and attractive, as the flowers are brilliant scarlet, and they
brighten up either a greenhouse or a room in a very pleasing
manner during the dark days of December or any other of the
winter months. The vermilion, white, and yellow varieties in this
section are also excellent, but they are more shy in flowering
until after the turn of the year, and I cannot recommend them
to be grown generally to bloom either before or at Christmas.
The double Due Yan Thols are useless for early flowering. Brutus,
a deep red, the white Pottebakker, and the Tournesols have also
been tried for early work, but they did not succeed. In culture
they require the same attention as the Hyacinths. Indeed they
are potted in the same soil and plunged under the same ashes ;
but they have generally to be left under these a fortnight longer
than the Romans. The bulbs are a little smaller, too, and from
six to eight of them may be put into a 5-inch pot. Last year
some of the bulbs we had under the name of Due "V an Tbol
turned out to be a much later variety. This was a serious disap¬
pointment to us.

5£94

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September 30, 1886.

Narcissus. — These form another grand class which may be
grown to flower in December without any difficulty, hut after
trying many varieties we now confine our culture to them. These
are the Double Roman, white, with yellow cup, and Paper White,
which is pure white. Like the preceding, they are potted and
treated in all respects like the Hyacinths ; in fact, it is an
advantage of no little importance that the whole of the early
bulbs may be potted from the one heap of soil and accompany
each other all through their rooting and forcing stages. The
bulk of the Narcissus, however, are larger than any of the others,
and from four to sis should be placed in an 8-inch pot. If potted
high the roots, when they become plentiful, are almost sure to
push the bulbs up from the soil, and they may be checked in this
way ; but if the bulbs are potted deeply, and only the narrow
crown allowed to be visible above the soil, they will grow well.
There is no difficulty whatever in getting the two varieties just
named into flower at Christmas, and the tall spikes are most
useful then either for mixing with other pot plants in the con¬
servatory or cutting and furnishing glasses. Their fragrance is
very strong.

This ends our selection of very early forcing bulbs ; others
will be named, but none of them can be relied on to flower freely.
We have done our utmost to force Crocuses into flower by
Christmas, but always failed. The bulbs were potted with the
other early ones, but they did not flower until far on in the spring
months. Crocuses have therefore been given up. Scilla prsecox,
or sibirica, is a very early flowering bulb, but it cannot be forced
into flower under the conditions we write of until after the new
.year. The Jonquils may also be classed with the Scillas in this
i e r ct, but where there are plenty of delicate Roman Hyacinths,
brilliant scarlet Tulips, and soft-tinted Narciss in flower during
November and December other bulbs will not be much missed,
and may stand over until the days begin to lengthen. — J. M.

DRESSING CHRYSANTHEMUM BLOOMS.

I AM extremely obliged to your able correspondent Mr. Molyneux
for his kind remarks on page 279 respecting the undressed blooms of
Chrysanthemums referred to on page 25G. I quite agree with him that
the blooms in question were of large size and great depth, and very clean
and fresh, and fine broad petals and of excellent quality. Some of the
-petals had been put a little into shape ; I saw one gentleman put his pencil
into one or two of the flowers, and they appeared to be rather loose.
But I did not ask the question on that point altogether, I simply thought
that your correspondent objected to undresssed blooms, and for another
reason. Some few years since I remember Mr. Mitchell showing in the
claFS for twenty-four blooms against Mr. E. Sanderson. Mr. Mitchell
had some extraordinary large blooms in his stand, half as large again as
Mr. Sanderson’s, but they were not dressed, or but slightly so. The first
prize was given to Mr. Sanderson in this case because his blooms were
better dressed, and if I remember right it was reported so. For these
reasons I asked, Why not have a class for undressed blooms as well as for
dressed blooms ? Now the question is, if all these large undressed blooms
were properly dressed they would in all probability have lost one-third of
their size when they were “cupped.” I do not for one moment wish to
dispute the decision of the Judges, for I know them all well, and know
them to be honest men cf business. — W. M.

ROSES AT THE NATIONAL ROSE SOCIETY’S
METROPOLITAN EXHIBITION IN 1886.

The following analysis is compiled from a tabulated list of all the
Roses shown in nearly every one of the prize stands in the first twenty
classes at the Exhibition of the National Rose Society held at South
Kersington in July last. The total number of blooms entered in
this list I find to have been 1547, of which 832 were exhibited by
amateurs and 715 by nurserymen. The points most clearly brought
out by this analysis are (1) the character of the past Rose season
and its influence on the different varieties ; and (2) the prominent
positions which are being taken by some of the newer Roses, and
consequently the advance that has been made in recent years towards
the improvement of the Queen of flowers.

First as regards the weather of the exhibition season. It will
be remembered that June continued extremely dry and cold until
within a few days of its close, when hot weather all at once
set in and lasted until after the day of the National. Com¬
paring the present analysis with tbe one which appeared in
the Journal of Horticulture on October 23rd, 1884, which may be
taken as giving the standard or average relative positions of the
different established varieties, lhe following Roses come out as having
stood the hot, dry, forcing weather remarkably well, if, indeed, many
i f them were not actually benefited by it— viz., Madame Gabriel
Lffizet (5), Marie Rady (9), Mens. Noman (37), Camille Ber-
nardin (20), Xavier Olibo (21), Duchesse de Vallombrosa (16), Marie

Cointet (34), Le Havre (15), Piince Arthur (25), Annie Laxton (20),
and Annie "Wood (32); and among the Teas, Caroline Kuster (9),
Jean Ducher (4), Innocento Pirola (4), La Boule d’Or (10), and
Madame H. Jamain (15). On the other hand the following varieties
were but very indifferently represented — viz., La France (5), Duke
of Edinburgh (7), Marquise de Castellane (16), Alfred Colomb (9),
Marguerite de St. Amand (8), Etienne Levet (17), Baroness Roth¬
schild (25), Madame Lacharme (9), Louis Van Houtte (25), Com-
tesse d’Oxford (22), Marie Verdier (18), Madame Victor Verdier (35),
Pride of Waltham (31) ; and of the Teas, Souvenir d’un Ami (8),
Catherine Mermet (7), and Rubens (6). The figures in brackets
after the above names are intended to indicate the number of places
lost or gained in the case of the different varieties mentioned as
compared with their positions in the general analysis of 1884. _ It
should not be forgotten, however, that at the time this Exhibition
was held some of the late-flowering kinds had not in many districts
come fully into flower. This is alone sufficient to account for the
low positions of some of the above varieties, while thin Roses, such
as Baroness Rothschild and Marie Verdier, would of course.be further
handicapped by the hot weather prevailing on the morning of the
Show.

Coming now to the newer varieties, and arranging them in the
order in which they appear in the two lists, it will be found that
among the Hybrid Perpetuals Lady Mary Fitzwilliam (1882) takes
the first place. This so-called Hybrid Tea, which, by the way, is
one of the freest flowering of all Roses, stood in the 1884 analysis no
higher than 96 on the Pet, but has this year — no doubt a favourable
one for this particular Rose — actually attained to the place of No. 9.
The next in favour is Merveille de Lyon (1882) the most reliable of
all the white H.P.s, but still falling far short in several points of the
perfect white Hybrid Perpetual we may one day hope to see. Then
we have Violette Bouyer (1881), which, although not nearly so white
as the Rose last named, is nevertheless to my mind a more pleasing
flower. Heinrich Schultheis (1882), which follows next, is of a
charming and at the same time very distinct colour. The merits of
that fine-petaled variety Ulrich Brunner (1881) entitle it to a much
higher place than the one it has obtained in the present analysis,
but the hot weather was no doubt on this occasion greatly against its
being generally staged in good condition. Mr. B. R. Cant of Col¬
chester, a very reliable authority, regards it as the best H.P. sent out
for years, and states that with him it is always in bloom, never
mildews, and is at the present time as green with foliage as in June.
Among those less prominently placed may be mentioned Duke of
Teck (1880), Pride of Waltham (1881), Rosieriste Jacobs (1880),
Madame Isaac Periere (1880), Mrs. Jowitt (1880), and Queen of
Queens (1883). The chief place among the Teas is taken by that
beautiful hot-weather variety Etoile de Lyon (1881), and next comes
the deep-tinted and stout-petaled Madame Cusin, then three Teas of
still more recent introduction — Hon. Edith Giffard (1882), Princess
of Wales (1882), Madame de Watteville (1883) — all of them un¬
doubted acquisitions.

When we consider that none of these new Roses are more than
six years old, and that ai many as four of the first twelve varieties
in the accompanying list of Hybrid Perpetuals are less than ten
years old — viz., Madame Gabriel Luizet and A. K. Williams nine
years each, and Lady Mary Fitzwilliam and Merveille de Lyon only
four years each — and that many promising Teas are coming on the
scene, it will not 6urely be denied that substantial progress is being
made in the improvement of our national flower;

For the benefit of non-exhibitors I will now give a list of twelve
Hybrid Perpetuals and six Teas selected from the above tables. In
making the selection I have endeavoured to name only such kinds in
their different shades of colour as yield the choicest blooms, and which,
being free-flowering, hardy, and of good constitution, are likely with
moderate care and~attention to do well — viz., of Hybrid Perpetuals,
A. K. Williams, Baroness Rothschild, Camille Bernardin, Charles
Lefebvre, Duchesse de Vallombrosa, Dupuy Jamain, La France,
Marie Finger, Marquise de Castellane, Merveille de Lyon, Prince
Arthur, and Ulrich Brunner ; and from the Teas, Anna Ollivier,
Hon. Edith Giffard, Innocente Pirola, Madame Lambard, Marie Van
Houtte, and Souvenir d’un Ami. I would at the same time recom¬
mend that a separate bed should be exclusively given up to these
Roses, which should be dwarf plants on either the seedling-briar or
briar-cutting. If a greater number of plants be desired it would be
advisable to obtain two, three, or more of any of the Roses mentioned
here rather than commence at once with a numerous collection of
less certain kinds.

To the following members of the Committee of the National Rose
Society I am indebted for kind assistance in taking down the names
of the Roses at this Exhibition — viz., Mr. H. Appleby, Rev. H. A.
Berners, Mr. J. Burrell, Mr. G. Bunyard, Mr. T. W. Girdlestone, Mr.
W. J. Jefferies, Mr. E. B. Lindsell, and Mr. J. Sargant ; also to
Mr. T. VV. Girdlestone for aiding^me' in preparing the selection of
Roses recommended above.

September SO, 18b6. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER ,

295

HYBRID PERPETUALS.

Position in
Present
Analysis.

Number of
Blooms
Shown.

Position in
1884

Analysis.

Name of Rose.

Date of

Introduction.

Raiser’s Name

1

47

6

Madame Gabriel Luizet .

1877

Liabaud

2

85

8

A. K. Williams .

1877

Schwartz

*

35

2

Marie Baumann .

1863

Baumann

2

35

13

Marie Rady .

1865

Fontaine

3

31

8

Captain Christy .

1873

Lacharme

3

31

1

La France .

1867

J. B. Guillot, fils

4

27

10

Francois Michelon .

1871

Levet

5

23

45

Monsieur Noman .

1866

Guillot, pbre

6

22

96

Lady Mary Fitzwilliam .

1882

Bennett

7

20

7

Charles l.efebvre .

1861

Lacharme

8

19

31

Camille Bernardia .

1865

Gautreau

9

18

19

Merveille de Lyon .

1882

Pernet

9

18

34

Xavier Olibo . ..

1864

Lacharme

10

17

27

Beauty of Waltham .

1862

W. Paul <fe Son

10

17

2L

Duchesso de Vallombrosa .

1875

Schwartz

10

17

22

Horace Yernet .

1866

J. B. Guillot, fils

10

17

5L

Marie Cointet .

1872

J. B. Guillot, fils

11

16

S3

Le Havre .

1871

Eude

12

15

12

Duke of Edinburgh .

1868

Paul & Son

12

15

28

Duke of Wellington .

1864

Granger

15

5

Marquise de Castellane .

1869

Pernet

15

47

Prince Arthur .

18’5

Cant

13

14

9

Alfred Colomb .

1865

Lacharme

13

14

16

Marguerite de St. Amand .

1864

Sansal

13

14

—

Marie Finger .

1873

Raimbaud

13

14

0

Violetle Bonyer .

188L

Lacharme

13

38

Abel Carri^re .

1875

E. Verdier

14

13

11

Etienne Levet .

1871

Levet

15

12

4

Baroness Rothschild .

1867

Pernet

15

12

86

Heinrich Schuliheis .

1882

Bennett

15

12

20

Madame H. Jamain .

1871

Jamain

15

12

23

Madame Lacharme .

1872

Lacharme

11

44

Countess of Rosebery .

1879

Postans

16

11

—

Ferdinand de Lesseps .

1869

E. Verdier

16

11

23

Fisher Holmes .

1865

E. Verdier

16

11

60

Reynolds Hole .

1873

Paul <fc Son

16

1L

49

Llrich Brunner .

1881

Levet

17

10

58

Annie Laxton .

1872

Laxton

17

10

14

Louis Van Houtte .

1869

Lacharme

18

9

18

Comtesse d’Oxford .

1869

Guillot, pfere

18

9

32

Dupuy Jamain .

1868

Jamain

19

8

4L

General Jacqueminot .

1853

Itousselet

8

25

Marie Verdier .

1877

E. Verdier

19

8

61

Mrs. Baker .

1876

Turner

19

8

30

Se'nateur Vaisse .

1859

Guillot, pere

19

8

86

Star of Waltham .

1875

W. Paul* <fc Son

20

7

79

Annie Wood .

1866

E. Verdier

20

7

64

Charles Darwin .

1879

Laxton

20

7

15

Dr. Andry .

1864

E. Verdier

20

7

48

Edouard Morren .

1868

Granger

20

7

17

E. Y. Teas .

1874

E. Verdier

20

7

67

Lord Macaulay .

1863

W. Paul & Son

7

—

Penelope Mayo .

1878

Davis

7

54

Prince Camille de Rohan .

1861

E. Verdier

21

6

0

Boieldieu .

1877

Margottin

21

6

55

Duchess of Bedford .

1879

Postans

21

6

48

Duke of Teck .

1880

Paul <fc Son

21

6

68

John Stuart Mill .

1875

Turner

21

6

24

Madame Victor Verdier .

1853

E. Verdier

21

6

29

Pride of Waltham . . .

1881

W. Paul & Son

21

6

0

Rosieriste Jacobs .

1880

Ducher

21

6

74

Souvenir de la Malmaisou (B) ..

1843

Be uze

22

5

0

Comte Raimbaud .

1867

Holland

22

5

0

Madame J. Perfeire (B) .

1880

Margottin, fils

5

0

Magna Charta .

18^6

W. Paul <fc Son

5

0

Mrs. Jowitt .

1880

Cranston

22

5

100

Nardy Frkres .

1868

Ducher

5

0

Queen of Queens .

1883

W. Paul & Son

5

59

Victor Verdier . .

1859

Lacharme

TEAS AND NOISETTES.

_a

o

d

fl
_ o

C at)

H ni ^

O £ —

d

umber

Bloom

Shown

s-o

o <

Name of Rose.

Date o
troduct

Raiser's Name.

A

d

1

2

3

4

5

5

6
7

7

8
8
9
9

10

11

12

12

13

13

14

14

1 5
15
13

17

18
18
19

19

20
90
20
20

35

34

28

27

24

24

22

20

20

18

18

16

16

15

14

13

13

11

11

10

10

9

9

7

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

3

3

10

2

7

8

5

6
4

12

1

3

16

15

13
26
25

11

0

14

19
0
9

38

0

22

20
24
So
18

0

80

0

29

Caroline Kuster (N) .....

Marechnl Nlel (N) . .

Jeau Ducher .

lnnocente Pirola .

Niphetos .

Souvenir d’Elise Varden ,

Marie Van Houtte . .

Comtesse de Nadaillac ...

Souvenir d’nn ami . .

Catherine Mermet . .

Etoile de Lyon .

Anna Ollivier .

Souvenir de Paul Neyron,

Madame Cusin . .

La Boule d’Or . .

Madame Bravy . .

Rubens .

Hon. Edith Giffard .

Madame Willermoz .

Madame Lambard .

Princess of Wales . .

Devoniensis .

Madame H. Jamaiu ....
Madame de Watteville . .

Madame Margottin .

Belle Lyonnais-e .

Madame Welche .

Jean Pernet .

Perle des Jardins .

Comtesse de Panisse

David Pradel .

Francisca Kruger .

Jules Finger .

1872

Pernet

1864

Pradel

1874

Madame Ducher

1878

Madame Ducher

1844

Bougere

1854

Marest

1871

Ducher

1 87 L

J. B. Guillot, fils

1846

Belot-Defougere

1869

J. B. Guillot, fils

1881

Guillot

1872

Ducher

1871

Levet

1881

Guillot, fils

1860

Margottin

1848

Guillot, pbre

1859

Robert

1882

Guillot

1845

Lacharme

1877

Lacharme

1882

Bennett

18S8

Foster

1869

J. B. Guillot, fils

1883

Guillot

1856

J. B. Gui lot, fils

18.9

Levet

1878

Ducher

1867

Pernet

1874

Levet

1878

Nabonnand

1851

Pradel

1879

Nabonnand

1879

Madame Ducher

— E. M., Berkhamsted.

Potatoes in Lincolnshire. — A correspondent who has visited
the Lincolnshire Potato fields informs us that a heavy yield of tubers is
not expected this autumn. The plants were alow in starting into growth
in consequence of the ungenial weather in May, and the foliage has
fallen much sooner than usual, the bitterly cold east winds of last week
drying all up but the stems. On the 22nd inst. snow and sleet fell, but,
though milder days followed the change of wind, it is too late to
materially benefit the crops.

- The Chiswick Horticultural Society will hold an Exhi¬
bition of Chrysanthemums, plants, flowers, and fruit on Thursday,
November 18th, in the Vestry Hall, Chiswick. Thirty-two classes are
provided, with prizes from 30s. to 2s. Mr. J. Fromow, Sutton Court
Nursery, is the Honorary Secretary.

- Mr. Thomas Booker, gardener to A. H. Griffiths, Esq.,

Edgbaston, Birmingham, writes : — “ I can quite confirm ‘ D., Deal's,'
view of Hose Madame Gabriel Luizet being a true Hybrid Perpetual,

1 have about fourteen plants of it under my charge, and I have cut several
good blooms lately, and have others left besides buds that will become good
blooms if this fine weather lasts. I find Madame Gabriel Luizet a much
better autumn bloomer than Madame H. Jamain, which is considered a
true H.P. I may say that I have more bloom from A. K. Williams than
any other just now except Gloire de Dijon, but I am cutting some
splendid blooms of Lord Beaconsfield ; it is so fragrant and very dis¬
tinct. I never remember Roses so good in the autumn as at this time,
both for size and colour.’ ”

- A Heavy Crop of Strawberries. — At a recent meeting of

the American Horticultural Society it was stated that a new variety of
Strawberry from Wisconsin had yielded over 200 bushels per acre this
season, in spite of the drought. A phenomenal yield of Strawberiies
this season was obtained by J. M. Smith of Green Bay, Wisconsin. On
31 acres he raised 1000 bushels, which he sold for 2216 dollars.

- “ J. H. ” writes, “ Can anyone inform me through the Journal

if there is A good varnish or mixture, and what it is composed of,
to paint the wooden structure of a house devoted to foliage plant?, so as
to render the wood incombustible and imputresible, without injuring the
inmates of the house ?”

- A new Orchid named Spathoglottis Kimballiana is

announced for tale at Mr. Stevens’ rooms, King S'reet, Covent Garden,
on Thursday, September 30th. It is described as producing flower spikes
li to 2 feet long, with ten to twenty flowers each, of a brilliant yellow,
the lip spotted with purple. They are said to be as large as a good
Phalsenopsis amabilis, and last a long time in flower. It is found on
rocks at an elevation of 3000 feet in a moist atmosphere. A better
known species, S. Fortunei, is very attractive at this time of year, pro¬
ducing its bright yellow flowers freely ; it is, however, seldom seen in
Orchid houses.

- The Newport and County Horticultural Society have

decided to hold their third Exhibition of Chrysanthemums on Wednesday
and Thursday, November 17th and 18th, this year, in the Albert Hall of
that town. Most of the classes are for Chrysanthemums, but some are
also devoted to fruit, the prizes being of moderate amount. The Hon.
Secs, are Messrs. W. H. Lewis and H. Dixon, London and Provincial
Bank, Newport.

- “ S. C.” writes, “I am'not a professional Rose grower, yet I

admire Rose Mrs. Bosanquet more every day. A dwarf plant on it? own
roots has been io flower continuously since early in June, and it is now
lovely. True it is not the purest white, but it does well as a white. Cut
as a bud it is useful for button-holes, and when full blown is very
desirable for vases, &c. This is the second year I have had it, and it
suiceeds well.”

- The Local Government Board have sanctioned the application

of the Richmond Vestry for power to borrow £16,000, to enable them to

296

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September 30, 1886.

purchase the Buccleuch Estate on Richmond Hill, so as to convert
it into public pleasure grounds, and preserve the view from the Hill. They
have also authorised the VeBtry to borrow the money for fifty years
instead of thirty.

- Gardening Appointments. — Mr. Noah Coppin, late gardener

to C. 0. Wyllie, Esq., Walden, Chislehurst, has been appointed gardener
to G. Matthey, Esq., Rosemouot, Eastbourne ; and Mr. Thomas Hill, late
gardener to R. M. Berens, Esq., Sidcup Place, has been appointed gar¬
dener to H, Gardener, Esq., Rocksham, Mertsham, Surrey.

- The Essex Field Club. — The 69th ordinary meeting of the

Club will be held in the Loughton Public Hall, Loughton, Essex, on
Saturday, October 2nd, 1886, at half-past six o’clock. Alecture, illustrated
with diagrams, will he delivered, “The Darwinian Theory — What it is
and how it can be Demonstrated,” by Alfred R. Wallace, F.L.S., F.ZS,
&c. The Hall will be open at six o’clock for the convenience of exhibitors.
Specimens, &c., for exhibition at the conversazione may be sent to the
care of the Secretary, Loughton Public Hall, or to the headquarters of the
Club, 8, Knighton Villas, Buckhurst Hill.

- The Seventh Annual Cryptogamic Meeting of the same

Club will be held on Friday and Saturday, the 15th and 16th of October,
in Epping Forest. It is intended to devote the Friday to collecting
Specimens, and to their examination and arrangement by the experts, and
°n the Saturday to hold an exhibition of fresh and preserved botanical
specimens, microscopical objects, drawings, &c. The exhibition will he
confined to subjects from the vegetable kingdom, but not necessarily to the
Cryptogamia, although that division will bold a very important place. The
exhibition will be opened at about four o’clock on Saturday, October 16th,
in the large ball-room attached to the “ Roebuck Inn,” Buckhurst Hill.
Ample time will thus be afforded for its careful examination by the
visitors present, and all possible facilities will be given to exhibitors.

- Mr. W. Wildsmith, Heckfield Gardens, thus notes A Good

Bedding Plant : — “ There have of late been but few good additions to
our lists of bedding plants, but the present season has brought ns two or
three, by far the best being Sutton’s Princess Beatrice Begonia. It
belongB to the fibrous-rooted section, and was obtained by hybridising
B. semperflorens rosea with the pollen of B. Schmidti. The plant is of a
dense shrubby habit and grows from 9 to 12 inches high, and is exceed¬
ingly floriferous, the flowers being small and in colour white tinged with
pink. It will not seed, consequently there is no picking or keeping in
order required from the time of planting to lifting in autumn. We have
it planted as ‘ dot ’ plants on a groundwork of Alternantheras, and also
grouped on a cushion of Sedum, and it is alike pleasing in both positions.
Another season we hope to use it still more largely in the manner just
named, as also as a dividing line plant, particularly for the outer or front
line of designs. A word of caution is necessary in regard to its propaga¬
tion. It must be increased by splitting up the roots. Cuttings strike
readily enough, but they will not branch ; they keep to one stem. Last
spring all we propagated in this manner (some dozens of plants), after
pinching out the points, cut them down, and in other ways striving to get
them to break, all proved useless, and we had to throw them away.”

- At Messrs. Protheroe & Morris’s rooms in Cheapside last week

Dr. A. Paterson’s Collection op Orchids was sold by auction, and
the plants being in good condition realised fair prices. Some of the
principal were the following : — Cattleya Trianae 45 guineas, Lselia elegans
Turneri 35 guineas, Vanda suavis, Paterson’s variety, £32 11s., Odonto-
glossum Alexandra, extra fine variety, £33 12s. and £14 3s. 6d., Laelia
Perrini alba 20 guineas, Cattleya labiata, autumn-flowering variety,
18 guineas, Cypripedium Veitchianum 15 guineas, Coelogyne Gardneriana
15£ guineas, Cymbidium giganteum 12 guineas, C. Lowianum 13 guineas,
Vanda tricolor Patersoni 16 guineas, Dendrobium Ainsworthi 13 guineas,
Vanda suavis 14 guineas, Lselia superbiens 9 guineas, Coelogyne cristata,
Chatsworth variety, 8 guineas, Odontoglossum Klahochorum 10 guineas,
Lrelia anceps Dawsoni 9 guineas, and Vanda Cathcarti 15 guineas. It is
to be hoped that those sold are only a portion of the collection which has
attracted so many visitors to Bridge of Allan.

- A visitor sends the following notes from Drumlanrig : —

“ Seedling Tuberous Begonias are very fine at Drumlanrig ; all sorts
of shades and colours are to be seen, and some of the flowers are very
large. They are being carefully selected, and next year they may be
expected to be even finer than this. From seed sown this spring hundreds
of fine large plants covered with brilliant flowers of great size and

substance have been obtained, and, though they are now past their best,
they are still well worth seeing. Bedded out they have done finely, and
at the present time (September 25th) they are still blooming freely, having
been protected from the frost which visited this district some ten days
ago. Light pieces of shading thrown over the beds and kept from injuring
the flowers by stakes placed in the ground, were sufficient protection to
keep the Begonias uninjured from 5° of frost ; and now that the weather
is mild again they are brilliant in colour, and promise to keep so for some
time to come. Such samples as are to be seen at Drumlanrig are sure to
have an effect in increasing the appreciation for, and the cultivation of,
these beautiful plants. Easily grown, coming quickly into bloom, lasting
long in flower, and being free from insect pests, Begonias have everything
to commend them.

- “ A three-quarter span house about 40 feet long is entirely

filled with Duke op Buccleuch Grape, which does extremely well at
Drumlanrig, and this season has been even better than usual. The wood
made this season is strong and well ripened. A succession of young rods
is maintained, and plenty of room is allowed for the foliage to develope
without being crowded. The consequence is well matured wood and
abundant fruitf ulnees. This is a most important point in the culture of
Duke of Buccleuch. If grown in a too crowded condition of wood and
foliage it does not get sufficiently well ripened, and consequently does not
fruit so well. The rods are trained very wide apart, and abundant
room is allowed for the proper development of the foliage and ripening of
the wood. Cracking is almost if not quite unknown in connection with
the culture of ‘ The Duke ’ in this garden. It is a great favourite with
the family, and all visitors who happen to see and taste it at the Castle
are delighted with it. It is certainly a noble-looking Grape, and when
cut and dished without being subjected to the ordeal of packing and
travelling per rail, it is the perfection of a white Grape for summer and
autumn use. This season a good many samples of ‘The Duke’ have
been shown, and it may he hoped that it will he more cultivated in the
future than it has been in the past.

- “ Fine specimens of Lapagerias rosea and alba are flower¬
ing at Drumlanrig, and they occupy large square tubs, one at each side of
a fine large conservatory. They are at one end of the house, and are
trained along the end and along the roof, reaching more than half way
along the house, and promising in a year or two to be at the other end.
The white variety is especially well flowered, the beautiful flowers hang¬
ing quite thickly together, and forming a very pleasing sight.”

- Two recent issues of the “ Botanical Magazine ” give illustra¬
tions of the under-mentioned plants. Ranunculus Lyalli is depicted
in t. 6888, and is a fine representation of this handsome New Zealand
Ranunculus. The first specimens were collected in Milf >rl Sound on the
west coast of the Southern Island by Dr. Lyall forty years ago, but it has
since then been found in several localities, mostly on mountain slopes
“ where the ground is kept moist during the summer from the trickling
downwards of the melted snow and is shaded from the mid-day sun.
It is remarked that thousands of seeds have been sent to England during
the last twenty years, but very few plants have been raised from them.
Plants flowered in the collection of the late Mr. Isaac Anderson-Henry in
1864, from seed which had laid dormant four or five years, though in New
Zealand they germinate in eight months. The leaves attain the size of
12 inches in diameter, and the flowers, which are pure white, creamy, or
pink, are 4 inches across. Other plants figured in the same number are
Iris Milesi (t. 6889), a new species related to I. tectorum, and received by
Mr. Frank Miles from “the Kulu and Parbutta Valleys of the North
Western Himalayas.” Cerinthe minor (t. 6890), an old herbaceous plant
of little beauty, introduced to England in 1570, and recorded in Aiton s
“ Hortus Kewensis,” 1789, vol. 1, page 183. Disa atropurpurea (t. 6891),
one of the hundred species of Disa known at the Cape of Good Hope, but
not to be compared with the handsome D. grandiflora. It has dull reddish
purple flowers.

- A distinct Ericaceous shrub, Befaria glauca (t. 6893)

“ represents in the Andes the Rhododendrons of the mountains of the
northern hemisphere, and it is a noteworthy fact that they begin in the
American continent exactly where the true Rhododendrons find their
southern limit.” The leaves are like some of the smooth-foliaged Rhodo¬
dendrons, the flowers being pale pink and borne in loose terminal panicles,
the petals narrow and SDreading. B. glauca was found by Humboldt and
Bonpland at the beginning of the present century, and was introduced by
M. Jacob Makoy of Liege, with whom it flowered in 1845. Iris Statellm

September 30, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

297

(t. 6894), a yellowish-flowered species allied to I. lutescens. Tulipa
Ostrouskiuna (t. 6895) a Turkestan species with bright scarlet neatly
formed flowers. Corydalis Sewerzovi (t. 6896), a golden-flowered species
related to the well-known C. bulbosa. Gladiolus Kotschyanus (t. 6897),
a pretty purple species found by Dr. Aitchison in Eastern Persia and
North-western Afghanistan.

- An American Gooseberry, Kibes oxyacanthoides, is illus¬
trated in t. 6S92, a species which appears well worthy of cultivation for
the sake of its fruit. Sir Joseph Hooker remarks concerning it that
“The ‘ Currant Gooseberry ’ was introduced into England in 1705 by a
Mr. Reynardson, and is mentioned by Plukenet in his ‘ Amaltheum
Botanicum.’ The fruiting specimens figured were sent in August, 1885, by
G. Fox, Esq., Chad Hill, Sandown, Isle of Wight. Though smaller than
the common Gooseberry, the fruit is as good as ordinary varieties of that
species. The skin is much thinner, and it has none of the unpleasant
musky flavour of some allied North American species. I have received
from the south of France a small globose purple smooth-skinned ripe
Gooseberry in the month of May, which resembles those of oxycan-
thoides so much that I suspect it may be cultivated there for the sake of
its fruit. Loudon states that the colour varies from red to green and
purplish blue. It is described as an unfailing cropper, flourishing where
the Gooseberry flags for want of moisture.”

- A daily contemporary, calling attention to the abundance of

Plums this season, remarks — “ This season the fruits of the Plum tribe
have been so plentiful that Green Gages have been sold at 9J. a ‘ sieve,’
while only on last Saturday what are known as Damson Plums reached
Covent Garden in such abundance that they were practically given away,
as they would not keep. Even English Damsons, which bear travelling
well, could be bought for Is. 6 1. a bushel. In Clare Market Plums were
sold at the stalls at 2 lbs. for Id ; and, making all allowance for doubtful
weight, it is not easy to discover where the growers’ profit could come in
at such a retail price as that. As a matter of fact, the grower gets nothing
at all, and may think himself lucky if the returns cover the cost of pick-
ing, to say nothing of carriage. The growers must take a lesson from the
Americans, and learn to 1 can ’ or preserve the fruit, so as to put it on the
market in quantity proportionate to the demand, then possibly they may
obtain a paying price. Similar remarks might be made in connection
with green vegetables, for it often happens that the price obtained for a
load of Cabbages, which has come no further than from Ilford or Komford,
does not pay for the carriage. Plums, and even Pears, barely pay ex¬
penses, because they are plentiful and are sent to market in quantities for
which there is no ready demand.”

- California last year sent to the eastern States of North America

16,000,000 lbs. of fruit — Grapes, Peaches, Plums, Apples, and Apricots, as
well as carloads of Oranges.

- The Canterbury Neivs records that “ A new Potato has been

discovered by M. Sace of Bolivia. The plant, which is called by the
natives ‘ papa purcka,’ is 6aid to be richer in flour than other sorts, and to
crop in that climate four times a year. It has from ten to fifteen stems
to a plant, which send out smooth, bright green leaves from, the ground
upwards.”

The interesting historical estate and house, Pyrgo Park,
Havering-ATTe-Bower, has been lately sold by General Fytche.
The estate is not a large one, not exceeding 700 acres, but says a
writer, “ it combines in the highest degree the advantages of antiquity
and of what George Robins used to call ‘ modern improvements.’ The
principal features commending the investment to the comfort-seeker will
be found in the magnificent and commodious mansion, built in 1852 by
Messrs. Cubitt, from the design of Salvin, the eminent architect, who
was employed at Mamhead, in Devonshire, by Sir Robert Newman, and
at Peckforton Castle, ir Cheshire, by Lord Tollemache. In 1862 Pyrgo
Park was greatly enlarged and beautified under the superintendence of
Mr. R. M. Barry, R.A., a ad the house, when completed, is said to have
cost about £60,000. It is probable, however, that the historical traditions
associated with the neighoourhood of Havering-atte-Bower and of Rom¬
ford, to the north of which, at a distance of three miles, it lies, may have
seemed still more attractive to the purchaser of Pyrgo Park. ‘ The en¬
chantment of antique appellations,’ exclaims Horace Walpole, 1 has
consecrated a pleasing idea of a Royal habitation, of which we now
regret the extinction. Havering-at-the-Bower, the jointure of so many
Dowager Queens, conveys to us the notion of a romantic scene.’ The

* Liberty ’ of Havering will always be full of charm to Englishmen with
a taste for archaeology, as it is one of the most ancient Royal demesnes
in this country, having been the residence of Edward the Confessor, and
of many kings and queens since.”

- An American gives the following advice to florists : —

“ The florist who depends on local trade in a town of from 5000 to
10,000 inhabitants is obliged to grow a rather mixed collection of plants,
and cannot devote his glass to a specialty, as is now generally done by
most growers who have a city market. He must grow some cut flowers
and some plants, and the variety of plants of entirely different natures
and requirements sometimes grown together in these small places is
surprising. But it is not surprising to find that while some things do well
with him there are many which do not, and are in fact a drawback instead
of a benefit. The remedy is simple. Do not attempt to grow a plant for which
you cannot furnish its proper requirements. If you do not have them now,
wait until you do ; but do not attempt it before. Do not try to grow too
many varieties of any plant. Do not allow your stock to consist of only
a dozen each of many different but similar varieties. Select the one
that gives the best general results and fire the rest. Occasionally try the
novelties which appear of merit, and if superior to what you already
have, retain and fire the old, but first be sure that it is better in every
way. Do not clutter your place up with a lot of plants that will not sell.
Keep your list of varieties down until you have the room and equipments
to grow them right.”

- Commenting on Vernacular Names for Plants, the

Florida Diqmtcli observes that “ they are apt to be indefinite. The
name Honeysuckle, for instance, though more commonly applied to the
Loniceras, is also, in different places, the name of an Aquilegia, an Azalea,
a Passiflora, and many other widely divergent plants. So, in Australia,
the name Peppermint Tree is, in different localities, the name for Euca¬
lyptus amygdalina, E. odorata, and E. piperita. Referring to the latter
species, Von Mueller says: ‘The vernacular name ‘ Peppermint Tree’
arose from this Eucalyptus, being bestowed on it already in the first year
of the colonis xtion of New South Wales by Dr. White, because the scent
of the foliage resembled that of the Peppermint herb ; but this colonial
appellation has become since extended to many other congeners in various
parts of Australia. This fancied resemblance of Eucalyptus oil to that of
Peppermint is explanatory also of the specific name adopted for this
particular tree in science.”

BEDDING AT HAMPTON COURT.

During a recent short run through the grounds of this famous place,
I was particularly struck with the beauty and luxuriance of growth of
the plants generally used in the carpet'bedding arrangements. The colours
of the various bright varieties of Alternantheras were so finely developed,
the grouping of colours being so evenly balanced, that I was tempted to
make a few notes, thinking they might be suggestive to others. Two
advantages which favour this class of bedding at Hampton Court are the
sheltered positions the beds occupy, yet having the full benefit of the
sun’s rays, and the large size of the beds (24 feet long by 12 feet wide),
allowing the planting to partake of a bold character. The various colours
can be massed, so to speak, which in carpet bedding is one essential
point. Nowhere can such good effect be had where the beds are of small
size. Often too much in the way of patchwork is attempted that often
ends in failure. But large beds and favourable position would avail little
if knowledge and taste in planting were lacking, but Mr. Graham does
not seem to be troubled in this respect. One oblong bed was filled as
follows : — The groundwork was composed of Mesembryanthemum cordi-
folium ; in the centre was a Maltese cross formed with Echeveria
Peacocki, the centre being filled with Sempervivum montanum, the
frame, so to speak, being Alternanthera amceaa, pear-shaped forms,
filled with Alternanthera magnifies, two small circles of Alternanthera
nana, two oblong panels of Laucophyton Browni ; the edge was raised
about 4 inches high, and was planted with Echeveria secunda glauca,
which would have been better for effect had Herniaria glabra been u ed
instead of the Echeveria. This was the only fault that could be foun I
with an otherwise charming arrangement.

Another bed of the same size and form had for its groundwork
Veronica incana, long serpent-like scrolls 10 inches wide of Alternan¬
thera purpurea between two rows of Alternanthera magnifies, other long
scrolls of Alternanthera paronychioides aurea. Planted in panels of the
groundwork were two arrow-headed panels of Iresine Wallsi, and very
striking were two pear-shaped panels, also of Alternanthera purpurea. The
edge was composed of Echeveria secunda glauca in a setting of Scdum
glaucum. A third bed is particularly pleasing, the colours harmmising
perfectly and are very effective, the groundwork of the pattern bring
Mesembryanthemum cordifolium variegatum. All the panels are su -
rounded with Echeveria secunda glauca, and filled with various sorts of
Alternantheras ; but the striking feature of the bed is central oval-shaped

298

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September SO, 1886.

raised panel of Echeveria Peacocki, which are planted closely together,
thus affording a sheet of its striking tint of colour, edged with Alternan-
thera versicolor grandis, thus forming a grand contrast of colour. A
fourth was very effective, being planted in the centre, about 18 inches
apart, with Abutilon Thompsoni. Under these was growing thickly
Verbena venosa ; around this, as an edging, was a broad band of Iresine
Lindeni, particularly rich in colour. This was quite a charming arrange¬
ment.

The groundwork of another bed was Herniaria glabra, small circles of
Leucophyton Browni, and Alternanthera versicolor grandis, being enclosed
by chain scrolls of Mesembryanthemum cordifolium variegatum and
Alternanthera magniflea. The above are all enclosed in a straight band
4 inches wide of Alternanthera paronychioides ; outside this are scrolls of
Alternanthera latifolia and Mesembryanthemum cordifolium variegatum.
In a sixth bed the groundwork was Mesembryanthemum cordifolium
variegatum ; Aloe africana as a centre plant, was set in a raised cushion
of Sempervivum montanum, banded with Echeveria Peacocki, this being
banded with Alternanthera amoena ; end circles were formed with narrow
bands of Alternanthera paronychioides, filled in with Pachyphyton bracteo-
sum, four near-shaped panels of Leucophyton Browni, and four more filled
with Alternanthera nana magnificently coloured. These eight last named
panels being banded with Alternanthera purpurea, completed a most
pleasing effect.

A large bed, 70 feet long and 12 feet wide, oblong in form, had as its
centre plants a mass of Chrysanthemum Madame Desgrange, well set
with flower buds, the foliage being extra good in colour, betokening a
magnificent floral display later on, with a broad band of Aster bessera-
bicus as an accompanying pleasing colour to the Chrysanthemum
blooms. — Visitor.

CAMELLIA TRICOLOR.

It is frequently remarked that in the multitu le of novelties annually
brought under public notice there is a danger of losing sight of some old
and meritorious plants which are unsurpassed by the numerous more
recent claimants to attention. Abundant examples of this kind occur
amongst hardwooded plants, but there also other classes which include
similar instances, and it is pleasing to see a re-awakening interest in what
are appropriately termed “ neglected ” plants.

Camellias have long been favourites in gardens, being valued for their
rich profusion of flowers, the symmetry of form in such excellent varieties
as alba plena, and their shining green foliage. They are valued for
conservatory decoration and for cutting, and though they require more
care than some popular plants it is well deserved, and the necessary labour
is profitably employed. Many of the double varieties are extremely
handsome and superb in floral formation from a florist’s point of view,
but the single or semi-double varieties are receiving more attention, as,
with less formality, they possess equally bright colours and are very
profuse. Camellia Donkelaari is a well-known example of this kind, is
a magnificent plant in a conservatory, while another fine variety of a
similar type is that represented in the woodcut (fig. 46), Camellia tricolor.
The flowers are of medium size, white, striped and flaked with rich rosy
crimson and carmine. The dense cluster of stamens with their golden
anthers in the centre render them still more attractive. The colouring
varies like it does in the striped Roses. Sometimes a flower will be almost
wholly white, at others the crimson colouring will greatly predominate ; or
one half of a flower may be coloured and the other portion white, or it
may come as regularly marked as a bizarre Carnation, but this variation
increases its charms. Add to this that the habit is vigorous, but compact
and bushy, flowering in extraordinary profusion, and it will be seen that
C. tricolor has ample qualities to recommend to cultivators. Our illus¬
tration was prepared from specimens furnished by Messrs. J. Veitch and
Sons, Chelsea, in whose nursery it was very attractive early in the
present year, a specimen in the corridor near the Brompton Road being
very conspicuous amongst the numerous others there planted out.

GROWING FRUIT FOR MARKET.

Midsbason and Late Plums. — Commanding a ready sale ever
when the crop is heavy and the prices low, Blums are satisfactory, as thi
crop m a measure compensates for the lessened value. This year Greei
Lages are only bringing 5?. per sieve or bushel, but then the crop when
J. a* Pnce obtains is enormous, and that it mostly is, if anywhere, on thi
limestone and oolitic formations.

Dessert Plunis. — Belgian Purple, a grand cropper and of excellen
quality, coming in at the end of August or beginning of September. !
nave not found it succeed in cold localities, being much given to gum, an<
evidently requires a silicious if not calcareous soil. Angelina Burdett
ne cropper and good quality. Kirke’s, large, capital cropper, very riel
am good. Archduke (Rivers), large, great cropper, and fruit good for am
purpose. Ihis must become popular, being a late sort, comiDg in early ii
UMooer. AH the preceding are purple or black Plums. Of yellows
enerson s, great cropper and very good ; Washington, large and goo(

cropper ; Coe’s Golden Drop in favourable soils — i.e., light and warm
localities, is first class for any purpose. Of the Gage Plums, Green Gage,
capital cropper and well known flavour, is most esteemed, but Transparent
is better and the tree healthier ; and Reine Claude de Bavay is a large and
in every respect first rate. The Gage Plums, however, crack very much,
even before ripening if the weather be hot and dry whilst swelling, and
the season afterwards changes to wet.

Kitchen Plums. — Mitchelson’s, a wonderful bearer, but does not suc¬
ceed on a cold soil, especially if having a wet subsoil. In a silicious or
calcareous soil it is, perhaps, the most valuable of all market Plums. It is
preceded by Goliath, a reddish purple, and is a great bearer. Prince of
Wales, another good cropper, the tree not very hardy. Victoria, capital
cropper and good-looking fruit, and as good as it looks. Pond’s Seedling,
a large red fruit and great bearer. Yellow Magnum Bonum only suc¬
ceeds on warm silicious soils, and is then first-rate for preserving, and some
think for eating. Diamond, a fine grower, and when a little aged a great
bearer, and of the highest culinary value. Autumn Beauty or Autumn
Compote, another fine preserving sort, red and handsome, and a wonder¬
ful bearer. Wyedale, a small or only small medium Plum, a very great
cropper, purple, and a splendid variety, making an excellent preserve. It is
common in some districts (especially the Cleveland) of Yorkshire, and is
a very valuable late sort, ripening late in October. Winesour seems to
have gone out of date. I have only seen it bear at all well in the lime¬
stone formations of Yorkshire.

Damsons. — Rivers’ Early comes in early in August, is much valued
for that property, and it is excellent in every respect. Farleigh Prolific
(Crittenden’s Cluster) a wonderful fruiter, and decidedly the best of all
the Damsons. It ought to be planted in all the hedgerows about farms,
and then there would be no scarcity of Damsons. Prune or Long, not a
good bearer until aged, and then bears fairly well, but is not equal to
Dalrymple, which is of dwarf growth and a great bearer. White is a
good bearer and late ; by some it is considered good. For general purposes
the Farleigh is far the best.

Autumn Pears. — The Pears previously mentioned were only to keep
the supply up to October. I now propose to give the names of those
suitable for continuing the supply to a late period, the autumn Pears
continuing to, say, Christmas, but it will perhaps be best to take them in
the months.

October. — Fondante d’Automne, fine pyramidal habit, first-rate.
Fertility (Rivers) a tremendous cropper, capital colour, handsome shape,
and not big, yet of good size. Its quality on light soil is dry and mealy ;
on a cool bottom, good. It is very hardy and does not fruit sometimes,
but every year. Louise Bonne of Jersey, large and good. Beurre Hardy,
capital, large, and every way first-rate. Thompson’s, a splendid quality,
but not a taking sort, yet first-rate in every respect. Althorp Crassane,
great bearer and very good, keeping some time. Beurrd Capiaumont,
very free cropping and a taking fruit, and does well in cold localities. I
have omitted the small Pears— viz , Autumn Bergamot, Aston Town, and
Seckle. They are great bearers and unsurpassed for quality ; also Swan's
Egg, a fine old Pear.

November to Christmas. — Pitmaston Duchess, Doyenne du Comice,
and Durondeau. Those three far surpass all Pears for marketing in
November onwards, and are what I recommend. Gregoire Bourdillon
is of the Duchesse d’Angouleme type and better. Marie Louise d’Uccle
bears freely and is excellent, hardier than Marie Louise and later. Marie
Louise also forms a capital standard and bears well. The two last ought,
perhaps, to have been included in the October Pears, but I give them as
the fruit ripens from standards. Forelle also bears well, and is good in
colour and quality. Beurr6 Diel I have never once had good from a
standard. Louise Bonne, this I have not seen for some years. It is large
and handsome and keeps well. The three kinds that head this section
have large fruit, particularly the first, and should have shelter, or the
winds play havoc with the fruit, but not more than others with large fruit.
As the trees age they are better.

Late. — These are mostly lacking in size. The best is Marie Benoist, and
I shall only name Winter Nelis, Josephine de Malines, Zephirin Gregoire,
and Olivier de Serres, and do not recommend them for cold localities. We
want larger, better-looking, and hardier late Pears. For stewing Catillac
and Bellissime d’Hiver. Perhaps I ought to state that Windsor Pear was
not omitted through inadvertence, as might be presumed from a neighbour
having told me that he this year had 10s. per bushel for fruit of a
standard tree. I suppose he had seen my stating in the Journal of Horti¬
culture having got 6s. last year for Williams’ Bon Chretien, and did not
like to see this old and tried friend omitted. I have had it excellent, a
good sized, fine looking, and free cropping sort on the silicious or shallow
soils as far north as York ; and my neighbour’s trees are on an oolitic
loam of about 2 feet depth, with 4 to 6 feet thickness of gravel under.
On a cool bottom I have not seen it do well, so that circumstances alter
cases, and not being suitable in my opinion for general planting it was
omitted.

I have also a reminder of having omitted Violet in early Plums. This,
too, was not an oversight. Violet, I am aware, is a very popular and a
capital sort where it succeeds, which I have only found in localities having
ihe same strata of soil as described in the case of the succeeding cf the
Windsor Pear — viz., silicious loams or shallow overlying sand or gravel.
In deep loams I have generally seen it a shy bearer. Violet is good eitteer
for dessert or kitchen — a very good Plum.

Midseason and Late Apples. — It is a much easier matter in
dealing with selections of these than with Pears, which are far more
variable than Apples — i.e., are more influenced by soil and climate. A
good deep loam is best for Apples only it be free fiom water lodging in the

September SO, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

299

subsoil, but even in shallow soils Apples succeed, only care is taken to
feed them by surface dressing of manure. Manure orchards ! Why not 1
The grass would be far better ; a dressing of compost, ditch scouring,
pond cleanings, roadside parings, with a sixth of lime added, are excellent

Dessert Apples. — These as a rule are small or not more than medium
sized. We want Orange Pippins as large again, but then we have larger
in kinds that are good either for eating or culinary purposes.

October to December. — Cox’s Orange PippiD, a beautiful Apple, and

Fig. 46.— Camellia tricolor.

if only given occasionally, but better if alternating with a dressing of
manuie every alternate year. Twenty cartloads per acre of manure or
compost.

the very best variety in cultivation, but my experience of it is confined to
silicious and oolitic loams overlying sand or gravel, in which it attains
much more colour than on deep loam on a cool bottom. Very free in

300

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER

[ September 80, 1886,

growth though not stout, and forms a prolific standard. Wyken Pippin,
though not so large nor so handsome aB Orange Pippin, is a capital Apple,
forming a large and prolific standard and is first rate. Margil does well
on silicious limestone or oolitic soils, and though only forming a moderate¬
sized standard is very free bearing and in every respect excellent. Golden
Winter Pearmain (King of the Pippins), very handsome and likes a good
soil, where it gets larger and is in every way better. On a light hot soil the
fruit is not large enough, and is dry; indeed, unsatisfactory. Ribston
Pippin is not satisfactory in some localities and is, on that account,
omitted.

November to over Christmas. — Ashmead’s Kernel likes a good soil — i.e.,
deep loam, and in Heref rd and Gloucester attains a fair size, but in some
localities is very small. Golden Pippin, a favourite, and likes a good soil,
in which it only forms a moderate-sized standard. Braddick’s Nonpareil,
a miserable thing on light soil, but on good soil is much better. Old and
Scarlet Nonpareil do better on light soil, Scarlet Nonpareil being very hand¬
some and of medium size, the trees are small growers but good bearers. The
Queen, a nice size, very handsome, a good bearer, and seems to do finely
as a standard, which, being established, the others may be struck out, as
we want size and must have it if we are to keep our own in the markets.

At and, after Christmas. — Scarlet Golden Pippin. This is something
an increase in size on the Golden Pippin, very little, but of fine colour.
Court of Wick, handsome and capital, only wants size, though it is better
than some, and likes good soil. Claygate Pearmain, a small fruit on light
soil, larger on good soil, but not a large tree under any circumstances.
Gipsy King, very handsome, and likely to prove good as a standard.
Duke of Devonshire, nice size and good sort, but wants the size of Adams’
Pearmain. Syke House Russet, though a great bearer as a standard is too
small.

Late. — These are valuable and well kept superb, especially Reinette
du Canada, large, handsome, in use from Christmas, free, healthy, and good
bearer. White Nonpareil, nice looking and capital eating, being brisk and
first rate ; indeed, these two and the other Nonpareils are much relished
by those that do not like a hard Apple or have delicate stomachs. Lord
Burghley is a beautiful Apple, but the tree cankers, and such are no use
for large culture. Allen’s Everlasting, showy, but too small, though it
may be termed medium, fruitful, and healthy. Starmer Pippin simply will
not grow with me, being too stunted in growth and the fruit pitted. I
have tried it on good soil, also on shallow, being worst in the last.

Kitchen Apples. — Cox’s Pomona, large, handsome, good cropper,
October to Christmas. Ecklinville Seedling, great bearer, fruit large, but
soft. Cellini, large, handsome, good cropper, but will not keep. Small’s
Admirable, great bearer. Warner’s King, first-rate, size, cropping and all
points considered. Hawthornden New or Winter, very good and early
bearer. Bramley’s Seedling, one of the very best, great cropper and fine
fruit, first rate. Herefordshire Beefiog, fine in every respect and capital
bearer, likes good soil. Two fine looking large Apples, and as good as they
look, are Peasgood’s Nonsuch and Beauty of Kent, handsomer fruit it is
not possible to conceive. Golden Spire makes a trio of handsome fruit.
Grenadier is a new sort and a great cropper, evidently of the Hawthornden
race, very good. Pott’s Seedling may be mentioned as a marvel of pro¬
ductiveness, but I have only tried it as a pyramid. Loddington or Stone,
very large and good.

From Christmas Onwards. — Tower of Glamis, large, handsome, good
cropper. Bedfordshire Foundling, large, healthy grower, and good bearer.
Betty Geeson, great cropper, even when young. Dumelow’s Seedling
(Normanton Wonder, Wellington, &c.), perhaps the most popular of
culinary Apples, good in appearance, keeping well, and of sufficient size to
recommend it. Schoolmaster I have only as bushes and pyramids, very
excellent it is in that way. Northern Greening, a popular north-country
Apple, medium size, and excellent for bearing. Rymer is more liked by
some than Dumelow’s Seedling. It is large and good looking, but is not
considered to keep so long. Gooseberry Apple, a great bearer, very long
keeper, and bears well. Prince Albert, fine, only grown as pyramid.

Apples good for Cooking or Dessert. — Emperor Alexander, Nelson
Codlin, Small’s Admirable, Blenheim Orange or Pippin, Lady Henniker,
Cobbam, Lemon Pippin, Green Balsam, Fearn’s Pippin, Dutch Mignonne,
Herefordshire Pearmain, Royal Russet, and Hambledon Deux Ans. Grand
Duke Constantine is large and handsome. Gravenstein, first rate, hut not
a great cropper.

For extensive cultivation I advise of dessert Apples, Cox’s Orange
Pippins, King of the Pippins, The Queen, Gipsy King, and Reinette du
Canada. Kitchen, Ecklinville Seedling, Warner’s King, Winter Haw-
thorden, Bramley’s Seedling, Loddington or Stone’s, and Dumelow’s
Seedling. Of Apples suitable for any purpose my selection is Emperor
Alexander, Nelson Codlin, Small’s Admirable, Blenheim Orange, Cobham,
Fearn’s Pippin, and Dutch Mignonne. Altogether eighteen varieties, but
all are good.

Cherries. — These like a light soil or well drained, and are best on
silicious,' limestone, and oolitic soils. Early Rivers, Empress Eugenie,
May Duke, and Royal Duke, Frogmore Early Bigarreau, Governor Wood,
and Bigarreau Napoleon. For- culinary, Kentish and Morello. Pre¬
paratory to planting the ground should be well drained if necessary, and
the ground trenched as deeply as the good soil allows, not bringing up
much of the stubborn soil to the surface, but the bottom of the trenches
should be turned or loosened with a pick and left. In the case of very
stiff soils it will be advisable to burn enough of the clay to cover the
ground 6 inches thick, and mix that with the top 18 inches. In planting
c n wet or heavy soil raise a mound for planting on of 12 to 18 inches
height, and with gentle elope outwards. Secure the trees with stakes at
planting, and mulch over the roots a yard around the stem with about J

half-rotten manure 3 inches thick. If this thickness be given over the
whole ground, and that mixed with the top foot, it being placed on in frosty
or dry weather, the land will be fit for anything, cropping with suitable
vegetables, or planting with bush fruit, both good means of establishing
an orchard in half the time to planting trees on grass.

A site with a southern exposure should be chosen, and if possible
sheltered to the north, north-west, and north-east. Damson trees are
profitable and by no means inefficient shelters. It is whilst the fruit
trees are young that they require most care, as when they become large
they protect each other. Twenty-four feet apart is a proper distance to
plant the trees for orchards. — Utilitarian.

CHRYSANTHEMUMS AND THEIR CULTURE.

( Continued from page 260.)

WAITING FOR THE VERDICT.

Probably the most anxious time an exhibitor of Chrysanthe¬
mums has during the whole year is the short period in which he is
“ waiting for the verdict ; ” this is rendered more so if he is in
doubt as to how the judges will decide. Some growers possessing
much experience can form a pretty correct opinion at the time of
staging, except where the quality of the opposing collections are
pretty even with their own ; in such cases it is only by examining
every bloom on its merits that a satisfactory conclusion can be
arrived at. This can be much best done by judges who do not know
the collections, nor have any partiality. The grower is at times
likely to regard his own geese as swans.

The best way an exhibitor can employ his time during these
anxious moments is to busy himself with the packing up of his
tools, bottles, boxes, and spare blooms, stowing all away snugly, so
that they do not interfere with anyone ; also sweeping up the room,
leaving all neat, so that no difficulty will be placed in the way
should circumstances require the same favour to be granted on
another occasion. Many times have I seen exhibitors much too
careless in this matter, leaving their boxes and rubbish, such as
decayed florets, bits of wood, and so on all over the place ; this is
not as it should be. Sometimes exhibitors hang about the doors of
the building, anxious, no doubt, to pick up a word or two from
officials passing to and fro. I have known false reports circulated,
which caused an exhibitor to despatch telegrams notifying his suc¬
cess, but when the result was officially announced, instead of his
being at the top he was at the bottom of the list. No doubt this
anxious feeling is not easily overcome by “ young beginners ” in ex¬
hibiting ; even older men cannot always suppress their feelings at
such critical times.

The best advice I can give to young exhibitors is this : As soon
as the duties of staging and tidying up are complete, let them
leave the exhibition building entirely and find a hairdresser. An
acquaintance with soap and water will do much toward refreshing
the outer man, whose appearance may not be too bright after a
long railway journey and loss of sleep. Some dinner will improve
the inner man, and then the anxious exhibitor ought to be in a
good frame of mind for receiving the verdict. If he should be the
lucky winner and the stake at issue an important one, rest assured
he will receive congratulations abundant^', and feel the truth of
the old adage that “ there is nothing succeeds like success.” Accept
the greetings unostentatiously, and do not speak lightly of your
opponent or his blooms, but remember that although you are at the
top of the tree to-day another year you may exchange places. In
many cases it is only a turn of Fortune’s wheel in your favour. If
you happen to be placed second, do not seek to cavil with your more
lucky opponent over some of his blooms, even if weak points can
be found in his stand, as, depend upon it, more can be found in
your own. Accept the verdict of the judges with a good grace, for
in nineteen cases out of twenty it is right, and return home a wiser
if a sadder man, but with the spirit of emulation stronger within
you. Much information can be gained from defeat, and if turned
to account it may enable you to outdistance your rival on the next
occasion.

TAKING NOTES.

Growers of Chrysanthemums, and more particularly those who
exhibit them, should always take notes of any new or uncommon
varieties which they do not possess, but see staged at the shows, as
new varieties possessing merit are sure to find their way there.
This plan is preferable to purchasing supposed new kinds early in
the season, growing them, and eventually finding them worse than
some already in their possession. This applies to the Japanese varie¬
ties mainly, as they are sent out each in far larger numbers than any
others. In the afternoon of the day, then, on which the show is
held make a practice of thoroughly examining all the stands to see
if any new varieties are staged ; even if they are not presented in
good form an idea can be formed as to their ultimate qualities when
grown under favourable conditions. I note carefully down the
name, what section they belong to, the colour, form and size of each,

September SO, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

801

and who they are exhibited by : this is all useful matter for future
reference. Some growers do not do this, but depend upon the
opinions of others, but I can assure all young beginners that it is
time well spent.

Note-taking at home is also of much value. Young growers
especially should note in separate columns the names of varieties,
the date when propagated, when crown and terminal buds were
taken, and how the blooms developed from each ; at what time, and
how the plants were fed with stimulants ; when they were housed ;
what size the buds of certain kinds were at that period ; the time
from the date of housing each variety required to develope, and how
long the blooms remained fresh after expansion, also the size of
each. All these items are most useful. I do not think that any
grower can become proficient in the culture of the Chrysanthemum
without taking copious notes, and referring to them very often
during the following season. By such observance the peculiarities
of varieties are ascertained, a repetition of former mistakes avoided,
and the end in view more easily attained. My practice of register¬
ing observations is the following : —

Name.

Propagated.

Crown Bud.

Remarks.

Queen of England. . . .
Peter the Great .

December 8th
» ^h

„ 26th

„ 26th

September 1st
August 9th
„ 25th
September 8th

Right date.
Too early.
Right.

Too late.

I strongly urge on all who are striving for superiority in Chrys¬
anthemum culture to adopt some such system, and. they will be
certain to find their notes of great service in the work in hand.

THE LEAVES OP CHRYSANTHEMUMS.

The leaves of the plants can be studied with advantage. Sup¬
pose a grower of Chrysanthemums has varieties sent to him that he
is wishful to procure, and they are not sent true to name ; he ought to
be able to detect the mistake by the leaves in time for the error to
be rectified, instead of losing a season in finding it out. Or, if by
chance labels get removed and misplaced, as they often do in
potting, the mistake can be detected and corrected at once, as an
observant cultivator knows all his varieties by their foliage as well
as by their blooms. A few examples of leaf and growth peculiari¬
ties may be adduced.

Refulgence has dense green, deeply cut foliage with green stems,
which assume with age a purple green. Soliel Levant is easily
known by its leaves, which have very long stalks and droop much,
giving it the appearance of suffering by want of water ; the stems
are quite dark in colour. Venus, both the pink and white varieties,
are known by their short leaf stems, and the leaves overlapping
closely, giving the plants a dense appearance. Thunberg has stems
the darkest in colour of any variety ; the leaves are long and droop
much, which gives it the appearance of being unhealthy. Peter
the Great has green stems, large broad leaves with short stalks, and
the leaves are cut but little compared to some varieties. Cherub
is easily known by its light green wood ; the leaves grow in an up¬
ward direction, the veins of which are plainly seen, as they are
generally much lighter in colour ; this variety is quite distinct from
all others. Grandiflora has leaves very thick and heavy in sub¬
stance with a drooping character, and assume bronzy shades of
colour early. Meg Merrilies, Golden Dragon, and Boule d’Or aie
distinct from others, by reason of their leaves being, as a rule, of a
pale colour during the growing season ; this is more noticeable in
some localities than in others, owing possibly to the soil. These
few varieties and their peculiarities will suffice to show what is
meant by a study of the leaves.

HINTS TO SOCIETIES ON OFFERING PRIZES.

Chrysanthemum shows are increasing yearly, and are being estab¬
lished in nearly all populous towns and cities. In and about London,
where there are so many exhibitions, the dates must, in a few in¬
stances, clash with each other. This necessitates a liberal schedule
of prizes to tempt exhibitors to compete. The first consideration of
every society ought to be the exhibitors, because without these
there can obviously be no show. There is, in my opinion, no prize
which incite so much competition and bring so many good speci¬
mens as challenge vases. These create a stimulus both to exhibitors
and visitors, and the annual floral tournaments are looked forward
to with great interest, and not without anxiety, as those exhibitors
know who have had the custody of a costly trophy for a year, and
other able men striving to relieve him of the responsibility. A
good prize in money with the challenge vase is calculated to en¬
courage the best growers to enter the lists and thus make a good
show.

Some societies offer prizes for forty-eight blooms, composed of

twenty-four incurved and the remainder Japanese varieties, all to
be distinct. This number prohibits many persons from competing.
It is most difficult for even the largest growers to stage forty-eight
distinct varieties in the best condition. What is better and calcu¬
lated to make a better show is a class for forty-eight blooms,
twenty-four to be incurved, in not less than eighteen varieties, and
not more than two of one sort ; the Japanese to consist of the
same number and under similar conditions. There is no comparison
in the ease with which this class can be filled to the other class,
where all are to be distinct. More uniform stands can also be
obtained by duplicating some of the blooms, and the general public
are better satisfied — a matter which societies cannot entirely over¬
look. Unfavourable comparison is often made between stands, one
containing all the flowers distinct, and the other thirty-six varieties
only. It is not possible to compare them, as the addition of twelve
duplicate blooms in the place of twelve weak ones makes a marked
difference in the appearance of tio stand. Another class requiring
attention is that for Anemone flowers. Since the advent of the
new type (Anemone Japanese) the older varieties, of which Gluck is
a fair representation, are fast being elbowed out of the shows by
their more attractive rivals, simply because these are more appre¬
ciated. The remedy, to retain both sections, is to offer prizes in
separate classes, whereby both are encouraged without detriment
to either.

It is most important that the classes in schedules be so worded
that only one meaning can be attached to them. It is not possible
to be too careful in this respect, a3 indefinitely expressed stipula¬
tions lead to confusion and mistakes, as well as discourage entries,
for many exhibitors would rather keep their blooms at home than
incur the risk of their being disqualified at a show, and of these I
am one.

SUMMARY.

A summary of hints which are essential to success in the culti¬
vation of the Chrysanthemum can be placed in a concise manner.
The first thing is the necessity of acquiring a knowledge of each
variety and its peculiar requirements ; this can be obtained only
by close study on the lines previously indicated. Incessant watch¬
fulness and strict attention to their wants are absolutely essential
at all seasons. Any person having the necessary means can grow
Chrysanthemums up to a certain date — say the end of June. After
that time a failure often follows. The reason in nine cases out of
ten may be traced to neglect. At the time of the shows and for a
few months afterwards the plants receive every attention, but when
other work presses heavily the fever and excitement of exhibiting
wanes, the plants are neglected and quickly go wrong. It is the
unceasing attention bestowed upon them at all times, and more
particularly during the hottest days of summer when much labour
is required in watering and other cultural details, that goes a
long way towards developing the blooms in all their beauty. To
an enthusiastic cultivator who attains his object the hard work is
little thought of when success has been achieved.

ADDENDUM.

Taking the Buds of Chrysanthemums. — In writing upon this
subject (page 485) as a part of my treatise on the culture of the
Chrysanthemum, I advised that the buds be “ taken ” from about
August 10th to September 1st. I have always tried to impress
upon beginners that there is no necessity to do certain things on the
same date exactly ; indeed, it is impossible to “ take ” Chrysan¬
themum buds on any given day of the month, for the reason that
buds do not always show on the same date each year ; therefore,
should they show on the 5th of August one year instead of the 10th,
it is hardly likely that I should advise the removal of such buds
because of their being five days too early. It has been suggested
that the time I advised for “ taking ” the buds was quite too late
for northern growers. Through the kindness of friends I am
enabled to give the opinions of growers in various parts of England
as to the time they find best suited for “ taking ” the bucis. As
will be seen from their reports my advice is substantiated,
and as an addendum to my notes on Chrysanthemum culture I
trust it will not be the least interesting of the series. From letters
before me I quote the following : —

Mr. W. Mease, The Gardens, Wyncote, Allerton, Liverpool,
says : —

« I have read your articles on the Chrysanthemun in the J ournal, in
which you advise ‘ taking ’ the buds from August 10th to September 1st,
and from my experience I do not think safer advice could be given.”

Another noted Liverpool grower, Mr. W. Lindsay, The
Gardens, Otterspool, writes : —

“ Substantially your dates are the same as ours with this little excep¬
tion : If any of the late-blooming varieties show their buds earlier in
August we take them ; the bulk of the varieties, particularly the Empress
family, about August 20th ; our last bud, and that a Cherub, was taken
September 8th.”

802

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September SO, 1888.

Mr. W. K. Woodcock, The Gardens, Oakbrook, Sheffield,
says : —

“ In replying to your inquiries as to the dates we in Sheffield have found
most advantageous for ‘ taking ’ the buds, we have not found them to differ
materially from those given by yourself, and with very few exceptions buds
* taken ’ from August 10th to September 1st produce the best flowers ; the
exceptions are a very limited number of varieties which produce the best
flowers from buds ‘ taken ’ during the first week in August.” ’

Another cultivator situated much farther north than any of the
preceding ones, Mr. T. B. Morton, Mowden Bridge Nurseries, Dar¬
lington, Durham, expresses himself thus : —

“ I have carefully read your articles on ‘ taking ’ buds, and I fully agree
with all you say. Only so far north as this I would ‘ take ’ buds of Meg
Merrilies and Boule d’Or the first week in August. As regards the in¬
curved section, especially the Queen family, I would take them from
August 25th to Sept. 6th. About here as a rule the buds are most plentiful
the first fortnight in September.”

Mr. R. F. Jameson, Hessle, Hull, writes : —

“ Buds of Meg Merrilies and Boule d’Or, for example, should be ‘ taken ’
as near about August 3rd as possible ; other varieties from August 10th to
Spetember 1st. My flowers were late last year, therefore I thought I would
be soon enough this season. Consequently I ‘ took ’ buds of some varieties
during the first week in August, and I find I have been in too great a hurry,
as the blooms of Mdlle. Lacroix. Jeanne d’Arc, Soeur Dorothiie Souille, and
Margaret Yillageoise are already developing fast.” ’

From the Northern Division of the West Riding of Yorkshire
Mr. Midgley, The Gardens, Bankfields, Bingley, and Mr. Shaw,
Oakworth House Gardens, Keighley, each growers of 500 plants,
gave me their opinions in conversations on “ taking ” the buds —
namely, that from the middle of August to the same time in
September is the best time for that locality ; and Mr. W. Heath.
Hampton Manor Gardens, Birmingham, informs, me “ From the
end of the first week in August to September 1st answers the best
for ‘ taking ’ the buds for first-class blooms.” It remains only to
thank my correspondents for their co-operation in settling a dis¬
puted point, and to express satisfaction that my practice is con¬
firmed so thoroughly by so many noted cultivators. — E. Molyneux.

(Concluded )

A MIDLAND SEED FARM.

No department of commercial horticulture is more important than
that which is concerned with seed-growing and saving, especially now
that an interest in gardening has extended so widely amongst the masse*.
Vegetables and flowers are in greater request than ever, and in consequence
the maintenance of a full and pure supply of seeds has required increased
attention. Few, perhaps, of the thousands who annually send in their
seed orders have an adequate idea of the labour and expense needed to
ensure having the numerous varieties true to their particular character¬
istics. Such work cannot be carried on in a haphazard fashion, as the
slightest carelessness or confusion would cause disappointment to number¬
less persons, and if once the stock of any variety is allowed to deteriorate,
it is often very difficult to obtain it again in its original form. Constant
watching by experienced assistants, a carefully considered system of
planting and cropping, ample space of land at command, and harvesting
the seed in good condition, are the essentials to success in this business.
There are, of course, other matters that require attention, also such, for
instance, as the character of the soil upon which the plants are grown, for
this is found to exercise a considerable effect on the quality of the seed
produced. If good plants, either of vegetables or flowers, are desired, it is
of the utmost importance that plump matured seed be obtained, and this
is most likely to be procured from well nurtured plants grown in sound
substantial soil. All who have had any experience in gardening realise to
the full the importance of securing good seed, for the best culture is
otherwise of little avail, and it is a serious matter, after a season’s labour
and expectation, to find that one’s time has been spent over an almost
worthless variety.

A visit to one of the great establishments to which we are indebted for
well organised systems of seed-rearing and saving is always interesting
and instructive to both amateur and professional horticulturists, and a
brief description of a few hours spent on Messrs. Webb & Sons’ farms and
trial grounds at Kinver will serve to illustrate the subject to which
reference has been made. The headquarters of the firm are in Wordsley,
a short distance from Stourbridge, on the Great Western line from
Worcester to Wolverhampton, and in a manufacturing town chiefly
occupied with tbe production of glass and pottery many persons would be
surprised to find such a large establishment of a totally different character.
Huge warehouses, spacious offices, and other buildings cover a large ex¬
tent of ground, and though in every portion utility rather than ornament
has been evidently the main object, yet there is a substantiality of
appearance that is quite imposing. When arriving at Stourbridge with
the intention of visiting K'nver, the seed warehouses are taken cii voute ,
and they well repay for an inspection, for nothing can give a better idea
of the magnitude of a business than such store houses. Not only is a
great space devoted to the garden, vegetable, and flower seed and bulb
trade, but the farm seeds also occupy some extensive floors. Potatoes con¬
stitute another important department, and in addition to these Hops and
wool form almost separate businesses, having received the special atten¬
tion of the firm for many years. Then there are the machinery room*,

where the seed-sorting and cleaning are carried on, packing rooms for
home and export, and innumerable other offices, which in the height of
the seed season present a busy scene, and a very short period of rest is
obtainable, for there is a succession of seasons for the various specialties.
Now is the busy time with the bulbs, the trade in which is steadily in¬
creasing, and this season the consignments seem to very satisfactory in
quality.

But all this may be taken in parenthesis, for we started to see tbe
Kinver farm, and will now resume our journey. In fine weather the
drive from Wordsley to Kinver is a most enjoyable one, the scenery is
varied and interesting, and in some portions of the route quite picturesque,
especially when nearing the village of Kinver. The road there is a very
steep ascent, and some pleasing glimpses of distant landscapes are obtained
at certain points, while at others the road passes through deep cuttings in
the red sandstone, with a dense tree canopy overhead. If the traveller
has the time, he will also do well to prolong his journey beyond the farm
and up to the remarkable Kinver Edge, from which a magnificent prospect
is seen, extending over a great extent of country. The seed farm and
trial grounds occupy the slopes and lower portion of this hill, 1600 acres
being appropriated to this purpose, the greater portion being a rich sub¬
stantial loam that suits almost any vegetable crop admirably. The farm
serves a special and important purpose, being something more than a
mere trial ground, for it is there that the stock seeds of new and choice
varieties are raised for subsequent distribution lo various parts of the
kingdom for farther increase. Proving the merits and purity of novelties
is thus carried out under the immediate superintendence of the heads of
the firm, who are practical and successful cultivators. The practice is
when a novelty is secured to test it thoroughly at Kinver ; then, if found
sufficiently distinct, it is grown isolated from other similar crops. To
prevent its becoming mixed it is carefully “ rogued that is, all plants
not showing the true character are destroyed, and the seed thus raised
constitutes the “ stock,” which another season will probably yield sufficient
for placing in the market. This system applies to the general farm crops,
vegetables, and flowers, and has been found to yield excellent results. It
can be readily imagined that much land would be required for raising the
general supply, and it is estimated that in various districts of Great
Britain and the Continent Messrs. Webb & Sons have 16,000 acres thus
occupied.

A glance at some of the principal crops at Kinver will serve to convey
an idea as to the leading specialties. The cereal crops, which form an
important part of the business, can only be cursorily noticed, but they
deserve a few words, as a large acreage of land is appropriated to them.
Of Wheat, for instance, there has been this season about 185 acres, com¬
prising selections of considerable merit, such as Kinver Giant White,
Challenge White, Selected Square Head, Selected Golden Drop, Hard-
castle White, Selected Rough Chaff, and many other choice selections.
Of Barleys have occupied 200 acres, chiefly Golden Grain, Kinver
Chevalier, and Webb’s Beardless, while of Oats there were 168 acres of
Challenge White Canadian, Prolific Black Tartarian, New White Tar¬
tarian, and others. As coming under the head of general farm crops, it
may be mentioned that some special selections of Swedes, Mangolds, and
Turnips were also being grown at Kinver, but the greater portion of these
are cultivated in other districts.

Turning to what will more particularly interest the readers of this
Journal, the garden vegetables and flowers, the former may first receive
attention. The importance of Peas amongst the choicer vegetables is
widely recognised, and upon these extra care is bestowed in the trial
grounds. No less than 140 varieties have been tested there this season,
the comparison of the respective qualities of which has been an arduous
but most useful task. They included several novelties not yet in
commerce, but promising well, while the numerous varieties previously
sent out from Stourbridge well maintained the reputation they have
already gained. Wordsley Wonder, in particular, lias been extremely
good, and as an early blue wrinkled Marrow it deserves high com¬
mendation, being dwarf, prolific, and of fine flavour. Chancellor, another
new Pea, a capital main crop Marrow, is remarkable for the size of the
well-filled and abundantly produced pods. Kinver Green is a good early
variety, Stourbridge Marrow, a second early, with Triumph and Electric
Light for the main crops, are all varieties identified with the name of the
Stourbridge firm.

Potatoes are made a strong feature at the trial grounds, 67 acres being
devoted to them, but only the new varieties are grown there, such as
Kinver Hill, a second early kidney, Discovery, a seedling from Wood-
stock Kidney, and Benefactor, a main crop variety from a cross between
Bianchaid and Scotch Champion, Surprise, Reliance, Improved Magnum
Bonum, and Improved Schoolmasttr, all of which have been thoroughly
tested with satisfactory results. Cabbages are abundantly represented,
the excellent variety named Webb’s Emperor being very conspicuous.
This is not a novelty, but has now become an established favourite in
many gardens, being of quick growth, forming a solid heart, and of mild
flavour. Beans constitute another important class of vegetables. A re¬
markably fine long-pod variety is Kinver Mammoth, the pods commonly
over 12 inches long, and sometimes 18 inches, well flavoured, and capital
for exhibition. Golden Queen Butter Bean is prolific and of very good
flavour, Victoria Dwarf French Bean and Selected Scarlet Runners being
also notable soits. Many other vegetables might be named of which
there are special types, as for example Matchless Brussels Sprouts, Autumn
White and Champion Broccoli, Early Mammoth Cauliflower, Little
Wonder Savoy, Summerhill Cabbage, and Wordsley Gem Cos Lettuce?,
Improved Banbury Onions, Parsnip*, Carrot*, Turnips, Rac’iihe1,
Celery, Ac.

September 30, 18Q6 ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

308

All the preceding are such practically important crops that they
demand first notice, but the beauty of the Kinver farms is seen in the
floral department during the summer months when the numerous annua’s
are rendering the ground gay with brilliant and varied colours. Acres of
Marigolds, Asters, Sweet Williams, Zinnias, Nemophilas, Stocks, Poppies,
Tropseolnms, Larkspurs, Candytufts, Silenes, Clarkias, Saponarias, Esch-
scholtzias, Godetias, and innumerable other plants, have a grand effect
viewed generally, and when inspected more closely it is found that each
variety or strain is as true and good as the most careful selection can make
it. During recent years, in response to the increasing demand for such
flowers, Messrs. Webb & Sons have greatly extended this department, and
their untiring efforts to secure an adequate supply of good seed have been
well rewarded. Enormous numbers of annuals are now grown in gardens'
and with miscellaneous hardy plants they are diminishing the number
of ordinary bedding plants employed for outdoor decoration. Their
popularity can be readily nndei stood, for well grown plants of the improved
strains now obtainable make most effective beds. Zinnias, for instance,
are admirable for such purposes, and at Kinver the strain is distinguished
by the large size of the flowers and their brilliant colours. Ten-week
Stocks also have been very handsome, compact in habit, with large heads
of flowers, a large proport'on being double, and the colours purple, crimson,
and rose very rich, and the white pure. It is called the Imperial strain,
and is certainly of praiseworthy quality. Asters are represented in all
their different types by good selections, the Victoria, Quilled, Paeony,
and Chrysanthemum-flowered being conspicuous, a [ remarkably dwarf
variety named Webbs’ Miniature being also noteworthy, the plants
averaging 6 inches in height, with rose, purple, crimson, and lilac flowers.
They are well adapted for margins of beds or for culture in pots. These
few are only named as examples, but all the most approved annuals are
grown, and in the majority of cases there are special selections, the merits
©f which justify the distinguishing names bestowed upon them.

In other poitions of the farm are trial beds of lawn and pasture
grasses, of considerable interest as showing the respective value of the
different species and varieties both singly and associated with others.
Upon some of the crops extensive trials have also been made with artificial
manures, including those manufactured by the firm, and a method has
been adopted by which the qualities of the various sorts are demonstrated
most convincingly. In large beds of considerable length a number of
varieties of one kind of vegetable are planted in transverse lines, one
variety only in each line. Perhaps one half of this bed will be treated
with a particular manure throughout its whole length, and the other half
with another sort, the effects of which it is desired to bring into com¬
parison. The result is that the effects are seen upon a score or more of
varieties at once, and in some cases the difference in the two sides and the
uniformity of result in the numerous varieties is surprising. By such
facts as these a visitor is impressed with the consideration exercised in
every department of a great business, and it is only by Euch means that
fame can be made or sustained. — Visitok.

ROSE MADAME GABRIEL LUIZET.

Referring to “ D., Deal's ,” note on the autumnal blooming of
Midame Gabriel Luizet, it would be interesting to know on what shoots
the flowers were produced. With us a great number of beautiful flowers
have been produced during the autumn upon side growths from the shoots
that ought to have borne flowers in June, but were nipped in the bud in
May ; but the strong sucker-like shoots from the base of the plant are as
flowerless as formerly. From this it occurred to me that possibly the
freedom with which Madame Gabriel Luizet was flowering this autumn
might be due to the fact that the growth of the plants was severely checked
in the spring, whereby the shoots that were about to flower had their
bloom destroyed, and so made a secondary growth, which carried bloom ;
for this variety, being early, was terribly crippled by the spring frosts,
hardly one bloom in fifty escaping, so that by midsummer or soon after
there was an immense number of shoots ripe that had, so to speak, done
no work ; and these began to grow again before the big growths started
I om the base.

Gloire Lyonnaise, with which fault has been found for not blooming a
second time, has been very free this autumn in a similar manner, and it
also was much injured in May. But in this case I have also found one or
two blooms at the end of long sucker shoots, so that it may be that it
takes new varieties a season or two to recover from over- propagation
when they are distributed and show themselves in their true character, as
Mrs. George Dickson has been flowering freely this autumD, and it
certainly did not last year — T. W. G.

PIT MOUND GARDENING IN THE BLACK COUNTRY.

C Continued from page 276.)

To those unaccustomed to the Black Country district, and especially
those seeing it for the first time, and particularly in the autumn and
winter months, successful gardening would be written down as an impos¬
sibility, excepting in isolated places. In the Journal of September 23rd
you gave a very favourable opinitn on some flowers of an excellent strain
of French Marigolds growing the heart of DarlastoD, Staffordshire, a
township which has for a long time been suffering from the severe
depression in the iron trade of the district. The atmosphere of the
district is dull and v> ry smoky, and pit mounds abound, the whole of the
earth for miles round being more or less honeycombed by the searchers
after coal and iron stone. The garden in which the French Marigolds

are growing is far from being a promising field for garden operations,
being really a reclaimed pit mound garden in which shale is abundant,
but Mr. G. A. Wilkes is an enthusiast and struggles on under difficul¬
ties, and this year bad excellent Stocks, Asters, Marigolds, and a few
other kinds of flowers, for very few can be grown successfully. He
originated the new Horticultural Society in this township, which held its
first flower show in August, and it was a wonderful display of local pro¬
ductions for the district, vegetables being in great form. There are a
large number of plots of ground in and about Darlaston, many of them
reclaimed from the pit mound deposits, where gardening is attempted, and
in many cases with considerable expense, and it looks as though a great
many felt that the greater the difficulty in obtaining success in the garden
the more determined they were to accomplish it. Then, again, the absence
of green fields and pleasant hedgerows, and gardens full of flowers as met
with everywhere outside the Black Country, stimulates those who are in
less favoured localities to obtain the best results possible, and the thorough
enjoyment of what they do produce. I visited amongst other gardens one
in the possession of a Mr. William Underhill, who is employed about large
colliery works in the neighbourhood, and is truly amongst the smoke. One
garden is well fenced by a Privet hedge, and although small is exceedingly
well cultivated, and includes a small greenhouse and two or three frames.
Close by the colliery he has a bit of ground about 15 yards long and 3 to
4 yards wide, recently dug up frcm the shale and small coal thrown out
from the pits, adding, as he could lay his hands upon them, any street
sweepings, garden soil (not at all easy to get good), manure of any kind,
and, in fact, any fertilising matter available, but the soil of the garden is
almost exclusively cultivated shale, and he has excellent clean Carrots and
Parsnips, and very gocd Canadian Wonder French Beans. He is a deter¬
mined gardener and thinks, and with so much success that he won eighteen
first prizes and eleven second and third prizes at the Darlaston August
Exhibition in face of plucky competition.

Willenhall is another township in the Black Country, adjoining Darlas¬
ton, and also has a flourishing horticultural show annually, the exhibits
being so extensive that four judges working in pairs get a 6tiff three-hours
work amongst the vegetables, flowers, plants, &c., and where gardening is
again very difficult, but the desire to accomplish it and win prizes is very
strong. Here, as at Darlaston and Bilston and other p'aces, the surround¬
ings are so discouraging, but the establishment of these flower shows has
done wonders in stimulating garden work, and such is the interest in the
work that our gardening publications are taken in, and seeds procured
from distant sources wherever it is felt safest to get them from. One
man, Mr. Titus Watkins, a lock manufacturer employed at Messrs.
Lloyd’s lock manufactory, rents a strip of garden 50 yards in length
and 6 to 7 yards in width, reclaimed from the side of a pit mound,
and he also adds any soil, road sweepings, or manure he can get ; but
shale is the prevailing soil for his crops, and he pays 15s. a year rent for
this strip of ground. He has the general crop of such a p;eee cf ground,
including excellent Leeks and Celery, Red Cabbage, Parsnips, first-rate
Duke of Albany Peas, he took the first prize at the flower show with
a fine dieh, and Pansies do well with him. One of the Secretaries of the
Willenhall Horticultural Society is a fine example of an amateur gardener,
as well as a thorough Englishman, and Mr. Joseph Lowe (or Joe Lowe, as
he delights in being called) is an auctioneer, and holds some imp ortant
parish appointments. His garden is about 20 roods in extent at a
rental of 35s. a year, and has been reclaimed from a pit mound. Willen¬
hall possesses a dreary gardening aspect and suffers terribly from a smoky
and deleterious impregnation of the atmosphere, so that Mr. Lowe has to
surmount many difficulties ; still, he gets his reward cf perseverance in
fair crops, some things bemg especially good. He also took a first prize
in the open class for Duke of Albany Peas (a favourite this way), and has
excellent Cabbage, Cauliflowers, Carrots, Ce'ery, a very fine batch of
Curled Greens, excellent Brussels Sprouts, Scarlet Runners, and Jerualem
Artichokes. But unfortunately all green crops are suffering from a
terrible attack of a light purple-coloured aphis which the Black-Country
people call “ smother fly,” and these and caterpillars are ruining all the
green crops for miles around.

Bilston is another township close by Darlatton and Wil'enhall, and
owns the premier Black Country Horticultural Society, far eclipsing those
of Wolverhampton and Walsall, two large corporate towns on the east
and west of the townships named. Their sixth annual Exhibition took
place in August last, when close upon £140 was awarded in prizes, and
their expenses were quite £250, but they always command a large atten¬
dance. Mr. Frank Nokes, the postmaster of Bilston, was the first Secre¬
tary, and is now the Chairman of Committee, and he is a determined man
— just the man for the woik, and has a very excellent working Com¬
mittee ; and they have made their annual Exhibition a big thing and the
praise of the Black-Country folk, Garden plots or allotments abound in
Bilston, which is also surrounded by pit mounds, iron works, japanning
works, with chimneys and smoke in every direction. Mr. Nokes, amongst
others, owns a garden in the Green Lanes at the back of the cemetery, and
is another example of a reclaimed pit mound garden made by thougLtful
work. In this garden are excellent Cabbages, Savoys, or, as they are
generally called in this district of the midlands, Curly Dutch and Ruffled
Dutch, and Curled Greens. Barring the aphis, first-rate Peas and French
Beans, good Celery and Parsnips, and Strawberries, and Asters, &c., are
seen here. Another garden close by in the occupation of Mr. Thi mas
Southam is a notable example of what can be done by taking a piece of
unprepossessing and appaieutly w- rth!e:s shale and convening it into a
garden with good crops as can be seen just now. Here, as in other cases
I have mentioned, any soil, manure, or refuse which can be worked into a
garden is made available, but it is difficult to get good materials for this

304

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Septembar 30, 1686

purpose. Close by is a tract of land of the same character, in which are
good crops of Potatoes, and Broad Beans 4 to 5 feet high. I think there
can be no doubt but that the shale from the coal and iron pits possesses
some fertilising properties, and retains moisture to a considerable degree.
Bilston cemetery is entirely on a pit mound, for when I called the grave¬
diggers were at work at a grave close by the side of the grave in
which rest the remains of the late Mrs. Elizabeth Prosser, the well-
known writer of many contributions to the “ Sunday at Home,” and
other magazines. Not only to thje bottom of the grave, but deeper
still, nothing is found but dry slaty shale, and one wonders to see
trees and shrubs growing as they do in this country. Sycamore,
Black Italian and Lombardy Poplars, Wych Elms, Mountain Ash,
Laburnums, common Ash, and Lilacs do well here, and it is one of
the last districts in which I should look for good growing examples of
the Lombardy Poplar. Holes were made and filled with sail in which
the trees were planted, but the roots have got beyond now, and seem to be
at home in the shale and any soil that may get washed into it.

Many instances of successfully cultivated garden plots could be men¬
tioned, especially when the natural soil exists from broken-up pasturage,
but such pasturage is not now plentiful. When the iron trade was
flourishing, and the coal trade consequently so, the output from the pits
was incessant, and thousands of acres of what formerly was pleasant
well-cultivated arable land became a wilderness of waste land, from
which the pleasant face of Nature’s handiwork was blotted out. I have
aimed more at showing what can be done under great difficulties and
with very unprepossessing soils, and what has been done in making
gardening land out of pit-mounds. In these days it is highly essential
that a taste for gardening should be fostered among the working classes
of the great manufacturing districts as an essential corrective of the very
terrible evil so common in every district nowadays. Betting is the great
curse of the Black Country, and no pursuit of an outdoor character
except gardening seems to be free from it.

One more example of a Bilston garden and I have done with the sub¬
ject. There is a nice villa recently built on a pit-mound side, and two
years since what is now a multum in par wo garden was a mass of shale.
It is the property and in the occupation of Mr. James Bird, one of the
Bilston Township Commissioners, and the garden is a success. A vinery
and other glass structures are there, in which some very fine Coleus and
other plants are grown. Chrysanthemums in pots are most promising,
and the outdoor crops, consisting chiefly of Celery, Peas, capital Carrots,
Roses doing well, excellent Dahlias, Stocks, and Asters, good Lord
Suffield Apples, Strawberries, and other things ; but much ha9 been
done to assist the shale by the admixture of good soil and manure
and thoughtful supervision. — W. Dean.

THE PAST HISTORY OF EXISTING PLANTS.

A n address read before the British Association by William Carrnthers, President L.S.

F.R.S., F.G.S.]

In detaining you a few minutes from the proper work of the section, I
propose to ask your attention to what is known of the past history of the
species of plants which still form a portion of the existing flora. The
relation of our existing vegetation to preceding floras is beyond the scope os
our present inquiry : it has been frequently made the subject of exposition,
but to handle it requires a more lively imagination than I can lay claim to,
or, perhaps, than it is desirable to employ in any strictly scientific investi¬
gation.

The literature of science is of little, if any, value in tracing the history of
species, and in determining the modification or the persistency of characters
which may be essential or accidental to them. If help could be obtained
from this quarter botanical inquiry would be specially favoured, for the
literature of botany is earlier, and its terms have all along been more exact
than in any of her sister sciences. But even the latest descriptions, in¬
corporating as they do the most advanced observations of science, and ex¬
pressed in the most exact terminology, fail to supply the data on which a
minute comparison of plants can be instituted. Any attempt to compare
the descriptions of Linmeus and the earlier systematists who, under his in¬
fluence, introduced greater precision into their language, with the standard
aufbora our day> w°uld be of no value. The short, vague, and in¬
sufficient descriptions of the still earlier botanists cannot even be taken into
consideration.

Greater precision might be expected from the illustrations that have
been in use in botanical literature from the earliest times ; but these really
supply no better help in the minute study of species than the descriptions
which they are intended to aid. The earliest illustrations are extremely
rude : many of them are misplaced ; some are made to do duty for several
species, and not a few are purely fictitious. The careful and minute exact
illustrations which are to be found in many modern systematic works are
too recent to supply materials for detecting any changes that may have
taken place in the elements of a flora.

But the means of comparison which we look for in vain in the published
literature of science may be found in the collections of dried plants which
botanists have formed for several generations. The local herbaria of our
own day represent not only the different species found in a country, but the
various forms which occur, together with their distribution. They must
supply the most certain materials for the minute comparison at any future
epoch of the then existing vegetation with that of our own day.

The preservation of dried plants as a help in the study of systematic
botany was first employed in the middle of the sixteenth century. The
earliest herbarium of which we have any record is that of John Falconer, an
Enghshman who travelled in Italy between 1540 and 1547, and who brought
with him to England a collection of dried plants fastened in a book.
This was Been by William Turner, our first British botanist, who refers
to it in his “ Herbal.” published in 1551. Turner may have been already
acquainted with this method of preserving plants, for in his enforced

absence from England he studied at Bologna under Luca Ghini, the first
professor of botany in Europe, who, there is reason to believe, originated
the practice of making herbaria. Ghini’s pupils, Aldrovandus and Caes-
alpinus, formed extensive collections. Caspar Bauhin, whose “ Prodromus ”
was the first attempt to digest the literature of botany, left a considerable
herbarium, still preserved at Basle. No collection of English plants is
known to exist older than the middle of the seventeenth century; a
volume containing some British and many exotic plants collected in the
year 1647 was Borne years ago acquired by the British Museum. Towards
the end of that century great activity was manifested in the collection of
plants, not only in our own country, but in every district of the globe
visited by travellers. The labours of Ray and Sloane, of Petiver and
Plukenet are manifest not only in the works which they published, but in
the collections that they made, which were purchased by the country in
1759 when the museum of Sir Hans Sloane became the nucleus of the now
extensive collections of the British Museum. The most important of these
collections in regard to British plants is the herbarium of Adam Buddie,
collected nearly 200 years ago, and containing an extensive series, which
formed the basis of a British flora, that, unhappily for science, was never
published, though it still exists in manuscript. Other collections of British
plants of the same age, but less complete, supplement those of Buddie :
these various materials are in such a state of preservation as to permit of
the most careful comparison with living plants, and they show that the two
centuries which have elapsed since their collection have not modified in any
particular the species contained in them. The early collectors contemplated
merely the preservation of a single specimen of each species ; consequently
the data for an exhaustive comparison of the indigenous flora of Britain at
the beginning of last century with that of the present are very imperfect as
compared with those which we shall hand down to our successors for their
use.

The collections made in other regions of the world in the seventeenth
century, and included in the extensive herbarium of Sir Hans Sloane, are fre¬
quently being examined side by side with plants of our own day, but they do
not show any peculiarities that distinguish them from recent collections. If
any changes are taking place in plants, it is certain that the 300 years
during which their dried remains have been preserved in herbaria have been
too short to exhibit them.

Beyond the time of those early herbaria the materials which we owe in
any way to the intervention of man have been preserved without any regard
to their scientific interest. They consist mainly of materials used in build¬
ing or for sepulture. The woods employed in medifeval buildings present no
peculiarities by which they can be distinguished from existing woods
neither do the woods met with in Roman and British villages and burying
places. From a large series collected by General Pitt-Rivers in extensive
explorations carried on by him on the site of a village which had been
occupied by the British before and after the appearance of the Romans, we
find that the woods chiefly used by them were Oak, Birch, Hazel, and
Willow, and at the latter period of occupation of the village the wood of the
Spanish Chestnut (Castanea vulgaris, Lctmk.) was so extensively employed
that it must have been introduced and grown in the district, The gravel
beds in the north of London, explored by Mr. W. G. Smith for the
palaeolithic implements in them, contained also fragments of Willow and
Birch, and the rhizomes of Osmunda regaliB, L.

The most important materials, however, for the comparison of former
vegetation of a known age with that of our own day have been supplied
by the specimens which have been obtained from the tombs of the ancient
Egyptians. Until recently these consisted mainly of fruits and seeds.
These were all more or less carbonised, because the former rifling of the
tombs had exposed them to the air. Ehrenberg, who accompanied Yon
Minutoli in his Egyptian expedition, determined the seeds which he had
collected ; but as he himself doubted the antiquity of some of the materials
on which he reported, the scientific value of his enumeration is destroyed.
Passalacqua in 1823 made considerable collections from tombs at Thebes,
and these were carefully examined and described by the distinguished
botanist Kunth. He pointed out, in a paper published sixty years ago, that
these ancient seeds possessed the minute and apparent accidental pecu¬
liarities of their existing representatives. Unger, who visited Egypt,
published in several papers identifications of the plant remains from the
tombs ; and one of the latest labours of Alexander Braun was an examina¬
tion of the vegetable remains in the Egyptian Museum at Berlin, which
was published after his death from his manuscript, under the carefu
editorship of Ascherson and Magnus. In this twenty-four species wer«I
determined, some from imperfect materials, and necessarily with some
hesitation as to the accuracy of their determination.

The recent exploration of unopened tombs belonging to an early
period in the history of the Egyptian people has permitted the examina¬
tion of the plants in a condition which could not have been anticipated. And
happily the examination of these materials has been made by a botanist who
is thoroughly acquainted with the existing flora of Egypt, for Dr. Schwein-
forth has for a quarter of a century been exploring the plants of the Nile
valley. The plant-remains were included within the mummy-wrappings, and,
being thus hermetically sealed, have been preserved with scarcely any
change. By placing the plants in warm water, Dr. Schweinfurth has suc¬
ceeded in preparing a series of specimens gathered 4000 years ago, which
are as satisfactory for the purposes of science as any collected at the
present day. These specimens consequently supply means for the closest
examination and comparison with their living representatives. The
colours of the flowers are still present, even the most evanescent, such
as the violet of the Larkspur and Knapweed, and the scarlet of the
Poppy; the chlorophyll remains in the leaves, and the sugar in the pulp of
the Raisins. Dr. Schweinfurth has determined no less than fifty-nine
species, some of which are represented by the fruits employed as offerings
to the dead, others by the flowers and leaves made into garlands, and the
remainder by branches on which the body was placed, and which were
inclosed within the wrappings.

[The following is a list of the species of anci nt Egyptian plants deter¬
mined by Dr. Schweinfurth. I am indebted to Dr. Schweinfurth for some
species in this list, the discovery of which he has not yet published
Delphinium orientale, Gay ; Cocculus Laeba, DC.; Nymphma coerulea ,Sav.;
Nymphcea Lotus, Hook ; Papaver Rhseas, L. ; Sinapis arvensis, L. ; var.

September 30, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

805

Allionii, Jacq. ; Mserua uniflora, Vakl. ; Oncoba spinosa, Forsk. ; Tamarix
nilotica, Ehrb. ; Alcea ficifolia, L. ; Linutu humile, Mill.; Balanites aegyp-
tiaca, Del. ; Yitis vinifera, L. ; Moringa aptera, Gaertn.; Medicago denti-
cnlata, Willd.; Seabania regyptiaca, Pers.; Faba vulgaris, Mosnch.; Lens
esculenta, Mcench.; Lathyrus sativus, L. ; Cajanus indicus, L.; Acacia
nilotica, Del. ; Lawsonia inerruis, Lamb.; Punica Granatum, L. ; Eipilo-
bium hirsutum, L. ; Lagenaria vulgaris, Ser. ; Citrullns vulgaris, Schrad.,
var. colocynthoides, Sahweinf. ; Apium graveolens, L. ; Coriandrum sativum,
L.; Ceruana pratensis, Forsk.; Sphseranthus suaveolens, DC.; Chrysan¬
themum coronarium, L. ; Centanrea depressa, M. Bieb. ; Carthamus tiuc-
torius, L. ; Picris coronopifolia, Asch. ; Mimusop3 Schimperi, Hochst. ;
Jasminum Sambac, L. ; Olea europma, L. ; Mentha piperita, L. ; llumex
dentatus, L. ; Ficus Sycomorus, L. ; Ficus Carica, L. ; Salix Safaf, Forsk. ;
Juniperus phosnicea, L. ; Pinus Pinea, L. ; Allium sativum, L. ; Allium
Cepa, L. ; Phoenix dactylifera, L. ; Calamus fasciculatus, Boxb. ; Hyphaene
thebaica, Mart. ; Medemia Argun, P. G. von Wurtemb. ; Cyperus Papyrus,
L.; Cyperus esculentus, L.; Andropogon laniger, Desf. ; Leptocliloa bipin-
nata, Bets. ; Triticum vulgare, L. ; Hordeum vulgare, L. ; Parmelia fur-
furacea, Ach. ; Usnea plicata, Uoffm.]

The votive offerings consist of the fruits, seeds, or stems, of twenty-nine
species of plants. Three Palm fruits are common : the Medemia Argun,
Wiirt., of the Nubian Desert, and the Hyphaene thebaica, Mart., of Upper
Egypt, agreeing exactly with the fruits of these plants in our own day ; also
Dates of different forms resembling exactly the varieties of dried Dates found
now in the markets of Egypt. Two Figs are met, Ficus Carica, L., and
Ficus Sycomorus, L., the latter exhibiting the incisions still employed by
the inhabitants for the destruction of the Neuropterous insects which feed
on them. The Sycamore was one of the sacred trees of Egypt, and the
branches used for the bier of a mummy found at Abd-el-Qurna, of the
twentieth dynasty (a thousand years before the Christian era), were moistened
and laid out by Dr. Scbweinfurth, equalling, he says, the best specimen of
this plant in our herbaria, and consequently permitting the most exact
comparison with living Sycamores, from which they differ in no respect.
The fruit of the Vine is common, and presents, besides some forms familiar
to the modern grower, others which have been lost to cultivation. The
leaves which have been obtained entire exactly agree in form with those
cultivated at the present day, but the under surface is clothed with white
hairs, a peculiarity Dr. Schweinfurth ha3 not observed in any Egyptian
Vines of our time. A very large quantity of Linseed was found in a tomb
at Thebes of the twentieth dynasty, now 3000 years old, and a smaller
quantity in a vase in another tomb of the twelfth dynasty, that is, 1000
years older. This belongs certainly to Linum humile, Mill., the species
still cultivated in Egypt, from which the capsules do not differ in any
respect. Braun had already determined this species preserved thus in the
tombs, though he was not aware of its continued cultivation in Egypt.
The berries of Juniperus phcenicea, L., are found in a perfect state of pre¬
servation, and present a somewhat larger average size than those obtained
from this J uniper at the present day. Grains of Barley and Wheat are of
frequent occurrence in the tombs ; M. Mariette has found Barley in a grave
at Sakhara of the fifth dynasty, 5400 years old.

The impurities found with the seeds of these cultivated plants show
that the weeds which trouble the tillers of the soil at the present day in
Egypt were equally the pests of their ancestors in those early ages. The
Barley fields were infested with the same spiny Medick (Medicago denti-
culata, Willd.) which is still found in the grain crops of Egypt. The
presence of the pods of Sinapis arvensis, L., among the Flax seed testifies
to the presence of this weed in the Flax crops of the days of Pbaraoh, as of
our own time. There is not a single field of Flax in Egypt where this
Charlock does not abound, and often in such quantity, that its yellow
flowers, just before the Flax comes into bloom, present the appearance of a
crop of Mustard. The Charlock is Sinapis arvensis, L., var. Allionii, Jacq.,
and is distinguished from the ordinary form by its globular and inflated
pilicules, which are as characteristically present in the ancient specimens
from the tombs as in the living plants. Rumex dentatus, L., the Dock of
the Egyptian fields of to-day, has been found in graves of the Greek period
at Dra-Abu-Negga.

It is difficult, without the actual inspection of the specimens of plants
employed as garlands, which have been prepared by Dr. Schweinfurth, to
realise the wonderful condition of preservation in which they are. The
colour of the petals of Papaver Rhseis, L., and the occasional presence of
the dark patch at their bases, present the same peculiarities as are still
found in this species growing in Egyptian fields. Th : petals of the Lark¬
spur (Delphinium orientale. Gay) not only retain their reddish-violet
colour, but present the peculiar markings which are still found in the living
plant. A garland composed of wild Celery (Apium graveolens, L.) and
small flowers of the blue Lotus (Nymphca ccerulea, Sav.), fastened together
by fibres of Papyrus, was found on a mummy of the twentieth dynasty,
about three thousand years old. The leaves, flowers, and fruits of the wild
Celery have been examined with the greatest care by Dr. Schweinfurth, who
has demonstrated in the cleare it manner their absolute identity with the in¬
digenous form of this species now abundant in moist places in Egypt. The
srme may be said of the other plants used for garlands, including two
species of Lichens.

It appears to have been a practice to lay out the dead bodies on a bier of
fresh branches, and these were inclosed within the linen wrappings which
enveloped the mummy. In this way there have been preserved branches of
considerable size of Ficus Sycomoruq L , Olea europma, L., Mimusops
Schimperi, H '., and Tamarix nilotica, Ehrb. The Mimusops is of frequent
occurrence in the mura decorations of the ancient temples ; its fruit had
been detected amongst the offerings to the dead, an i detached leaves had
been found made up into garlands, but the discovery of branches with their
leaves still attached, and in one case with the fruit adhering, has established
that this plant is the Abyssinian species to which Schimper’s name has
been given, and which is characterised by the long and slender petiole of
the leaf.

In none of the species, except the Vine to which I have referred, which
Dr. Schweinfurth has di-covered, and of which he has made a careful study,
has he been able to detect any peculiarities in the living plants which are
absent in those obtained from the tombs. — (Nature.)

(To be continued.)

FREAKS OF TASTE.

It is interesting to watch the fluctuations in tastes and diversity of
opinions as they go and come in connection with flowers. So changeable
are we that at one time we are found admiriDg a plant, and soon after
passing it as unworthy of note.

I have just been reading an article on the single Dahlia, in which the
author says the Dahlia was accommodating in the hands of ambitious
florists. It doubled and doubled until it became as full, formal, stiff1, and
gigantic as possible. But later on a change occurred in popular taste.
Double flowers palled, and the more simple forms of them were sought
out. Fashion, very sensible for once, declared in favour of the single
Daisies, Asters, and Dogwood, and he might have added single Dahlias.
Reforms were taken up in all directions, and so he goes on. Now the
question is, Are those reforms wise or desirable to the extent suggested ?
Should we cast away our old familiar and favourite flowers that have been
held in high esteem for many years in the past ? I am sure they will be
regarded for many years to come.

But my intention is not to find fault with plaudits of any flower ;
merely to call attention to the curious freaks that human tastes are sub¬
ject to. They turn and return to the same thing. A plant at one time
in the highest estimation, lost, revived again with renewed honours a few
years later.

To produce a double flower in any class has always been the height
of a gardener’s ambition, and double flowers have been appreciated by
the whole communiiy. A double flower always took precedence. There
is no doubt this is an extreme view. There are many single flowers
which, for distinctness of colour and exquisite lines, will always be held
in admiration. But in general, double flowers, I think, will always have
the preference. Double flowers are extra efforts of Nature, and we may
admire them just in the same ratio that we admire an elaborate piece of
mechanical work from the hand of man. The fact is that the simplicity
of the design enables many to grasp wherein the beauty lies, whereas in
the double forms the work is more intricate, and requires a higher educa¬
tion to be able to balance and distinguish the details of the subject.

Single Dahlias, I admit, are very beautiful in their chaste lines and
colours ; but when we look into the double forms and note the more
extensive formation with the same distinctness, their petals so regularly
set, we must allow them the preference. It may be (as it is) called stiff¬
ness by some, but I fail to see it in that light. For many years past the
perfect formation of a flower has been the great criterion by which judg¬
ment has been given of their merits, and I am sure will hold its own for
many a day to come.

I do not wish to be thought as condemning single flowers ; but I do
so when it is with the intention of degrading other old favourites, such
as the double Dahlia. I only wish to show where such notions will carry
us, not only in this but in many things. How often do we see plants
discarded for years, even lost, and yet reappear in popular appreciation,
as if they bad never been abandoned. Is fickleness a law of Nature ?
For the advancement of the profession it is perhaps well it should be so
to some extent. There is an old saying and often true, that changes are
lightsome, and fools are fond of them ; but I would say it in another
form for this subject : Changes are lightsome, and we all should be fond
of them when they do not detract from the merits of old floral friends.
Give us the single Dahlia, I say, or any other single flower. It need not
interfere with our love for the double ones.

Freaks of fancy are all the more curious because they have generally
tended to detract from their parent forms. At the present day single
Roses are the applauded ; but who would dare to place them on the same
level or as superior to the double ? No one will try this, I am sure.

There are many freaks of fancy just as curious in regard to other
matters in connection with plants as this. When a new plant is first
introduced with the slightest deviation from its parent it receives signal
praise over its predecessor because it is slightly different, though without
any mark of superiority, just because it can be called a new one, and for
a time may carry one away by mere novelty. But eventually novelty
palls. We appear to hold, as the Scotchman does, that all new things are
bonnie (pretty). This is not always true when compared justly with the
older ones. The aspiration to acquire new things is perhaps one of the
best traits anyone can have. I love it because the effort gives you per¬
sonal insight into the merits of the novelty, and enables you t) judge fer
yourself, and satisfies a craving to see that which we have heard cf. I
have no blame to attach to parties recommending novelties. In many
instances they may see beauty in their productions which we cannot. It
is thus in every line we follow, and so we must put up with it, I suppose,
to the end. — N. Robertson (in American Gardeners' Monthly).

HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

Preparations for Planting.— A deep fertile loam containing
enoug a small stones to insure porosity and well drained is the best soil
for fruit trees. If the soil in which planting is to be done does no;
answer to such a description, then we must do what we can to alter its

306

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDEHER.

[ September 80, 1880.

condition. In doing this for fruit trees we mate stations from 10 to
30 feet apart, the lesser distance being for such trees as closely pruned
pyramids, the greater for unpruned standards. The best size for a station
is 6 feet square, the soil being thrown out, the subsoil dug out to a depth
of 2 feet 6 inches and carted away. If the subsoil is of clay, or similar
substance likely to prevent superfluous water from passing freely away
from the roots of the tree, a row of 2-inch common land drain pipes
which have no sockets is first of all laid across the middle of the bottom
of the station. The bottom is then covered with 6 inches of broken
stones or bricks, care being taken not to disarrange the drain pipes,
which we may state here are to be connected with the nearest drain by
a convenient branch drain. In such a subsoil there should be a perfect
system of drainage by drains 30 feet apart and 4 feet deep, if the sub¬
stratum admits of the work being well done at such a depth. The use of
broken rubble at the bottom of the station is mentioned as a method we
have found to answer fairly well. If, however, the bottom can be covered
with concrete it is altogether preferable, ss the risk of roots growing
downwards into the subsoil is avoided. Excellent concrete is made of
one part of lime fresh from the kiln and six parts of fine rubble. This
is spread over the bottom of the station to a thickness of 6 inches a3 it
is mixed, the drain pipes being laid upon and pressed slightly into the
concrete before it becomes hard. Upon the concrete we have 2 feet of
fertile soil, in which the tree is planted with a feeling of certainty that it
has an ample store of food for the next four or five years. We have had
to resort to many makeshifts to get soil for our stations, the best general
guide being the fact that fruit trees will grow well in soil which answers
for the cultivation of vegetables. To insure porosity or mechanical
division coal ashes can be had by everyone to mix with the soil, and if
the soil is so poor as to require manure care must be taken to use old
decayed manure, and to mix it thoroughly with the soil and ashes. At
the time of planting the station soil should he fully 6 inches about the
common surface to allow for the settlement which gradually follows the
planting.

For bush fruit the soil should be drained, trenched, keeping the subsoil
below and bringing none of it to the surface, and mixing a heavy dressing
of rich farmyard or stable manure and coal ashes with it. Mix enough
manure with the soil to ensure an abundant supply of nutriment for the
roots as they spread in the soil, and enough ashes to render it impossible
for the soil ever to Bubside into an inert mass, in which the roots would
perish. Only do this well, and you may plant Gooseberries, Currants,
Raspberries, and Blackberries in it, with a feeling of certainty that your
efforts will speedily be crowned with success. It is doubtless owing to
poverty of the soil that we hear of so many failures with American
Blackberries. Our first row of them was planted upon a trench filled
with a fertile mass of garden refuse, turf parings, road sidings, weeds,
stable, manure, coal ashes, and lime, turned over and well mixed before
it was put in the trench. The result was absolutely wonderful, many
bushels of fruit being gathered from a row some 60 feet in length the
third summer after the planting.

FRUIT FORCING.

Pines. — Growing Stock. — Young plants will need free ventilation on
all favourable occasions to maintain them in a healthy sturdy condition,
keeping the bottom heat about the roots at 80°, and maintaining a
temperature from fire heat of 60° to 65° at night, with 5° to 10° rise by
day. Newly potted plants should have a bottom heat of 90° to 95°, with
a view to the roots speedily penetrating the fresh soil. Water the plants
whenever they require it, employing weak and tepid liquid manure, and
avoid the use of the syringe too frequently ; merely sprinkling the paths,
&c., morning and evening will suffice in all but very bright weather.

Swelters. — Recently started suckers should as soon as roots are plenti¬
fully made be raised near the glass, it being essential that those intended
to be wintered in small pots be brought on very gradually, but they mu9t
not be withdrawn from the bottom heat, or only for a short time, so as
not to give the plants a check. When the suckers started this autumn
are well rooted pot them, draining the pots well. Employ the fibry part
only of turfy loam, and do not tear it up too fine, but use it in lumps
proportionate to the size of the pots. The strongest plants may be trans¬
ferred to the fruiting pots at once, the size of the pots proportioned to the
robustness of the kinds. Jamaicas do well in 9 or 10-inch pots, Queens
in 10 to 11-inch pots, Smooth-leaved Cayenne and similar varieties in 11
to 12 inches, and Providence in 13-inch pots, which will afford fruit of tbe
largest size. Where smaller plants and fruit are desired pots an inch or two
less in diameter will answer. The plants not large enough for trans¬
ferring to the fruiting size should be shifted into 8-inch pots, in which
they must be kept until spring. Plunge the plants in a bottom heat of
90° to 95°, in which they must be continued until the roots have taken
freely to the fresh compost, when they may he rained, a temperature
of about 80° being afterwards sufficient. Fruiting plants should have
a night temperature of 70°, 80° to 90° during the day, closing at 85°.

Strawberries in Pots. — Watering the plants must not be neglected;
but though plants in well-drained soil in the open ground do not suffer
from continued rains, yet those in pots are seriously injured by continued
needless waterings, therefore only supply water as necessary, not allowing
the plants to flag, but allow the soil to become dry before any is given,
then afford a thorough supply. This more particularly applies to the
varieties intended for early forcing, which should soon be given the pro¬
tection of frames, only using the lights in frosty weather and to throw off
heavy rains and snow, ventilating freely when the weather is mild. Any
plants that have the soil very wet, and remain so for a time without
watering, should have the drainage seen to, as worms, or the material on

which they are placed, choke the drainage or outlet, rendering the soil
sodden, in which no plant will thrive. Expel worms from the pots with
lime water, and rectify the drainage where defective. The crowns are
often numerous in some varieties, especially Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury,
a number of small crowns clustering round tbe central one. The small
crowns should be removed sideways with a wedge-like piece of hard wood
without injuring the leaves or central crown. This will concentrate all
the vigour of the plant into the chief crown, and though there will be
fewer trusses of bloom, there is no need to fear a deficiency of crop.
There is nothing like a loose surface for Strawberries in pots, which
prevents the soil leaving the sides of the pots, and admits of the water
passing equally through the “ ball ” and moistening it thoroughly. A
little dried horse droppings or cow manure rubbed through the hands
applied to the surface of the pots will keep all right there. Remove all
runners as they appear, also weeds, and do not allow the plants to suffer
through insufficient supplies of water. The plants must have plenty of
space for the full exposure of the foliage to light and air, which is
essential to a sturdy growth and plump well-developed crowns.

Autumn Fruiters. — Encourage these with a little weak manure, and
in the case of heavy rains when the fruits are ripening, the plants should
be placed in frames with abundant ventilation, which will improve the
quality of the fruit. Late plants of La Grosse Sucrde and Sir Harry
are showing and swelling admirably, both being considerably in advance
of Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury, which, though a free bearer, is small,
yet when well thinned the fruit is improved in size and quality. Any
of the autumn fruiters not required for some time yet may be retarded
by placing them on a north border. Good fruit may bo had by taking up
some of the most promising of the planted-out forced Strawberries and
placing them in rich compost in pots. Arrange them in a frame kept close
until they are rooted, then ventilated freely, and afterwards place them on
shelves near the glass in a house with a minimum temperature of 50° and
a freer circulation of air.

Cucumbers. — The plants for winter fruiting should be planted so
soon as they are ready. A good bo'.tom heat is essential to success,
whether it be obtained by the aid of fermenting materials or hot-water
pipes ; but a somewhat higher temperature is needed to commence with if
fermenting materials are used, as the heat will decline, and there should
be hot water in the bed to keep up the bottom heat when that of the
fermenting material declines. The soil must consist of light turfy loam
with a third of fibrous peat, a sixth of old mortar rubbish, and a tenth of
charcoal, the whole well incorporated. For imparting vigour later rely
on liquid manure and surface dressings in preference to employing manure
in the compost.

Autumn Fruiters. — Maintain a healthy and vigorous growth, being
careful not to overcrop the plants. Secure a mean temperature of 75° or
65° at night, 70? to 75° by day artificially, and 80° to 90° from sun heat.
Avoid a close moist atmosphere by ventilating, and avoid cold drying
currents. Be sparing in the use of water, especially over the foliage,
keeping a genial condition of the atmosphere by damping available sur¬
faces in the morning and afternoon, but gradually reducing the moisture as
the days shorten and the sun heat declines. Add a little fresh soil abjuc
once a fortnight to the hillocks or ridges previously warmed, applying
weak tepid liquid manure once or twice a week as may be necessary,
fumigating moderately on two or three consecutive evenings in case of
an attack of aphides.

PLANT HOUSES.

Zonal Pelargoniums. — To have a good quantity of these in full bloom
early in November the plants should be housed without delay. Yellow
leaves and flowers that are showing should be removed and the plants
placed for a time in a light airy structure. If possible top-dress with a
little rich soil, but if the pots are full of soil and will not allow of this
being done, a sprinkling of Standen’s or some other artificial manure will
prove beneficial. The remainder of the stock that it may be necessary
to retard as long as possible should be in some convenient position
where they can be covered with mats or tiffany in case of frost.
Young stock iu 3-inch pots for spring flowering may have the points
of their shoots pinched so that they will commence growth again
before winter. Place these on a shelf close to the glass in a cool airy
structure. The same remarks apply to double varieties that have been out¬
side since they were rooted, and are intmdedfor supplying cut blooms
during the spring months. These plants should be in such a state at
their roots that they will stand without potting until early in January.
If they are likely to become root-bound before that time a small sh ft
should be given at once. Pot them firmly in loam, sand, and one-
seventh of manure.

Ivy -leaved Varieties. — Tnese are very useful for affording winter
flowers, and the plants provided for this purpose should be placed
under cover with Zonal varieties. Young stock for spring flowering
should have their shoots well pinched back, and be placed on a shell
for the winter in a cool airy place where growth will only be slow.
These plants draw up weakly if allowed to make growth during the
dark days of winter.

French and Fancy Varieties. — Frames are too damp for these, and
they must be removed without delay to a light airy house where the
temperature during the winter can be kept from falling below 45°.
The earliest plants should have their shoots pinched for tbe last time,
and be given a small shift if they need it, so that they will be in good
condition for placing in their largest pots early in January. Press the
soil firmly into tbe pots to prevent a soft growth. Later stock that
has been rooted singly in small pots may be placed at once into 3-inch.
The shoots of these must be pinched from time to time as occasion re-

September 80, 1836. ]

JOURNAL GF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

307

quires. Later plants that have been cut back and have started into
growth should have the soil shaken from their roots and be repotted in
fresh. These should be placed in the smallest size pots consistent with
the size of the plants. From this time onward these plants must be
watered with great care, or the foliage will become spotted.

Heliotropes. — The first indication of autumn — a temperature down to
the freezing point — has compelled us to put these tender plants under
cover earlier than we anticipated. The slightest frost will ruin the plants,
therefore they should be placed in a light house where the temperature
will not fall below 50°. If mild weather ensues abundance of air may
be given during the day, especially if necessary to retard the flowering
of the plants for a few weeks longer. Young stock that have been re¬
cently rooted should be placed in 3-inch pots. The shoots should be
pinched when three or four leaves have been made.

Bouvardias. — These must also be placed under cover, and may, if they
have been grown in pots, be placed in the same structure as the Helio¬
tropes. The treatment that suits one will suit both very well. Those
that have been planted out may be lifted at once and placed in pots.
After potting place them on the shady side of a wall and give them a
good soaking of water. The syringe should also be freely employed until
the plants commence rooting.

HE BEE-KEEPER.

HOME MARKETS FOR OUR HONEY.

The Company scheme having failed to perform what it is
only charitable to suppose its originators desired, it has
become necessary to see if no other means may be taken to
achieve the success which has not hitherto followed the
efforts made in this direction. An abortive attempt was
made to start a Bee-keepers’ Union for this purpose, but
after the first few weeks the idea went out, and has not since
been brought forward, so far as I have seen. On the whole
it is, perhaps, just as well, because but little can really be
achieved by what is, after all, a Friendly Society on a some¬
what larger basis than usual. The whole question seems to
be reopened in its entirety, and to invite those who have any
ideas upon this most important subject to lend their aid in
solving the question of the day so far as bee-keepers are
concerned, and thus by facilitating the ready sale of honey
at a remunerative price reinstate the industry in the position
from which it is at present in some little danger of falling.
The large towns afford a ready market for a considerable
quantity, and those who are fortunate enough to live within
a reasonable distance of a city or large town ought not to
have any difficulty in disposing of their honey at a fair price.
But very much less is sold over the counter in these places
than might, with a little exertion on the part of the producer,
be easily disposed of, and in thus extending the market there
need be no extra expense and but little risk. Many grocers
who do not at present deal in honey would willingly do so if
they could be insured against loss, and if it can once be
proved to them that a large demand for honey can be created
by careful management, the future sales will be very easily
effected. Now, in thus creating a market, it is necessary to
be careful to send both honey in the comb and extracted of
the best quality only, and securely bottled or cased. No one
can tell the mischief occasioned by leaking sections. To one
shop in which a portion of my own produce used to be sold,
a bee-keeper forwarded some faulty sections which, con¬
tinually leaking, caused so much loss and annoyance that it
was only after great trouble and persuasion that the man
could be induced to continue the sale in the following year.

Sections must be perfect, and all honey of fine quality,
and if any dealer is unwilling to purchase a certain quantity,
the offer of a commission on all sales effected — the honey to
be at the producer’s risk, and subject to return if no sale can
be effected — will be a sufficient inducement to secure shop-
room for any reasonable quantity. In the country districts
it is somewhat more difficult to create a local demand, but in
some measure success will follow continued effort. Here
again, in many cases, it is convenient to give a local trades¬
man a commission on the sales effected, but many other de¬
tails must be attended to if any great quantity has to be sold.

It must always be remembered that the difficulty is
greatest at the beginning. When once good honey has been
supplied to a customer the quantity sold will continually
increase. Again, the gift of a pound goes a long way to
popularise honey, and in many instances such a gift has
been the precursor of good sales in the future. The distribu¬
tion of leaflets advocating the use of honey is in favour in
America, but a persistent pushing attempt to overcome the
difficulty will be all that is required. The greatest obstacle
to overcome is the prejudice of tradesmen in favour of foreign
honey, which they will sell and dispose of in preference to
our own produce.

The reason for this is simply that they are able to buy
more cheaply, and to sell at a greater profit, this imported
honey than the home grown article. In fact, it is our task
to beat the foreign honey out of the market, and when we
remember that English produce always brings a slightly
better price than foreign, it ought not be so desperate a
battle. But once the retail tradesmen are on our tide the
victory is won, and to effect this victory it is only necessary
to show that as great, if not a greater, profit ensues from
buying and selling English as from foreign honey. Can we
do this without lowering the price beyond the cost of pro¬
duction ? Individually I believe we can, and the three
essentials necessary to be observed for maintaining the price
of honey at the level which will pay the producer, while
beating the foreigner out of the market, are these :

1. A consistent good quality.

2. Careful package, neat and cleanly.

8. A regular supply.

Again, the agricultural labourer who keeps a cow or a
few hens sends their produce to the local market, and does
not wait to see if by chance a purchaser may come and buy,
and the same course must be pursued in regard to honey.
It is utterly useless to expect that any organisation, however
complete, will bring the purchaser to the producer without
some trouble on the producer’s part. Indeed, he is a poor
man in reality who, after taking honey of good quality from
his stocks, is unable to find a market. As a last resource,
when every other effort has been made, the Honey Com¬
panies may be patronised, but after the deductions from the
profit necessary to pay carriage, the risk occasioned in transit,
and the low price obtainable, I pity anyone who is reduced
to this extremity.

The above are only hints which have already been useful
when adopted, and if those bee-keepers who make a trial are
enabled to dispose of their honey more easily than hereto¬
fore, some good will have been done, and a step taken in the
right direction. The honey must seek the purchaser, the
purchaser will rarely seek the honey. — Felix.

STERILITY OF DRONES AND QUEENS.

It is often asserted that three weeks after hatching determines the
sterility or fertility of the mother of the hive— i.e., if fertilised before
three weeks old she will produce worker bees as well as drones when
inclined, or perhaps whether inclined or not, as queens very often produce
drones only at first and worker bees afterwards. If not fertilised it is
said that at the expiration of three weeks she will commence laying male
eggs only. Others, again, affirm that a queen bee will mate with a drone
after she is three weeks old, but if mated then or in September she will
be a confirmed drone- breeder. None of these assertions is correct. I
have had queens mated when eleven weeks old that turned out not only
prolific in producing worker bees, but were long-lived. 1 have had queens
that were missed at first, but were subsequently fertilised. I have also had
queens begin laying and then fly out and mate. Mr. Woodbury recorded
a case of this kind, but I believe such cases are rare. Sometimes a queen
will begin laying shortly after the end cf three weeks and continue a
drone breeder ; but it is quite possible such queens are imperfect, because
I have had queens begin laying a few hours after their birth which never
sought to mate. I always set such queens down as being defective in
some respect.

There is no doubt, however, that queens after a time refuse to fly, and
then become confirmed drone breeders. But wbat length of time tran¬
spires with perfect queens before they abandon mating ? is a question of
importance ; it is evidently earlier in some queens than in others.
Queens that are longest in becoming fertilised are the best constituted to
breed from— at least, I think so, and I have found queens bred from such
have always proved extra good. The truth is, had three weeks been the

308

JOURNAL OF HORTIOULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

£ September 30, 1886.

limit for queens to mate I would years ago not have had a single bee, and
this year is no exception. My latest queens were hatched on the 22nd
of August, and it is now the 20th of September, and every one of them
seems as anxious to fly and mate as they were a few days after hatching,
but not one of them has yet mated. The weather has been very unfavour¬
able, but Saturday, the 4th September, was a charming day, and now I
observe the queens are making numerous flights, but commonly early in
the day, between the hours of 10.30 and 12 noon, when few drones are
abroad ; but their flights were not always at so early and so unfavourable
a time.

Of drones there are plenty in the hives. One contains a fertilised
queen and the other an unfertilised one. The drones of the former, strange
to say, fly an hour or two earlier in the day than those in the latter.
Both hives have been well fed to keep the drones vigorous, and when
that is done they are left unmolested until the young bees begin to hatch.
This is usually the signal for drone slaughtering, unless in cases of immi¬
nent want, when the drones are sometimes hunted out before the queen is
mated. The queen of this hive was not fertilised until she was between
five and six weeks old. The singular thing is, Why are the drones of a
hive having a fertilised queen more vigorous and fly more abroad than
do those having an unfertilised one, and even better fed ? I have
always looked upon it as the reverse, and we have often observed it so ;
but there is a question of greater importance which I have never seen
mentioned. We all know that there is a limit to a queen mating, and it is
her nature to change and preclude the possibility of that ; but we have
never heard it mentioned that the drone may also become sterile after a
certain age. I cannot say that is the case, but facts point to that being
so. A few years since similar late queens missed the drone, although the
weather was beautiful. Most of them had commenced laying, but all the
cappiDgs of the cells were prominent, indicating clearly the sex beneath.
In vain did 1 wait, expecting some of them would produce workers. One
after the other I reluctantly killed and dissected, but not until I came to
the last one or two that had not laid any eggs did I find evidence of
impregnation. In the two last it was so imperfect that to have allowed
such queens to have lived would have been but disappointment, and not
until death had taken place could it be known whether a queen is fertilised
or not. Sometimes we have a knowledge of the state of a queen from her
appearance, but not always.

I remember the late Mr. T. W. Woodbury raised the question as to
the temperature necessary for impregnation, which I think was 55°, and
we have had queens fertilised with a temperature no higher, but then Mr.
Woodbury, like ourselves, had only the two varieties, Ligurian and black
bees. Now, the habits of the Syrian and other bees differ greatly from
the first-named ones. Thus we have not one variety only to study, but at
the present five or six, which mystifies us in our researches. In short,
while I have had queens of the Italian and black breed fertilised at a
temperature of 55°, I find that temperature to be the lowest at which a
Syrian queen will look out, take a short flight, and then return ; and,
although the drones begin to fly out at a temperature of 60°, it must be
70° before they take a proper flight and remain out on wing for from
twenty minutes to thirty-five minutes, as is the case with queens, so that
after all it may be the temperature that controls fertilisation, and not
that of the age of the drone. Nevertheless, it is an important question, and
one that bee-keepers would do well to turn their attention to, as upon it
depends having an improved and a superior race of bees ; and from
what I have experienced the Cyprian and the Syrian races are the best to
attain the point aimed at. Spiteful and vicious they are at times, but they
have this quality, and, unlike the common blacks, they do not attack with¬
out provocation, while their crosses have proved superior to anything I
have ever witnessed. Moreover, they are the most interesting bees to see
at work. Long before another bee is to be seen in the morning the
Syrians are at work, and the pellets of pollen are so large in proportion to
their bodies, at once stamping them as assiduous workers and at all times
attractive, and are capital foretellers of the weather. — A Lanarkshire
Bee-keeper.

%* All correspondence should be directed either to “The Editor ”
or to “ The Publisher.” Letters addressed to Dr. Hogg or
members of the staff often remain unopened unavoidably. AVe
request that no one will write privately to any of our correspon¬
dents, as doing so subjects them to unjustifiable trouble and
expense.

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions relat¬
ing to Gardening and those on Bee subjects, and should never
send more than two or three questions at once. All articles in¬
tended for insertion should be written on one side of the paper
only. We cannot reply to questions through the post, and we
do not undertake to return rejected communications.

NAMING FRUITS.— In consequence of the absence of our fruit referee
from London fruits cannot be named by him during the month of October.

Black Grape (7. P.). — It is not easy to determine the name of a Grape
from a few loose berries, but the foliage you have sent leads us to thnik
your variety is Gros Guillaume. ,

Pears Cracking (Nemo). — Your soil is evidently sandy and poor, ana
the trees have not sufficient nourishment or moisture. Mulch them well
with well-rotted stable manure in summer, and water them with sewage in
the winter.

Plants in Open Border ( Stonebridge ). — The H lenium and Centaurea
are quite hardy, and the Gaillardias also usually succeed on light warm
soils, but in damp or cold heavy soils they are sometimes lost in winter.
They can be readily increased from seed sown in heat early in spring, or
by cuttings inserted now. Strong plants can also be divided and placed in
frames, as very little protection is needed to insure their safety. .

Pears for West Aspect (A West Surrey Amateur). — Your selection ot
Pears — viz, Beurrd d’Amanlis, Mardchal de Cour, Marie Louise d'Uccle, JJu-
rondeau, and Doyenne du Comice, is excellent, and all succeed admirably
on the Quince stock. f

Heating a Greenhouse ( S . A.). — In order to maintain a temperature or
50° through the winter in the severest weather, you will need two rows oi
4 inch pipes along one side and one end ; or it wrould be better to have the
pipes along two sides and one end, taking a single 4 inch pipe all around,
excepting, of course, the doorway, where the pipe may be taken to tne
boiler, being in fact the return pipe. This is much the best arrangement
for a span-roofed house. One of the small boilers advertised in the Journal
of Horticulture would answer, especially the one you name, which we have
had opportunities of seeing at work.

Insects on Cabbages ( Kilhogget ). — If your young plants are attacked
with the Turnip beetle dust them when wet with dew with fine dry wood
ashes ; if infested with aphides apply tobacco powdtr. The larger plants
to which you refer may be drenched with perfectly clear lime water.

Pears Cracking [h\ J.). — The cracking is due to a peculiarity of soil,
climate, and variety. Pears are affected differently in different soils, and
the only way to success is to note those that succeed and plant accordingly.
We do not know a cure for cracking.

Thinning the Spurs of Espalier Apple Trees ( F . J.). — It may be done
as advantageously now as at a later period ; indeed, the less the trees are
pruned in the winter the better, but it would have been better had the spurs
been thinned earlier, so as to have given those that remain the benefit or
air and light. It is, however, better late than never, and we should do it at
once, and if root-pruning is necessary, the trees growing too luxuriantly,
we should attend to it not later than the early part of November.

Morello Cherry Fruit not Stoning (Idem). — The fruit falls because it
has not stoned, and is generally a consequence of a deficiency of calcareous
matter in the soil. Apply a dressing of quicklime at the rate of a bushel
per rod, and point it in as deeply as you can without interfering with the
roots. A better plan would be to remove the surface soil down to the
roots, clearing the soil from amongst the roots, lifting them if deep, and
relaying or replacing the soil after a sixth of old mortar rubbish from an
old building, broken fine, has been added, and all pieces of wood removed.
Make the soil firm about the roots. This may he done as soon as the
leaves give indications of falling.

Dissolving Bones (H. H.). — The cement floor will answer for placing
the bones upon, surrounded with a run of ashes from a burnt rubbish he‘j'P>
following the instructions given to “ W. A.,”in the number for April lstof this
year. We presume the cement floor has a smooth surface and is impervious
to water. If a broken or very open surfaced floor it would not answer, and
in that case a floor of well burned or hard bricks or tiles would be most
suitable.

Insect on Grapes (S. J.). — Your specimen received some damage in
packing apparently. We take it to be the larva or caterpillar of a small
moth (Carpocapsa nigricana) ; the object which you probably imagined to
be the < gg is the pupa of a small parasitic fly, which has attacked these by
depositing eggs on their bodies, and thus helped to reduce their numbers.
When it is full grown this caterpillar quits its food and retires to some
corner to spin its cocoon, the moth emerging about May. It is not, how¬
ever, one of those species placed on the list of Grape foes, as it generally
occurs on the Plum or other stone fruit, but occasionally the Grape is found
to be infested, though why, in such a plentiful Plum year, an instance
should occur, is difficult of explanation. We are not aware that any pre¬
ventive measures are possible, beyond destroying the larvte and watching
for and securing the moths as they emerge.

Destructive Insects on Willow (T. L.). — The mischief complained of
is seldom as serious as in the instance you mention, but the. insect sent
generally occurs every season in Willow plantations of any size. It is a
beetle named Chrysomela Populi, and beside the Willow, it infests also
Poplars, Aspens, and kindred species, though it is not likely to hurt any
species of a different tribe. There really seems to be no other way of deal¬
ing with it than capturing and killing all that can be caught, thus diminish¬
ing the next year’s brood. Expedients to drive them away from the trees or
saplings have not proved successful, and in the larval stage they cannot
very well be got at. It is a curious fact that the beetles had formerly a
repute for curing toothache and other nerve pains. They do secrete a dark
liquid, which possibly contains a bitter principle extracted by them from
their food.

Pithy Celery (Joseph Bainford). — We think Celery is more liable to he
pithy in some seasons than others, at least we have found the same variety
crisp and sound one year and soft the next in the same kind of soil. Very
rank manure is liable to cause pithiness, and much liquid manure. Our
correspondent, “ A Kitclnn Gardener ” recently observed : — “ Our kitchen
garden extends to five acres, and during the last dozen years we have tried
the Celery crop in various parts of it. In the heaviest soil very large plants
were produced, but three parts of them were not sound when fully grown.
They appeared all right, but when the stems were pressed hard they gave
way and proved pithy or vacant in the centre. Much Celery does this, and
it is most objectionable. Such produce may do for seasoning in the kitchen,
but it will never do for introducing with cheese or anything in this way,
and those who have grown pithy Celery ought to change their practice at
once. We had to do so from the heavy ground, and we found it succeed

September 30, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDERER.

309

best in light soil. For more than 6ix years we have grown the whole of our
Celery in the lightest part of the garden, and pithy plants are never met
with. Every one of them are sound and robust, and we are very much
gratified with this. The advantage of having it in rather a light soil is not
confined to how it grows, but in earthing up the light material suits
admirably.” We do not know of a larger white Celery than Wright’s White
Grove.

Double Whin, Gorse, or Furze Cuttings {II. II.). — August or early
September is perhaps the best time to insert cuttings of this very beautiful
plant in sandy soil, surfaced with about an inch of sand on a shady border,
or preferably under a handlight. We have also seen them inserted in
autumn and spring, and successfully, but the most success attended the
insertion of the cuttings at the time indicated. The cuttings are best with
a heel, but strong cuttings cut transversely below a joint will also strike.
The current year’s growth should be chosen, or, if in spring, the previous
year’s growth, removing all the side leaves, inserting about two-thirds their
length in the soil, making it firm, giving a good watering to settle the soil
about them. If under a handlight allow the water to soak well in before
placing the light over them. They must be shaded from sun, a north border
being the most suitable place, and they will be ready to be transplanted the
autumn following.

Keeping Black Hamburgh Grapes {Omega). — The Grapes will keep
much best on the Vines until the foliage falls or begins to fall, when they
should be cut, bottled, and kept in a room with as equable a temperature as
possible, between 40° and 45°, ventilating freely above the latter tempera¬
ture. Damp should be carefully guarded against. Rain water should be
used with a few pieces of charcoal in each bottle to keep the water sweet.
The Grapes being ripe the chief thing is to guard against damp. That is
best done by free ventilation in the daytime, and a gentle warmth in the
pipes, the heat being turned on in the morning or the fire lighted, and it should
be turned off about noon so as to allow the pipes to become cool before
night. No fire heat will be required at night, or only to prevent the tem¬
perature falling below 40°. On fine nights a little ventilation may be left
on, but in damp foggy weather the house Bhould be closed, with a slight
warmth in the pipes. In fine weather ventilate early so as to prevent the
deposition of moisture on the Grapes. The Grapes should be examined
frequently, removing decayed berries as they appear.

Grutweaten Apples {Idem). — The fruit is probably perforated by the
Coidlin moth (Carpocapsa pomona) of the second generation. The first
being from eggs deposited in May and hatching the small whitish grub, eats
its way into the Apple, the eggs being deposited at the eye or stalk of the
fruit, and after feeding for three weeks or a month on the fruit quits it,
falls to the ground, spins itself a cocoon on the stem and changes into a
chrysalis, from which the moth appears in a few days and gives rise to a
second brood of grubs. In the first case the Apples usually fall, and the
remedy is to destroy the fallen Apples, for the second brood keeping the
stems free of loose bark Or the fruit may be attacked by the Apple weevil
(Rhynchites Bacchus) depositing its eggs in the interior of the fruit at the
end of June, a small whitish grub being hatched. The grub feeds on the
flesh of the fruit for about a month, quits it and buries itself in the earth,
where it remains during the winter. The remedy is to shake the trees early
in the morning in late J une and early J uly, having some sheets spread on
the ground beneath the trees, and the beetles will fall and can be destroyed.
The fallen fruit should also be collected. Very likely the grub has not escaped
from the fallen fruit and it can be destroyed. Those are the best means we
know of limiting the attacks of these insects.

Aleyrodes vaporariorum {Trike). — We have little to add to what Mr.
Iggulden said in a short communication two years ago — namely, “ There is no
doubt about fumigating the house with tobacco being the only safe and
effective remedy in the case of Tomatoes being affected by this tiny fly, but
in the case of other plants infested by it sponging the under side of the leaves
should also be resorted to. Fumigating for two or three nights consecu¬
tively will destroy all the insects, but will not injure the eggs deposited on
the under side of the haves, and consequently several fumigations, say at
weekly intervals, are necessary before the plants can be really said to be
clean. So difficult are they to eradicate that I have known gardeners dis¬
continue the house culture of Tomatoes owing to their prevalence, and
others wish they had never commenced Tomato culture.” If you wet the
floor of the house and shake the plants during fumigation you will more
effectually accomplish your purpose than if the insects are not disturbed.
The plants should be dry, but the floor or stage on which the insects fall
quite wet. They do not affect the majority of greenhouse plants.

Insect Enemy of the Cotton Plant (J. T.). — The following particulars
have been kindly furnished by R. McLachlan, Esq., F.R.S. “ The insect
you send has long been known as destructive to cotton in Egypt. It is a
moth of the family Nyctedid®, a small family, the systematic position of
which is somewhat a disputed point. Its oldest name appears to be,
Earias insulana, Boisduval (1833), and it was first described from Madagascar.
It occurs also in Spain, Syria, Candia, die., &c., and it has received many
names, such as Smaragdiana, Zeller (1832) ; Siliquana, Henrich- Schaffer
(1853); frondosana, Walker (1863) ; chlorion, Rambur (1866) ; and gossypii,
Frauenfeld (1867). The larva feeds in the ‘bolls’ of the cotton, and hand¬
picking of the infested * bolls ’ is recommended as a remedy. We are not
sure whether there is any special account of it published in English. A
piper by Von Frauenfeld in the ‘ Verhandlungen der Zoolog-botanischen
Gesellschaft in Wien,’ 1868, pp. 417-424, gives a good deal of information.
It can be seen at Linnean Soc.

Names of Fruits. — The names and addresses of senders of fruit to be named
must in all cases be enclosed with the specimens, whether letters referring
to the fruit are sent by post or not. The names are not necessarily required
for publication, initials sufficing for that. Only six specimens can be
named at once, and surplus fruits beyond that number cannot he preserved.
{W. H. Ashwin). — 1, Cooper’s Large; 2, Not known, probably a local
vari ty. {E. M.). — 1. Red Magnum Bonum ; 2, Reine Claude de Bavay ;
3, Blue Imperatrice ; 4, Orleans; 5 and 6 got mixed; the small one is a
Damson, the other we do not know. {T. N.). — 1, Bedfordshire Foundling ;
2, Cellini; 3, Bergamotte Cadeite ; 4, Marbchal de Cour ; 5, Marie Louise ;
6, Lewis. {Poires). — 1, Beund Capiaumont; 2, Beurre Ranee ; 3, Beurre
Langelier; 4, Beurre Ranee; 5, Not known; 6, Hampden’s Bergamot.
(A Constant Reader). — 1, Brown Beurre ; 2, Comte de Lamy ; 3, Not

known ; 4, Nouveau Poiteau ; 5, Doyenne Boussoch ; 6, Chaumontel.
(C. T. Hall). — Orleans. {J. M.). — Sack and Sugar, very good. The Red
Astrachan is also good, and well coloured. {H. Heioat Crane). — Red
Astrachan. {G. A. M.). — 1, Not known; 2, London Pippin ; 3, Bess Pool.
{Hoitus). — Apple Emperor Alexander ; 1, Knight's Monarch ; 2, Chaumontel ;
3|Doyennc du Comice; 4, Nouveau Poiteau. {J. A.). — 1, Marechal de Cour ;
2, Not known; 3, Durondeau; 4, Vicar of Winkfield ; 5, Pitmaston
Duchess ; Apple not known.

Names of Plants. — We only undertake to name species of plants, not
varieties that have originated from seed and termed florists’ flowers.
Flowering specimens are necessary of flowering plants, and Fern fronds
should bear spores. Specimens should arrive in a fresh state in firm
boxes. Slightly damp moss or soft green leaves form the best packing, dry
cotton wool the worst. Not more than six specimens can be named at once.
{A. R.).—l , Crataegus ovalifolia ; 2, Platanus orientalis ; 3, Sedum spectabile ;
4, Santolina chain aecyparissus ; 5, Plumbago capensis ; 6, Habrothamnus
elegans. {A Constant Reader). — 1, Ampelopsis Veitchi ; 2, Antennaria
margaritacea ; 3, Tradescantia virginica ; 4, Eryngium amethystinum ;
6, Monarda purpurea ; 6, Lobelia syphilitica.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— September 29th.

Our market is still heavily supplied with all classes of goods, and sales
are only effected in favour of buyers.

FRUIT.

6.

d

8.

d.

s. d.

8.

a.

Apples .. ..

l

6

to 4

0

Melon .. ..

1 0 to 2

0

Cherries . . . .

c

0

0

0

Oranges

6 0

12

0

Currants, B'ack

. . 4 sieve

0

0

0

0

Peaches .. . .

2 0

4

0

„ Red

. . £ sieve

0

0

0

0

Pine Apples English., lb

2 0

2

6

Figs .. ..

0

6

0

9

Plums ..

1 0

S

0

Grapes . . . .

0

6

3

0

St. Michael Pines ..each

4 0

6

0

Lemons.. ..

0

15

0

Strawberries ..

.. per lb.

0 0

0

0

VEGETABLES.

8

. d

8

d

s. d.

8

d

Artichokes ..

. . dozen

l

0

to 0

0

Lettuce .. ••

1 0

to 1

S

Asparagus

. . bundle

0

0

0

0

Mushrooms ..

.. punnet

0 6

1

0

Beans, Kidney

per bushel

2

0

3

0

Mustard and Cress punne

0 2

0

0

Beet, Red

.. dozen

i

0

3

0

Onions .. ..

0 3

0

0

Broccoli •• ••

0

0

0

0

Parsley .. dozen bunches 2 0

3

0

Brussels Sprouts .. 4 sieve

0

0

0

0

Parsnips.. ..

1 0

a

0

Cabbage . . ••

1

6

0

0

Potatoes .. . .

4 0

5

0

Capsicums

.. 100

I

6

*

0

,, Kidney

.. cwt.

4 8

6

0

Carrots . . . .

0

4

0

0

Rhubarb . . . .

0 2

0

6

Cauliflowers ..

.. dozen

3

0

4

0

Salsafy .. ..

1 0

i

0

Celery . . . .

1

6

2

0

Seorzonera ..

.. bundle

1 6

0

0

Coleworts dcz. bunches

2

0

4

0

Soakale .. . .

per basket

0 0

0

0

Cucumbers

. . each

0

3

0

4

Shallots .. ..

0 3

0

6

Endive .. ..

1

0

2

0

Spinach .. ..

3 0

4

4

Heros . . . .

0

2

0

0

Tomatoes ..

0 2

0

6

Leeks . . . .

0

3

0

4

Turnips .. ..

,, bunch

0 4

0

0

PLANTS IN POTS.

S.

a.

S.

d.

8. d.

0.

d.

Aralia Sieboldi

.. dozen

9

0 to 18

0

Ficus elastica

. . each

1 8 to 7

0

Arbor vital (golden) dozen

0

0

0

0

Fuchsia

per dozen

2 6

6

0

„ (common) dozen

6

0

12

0

Foliage Plants, var. each

2 0

10

0

Asters . . . .

per dozen

3

0

6

0

Heliotrope

per dozen

4 0

6

0

Bedding Plants,

var. doz.

0

0

0

0

Hydrangea ..

per dozen

6 0

12

0

Begonias

. . dozen

4

0

9

0

Ivy Geraniums

per dozen

0 0

0

0

Calceolaria . .

per dozen

3

0

6

0

Liiium anratum

per doz. 12 0

30

9

Chrysanthemum

Cineraria

. . dozen

6

0

12

0

„ lancifolium per doz.

0 0

0

0

. . dozen

0

0

0

0

„ longiflorum per doz

0 0

0

0

Cockscombs

per dozen

8

0

4

0

Lobelias . . . .

per dozen

0 0

0

0

Cyperus.. ..

4

0

12

0

Marguerite Daisy dozen

G 0

9

0

Dracaena terminalis, dozen 30

0

60

0

Mignonette . .

per dozen

3 0

6

0

„ viridis

. . dozen 12

0

24

0

Musk . . ..

per dozen

0 0

0

0

Erica, various

. . dozen

9

0

12

0

Myrtles .. ..

6 0

12

0

Euonymus, in var. dozen

6

0

18

0

Palms, in var.

. . each

2 6

21

0

Evergreens, in var. dozen

6

0

24

0

Pelargoniums, scarlet, doz.

3 0

6

0

Ferns, in variety

. . dozen

4

0

18

0

Pelargoniums

per dozen

6 0

9

0

CUT

FLOWERS.

8.

d.

B.

d.

s. d.

8.

a.

Abntilons

12 bunches

a

0 to 4

0

Lily of the Valley, 12 sprays

0 0

to 0

0

Ageratum

12 bunches

a

0

3

0

Marguerites ..

12 bunches

2 0

6

0

Arum Lilies . .

12 blooms

4

0

6

0

Mignonette ..

12 bunches

1 0

8

0

Asters . . . .

12 bunches

0

3

0

6

Myosotis

12 bunches

1 6

S

0

Bouvardias . .

per bunch

0

6

1

0

Pelargoniums, per 12 trusses

0 9

1

0

Camellias

12 blooms

4

0

8

0

„ scarlet

, 12 trusses

0 3

0

6

Carnations , .

12 blooms

i

0

8

0

Roses

12 bunches

2 0

9

0

12 bunches

3

0

6

0

„ (indoor),

per dozen

0 6

2

0

Chrysanthemums 12 bebes.

3

0

6

0

„ Tea.. ..

0 9

1

0

12 blooms

1

0

3

0

„ red

. . dozen

0 8

1

0

Coreopsis

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

„ Moss

12 bunches

0 0

0

0

Cornflower . •

12 bunches

0

6

0

0

Pyrethrum . .

12 bunches

3 0

6

0

Dahlias

12 bunches

2

0

4

0

Spiraea . . . .

12 sprays

0 0

0

0

Epiphyllum . .
Eucharis

doz. blooms

6

0

0

0

Stephanotis ..

12 sprays

2 0

4

0

per dozen

2

0

4

0

Stocks, various

12 bunches

3 0

5

0

Gardenias

12 blooms

s

0

4

0

Sunflowers

0 6

i

0

Gladioli

12 bunches

6

0

9

0

Sweet Peas . .

12 bunches

2 0

4

0

Hyacinths, Roman, 12 sprays

0

0

0

0

Sweet Sultan

12 bunches

0 0

0

0

Lapageria, white, 12 blooms

a

0

4

0

Tropmolum . .

12 bunches

0 0

0

0

Lapaereria, red .

. 12 blooms

i

0

3

0

Tuberoses . .

12 blooms

0 4

1

0

„ longiflorum, 12 blms.

8

0

6

0

Violets . . . .

12 bunches

1 0

0

0

That there are plenty of people to kick a man when he
is down is doubtless true enough, hut we do not intend

810

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ September 80, 1888.

joining them, as the title of this paper might at first sight
induce our readers to suppose; for it is our object in this
paper to try and lend a helping hand to farmers who are
well nigh overwhelmed by the combined evils of poor crops
and low prices. We have seen among reports of farming
prospects and practice, that in one part of Sussex Wheat will
not average three sacks per acre ; in another part of the same
county the yield is given as three to four sacks an acre less
than last year, and a very poor-looking sample. We are
also told by a farmer writing from a northern county that a
friend who took a farm in the south of England, when leading
out manure on to his grass land this spring, was told by his
neighbours that he would poison the land, as it was only ten
years previously since it was manured ! Surely the “ friend ”
must have known that the remark was satirical ! Yet the
northern farmer gravely calls attention to it as one of the
varied systems of treating grass lands.”

Now we have had considerable experience of corn-growing
and the management of grass land in Sussex, and it enables
us to assert that a Wheat crop of three or four sacks an acre
is a result of bad or careless practice, and not a peculiarity
of the season. We may also assort that no farmer who
understood the management of grass land could possibly
suppose the negligence implied by no manure for ten years
to be worthy of the designation of a system. Keep well
within your means, we would say to every farmer. If you
have £500 of capital, let fifty acres be the maximum area of
your farm, and you would probably find forty acres answer
better. £10 an acre is the lowest amount with which it is
possible to farm well ; £15 an acre is so much better that if
it were possible we would like to make it compulsory for that
sum to be applied to every farm as it is taken in hand. But
there must be no ignorant practice, no blind follow-my-leader
work ; rather should there be an intelligent comprehension of
the nature of the soil and its requirements ; of the composi¬
tion of manure, and its economical application to the soil ;
of the most suitable crops and how to cultivate them in order
to obtain the highest possible results. These are all matters
of primary importance, and of which there is much deplorable
ignorance even now, for there can be no question that three-
fourths of the farmers of this country are ignorant of many
things of vital importance in their calling.

Let us take the soil to begin with, and inquire how many
men in any given locality could answer such simple questions
as What is alumina ? What is silica ? What is the origin of
clayey soils, of gravelly soils, chalky soils, peaty soils, alluvial
soils, marshy soils, loamy soils ? and how may any or each
of them be improved ? Of what do the organic or inorganic
elements of the soil consist ? What is an element ? What
becomes of the elements of the soil under cultivation ? Then,
too, what is known of the first principles of drainage ? It
would probably occur to the most ignorant that water must
not be allowed to accumulate in tho soil so as to render it
sodden, or, as it is more generally termed “ wet.” But what
is known generally of the action of water left in the subsoil
at a foot or two beneath the surface ? Of capillary attraction ?
of the low temperature arising from it ? Of the importance of
keeping the water-table at a given distance from the surface
as a preventive ?

Of plant growth and plant food how much is known ?
Vegetable physiology and agricultural chemistry are perhaps
rather alarming terms for a plain farmer, but even he must
acknowledge that under the simple designation of plant
growth and plant food he finds matters of such importance as
to merit his best attention. A wide field for intelligent
observation opens before us here. Seed germination, root
and branch growth, the influence of air, rain, and solar heat.
What proportion of nutriment is derived from the air, what
from the soil ? In what form is it absorbed by the plants,
and how is it absorbed ? We are thus led on by a natural
sequence to the all-important question of manures. We learn
that both from the atmosphere and the soil plants absorb
food in a gaseous state. An analysis of the plants shows us

what are the proportions of nutriment absorbed by them,
and analyses of the soil show us wherein it is deficient in
fertility or plant food. If we are asked, How is a farmer to
analyse the soil ? we reply that nothing is more simple. A
few trial crops and intelligent observation ought to enable
him to master the condition of his soil and to understand its
requirements without having recourse to a chemist’s
laboratory. Drainage, clean soil, mechanical division of the
soil, and a correct and economical application of manure to
it, was the sum and substance of a lecture which we once
heard a learned professor give to farmers. He is a famous
chemist, yet it is to Nature’s great laboratory that he goes
chiefly for instruction. Trial plots, where he can ascertain
the correct proportion of chemical manures requisite to
obtain the best results with all farm crops, are in use year by
year. Close observation, a careful record of results, and sound
common sense combine to render him a skilful leader and
safe guide. Can farmers do better than follow his
example ?

WORK ON THE HOME FARM.

When home-grown seed is to be used some early threshing of corn
becomes necessary ; apart from this, it is desirable to put off threshing
till the pressure of autumn work is over. Every day of fine weather is
now eagerly taken advantage of for land work; ploughs, cultivators,
rollers, and harrows are all kept going to eradicate weeds, which are burnt
at once as they are drawn out of the soil. Much of the land has been so
dry, especially heavy land, that ploughing has told upon the horses.
Steam tackle proves a great help just now ; if rightly applied throughout
the year it should enable one to dispense with from a third to a half of
the ordinary number of horses. Taking the ordinary computation of
£25 as the cost of keeping a horse per year, it is an easy matter to ascertain
what are the advantages on the Bide of steam cultivation. Chemical
manures are being procured for winter corn, it being our custom to apply
a half-dressing at the time of sowing and another half-dressing in spring.
The quantities and sorts used per acre now are \ cwt. nitrate of potash,
f cwt. nitrate of soda, |cwt. steamed bone flour, £ cwt. superphosphate,
and j- cwt. coprolite. For general practice this is recommended as a safe
mixture, which we have found to answer well in different formations
both in Sussex and Suffolk. Do not bury the manure deeply, but apply
it either upon the surface or just before the last turn of the harrows. The
dry weather has given so severe a check to growth that the pastures are
becoming somewhat bare, and we aie glad to withdraw the sheep from
them to Cole seed. Rye Grass, Mustard, Sainfoin, and Turnips. Such
crops in sheep-farming are invaluable now ; without them we should be
at a loss for green food, or, rather, we should have to run the pastures so
hard as to leave them quite bare for winter. We can hardly lay too much
stress upon the importance and value of green crops in the economy of
farm management.* They afford a provision of food to which we gladly
turn upon emergency, and when not wanted they are ploughed in to store
the soil with nutriment. Farm work is so subject to the influence of
weather that a broad margin has frequently to be allowed in our calcula¬
tions and plans even for the immediate future. Only a few weeks ago
“ keep ” of all kinds appeared so abundant as to justify a rather large
expenditure upon sheep. If, however, we had trusted only to our
meadow and park lands, the sheep would now be failing in condition, and
some portion of the stock sold at a loss.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Camden Square, London.

Lat. 51° 32' 40’' N.; Long. 0° 8' O'' W. ; Altitude, 111 feet.

DATE.

9 A.M.

IN THE DAY.

1886.

a co a> a)
R l>

Hygrome¬

ter.

a .

O x3

3 a

Temp, of
Soil at

1 foot.

Shade Tem¬
perature.

Radiation

Temperature.

Rain

September.

3.

S3 Zi as

Dry.

Wet.

So

Max.

Min.

In

sun.

On

grass

Sunday .

19

Inches.

30.069

deg.

57.2

deg.

54 3

N.E.

deg.

57.4

deg.

70.6

d«g

47.7

deg.

105.6

deg.

41.7

In.

Monday .

20

29.919

55.6

52.1

N.E.

67.7

G62

50.9

110.6

44.2

—

Tuesday .

21

29.665

58.9

5 i.4

E.

57.2

68.3

51.4

103.8

43.7

—

Wednesday ..

22

29.043

55.3

49.0

N.E.

58.0

63 8

47.2

103.8

43.8

—

Thursday ...

23

30.057

49.6

42.1

N.HJ.

56 8

61.1

43.3

105.3

36 8

— -

Friday .

24

30.162

52.3

48. 1

N.

53.3

58.8

47.1

77.3

37.8

—

Saturday ....

25

30.155

50.4

47.3

E.

56.0

59.7

47.9

77.9

4G.G

0*033

29.953

51.2

49.9

57.1

64.1

47.9

97.8

42.1

0-033

REMARKS.

19th. — Fine and bright throughout.

20th. — Fine and generally bright, but dull at times in the morning.

21st. - On the whole a dull cool day, but with a little sunshine in morning.

22nd.- — Fine, bright, and cold, with occasional threatening elouds.

23rd. — Cold, with alternate cloud and sunshine.

24th. — Dull and cold. %

25th.— Cool, with uuiform light clond.

A fine, generally bright, and rainless week ; the rain entered to the 25th having fallen
in the early hours of the 26th. This rain terminated an absolute drought of fourteen
days. Temperature exactly the average, and about 6° below that of the preceding

week.-G Symons.

October 7, 1888. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

811

7

th

8

F

9

S

10

SUN

16th Sunday after Trinity.

It

M

Meeting of the .National Chr> *anttemum 'Society, Bishopsgate Street.

12

TU

Royal Hort. Soc. Committees at 11 a jim and Fruit Show (tw’o days).

13

W

National Chryeanthemnm Society, Floral Committee at the Westminster

[Aqaarinm

OVERHAULING.

0 “turn over for examination, to inspect,” is the
dictionary interpretation of the above not parti¬
cularly elegant word ; but as utility is of greater
moment than euphony to all who are earnestly
engaged in gardening, our heading will not be
inadmissible. Every department in a large
garden should be thoroughly examined periodi¬
cally, and its exact condition noted, with the
object of registering any failures or mistake, and
recording impressions in respect to desired improvements.
Small gardens should also be similarly inspected, with the
view of rendering them, if possible, more satisfactory in the
future than they have been in the past. It is a mistake to
suppose that this care is not necessary in the case of small
and medium sized gardens. As much thought is needed in
the conduct of these as in the management of large establish¬
ments ; and even more planning, scheming, and forecasting are
often requisite where the demands of the owners are great
and the resources limited, than are called for under differing
circumstances, where the space is fully equal to meet every
want and with a considerable margin to spare.

No better time than the present can occur this year for a
general overhauling in gardens. Everything of a structural
nature should be brought under close inspection for ascer¬
taining any possible deficiencies or dilapidations, and putting
right anything that may be found wrong in the best manner
and with the least inconvenience. Doing work out of season
is always costly and seldom satisfactory to anyone con¬
cerned. Owners of property, builders, painters, glaziers, and
gardeners are often irritated during the progress of repairs,
when all would have gone smoothly had not the work been
commenced a month too late. There has been a tendency of
late to a greater extent than formerly to let small faults pass,
with the object of restricting expenditure; but small faults
thus left quickly grow into large ones, and the liabilities that
are being incurred for future eventualities grow faster still,
and no long time elapses before we have a great ruin and a
great reckoning day. No plan is so good and economical as
rectifying small evils and making good small omissions with
promptitude, every week’s delay adding to the ultimate cost
and inconvenience. There is nothing so cheap as paint when
applied at the right time for preserving woodwork, nor of
timely pointing for preserving masonry. In the general
overhaul, then, do not forget the pointing and painting.

Let the heating arrangements be subjected to a rigid
examination. Boilers, pipes, and flues should be cleansed
and tried, and these with all valves tested, as in no other
way can assurance be felt that they will be equal to the
demands upon them when the time of trial comes. A little
labour devoted to this work now, and a trifle expended in
putting any little wrongs right, is as nothing compared with
the loss attending a breakdown three months hence, and
nothing should be omitted that can be done for the aversion
of such a calamity. All drains should be operative and
supply pipes in order, so that future trouble may be avoided,
and outlay, the result of neglect, prevented. Nor should the
No. 328. — Vol. XIII., Thibd Series.

winter’s fuel supply be overlooked, as stores can be replenished
or contracts completed now at much less cost than may have
to be endured in a few months time, for it seems to be the
“custom” to raise prices in winter, and vendors’ stores are
filled to overflowing in readiness for the harvest they hope to
reap from their own foresight and the habitual procrastina¬
tion of their supporting friends.

A thorough examination should be made of pleasure
grounds, plantations, and trees now in connection with pro,
jected alterations. This overhauling is too often left till the
foliage has fallen, and consequently neither the thinning of
trees that are getting too crowded nor the arrangement of
others that are to be planted is well done. The extent to
which trees should be thinned cannot be so well determined
at any other period of the year as just when their season's
growth is completed. The full extent of the crowding can
then be seen; but in midwinter, when the leaves are down,
the crowding is not apparent to the inexperienced, and thus
gardeners and foresters are not allowed to do what is needed,
and trees and plantations are spoiled. Let the trees for
removal be marked now, and the decisions arrived at adhered
to when the time arrives for doing the work. It is deplorable
to see thousands of trees spoiling, and ornamental planta¬
tions going to ruin, because owners of pleasure grounds and
directors of public parks are afraid to thin the trees. This
policy of fear is a fatal policy, and the sooner it is reversed
the better. Large sums are expended on trees, shrubs, and
labour in producing a jungle ; the magnificent specimens that
adorn many parks and pleasure grounds in various parts of
the country are the reward of a very different system.
Modern planters might advantageously take a lesson from
the old-fashioned arboriculturists and landscape men of the
past. If they commence at once they may learn the alphabet
of the subject before the leaves fall; they will not be able to
see the letters afterwards.

Equally in the disposition of trees for picturesque effect
the key to the work should be mastered now. At no other
time can such a clear conception be formed as to what is
best fitted for certain positions as when trees are studied in
their autumn garb. All planting arrangements should be
settled now clearly and definitely, and when the period for
carrying out the plans comes round the work will proceed
with alacrity.

Orchards and fruit plantations should be carefully
examined, and individual trees scrutinised, so that their
exact condition can be appreciated, and the best line of treat¬
ment determined in respect to removals, thinning, root-
pruning, grafting, or whatever is suggested as beat to be done
under the circumstances. Fruit trees innumerable are
habitually fruitless because the disposition of the branches is
determined at the winter’s pruning. They appear to be thin
enough then, but are delusive when leafless, and thin-looking
trees in winter are in summer a thicket of growths and con¬
stitutionally imperfect foliage. This applies to trees on walls
as well as to bushes and pyramids, for the evil is flagrant all
round, but not in all gardens, for cultivators who grow the
best fruit do what all others are now invited to do — see that
the trees are not crowded when in leaf, the disposition of the
branches afterwards is quite immaterial.

The same close inspection of Vines and fruit trees under
glass should be made without delay. It is not too much to
say that the great majority are seriously overcrowded, and
half the laterals of the former and growths of the latter
should be cut away. The true condition of Vines and Peach
trees can be seen now, it will soon be less apparent. But let
no one think the evil is removed when the leaves are swept
away. Faulty enough many of these were through want of
space for development and light for strengthening their
tissues ; but after they are gone the evil, the source of their
imperfect character, remains — overcrowded growths. Look
very carefully into this matter at once, and determine on a
method for future improvement and better crops of finer fruit
before it is too late.

No. 1984 — Vol. LXXV., Old Series

812

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER .

[ October 7. 1886.

The overhauling that is advocated must extend to the
dower and kitchen garden. The cropping of flower beds and
borders for another year should be determined before the
occupants of the current season fade, and provision be made
accordingly for meeting the demand. In the absence of a
system of the nature indicated space is occupied in winter
with plants that are of little use in spring, while those that
are wanted are not to be found, having been needlessly and
thoughtlessly crowded out. It is the same in the vegetable
supply. Unless careful note is made of the position, and the
season’s wants accurately balanced against existing and pro¬
spective crops, an alternate glut and famine are apt to result,
instead of a steady unbroken supply of seasonable produce.

A very thorough overhauling of plants in pots is also im¬
peratively needed at this season of the year. It is surprising
to see so much space in many glass structures occupied with
worthless plants. Miserable, disease-stricken, and insect-
infested “ specimens ” are huddled together on the more-the-
merrier system, as if there were more virtue in numbers than
anything else. A well-considered yet courageous clearing-
out plan is sadly needed in many gardens where there is
“room for nothing,” and space might then be gained for
something that would be a credit to the cultivator and the
garden. — Experientia eocet.

THE NON-VENTILATING SYSTEM.

Having given the system of growing Cucumbers and various
other plants without air a good trial, I was naturally interested in the
remarks of “A Cucumber Grower for Seed” (page 273) on this
subject. To tell the truth I was not surprised to learn that he secured
fully one-third less seed from a given number of fruits than he hid
hitherto done when the Cucumbers were grown on the old system.
When a house is kept constantly close, and in addition much moisture
is distributed, the atmosphere is almost certain to be unfavourable
to a good set on any shy-seeding varieties of fruit, and the Telegraph
Cucumber is proverbially a shy seeder even under most favourable
circumstances. Melons will sometimes set a few fruit in a house
kept constantly close and very hot. We had some in pots this season
that set in the Cucumber house ; but as a rule a dry atmosphere,
especially in the morning, and which is obtained by judicious venti¬
lation, is necessary to insure the setting of the requisite number of
fruits. The greater portion of Cucumbers annually cut would, if left
to ripen, yield no perfect seeds, and unless seeds are wanted no one
takes the trouble to fertilise the blooms. Further, under the “ express
system ” I believe it is possible to obtain a much greater number of
Cucumbers at one time than by the old system — more, in fact, than
the plants are capable of perfecting ; and by perfecting I mean in
the sense that each fruit contains an average number of perfect seeds.
It is the work of forming the seeds that usually proves so weakening
to the plants, and we all know that Melon plants must be strong and
well rooted before they will swell off a good crop of fruit. Cucum¬
bers being of a similar nature, it follows they too must be somewhat
similarly treated.

As far as my experience goes, I am of opinion that the non-ven¬
tilating system of Cucumber culture will never become popular with
gardeners other than those who grow solely for the markets, but it
may with advantage be applied to the culture of various plants I shall
name. With us it answered remarkably well with Cucumbers up to
the end of June, and at that time I was sanguine it was the right
thing, and said as much to others who had their doubts ; but subse¬
quently I found we were not so clever as we had thought, for we
broke down in July. All the while the blinds are on and the Cucum¬
bers are kept constantly moist over the foliage and at the roots ; the
house being also so highly charged with moisture, the hottest sun does
not injure the foliage, and in a steaming hot temperature the fruit
grow at a wonderful pace ; but let the man in charge neglect thehouse
five minutes too long, and it must be a heavy shading indeed that
prevents burning, red spider, and other evils, for red spider will thrive,
once established, in spite of a saturated atmosphere. Gardeners with
their multifarious duties cannot be constantly watching, a Cucumber
house ; at any rate, there is no time for it here, and therefore I main¬
tain that the express system is unsuited for private places. I am
aware that Cucumbers are thus grown by the thousand at Prescot,
and one of our Liverpool party who paid a visit to the most noted
grower informed me that Tomatoes were also similarly grown, and
were to be seen in wonderful perfeclion in common with the
Cucumbers. Perhaps Mr. Bardney, who, I believe, first directed
attention to this new system in the pages of the Journal of Horticul¬

ture, will further enlighten us, and also give his opinion as to the
advisability of trying the plan for set d- -saving.

Although disappointed with the non-ventilating system for
Cucumber culture, the reverse is the case with our experiments on
similar lines with a mixed stove of plants. During the whole of the
spring and summer of the years 1885 and 1886 this house was kept
constantly clobe and “ fearfully hot,” as it was frequently found by
numerous visitors. The result was in every respect most surprising and
satisfactory. A large plant of Allamanda Hendersoni on the roof
bloomed most profusely from May nearly up to Christmas, and even
later many blooms were cut, and it has done just as well this season.
We commenced cutting trusses of Stephanotis blooms last Easter, and
we have not been without blooms up to the present time, large quan¬
tities be at all times open simultaneously. Dipladenias thrive equally
as well under the same treatment, and in each case no fault could be
found with the size and substance of the blooms, nor with their dura¬
tion. Underneath these we had Crotons, Dracaenas, Pandanuses,
Pancratiums, Eucharises, and Calanthes. The latter grown on back
shelves near the glass are as strong and healthy as can well be, and
flower beautifully. Eucharises have improved surprisingly' since we
have adopted the new system, the leaves being larger, of greater sub¬
stance, and very green, and we get three good crops of bloom in the
year, besides flowers at odd times. They evidently delight in plenty
of heat and moisture, with a moderate amount of shade. Crotons are
especially happy under this treatment, and were I called upon to
grow a number of plants quickly to a good size, they would get no
air. It should be added we are particularly careful to keep the
canvas blinds drawn over the roof all the time the sun has much
power, and the plants are, on clear days especially, very frequently
syringed, the walls, staging, and floors being also well moistened at
each time. If these precautions are neglected failure must soon
result, as when the temperatuie stands at 100°, or even more, the
evaporation is very rapid, and unless plenty of moisture abounds burn¬
ing soon follows. At the present lime the blinds are not used, and
we give a little air, nothing being gained, on the contrary harm may
be done, by stimulating growth at this time of year; and a little fresh
air circulating prevents the spotting of delicate blooms, this not
happening when there is more light and heat. It is a curious fact
that Cinerarias, Primulas, and Cyclamens grow sturdily enough in
cold frames with little or no air given them provided they receive
a fair amount of room. — W. Iggulden.

HEATING BY HOT WATER.

[Read before the Members of the Preston and Falwood Floral and Horticultural

Society, August 7th.]

( Continued f rom page 293.)

The Derbyshire Boiler. — This is a modified form of the
“ Loughborough ” boiler that was sent out by Messrs. Messenger
and Co. for beating small greenhouses. The “Derbyshire” is re¬
presented by fig. 47, and the “ Chesterfield,” which is but slightly
different, by fig. 48. These blocks have been kindly lent by
Messrs. R. Hal iday & Co. for illustrating boilers suitable for small

Fig. 47. Fig. 48.

greenhouses. The “ Derbyshire” has been selected because Messrs.
R. Halliday & Co. were awarded the silver medal for it at the
Royal Horticultural Society's Show in W avertree Park, Liverpool
The price of the boiler, which is an important matter for this
class of cultivators, together with its adaptability for the purpose,
were the main grounds for the selection of this boiler for the
post of honour. The “Chesterfield” is illustrated to show the
method of arranging the pipes with the expansion box attached.
These can be fitted to the “Derbyshire” in the same way. This
is a safe arrangement for amateurs; the supply tank is dispensed
with. The expansion box, which reduces the risk of the pipes
or boiler failing, is the supply cistern as well. In large arrange¬
ments this method cannot well be practised, but for one or two
small houses no safer or more reliable principle could be followed.
The “ Loughborough,” the “ Halifax,” the “ Liverpool," and

October 7, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

313

many other very similar boilers are also equally good, and would,

1 have no doubt, do their work as well as those that have been
selected for illustration.

The Position of the Boiler. — Flow and Return Pipes.
— The position of the boiler being at the lowest portion of the
arrangement, the common saddle and its improved forms should
be set upon a horizontal plane. Some give these boilers a slight
rise towards the horizon— that is, from the front to the back.
They are best set perfectly horizontal The How may be taken
from the centre of these boilers. Some prefer it near the end,
but this makes no difference in the working, and for the sake of
convenience it may be taken from any portion of the top of the
boiler beyond the centre. The flow pipe may rise above the
boiler 3 feet or more if desired, as long as it is carried level or
with a gradual rise afterwards down the chambers to the houses
to be heated. It must be remembered that the flow pipe must
leave from the highest point of the boiler, and the higher the
pipes rise above the boiler at the commencement the more rapid
is circulation. The height given need not be exceeded, for the
higher the pipes rise above the boiler at the commencement the
deeper it is necessai’y to have the stokehole. The return pipe
or pipes should enter the boiler at its lowest point. Some
prefer them on both sides, if there are two, near the front, others
near the base. The first is, perhaps, the best, but no difference
in the working of the boiler will be found if the latter method is
adopted. The returns should always be at the side of saddle
boilers and at the lowest point of upright tubulars. When
water bars are employed in both saddles and tubulars, provision
is often made for the returns to be connected with the water box
to which the bars are fixed. It is contended that two returns —
that is, one on each side, are preferable to one, and no doubt
they are, but it is immaterial as regards the working of the boiler.
When one return only is employed sediment may be driven to
the. opposite side of the boiler and remain there. This is the
main contention for the two pipes, and no doubt it is perfectly
correct as boilers are constructed and fixed by many hot water
engineers.

Sluice Plugs. — Boilers are invariably provided with one for
the purpose of drawing off the water when required. These are
in most cases too sma’l for the work they have to perform. With
one return sediment will collect on the side opposite to where
this tap has been provided, and if there are two returns the
same will take place, only in a smaller degree. Every large
boiler should be provided with two sluice plugs instead of one,
which should be as large as the boiler will allow. When the
sluice pipes are of good size, and the cap removed, the water
rushes out with force and carries with it a large amount of sedi¬
ment. By making provision for two sluice pipes the boilers can
be thoroughly washed out when empty by the aid of the supply
tank. This should be done annually, for if sedim- nt becomes
deposited in the boiler a wasteful expenditure of fuel is the
result before the water can be made to circulate with freedom.

Thermometers at the Boilers. — From the lowest part of
the boiler and from the flow pipe, small pipes should be connected
with a thermometer after the pipss have been united into one
neck. By this method the average heat of the water in the
boiler can be ascertained. The thermometer should register the
maximum and minimum heat of the water. Registering ther¬
mometers are not generally employed for this purpose ; all that
1 have seen in use only register the maximum. Such thermo¬
meters are not always reliable, because so much depends upon the
memory of the man on duty whether they prove of real service
or the reverse. When both sides are registered it can be observed
at a glance whether the temperature of the water has risen or
fallen during his absence. To render these, however, of the
greatest value the external temperatui-e must be taken into con
sideration, for if it has fallen and the heat of the water at the
boiler shows the slightest decline the man knows that it is neces¬
sary to push on his fire, or the reverse if the external temperature
h is risen as well as that of the water in the boiler. When reliance
is placed upon the thermometers at the boiler, it is necessary
that good valves be provided to all the houses and the pipes
arranged as has been described, so that some dependance can be
placed on the circulation of the water beinsr reerular and constant.
With well-arranged pipes and regulated valves an observant man
can avoid frequently opening the doors of plant and other struc¬
tures during the evening for the escape of the hot air, which is
replaced by that from the external atmosphere which is probably
2<) ' or 30° colder. After a long and cold winter plants against
the doors have often a sickly appearance, which is brought about
by no other cause than a severe check through opening the door
perhaps hourly during the evening until banking time to see if
the temperatures are right. This, to a great extent, can be
d by the use o theimometers at the boiler if the man in -

charge is thoroughly observant and trustworthy, and unless this
is the case they are useless besides being a mere ornament.

Boiler Fronts. — Portable boilers have their fronts cast to
them ; in fact, in many instances they are part of the boiler, and
the furnace door is usually fastened by the old latch principle. This
is wrong, as I shall endeavour to show, and may lead to disastrous
results. Those who make boilers on this principle would do well
to take the hint and provide some better and safer method if
they rio not think well to adopt the one that will be detailed — that
is, if they desire to have a boiler that can be left with some
degree of certainty that failure will not result during absence.
The furnace door should always be secured to a round rod of
iron at the top, so that it will slide backwards when required.
By the use of sliding doors hung at the top the bottom of the
door is at liberty, and can be forced slightly forward in case
conbustion takes place after banking, or at anytime after throw¬
ing a good quantity of fuel on the fire at one time. When coal,
nuts, or even “ slack ” is used for fuel these explosions often
take place, and the soot boxes in the various forms of saddle
boilers are not unfrequently blown out into the stokehole. When
the doors to all flues are secured, which they always should be,
and provision made at the door for escape in case combustion
takes place, the boiler and all its fittings are safe. Soot boxes, if
they are employed, should always be built into the brickwork, so
that they cannot wear loose and destroy the draught of the
boiler. The portions removed should also fit tight. Such heavy
soot boxes that are sent out, for instance, with the front of the
“ Gold Medal ” boiler and others cannot be too strongly con¬
demned. With a large boiler a strong man is required to lift it,,
and the frame in which it fits is constantly shaken loose as well
as the surrounding brickwork. Such soot boxes should not be
employed; in fact, they cm for all boilers be dispensed with.
They should be mere lids that fit into the frame with a latch, or,
better still, they must be tight-fitting doors. I have not seen,
any better boiler fronts than those fixed by Messrs. James
Coombe & Sons, to their saddle boiler with horizontal
cast tubes and the Liner front of Mr. Joseph Bramham.
F^r a large boiler the latter is the more elaborate and
imposing of the two. It is in every way similar to the first, but
larger. The former possesses all the good qualities needed for
flued saddles of the Allerton Priory style. The ashpit and
furnace doors are hung as has been described on rods at the top,
the doors are not divided in the centre as is the case with SDme
fronts. The doors for cleaning the flues are two in number,
which are fastened to a central piece of flat iron. These fronts
comprise all the requisites necessary, and are what all good boiler
fronts should be.

Caps to Boilers. — These can only be fitted to various forms
of the saddle boiler, one of which was represented attached to
the “ Allerton Priory ” boiler. They are employed instead of a
brick arch between the front and the boiler. They certainly
assist in the economy of the heat thrown off by the burning fuel.
These caps are practically small boilers, and the flow pipe from
them should rise from the top and be connected to the main flow
pipe. The returns can be taken from each side and connected
with the large boiler. Some might consider these useless for the
amount of power they add to the boiler, but they possess other
good properties. When they are used a good plate must be pro¬
vided inside between the front and the bars. The tendency is to-
get the fire too near the front in many boilers, which not only
ruins the front in time by rendering it red hot, but a large amount
of heat is wasted. But with a good sized plate, which must be
provided when caps are used, the fire is kept well back, the front
insured against injury, and no heat is lost.

Fire Bars. — There can be no question which is the best, the
hollow water bars, or the ordinary cast ones. The first not only
add wonderful power to the boiler, but they are durable, and last
in good condition for many years even where large fires are con¬
stantly kept. The ordinary fire bars for large boilers where a
great heat is maintained will only last one winter before they are
burnt through and twisted into innumerable shapes. Such is the
condition of the ordinary bars in the large boilers at Norris
Green, and to replace the bars annually means a large outlay in
a few years, which in the end proves more costly than if hollow
bars were at first employed. Not only are they the cheapest in
the end, but they add to the power of the boilers to such an.
extent that those who have not worked them can form no con¬
ception. The ordinary fire bar does very well for small boilers
that are sufficiently powerful for their work and where a great
heat is not maintained regularly. In such positions they will
last for several years without being renewed. It is a good plan
to construct the ashpit so that water can be constantly kept in it.
If the water can be kept cool by a steady flow in and out it acts
beneficially in the preservation of the bars.

314

[ October 7, 1888.

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDEN ER.

Setting Boilers.— To deal xhaustively with this matter
would require a series of articles, for there are as many systems
as boilers, and therefore I do not intend to enter into details that
may be applicable to any one boiler. The arrangement of the
pipes may be perfect and the boiler all that could be desired,
but if it is set wrong it is certain to prove unsatisfactory, all
else being of little avail The maker of any particular boiler is
familiar with the best method of setting it, and as they are
always willing to give this information gratis with the boiler, I
strongly advise those who need help in this matter to seek it from
those who are best able to impart'it.

Stoking. — This is by no means the least important matter
connected with the subject of heating by hot water. Many
boilers have to be stoked in holes that are a disgrace to any
establishment and unfit for a man to enter. They are frequently
small underground holes, where the man in the performance of
his duty not only knocks the skin off his hands frequently in the
cleaning of the fire, but is smothered and nearly choked in the
bargain with smoke, dust, and sulphur. Very rarely are stoke¬
holes in keeping with the rest of the establishment. This
is not only the case in small but in large gardens, where
everything else is on an elaborate scale. No wonder men
stoke badly, for they are glad to get away from such places
as rapidly as possible. Bad stoking means a wasteful expendi¬
ture of fuel, which in a few years would pay for new stokeholes
or boiler houses.

There are a few exceptions, which I am glad to say are in¬
creasing in numbers annually. Messrs. James Coombe & Sons
have been the means of getting good stokeholes in more than one
garden ; for instance, the one at Allerton Priory and at Norris
Green are models of what these places should be. A stokehole
should be light; it is better covered with a glass than a slate
roof (the roof in the case of the latter is just as good as if it
had been provided for a vinery) ; it should be roomy in all direc¬
tions and liberally ventilated, so that the dust and dirt in
clinkering and cleaning the fire can pass away from the man as
quickly as possible. Under such conditions stoking becomes a
pleasure rather than a nuisance, and a man can take some pride
in striving to be a good stoker.

The economy of fuel or the reverse depends more upon the
stoker than upon the boiler A good stoker will so regulate the
draught of his boiler that the whole of the heat thrown off by
the burning fuel is transmitted to the various heating surfaces
of the boiler, and thus waste none of the heat. A bad stoker
will do the reverse, and burn nearly double the amount of fuel
and get less heat in return. With a well-regulated draught below
and above the furnace, a clean fire, clear at the back, with the
c®nsuming fuel towards the front, but little heat will be wasted
and only a small per-centage of carbon conveyed to the chimney.
This has special reference to stoking the different forms of
the saddle boiler. With upright tubulars the economy of fuel is
in a very large measure dependent upon the management of the
damper in the chimney. Where black smoke issues from the
chimney in large volumes it is certain that waste is going on —
either the draught is wrong or the fire black and dead at the
back. Too frequently dust and burnt fuel are allowed to lodge
at the back, and often a large quantity of fuel is thrown well back
upon it and the burning fire kept in front. This is wrong. All
dust and dead fuel from the back should be removed daily and
the bright fire kept there, while the fuel burning and to be burnt
should he towards the front. The front of the bars must also be
kept just clear, so that air can pass in and carry the smoke and
gases over the bright portion of the fire to be consumed. When
stoking is carried out on this principle the smoke is practically
o onsumed, and instead of a black volume a white one issues from
the chimney. The ashpit should be emptied daily and the flues
and tubes freed from soot ; when they become coated waste of
fuel is certain to result. It is impossible to clean thoroughly the
tubes and various parts of some boilers, and where economy is
■one main object such boilers should be avoided, for no matter
how ood the stoker a large amount of heat is certain to be lost.
Every provision must be made for cleaning the heating surfaces
of the boiler from soot. When it is necessary to raise the heat
quickly the fire must not be checked by putting on too much fuel
at a time. To he a thoroughly good stoker, however, it is neces¬
sary to study the boiler, the method in which it is best worked,
and then, and only then, can be a boiler be stoked effectually and
the greatest amount of heat that can be produced from a given
quantity of fuel utilised to the best advantage. Success can only
he attained in stoking by practice,, patience, and observation.
A!1 who wish to excel may do so by perseverance and the exercise
of intelligent thought.— Wm Bardney.

(Concluded.)

TWO NEW ROSES.

I have been favoured by two correspondents with blooms of
two new Roses of which a good deal has been said, and as they
are both transatlantic they are the more interesting, not that
America is a new territory for the queen of flowers, for it was
from thence in the early part of this century that we received the
Noisette Rose. Philippe Noisette sent to his brother in Paris
from Philadelphia the blush Noisette, a hybrid between the
Musk Rose and the common China. This, crossed with Tea
Roses has no doubt been the parent of many of our vastly im¬
proved varieties; indeed, so great is the love for the Rose that
from many quarters we have accounts of novelties, many of them
doubtless oniy new in name, like that wretched impostor Lusiadas
from Portugal, of which a Rose grower at Luxembourg, after
giving the glowing description of its raiser (?) says, despite of this
enchanting description, it is no other than the old Celine P orestier.
Then a Hungarian rosarian is raising some varieties of climbing
Roses, which we are assured will be highly valued in our northern
climes ; perhaps so, but we shall see. They are not, of course, in¬
tended for exhibitors. Then Messrs. Dickson of Newtonards in
Ireland have announced a series of new Roses which have been
highly spoken of, so that from all sides there are signs of in¬
creased energy in the production of new Roses, bewildering to
amateurs, but doubtless profitable to the raisers.

American Beauty, which has been kindly sent to me by Mr.
James Bayson of Caen, is evidently of the class now called
Hybrid Teas. It is a good sized Rose, of a lilac pink colour,
somewhat, as far as I could judge from the specimen, of the
Cheshunt Hybrid and Reine Marie Henriette colour. Its fra¬
grance is something remarkable, reminding one oi that most
sweet-scented of all Roses, the old Cabbage. It is vigorous in
growth and may be an acquisition as a garden Rose, whatever
may be the ultimate verdict on it as an exhibition Rose.

From Mr. B. R. Cant, the well-known Rose grower of Col¬
chester, I have received a very beautiful bloom of another
American Rose, The Bride This was originated in the garden
of Mr. Bancroft, the historian, as a sport from that exquisite
Rose, Catherine Mermet, of which it was said to be a white
counterpart. When we remember what an exquisite form that
Rose possesses, the notion of a pure white Tea, as white as
Niphetos, and without the loose habit of that Rose, when once it
emerges from the bud state, when it is so liable to throw about its
large petals in all directions like the swifts of a windmill, was
tempting enough. The bloom that Mr. Cant was good enough to
send me bears out the description. It was a very pure white of
exquisite form, but curiously enough, as I suppose the effects of
the cold nights, its edges were tinged exactly as Marie V an Houtte
comes in the autumn. It has therefore every appearance of being
an acquisition. Like Catharine Mermet it has plenty of substance,
and is said to be equally vigorous.

My note on Madame Gabriel Luizet has brought me several
communications. Mr. Lindsell of Beaston, Hitchin, writes to
me, “I say for your Madame Gabriel Luizet it is a Rose that I
am very fond of, and of which I have forty really good plants,
but I hadonlyone small bloom this month. I budded itfrom flower¬
ing shoots on the seedling Briar two years ago, but these eleven
plants, though they gave grand blooms in July, now stand 6 feet
high, without a suspicion of a bud. Mr. Burrell (the nurseryman)
cannot make it bloom in the autumn at Cambridge, but tells me
that he was in the Rev. W. H. Jackson’s garden at Stagsden,
near Bedford, and that his plants were in full autumn bloom.
Roses certainly seem to me to have their fads, and if a variety
does not like a locality it is hopeless to expect to grow it well.
Some of Mr. Whitwell’s favourites I can do very little with eg.,
Madame Hippolyte Jamain, Madame Charles Wood, and Eugenie
Verdier, while I have no trouble with Horace Vernet, Marie
Cointet, and Xavier Olibo.’’ From Mr. Strange at Aldermaston,
Reading, another good rosarian I hear, “ I have had some good
blooms of Gabriel Luizet, but other plants have not flowered at
all, ’ while Mr. G. Mount of the Rose Nursery, Canterbury, writes
to me extolling its good autumn-blooming qualities, and says he
has grand blooms from his plants quite fit for exhibition. It
would thus seem that she is “ uncertain, coy, and hard to please,
but to be cherished in the hope that even where she has refused
to give a bloom in the autumn some whim may induce her so to
do. — Wild Rose.

VERY LATE PEACHES A MISTAKE.

Here, as in most other gardens, late Peaches are much valued, and
with the object of having them as late as possible a number of trees
were planted some years ago, the varieties being chosen to give a succes¬
sion of fruit for a long time. Hales’ Early is the earliest, and we always
gather ripe fruit from it during the first week in August. This is fol¬
lowed by Early Alfred ; then comes Barrington, followed by Bellegarde,

October 7, 1888. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

315

Walburton Admirable, and Salwey. Barrington is ripe now, and Walbnr-
ton Admirable will be ready in a fortnight or bo if the weather is favour¬
able, but if it is not I question very much if many of the fruit will
mature. Last year many of them were so late that they did not ripen
well and were poor in flavour, and the Salwey failed altogether to come
to maturity. This variety is again bearing a good crop, but from the
appearance of the fruit now I am sure they will never ripen. This will
he three years in succession it has failed to ripen. The aspect is south¬
east, the position a veTy warm sheltered one, and if it ripens anywhere it
ought to ripen here ; but I am of opinion that it is only in exceptional
instances that it will ripen, the rule being that it never gains maturity,
and were I planting Peaches again the Salwey, which is said to be the
latest of all Peaches, would not be included. I would also advise those
who are planting Peaches, and wishing to introduce this one for an extra
late crop, to ascertain if it is likely to ripen with them, as it is very dis¬
appointing to have a tree bearing a crop of fruit which will never mature
or be of any use. — J. Muir, Margam Park, S. Wales.

THOUGHTS ON CURRENT TOPICS.

“ Utilitarian ” gave on page 251 a capital reply to my observations
on growing Apples for market against walls. I did not think it could
pay to build walls for Apples ; but removing useless Ivy from a wall and
growing on the vacated space splendid Apples for the decoration of shop
windows is another matter entirely. There are acres of blank walls,
or walls encumbered with useless trees and plants, that might be turned
to profitable account if covered with healthy fruit trees of approved
varieties, and, in my opinion, the simplest, cheapest, and quickest method
of furnishing them is by planting strong maiden trees about 2 feet apart,
or rather less, and training them as cordons — -upright at first to encourage
free growth, then obliquely to check exuberance and incite fruitfulness.

Your correspondent is quite right as to Apples of exceptional merit
finding ready buyers at “ fancy ” prices. I did not think of that before.
No one can think of everything; but I know, which is better than
thinking, of a cultivator who sells Apples and Pears every year for 6d.
each for shop-dressing. They are magnificent specimens, the result of
thinning, mulching, and watering ; indeed, the same care is bestowed on
them as is devoted to the production of prize Grapes. With a judicious
selection of varieties of fruit, and higher culture, the standard of value
would soon be raised. It is deplorable to see the rubbish that is poured
into our markets, and humilitating to find American produce preferred to
our own. Lord Egerton is right. The only way we can exist is by pro¬
ducing “ better things than other countries,” so far as our means allow,
and they are quite sufficient to enable us to cope with all comers in the
supply of useful hardy fruit, if we will but turn them to the best account.
1 willingly admit that “ Utilitarian ” has got the best of it in this crossing
of swords on growing Apples instead of Ivy on walls, and sending fruit to
retail vendors, for which they are glad to give a fancy price for a special
purpose.

I would not, however, have your correspondent think that in making
the above admission I am afraid of “catching a Tartar twice.” I am
equally ready to agree or disagree, as occasion requires, and am quite
willing to take the consequences. I did not agree with bis recommenda¬
tion of Oullins Golden as a market Plum. I have grown this PJum, and
seen it grown by others, and taking the average value of the produce over
a series of ten years, am not able to regard it as profitable. “ Utilitarian ”
thinks I may find bis “ next selections” more to my taste. These have
now appeared. He names many good Plums for market, probably too
many, for a number of names bewilder. The Americans who are pressing
us so hardly in supplying our markets, not with Plums but Apples, are
wiser than we are. It is a characteristic of English growers to grow too
many varieties, and too few trees of each, whereas our transatlantic com¬
petitors grow few varieties and many of each. They can thus send
choice fruit of uniform quality by tons, and it is this uniformity of
excellence that tells so heavily. I fail to see much utilitarianism in
recommending upwards of thirty varieties of Plums for market. If all
those named on pp. 199 — 208 were planted on an acre of land, another
acre on the same field being occupied with the following — Rivers’ Early
Prolific, Czar, Gishorne’s, Denyer’s Victoria, and the Crittenden Damson
— I suspect the short selection would be more profitable than the long
one. The maintenance of a long supply in private gardens is quite
another matter, and I think our market guide must have forgotten the
heading of his chapters.

Our friend also appears to have got a trifle mixed over the Pears ; he
first, on page 175, eschewed varieties that were not good in size and
appearance ; he thus omits the good old Windsor Pear, which has “ made
more money” during the last few weeks than any other except Wdliams’
Bon Chrfitien, and then goes on to recommend smaller sorts sti'l, including
the Swan’s Egg, the rich little Seckle, and the poor and poor-looking
Beurrd Capiaumont. I am so unfortunate, too, as not to understand his
selection of Apples. For “extensive cultivation” he recommends among
dessert sorts the Queen, which is a culinary Apple — at least, the Queen of
the “ Fruit Manual ” is, and it is of the same type as Cox’s Pomona. In
his limited selection of “Apples for any purpose” we find Blenheim
Pippin and Cobham ; but why both ? The former is a slow bearer, the
latter much quicker and equally fine. In its true form it is one of the
finest of Apples ; but it is said that everybody has not the true stock.
Plant Blenheims on the Crab, and it is dreary waiting for a crop ; the
Cobham is an earlier and more abundant bearer, and the fruit, if any¬

thing, finer, being as a rule larger and better coloured. Emperor
Alexander is too light, Lord Derby much overweighting it, and Lane’s
Prince Albert is far more profitable than the Loidingtnn, which is a bad
grower, and “cankers to death” in some soils. “ Utilitarian ” has, I
think, let his fancy play too freely in his fruit “ for market” series, and,
whtther I hook a “ Tartar” or not, I venture on this gentle criticism n
the interest of intending planters who ought, I think, to hear both side?
of the question on a matter of such importance a? purchasing fruit trees
for supplying the markets with the most and the best fruit in the shortest
time. I know every Apple your correspondent names except one, and
that is Yorkshire Beauty, which.he places second in his list of four select
early culinary sorts — namely, Keswick Codlio, York-hire Beauty, Duchess
of Oldenburgh, and Worcester Pearmain, this latter, by the way, being
usually grown and sold for dessert purposes. Can anyone give further
particulars about the Yorkshire Beauty ?

I SAID go much last year about the cause of the Madresfield Court
Grape cracking, and brought such a hornet’s nest about my ears, that I
have been content to let others express their opinions and experience.
The weight of evidence is overwhelming as to an excess of moisture in
the air being far more destructive than moisture in the soil, and further
experience will confirm this fact. The fruit will split in a close and too
moist atmosphere, no matter how dry the roots of the Vines may be, and
it will not split when the atmosphere of the house is properly managed
if the roots are in a moist outside border. When the endosmosic principle
is called into violent action, the tender skin of this excellent Grape is
bound to be ruptured, all assertions to the contrary notwithstanding.

The redoubtable Mr. Iggulden has turned up again on the trenching
question, and has been amusing himself with “ cracking the nut ” of a
“ Kentish Gardener.” I find no fault with the article on page 249. It is
very good and suggestive. The cold adhesive soil of Marston is evidently
better with shallow culture and the manure pretty near the surface, for
the reason that the sun cannot warm the soil to any great depth, and
there can be no free growth in a cold medium, however rich in plant food
it may be. But soils of a different nature, and they largely prevail,
cannot be worked profitably on the scratching system, and not a few
gardens are rendered doubly productive by a well-considered and properly
conducted method of trenching. Your correspondent appears to be
enjoying a sly chuckle because his problem is not solved as to why
Lettuces and Kidney Beans grow better on ridges thrown up between
Celery rows, and this, too, in the “ hottest weather.” It i? because there
is a greater depth of good soil than on the level, and the thrifty plants
prove, not disprove, the value of trenching when rightly done. The soil
is warmer, too, than when on the level, and the roots of plants are then
certain to find the food, a “double dose” of which is provided for their
sustenance. No better evidence of the wisdom of increasing the depth of
good soil could be adduced than that which appears to be advanced
to show the practice wrong. That is my method of “ cracking the nut ”
of Mr. Iggulden, and I trust a “Kentish Gardener” will excuse me for
“ trenching ” on his ground.

I SEE our active-minded mentor has been revelling in ancient history)
and found an opportunity for a cut at the late Donald Beaton. It is wel'
for his ardent critic that the grand old gardener is not alive. He was>
I believe, right as regards Melons. I have the misfortune to taste a few
hundreds yearly, and, as a rule, for there are exceptions, the 2 lbs. fruits
are the best. It has been notably so this year, and I may mention, as a
matter of fact, that I have found no variety so uniformly good as Hero of
Lockinge. The hint that healthy plants are essential for superior fruit is
an excellent one, and should be remembered ; if the foliage fails before the
fruit ripens high quality is out of the question.

As tr tasting Tomatoes, which he advocates, in judging, Mr. Iggulden
appears to know the best without tasting, and he tells us to which varie¬
ties “ preference should be given.” I know those he names. Carter’s Per¬
fection and Orangefield, are good, but a first-rate cultivator, and a great
connoisseur, prefers Nisbet’s Yictoiia to either, and a dish of the small
Pear-shaped fruits are highly attractive. The plants bear abundantly,
and I am inclined to recommend this variety for trial among others for
dessert purposes. By the way, I always thought Mr. Iggulden was a
married man, but he tells us he was the only “single” individual in a
railway carriage who refused a raw Tomato ; and he “ civilised,” too 1
Yes, it is surely well for him old Donald has gone to the better
land.

I HAVE always been an admirer, almost a worshipper, of the old
hardy Fuchsias as referred to by Mr. Lynch. They grew in an old
baronial garden, huge bushes, some of them, bearing myriads of flowers
that sparkled in the sunlight. I am not sure that it was not these
Fuchsias that made me a gardener. I know I could not rest till 1 pos¬
sessed some of them many long years ago, and they are now the favourite
flowers of one who is very dear to me, for, unlike Mr Tggulden, I am
happily not “ single,” and am fortunate in possessing a few, but not quite
all of those named on pages 266 7. I should prize the little collection of
Mr. Lynch more than all the gems of Swanley. Of course Mr. Cannell
will think there is something the matter with me, but I cannot help that.
When I read the rhapsodies in his catalogue over his “ peifect” flowers,
I sometimes think he is a trifle “overcome;” never tend, he communi¬
cates his love for flowers to others over all the world, and has done, ard
is doing, a good work.

316

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ October 7, 1886.

Some correspondent has, on page 249, hit the right nail on the head
n respect to the Wilson Junior Blackberry, fruit of which was shown so
large and plants sent out so small. The sentence worth remembering by
introducers of new fruits is this, “ Miserable bits, that are scarcely the
weight of the price in silver given for them, is not the way to send
anything out.” Whatever the fruit may eventually prove, the plants
distributed were very small juniors indeed, and it is no wonder so many
have failed to give satisfaction. The Parsley-leaved Bramble is yet the
largest and the best I have seen in this country, and the plants, well
grown, bear magnificent fruit bountifully.

Dennett s Champion Black CurranUappears to be going through the
“ small sieve,” as all new fruits must do sooner or later, whatever they
are, and come whence they may. This is only right, and criticism
is apt to begin the sooner and be the keener in respect to anything sent
out with a great flourish of its transcendental qualities. It is just possible
that some disappointed growers of what is new to them do not wait quite
long enough. They do not give plants time to get established and in
condition to develop their fruit. I have measured berries of the variety
in question with callipers, and found them quite as large as the catalogue
representation, but have measured others, notably of the Baldwin, equally
large. This obviously does not prove the Champion inferior. The truth
is, that both these varieties, indeed all varieties, are small on weak plants
and in some soil, the berries being as large again on strong plants in
better land. Some persons appear to think that if a particular kind of
fruit is produced and exhibited of unusual size that it will retain its
gigantic character everywhere. It will do nothing of the kind, and it is
® gigantic fallacy to assume that it will. Whether the Champion Currant
is distinct from all others I am not able to say, but I have never seen
heavier crops and finer fruit on three-year-old trees of any other variety.
Mr. John Bunn is quite right; it is a thoughtless condition to stipulate
for Black Currants to be shown on bunches, because the finest ripens first
and almost invariably falls before the smaller and later, near the points of
the bunches, is ripe. Still judges must “follow the schedule,” however
ridiculous their awards may appear.

But these mental wanderings must be curbed. The wee small hours
of the morning call me away ; the flickering lamp is a silent monitor of
fleeting life. I must begone. Let anyone jot down his thoughts just as
they come fresh from the fountain, without any pretence at order and
systematic arrangement, and he will not be surprised at these erratic
jottings of — A Thinker.

THE FLOWER GARDEN.

The time is at hand when the plants which have rendered the
beds in the flower garden attractive during the last few months will
have to make way for the spring-flowering plants. As soon as the
summer plants have been nipped by frost they should be removed to
the rubbish heap, except those required for use another year. These
should have the roots and tops reduced, and be stored away in boxes
about 30 inches long, 10 inches wide, and 4 inches deep, packing the
plants closely together therein in light mould, and keeping them on
the dry side at the roots and in an airy house out of the reach of
frost during the winter months. The beds thus cleared should be
manured if necessary, dug, and then planted with bulbs and other
spring-flowering plants.

Collections of bulbs, ranging in price from one guinea to five, to
meet the requirements of gardens, may be had from any of the
metropolitan and provincial nurserymen. These collections consist
of proportionate quantities of Hyacinths in variety, Polyanthus
and other Narcissi in variety, single and double Daffodils, Tulips,
Crocufeus, Snowdrops, Anemones, Ranunculuses, Jonquils, Scilla
sibirica, Irises, Crown Imperials, Winter Aconites, Lilium candidum,
and Star of Bethlehem. The above when planted at from 6 to
8 inches apart, mixed or in masses arranged according to their colour*
make a very effective floral display in early spring. If the soil be
of a heavy and consequently adhesive nature it will be advisable to
put a little fine sand under and over each bulb ; in planting in light
dry soil this is not necessary.

Iu Alyssum saxatile compactum, Viola Golden Queen, and
Oheiranthus (Wallflower), Marshalli, and common Primrose we have
good yellow-flowering plants. Beilis alba (Double White Daisy), and
Arabis albida supply us with white flowers, while light purple* and
shades of blue are represented by Aubrietia Campbelli, Viola
u® Perfectlon> an(1 Forget-me-nots (Myosotis dissitiflora) ; and in
Wallflower Harbinger we have a profusion of dark red, sweet-scented
ever-welcome flowers. Silene pendula ruberrima and Saponaria
calabrica (plants of these two should be raised from seed sown at
the middle of July) are two charming pink-flowering plants close
to the ground. To this list of suitable spring- flowering hardy plants
might be added red and white Virginian Stocks, seed of which should
have been sown early in August, and Saxifraga urabrosa (London
Bride), and many others, including single and double red Daisies.
But we have enumerated the names of a sufficient number of easily
obtained fr. e-flowering spring plants to serve the purpose of those of
youi readers who, perhaps for the first time, contemplate securing a

floral display in their gardens in spring. As to the distance to be
allowed between the plants no hard-and-fast line can be drawn,
seeing that the number of plants necessary to cover a given space
must be determined by their size. However, assuming the plants to
be of medium size, we would recommend giving Wallflowers a space
of 1 foot apart, Daisies, Arabis, and Primroses 6 inches each way,
and all the others about 9 inches from centre to centre of the indi¬
vidual plants. The latter should be taken up carefully with the soil
adhering to the roots, and be planted with a garden trowel about the
same depth in the ground as they were before, making the soil
moderately firm about the roots as the work proceeds. Plants of
Forget-me-nots which were “laid in” in rows about 18 inches
apart towards the middle or end of May last will now be surrounded
by a numerous offspring of seedling fplants, which should, as indi¬
cated, be taken with care and transferred to the beds. A square
yard of Aubrietias or Arabises may be divided so as to plant several
good-sized beds with them. Planes of the Primrose are easily raised
by sowing a packet of seed in spring, and afterwards pricking the
seedlings out in nursery beds and attending to them in the way of
watering them at the roots and keeping them free from weeds.
Wallflowers raised from seed sown in May should be treated in the
same way. — H. W. Ward, Longford Castle.

TRENCHED v. UNTRENCHED SOIL.

Holiday-making and an overwhelming amount of work have untilnow
prevented an acknowledgment of my indebtedness to Mr. Iggulden for,
as he frankly states, so pleasantly endeavouring to “crack the nut” I
offered him on the subject of trenching a short time ago. I am sorry to
say, though, that much as I appreciate his kindness in that respect, I cannot
yet see that he has adduced any fresh evidence in support of his theory of
shallow cultivation. It is quite true, as he states, that in his first article
on the subject he mentions that one class of soil may be benefited by
trenching, but if we follow him into the next paragraph we shall find this
statement qualified by the assertion {that more harm than good is the
result of trenching, and, in fact, that (t > use his own words) “ the whole
business has been overdone ; ” indeed, it is no undue exaggeration to state
that from first to last Mr. Iggulden has been opposed to speak to trenching
in any form. Now, no one has a right to dictate to your correspondent
the particular mode by which he is to cultivate the soil under his charge,
and if he can command for a given time excellent or fairly good crops by
adopting a shallow system of cultivation, then by all means lot him do so,
as it is a matter with which he alone is personally concerned; but it is
quite a different matter when the latter steps beyond the boundary of his
own domain to teach others that a locally tried system of shallow cultiva¬
tion is henceforth the most rational method for general adoption. Such
a theory as this cannot be upheld. It is opposed even to the most recent
scientific teaching, as well as to the experience of the majority of practical
gardeners, as the many interesting communications which appeared after
your correspondent’s article abundantly testified.

Shallow cultivation had, previous to the invention and introduction of
the steam plough, proved the bane of successful farming, tending to the
impoverishment of the surface of the land ; but when improved knowledge,
capital, and steam power were brought into play, with a determination to
unearth the riches that had for centuries lain locked up a foot or so lower,
then did farmers begin to be awake to the fact that if you want first-class
crops and permanent fertility in the soil something more than the mere
“ tickliDg of the surface ” must he resorted to ; that, in fact, a deep tilth
was the grand secret of successful cultivation, and as with farmers so is it
with gardeners and their land and crops. Perhaps Mr. Iggulden will say,
What has farming to do with gardening ? I say it has a very great deal
to do with it, for the same general principles govern both subjects, and
especially in regard to soil, and therefore if the “surface tickling” of
ante-steam-plough days has been abandoned by farmers for deep cultiva¬
tion with excellent results, surely horticulturists will not attempt such a
retrograde movement as abandoning trenching for the ancient worn-out
shallow surface cultivation of our forefathers. We are told that only
light gravelly soil is benefited by trenching, and even the propriety of
doing that is questioned, and that all of a clayey nature is the better for
not being subject to that process. The Marston soil is of a heavy texture,
not more than 18 inches deep, with an underlying stiff clay subsoil. This,
or a portion of it, we are as-ured has been trenched, but the results have
been anything but satisfactory, and why ? because, as your correspondent
tells us, he cannot afford the time or his employer the means to properly
trench and drain it. Assuming for a moment that a considerable amount
of labour and expenditure is involved in properly trenching soils of the
Marston type, what about the corresponding items for mulching and the
additional food required to replenish the surface soil which on account
of the constant drain upon its resources must become frequently
exhausted ?

The theory that trenching soils of this type is wrong is a mistake, that
has and can be proved over and. over again— the fault lies not with the
principle, but with the way in which it is carried out. Hence, to trench
a soil of this kind more than ordinary care and judgment is necessary.
Chemistry teaches us that clay soils absorb and retain a greater amount
of moisture than any other soil, and that the denser the soil the slower
does the evap nation take place, consequently the greater part of the heat
which should warm the land is expended in evaporating the m nature, and
thus close, compact, retentive soils are naturally cold. On the other

Ootober 7, 1883. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

81 7

hand, these close, compact, retentive clays when disintegrated by
mechanical force, aided by tie introduction of drains, lime, cinders, and
farmyard manure, are rendered much warmer and more porous, the latter
condition facilitating the free passage of air, and consequently in dry
seasons rapid capillary attraction, and thereby reducing the necessity for
mulching. I quite agree with your correspondent that injudicious trenching
has much to answer for, but surely that is no reason why he should
■denounce its principle. Trenching does not always imply complete rever¬
sion of the two spits, and we should imagine no sensible man would treat
land similar to that at Marston on the reversion principle. He would
rather keep the soil at the top and thoroughly break up the clay subsoil,
woiking among it at every opportunity such powerful mechanical disin¬
tegrators as cinder ashes and old mortar, together with farmyard manure
and wood ashes, until in process of time the subsoil had been sufficiently
improved to warrant its being worked in with the soil. This, I know, is a
■question of time, and therefore will not find favour with those who believe
in present rather than ultimate gain, but in the end the deeper tilth will
prove the most advantageous. As a set off against the value of trenching
at Marston, Mr. Iggulden states that trenched soil in dry seasons produces
root crops far boo large to be serviceable, whilst those on untrenched
ground are apparently everything that could be desired. Judicious appli¬
cations of lime would in the first case have corrected the tendency to
grossness in the dry seasons, and in the wet ones prevented cohesion of
the clay particles, neutralised the acidity, facilitated the free ingress of
air and the formation of nitrates, and likewise produced increased warmth
’in such a soil. If trenching such soil be conducted on this principle,
there need be no fear of a superabundant amount of moisture
present.

Not a couple of miles away from here there is a vegetable garden
exactly similar in regard to soil to that at Marston, and which for years
prior to the present gardener taking charge of it, had been worked on the
“ tickle surface” plan with anything but favourable results. The present
gardener, however, happened to be an advocate of good honest trenching,
and he at once set to work to trench it three spits deep, not throwing the
top spit to the bettom, but keeping it still at the top ; in fact, the three
spits were simply broken up and turned in their previous respective
positions. Coal ashes and old mortar were freely worked among the
bottom spit, and farmyard manure in abundance between the latter and
middle and upper spits, whilst in tbe following spring a liberal dressing
of lime was applied over and foiked into the surface. Now this man has
every reason to be proud of his soil and his crops, and I know that no
amount of argumental anti-trenching theories will convince him that
trenching land properly is injudicious.

Surface cultivation, non-trenching, or whatever term you may apply
to this method, will never become popular, because owing to the immense
amount of manure required to prevent exhaustion of the soil, the latter
eventually becomes surcharged with sour humus to such an extent as to
render it imperatively necessary at no distant date to resort to trenching
and liming to render it suitable f r crops of any kind.

I stilt repeat that, not only in my own case but in that of my
neighbours also, were the Peas thriving far more satisfactorily on trenched
than on untrenched ground. In a large garden not far from here I saw
the other day the finest crops of Ne Plus Ultra Peas growing in deeply
trenched clayey loam that I have yet seen this season.

With all due respect to Mr. Iggulden, I am still of opinion that,
contrary to his usual practice, he has jumped too quickly at conclusions
on this subject, and has not allowed himself a sufficient length of time to
try the effects of judicious trenching at Marston. He may be able for a
time to find his system answer, but we have yet to await the results of a
few more years’ trial ere we can believe in its fallibility.

As to the question of Strawberries doing better on untrenched ground
I do not think that the vigour of the plants mentioned is due to the
latter so much as to the effects of the probably heavy and rich mulching.

I will gladly give my opinion of the reason why Kidney Beans and
Lettuce thrive so much better on Celery ridges than on the level ground
during hot weather. It is a problem by no means so difficult to solve as
appears at first sight. A Celery ridge, for instance, owing to its elevatioo,
possesses the advantage of having its sides as well as top exposed to heat,
consequently this body of earth absorbs two- thirds more of the latter than
it would be able to do were the ground level. A Celery trench is
necessarily of a very moist character, and this, too, receives the vertical
rays of the sun. Now, the effect of this absorption of heat on parallel
sides, as well as the upper surface, with moisture below, is an increased
amount if internal heat, causing rapid capillary attraction during day
and heavy deposits of dew by night, thus imparting to the soil a greater
amount of warmth and moisture than would be obtained on the ordinary
level. After the sun recedes from its vertical position the rays impinge
the sides at a more or less acute angle, thus causing a shadow on the
opposite side of the trench, which has the effect of preventing the radiation
of the heat and enabling it to be imparted to the soil.

Both the vegetables mentioned have long tap roots, and in the case of
the Bean exceptionally so, as well as being a plant requiring a great
amount of heat to enable it to grow freely ; and the tap roots, encouraged
by the extra warmth and humidity of the soil at the bottom of the ridge,
descend and avail themselves of it. It will be noticed especially that
Kidney Beans grow much more rapidly on these ridges than when planted
on the level ground. It must be patent to all who are acquainted with the
laws of heat that the greater the absorption of heat the great r the
capillary attraction and deposit of dew by night. Vegetable Marrows
will also grow freely planted on high ridges without water after once
established. I have frequently had similar examples come under my

notice, and have given the subject no small amount of thought. What has
Mr. Iggulden to say to this theory ? — A Kentish Gardener.

October seldom brings such warm weather as that now being
experienced in the neighbourhood of London, Monday and Tuesday
this week having been remarkable for the intense heat. In several places
in the suburbs thermometers have registered 75° to 80° in the shade, and
on Tuesday the temperature was 65° at 7 p.m, A splendid rain followed
on Wednesday morning.

- The Committee of the Portsmouth Chrysanthemum So¬
ciety have decided to increase the prize money in the challenge
cup class of thirty-six blooms, eighteen each, of Japanese and incurved
varieties, distinct, which will now be as follows : — First prize, silver
cup, value £25, and £6. Second prize, £5. Third prize, £2 10s.
Fourth prize, £1. Entries must be sent to the Secretary on or befoie
November 1st, the Exhibition opening on November 11th.

- “F. H. G-.” writes, “I this day cut two or three blooms of

Rose Madame Gabrielle Luizet, H.P., and took care to note, with
‘ T. W. G.’s ’ letter in Journal in my mind, that they were from shoots
springing from about the middle of shoots which had already borne
blooms in the summer. I have more blooms coming on. Madame
Gabrielle Luizet is therefore a Rose Remontante. It is much to be
wished it were as ‘ perpetual ’ a bloomer as the Quatre Saisons
Rose.”

- We have had under trial for some time samples of Maignen’s

Anti-CALCAIRe for softening hard water, and the results justify our
recommending it as an article if comfort and usefulness in homes and
gardens where soft water is not otherwise attainable. That a little of
this powder softens water is beyond a doubt, and renders it on that
account the more agreeable to use for domestic purposes. Many inquiries
have reached us from time to time on the best method of softening water
for plants. Anti-calcaire will effect this object quickly, cheaply, safely,
and well. It can scarcely fail to be of distinct service for softening
water for, or in, boilers for preventing furring. The precipitation of
calcareous matter in boilers and pipes in garden structures is often a very
serious, as it is undoubtedly a common evil, leading when in its mildest
form to an excessive consumption of fuel, more and more being required
to heat the water as the furring increases, until a practical or actual
stoppage and breakdown occurs. We strongly suspect that by the use of
this powder inconvenience and loss of the nature indicated would be
averted.

- The Cultivation of Tobacco. — We learn that Tobacco has

been cultivated at Messrs. Webb & Sons’ Kinver seed farms in the past
season sufficiently to embody two distinct experiments : first, to ascertain
whether the growth of Tobacco can be made remunerative to farmers in
this country, and secondly, to show what kinds of the Tobacco plsnt are
likely to promote that object best. About twenty kinds have been giown,
including all the best varieties that are cultivated in America, such as
Big Frederick, Can’s Seed Leaf, Virginia, Yellow Prior, Broad Leaf,
Yellow Orinoco, &c.

- A new Golden Elder named Sambucus aurea Dixoni is

described as a very distinct variety obtained after several years’ careful
selection from the best coloured types of the Golden Elder. “ It has a
splendid foliage, of an evenly diffused deep set golden colour, and is a
very robust and rapid grower, forming large, handsome, symmetrically
shaped bushes in less time than almost any other shrub, and is seen to
grand effect when dotted along carriage drives, or mixed with other
shrubs at the back of borders or shrubberies. It will thrive equally well
in almost any soil or situation, but its fine golden colour is best produced
when placed in a sunny position.” The ordinary Golden Elders are all
very handsome in shrubberies where they colour well, but are not so
generally plaated as might be expected.

- Autumn Bedding.— “ S. C. ” writes that “ The dry weather

318

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ October 7, 1886.

lately, though cold at night, has made that popular bedding plant
Pelargonium Vesuvius show its colour and free blooming to perfection.
In the early part of the year a large round bed did not seem quite satis¬
factory ; it was rather high, so I top-dressed it with a little dry night soil
mixed with a little potting soil, and it has well repaid me. In another
bed the centre is occupied with Michaelmas Daisy. Then follows a good
row of Pelargonium Lady Middleton, then a double row of Distinction,
next a double row of Pelargonium Italia Unita, which grows well with
me, the colours coming out strong. Distinction no doubt is the leading
band, and the bed generally is very effective.”

- The same correspondent observes that “ How late Williams’

Bon Chretien Peae is in ripening may be learnt from the fact that we
have only just gathered the crop from trees on a wall facing west. I
weighed one dozen of the best, they turn the scales at 6 lbs. I always
find this Pear off the wall keeps well, does not go ‘ sleepy ’ so soon after
gathering as from a standard tree. I always admire this as a wall fruit,
the colour being so good if placed in a cool vinery for a few days.”

- It would seem that exhibitions are becoming a favourite form of

investment, for amongst several others it has been proposed to erect a
Horticultural Palace and Colonial Fruit Exhibition at
Willesden. A freehold site of sixteen acres adjoining Willesden Junction
has been suggested, upon which to erect a horticultural palace of glass
and iron, in which will be a permanent exhibition, British and Colonial
of flowers and fruits and horticultural accessories.

- Disteibution of Bedding Plants. — The Commissioners of

Her Majesty’s Works and Public Buildings intend to distribute this
autumn, as usual, among the working classes and the poor inhabitants
of London, the surplus bedding-out plants in Battersea, Hyde, the Regent’s,
and Victoria Parks, and in the Royal Gardens, Kew, and the Pleasure
Gardens, Hampton Court. If the clergy, school committees, and ethers
interested will make application to the superintendent of the park nearest
to their respective parishes, or to the Director of the Royal Gardens, Kew,
or to the Superintendent of Hampton Court Gardens, in the cases of
persons residing in those neighbourhoods, they will receive early intima¬
tion of the number of plants that can be allotted to each applicant, and of
the time and manner of their distribution,

- At a recent meeting of the Wakefield Paxton Society,

Mr. B. Whiteley presided, and Mr. G. Gill in the vice chair. The subject
— the Culture of the Plum — was introduced by Mr. J. Campbell, gardener
to Mrs. Micklethwaite, of Painthorp House. Mr. Campbell has devoted
special attention to fruit-growing, and a few weeks ago, when he read a
capital essay on small or bush fruits, he was requested to prepare and
read a paper on “ The Plum.” Mr. Campbell acceded to the request, on
the understanding that the members would exhibit specimens of Plums
grown by them, and a long table was well filled with dishes of remarkably
fine Plums of nearly all the best varieties grown in this neighbourhood.
An excellent and thoroughly practical paper was read, containing much
valuable advice and interesting information. A lengthy discussion
ensued on the paper, and a number of questions were put and satisfac¬
torily replied (o. Amongst those who took part in the discussion were
Messrs. Brown, Gill, Preston, Fenner, and Calvert. During the discus¬
sion reference was made to the extraordinarily heavy crop of Plums this
year, the yield having been the largest which some growers remember for
the last half century. It was said that in Kent large quantities of Plums
had not been gathered, as the prices at which Plums have sold this season
were not sufficient to defray the cost of railway carriage to market. Mr.
Campbell strongly recommended that Plums should be thinned like
Grapes, in order that finer and larger fruit may be obtained. Mr. Fenner
mentioned, in order to encourage thinning, that green Plums are very
useful for culinary purposes. Asked whether in his opinion fruit-growing
could be carried on in this country and made remunerative to the grower,
Mr. Campbell said that he was satisfied it could.

- After referring to the introduction of Fuchsia coccinea, Mr.

Meehan, in the course of a lecture before the Germantown Horticultural
Society, thus noticed one of The Eaeliest Fuchsias raised in the
United States: — “Another Fuchsia from Brazil came to England. It
was known as Etfulgence. One of the plants came into the possession
of my father, who was a gardener and florist. I was then only a boy.
I had heard of the hybridisation of Peas, and I thought I would try the
hybridisation of Fuchsias. Another gentleman and myself tried the
experiment, which was very successful. We named the first hybrid

Fuchsia St. Clare, after the cottage where we lived. I was offered a new
frock-tail coat for my plant, which I gladly accepted.”

- - A geneeal meeting of the members of the National Chrys¬
anthemum Society will be held on Monday evening, October 11th, at
the “ Old Four Swans,” 81, Bishopsgate Street, City, for the election of
new members and transaction of such other business as may arise. Chair
to be taken by E. Sanderson, E^q., the President, at 7 o’clock precisely.
The Floral Committee will meet at the Royal Aquarium, Westminster, at
1.30 P.M. on Wednesdays, October 13th and 27th, November 10th and
21th, and December 8th. All persons, whether members of the Society or
not, are invited to exhibit at these meetings.

- A correspondent, lately visiting Heckfield Gardens, noted a

novel and withal a capital way of growing Tomatoes out of doors.
At the southern end of any of the glass structures, whether lean-to or
span-roof in shape, narrow brick borders had been built 1 foot deep and
16 inches in width. In this the plants were placed trained up to the glass
with a single stem to some, and in other cases three. The plants produced
fruit in profusion and promised to ripen off satisfactorily, as in such a
position they get the full benefit of the sun’s rays and were quite orna¬
mental as well as being useful. The varieties grown were Earliest of All
and Hackwood Park.

- “ B.” says, “ Michaelmas Daisies are now our most

attractive plants, and as a dwarf early-flowering one none surpasses
Aster Amellus bessarabicus, which is of even growth, about 2 feet high,
and bluish purple in colour. Aster Amellus roseus is also good, and
there are several other forms differing slightly in their colour. A. ericoides,
though very small almost minute flowers, is pleasing for its elegant habit.
A. ltevis has large flowers, bluish lilac, very free, a capital form. A.
novac-angliae and A. novae-anglise rubra, varying from rose to deep red,
while A. novi-belgii, with purplish blue flowers, is a good companion
for the above. These constitute a good series, showing the distinct types
well.”

- In discussing the modification of plants by climate,

Mr. Crozier, of Michigan University, has recently remarked “ that as
plants move from the locality of their largest development towards their
northern limit of growth, they become dwarfed in habit, are rendered
more fruitful, and all parts become more highly coloured. Their com¬
parative leaf surface is often increased, their form modified, and their
composition changed. Their period of growth is also shortened, and they
are enabled to develope at a lower temperature.”

_ Me. Iggulden writes : — “ I have attended several good

shows this summer, at some of which I assisted to judge a considerable
quantity of cottagers’ and others’ garden produce, and have been much
struck with the number of exhibitors who have been enterprising enough
to invest in Potato Sutton’s Seedling. For once in a way they
have made no mistake, for I have not yet seen a good dish of Sutton’s
Seedling beaten. In one instance a cottager had to be disqualified, as he
had unfortunately entered in the class for rounds, but being of opinion it
was the best dish of Potatoes in the show we recommended that it
receive an extra prize. I should never think of recommending a Potato
solely on the grounds that it is of very handsome appearance, but the
one in question is a heavy cropper, and the tubers are of excellent table
quality. I have seen several good crops this season, but the best was
grown by Mr. B. Hopkins, gardener to John Baily, Esq., Fairlawn
Frome. From 5 lbs. of seed cut up into sets and planted at once exactly
100 lbs. of sound produce was lifted, and this, considering the weather
experienced, I hold to be a very good crop indeed. The soil in Mr.
Baily’s garden is rather light and shallow, but under good cultivation it
usually does Potatoes well, but much more rain was wanted this year
than actually fell.”

_ As a late-flowering plant for the rockery there are few can equal

the old Plumbago Larpentas, the bright blue flowers of which and
red-tipped leaves have a very pleasing appearance on the Chiswick
rockery just now. Blue is never too well represented in gardens, and in
the autumn we have such a preponderance of the yellow-flowered Com¬
posite that it is quite a relief to obtain a few shades of a distinct
character. The Michaelmas Daisies, it is true, give us some pretty tints
of mauve and lavender blue, but the Plumbago is a brilliant pure blue
surpassing all them. It is an easily grown plant provided it is not placed
in a very shaiy or damp position, and can be readily increased by
division.

October 7, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

819

- Change of Address. — Messrs Follows & Bate (Limited),

announce that they have removed from Dutton Street to their new
works at Gorton, Manchester.

- - The interesting bulbous plant CyrtAnthus HYBridus roseus

shown by Sir Trevor Lawrence at the meeting of the Royal Horticultural
Society on September 21 st is quite distinct in colour from the original hybrid,
which was certificated on August 25th, 1885, under the name of Gastro-
nema hybrids. The latter was obtained from a cross between Cyrtan-
thus (Gaetronema) sanguineus flammeus and Vallota purpurea ; but
though C. hybridus roseus is of similar origin, the colour, instead of being
bright orange scarlet, is a clear rosy red, soft, yet bright and pretty.
The flowers are about the same size, smaller than the Vallota, but
apparently they are produced quite as freely. If a race of these plants
could be formed with rose, scarlet, and white flowers, they would be a
welcome addition to our early autumn-flowering plants.

- There are several species of Hedychiums which are very

useful in houses, but which are far too seldom seen. The merits of at
least three of these have been well shown this season by some large
plants in the old Lily house at Kew that have been flowering very freely.

H. coronarium has large white flowers, very fragrant ; H. Gardnerianum
has orange yellow flowers, with a red filament ; and H. flavescens, which
has been blooming most profusely, has pale yellowish flowers. These
plants are very easily grown, only requiring a good sandy turfy loam,
with plentiful supplies of liquid manure, as they are very strong in
growth. With these plants the Nymph mas, Nelumbiums, the fine old
floriferous Ipomtea paniculata, and numerous other plants, have rendered
the house very gay during the past month.

- The October number of the Journal of Microscopy contains an

interesting paper on the Fertilisation of British Orchids by Mr.
W. G. Wheatcroft. This is illustrated by three plates of figures giving
details of Habenaria chlorantha, Orchis mascula, and Ophrys apifera and
muscifera. The mode in which fertilisation is effected by the agency of
insects is fully and clearly described, both from original observations and
the investigations of the late Mr. C. Darwin. In the same issue of the
work named is a paper by Mr. A. Percy Smith on the “ Identification of
Alkaloids,” which is accompanied by figures of the crystals of fifty
alkaloids obtained from various plants. A third article upon “ How
Plants Climb,” by Mr. H. W. S. Worsley-Benison, F.L.S., gives a resume
of the phenomena in respect to climbing plants under the heads of

I, Twiners ; 2, Climbers, including leaf climbers and tendril bearers ;
3, Hook Climbers or Scramblers ; and 4, Root Climbers.

- The daily papers have lately stated that the Sultan of Turkey

was presented with an Enormous Bouquet of Flowers on the anni¬
versary of his accession. It was described as nearly 4 yards in height
and 2| yards in circumference, in the form of a Lemon tree, and that it
had occupied ten persons a week in its construction. The flowers of which
it was composed are not named, but they were evidently of a very
durable character, for London bouquets are not of much value when a
week old.

- Success in Growing Grapes without Fire Heat cannot

be claimed as a new departure, but some interesting experiments have
been made in the Royal Horticultural Society’s Garden at Chiswick this
year with a number of the best flavoured hardy varieties, and as a result
the following have been selected as the most satisfactory. The Scotch
White Cluster, which is known under several names, but especially as
Diamant Traube, has good-sized berries, and possesses a capital flavour,
being, in fact, one of the best tried. Chasselas Vibert, another good
white variety, has a very agreeable flavour, the berries and bunches of
good size. Early Auvergne Frontignan, one of the White Frontignan
fype, of which it is considered an early form, with juicy flesh and Muscat
flavour. Red or Grizzly Frontignan, very rich and sweet. Ferdinand de
Lesseps, a hybrid obtained by Mr. Pearson of Chilwell between Royal
Muscadine and the Strawberry Grape, has also proved very satisfactory
both in crop and quality, the flavour being intermediate between the
varieties named. The good point in the preceding varieties is that com.
pared with Black Hamburgh, Foster’s Seedling, and others, under the
same treatment, their flavour is much superior, while producing fairly
good bunches and berries. Gros Colman is very unsatisfactory, but
Madresfield Court is ta be tried another season, and is expected to succeed
well under this treatment. Several varieties of American Grapes possess¬
ing the “ Strawberry” flavour are grown, of which Brighton seems to be

the best. The house devoted to these Grapes is that which formerly
contained the Figs. It is unheated, the Vines being planted in a central
bed and trained up the roof.

- The signs of autumn are very apparent now in the changing and

falling leaves of the trees. The Common Limes in particular are in some
places nearly leafless already. The varieties of Tilia americana, however,
such as pubescens and mississippiensis, are still fresh and green, showing
but few yellow leaves. The former of these two, which is occasionally
seen under the name of T. hybrida superba, is a very distinct variety, with
large, bold leaves, forming a handsome tree. The great defect of the
common Limes, which are otherwise such useful town trees, is the early
period at which they lose their leaves ; and this renders the other varieties
more valuable.

- The Horse Chestnuts are also changing colour, and old Elms are

losing their leaves fast. In striking contrast with these is the Mont¬
pelier Maple, Acer monspessulanum, which is still as fresh and
bright as it has been all the season. The shining green three-lobed leaves
are thick and substantial, the habit close and dense, somewhat like
A. campestre, forming very compact neat specimens of moderate height.
Another Maple retaining its leav es late is Acer pseudo-Platanus opulifolia,
of dwarf habit, the head round and bushy, with small fresh green leaves.
The purple Maple, A. pseudo-Platanus purpurea, is also attractive still.
The Liquidambers are fast changing, and are besoming very beautiful in
their varied golden and red tints. The richly coloured Parrotia persica is
handsome, and the Virginian Creepers are draping many walls with
autumn-tinted leaves.

- It has been proposed to purchase the Highgate Woods for

the public, and at a recent meeting of the Hornsey Local Board it
was moved by Mr. H. R. Williams—" That the Board’s solicitor be
instructed to prepare a Bill for the next session of Parliament authorising
the purchase by the Hornsey Local Board from the Ecclesiastical Com¬
missioners of the wood known as the Churchyard Bottom Wood for the
sum of £25,000, provision to be made in the said Bill for a grant of
£10,000 from the fund administered under the City of London Parochial
Charities Act, 1883, with power to borrow the sum of £15,000, the repay¬
ment of which with interest to be spread over a period of fifty years.’
The resolution, after some discussion, was unanimously carried, and a
committee appointed to carry out the details.

EXTENSION versus RESTRICTION.

I HAVE a recollection of someone, I think "John Bull,” writings
very sensible article on the old-fashioned and well-tra:ned fruit trees,
especially Pears, which at one time were to be seen in gardens, not
exceptions, but common to most, if not all, and also to dwellings —
tradesmen’s, farmers’, and cottagers’. I have an idea also that it was given
as evidence of the extension system being ancient, and the restrictive
system modern. I thought at the time that although root-pruning might
be in its infancy, the restrictive system, so far as pruning the branches
was considered, was inseparable from training. The restrictive system
as we now accept it, is certainly, so far as the size of the trees is con¬
cerned, modern. If not originated, it was greatly encouraged by the
practice and writings of the late Mr. Thos. Rivers, especially that part
which related to restriction by root-pruning. That the extension trees
in this sense were as fruitful and as satisfactory in the size and quality of
the fruit and crop as dwarfs or espaliers on the dwarfing stock needs no
particular exposition, inasmuch as the examples were treated the same —
viz , the usual regulation of the shoots in July, cutting back breast and
other shoots not required for extension to a few joints or leaves from
their base, the object being to admit air and light alike to the fruit and
spurs, to concentrate the future or midsummer growth on the fruit and
buds desired to form fruiting ones — giving the crop of the ensuing season.
It was not a case of arresting growth, for the simple reason that growth
was already arrested, not by age, but by the completion of the annual
growths, and the concentration of strength on ripening the fruit, the
wood, and perfecting of bloom buds for next season. All growths not
required for extension or filling space were cut away, which is restriction
by pruning in the fullest acceptation of the term. The wholesale manipu¬
lation was, of course, contrary to Nature; the cessation of growth was
natural, growth made with nucleus buds, depending on the elaborated and
assimilated sap concentrated on them as to whether they became fruit or
remained wood buds, but it was successful if the season continued
favourable, as the continued year-after-year crops proved. But if the
season proved wet the crop was poor, or perhaps nil, the nutriment
transmitted by the roots becomes excessive, the atmospheric conditions
unfavourable to evaporation, fresh growths are made, spur buds, instead
of having the elaborated sap concentrated, are forced int j wo d, resulting
in an array of breastwood little inferior to that cut away at midsummer.
Two descriptions of trees result, one making little growth beyond that
needed for extension or the furnishing of wood for contii ued crops, the

320

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ October 7, 1888.

supply of nutriment not in excess of the power of elaboration and assimi¬
lation, so that the essential buds had Buffi dent nutriment concentrated
and stored.

The other description of tree makes a strong growth — much wood —
the supply of crude food is excessive, there is no concentration of the
elaborated and assimilated sap, no storing of nutrition, no transformation
of wood into bloom buds ; all is crude, gross, sterile. Summer manipula¬
tion of the growths only aggravates the evil tendency, cau-ing a second
growth little inferior in profusion to the first. Restriction in this case in¬
creases barrenness.

Let us lo 'k at the large tree— trees planted in borders and trained to
walls in gardens or buildings. In planting a tree to cover a large space
we have it on the free stock — i.e., the natural Apple or Crab, Pear on wild
or perry Pears, Cherry on common Cherry, and Plums on the common free-
growing sorts — hardy stocks adapted to the climate. They are fan or
horizontal trained, and the pruning of that description that insures the
f irm desired, the removal of parts not required, and the concentration of
the food supplies on the crop and the essential buds or growths for future
crops, securing to the tree the advantage of the shelter or warmth of the
wall, alike for the blossom, the embryo fruit, and young growthsas for the
ripening of the fruit and perfecting the bloom buds of a future crop. The
trees make annual progression, and they come into bearing in the second
or third year from planting. They continue growing and fruiting until
at length these so-called extension trees are such no longer, inasmuch as
they have covered the allotted space and are as much grown afterwards on
the system of restriction as Apple trres on the Paradise, Pears on the
Quince, and Cherries on the Mahaleb. Tne trees may be Pears on the
Pear stock trained to a west wall 24 feet high with a spread of branches of
48 feet. Marie Louise, Glou Morceau, & full-sized, and giving no need
of pruning from year to year beyond shortening the foreright and other
irregularities of growth in summer, shortening elongated spurs and
thinning those where too crowded in autumn, nothing further beyond
manuring being required to secure heavy crops of fruit. On walls 12 feet
high, the trees 24 feet apart, just half the height and distance of the trees on
the west wall, the aspect of the walls being sou'h, east, and west, where
Pears were equallv fruitful of Louise Bonne of Jersey, Van Mons Leon
L c’erc, Beur.6 Di el, P.sse Co'mar, Winter Nelis, Ne Plus Meuris, &c., but
a monster of Autumn Bergamot, twice the space of the others, did not
fruit. The kitchen gar len, at least 1^ acre of it, were run with espaliers,
ends north and south every 18 feet the iron espaliers 6 feet 6 inches high,
covered with Apple and Pear trees planted 24 feet, and these trees bore
well, requiring no pruning beyond a shortening back of the summer
irregularities, and removing elongated crowded spurs in autumn, but the
varieties that required to have barrowloads of spray removed in summer
to keep them at all presentable were simply fruitless. All were on the
free stock. It was the same with Plums against walls, Green Gage St.
Patrick (not distinguishable from K'rke’s), Denbigh, &c., fruited freely,
but Purple Gage was scant at bearing. Now, it was clear the trees in
all instances were fruitful so long as the trees were extending, and after¬
wards when the supplies of crude material were not in excess of the de¬
mands of the crop and the leaves’ power of elaboration and assimilation ;
but trees that make much summer growth could not endure restriction
such as Aston Town and Autumn Bergamot Pears succeeded admirably
as standards. This is a subject not taken into sufficient account by
planters. Root-pruning in cases of this kind is not effectual. It checked
growth certainly, but it did not induce a free-bearing tendency — the
varieties in fact were not amenable to restriction either of the branches or
roots, and it was a clear case of necessary extension, cutting the branch s
away and training fresh or young ones in their places; even the Purple
Gage Plum in this way was restored to fertility. The soil was a silicious
loam overlying gravel.

In the case of Apricots, Nectarines, Peaches, and Figs, the trees were
equally large, the first three on Plum stocks, the Figs of course on their
own roots. The culture of these fruits is to all intents and purposes
extension ; it is extension whilst the trees are forming, and extension
after they are full-sized, in that there is a large displacement of fruited
and old growths annually by young for future bearing, so that we gtt
extension in the fullest acceptation of the term, notwithstanding that the
trees are, as regards size, restricted to space and occupy its full limit.
That such were healthy, fruitful, and long-lived need not be pointed out
to those who remember fruit trees as they were seen in gardens thirty
years ago. Orchards of standard trees were common to every cottage in
rural districts. Farm houses not only had their orchards of healthy large
fruitful trees, the boundary hedges of gardens were embellished and
made valuable by standard Plum or Damson trees, the crofts and grass
enclosures near the farmstead having vigorous fruitful Apple trees in the
hedgerows ; beau if ul Keswick Codlins, Hawthornden, Cockpits, Robins
(Northern Greening), Golden Russets, &c. The large tree system had its
champion exposition in the “ Gardeners’ Assistant,” first edition, by the
late Mr. Robert Thompson, published nearly a decade later, or in
September 1859. Thirty years, or say a quarter of a century’s activity,
had given an impetus to outdoor fruit culture such as it had not previously
had, and I submit it has not seen in this country since the attention of
the cultivator has been directed toward the small tree system.

We will look at the large tree system as it now obtain3. What are the
large trees like on the garden walls ? Are the trees thriving, fruitful ? No
they are apologies for trees, with spray overtopping the wall enough to
form a tree as large as that on the wall. Where are the Apricots
on the front of the house (that I as journeyman trimmed and nailed of a
summer evening) that bore hundreds, in one instance thousands of golden
fruit in a season ? The refreshing Cherries, the delicious Plums ? All the

trees were allowed to extend,' the branches grew from the wall, they
gummed, gave no fruit, and died. The Pear on the gable was also allowed
to grow from the wall ; it is thTe now, with shoot) a yard long, a thicket
of wood, the fruit at the tip small and cracked. The tree has not been
pruned for years, and cutting only made it worse. Glance at the orchard.
Trees half dead, covered with lichen and moss, many bare places, fruit the
exception, and what there is no b:gger than Crabs. This is the state of
affairs in nine out of ten gardens, and ninety- nine in a hundred of dwellings
and orchards. There are exceptions ! It is where a study of fruit-growing
has been made — it is in the marketer’s plot. The market man must meet
the market, supply it with fruit up to a stanlard of excellence equal to
any sent there. 'It does not do to grow fancy fru ts, his trees must be good
and certain croppers, the fruit large, of good appearance, and serviceab e
quility. He makes a selection of the varieties su ted to the soil and
locality, keeps nothing but what pays — old w >rn-out trees are replaced by
youn r trees of proved new varieties of greater fertility or marketable value.
He plants hundreds of one variety where another man plants a score or
half hunlred of varieties. — Utilitarian.

AN AUTUMN AFTERNOON AT VALE ROYAL.

There are few prett/er rail way journeys than that between Chester
and Greenbank, a roadside station on the line < f railway which cuts its
way through the crown lands of Delamere Forest, through a purely
agricultural district, for the chimneys of the salt works are not seen until
nearer Northwich. Leaving the quaint oil city of Chester, so full of
historic interest and architectural beauty we take train from the Northgate
sta’ion, and immediately a splendid panorama stretches out on each side.
Rural villages, peaceful in their quietude ; the homesteads in the nearer
distance, like pretty pictures in gold frames, of well-filled stack-yards ; the
newly gathered harvest of the corn fields ; the pastures are fre-h and
green with abundant herbage, and the cattle graze lazily undisturbed.
Here and there the landscape is relieved by the wavy course of a running
brook lined with Reeds wind-shaken, and tossing their beautiful purple
plumes in the autumn breeze. The hedgerows here and there are made
charming with the natural decoration of the wild H >p and B'ackberries,
and other rich drapery from the inexhaustible store house..

Then the line takes you through the mo it interesting part of the
county, so full of silent secrets of the R >mau period, when the Roman
street ran through the Forest, now almost cleared by the woodman s axe ;
and whilst the iroD railway runs through the heart of the wild woodland,
the iron water way is laid beneath its surface to convey water pure from
the reservoir of the hills down to the busy centres of Lancashire liffi.
Now we get a glimpse of the forest as the train goes by through the glade
between the Larches. Solemn F.rs toss their heads in serious movement
as the wind sweeps along, the silver trunks of the Bhches stand like white
wands among the sturdier stems of the Oaks, and everywhere there is a
carpet of bracken and mossy growth. Altogether it is such a charming
retreat as to set one longing that it might be possible to live the life of a
kind of moral nineteenth century Robin Hood with of course his merry
men, and for that matter, merry women too ! “ And you, I suppose,
would be Little John ” someone' suggests with a suspicious flavour of
roguery, which at once brings me back from the fields of fancy and leaves
me face to face with more sober surroundings.

Reaching Greenbank at last one drives slow through a pretty piece
of country, and a private road leads us to ths Vale Royal, the seat, as
every reader of the Journal doubtless knows, of Lord Delamere, one of
the most famed places in the county to th >se who sing the praise of
g rdens. Th? park skirts the Valley of the Weaver, is well timbered,
and the mansion is not only architectually interesting, but the spot has
a stid deeper interest for the antiquary, for this is historic ground.

But we went out with the object of seeing th6 gardens, so we must
seek the head garde oer, Mr. Milne. Vale Royal seems somehow natur¬
ally exactly the place for Mr. Milne, and he seems just as exactly
the man for the place. Perhaps it is that they have, so to speak,
grown on together, and the connection of such long duration seems
a quite natural combination now. Everywhere we see evidence of
the effective originslity, marked method, and industrious interest of
the enthusiastic caretaker, who looks upon his flowers like children, and
trains and educates his plants, so to speak, not as mere wood and bark,
but as objects endowed with the resoonsive power of life, which cer¬
tainly manifests itse’f here in a wonderful manner.

The first glimpse we get of the garden glory is a beautifully bright
bank, graceful in arrangement, clothed with gol leu Elder, bright coloured
Tropceolum, standard Pelargoniums, and Poppies, with the edges fringed
daintily with Ricinu?, the purple palmafe leaves of which blend with
showy effectiveness, and secure a peculiarly splendid richness.

The outer portions of the grounds skirting the gardens are natural
hollows from whence, perhaps, marl may have been taken in the past.
These have lent themselves to Mr. Milnes’ original treatment, and every¬
where th9 hand of art is so well concealed as to suggest nei her st ifuess
nor rigidity. Rustic bridges have been thro wn over various parts of the
grounds, quaint curves and pretty corners have been arranged, and belts
of ornamental planting give a naturat charm appropriately conceive 1 and
p operly carried out.

We pass through the archway which leads into the garden, and
here we find a most iogenious contrivance for hi ling the coal bou«e
and stokeholes, none of which can anywhere be seen. The bank built
above these necessary adjuncts is a dainty little rock garden of alpines
growing quite naturally and freely. The eye is then attracted by a
splendidly arranged border, at once rich in depth of colour, but not

October 7, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

821

gaudy in vulgarity of ill-chosen shades. Lobelia, Alternanthera, Coleus,
and Pyrethrum are arranged so delicately that the pattern strikes us as
something differing completely from what we are accustomed to see, and
this surmise is verified when we find on closer inspection that the lovely
green border lines within which the pattern is worked is composed not of
turf nor of Box, but of an Arenaria — one of the tiny-leaved creeping Sand¬
worts, remarkably dense and compact, and possessing a dep‘h of colour
which cannot be well described.

We hurry on, passing much that I should like to describe, and we come
to the flower garden, and flower garden surely it is, for the wealth of
bloom and glory of colour is all-pervading. Pyrethrums, single Dahlias
of every shade, Marguerites, Pentstemons, Sweet Peas, and so many more
that possess familiar faces of the old friendships of the older fashion —
and the best ! We pass on to the more formal garden proper we may
perhaps call it, for the sake of distinction. Here, skirting the mansion,
we find a beautiful arrangement which, though carried out in the ortho¬
dox fashion of geometrical pattern, does not suggest the stiffness and
formality which seem so frequently inseparable from this style of pattern
planting. This seems mainly attributable to the originality which
planned out the beds and their occupants ; as, for instance, the outer line
is a fringe of Cotton Lavender instead of the well-worn Cerastium ; then
there are the silver-edged Pelargoniums as standards, giving a lightness and
softness of tone quite refreshing and charming, whilst further on a quite
different effect is secured by the introduction of standard Pelargoniums,
of masses of hot colour of purest scarlet, notable amongst which we see
8tar of Fire, with its big bunches of splendid bloom, its robust growth,

and Celosias, and anything else would have been a superfluity. It wa
simply superb. There were other plants of course, but the wealth of the
bloom half hid them — Isolepis, Campanulas, Grevillea, and others. In the
alcoves in the centre stand two splendid plants of Lasianira, and the
house was made the more effective by the introduction at short intervals
of plants of Eucalyptus globulus. These plants are 20 to 25 feet high,
and give a peculiar and novel charm, both of form and colour, which
could scarcely be secured by other means. The soft green tint of the
glaucous stems, and the slender grace of the plan*s themselves, complete
the architectural suggestiveness as well as the decorative effectiveness of
the whole. Nothing could he in better taste, and nothing, we are sure,
could be better done.

But Greenbank lies some two miles away, and the September sun is
already quickly finding its way towards the western horizon, so we take
a hurried look at the kitchen garden, with its well-stocked borders and its
promise of wonderful productiveness, and we betake ourselves to the re¬
turn journey. As we leave the beautiful surroundings of this old Cheshire
home and bid good-bye to our genial guide we cannot help thinking,
“ The blue apron is, after all, the best regalia if one has such a charge
as Vale Royal.” — John Edmunds.

A REVIEW OF GR4PES.

I SEE from remarks under the above heading on page 291 that there
is still some doubt ab ut Mr. Taylor's two bunches of Gros Maroc shown
at the Crystal Palace arid Kensington show-'. I, with two well known

Fig. 49 -Vale Royal.

and healthy foliage. Here, running up to the full height of the Ivy-
clothed wall, we see Hollies cut into buttresses, which give a pleasing
completeness to the corner, and provide sheltered beds between the
spaces, and there at the gateway we see the Clematis clinging above the
porchway with knobs of the rich red blossom of Tropoeilum speciosum.

We have not half exhausted the treasures of the open ; but time
presses, and we take a turn through the fruit houses. There are marks of
cleanliness, order, and proficient supervision everywhere. Peaches and
Grapes look’ng luscious in their tempting luxuriance, an! throughout this
ringe— a continuous run oc over 400 feet — th re is not the jarring pre¬
sence of a speck of dirt or sign of disease. In the frames outside we see
in passing hundreds of Poinsettias, Calanthes, and in the open beds of
L’bes growing on in healthy strength to take their places upon the stages
of conservatory and corridors 'when the autumn show is over. The
houses are filled with splendidly grown plants — Begon'as, Orchids,
Crotons, Ferns, and f iliage plants of variety bewildeiing. But we must
leave this department only just touched, as we must see the centre of
attraction in more senses than one — the new conservatory standing upon
ground fitted for its reception, kept for its due and proper display. Toe
mass of colour which burst upon us as the door is opened is simply be¬
wildering. Celosia pyramidalis we never saw grown as they are here.
They are to be seen in perfect symmetry, colour, and feathery perfection
of every shade. Here golden plumes am;d a forest of flame, there a
magenta flower spike, as though fresh from the hand of the dyer. The
1 ouse upon the occasion of our visit, was mainly filled with Pelargoniums

Grape exhibitors, carefully examined them. At first sight they appeared
to be about as dissimilar as it is possible for two bunches of one variety
to be. The largest one, which may be said to be the handsomest in the
Show, appears to have been taken from the leading shoot of a strong young
Vine, the wood of which appears to have been thoroughly well npeneu
last year. The other bunch had evidently been cut from a weak lateral
that had not been well ripened last year, hence the difference in length
of f >ot-talk and general appearance. Upon looking over several other
stands of Groa Maroc we could discern as great or greater differences
between different samples as in that of Mr. Taylor’s two bunches. —
J. McIndoe.

CHINESE PRIMULAS AT BIRMINGHAM.

Birmingham can honestly take cr dit for turning out superbly grown
specimens of these plants at their autumn and spring exhibitions, and they
always form considerable objects of attraction there. Much of this success
and interest in the Primula may be set down to the successful hybridisation
and culture adopted at the Sparkhill Nurseries, for many years in the
occupation of the late Mr. Tomkinv, who with his foreman, Mr. Rose, raised
s >me fine seedlings, especially the well-known Princess Louise and
Marquis of L >rne. Soon after the death of the late Mr. Tomkins the
nursery was purchased by' Mr. T. B. Thomson, the well-known seedsman
of Birmingham, who s ill makes the Chinese Primula one of the leading
plants grown there. Amongst the newer varieties there are just now some
very fine specimen plants in 8-inch pots of wo new Fern-leaved variet’er

322

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ October 7, 1880.

— the Fern-leaved Marquis of Lome, a handsome, sturdy grower, and The
Queen, both of which were raised here and are great acquisitions.
Another splendid Fern-leaved seedling, The Emperor, quite new, and with
bright pinkish salmon Marquis of Lome flowers, is very fine. Older
varieties, such as Marquis of Lome and Princess Louise, are extensively
cultivated.

Doubles also have much attention, one of the finest being Maiden’s
Blush, a beautiful semi-double Fern-leaved variety, and Miss Eva Fish,
also a very fine variety. A. F. Barron, Marchioness of Exeter, Annie
Hillier, Pooli, Alba magnifies, Purple King, Peach Blossom, and others
are grown. Some new varieties recently bought in are coming on, of
which a few notes can be furnished later on.

Strong bushy Chrysanthemums, naturally grown, are plentiful here,
so also are Bouvardias and Tuberoses, and some lovely young specimen
plants of Celosia plumosa, invariably done well here, are indeed glorious
autumn decorative plants. — Traveller.

ROSES AT THE NATIONAL SHOW.

A press of important matter has given me scant time for anything but
actual duties, and until lately “ our Journal ” has been hastily conned and
set aside. Once only, when my blood was rather “ up ” at the murmurings
of some small Rose-growers and the National, did I threaten to inflict on
your columns a few lines, but it ended in a few unfinished thoughts that
were thrown aside. Now, my old friend, “E. M.’s ” paperon the Roses at
the National touches me, and I venture to think that by this method of
election you cannot arrive at a fair idea of the best Roses for a beginner.
It is very interesting, but it really depends on the character of the season
what Roses are exhibited. For instance, judging by this list, Mons.
Noman should be obtained by every young exhibitor intending to win
honours. I picture the youthful aspirant’s regrets in the future, his dis¬
appointment at fine buds that refuse altogether to open because there has
been rain. Duchesse de Yallombrosa again — which my good friend,
“ E. M.” actually puts into the selected dozen — I have grown steadily for
the last five or six years, and have never had even during the past dry
season a single beautiful bloom. Even at its best it has looked as if some
one had accidentally sat on it for a few seconds before discovering it. To
me it is always splendidly full of promise, I know no Rose more so, but
utterly devoid of performance. A marvellously strong stem, a most
promising large bud ; but when this expands it is inferior in size to many
Roses less promising in their earlier stages. Its terribly strong abundant
thorns are also an additional disadvantage. As far as I am concerned,
being only a “ small grower,” I intend to discard it altogether, and I cer¬
tainly cannot advise any intending purchaser of a dozen varieties to order
Her Grace, especially with Baroness Rothschild and Mervcille de Lyon
already deservedly in the dozen.

Another, a great favourite of mine, Camille Bernardin, surely is far
higher than its merits actually deserve. I am very fond of it, the per¬
fume is delicious, and the Rose itself very charming, especially some of
the autumn blooms. Of Etoile de Lyon, having now grown it four years,
I have never seen a respectable bloom, rarely one that opens at all. I
gave away several plants last year, and shall get rid of more this. It is
with me a first-rate grower, and voith tout. “ E. M.” does not put in
Catherine Mermet. Certainly this year I have not cut from any of my
Teas blooms that gave me greater pleasure than this exquisite gem. Ten
or a dozen, morning after morning, each fresh bloom as lifted up, appear¬
ing more exquisitely charming than the last.

I would endorse all the good opinion of Ulrich Brunner that Mr. B. R.
Cant has given. It is in every way good, robust, a free and constant
bloomer, large, yet not coarse, one of the greatest acquisitions we have had
of late years. Yiolette Bowyer has disappointed me till this year. But
where, oh, where, is the queen of H.P.’s in my friend, “ E. M.’s ” list 1
It has made me think of our old friend Mr. Radclylfe, who never would
recommend Marie Baumann because she hung her head. But surely she
should be in every dozen or half-dozen or less selected Roses. In form
equal to any, in numbers [of blooms rarely surpassed, fairly hardy, its
only drawback in the exhibition stand being the weakness of stem. I
cannot understand her omission.

Lady Mary Fitzwilliam is a beatiful Rose, but thus far with me she
utterly refuses to make any wood. Gioire Lyonnaise has flowered with me
this autumn. I think, though it can only by a great stretch of courtesy be
called a yellow Rose, that it is still an acquisition, especially if cut
early.

Most interesting as is this form of table, I must give my humble
opinion that as a guide in the selection of Roses it is altogether mislead¬
ing. It will tell to all Rose- glowers years hence what kind of season it
was, but this is not a reliable plan on which to advise an intending Rose
buyer what Roses he should purchase, at least such is the humble opinion
of— Y. B. A. Z.

BANBURY ONIONS.

Amongst Onions for spring sowing the Banbury is a general favourite,
and after trying many types of them I conclude there are several forms.
The true variety is a useful Onion, but some of those bearing the name
are quite unworthy of it. In many instances I have found red, white,
and grey bulbs amongst them, some being elongated in form while others
are globular ; but the true Banbury is round and flat, of regular form,
ihe colour being a bright golden straw, the neck small as a rule, and the
roots veiy few and fine considering the size the bulbs attain. I forward
you a bulb, which represents the type of Webb’s Banbury. It was grown

with hundreds similarly large without any special attention. Indeed,
with the exception of Dutch hoeing to keep the weeds down they received
no other attention from the time of sowing until they were harvested. —
J. Muir.

[The specimen is exactly as described by our correspondent — very
large, very flat, and of a bright clear straw oolour.]

" THE HOME FOR FLOWERS,” SWANLEY, KENT.

I have just returned from a run through England, north and south,
and much of Ireland, and I am trying to collect my confused ideas, for
the mind does get dazed when beauteous objects so many and so varied
constantly pass in review for days and weeks at a time. One of my most
agreeable recollections was our visit to Mr. Cannell, sen., and the “ Home
for Flowers ” at Swanley. I was accompanied by Mrs. Malcolmson’s head
gardener, of Minella, near this town, Mr. John Crehan. I propose, so as
to avoid repetition and unduly trespassing on your columns, to divide
the notes I was tempted to make as follows : —

We proceeded by the London, Chatham, and Dover line from Victoria
station ; but the “ Viaduct ” or Ludgate Hill would be equally convenient,
the distance being only fifteen miles. The nurseries are situated on a
warm southern slope of about twenty acres, a large portion being covered
with upwards of a score ranges of glass, one half being on each side of a
central avenue. In general terms it is bounded on the south and east by
the public roads, and on the north by the aforementioned line of rails,
thus having unusual facilities of transit. An unlimited supply of water
— there are hydrants all over the nursery — and a manure dep&t adjoining
are further advantages that practical men knowing something of Kent
in summer can appreciate. The soil is a fine yellow loam, readily yield¬
ing to cultivation, and with the treatment received evidently the most
suitable for the object intended. All around are fruit and Strawberry
gardens, enabling one to realise the phrase, “ Kent is the garden of
England.” All this we could see from the higher ground near the
Swanley station. We were fortunate in finding Mr. Cannell, sen., at
home, though his sons or foremen are always very pleased to see visitors
and aocompany them around ; but for floral enthusiasm, love for his pets,
and a keen eye for colour and effect the founder is remarkable.

Double Zonal Pelargoniums.— I should have liked to have re¬
ferred to the seed department, the offices, the despatch and cut flower
houses, in which orders are executed for all parts of the world, &c. ; but
possibly all this has been told in your columns before, so after parsing a
number of propagating and trial glass ranges we enter the double Zonal
show house, 100 feet long by 12 wide. I mention these dimensions, as I
believe with a few exceptions the score or so of houses are uniform. The
first thing that strikes a visitor for the first time is the piping for main¬
taining a steady temperature being above and not below. Here we are
assured at Christmas and through the winter this house is still gay.
Special varieties and young plants specially prepared, grown, and hard¬
ened are suitable for this purpose, as shall be noticed further on, and
can at all times be here cheaply procured. To have doubles in perfection
in winter it is in addition necessary to have the temperature as near 65°
as possible, and to maintain a buoyant atmosphere a small-bore addi¬
tional pipe in front of the stage is then utilised. I first glanced through
to see the new acquisitions, and among the whites Le Cygne still comes
first. Rather curious that all at once, both at home and in the United
States, two raisers, Messrs. Miller and Thorpe, should succeed in getting
such sterling novelties as Spade Guinea and Progression (syn., Australian
Gold), orange scarlet, with distinct shades of yellow ; some day a pure
yellow seems probable. Blanche Perfecta received a first-class certificate
as an improvement on Le Cygne ; but, though I may be singular, I prefer
the old love to the new. Going over the house a second time to select
two or three in each class of colours of superior merit in size, colour,
habit, and floriferousness, we noted of scarlets or shades thereof, Kobus,
Fritz Goebel, and Mr. Henry Cannell, one of Thorpe’s American intro¬
ductions, and that we noticed as a favourite in Covent Garden. Of pink
doubles I have a fancy still for Lord Mayor, it flowers so freely, and
with so low a temperature, though Madame Thibaut has surpassed, only
to be itself exceeded by Roseum Superbum. Tendresse seems to stand
fir6t of the rose-coloured doubles, to be followed close in popularity by
Lord Derby and Jules Simon, lighter pink. Of those with orange or
salmon colours I noted Belle Nancienne, Carillon, and James Markland ;
while of lighter tints of the same character, and that all should have,
were Danas, Erl King, and Althaea ; of purples, Etendard and M. l’Abbc
Jalabert will be desirable additions, while for small pots and unending
bloom grow the little beauties Comte-se de Tanneberg, Princess Stephanie,
and Jeanne Canot.

Single Zonals for Pot Culture. — I may remark that the
number and size of the trusses surprised us when we noticed that none
of the pots exceeded 6 inches in diameter, and some were only 4J, but
on inquiry ascertained the only stimulant they received at long intervals
was a manure sent out by the firm. If we were struck with the glow and
brilliancy of the double Zonal Pelargoniums, wbat can describe the
dazzling intensity of the singles ? They continue to improve, but many
of the old ones will long continue in public favour, though neither the
pips or trusses may be so large as the new. Of the former comes
Favourite, cerise scarlet ; Omphale, velvety salmon ; Mrs. Naish, ccul&ted,
white crimson centre ; Lady Sheffield, violet pink, largely bedded out
this year ; and Eureka, a robust-growing white, useful in winter. Of the
newer varieties that all should grow as distinct advances, I place erst
Mr. James Douglas, immense crimson truss, 9 inches across. Of the
same character, magenta colour, is’ Amy Kohn. Among single white3,

October 7, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

323

peerless, is Her Majesty Queen of the Belgians. I have sunk this in
pots outside in my beds this summer, and of all others similarly treated
the white has remained pure. Snowball is said to do the same, but 1 have
not tried. Of rose colours Edith George finds it difficult to displace in
pnblic favour the fine pleasing older beauty, Kate Greenaway ; and
similarly of pink shades, Mrs. Strutt only comes second to Eurydice.
Of salmons, there is no hesitation in placing Lady Chesterfield first and
best, though Fanny Catlin is still an old and good variety. The blush
and oculated section has many representatives, such as Edith Little,
Mary Caswell (dwarf habit), and perhaps best of the class, Norah, violet
blush, very large truss. Lastly, the most numerous section was the
scarlet and magenta scarlet, all with blooms perfect circles, and in most
cases with flat overlapping petals. I noted only Dante, magenta purple ;
Plutarch, scarlet, white eye ; Scarlet Cloth, Swanley Gem, crimson
shaded salmon ; and lastly, Mr. H. Cannell, grand truss.

Double Ivy-leaved Zonals. — A short time since this class was
very limited, now they require a separate house. Madame Thibaut, the
prima donna of last year, has to yield this to Fiirstin J. Yon Hohen-
zollern ; and so grand strides are being made every year. A capital
half-dozen doubles, would be Le Printemps, rosy pink; Hanoi, reddish
salmon, best noted ; Daniel Brothers, magenta ; Emille Lemoine, orange
scarlet ; Mignon, salmon ; and Abel Carrifere, magenta maroon ; but I
must add that beautiful light-coloured variety Jeanne d’Arc. These
evidently have a bright future, and wherever we found them bedded
— and the instances were numerous, the tall-growing being pegged down —
they added immensely to the effectiveness of the arrangements, and
caught the eye at once — e.g., in the London parks, Hampton Court,
Phoenix Park, Dublin, and numerous private gardens. Their great fleshy
leaves make them indifferent almost to dry weather outdoors, so that
owing to their adaptability (I am including the singles), their culture is
likely to be much extended in the future.

Double Tuberous Begonias. — If Swanley has hitherto been
remarkable for Pelargoniums in their several sections, judging by present
appearances, Tuberous Begonias will be the flowers of the future there.
So great is the improvement, and so steady the demand, that Messrs.
Cannell devote eight houses to their growth, with numbers of heated pits
for propagation, while two large houses alone are devoted to growing for
trial. What would have been considered splendid blooms a few years ago
are ruthlessly “ rogued out ” and consigned to the waste heap now. Anew
seedling must have some special quality to recommend it, either in size,
habit, or colour, and be a distinct advance on older varieties, or away it
goes. A special hybridist, with a numerous staff, is here employed,
having this for a primary object. I have extreme hesitation in naming
any varieties, as others almost equally good are here by the hundred, and
in the ease of some favourites, as the beautiful Rosamonde, rosy pink,
large and very double, for which the demand is great, may be counted by
the thousand. However, I must ask you to allow me to note a few that
particularly struck me. Among the newer introductions, Susanna
Hachette, of Crousse, comes as one of the best rosy pinks — of erect habit.
Perhaps I should have placed first, Hon. Mrs. Plunket and Picotee— this
last receiving a first-class certificate, and that all Begonia connoisseurs
should have as one of the best novelties — raised here. Eupon Von
Erfurt, new, crimson orange, fine shape. Gloire Claremont, peculiar in
not being merely double but treble, a splendid rose crimson. Dr. Baillon,
deep rich salmon, had a dozen large erect blooms on a small plant that
had been in flower for two months. Of much the same character were
two more of Crousse’s, M. Paul de Yicq and Louise de Goussaincourt,
light salmon and rosy carmine respectively. Coming to those of longer
established reputations, M. Malet and Eugenie Lequier are fine among
orange scarlets ; while very curious, with notched and serrated edges, are
Clovis and Esther, the guard petals of the latter being rosy crimson.
Before passing from the orange scarlet, Louis Bouchet must be re¬
commended as a very free bloomer, with erect flowers and fine habit ;
furnished all over. Major Studdert (new), orange rose, deserves notice.
Yellows, like whites, that are really good, are still few. The newest and
best seemed to be Pavilion Jeanne ; after that, Gabrielle Legros. The
last is one of the gradually increasing class with several centres ; in fact
half a dozen doubles rolled into one. As I mentioned whites, Octavie,
pure white, first-class certificate (if I remember rightly), deservedly comes
first, then Fleur de Thd and Lucie Lemoine, and for habit and floiiferous-
ness, Yirginalis. If two more are desired Madame Yincenot and Antoi¬
nette Guerin, creamy white, are capital. Of deep red or crimson I
cannot remember seeing anything yet finer or so large as Goliath. We
were assured the enormous blooms had been on the plants five weeks, and
are fresh still. Fine for a basket would be M. Duvivier, rose ciimson.
The rosy pinks are much esteemed, and one of the best we saw seemed
Madame Castaignez, virtually hid with bloom. I have already mentioned
Rosamonde, and will but add Madame Arnoult and Flamme de Punch.
Lastly, of salmons, I would place first Mr. Poe, with a shade of china
rose, and then the better known Marie Crousse, Jules Lequin, and then
Madame Galle, more recently introduced, concluding with M. Truffaut.

Single Begonias. — Having been tempted to note double Begonias
so fully, less space remains for singles, more especially as Messrs. Cannell
have now such enormous numbers, and in most instances of such
superior quality that naming becomes impossible except some great
novelty. Hybridising is constantly going on, one of the objects aimed
at being rotundity and massiveness of flower, so that almost circular
flowers are being gradually attained. Narrow side petals are now
discarded, and petals of thin papery texture are rarely met. I must not
forego noting the following new introductions — Earl and Countess of
Bessborough, shades of yellow, and so distinct as to receive first-class

certificate ; H. and Mrs. H. Cannell, rose scarlet and rose respectively ;
King of Begonias, Midson’s Favourite, and W. E. Gladstone, all distinct
advances, and that when in commerce all will so admit. While we
visited one of the best whites yet introduced, of immense size and sub¬
stance, was named Helena Malcomson, a fair lover of flowers near this
town, while a lovely rose-pink of wondrous size was associated with the
name of one of your correspondents.

Carnations, Picotees, and Pinks— These are all specialties, and
the extent of the growth may be inferred from two acres being full of
plants layered, most of them even rooted then, while for cutting one
house was full and in bloom of the beautiful new yellow Carnation Pridj
of Penshurst. This blooms freely outdoors, and indoors can be had in
quantity at Christmas. All the newest and best varieties, especially those
raised by Mr. Dodwell, are here in fine condition, besides the old kinds,
the trees, and those best suited for borders.

Miscellaneous. — We next reach the Verbena house, and I took
notes of the newest varieties, and was very much struck with the size
of the trusses and the grand colour arrangements. Then in succession
came the Fuchsias, single and double, finished blooming with few excep¬
tions, and containing all the recent introductions, such as Generals
Gordon and Roberts, Ixion, &c. Of Lee’s newer varieties, among the darks
was James Welch, Mr. F. Bright, and Emperor; of the lighter corollas
conspicuous were Diadem, Lee’s Excelsior, and Nellie, all likely to be much
grown by-and-by. Oae of the most important houses for autumn bloom¬
ing was the Salvia, just coming to be brilliant. The colours varied from
rose to scarlet, from blue to purple, striped, and curiously intermixed ;
some tall and others dwarf, and subsequently, when we went out into the
nursery proper, numbers were planted out to retard for late blooming.
Then in a house Bouvardias, single and double, were most refreshing, a
peculiarity of their culture here being that they are grown rather as cold
greenhouse than stove plants. The Petunias seemed to be declining,
some of the best and most distinct being marked as seed bearers, while
others had been hybridised to secure a desired point of excellence. We
were next ushered into perhaps the most brilliant houses of the whole, so
far as richness of foliage, deep delicate rich tinting of blooms, and the
surprising size and forms and numbers of flowers can testify — I mean the
Gloxinia houses, of which there are three. No word painting could give
an adequate description, so after a hurried run through the propagating
houses, the two new Chrysanthemum houses building for show purposes,
and a peep at the numerous pits and frames, we are in the open air with
acres of flowers on every side. Any one square would require a page of the
Journal, but as I have already exceeded my most sanguine intentions in
reference to this intrusion I merely name the thousand odd varieties,
distinct, of Chrysanthemums, all the Dahlias worth growing, new and old.
Mr. Rose and Lady E. Dyke (new) had first-class certificates I see within
past month. Antirrhinums, Asters in variety, splendid ; Gladioli, several
acres of Roses ; Lilies, Pansies and Violas, Violets, Pentstemons, and the
whole Primula family, especially Polyanthuses, &c. Feeling the inade¬
quacy of this reference, yet conscious of the demands on your space,
I here finish, expressing our acknowledgments for the great courtesy
of Mr. Cannell, his family and staff. — W. J. Murphy, Clonmel.

THE NATIONAL ROSE SOCIETY.

During the past season (of which I hope to give my usual review
very soon) one subject was frequently brought before me in the
north by both amateurs and professional growers— viz., the offering
of a challenge cup or trophy for the Provincial Exhibition. It has
now become recognised that the intention of that Exhibition was to
give northern growers the opportunity of exhibiting with some hope
of success, and their complaint is that they are virtually excluded
from any hope of obtaining that coveted prize. It may be replied
that the amateurs’ prize was once taken by Mr. Whitwell from
Darlington. True, but that is a thing which is not likely to occur in
a lifetime, and anyone who knows anything of northern Roses knows
that it is a forlorn hope which a grower has to lead when he enters in
the first week of July into competition with the Rose growers of
Essex, Hertford, Berkshire, or Devonshire, and that some oppor¬
tunity should be given to him later in the day to try his mettle. The
nurserymen’s trophy has been always awarded to southern growers,
having been taken every year except one by Mr. B. R. Cant of
Colchester. The amateurs’ has never gone farther north than Essex
except in the one instance named, having gone to Devon, Hereford,
and Essex. I would therefore suggest, in accordance with the
requests made to me that I should ventilate the subject, that
endeavours should be made to provide subscriptions from each section
of exhibitors, and I can only say if it will facilitate matters that I
shall be very happy to receive names or contributions. It should
be, I think, understood that it is only to be competed for by those
living beyond the centre of England. A line should be drawn across,
defining what is to be considered northern, and I suppose it would be
necessary to make a special class for it; but these details might be
left to after consideration, and I suppose the correct thing would be
to offer the cups or trophies to the Committee of the National Rose
Society in the same way as was done with the present trophies or
with cups given by individuals. I do not in this instance write as
Secretary of the 'Society, but simply in my private capacity as a

321

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ October 7. 18b6.

lover of Roses. Let me say, too, that while I think the competition
ought to be confined to the north, growers or lovers of the Rose
from all parts might be invited to contribute. — D , Deal.

OCCUPATION OF GARDENING.

X Address by Mr. E. J. Baillie before the St. Mary’s Horticultural Society, Chester, 1886.]

Last year I was privileged to speak to yon upon the cottage garden
and its relation to thrift and social economy. I then pointed out that
the necessaries of life could be made to flow to us through three channels
— the bakery, the milk house, Jand the cottage garden. Had I chosen that
topic for my remarks this year I should have been tempted to add a fourth
channel through which we might as fitly receive a luxury, and that channel
quite in keeping with the rest would be the bee hive ; so that you s?e
round the cottage home a veritable Canaan — a land flowing with milk
and honey.

But this year I wish to speak upon the importance of gardening as
•an industry, not only in its bearing upon social life, but also upon the
national economy. In these days of stern agitation in matters connected
with the laws affecting the possession and management of the land, it is
well for us to see that whoever has the charge of the soil should recog¬
nise that they are not engaged in an occupation of little moment, but from
-every point of view their time rightly spent in the garden is of the highest
importance to themselves and to the community at large.

Dean Swift has said, “ Whoever can make two ears of corn, or two
blades of grass, to grow upon a spot of ground where only one grew before,
would deserve better of mankind and do more essential service to his country
than the whole race of politicians put together.” Now, Dean Swift here
may be speaking more from the heart of a poet than from the mind of a
politician, but there is in his assertion the elements of a great pervading
principle, of an ever abiding truth, chat right agriculture— and by agricul¬
ture I mean land cultivation, whether called garden or farm — is of the
first importance, for the profit of the earth is for all— the king himself is
served by the field. We are somehow ready to pay homage, to wave the
plumes and chant the songs of victory when the soldiers return from the
fields of conquest. I do not want to say a word to cool your ardour for the
bravery of those who defend the land from the invader, but I want to put
in a claim for those who till the land for the maintenance of its peoples.
By all means pay your tribute to the conquests of the spear if you will, but
rightly understood, the conquests of the spade are a greater glory. All the
health of the world,1 all the wealth of the world, yea, all the life — temporal
life — of the world are due to the conquest of the spade and the plough.
It is not needful to put the matter into such sharp contrast. We need not
make comparison between the arts of war and of peace. Let us take another
view. In a large city people are apt to lose sight of the sources of things
by the complication and multiplication of detail which divides them from
that source. The sources are lost by the infinitude of resources. I do not
know whether I may be able briefly to make my point clear. The world is
not fed by its factories, but by its farms and gardens. The land does not
grow looms — there could be no mills if there were no meadows, no grand
city offices if there were no quiet country gardens. Life is not picked up
in the streets of the city — it may, alas ! be lost there — but is grown and
gathered in the open, away from the smoke and the stones, and it has to
pass through so many hands and processes that some excuse might reason¬
ably be urged for the ignorance of the little lady who, familiar only with
vegetable forms as they were served at table, expressed her intense amaze¬
ment when she found that Cucumbers did not grow in slices. Just trace the
maze : The gardener grows the produce — the dealer buys — the carrier con¬
veys to other centres — railway carters shift it about — the trader purchases
at its destination the shopkeepers divide and bundle it up — the message
boy delivers it— the cook prepares it— the waitress serves it — that is°a
tolerably complicated process, and can we wonder that the important first
agent the gardener, away in the quiet country corner, working early and
late, is overlooked and forgotten ? yet he is the important element after all.

But there is yet another point I wish to urge— the education of the
garden. William Cobbett, in his <c Cottage Economy,” tried to point out
the importance of the sphere in words somewhat as follows : — tl I have
written to show, that while from a very small piece of ground a large part
of the food of a considerable family may be raised, the very act of raising
it will be the best possible foundation of education to the children of the
labourer — that it will teach them a great number of useful things — add
greatly to their value when they go forth from their father’s home— make
them start in life with the best possible advantages, and give them the beet
chance of leading happy lives.” This is high praise, but I venture to think
that Cobbett has not one whit over-rated the advantages, whilst he has
barely touched upon the pleasures of such an education. This subject is
so full of charm that, approached from any side, it opens out into new
ways where we might find fresh food for thought. Then, further, it is a
progressive occupation : every year brings us face to face with improved
methods, with new forms of beauty and utility, with added wealth of kind
and quality from the luscious treasures yet hidden in that exhaustless
cornucopia which the gardener holds aloft and shakes, that the people may
pick up from the earth the good things which spring up in prettinees and
plenteousn ss because they have been first given from the open Hand which
giveth to all men liberally, and through whom life, movement, and being
must inevitably come, whether man may so regard it or not.

I IP have dwelt only upon the practical side of the question — that side
which is most likely to concern us upon an occasion of this character, but
it has the charm of the other side for those who need it. It has an occupa¬
tion identified with the most ancient histories. We need not here perplex
ourselves by trying to fix the exact site of the Garden of Eden, but we
may reflect upon the fact that the earliest history of man associates his
existence with that of flowers and fruits, and places his home in a garden.
The attention of the earlier ages appears to have been directed chiefly to
the cultivation of fruits — I mean rather than to that of vegetables and
minor matters. In Jacob s time the \ine, the Fig, and the Almond we. e
objects of garden cultivation, and when man became less of a wanderer h
enclosed lands and cultivated trees j and in these early days of the

world’s history we find the Patriarchs set ne an example which has been
often urged, and which has often caused me to wonder why it could not
now be followed — Tamely, that of planting fruit trees in the hedgerows.

I anticipate your fir st objection, I think, in the thought that the boys or
the beggars would pluck the fruits and appropriate them. I do not want
to defend such obviously wrong action, but I would just point out that
they would at least have the benefit of the fruits, and they might as well
have the nourishment and pleasure of health-giving fruit as the nausea of
Crabs or the poison of Nightshade. But that by the way. Coming on
down the ages of time we are reminded of the vineyards and orchards of
Solomon — the hanging gardens of Babylon, associated with the name of
Semiramis — the gardens of the Hesperides and of Adonis ; and so the
history of the past is full of the aroma of the garden and the grove.
We dare not, perhaps, take a still higher flight in the regions of myths
and poetry. How in the mind of the ancients the Oak was consecrated
to Jupiter— the Poppy to Ceres — the Rose, the Myrtle, and the Apple to
Yenus ; and how to them the favourites of the gods were changed into
trees or flowers.

That we will leave for some other time when we are not so busy with
shows and show prizes. Let us, in conclusion, come down from the
heights and take our stand again upon the more sober level of the platform
of the earth about us to-day. We do not wish to sit in the lap of luxury,
but we would rather be active in the courts of health, for the Sybarite is a
stranger to either pleasure or peace. Give us the food convenient for us—
the home bright and cheerful, with wife and children clean and kind and
happy — simplicity of life and tastes — that is the key which alone may
unlock the door to the secret chamber where peace dwells — and in that
spirit one of our poets has beautifully said the truth —

“ Oh, Luxury I thou cursed by Heaven’s decree,

How ill exchanged are things line these for thee;

How do thy potions, with insidious joy.

Diffuse their pleasure only to destroy 1”

If I have said one word to encourage anyone here here in the occupation
he has taken up in his leisure, I shall be pleased. An old proverb says,
“ Whatever is worth doing, is worth doing well.” I have tried to prove to
you that gardening is decidedly worth doing. I hope there is evidence
enough before you to-day to show that it is worth doing well. Any man
who bolds land and grows but weeds is doing an injustice to the earth, to
himself and to the community. Careful cultivation, a selection of best kinds,
patient care, and watchfulness, that, I think, is the order in which the
gardener may reap his double profit of pence and pleasure.

In encouraging effort of this kind the energy and enthusiasm of our
indefatigable Secretary, the inspiring encouragement of the Rector and his
helpers, so well exerted, will be amply rewarded, when in the morning and
the evening the footsteps of the people are directed, not to the door of the
public house, but to the gate of the cottage garden.

CHRYSANTHEMUM LA VIERGE.

The accompanying flower of this excellent variety was exhibited at
the Leeds Paxton Society’s meeting on the 25 th ult. by Mr. Townshend,
gardener to the Hon. Parsons, Birr House, Gledhow, Leeds. I observe
in your remarks about the National Chrysanthemum Society’s September
Show, held at the Westminster Aquarium, you say : “ There are very few
large early flowering Chrysanthemums that can be properly placed in
comparison with Madame Desgrange and G. Wermig.” As you did not
mention La Vierge, I presume it was not exhibited there ; otherwise, f
think it would have been found worthy of notice. Its chief points of
merits are pure white colour, dwarf and compact habit, and most pro¬
fuse flowerer ; but of course to obtain flowers equal to this specimen
would require well growing and liberal disbudding. I may mention that
I have now several hundreds of plants in flower, which I find most useful,
either in plants for decorative purposes or for producing abundance of
white cut flowers. — R. Featherstone, St. Ann's Nursery , Kirk tall,
Leeds.

| La Vierge was exhibited at the National Chrysanthemum Show, but
none of the blooms was equal to the specimen before us, which is
3J inches wide and 3 inches deep ; nor is this equal to many examples of
Madame Desgrange at the Show in question, some of which were 5 inches
in diameter.]

CHRYSANTHEMUM NOTES.

The fast-swelling plump flvwer buds, and I might add the equinoctial
gales that are periodically such a source of danger to them, tell us plainly
that the Chrysanthemum season is once more approaching, and I have
every reason to believe that it will be a most successful one. The weather
throughout the season have been very favourable for the growth of the
plants, and although there is a sign in some quarters of the flowers being
a little earlier than usual, there is abundant evidence that there will be n>
lack of quality throughout the exhibitioi s. This is as it should be : the extra
experience and the introduction of newer and improved varieties all tend
to that end.

The series of practical articles on the cultivation of our autumn
favourite, contributed to your pages by Mr. Molyneux, have been well
timed, and no doubt have been a great assistance to many cultivators.
Young beginners now have eveiy advantage over the past generation,
who had, in a great measure, to find their way, and to whom secrets
were divulged only as the greatest favour, or as compensation for premiums
paid. Thanks to the free and open spirit of the horticultural press, and
the more general and applaudable inclination on the part of its increasing
number of contributors to impart knowledge, practical information is now
spiead abroad for the general benefit.

Without detracting from any of the others, the last two or three of the
, seiies will prove doubly valuable to cultivators, exhibitors, and all wLo

October 7, 1686. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

325

have to take part in the public competition at Chrysanthemum exhibitions
now becoming so general. The article on judging, page 267, I consider one
of the most interesting in the whole series, and ought to be well read by all
competitors and adjudicators. The method of judging by points and
marks I consider the correct one, and ought to be universally adopted in
all close competitions. I have always been a strong advocate for depth
in a flower. It is a greater criterion of good cultivation than mere size
in diameter, hence I was pleased to see Mr. Wright place such weight on
the depth and solidity of blooms. I was rather disappointed at not
seeing anything about smoothness and shape of petal, or florets, embodied
in the article. Without a perfectly smooth petal I am well aware we
cannot get finish in the proper sense of the term, although a bad-petalled
variety might be finished as good as cultivation and dressing can make it.
My idea of a perfect petal is found in the smooth ivory florets of the
Venus, and also in some of the Queen family, and in Mrs. Heales and
Princess of Wales. Contrast a petal of White Venus with the thin and
somewhat jagged edges of Jeanne d’Arc as it often comes, and the quality
and effect is very apparent. Some varieties have very forked or stringy
petals, as in the cam of Jardin des Plantes and the bronze sport from that
variety, which is very objectionable, and flowers with these defects ought
not to be used if possible. I should like to take this opportunity of con¬
gratulating Mr. Molyneux on the completion of his work. No one has appre¬
ciated the articles and the feeling that prompted them more than myself,
and I feel sure that their contents are highly valued by your readers, and
I, for one, shall be much surprised if the practical knowledge thus early
and effectively made public does not bear fruit in the higher quality of
the exhibits that I anticipate will be seen in the coming exhibitions
throughout the country. — C. Okchard, Coombe Warren.

I have grown Belle Paule for the first time this year. The plants
grew well from the start, rivalling Fair Maid of Guernsey in height and
substance. They set good buds early in August, which I was afraid to
u take,” so I run the shoots on to the next bud, but when I could just see
the break the end of the shoots commenced withering, and I shall not
have a flower from the two plants. Can anyone tell me if it is a peculiarity
•of that sort, as no other sort has ever done so with me ? I notice in the
catalogue of the National Society that Mdlle. Madeleine Tezier is classed
as a Japanese, Minuie Chat6 as a Hybrid (Japanese) Anemone, Emperor
as a large-flowered Anemone. Mr. Molyneux selects, and has well shown,
Mdlle. Madeleine Tezier as a reflexed ^Minnie C'natd he selects as a large-
flowered Anemone ; and a stand of large-flowered Anemones was dis¬
qualified at the Crystal Palace Show last year through containing
Emperor, which was ruled a Japanese Anemone.

It seems to me that whoever exhibits any of these three varieties runs
the risk of being disqualified in whichever class he puts them in, while to
leave out Mdlle. Tezier from a stand of reflexed might make the difference
between winning and losiog. I do not find any rule binding societies
which are affiliated to the National to their (the National) classification,
or even binding their own judges to it, except in the case of synonyms.

I hope Mr. Molyneux’s valuable articles will be published in the form
of a book. — Chrysanthemum.

[We have reason to believe they will be so published.]

BIRKENHEAD’S BEETLE TRAP.

We give prominence[to this simple article because we have recently
had conclusive evidence of its great efficiency. It is not only an excel-

lent means of diminishing the numbers of beetles in dwellings and glass
8^^pu^Ll^e8, crickets and cockroaches. The proprietors say : —

These traps were invented by us for use in our Fern houses, and having
proved successful to a degree far beyond our anticipition we are now
manufacturing them on a large scale, that all who are troubled with these
pests may have the long-desired means of exterminating them at a small
cost. In a short time, by using several traps, we succeeded in catching
in our Fern houses over 5000 cockroaches, crickets, and woodlice, of all
sizes, from very small to very large ones. We are continually having
evidence of the utility if the traps in customers who have tried them
sending for more for themselves and their friends, in addition to which
we hear many reports from those who have caught large numbers (often
iw to 200) cockroaches, &c., in a single night.” We are not in the least

inclined to question the accuracy of those reports, since we have caught
upwards of 2000 beetles tnd crickets in one of these traps during a period
of ten nights, and that is our justification for recommending this cheap
article to all whose premises may be infested with the pests in question.

THE PAST HISTORY OF EXISTING- PLANTS.

[An address1 read before the British Association by William Carruthers, President L.S.,

F.R.3., F.G.S.]

( Continued from page 305.)

Before passing from these Egyptian plants I would draw atttention to
the quality of the cereals. They are good specimens of the cereals still
cultivated. This observation is true also of the cultivated grains which I
have examined, belonging to prehistoric times. The Wheat found in the
purely British portion of the ancient village explored by General Pitt-
Rivers is equal to the average of Wheat cultivated at the present day. This
is the more remarkable, because the two samples from the later Romano-
British period obtained by General Pitt-Rivera are very much smaller,
though they are not unlike the small hard grains of Wheat still cultivated
on thin chalk soils. The Wheat from lake-dwellings in Switzerland, for
which I am indebted to Mr. J. T. Lee, F.G.S., are fair samples. My
colleague, Mr. W. Fawcett, has recently brought me from America grains of
Maize from the prehistoric mounds in the valley of the Mississippi, and
from the tombs of the Incas of Peru, which represent also fair samples of
this great food substance of the New World. The early ppoples of both
worlds had then under cultivation productive varieties of these important
food-plants, and it is remarkable that in our own country, with all the appli¬
ances of scientific cultivation and intelligent farming, we have not been
able to appreciably surpass the grains which were harvested by our rude
ancestors of 2000 years ago.

In taking a further step into the past, and tracing the remains of existing
species of plants preserved in the strati of the earth’s crust, we must neces¬
sarily leave behind all certain chronology. Without an intelligent observer
and recorder there can be no definite determination of time. We can only
speculate as to the period required for effecting the changes represented by
the various deposits.

The peat bogs are composed entirely of plant-remains belonging to the
flores existing in the regions where they occur. They are mainly surface-
accumulations still being formed and going back to an unknown antiquity.
They are subsequent to the last changes in the surface of the country, and
represent the physical conditions still prevailing.

The period of great cold during which Arctic ice extended far into
temperate regions was not favourable to vegetable life. But in some
localities we have stratified clays with plant-remains later than the Glacial
epoch, yet indicating that the great cold had not then entirely disappeared.
In the lacustrine bed3 at Holderness is found a small Birch (Betula nana, L),
now limited in Great Britain to some of the mountains of Scotland, but
found in the Arctic regions of the Old and New World and in Alpine
districts in Europe, and with it Prunus Padus, L., Quercus Robur, L„
Corylus Avellana, L., Alnus glutinosa, L., and Pinus sylvestris, L. In the
white clay beds at Bovey Tracey of the same age there occur the leaves of
Arctostaphylos U va-Ur.-i, L., three species of Willow — viz., Salix cinerea,
L., S. myrtilloides, L., and S. polaris, Wahl., and in addition to our alpine
Betula nana, L., the more familiar B. alba, L. In beds of the same age in
Sweden, Nathorst has found the leaves of Dryas octopetala, L., and Salix
herbacea, L., this being associated with S. polaris, Wahl. Two of these
plants have been lost to our flora from the change of climate that has taken
place — viz., Salix myrtilloides, L., and S. polaris, Wahl. ; and Betula nana,
L., has retreated to the mountains of Scotland. Three others (Dryas octo¬
petala, L., Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi, L., and Salix herbacea, L.), have with¬
drawn to the mountains of Northern England, Wales, and Scotland, while
the remainder are still found scattered over the country. Notwithstanding
the diverse physical conditions to which these plants have been subjected,
the remains preserved in these beds present no characters by which they can
be distinguished from the living representatives of the species.

W e meet with no further materials for careful comparison with existing
species until we get beyond the great period of intense cold which imme¬
diately preceded the present order of things. The Glacial epoch includes
four periods during which the cold was intense, separated by intervals of
somewhat higher temperature, which are represented by the intervening
sedimentary deposits. During these alterations of temperature extensive
changes in the configuration of the land were taking place. The first great
upheaval occurred in the early Glacial period, and was followed by a con¬
siderable subsidence. A second upheaval took place late in the Glacial
epoch. Various estimates have been formed of the time required for this
succession of climatic conditions and earth movements. The moderate com¬
putation of Ramsay and Lyall gives to the boulder-clay of the first Glacial
period an age of 250,000 years, estimating the time of the first upheaval as
200,000 years ago, while the subsidence took place 50,000 years later, and
the second upheaval 92,000 years ago.

The sedimentary deposits later than the Pliocene strata, but older than
the Glacial drift, indicate an increasing severity in the climate, which
reached its height in the first Glacial period.

At Cromer, on the Norfolk coast, the newest of these deposits has
supplied the remains of Salix polaris, Wahl., S. cinerea, L., and Hypnum
turgescens, Schimp. This small group of 'plants is of great interest in
connection with the history of existing species ; their remains are preseivtd
in such a manner as to permit the closest comparison with living plains.
Such an examination shows that they differ from each other in no particular.
In the post-Glacial deposits in Sweden, Salix herbacea, L., is associated with
S. polaris, Wahl., as I have already stated. These two Willows are v ry closely
related, having indeed been treated as the same species until Wahlentn-rg
pointed out the characters which separated them when he established Salix
polaris as a distinct species in 1812. One of the most obvious of the specific
distinctions is the form and venation of the leaf, a character which is,
however, easily overlooked, but when once detected is found to be so
constant that it enables one to distinguish without hesitation the one
species from the other. The leaves of the two Willows in the Swedish bed
present all tie peculiarities which they possess at the present day, and the

326

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

t Oc'ober 7, 1883.

venation and form of the leaves of S. polaris, Wahl., from the pre-Glacia
beds of Cromer, present no approach towards the peculiarities of its ally
S. herbacea, L., but exhibit them exactly as they appear in the living
plant. This is the more noteworthy as the vegetative organs supply, as a
rule, the least stable of the characters employed in the diagnosis ot species.
The single Moss (Hypnum turgescens, S:himp.) is no longer included in
the British flora, but is still found as an Arctic and Alpine species in
Europe, and the pre-Glacial specimens of this cellular plant differ in no
respect from their living representatives.

The older beds containing the remains of existing species, which are
found also at Cromer, have recently been explored with unwearied diligence
and great success by Mr. Clement Reid, F.G.S., an officer of the Geological
Survey of England. To him I am indebted for the opportunity of examin¬
ing the specimens which he has found, and I have been able to assist him
in some of his determinations, and to accept all of them. His collections
contain sixty-one species of plants belonging to forty-six different genera,
and of these forty-seven species have been identified. Slabs of clay-iron¬
stone from the beach at Happisburgh contain leaves of Beach, Elm, Oak,
and Willow. The materials, however, which have enabled Mr. Reid to
record so large a number of species are the fruits or seeds which occur
chiefly in mud or clay, or in the peat of the forest bed itself. The species
consist mainly of water or marsh plants, and represent a somewhat colder
temperature than we have in our own day, belonging, as they do, to the
Arctic facies of our existing flora.

Only one species (Trapa natans, L.) has disappeared from our islands ;
its fruits, which Mr. Reid found abundantly in one locality, agree with
those of the plants found until recently in the lakes of Sweden. Four
species (Prunus spinosa, L., (Enanthe Lachenalii, Gviel., Potamogeton
heterophyllus, Schreb., and Pinus Abies, L.) are found at present only in
Europe, and a fifth (Potamogeton trichoides, Cham.) extends also to North
America ; two species (Peucedanum palustre, Mcench, and Pinus sylvestris,
L.) are found also in Siberia, whilst six more (Sanguisorba officinalis, L.,
Rubus fruticosus, L., Cornus sanguinea, L., Euphorbia amygdaloides, L.,
Quercus Robur, L.,and Potamogeton crispus, L.) extend into Western Asia,
and two (Fagus sylvatica, L., and Alnus glutinosa, L.) are included in the
Japanese flora. Seven species, while found with the others, enter also into
the Mediterranean flora, extending to North Africa : these are Thalictrum
minus, A., Thalictrum flavum, L., Ranunculus repens, A., Stellaria aquatica,
Scop., Corylus Avellana, A., Zannichellia palustris, A., and Cladium Mariscus,
Br. With a similar distribution in the Old World, eight species (Bidens
tripartita, A., Myosotis csespitosa, Schultz, Suseda maritima, Bum., Cerato-
phyllum demersum, A., Sparganium ramosum, Huds., Potamogeton pecti-
natus, A., Carex paludosa, Good, and Osmunda regalis, A, are found also in
North America. Of the remainder, ten species (Nuphar luteum, Sm.,
Menyanthes trifoliate, A., Stachys palustris, A., Rumex maritimus, A.,
Rumex Acetosella, A., Betula alba, A., Scirpus pauciflorus, Lightf., Taxus
baccata, A., and Isoetes lacustris, A., extend round the north temperate
zone, while three (Lycopus europmus, A., Alisma Plantago, A., and Phrag-
mites communi, Trin.), having the same distribution in the north, are found
also in Australia, and one (Hippuris vulgaris. A.) in the south of South
America. The list is completed by Ranunculus aquatilis, A., distributed
over all the temperate regions of the globe, and Scirpus lacustris, A., which
is found in many tropical regions as well.

The various physical conditions which necessarily affected these Bpecies
in their diffusion over such large areas of the earth’s surface in the course
of, say, 250,000 years, should have led to the production of many varieties,
but the uniform testimony of the remains of this considerable pre-Glacial
flora, as far as the materials admit of a comparison, is that no appreciable
change has taken place.

I am unable to carry the history of any existing species of plant beyond
the Cromer deposits. Some of the plant-remains from Tertiary strata have
been referred to still living species, but the examination of the materials,
as far as they have come before me, convinces me that this haa been done
without sufficient evidence. The physical conditions existing during even
the colder of the Tertiary periods were not suitable to a flora fitted to
dersist in these lands in our day, even if the period of great cold had not
intervened to destroy them. And in no warmer region of the earth do these
Tertiary species now exist, though floras of the same facies occur, containing
closely allied species. The sedimentary beds at the base of the Glacial
epoch contain, as far as we at present know, the earliest remains of any
existing species of plant.

It is not my purpose to point out the bearing of these facts on any
theoretical views entertained at the present day : I wish merely to place
them before tbe members of this Section as data which must be taken into
account in constructing such theories, and as confirming the long-established
axiom that by us, at least, as workers, species must be dealt with as fixed
quantities. — (Nature.)

HARDY FRUIT SHOW AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE.

OCTOBER 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th.

An excellent show of Apples is provided at Sydenham this week, the
fruits being very satisfactory in size and quality. Pears are not so fine, in
fact are rather small. Vegetables are good, and the miscellaneous collections
numerous.

The leading class is that for the best collection of kitchen and dessert
Apples, six fruits of each variety ; and in a very strong competition Messrs.
G. Bunyard & Sons, Maidstone, have won the premier honours, showing
131 dishes of superb fruits, remarkable both for size and colour. A few of
the best varieties only can be noted, but all those staged are excellent repre¬
sentatives of the respective sorts. Warner’s King is handsome, some
weighing over 1 lb. each ; Emperor Alexander, The Queen, Tower of Glamis,
Gloria Mundi, Cellini, Red Hawthornden, Lord Suffield, Ecklinville, Manx
Codlin, Alfriston, Schoolmaster, Wealthy (American), bright red ; Cox’s
Pomona, Golden Spire, Melon Apple, Lord Grosvenor, Small’s Admirable,
Washington, Grenadier, Stirling Castle, Co'onel Vaughan, Yellow Ingestrie,
Margil, Old English Codlin, Worcester Pearmain, King of the Pippins,
Duchess of Oldenburgh, Duchess’s Favourite, Sandringham, Mere de
Menage, Ringer, Cardinal, Golden Noble, and Court Pendu Plat. The
second place is taken by Mr. John Watkins, Pomona Farm Withington,

Hereford, with 112 dishes, the majority of fruits very large and well
coloured. Especially good are Duchess of Oldenburg, Peaegood’s Nonsuch,
Warner’s King, New Hawthornden, Red Costard, Tom Putt, Ecklinville
Seedling, King of the Pippins, Worcester Pearmain, Mere de Manage,
Emperor Alexander, Calville Rouge, and Golden Noble. Mr. C. G. Sclater,
Birchy Barton, Heavitree, Exeter, is third with 96 dishes, including some
very fine samples of Peaegood’s Nonesuch, Gloria Mundi, Yorkshire Beauty,
Catshead, Mere de Mbnage, Golden Noble, Tom Putt, and Dumelow’s Seed¬
ling. Mr. David C. Powell, Powderham, Kenton, Exeter, is fourth, also
with about the same number of dishes as the third, the fruits fine, but not
quite so highly coloured. Ten collections are exhibited, or a total of over
1000 dishes.

In the amateurs’ class for twenty- four dishes of Apples Mr. W. Edward?,
gardener to H. Higgins, Esq., Shinghill, Hereford, is first with fine samples of
Peasgood’s Nonsuch, Bedfordshire Foundling, Pott’s Seedling, Waltham
Abbey, Gloria Mundi, Warner’s King, Lady Henniker, Dumelow’s Seedling,
Annie Elizabeth, Blenheim Orange, Tower of Glamis, Yorkshire Beauty,
Alfriston, Costard, Alexander, Ecklinville Seedling, Red Costard, King of
Pippins, Duchess of Oldenburgh, Cox’s Orange Pippin, Cox’s Pomona, Wor¬
cester Pearmain, Round Winter Nonsuch, and Mere de Manage. Mr. G.
Ford, gardener to L. A. Wallace, Esq., Leonardslee, Horsham, is a very
close second, his fruit being large and finely coloured ; Emperor Alexander,
Dr. Harvey, Peasgood’s Nonsuch, and New Hawthornden are particularly
noteworthy. Mr. A. Waterman is placed third with very large and heavy
fruits, Peasgood’s Nonsuch being very handsome. There are six competitors.

For the best collection of Pears, Mr. James Butler, gardener to H. J.
Thomas, Esq., Orchard Lane Gardens, Sittingbourne, was awarded the
premier prize for ninety-six dishes of good fruits. Very large samples of
Pitmaston Duchess, Beurre Clairgeau, Desire Cornelis, Beurrh d’Amanlis,
Catillae, Souvenir de Congres, Beurre de l’Assomption, Duchesse d’An¬
gouleme, Doyenne Boussoch, and Conseiller du Cour. Louise Bonne of
Jersey, Williams’ Bon Chretien, Durondeau, General Todtleben, and Marie
Benoist, were also good. Messrs. T. Rivers & Son, Sawbridgewortb, are
second with a collection of choice varieties represented by fine fruits of
Princess (Rivers), Catillae, Doyenne du Comice, Magnate (Rivers), Duchesse
d’Angouleme, Durondeau, Marie Benoist, and Pitmaston Duchess. Mr. A.
Waterman third, and Messrs. G. Bunyard i Co. fourth. Six collections shown.

With twelve dishes of Pears, Mr. S. Ford wins the first prize for large
fruits of General Todtleben, King Edward, Marie Louise d’TTccle, Uvedale’s
St. Germain, Duchesse d’Angouleme, Durondeau, Vicar of Winkfield, Louise
Bonne of Jersey, Beurre Bose, Marie Louise, Beurre Clairgeau, and Doyennb
du Comice. Mr. A. Waterman is second with capital samples of Pitmaston
Duchess, Doyenne Boussoch, and Beurri d’Amanlis. Mr. J. Neighbour is
third with medium-size fruits of good varieties. Eleven collections were
entered, and three were disqualified for containing duplicates.

In the amateurs’ clas3 for a collection of twelve dishes of vegetables
Mr. J. Waite, gardener to Colonel the Hon. W. P. Talbot, Glenhurst, Esher,
is atvarded the first prize for excellent samples of Autumn Giant Cauli¬
flowers, Sutton’s Intermediate Carrots, Prizetak r Leeks, Major Clarke’s
Red Celery, Carter's Champion Beans, Perfection Tomatoes, Snowdrop
Potatoes, Anglo White Spanish Onions, Pragnell’s Exhibition Beet, Student
Parsnip, and Wroxton Sprouts. Mr. J. Neighbour, Bickley Park Gardens,
Chislehurst, is second, and Mr. A. Waterman, gardener to H. A. Brassey,
Esq-, Preston Hall, Aylesford, Kent, is third. There are seven collections.

Class C was for the best collection of vegetables arranged for effect, not
more than four dishes of any sort. Mr. A. Waterman, gardener to H. A.
Brassey, Esq., Preston Hall, Aylesford, won first honours with a most
tastefully arranged and extensive collection, comprising over sixty varieties,
fine clean samples placed on Parsley, with three stems of Brussels Sprouts
in the centre, surrounded by Capsicums. Mr. J. Neighbour is second, also
with a large and good assortment ; Mr. W. Mist, George and Dragon Hotel,
Ightham, Kent, Hieing a good third. The cottagers’ prizes for six dishes
of vegetables were won by Mr. W. Thayre, New Town, Crawley, Mr. R.
Hall, 71, Great Queen Street, Dartford, and Mr. C. Beckett, Tyler’s Green,
Amersham.

The Gourds occupy a large table at the end of the nave, some enormous
and curious specimens being shown. The heaviest Gourd was exhibited by
Mr. J. Rodbourn, gardener to Baroness Heaton, Coombe House, Croydon,
and weighed 139 lba. Mr. G. Sheppard, Pulborough, was second with
Daniel’s Yellow Mammoth weighing 119 lbs., and Mr. W. D. Cochrane,
Fortune Green, Hampstead, was third with a fruit weighing 101 lbs. Nine
specimens are shown of smaller weight. The best collection of Pumpkins
and Gourds is contributed by Mr. W. Dance, gardener to Col. A. S. H. Lowe,
Gosfield Hall, Halstead, a varied and peculiar assortment. _ Mr. C. Osman,
Sutton, Surrey, is second with large specimens but fewer varieties.

The miscellaneous exhibits comprised large collections of Apples from
Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea ; Messrs. J. Cheal & Sons, Crawley ; and
Messrs. T. Rivers & Son, Sawbridgewortb. Messrs. Cheal & Sons also had a
fine group of Dahlias ; Messrs. J. Lairg & Co., Forest Hill, a group of
Tuberous Begonias ; and Mr. C. Turner, Slough, a box of Cactus Dahlias.

WORKER™ WEEK,

IS

KITCHEN GARDEN.

Storing Onions. — The whole of the summer-grown Onions should
now be placed in their winter quarters. They will keep in any dry c o
place where the temperature does not fall below 32° or rise above 45 .
Tbick-necked Oaions should be placed by themselves for immediate use,
and it should be seen that the late sorts, such as James’s Keeping and Bed¬
fordshire Champion, are not used before others not possessing their keeping
qualities. We always store those named by themselves, and give an

October 7, 1888. 1

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

827

order that they hare not to be touched uatil the spring or the others are
finished.

Bulbs about the size of a hen’s egg keep much better than larger ones,
and we have just harvested a quantity that were grown on ground without
manure. They are below the average in size, but capitally ripened, and
we shall have no difficulty in preserving them until May.

Store Cabbage — This i9 the term we apply to the young plants
which have been left in the seed beds after planting-out those recommended
for the main quarters a few weeks ago. Many are inclined to think that
when they have placed out all that are required in autumn the remainder
of the plants will be of no further service ; but this is a mistake, as those
which remain in the seed bed often prove the most useful. We have fre¬
quently seen those which were planted out suffer severely from the weather
or from grubs, while those growing closely together in the seed bed remained
uninjured, and it is ia cases of this kind that the reserved plants are most
valuable. Then, again, vacant ground is sometimes not so plentiful in
autumn as spring, and where there were not enough Cabbages planted in
autumn another batch can be taken from the seed bed and planted early in
the year.. Indeed, the reserved plants are always wanted for some reason
or other in spring, and they should be well looked after. Now that the
weather is moist slugs and snails are troublesome, and the whole of the
plants should be dusted frequently with lime or soot. Where they are very
plentiful a quantity of sawdust or rough ashes placed around each plant
will generally prevent their doing much mischief.

Storing Lettuce and Endive. — In many parts the weather is
so severe in winter that if the Lettuce and Endive were left out they
would be all killed before the winter was half over, and to prevent this
the plants are generally lifted and placed in frames ; but this operation is
frequently delayed until the first frost comes, then the leaves are injured
by it, which causes them to partially decay, and they seldom keep
well afterwards. It is much better to do this work early, and the present
i® a time to attend to it. When plants which are about half grown
now are lifted with g^od balls of soil, and planted in frames, they soon
begin growing again, and make much better and more substantial plants
by December than those lifted and replanted when almost full sized. If
the plants are put into the frames at a distance of 6 inches or 8 inches
apart, and 10 inches or 1 foot from row to row, they will form a close-
grown mass of valuable produce for winter use, and the plants which are
placed early will always be found to be the best.

Forcing Dwarf Kidney Beans. — The autumn forcing of these is
uphill work, but it can be done where there is plenty of heat in the houses
or pits, and to have Beans in December and at Christmas the seed should
be sown now. Ne Plus Ultra is the best variety for forcing. Sow the
seed in 3- inch pots, place them in a temperature of 65° or so, and as soon
as the plants are 6 inches high transfer them into 6-inch or 7-inch pots ;
use a rough, rich mixture of soil and manure. Keep the plants well up
to the light, and always in temperature from 65° to 75°, and they will
grow well and prove very fruitful.

Autumn-sown Onions. — These are growing fast, and are likely to
be very forward before the cold weather sets in. When th;s is the case
they are always rather liable to suffer, and this should he avoided as much
as possible. We find that plants grown in loose soil suffer more than
those with their roots in firm material, and from now onwards we shall
dust the young plants over with a little soot, and immediately afterwards
trample the soil down firmly along each side of the rows with the feet ;
this makes the plants very firm in the ground, causes the roots to grow
plentifully and close, and then severe weather does them little or no harm.
The weeds which are springing up amongst them may be left by some to
afford them protection, but they only cause the plants to draw up and
make them tender, and the plants suffer more with weeds around them
than they do without them.

Cauliflower. — That always excellent variety, Veitch’s Autumn
Giant, is now heading freely, and will continue to do so for the next six
weeks or two months ; but should frost come, as it may any time now,
many of the heads may be spoiled, and it is a safe and good plan as soon
as the heads are formed either to break a few of the largest leaves
over them, or draw the whole of the leaves up over them and tie them
at the top with a piece of matting or willow. When many heads
are ready at the same time they m > be < ut, trimmed, and placed in a
cool dark place with the end of the stem in damp sand or soil until
wanted. They will keep good for three weeks in this way.

Tomatoes in the Open. — These have now almost ceased growing
and there will be no more fruit formed, but attention should be given
to maturing that which exists. It will be observed that many of the
fruits become dark and bruised at this seascD, and this is produced by the
cold and damp, and spoils the fruit considerably, but if a glass light or
some such protection can be placed against the wall and over the
iomato plants the fruit will retain their qualities and ripen well; but,
as in rnany other cases at this season, the protection should be given to
prevent the fruit being injured, and not as a remedy for it.

FRUIT FORCING.

Cherries.— It is not often we see a house of Cherries, but ripe
Cherries in May are very valuable for dessert. The foreigners have
tuf/W home-grown Cherries and Apricots, for the simple reason
that the fruit can be purchased much cheaper than it can be grown. This
is a fact that home growers should not lose sight of; it tells equally with
gro *ers for private use as for sale. 4 3

bottom Cltrr !h?uId be HSht- wel1 ventilated both at top and

bottom, and efficiently heated. Side lights are not necessary, but wooden

ventilators should be provided to open the whole length of the house and
on both sides of a span. The trees may be trained to a trellis fixed
12 inches from the glass. A lean-to may be 10 to 12 feet, and a span
15 to 18 feet wide with trees on each side, and in the lean-to the front trellis
should only extend two-thirds up lhe roof and the upper part be kept
4 feet from the glass, so as to admit light to the trees on the back wall.
Two rows of 4-inch piping will be sufficient f ,r the lean-to and two rows
on each side for the span, 3-inch for the 15 feet bouse and 4-inch for the
18 to 24 feet wide house. The b rders should be wholly inside and not
made all at once. A 4 to 6 feet width of border according to the size of
the trees is sufficient to commence with. It should be drained 9 inches to
a foot deep, having a drain to carry off superfluous water, and cover with
a thin layer of turves grass side downwards. From 24 to 27 inches depth
of soil is sufficient. Gmd turfy loam, neither light nor heavy, but prefer¬
ably heavy than light, four parts, lime rubbish from an old building one-
fifth, and road scrapings one-sixth ; the turfy loam chopped moderately
fine, the whole well incorporated with about a twentieth of half-inch or
crushed bones. The trees may be planted as soon as the leaves begin
falling. Those that have been trained to walls four or six years are most
suitable, as they will be in a fruitful state and calculated to afford a
moderate orop of fruit the first season, and having been lifted annually
they can be moved with safety. The birders being firm and a few inches
increased depth allowed for settling, plant at once, giving a good watering.
The lights being moveable, take them off and mulch over the roots with a
couple of inches thickness of short stable litbr. The most suitable
varieties are Empress Eugenie, May Duke, and Black Tartarian. Early
Rivers promises to be very valuable and should be tried. Governor Wood
and Elton are excellent for succession.

Cherries are readily forced in pots. Trees should be procured at once.
If in pots, they must be given a larger size if they require it, disentangling
the roots with a fork, and cutting back any straggling and thick ones.
Provide good drainage and ram the soil firmly. Trees that are in as large
pots as desired need only have the drainage rectffied and be surface-dressed,
or the old drainage may be cleared away, a few inohes from the base
removed, the roots shortened back, and fresh soil given ; fibrous loam, &c.,
as advised for the borders, with a fifth of well-decayed manure, removing
also the loose surface soil and supply rich material. If the trees are not
already in pots, pyramids or bushes should be lifted, have their roots
trimmed, and be potted firmly, allowing them to become established in the
pots before subjecting them to forcing. The trees should be placed on a
hard bottom impervious to worms, and surrounded with ashes to the rim,
covering the pots with litter upon the approach of frost. The trees
should have a good watering after potting or having the roots interfered
with.

Vines. — Early Vines in Pots. — If bottom heat can be given they will
break well. Provided there is a pit of 3 feet depth and 4 feet width or
more, the pots may be raised upon loose bricks, pillar fashion, so that
their rims are slightly higher than the pit edge, and so that the pots will
have heat equally all around. Leaves being placed in to fill the pit, a
gentle heat will be afforded the Vines, giving off moisture so favourable
to a good break, and it will lessen the necessity for fire heat. The
temperature about the pots ought not to exceed 70° to 75°. It will
stimulate the roots into activity, and they will pas3 from the pots into the
fermenting material, deriving support beneficial to the Vines. The top
heat should be kept at 50° to 55° by artificial means until the eyes swell,
then gradually increase it to 60° or 65° when they are breaking. The
canes must be depressed to a horizontal position to secure their breaking
regularly. Damp the canes morning and afternoon, but do not keep them
constantly dripping with moisture.

Early forced Vines. — Forcing operations being contemplated early in
November, fermenting materials may be collected for placing in the
houses after they have parted with the rank steam. The fermenting
materials will aid in keeping up a regular and moist heat, and secure the
free and more regular breaking of the Vines. Tree leaves, with a third
of stable litter thrown into a heap, damped if dry, and turned over outside
to inside when getting warm, again damped, and allowed to get warmed
through, will be in suitable condition for placing in the house, forming
into ridge-like beds on the border, turning over and adding fresh material
as the heat declines. The materials need not be used until after the
house has been closed a fortnight. The outside border should be well
protected with leaves and litter, or preferably tarpaulin, shutters, or
thatch, go as to throw off heavy rains and snow.

Late Grapes. — These are mostly ripe now, but some may not be, and
in that case the temperature must not be less than 65° to 70° at night, and
70° to 758 by day, with a rise of 10° to 15? with sun until the Grapes are
ripe, keeping the fires going until the wood is brown and hard. It is,
however, a bad look out if the Grapes are so unripe when October sets in
that a forcing temperature has to be maintained to secure the ripening of
the fruit. The fruit being thoroughly ripe — and the Grapes will not keep
satisfactory unless perfectly finished and the wood thoroughly matured —
all spray or laterals may be removed down to the main buds, ventilating
liberally on all favourable occasions. Fire heat will then only be
necessary at night to prevent the temperature falling below 50°, and to
insure ventilation in the daytime when the weather is favourable. In
dull damp foggy weather the house should be kept close with a gentle
warmth in the pipes. To prevent dust settling on the berries raking the
borders or sweeping floors must not be practised, and damp must be ex¬
cluded. Mats or dry clean straw laid over the inside borders will to some
extent prevent evaporation, assist in keeping the atmosphere dry, and
prevent the soil cracking. The outside borders must, if the Grapes are
to keep satisfactorily, be covered, wooded shutters being the best, tarpaulin

328

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ October 7, 1889.

over bracken or straw answering well, or a good thick thatch of s'raw or
bracken will be serviceable, the surface being given sufficient fall from the
house outwards so as to throw off the wet.

Young Vines. — These have a disposition to continue growing to a late
period ; check them by stopping the shoots moderately, and facilitate
ripening the wood by a high and dry temperature by day, shutting off the
heat and keeping the ventilators open by night.

Melons. — -The Melon season as regards dung-heated pits and frames
may now be considered at an end. Any fruits yet remaining and fully
grown may be cut and placed in a warm house to ripen. The latest
plants in houses will require a night temperature of 70°, falling 5° through
the night, and 75° by day by artificial means, advancing to 85° with sun
heat, admitting a little air at every favourable opportunity. Sprinkling
the paths will be needed about 8 A.M. and 3 p.m. until the fruit is full
grown, when a drier atmosphere will be advisable. Cut out all super¬
fluous laterals, well thinning the old foliage so that the fruit may have
the full benefit of the autumn sun. Before the ground is soaked by the
autumn rains secure the required quantity of soil for next year’s crop —
rather strong loam taken off with its turf, stacking it grass side downwards,
adding about a bushel of quicklime to every cartload will be in capital con¬
dition by spring.

PLANT HOUSES.

Shading. — The blinds that have been used for breaking the sun’s
rays may be taken down and stored for the winter. They must be
perfectly dry before they are rolled up, and the position in which they
are placed must be free from damp or they will be of but little service
another year. A note should now be made of what blinds that are too
old for further use, and new ones should be prepared during the winter
so that they are ready for use when required. This work is generally
delayed until the spring, but, at that season work presses in every depart¬
ment. A little shade will still be needed for Ferns, but this must be as
light as possible, and allowed only to be down when the sun is very
bright. Prepare these plants to stand full light as early as it can possibly
be done. All shade must be dispensed with for those plants that have
been grown to supply fronds for cutting. The blinds must be left on
Orchid houses for a few weeks longer, but they should only be used when
the sun is very bright. The majority that have completed their growth
and are ripening their pseudo-bulbs must not be shaded. The blinds
must be used for Odontoglossums for some time yet.

Housing and Cleaning. — Washing and painting must be pushed
on rapidly, so that the various plants can be housed in their respective
positions for the winter. In many instances this is the most convenient
time of the year for painting, commencing with the warm structures and
finishing with cool houses. When done in early autumn the houses are
light and clean for the winter, and the paint has a chance to become
properly hardened during the period that less moisture is used. It is a
wise plan to thoroughly dry, before painting, stoves and such structures
by the removal of all the plants for a short space of time. This not only
assists wonderfully in the preservation of the wood, but the paint remains
in g rod condition much longer. This is not always practicable, but
when possible it should be done. Before the houses are painted, how¬
ever, the glass should be thoroughly washed to free it from dirt. This
is necessary in the neighbourhood of towns outs’de as well as in, for the
latter is generally coated with soot which, if not persistently removed,
acts as a shade. The glass must be clean, so 'that every ray of light can
reach the plants during the winter.

Cleaning Plants. — All plants should be thoroughly cleaned before
they are returned to the structures that have been washed or painted. It
is a bad practice to place clean plants in a dirty house, but worse t > place
insect-infested plants in a clean house. If insects have been kept in
check during the summer and the plants well cleaned at this season, little
trouble will be experienced another summer. Azaleas, as they are housed,
should be dipped or syringed, as the case may be, according to size, if
there has been any thrips upon them during the season. A very few
upon these plants spread rapidly when introduced into heat to force them
into bloom, and quickly destroy the appearance of the plant. A good
solution for this purpose is tobacco water about the colour of stout, half
an ounce of softsoap dissolved in each gallon of the solution, and a piece
of common washing soda about the size of a cob nut to the same quan¬
tity. Azaleas should be under cover if they can only be sheltered from
heavy rains in Peach houses and vineries, until their proper position has
been cleaned for them.

Heaths and Epacris. — Soft as well as hardwooded varieties must be
under coyer. The latter must occupy a light airy place in toe greenhouse
with their pots standing upon gravel or some other moisture-holding
material. Abundance of air must be admitted to them day an! night
whenever the weather allows of this being done, for some weeks too
much air cannot be admitted. The softwooted Heaths and Epacris will
succeed very well in frames where they can be sheltered from slight
frosts and heavy rains, the latter do the most injury. Now that the
flower buds are formed in the majority a slight check must not be given,
either by being allowed to become too wet, too dry, or from frost. A
check in their present stage would ruin the display of bloom for the
season. E. hyemalis and others ar« very apt to go blind if subjected to
the very slightest check, l’he lights may be entirely off these plants
during the day when the weather is fine, and at night when mild and no
appearance of frost. Acacias, Correas, Cytiaus, Eriostemon, AphelexiB,
Pimeleas, Pleromas, greenhouse Rhododendrons, and many other plants
must be placed where they can be protected, the same as advised for
Heaths.

Camellias. — Some care is needed when these plants are removed from
the outside and placed under glass. Very frequently a check is given to
the plants, which results in their casting the majority of their flower buds.
The foliage must be thoroughly cleaned, but in their present stage strong
insecticides must not be used. Abundance of air must be given after the
plants are housed, and great care exercised in supplying them with water
at their roots. The soil must not be allowed to approach dryness, or the
buds are certain to fall. The plants must also be liberally syringed twice
daily, and a liberal quantity of moisture maintained in the atmosphere.
They should stand upon some moisture-holding material, for a dry or
close atmosphere at the present time is unsuitable for them.

Daphne indica. — The whole stock of these plants should be in cold
frames, where abundance of air can be admitted to them, but where they
can be protected from heavy rains. Those that have set their buds may
occupy a cool airy greenhouse if they can stand upon gravel that is kept
moist. Any house where frost only is excluded will suit them admirably.
Those that have not set buds may be plunged in a c old frame ready for
the winter, where they will be perfectly safe and better than if housed in
the greenhouse. They are nearly hardy, and frost will not injure them
when the pots are plunged and the protection of a frame given them.

Choisya ternata. — These plants may remain outside for fully another
month, for a few degrees of frost will do them no harm. It is hardy in
some localities, and only needs the protection of a cold frame during the
winter. It is ruined in heat, and soon becomes prey to red spider if
placed in dry sultry positions. It flowers freely in the spring by the aid
of cool greenhouse treatment. If kept cool it will bloom at a time when
it will prove very serviceable for the conservatory, when many spring-
fljwering plants are over.

Hydrangea paniculata grandiflora. — This is even more beautiful in
pots for conservatory decoration from July onwards than when grown in
outside borders. To have plants in good condition for this purpose strong
plants sh uld be lifted from the borders and placed into 6 to 8-inch pots
at once. If lifted while the foliage is upon them, they will become
partially established before winter and then start freely into growth next
spring. Plants may be obtained from nurseries for the same purpose if
the necessary injunctions are given for the roots to be thoroughly
moistened before they are dispatched. If allowed to become dry no
advantage will be gained by potting them at the present time. These
plants do well in good fibry loam enriched with decayed manure.

THE FLOWER GARDEN AND PLEASURE GROUND.

Late Displays. — Although we have experienced several cold, frosty
nights, very little harm was d me, and the majority of beds and borders
are, considering the time of year, exceptionally gay. Even Zmal Pelar¬
goniums, which with us are usually shabby by the middle of Septem¬
ber, are yet very bright with colour, and Ageratums, Lobelias, Calceolarias,
Heliotropes, and Tuberous Begonias are all still at their best. The last-
named are quite opposite to the Zonal Pelargoniums in their character, a
showery season suiting them, while the Pelargoniums delight in dry
weather. Oa the whole the Begonias, whether in masses or planted thinly
with a carp ding of Mesembryanthemum cordifolium variegatum, are the
most attractive, and no amount of rain apparently disfigures them ; come
quently we cannot dj better than to plant them in large numbers.
Doubtless certain growers do possess strains very suitable for bedding
out, and this may lead some to think those that are considered extra
choice are not robust enough for the open air. This is a mistaken notion,
however, and in-tead of raising and planting out the strong-growing
inferior sorts, the preference should be given to seed saved at the present
time from the choicest varieties, named and otherwise, and this, if
sown early in January, will germinate quickly. Seedlings thus raised
may be had by the thousand, and can be grown large enough to plant out
the same season, and will be extra fine the next year. In many gardens
the beds and borders are supposed to be particularly gay late in August
and as far into October as the frosts will permit. For this purpose Antir¬
rhinums in separate colours or mixed, Pentstemons, the earliest flower¬
ing autumn and Ead Lothian Stocks, Zinnias including the free-growing
yellow variety Z. Haageana flore pleno, and Asters in variety all raised
fr >m seed the same season, prove most serviceable. We have cut many
basketfuls for various Harvest Thanksgivings this season, and there are
still plenty left for effect. The back rows of the borders containing the=e
are composed of single Dahlias in variety, and Cactus Dahlias, among
which may be included the medium-height and wonderfully floriferous
Glare of the Garden. Dahlias Juarezi and Constance are always very
grand in the autumn and afford heavy supplies of cut blooms, and the
same may be said of the charming white Pompon Guiding Star. In the
herbaceous borders the Japanese Anemones, white and rose-coloured, are
very gay, and these and the tall-growing very floriferous Pyrethrum uli-
ginosum all afford unlimited supplies of lovely cut blooms.

The earliest flowering Chrysanthemums are very effective in the mixed
borders, and some of these may, when the break-up commences, be plant id
against walls or whore they may be roughly protected from frosts. We
group a good number of the most useful sorts, including Madame Desgrange,
Soeur Melanie, Alexander Dufour, Snowdrop, the Bundle family, Julie
Lagravere, and Elaine, where they can have a rough framework formed
over them, on this being stretched heavy blinds that we have principally
tor protecting Apricot blossom, and with this aid wonderful masses of
bloom are obtained. It may have been genemlly observed that Curysan-
ihemums planted on good ground and stopped but once after they are
plauted are remarkably free-blooming, in this respect being far superior to
pot-grown plants. This year Roses, especially the Teas, are very continuous
flowering, and mmy are very beautiful at the present time (September

Ostobsr 7. 18S6. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

829

29tb), notably Hnmbre, Catherine Meimet, Isabella Sprunt, Madame
Lambard, S .uvenir de Paul Neyron, Gloire de Dijon, Devoniensis, Alba
R sea, Adam, C >mtesse de Nadaillac,Anna Ollivier, and Marie Van Houtte.
Cheshunt Hybrid is very fine both against sunny walls and on standard
Briar st' ck^, while the Brurbun Souvenir de la Malmaison on its own
roots is the most continuous and free blooming of all. Of the Hybrid
Perpetuals the best at this time are Captain Christy, La Frartce, Countess
of Oxford, Jules Margottin, John Hopper, Baronne de Rothschild, Mer-
veille de Lyon, Charles Lefebvre, Etienne Levet, and Duke of Edinburgh.
Violets are now abundant, especially where the plants are not at all
crowded. Those of the Czar type are seldom killed by frosts, but in very
cold weather they do not bloom. If there are any handlights or frames
available these may be utilised for covering a breadth of plants, or some of
the strongest clumps may be lifted and planted in them. The best, how¬
ever, for frames are the Neapolitans, notably Marie Louise and New York,
and as these are not at all hardy some protection ought to he afforded
them. They should be planted near the glass, and must not be forced or
“ stewed up,” Given plenty of light and air they, if protected when
■necessary, rarely fail to pay for the little extra trouble taken with them.

MOVING BEES.

Questions have been often asked in this Journal as to the
cause of bees dwindling during the winter that had been
moved during the beginning of winter or end of autumn.
The cause of the dwindling was not difficult to explain, but
when we see advice frequently given in contemporaries to
move bees in so reckless a fashion, it is not out of place to
give a word or two of caution to those who contemplate acting
on it.

A hive of bees standing isolated from others may, on a
fine day in summer, be moved from 50 to 100 yards with
safety. Beyond retarding the bees in their labours a few
hours they will not otherwise suffer. After they have searched
out their hive the stream of bees will be constant and con¬
tinuous towards it, and the humming made generally results
in the bees marking the new site of their hive, and appear¬
ing to communicate the change to the inmates, so that an
hour or two suffices for the bees to continue their labours as
if no change had been made.

It is very different, however, if a hive is moved a short
distance when the temperature is not higher than 50° or 60°,
and when the air is chilling. In such cases the bees on
leaving their hive fly naturally to their old site, and before
they can attempt to seek the new one they fall victims to
the chilling winds, few, if any, returning to their hive.
The only safe method of moving bees to another part of the
garden from where they stand, or short distances at this
season or during the spring, is to remove them at least three
miles until they have forgotten their old site, then return
them to the new one.

How long should bees be away before being returned ? is
an important question. We used to regard three weeks as
sufficient time, with the black bee, between the first removal
and the second one, but we have just experienced a striking
example which proves the contrary to be the case with the
Eastern races. Fully six weeks elapsed between taking our
bees to the Heather this year and bringing them back, two
hives, one a Carniolian, the other a Syrian. On being re¬
leased, the drones flew back to their old site, as I expected,
but contrary to my expectations, so did the Syrian bees,
which were all killed by the Carniolians. Nor was this all.
I always endeavour to preserve the original appearance of all
my hives when being taken to and brought from the Heather,
otherwise many bees will be lost. This I did not neglect,
but I was less careful in preserving the same height from the
ground as they were at the Heather. In those I had raised
a little the bees came out and alighted on the ground ; had
the day been cold every one would have been lost, but as it
was fine they soon regained the entrance. All went well,
but the lesson need not be thrown away, and bee-keepers
should become impressed with the foregoing facts, so that
they need not wilfully destroy their bees. __ nzz:-

THE HEATHER HONEY HARVEST.

The Heather honey harvest this year will undoubtedly be
a small one. I am not yet in a position to record an accurate
report of my own harvest, but at an early date I will give the
comparative making of the different varieties, and under
different management, as previously premised. I may, how¬
ever, state that both Cyprians and Syrians have eclipsed all
other varieties, so much that if bee-keepers would purchase
one queen only, one hive would repay double the money in¬
vested the first season. A little less manipulation and more
care will soon overcome the stinging propensities of these
bees. Foreign varieties of bees have been condemned by
many without being able to give the slightest evidence in
support of their inferiority. Some people condemn these
through prejudice only, while they are actually reaping large
harvests of honey unwittingly through their introduction. I
could cite many such cases, but I will confine myself to one
individual who has been a bee-keeper fifty years. During
the first twenty-five years of his bee-keeping life with the old
black bee, he had not as much honey as he took from his
crossed stock last year. True, he had advanced from the
skep to the Stewarton system, but the large takes of honey
are entirely due to the introduction of the foreign bees which
have crossed with his, but he will not acknowledge it. It is
always pleasant to meet with people open to conviction, and
who express themselves honestly. I had the good fortune to
meet with a lady bee keeper who, along with her husband, is
an enthusiast with bees. While recounting her good fortune
with their bees this year, both at home and at the Heather,
she said, “ These weights were all owing to the Ligurian
bees. We never had so much honey until we kept Ligurians.”

1 mention these facts with the view of encouraging others,
and to dispel the prejudice of ignorance that spreads more
rapidly than truth. — A Lanarkshire Bee-keeper.

ARRANGEMENT OF HIVES.

In laying out the grounds for an apiary, and at the annual addition to
the same, it is of considerable importance how the hives are arranged,
both in their relative position towards each other and towards the honey
house and other objects on the ground. I will proceed to point out first
the way in which they should not be placed ; second, the different ways
in which they may be arranged, both in regard to the safety and comfort
of the bees, and also in regard to the convenience of the owner.

Hives should not be placed too near each other, as there is danger of
the bees (particularly the younger ones) entering the wrong hive and
being killed as intruders ; also of the queens making the same mistake
when returning from their “ weddiDg trip ” or in swarming, when a queen
with clipped wing running on the ground and finding herself unable to
follow the swarm attempts to re-enter the hive.

Hives should not be placed together on benches, as one hive cannot be
examined or manipulated without disturbing all the other hives on the
same bench, putting the bees on their guard and making them ready for
an attack on the bee-keeper before he opens another hive. Benches also
afford a convenient runway for ants, to the great annoyance of the bees
as well as their owner. Hives should not be placed near Willow hedges,
Cottonwood, or any other trees which harbour ants, nor under evergreen
trees, which give shade when the bees ought to have full benefit of sun.

A high knoll exposed to severe wind ; uneven ground, interspersed
with gullies or boulders ; low, damp ground, abounding in grass or weeds,
which interfere with the free circulation of air around the hives, and which
harbour toads and other enemies are to be avoided. Close sheds, boarded
up on all sides but the front, will make it uncomfortably hot for the bees
during summer, and may cause the combs to melt and break down.

Hives should not be placed in close proximity to dwelling houses,
stables, line-fences, or public highways, as the bees are liable to be dis¬
turbed and to become annoying, and often dangerous to people and
animals ; nor near haystacks, as the fire occasionally employed in the
apiary may, through an accident, become the cause of a conflagration.
Hives should never be placed close against a building or fence. There
should be sufficient room, so that the operator can stand at the rear of the
hives when he is at work, and thereby avoid annoying the bees by being
in their way while they are flying out and in at the entrance.

A clean, sandy plat, free from brush, weeds, bushes, evergreen trees,
boulders, and other obstructions is the best location for any apiary. The
ground should have a gentle slope, and the hives face towards the east or
south-east that the morning sun may shine on the entrances, which will
induce the bees to fly out earlier in the morning than if the entrance is
shaded. The entrance to all the hives should be in full view from the
honey house, that the owner may see at a glance from which hive a
swarm is issuing, or where robbing is going on.

For the safety and convenience of the bees and queens the hives should b
as near the ground as possible, each hive resting on its separate stand

lllHE) BEE-K£EPFR.*1:

I - I ... I - - - I - I . , - , ■ 1 ■ L • t - t‘ -_T -_1 I - i -_l ._) -_L- GAM

830

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Octob r 7, P8S

made of boards, or simply of four bricks orof blocks sawed from the scantling.
When a building is erected there will often be a lot of ends and waste
pieces of scantling, which can be sawed into such blocks instead of using
them as kindling and firewood. Hives should not be placed directly on
the ground, as it will rot the bottom boards and harbour ants, but the
earth may be banked np even with the entrance, bo that spiders, toads,
and lizards cannot find a hiding place underneath.

The hives may be placed in long rows in hexagonal form, or in any
other position towards each other which will make it most convenient for
the operator, but should always be so far apart that a wheelbarrow can be
run between them in any direction. If shade trees are planted in the
apiary they should be so placed that they do not interfere with such free
passage ; they should be kept trimmed up that the lower branches do hot
annoy the bee-keeper at his work, and should be thinned out when
necessary that they do not give too dense a shade. All other trees or
bushes provided for the swarms to settle on should be on the outer edge
of the apiary.

A small running stream or a well near the apiary is indispensable. It
will be most convenient to have the apiary located at the rear of the honey
house. If the ground is sloping, and the house below the hives, it will
facilitate the carrying of honey from the hives to the house. The space
in front of the honey house should be left unobstructed, so that a team
may be driven up to the door. — (The American Bee Journal.)

THE HONEY MARKET.

In your impression of September 23rd there is an article by “ Felix,’’
on “ Home Markets for Our Honey,” in which he takes for gianted that
the British Honey Company is a failure, because none of those shareholders
who were present at the reading of Mr. Seager’s paper joined issue with
Mr. Seager on the policy of the establishment of the Company.

The reason why I did not speak on this subject of the paper was, that
we were promised a paper by Mr. Stewart on “ The Honey Market,”
and I thought that this question would be better discussed after we had
heard this paper ; but unfortunately 1 was not present on the latter
occasion, though Messrs. Cowan, Garratt, Jenyns, and others took part in
the discussion.

During 1885 the B.H.C. purchased upwards of £1000 worth of honey,
and the supply was found to be so much greater than the demand that we
were forced to stop buying extracted honey, and even sections, and if
“ Felix ” will take the trouble to refer to the B. J. he will find that this
was the case.

Again, we should only be too glad if Mr. Seager, “ Felix,” or anyone
else will share the profits of our first year’s working, for, as was expected,
they are on the wrong side, and it is all but certain that there will be
little or any pi ofit this year, as the expenses of starting i he Company,
wages, &e., leave a large amount to be realised before any of those
enormous profits which are so touchingly described will go into the
pockets of the shareholders.

But we are the more certain that the Company is a success. The
“ clique ” are represented by over 400 shareholders, who hold 6000 shares,
the sales of honey have been steadily increasing, and lart month £250 of
honey was sold.

We bave not purchased a single ounce of foreign honey, though we
could have been supplied with pure foreign honey at about half the price
of British honey. What we have done is to increase to a very great
extent the demand for British honey, and if this goes on increasing it
will lead to two results. First, to make the sale of honey very much
easier to the producer, either directly or indirectly, through the much-
maligned middleman ; and second, to increase the value of honey.

The reason for this is self-evident. If we can pay our way and return
a dividend to our shareholders with a monthly sale of £250, we can afford
a much higher price for honey if our sales are double the amount, as the
expenses do not increase in anything like the same proportion, and if the
demand approaches the supply or exceeds it the price will infallibly
rise.

In inviting subscriptions for shares we were extremely careful not to
hold out or “ dangle ” (a quaint old Icelandic word), any delusive dreams
of an El Dorado dividend. We believe that the shareholders will get a
fair dividend commensurate with the risk.

Another company which was floated about the same time, and which
received such able advocacy, has gone into liquidation, after having been
obliged to call up their capital. As far as the directors of the B.H.C. are
concerned their fees also are a minus quantity, and, personally, I am some
pounds out of pocket for railway fares, &c., without taking into considera¬
tion the responsibility and the loss of professional time. — George
Walker, Wimbledon.

DEATH OF MR. JAMES ANDERSON, DALRY,

AYRSHIRE.

The above noted apiarian, and occasional contributor to this Journal,
died at his residence, Drakemyre, Dairy, Ayrshire, on Thursday, 23rd
September, at the age of seventy-two years. His father died a few years
since at the advanced age of ninety years. Mr. Anderson has been for many
years a martyr to bronchitis, and some years since visited America with
the view of bettering his health and visiting his son in the far west. On
Mr. Anderson’s return from America he recounted before a large audience,
who had made him their guest, his experience of bee-keeping in America,
as well as that of this country, together with his first attempts at bee¬

keeping and ultimate success at the first Crystal Palace bee show held in
London. He, at that time, took safely to London about half a ton of the
famed exquisite Ayrshire sup-rs of honeycomb, which gave a stimulus to
the bee-keepers of the south, and which display was described in the
Times newspaper as “ eclipsing everything of its kind.”

He was a regular attender at all bee-gatherings, either as a judge of
honey or as a visitor. During his last illness, which dates from the
Dumfries Show, where he last acted as a judge, he has been visited by
many old and tried friends. Mr. Anderson was sociable, kind-hearted,
and a man of great integrity, tuch as “ Neither kings nor statesmen could
make.”

TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

T. S. Ware, Tottenham. — Catalogues of Bulbs, Daffodils , and Lilies.
James Dickson (fcjSons, Chester. — Select Boses for 1886-7.

Wm. Paul & Son, Waltham Cross, Herts. — Catalogue of Boses for 1886-7
( illustrated ).

Edmund Philip Dixon, Hull. — Catalogue of Boses, Fruit, Forest, and
Ornamental Trees.

Wm. Baylor Hartland, Cork. — Little Books of Daffodils, Oxlips , and
Primroses, and Abridged List of Hyacinths, Tulips , <fc.

All correspondence should be directed either to “ The Editor ”
or to “ The Publisher.” Letters addressed to Dr. Hogg or
members of the staff often remain unopened unavoidably. We
request that no one will write privately to any of our correspon¬
dents, as doing so subjects them to unjustifiable trouble and
expense.

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions relat¬
ing to Gardening and those on Bee subjects, and should never
send more than two or three questions at once. All articles in¬
tended for insertion should be written on one side of the paper
only. We cannot reply to questions through the post, and we
do not undertake to return rejected communications.

NAMING FRUITS. — In consequence of the absence of our fruit referee
from London fruits cannot be named by him during the month of October.

Gardeners’ Benefit Society (A. Y. Z.). — We presume you require the
addresses of the Secretaries of the London and the Leeds Societies. They
are as follows : Mr. J. F. McElroy, Moray Lodge, Campden Hill, K '-using-
ton, W. ; and Mr. W. Sunley, Bacchus Hill, Moor Allerton, Leeds.

Peaches to Ripen from the Beginning of July until the End of August
(A. S.). — We presume you do not intend to use much fire heat, perhaps
only a little in spring to ensure the safety of the blossom and the embryo
fruit. Waterloo, Hales’ Early, Dagmar, Dr. Hogg, Condor, Crimson Galande,
and Goshawk are good varieties.

Pyramid Pears (Idem).— It wanted for the open ground the following
will be useful : — Gansel’s Bergamot, Doyenne Boussoch, Pitmaston Duchess
Doyenne du Comice, Durondeau, Marie Louise d’Uccle, Beurrd Bachelier,’
Josephine de Malines, Marie Benoist, Monarch, Bergamotte Esperen,
and Easter Beurre.

Conifer for Lawn (A Doctor ). — Of the Cypresses there is none more
elegant than C. Lawsoniana. It is of free growth, spreading, and very
beautiiul. It is not, however, so hardy, and does not stand wind so well as
C. nutkeensis (Thuiopsis borealis), a free-growing and very beautiful tree.
It is of conical growth, somewhat spreading, and most graceful. Of
Junipers, one of the hardiest and most ornamental is Juniperus chinensis.
It is of pyramidal though somewhat spreading growth. J. thurifera is one
of the best and most beautiful lawn trees. It forms a dense conical pillar,
symmetrical in form.

Muscat Grapes Shrivelling (Idem). — The Grapes shrivelling is no doubt
due to a check given duriDg the ripening, and nothing will restore them to
plumpness. It is the same with many other Grapes besides Muscat of
Alexandria, notably Mrs. Pince, and is peculiar to those Grapes with the
Muscat flavour, being very common to Frontignans. The only remedy
is to maintain a suitable temperature after ripening commences until the
Grapes are ripe. The berries of white Grapes shrink all over, but black
ones, like Mrs. Pince, shiivel at the footstalk end of the berry only,
where there is the least colour. It is a very interesting matter, and is
common this season, pointing to the necessity of starting early and assist¬
ing the Vim s in the early stages, so as to have the Grapes ripen whilst
there is plenty of sun heat to insure their satisfactory and complete finish.

Cut Flowers at the Edinburgh Show (Stuart (j- Mein). — The report
to which you refer reached us a week after the date of the Show, and too
late for insertion. In answer to your request for our reporter’s opinion
as to how the Gladioli stood in his estimation, especially as com¬
pared with the Crystal Palace collection,” we find he stated, as regards
cut flowers generally, that “ the palm must decidedly rest with the southern
Show.” As regards Gladioli, he was “ greatly disappointed ; they were
washed-out, and, beyond the first prize stand of Messrs. Stuart & Mein, no
others were in any way noticeable.”

October 7, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

381

Vine Leaves Injured [Clift -n). — The leaves have their tissues destroyed
by something noxious ; it may be vapour arising from something on the
pipes, or is probably due to an escape of gas into the house from the
gas boiler outside. The leaves are covered with a white powder, which
would lead to the conclusion of their being subjected to a syringing
with water containing lime, but the particles may only be an accumula¬
tion of dust, or of the remains of a lime wash shading. In the absence
of particulars we are unable to h> lp you to a solution. The appearances
all point to the deleterious effect of some fumes or vapour, and we think
there has been an escape of gas.

Violet Leaves Spotted (IF. B.). — The leaves of the Violet plant are
simply showing the effects of the treatment they have been subjected to
through the summer. The cause is a drawn, weak, thin-textured growth,
which may haw been induced by a loose soil, too close planting, and shade,
or by want of moisture iu summer. The foliage being of thin texture, it is
highly susceptible of injury, especially by damp ; and though we attribute
scorching to the sun, it is really a consequence of moisture hanging on thin
tissues for some time, the sudden or excessive evaporation of which causing
the scorching. The only remedy is to grow the plants in firm soil, to allow
them plenty of room, so that the growth can be thoroughly solidified by
light and air, and to water and mulch in dry weather so as to maintain a
good root-action for the support of the growth. There is no disease.
The foliage will die, and when most of it is down the plants should be
trimmed and given a light mulching of leaf soil or old hotbed manure,
keeping it as much as possible off the crowns. The double varieties, through
their less and firmer growth, are not so susceptible to damp as the single
varieties, but they will succumb at a later period, to a greater or less extent,
accordingly as they have firm or thin-textured foliage.

Destroying Worms on Lawn (Idem). — The safest plan is to use lime
water. A peck of lime put into a tub containing 40 gallons of water, stirred
well, and allowed to stand until clear, is fit for use. The lime should be
quick or fresh slaked, the water clear, and the clear lime-water only used.
The lawn must be well rolled the day before applying the lime-water, so as
to close the old worm holes and get the worms to open fresh ones, and if
moist weather is chosen the worms will be nearer the surface and the more
readily reached. About 12 gallons will be required to saturate a rod of
lawn, or 30J square yards, so as to destroy the worms or bring them to the
surface, from which they may be swept off.

Blinds for Shading Greenhouse (An Old Subscriber). — Spring blinds
are best fixed inside, and should be fixed so as to be 3 or 4 inches from
the glass, so as to allow air to have access, but should be so disposed as
to not admit sunlight, as would be the case did the blinds not overlap
the glass or fit in between!the mullions or front uprights. Ours are fixed
like ordinary window blinds. They remain on all the year, as they are
used in winter when the house is lighted, and are useful at night in severe
weather. They are of linen, and unbleached, striped with red lines, and
are very serviceable. The roof is washed outside in summer with whiten¬
ing shading or summer cloud, and washed off before winter. When the
blinds are fixed outside lhe wind and weather soon plays havoc with
them. The Parisian blinds answer well for Ferns, Palms, and siimilar
plants, and for use on winter nights they are valuable, arresting radiation
and saving fuel.

Names of Fruits. — The names and addresses of senders of fruit to be named
must in all cases be enclosed with the specimens, whether letters referring
to the fruit are sent by post or not. The names are not necessarily required
for publication, initials sufficing for that. Only six specimens can be
named at once, and surplus fruits beyond that number cannot be preserved.
(J. O. M.). — 1, Curl Tail ; 2, White Calville ; 3, Potts’ Seedling ; 4, Purse-
mouth ; 5, Trumpington ; 6, Norfolk Stone Pippin. (A. A.). — 1, Passe Col¬
mar ; 2, Bergamotte Cadette ; 3, Williams’ Bon Chretien ; 4, Fondante
d’Automne ; 5, Bishop’s Thumb ; 6, Beurre Kestner. (TV. M.). — 1, Knight’s
Lemon Pippin ; 2, Winter Greening; 3, Potts’ Seedling; 4, Hawthornden ;
5, Ribston Pippin ; G, Sturmer Pippin. (J. TV., Perskore). — Court-Pendu
Plat. (John Henderson). — The Apple cannot be identified even by com¬
parison with the Chiswick collection. It is probably local. No. 2 Pear,
Doyennb Boussoch ; 3, Uvedale’s St. Germain. (T. Newbold). — 1, Urba-
niste ; 2, Henri Capron ; 3, Beurrh Clairgeau (small).

Names of Plants. — We only undertake to name species of plants, not
varieties that have originated from seed and termed florists’ flowers.
Flowering specimens are necessary of flowering plants, and Fern fronds
should bear spores. Specimens should arrive in a fresh state in firm
boxes. Slightly damp moss or soft green leaves form the best packing, dry
cotton wool the worst. Not more than six specimens can be named at once.
(J. H.). — Pyrus (Sorbus) pinnatifida. (J. W. L .). — The Mexican Orchid is
probably Stanhopea oculata, but the flower was in such bad condition that
it was difficult to recognise. You will find a good figure of it in the
“ Botanieal Magazine,” plate 5300, and in the “ Botanical Register,” plate
1800. Two other Mexican Stanhopeas in cultivation, but differing greatly
from S. oculata in the boldness of the markings, are S. Martiana and
S. tigrina, both of which are figured in the “ Botanical Register,” the
former in 1844, plate 44, and the latter in 1839, plate 1. (J. J.). — 1, Aster
novae angliae ; 2, Diplopappus cornifolius ; 3, Alternanthera paronychioides
aurea; 4, Alternanthera versicolor; 5, Alternanthera magnifies ; 6, Alter¬
nanthera paronychioides major. (IF. G. S.). — Fuchsia procumbens.
(TV. H.). — We cannot recognise the tree from leafless twigs ; it somewhat
resembles a Birch.

COYENT GARDEN MARKET.— October 6th.

The supply of soft fruit has fallen off considerably. Good samples of

Cobs selling.

FRUIT.

Apples .

$ 9ieve

3.

1

d.

6

S.

to 4

d.

0

Melon .

a.

1

d. a.

0 to 2

d.

0

Cherries .

£ sieve

0

0

0

0

Oranges .. ..

6

0

12

0

Cobs .

100 lb.

60

0

65

0

Peaches .

perdoz .

4

0

8

0

Currants, B'ack ..

4 sieve

0

0

0

0

Pears .

. dozen

1

0

1

6

„ Red . .

) sieve

0

0

0

0

Pine Apples English., lb.

2

0

2

6

Figs .

dozen

0

6

0

9

Plums .

4 sieve

i

0

2

0

Grapes .

0

6

s

0

St. Michael Pines

. .each

4

0

6

0

Lemons .

0

15

0

Strawberries .. .

per ft.

0

0

0

0

VEGETABLES.

Artichokes ..

.. dozen

a.

1

d. 8.
0 to 0

d

0

Lettuce .. ..

i

d.

0

s.
to 1

d

6

Asparagus

.. bundle

0

0

0

0

Mushrooms ..

.. punnet

0

6

1

0

Beans, Kidney

per bushel

2

0

3

0

Mustard and Cress punnet

0

2

0

0

Beet, Red

.. dozen

i

0

2

0

Onions .. ..

0

s

0

0

Broccoli . . ..

0

0

0

0

Parsley .. dozen bunches

2

0

8

0

Brussels Sprouts

.. 4 sieve

0

0

0

0

Parsnips .. ..

1

0

a

0

Cabbage .. ..

1

6

0

0

Potatoes . . ..

4

0

6

0

Capsicums

100

1

6

2

0

,, Kidney

.. cwt.

4

8

5

0

Carrots . . • •

0

4

0

0

Rhubarb .. ..

0

8

0

6

Cauliflowers ..

.. dozen

3

0

4

0

Salsafy .. ..

1

0

1

0

Celery . . . .

1

6

2

0

Scorzonera

.. bundle

i

6

0

0

Coleworts doz. bunches

2

0

4

0

Soakale .. ..

per basket

0

0

0

0

Cucumbers ..

. . each

0

8

0

4

Shallots ..

0

s

0

s

Endive .. ..

1

0

2

0

Spinach .. ..

8

0

4

4

Heros .. ..

0

2

0

0

Tomatoes

0

2

0

6

Leeks • . • .

0

8

0

4

Turnips .. ..

0

4

0

0

PLANTS IN POTS.

s.

d.

s.

d.

s. d.

S.

a.

Aralia Sieboldi . . dozen

9

0 to 18

0

Ficus elastica

. . each

1 6 to 7

0

Arbor ritse (golden) dozen

0

0

0

0

Fuchsia

per dozen

2 6

6

0

„ (common) dozen

6

0

12

0

Foliage Plants, var. each

3 0

10

0

Asters . . . . per dozen

3

0

6

0

Heliotrope

per dozen

4 0

6

0

Bedding Plants, var. doz.

0

0

0

0

Hydrangea ..

per dozen

6 0

12

0

Begonias . . . . dozen

4

0

9

0

Ivy Geraniums

per dozen

0 0

0

0

Calceolaria . . per dozen

0

0

0

0

Lilium auratum

per doz.

.2 0

80

9

Chrysanthemum . . dozen

6

0

12

0

lancifolium per doz.

0 0

0

0

Cineraria . . . . dozen

0

0

0

0

„ longifloram per doz

0 0

0

0

Cockscombs per dozen

3

0

4

0

Lobelias . . . .

per dozen

0 0

0

0

Cyperus . dozen

4

0

12

0

Marguerite Daisy dozen

6 0

9

0

Dracaena terminalis, dozen 30

0

60

0

Mignonette . .

per dozen

3 0

6

0

„ viridis . . dozen 12

0

24

0

Musk . . . .

per dozen

0 0

0

0

Erica, various . . dozen

9

0

12

0

Myrtles . . . .

6 0

12

0

Euonymus, in var. dozen

6

0

18

0

Palms, in var.

. . each

2 6

21

0

Evergreens, in var. dozen

6

0

24

0

Pelargoniums, scarlet, doz.

8 0

6

0

Ferns, in variety . . dozen

.4

0

18

0

Pelargoniums

per dozen

6 0

9

0

CUT FLOWERS.

8

d.

s.

d.

s. d.

8.

a.

Abntilons . . 12 bunches

2

0 to 4

0

Lily of the Valley, 12 sprays

0 0

to 0

0

Ageratum .. 12 bunches

2

0

3

0

Marguerites ..

12 bunches

2 0

6

0

Arum Lilies . . 12 blooms

4

0

t

0

Mignonette . .

12 bunches

1 0

8

0

Asters . . . , 12 bunches

0

3

0

6

Myosotis

12 bunches

1 6

3

0

Bourardias .. per bunch

0

S

1

0

Pelargoniums, per 12 trusses

0 9

1

0

Camellias . . 12 blooms

4

0

8

0

„ scarlet, 12 trusses

0 3

0

c

Carnations . . 12 blooms

1

0

8

0

Roses

12 bunches

2 0

9

0

„ .. 12bunohes

3

0

6

0

„ (indoor),

per dozen

0 6

2

0

Chrysanthemums 12 bches.

3

0

6

0

„ Tea.. ..

. . dozen

0 9

1

9

„ 12 blooms

1

0

0

6

„ red

. . dozen

0 8

1

0

Coreopsis .. 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

„ Moss

12 buncheB

0 0

0

0

Cornflower .. 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Pyrethrum . .

12 bunches

8 0

6

0

Dahlia* . . 12 bunches

3

0

4

0

Spiraea . . . .

12 sprays

9 0

0

0

Epiphyllum . . doz. blooms

0

6

0

0

Stephanotis . .

12 sprays

4 0

6

0

Eucharis . . per dozen

2

0

4

0

Stocks, various

12 bunches

3 0

5

0

Gardenias .. 12 blooms

2

0

4

0

Sunflowers

0 6

1

0

Gladioli .. 12 bunches

9

0

13

0

Sweet Peas ..

1 2 bunches

2 0

4

0

Hyacinths.Roman, 12 sprays

0

0

0

0

Sweet Sultan

12 bunches

0 0

0

0

Lapageria, white, 12 blooms

2

0

4

0

Tropaeolum ..

IS bunches

0 0

0

0

Lapageria, red .. 12 bloom3

1

0

2

0

Tuberoses

12 bloomB

0 4

1

0

„ lougidorum, 12 blms.

3

0

6

0

Violets .. ..

12 bunches

I 0

0

0

CHEAP LAND.

Yes, land is very cheap either to hire or purchase — so
cheap that the temptation to acquire such property is not
always to be overcome. Yet, on the whole, sales are the
reverse of brisk, and he is indeed a fortunate agent who has
not some farms coming upon his hands this Michaelmas.
Situation tells now more than it ever did in the “ good times.”
A railway station, a town, a river, all impart a special value
to property. During the past year we have had to purchase
several farms, and the price of land bo acquired may be
quoted at about £10 an acre at that number of miles from a
town or railway station, ranging upwards to about £35 an
acre near a railway. Quite recently we purchased a small
farm with an excellent house and farm buildings near a
railway station for £31 10s. an acre, and we had no difficulty
in getting five per cent, interest upon it in rent from a
tenant who was waiting to hire the farm during the sale.
This was a satisfactory transaction — much more so than
when an outlying farm is purchased, for then it is question¬
able if a tenant of any kind will offer, and the land would
only be purchased for some particular purpose.

That farms do not let easily this Michaelmas is shown by
the large number of advertisements of farms to let that

832

journal of horticulture and cottage gardener.

[ October 7, 1886.

appear daily. Fifteen shillings an acre, with tithes and
parochial taxes, may be taken as an average ef the rate at
which mixed corn and sheep farms are now let. At this rate,
if the land is sound, clean, and fertile, it ought to answer in
the hands of a really clever farmer even for Wheat growing.
The mention of Wheat leads to the inquiry if after all we are
doing better by growing other corn in preference to it. No
doubt a good sample of Barley commands a price now which
affords a fair margin of profit upon the outlay incurred in its
culture, but how few and far between are such samples this
autumn. The season has not been a favourable one for
Barley, and most of the samples we have seen were coarse
and discoloured, the price ranging from 22s. 6d. to 28s. per
quarter, or a mean of 25s. If we put the crop at an average
of 6 quarters an acre we have £7 10s. as the mean value per
acre of Barley. The straw has undoubtedly a certain value,
but it is most difficult to get a sale for it. Wheat straw on
the contrary may always be calculated to command a ready
sale at not less than £2 an acre ; if we add to this £2 for
straw, £7 12s. 6d. as the lowest amount realised per acre for
any of our Wheat this season, we have a total of £9 12s. 6d.,
and we may certainly venture to say that by superior culture
from £1 to £2 more per acre may be realised even at current
prices.

Kepeatedly are we told that the profitable culture of
Wheat is at an end in this country. We cannot admit that it
is, but we are bound to own that the margin of profit upon
it has become so narrow that in the hands of an unskilful
farmer Wheat culture may prove the reverse of profitable
now. Every foreign country having a superabundance of
Wheat sends much of its surplus to this country as one of the
best markets in the world. Several of our colonies send us
large quantities, and India is fast assuming the leading place
in this competition with the British farmer. “ To what are
we coming?” is the query which we frequently hear now
when at market. It will, therefore, prove at least interesting
to our readers to know that there are not only bounds to the
downward tendency of the price of Wheat, but that there is
also the possibility of a recovery in prices. In an important
article on “ Silver and Wheat,” recently published in the
St. James’s Gazette, we are told that “ One of the most impor¬
tant questions for the consideration of the Gold and Silver
Commission is that of the degree in which the depreciation
of silver affects the price of agricultural produce. It is under¬
stood that our farmers must take their chance under the
system of free trade, but not, perhaps, that they should be
handicapped by what to all intents and purposes is a heavy
bounty on imported produce. Such a bounty is available to
every exporting country in which a silver currency prevails.
The most familiar example is that of India, and Wheat is the
only agricultural commodity sent here from India which
seriously competes with home produce.

“ The exchange value of the rupee has recently only been a
small fraction above Is. 4d., and although there has since
been a spurt in an upward direction, it is expected that the
rate will settle down again to about this figure, more or less.
Now, the low exchange value of the rupee enables the
exporter of Indian Wheat to get a profit which would be
impossible if the rupee were at par. Suppose, for instance,
that he buys Wheat at Jubbulpore at the rate of 10 rupees
per qr. when the sea freight to this country is 6s. per qr.
According to some precise calculations recently made by the
Times of India, the cost of landing Wheat in England would
stand thus : —

Cost at Jubbulpore per qr. . .

Railway freight to Bombay

Sea freight at 6s. per qr., with exchange at le. 4>i.

Trade charges

Rs. 10 0 0

3 9 3

4 8 0
3 10 5

Total .. . Rs. 21 11 8

“ If the rupee were exchangeable at exactly Is. 4d., this
would be within a small fraction of 29s. per qr., so that even

if Wheat were as low as 80s. in London, there would be a
profit, and the exporter could keep on giving 10 rupees at
Jubbulpore. But if the rupee exchanged at its old par value
of 2s., other charges remaining the same, the cost of the
same Wheat in England would be 40s. 6d. per qr. Instead
of being able to sell in London at 80s., he would require
40s. 6d. to yield him the small profit of Is. per qr. The
consequence would be that the export of Indian Wheat would
cease until price rose considerably, which would soon happen,
as Wheat cannot be produced profitably anywhere in the
world to sell in London at 80s. per qr., and it never would
have been down to that price if the exchange value of the
rupee had not sunk so low. Of course, if the value of the
rupee in the interior of India fluctuated as in London, the
rate of exchange would not afford a bounty on the export of
Wheat ; but for rent, interest, and the few other payments
the ryot has to make, the rupee is practically unchanged from
its old value of about 2s. In effect, therefore, the buyer of
Wheat in India for export to this country has for some time
past been getting two shillings’ worth of that commodity for
Is. 6d. or less.”

WORK ON THE HOME FARM.

Again are we obliged by low prices for com to turn some part of it t>
account for sheep and pig feeding. Oats are so cheap that we shall pro¬
bably use the whole of some 600 bushels of Black Tartarian^ which we
have just threshed for sheep-feeding, in preference to buying oilcake.
13s. per qr. was the highest offer we had when offering these Oats for
sale ; that offer was declined without hesitation, pointing as it did clearly
to middleman’s profits at the expense of grower and consumer. We hare
now got the steam saw at work daily upon timber cut down last winter,
as we have urgent need of some two hundred field gates. After the wood
is cut out with the saw a man, having the help of a mortising machine,
can make three field gates in a day ; without a mortiser he would not do
more than two gates. We are now particularly engaged upon field
fencing, hedges, and gates. Nor is this the first time we have had to set
right broken fences and worn-out gates. False economy, penny wise,
pound foolish, say we, is the by far too common practice of leaving such
important matters without attention for several years. In the end a
serious outlay is involved to repair or rather renew them, but timely
attention would have saved much money, and we venture to add much
discontent on the part of the tenants. Stout oak gates are used by us
everywhere upon the farms, and it is our invariable practice to give posts,
gates and fences a thorough coating of tar as they are put up. Avoid
deal gates, for though cheap to purchase they are neither durable nor
strong. A kick by a horse will often smash them, hut it is even worse
when they are put up without paint or tar, as the tenons soon decay and
the gates tumble to pieces. Even in the simple matter of gate posts there
is incredible stupidity and carelessness. Repeatedly have we found old
posts with flat tops upon which wet lies, soaks into the poets and causes
speedy decay. If only a sharp slope is given to the top by one cut of a
saw and the entire post well tarred no wet can lodge upon it, and we have
done our best to preserve it. In putting up new gates we always like to
have a stout sill of rough oak timber under the surface of the road, to
keep the potts securely in position and prevent any of the common vexa¬
tion of a badly hung gate ;for no matter how stout a post may be, if it is
without such support there is always some risk of its being loosened in
the soil by the swinging of the gate.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Camden Square, London.

Lat. 51° 32' 40" N.; Long. 0° 8' 0" W. ; Altitude, 111 feet.

DATS.

9 A.M.

IN THB DAY.

Rain

1886.

September and
October.

Barome¬
ter at 328
and Sea
Level

Hygrome¬

ter.

Direction
of Wind.

Temp, of
Soil at

1 foot.

Shade Tem¬
perature.

Radiation

Temperature.

Dry.

Wet.

Max.

Min.

In

sun.

On

grass

Inches.

deft.

dev.

dev.

dev.

deg

dev.

dev-

In.

Sunday ....

30.093

55.2

53.6

s.

56.0

63 1

50.6

92.2

47.4

0*192

Monday .

30.009

58.1

54.9

S.W.

55.6

62.3

488

77.2

42.7

0-389

Tuesday .

39.182

54.8

50.8

s.

55.8

63.7

48.9

103.2

43.6

—

Wednesday .

. 29

30.049

63.2

60.1

E.

56 4

71.6

54.8

115.2

50.3

—

Thursday ...

. SO

29 996

60.5

56.9

S.W.

57.2

66.1

55.9

91.6

48.6

—

Friday .

29.689

56.8

56.4

E.

56.4

77.3

48.6

110.8

42.3

0-052

Saturday ...

. 2

29.911

55.2

50.8

w.

57.2

66.3

47.9

103 6

43.1

—

29.982

57.7

54.8

56.4

67.2

50.8

99.1

45.4

0*633

REMARKS.

26th.— A wet morning ; fine afterwards.

27th.— Dull and windy; wet in late afternoon and in evening.

28th.— A fine bright morning ; dull afternoon and evening.

29th. — A glorious day— bright and warm, with strong S.W. breeze.

80th.— Bright early ; dull overcast morning ; fine bright afternoon and evening.

1st— Fog early ; a glorious day ; heavy rain in evening.

2nd.— A delightful day.

A warm and summer-like week. Temperature 5° above the average, and 3° above
that of the preceding week.— Q. J. SYMONS.

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

333

<r- . i — -

COMING EVENTS

14

Th

15

F

16

s

17

SUN

17TU Sunday after Trinity.

18

M

19

TU

20

W

Sale of Bulbs at Mr. Stevens’ Rooms, Cov.nt Garden.

NOTES ON HOSES.

HE analyses of Roses and Dahlias contributed
to the Journal by “ E. M.” are always of great
interest, and are especially valuable as records,
owing to the great care and accuracy with which
they are compiled. Of course, the Rose analysis
on page 294, having reference only to some 1500
blooms shown at a single exhibition, cannot be
regarded as fixing the actual value of any variety
with anything like the accuracy of the analysis
of 1884, which was compiled from the many thousands of
winning blooms exhibited during a period of eight years. But
while the latter may be considered as the standard, giving
the average position of established varieties, an annual
analysis is most useful, particularly when considered in con¬
nection with the weather report, as indicating the behaviour
of certain varieties in special seasons, and as showing the
novelties that are coming to the front. The good places ob¬
tained by Mons. Noman, Marie Cointet, Jean Ducher, and
especially Boieldieu and La Boule d’Or, all very solid Roses,
impatient of wet, and requiring all the sunshine they can get,
give a pretty good clue to the weather that prevailed at the
time. The daily baking under un loaded sun, however, suited
some of the more recent Roses admirably. Lady Mary Fitz-
william was magnificent, especially at the Crystal Palace on
the 3rd July, where the two leading boxes of eighteen trusses
were almost faultless ; and it also furnished the best twelve
of any Rose at South Kensington. It is objected that this
Rose does not make wood ; but it makes flowers, which is of
more use to exhibitors. It is true that sometimes one notices
a fine flower, and having cut it, finds it necessary to insert a
stick to indicate where the plant is ; but then another shoot
will come up bearing another grand bloom. Practically
every flower is fit for exhibition, and if the proportion of wood
to the number of available blooms be considered, it will pro¬
bably not be found far below the average. Of whatever is
made, certainly nothing is wasted, for who has ever seen a
flowerless growth on her ladyship ? Merveille de Lyon is
white enough, but too often has the centre of the flower
exposed to be quite satisfactory ; probably it will be better in
a cooler season.

Yiolette Bouyer is a lovely Rose, the only fault of which lies
in its liability to mildew ; but even that does not prevent its
flowering freely in the autumn. Occasionally in July and
frequently in September one gets a pure white bloom, but as
a rule the outer part of the petals are suffused with a tender
rosy flush like the blush on a fair maid’s cheek. And she is
faithful too. Early to come and lingering to the last, she is
constant as she is fair. If I were ever reduced to growing
only two Hybrid Perpetuals, assuming that nothing better
were produced in the meantime, my choice, after having
grown nearly all the varieties in cultivation, would be A. K.
Williams and Violette Bouyer.

Ulrich Brunner is another valuable Rose that merits all
the praise that Mr. Cant bestows upon it, and is another case
in support of the desirability of sowing the contents of all the

No. 329. — Vol. XIII., Third Series.

heps that ripen irrespective of their source. Who would
have expected Paul Neyron, the sluggish-growing, coarse-
flowered, rough, dingy- coloured, fit-only-for-pickling kind of
Rose, to produce a seedling refined in form and colour, a
model of freedom and vigour, and an autumnal bloomer not
liable to mildew ? Ormonde from a dray-horse would not
have seemed more improbable. Moral, 0 amateurs ! — Even
if you have not leisure to effect and keep a record of artificial
crosses, at least sow the chance heps; for, as “D., Deal,"
says, though there are a good many blanks in the lottery of
raising seedlings, still there will be some prizes. Heinrich
Schultheis is a first-rate Rose, but has this year been difficult
to show in good condition, as it is a Rose that developes very
rapidly on a journey in hot weather. The same may be said
of Pride of Waltham, which is certainly easier to get good
than Marie Finger. I have grown the two side by side, and
have frequently found that when the one is not available the
other is ready to hand ; but I always use Marie Finger if
possible on account of its greater purity of colour, Pride of
Waltham having a slight lilac shade, derived from its parent
Comtesse d’Oxford, which sometimes makes it look rather
dull after a long journey.

Rosieriste Jacobs has been very useful this year, its stiff
petals resisting admirably the great heat. It is very free-
flowering and thoroughly perpetual, and comes about half¬
way between Due de Wellington and Horace Yernet,
although quite distinct from both. During the past month
amongst an abundance of Roses it has been quite one of the
best darks. Madame Isaac Poreire is generally rough, though
now and then a fine example like Mr. Haywood’s triplet at
Reigate this year tempts one to grow it on, and it always
makes a grand plant, whether as standard, bush, or on a
wall. In fact, it is on big freely grown plants that one gets
the best chance of refined flowers, while it is a true Bourbon
in bearing a profusion of bloom both in summer and autumn.
Queen of Queens I have already discarded owing to its dingy
colour, its disinclination to grow, and its intense affinity for
mildew on my soil.

Etoile de Lyon certainly requires a hot season, but both
last year and this it has been very beautiful, and Madame Cusin
is most effective when grown under glass. Of all the recent
Tea-scented Roses, however, the Hon. Edith Giffard is by
far the most generally valuable. Its sturdy habit and hand¬
some foliage make it a good garden plant, although it is
one of the best exhibition Teas ; the flowers, which are large
and pure white, with a creamy base in dull weather, aie
especially decorative on the plant owing to their being held
boldly up on stiff erect stems, whereby also the exhibitor is
saved the trouble of wiring, and the variety, moreover, is
rendered very desirable for massing, blooming profusely early
and late. Princess of Wales does not seem to throw large
maiden blooms, and the plants are generally small, but when
transplanted they grow steadily on, and as cut-backs produce
abundance of beautiful flowers. That Madame de Watteville
is as good from the exhibitor’s point of view as she is beau¬
tiful, has been conclusively proved this season by Mr.
Benjamin Cant, from whose winning collections this exquisite
and very distinct Tea was hardly ever absent, while the same
exhibitor’s first prize box of twelve blooms in the new Rose
class both this and last year furnished one of the most dainty
attractions at South Kensington. It has been objected by
some growers that the flowers are too small and thin, but
this has certainly not been my experience, and is probably
an objection that will pass away as plants become stronger
and better established.

“ Y. B. A. Z.” seems to have written his note (on page
322), without reading “E. M.’s ” preamble, where the main
points of the analysis of the South Kensington Show are
definitely stated; and it is further obvious that “ E. M.”
did not consider the analysis of the Roses shown in a Bingle
season (or at a single bIiow) to be a reliable guide to the
selection of the best varieties, as he gives a special list, for

No. 1985 — Yol. LXXV., Old Series'-

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ October 14, 1886.

331

the benefit of beginners, in which only half the first twelve of
the analysis are found. The remarks on Duchesse de Val-
lombrosa and Marie Baumann afford additional evidence of
theffads of certain Roses in regard to locality. With me
the former is one of the most reliable light Hybrid Per-
petuals, a handsome plant with magnificent foliage, large
flowers, fresh and constant. This variety and Violette
Bouyer were the only two that furnished me with good boxes
of twelve and eighteen blooms this year, and were continu¬
ously and uniformly good. It may be noted that our soil is
not of the heaviest, and the rainfall below the average, still
that is hardly sufficient to account for the difference of her
Grace’s behaviour with “ Y. B. A. Z.” in a season like that
just past. Etoile de Lyon again, has, during the last three
years, been very beautiful, but its petals are thin and so
numerous that a shower sticks them together. Nevertheless,
for those who have glass it is a grand Rose.

But now for Marie Baumann. I have grown it on clay,
and I have grown it on sandy soil, on mixtures of all sorts,
on peaty soil even, with much manure and with little manure ;

I have tried it on its own roots, budded on standards, on
seedling Briar, on Briar cuttings, on Manetti, on De la
Grifferaie, on Polyantha. I have grown more plants of it
than of any other variety except A. K. Williams, and yet I
have never obtained but one bloom that gave me real satis¬
faction, and that a maiden on a standard. It is sometimes
respectable, but from all these plants I have never been able
to show a box of twelve blooms ; it gets mildew with an
eagerness that is most uncalled for, and in spite of every
effort I can make in its favour the plants continue apparently
quite lacking in vital energy. I tbink “ E. M.” is quite
right to exclude pendulous flowers from a small selection, as
unless the plant be a climber they are ineffective in the
garden and difficult to manipulate in vases when cut. Thus
Madame Lambard makes a far more decorative plant than
Catherine Mermet, though I own to finding it far easier
to get good blooms of the latter than of the former,
another instance perhaps of the “ locality fad.”

The suggestion mooted by “ D., Deal," of providing
trophies for northern championships should commend itself
to all rosarians throughout the country. The difficulties of
Rose-growing in the north, and also in the midlands are
immense in comparison with those experienced by growers in
the southern counties, and it has long been felt the northern
Show ought to provide the northern growers with a chance
of honours equal to those bestowed upon the southerners in
London. No time should be lost in getting the necessary
funds and settling details, for the northern championships
could not possibly be more appropriately inaugurated than at
the Scottish capital, where the National Rose Society’s pro¬
vincial show is to be held next July. How would the follow¬
ing do for a division line between north and south ? Start
from the Wash, follow the southern border of Lincolnshire,
Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Staffordshire, Cheshire, Flint¬
shire, Denbighshire, Carnarvonshire, finishing at Braich-y-
Pwll ; so that the above-named shires should be the southern¬
most of those eligible to compete for the northern champion¬
ship ? It would seem desirable to take county borders for a
line, or it would be almost impossible to decide upon the local
qualification of certain places.

There should be no difficulty about means, for if each
member of the National Rose Society were to subscribe six
shillings the thing would be done ; "and surely no member
would be willing to miss an opportunity of so cheaply
advancing the cause of their favourite flower. For no doubt
many northern growers who would think it hopeless ever to
be in time to compete successfully against their earlier
brethren in the south, would readily compete later, and thus
Rose-growing might receive an impetus in the north which
might eventually result in making the provincial exhibition
equal to that held in London.

I hope “D Deal," will not think me hypercritical in
pointing out that he assumes the role of prophet in placing

Hereford among the counties to which the amateur cham¬
pionship trophy has gone. That he is no doubt a true
prophet we readily grant, nor need the Apple county’s hope
end yet awhile of seeing the prophecy quickly fulfilled ; but
in the meantime Sussex and Surrey may as well have the
glory of what they have actually achieved.

I have just one little bone to pick with “ Wild Rose ”
for speaking of Oheshunt Hybrid and Reine Marie Henrietta
as if they were the same colour. One of the chief merits of
the latter is that its flowers are almost pure red with hardly a
shade of blue in them, while those of the former have so much
of the blue tint as almost to appear lilac, especially when
fading. This dingy colour is to my mind the most fatal
objection to all these red Hybrid Teas except Reine Marie
Henriette, whose flowers remain bright and clear to the last ;
and it is an insult to the purity of the one that it should be
confounded with the dull mixed shades of these very mixed
Hybrids. There, having relieved my feelings, I will con¬
clude by saying that “ Wild Rose’s ” descriptions of the two
new Roses under notice, American Beauty and the Bride,
exactly answer to the flowers as they have bloomed with me,
and that the latter appears likely to prove a most valuable
acquisition as a large white Tea of first-rate quality.—
T. W. G.

ABOUT APPLES.

There is no better time than the present for attending to
Apple trees, old and young. The older trees are very much bene¬
fited by the removal of main branches when these become too
thickly placed, and the ease and rapidity with which a large number
of trees can be disbranched now would of itself render the operation
one worth recommending to be undertaken at once. When it is
considered that the amount of pruning required when the foliage
is yet upon the trees can be gauged to a nicety quite unattainable
during winter, then we have a stronger reason for the work being
done immediately. Further, branches cut off now or even earlier
are less likely to injure the trees than in the winter season. Another
item in the successful management of old trees which can be
undertaken with more certainty than later refers to thinning the
spurs when these are too thickly placed. The strongest and best-
ripened spurs can be selected and left, and those spurs with weakly
buds cut clean out. These never do any good, for although fruit
may be borne on such growths the quality is always poor, and in
cases where the fruit is thinned it would have to be removed.
Moreover, if left as leaf-producers only the benefit derived from
them is very uncertain, as a few strong well-developed leaves are
worth a multitude of weakly ones under any circumstances. Young
trees, if not already pruned, should be seen to at once. Our rule is
to examine the trees when the fruit is gathered, and do any little
pruning that may be required, at the same time removing any
shoots that may be misplaced. Growers who have not pruned
early may consider this plan a wasteful one, but in reality pruning
young trees which have been well attended to requires but little
time. The advantages are that we see exactly where shoots are
becoming too thickly placed, and the buds left are greatly benefited
by receiving all the light and air possible, while there is no waste
in food at this most critical period in the formation of the follow¬
ing year’s fruit buds.

Where young trees are regularly lifted and replanted, the middle
of the present month is quite late enough for such work. Well-
managed trees form balls of roots which under ordinarily good
conditions can be safely removed at this season. The consequences
of a good shift are that the plants receive merely a slight check at
the time, which though deterrent to growth is of advantage as a
fruit stimulant, and the fruit of the following year is of much finer
quality than that from unchecked trees : indeed, the only means of
securing really fine fruits is by periodical removal of the trees. At
the same time, when trees have not been regularly transplanted it
is much better to let the work stand until the foliage is falling, as
such trees if lifted when in full leafage are sure to flag, and as a
rule they lose a season ; whereas, if transplanted later and the roots
carefully looked to, the subsequent season’s growth is much better.
In addition to the present time being best for pruning young trees,
it is also best for supplying the roots with fresh material. Young
trees which are not lifted, provided always they are bearing crops
of fruit — and if the right varieties are grown that is reduced almost
to a certainty— -must be well fed. The rudest method of attaining
this end is to place a mulching of cow manure over the roots ; but
efficient as the above may be under certain circumstances, much
better fruit is produced when greater care is bestowed. A method

October II, 1886. 1

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

335

we have found very beneficial in its results consists in clearing off
all the surface soil until the upper layer of roots is uncovered, then
place over and work among the roots a good dressing of soil from
the compost heap formed by the decayed rubbish brought from the
garden. A slight layer of soil is then placed over this surface, and
if a good set of fruit is secured the following summer a mulching of
dung will be found of great benefit.

Older trees of over-strong growth, and which produce large
soft fruits, may be brought back to a better state of health by
digging well under the roots from one side, cutting all the strong
roots which are met with, especially taking care to get any which
may be growing downwards. Provided the check is sufficient to
increase at once the fruitfulness and improve the quality of the
fruit the trees should be left for two years, when the other half of
the trees should be done in the same way. However, if the check
to growth has been insufficient, in the following autumn the trees
should be root-pruned all round and underneath.

As to preparing ground for young trees, it may be of interest to
state that our finest fruits, both as regards size and colour, are
grown on the poorest and shallowest part of the garden. Warner’s
King and Stirling Castle are about double the size of specimens
from other parts of the garden. King of the Pippins is also double
in size and better coloured. Kerry Pippin is much finer in quality
and appearance, and it is much the same with others. The dressing
given to the ground consisted merely of a very thick coating of
decayed rubbish-compost, which was well worked through among
the soil. Our experience gained with Apples has led to this some¬
what despised material being employed for other fruits, notably
Apricots, the same good result following with these.

Just a few words of warning to beginners. The present is a
test season with Apples. In many gardens there are very few
Apples, and the reason is simple and apparent. Only a few varie¬
ties have borne fruit this year, and although these invariably carry
crops, gardeners when planting overlook this fact and fritter away
their means on a greater or less number of sorts, many of which
never pay their way. By the simple process of increasing a few
sorts which were found to bear well in all seasons we have not
only a sufficient quantity of Apples with which to provide a large
household, but some hundredweights to dispose of. As young
trees advance, and unprofitable croppers are removed, we hope to
be able to secure crops from all our trees, and that we shall be able
to crop sufficiently light to secure the very best fruits without in
any way burdening the trees in any season. — B.

THE AMBUEY OE CABBAGE DI3EASE.

I believe the name ambury is the original and proper name,
but in some localities it is known by others, the most common of
which is clubbing ; but whichever it is known by, there is no
question about its being a most annoying and destructive disease
which for many years has affected the Cabbage family. This
season it is more prevalent than I have seen or known before.
Plantations of acres have in some instances quite one-half of the
plants rendered worthless, while in the gardens of the amateur and
cottager nearly the whole have suffered severely. It matters little
whether on light or heavy land, all seem to be affected alike.

It is somewhat singular that up to now the disease seems to
have baffled all attempts to eradicate it — that is, if any attempts
have really been made. I, however, am afraid that many culti¬
vators have trusted to chance rather than experiment upon a crop
they think common, and must therefore take care of itself. Such
neglect has this season proved very costly. During more than
twenty years’ experience I have been little troubled with the
disease, for the means I adopt, I think I remember reading in the
numbers of the Cottage Gardener and afterwards published in the
“ Cottage Gardeners’ Dictionary,” but as many do not see that
work I will endeavour to reach them through the Journal. That
account states that the disease is caused by a weevil too small to be
seen with the naked eye, and that the disease originates in the seed
bed, which is quite true ; therefore the allotted space for the seed
bed should have a special preparation by first working down the
soil very fine, at the same time working in a fair quantity of quick¬
lime and soot in equal proportions, thoroughly mixing it with the
soil ; then sow the seed, working it in with the rake, which will
cover it sufficiently. As soon as the plants are large enough to pick
out, as that process goes on, examine every plant at the root, when
some of the most forward plants, if attacked, will show a small
lump at the side of the stem just above the root. This may not be
larger than a pin’s head, but it should be cut out. It is not, how-
e per, at this time that the disease can be fully discovered, but it is
when the plants are larger and about to be transferred to their final
quarters, when a close examination ought to be made ; the eruption
is then larger, and nearly every plant affected can be picked out
Take the lump off with a sharp knife, and the plants will not be

injured ; but as an extra precaution I make it a rule for the plants
to be puddled or dipped in a mixture of soot and quicklime of equal
quantities, making it the thickness of paint by the addition of water
and finely sifted soil, and then finally planted, but not watered for
two or three days, or the value of the remedy is weakened. I am
aware that all do not raise their own plants ; but, at all events, if
people will take the trouble to examine those they purchase and
treat them as I advise the ravages of the disease wiil be reduced to
a minimum. Plants should not stand too long in the seed bed. I
have seen several hundreds of plants that have been sent by rail
during the summer, and on an examination the number of those
attacked ranged from 20 to 46 per cent. No wonder at failure if
such were planted out. A change of position for the seed beds, or
if not a change of soil, has proved a check to the inroads of the
disease. — Thomas Record.

PLANTING TREES AND SHRUBS.

When is the proper time to plant trees and shrubs ? is a question that
even experienced planters often ask. They have perhaps planted exten¬
sively and seen the work of others with probably many failures. Wise¬
acres of course have a knack of knowing all about it, particularly when
free of responsibility, hut instead of being prepared with anything definite
are as tantalising by their solutions as the result is vexatious to the
operator and disastrous to the proprietor. Trees may be planted in
similar soil and climate at a similar time with no apparent difference in
the plants or variety, but there is a great difference in the success. It is
admittedly wrong to plant a tree or shrub when making growth, as
transplanting in its full sense means loss of the younger and more active
feeders or roots, so that the tree or shrub must suffer a considerable
diminution of support, and there is considerably greater risk of injury to
the growth from the loss by evaporation, therefore it is not advisable to
move a tree when it is in active growth. It is not judicious to move a
tree or shrub after it has commenced growing until the growth is completed
and firm, so that it will suffer least from loss of roots in support. Plant¬
ing trees at the dead of winter is inadvisable for several reasons. 1, The
exposure of the roots to cold and frost or cutting winds. 2, The cold wet
condition of the soil is not favourable to securing the plant firmly in the
soil, whilst in heavy soils the lossened soil is little better than a mud hole
during the winter. 3, The plants cannot be properly secured in the
ground, Happily the weather prevents planting operations in winter to
a large extent. The right time to plant most trees and shrubs is in mild
weather, the air calm and moist, and the ground in good working order.
There is not a wrong time, from when the leaves of deciduous trees are
turning yellow and falling until the buds begin to swell, provided the
conditions just enumerated prevail. Such at least is my experience.
With evergreens it also holds good. The whole art of transplanting rests
upon a few plain facts — viz., 1st, Carefully rearing the plants intended
for moving so as to secure a sturdy, well furnished, thoroughly hardy
plant with abundance of roots close to the stem. 2nd, Careful lifting,
preserving all the roots practicable, and if the soil must be removed doing
it with as little violence as is necessary in order to prevent injury —
skinning, bruising or breaking the roots. 3rd, Keeping the roots out of
the sun and from the drying influences of the air as much as possible, and
above all other things from frost. 4th, Keeping them thin when out of the
ground, so that the top can have air, instead of that reprehensible practice
of tying in large bundles that may and do heat in the middle, or piling in
heaps, in trucks or otherwise. These are matters that belong to the
nurseryman — the rearer and vendor. That this part is done well redounds
much to the credit of the established firms, but there is room for improve¬
ment. If the trees are not properly reared no planter can make them
grow, yet much of the blame that should attach to the vendor is put on
the customer. Thickly grown and infrequently transplanted tree3 are
dear at a gift.

On the part of the planter the art of transplantation consists of — 1st,
Preparing the ground, it may only be moor land that only needs clearing
of coarse scrub, draining wet places by open ditches, and the accompany¬
ing lesser grips or woods that demand similar attention, or more preten¬
tious groups of ornamental trees that require the ground for a speedy
growth and cleanliness to be trenched after draining, primary considera¬
tions that are not sometimes seen until the failure or ill-success of the
plantings claim attention. 2nd, In receiving the plants, lay them in
the soil in a convenient position and suitable site, not selecting a spot
where water will lodge in the trench, or on the other hand devoid of
moisture, undoing the bundles, and laying them in thinly, so that the
plants can have air and light and the roots the needful moisture — not the
mere outside of the bundles damp whilst the inside is dry— and the soil
not put on the roots in great spitfuls, but broken fine, so that it will close
about the roots, and enough of it put over them to exclude drought, cold,
and frost. 3rd, In planting, the operator must form a hole large enough
to admit the roots without having to twist them into a corkscrew to cram
and double them in, nor have the hole so shallow that the tree must be
placed on the hard bottom or “ pan,” but so that it will have some loose
good soil for the roots to rest on. If not deep enough sink it, and if too
deep put in soil to raise it, so that the tree will be planted as deeply as
it was before, or if anything slightly deeper. Cover the roots with fine
good soil, spreading them out in layers, giving a gentle shake, so as to
draw and fix the soil about the roots and amongst them. Firm the soil
well about the roots, not leaving any interstices by putting in great chunks,
have the tree as erect as possible, and the soil disposed on the it.'-

336

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Ootobar 14, 1886.

face. A simple thing is planting a tree neatly and properly, requiring,
like everything else, care, time, judgment, and skill in labour, perhaps
very little regarded, but all the same forming the basis of success.
4th, Before planting, any broken or jagged roots must be cut away, any
top or straggling roots shortened back, not with a long slanting cut, but
with as short a one as possible. 5th, After planting stakes will be given to
such as require it, with the needful ties to prevent scrubbing and rubbing,
and after a wind any that have their equilibrium disturbed will be put
straight, and fine soil placed about the stems so as to close the holes. Gth,
The plants should not be withdrawn from the place where laid in until
they are wanted, never when frost prevails, and they must not be kept
hours with their roots exposed to a bleak or drying wind, nor left in the
run for hours, but be kept from the air as much as possible, and placed
into the soil again after they are taken out as soon as practicable. 7th,
The plants in summer after planting must not be allowed to get smothered
with rubbish — coarse weeds and grass ; but keep a clear space around
each plant, so that it can have air, light, and the benefit of rain. These
are the principles upon which general planting may be conducted. More
trees are planted from November to April than at any other time of year,
and yet we find some experimentalists continually dinning into our ears the
details of moving trees in leaf in May or June, and of others in August
or September, forgetting to take into account that the increased labour of
such transplantation prohibits its general adoption. For general planting
the winter season is preferable on account of the lessened risk and labour
entailed, or that part of it which comes under the category of forestry,
but ornamental planting is of different character. — A. J.

PITHY CELERY.

Nothing is more disappointing in vegetable- growing than to
sow Celery seed carefully in spring, devoting a great deal of
attention to rearing the young plants, putting them out in the
trenches with much care, and earthing them in due season, but
only to find in October or November that the majority of the
plants are pithy and almost useless. That this happens in many
cases there is no doubt, and many growers are caused a great
deal of inconvenience by it, as the Celery crop is at all times
and in all places a most important one, and few can afford to
lose it with impunity. I may explain to beginners that “pithy”
Celery is that which developes freely and promises well,butis alto¬
gether deceptive, as the fine-looking leafstalks instead of being
firm and solid may be pressed together with the finger and thumb
like a sponge. Celery of this kind is never relished on the table,
and what is worse it will not keep, as it soon absorbs a great
deal of moisture and decays quickly. It is impossible to remedy
this now, but those who know little or nothing of it may have
a better chance of noticing it at present than any other time.
Many causes have been published from time to time as to the
production of pithy Celery, some thinking it was a question of
too old seed, others too young seed ; but in my opinion the seed
has nothing to do with it, neither has the variety, as one is just as
liable to become pithy as another. The soil in which the plants
are grown is the sole cause of it so far as I can observe by ex¬
periment, and I would undertake to produce Celery either pithy
or not in any season.

The soil in the main kitchen garden here is old, and contains
a great deal of decayed vegetable matter. Here we have tried
Celery time after time, and it invariably became pithy in the
autumn. Another smaller garden contains soil equally old in
its cultivation, but it is sharp and gritty, and in this pithy Celery
is unknown. Indeed, we confine the Celery crop to this soil now,
and we are never troubled with pithy plants. If 1 wanted to
cure a soil which produced pithy heads I would mix a great deal
of sharp sand or ashes with it only manure moderately, and get
the plants to make a substantial growth in the place of a very
rank production. In such a soil as 1 recommend worms are not
common, and the hdads not only turn out sound but quite free
from worm marks, which is another great advantage. — J. Muir.

AMATEURS.

I AM much obliged to “ D., Beal,” for answering my query and
giving an explanation. Although he is a judge at shows, and has vastly
more experience than I pretend to, the subject is by no means explained
by his questions, which are not difficult to answer — viz , in England there
are persons who go in the capacity of groom and gardener, also of indoor
servant and gardener combined. A friend of min'e had for two years an
excellent valet and butler and footman. This man was brought up as a
professional gardener in a nursery at Oxford, took prizes for Roses at
Malvern, Hereford and Shrewsbury, and Ludlow. A gardener by pro¬
fession, his master, the amateur, had no right to compete in amateur classes,
because he never touched a Rose except to cut one. His butler, formerly
professional gardener at Oxford, grew from the first. No man brought
up as a professional gardener, d >ing all the work, and the amateur
owner of the article, be it Roses or Melons, and doing nothing but the
buying and admiring part of the business, can be called an amateur.
Bona Jide amateurs do all the work themselves, except the digging and

manuring of ground, which always must be done in case of a lady or
gentleman by a common labourer, who, not having been trained profes¬
sionally under a gardener or in a nursery, is not termed and never claims
the name gardener. Query, “ Does one who has a gardener in for three or
four days in a week come under the same description ? ” Answer, Most
certainly. I have an excellent one ; he gr >ws what I tell him. Not my
Begonias, Pelargoniums, &c. ; he never touches these from year’s end to
year’s end, and I should not think of showing publicly any of the things
he grows as grown by myself amateur fashion. Again, does it mean em¬
ploying anyone who is a gardener by profession ? Most certainly it does,
and in this showing bu iness in horticulture the words amateur and pro¬
fessional should be made as strict, and the difference between them as
fully recognise! as it is on the turf in the cricketing and boating world.
Pray excuse me, but such queries from a very capable judge require an
answer from the person who started this subject. In conclusion, allow me
to thank the Editor and “ D., Beal” for opening up a subject that
has evidently met with approval from some readers of the Journal.
Saxoring.

GROWING FRUIT FOR MARKET.

“A Thinker’s’’ gentle and excellent criticism of my selections of
fruit trees for marketing is highly seasonable. I quite agree, as your
acute correspondent states, that there is not much utilitarianism in grow¬
ing many varieties where a short selection would be more profitable.
Supplying the markets is quite different from supplying a gentleman’s
establishment. Out of some hundreds of varieties those I have named
have brought the best returns from the salesmen. Any not mentioned are
either not grown or they have not shown any value, either from poorness
of crop or quality for marketing purposes. In reducing the lists of varie¬
ties I have made a move in the right direction, and with all deference to
your correspendent I consider them as limited as they ought to be for an
establishment conducted on utilitarian principles, as many gardens are at
the present time. The short selection of your correspondent includes
only culinary varieties. Are the dwellers in our large town houses to
have no desseit Plums ? Surely your correspondent knows, or ought to
know, that these are the largest purchasers of fruit. Out of thirty varie¬
ties of Plums for market, only one is singled out through not being able
to regard it as profitable. This as evidence of the estimation in which the
list is held by your correspondent, indeed he describes them as “ many
good Plums for market.” Oullins Golden is the only early Plum that we
have that combines the three essentials of appearance, size, and quality for
dessert purposes, and possesses a hardy constitution. It certainly is not a
great bearer, but what is lacking in bulk is made up by the enhanced
value through its quality. If it bore better it would, of course, be better
worth keeping, but if we discard it I do not see what is to take its place.
Then as to Pears, I thought I had made it all right as to Windsor, and I do
not think it is at all “ gtntle ” to reproach anyone making a mistake, even
if it be wilful, which has been admitted and rectified. As to Swan’s Egg
and Seckle Pears, it is stated on page 298 that the small Pears are
omitted. Their quality is good, even “A Thinker” describes one of
them as rich. I stated “ They are great bearers, and unsurpassed for
quality.” Perhaps your correspondent will tell us what large Pear has
the richness of Seckle, or the agreeable musk of Swan’s Egg, not to mention
Aston Town and Autumn Bergamot. They have left as strong an im¬
pression on some palates as have the good old Windsor, so that the
claims of quality cannot always be safely ignored ; besides, what is want¬
ing in bulk one way is made up in another, and all tastes, or rather the
pockets, must be met. This is an aspect of the case I really did not take
into consideration, and I have reason to thank your correspondent.

As to Beurrd Capiaumont being “ poor and poor-looking,” I can
only say that the estimates should be founded on experience. In the
north, Beurrd Capiaumont is anything but “ poor and poor-looking,”
being the brightest in colour, and there are many worse in quality taken
from trees on a wall. Perhaps “ A Thinker ” takes his prompting from
the “ sunny south.” If so, it will only show the desirability of a more
extended exchange of views. Fruit is not alike everywhere.

In the matter of Apples “ Thinker ” appears to have got more than a
trifle mixed. His first objection is to the Queen as a dessert sort, and points
to the “Fruit Manual” as verification of its being a culinary Apple.
Whatever may be its strict character, the Queen is large and very hand¬
some, and would pass with most people as a dessert or culinary Apple,
though it might be too acid for some. That is a matter of taste. That
“ A Thinker” is a bold man we need no further proof than in his mani¬
fest advising of the displacement of Blenheim Pippin by Cobham, I
have no objection, only if you have trees of Blenheim Pippin I say,
Decidedly do not seek to displace them by Cobham. They are equally
fine. If going to plant I should certainly follow the lead of your corre¬
spondent were everything to be subordinated to getting fruit in the
shortest time. Emperor Alexander is too light. All I can say is, it
weights the pockets heavier than any other Apple of its season. The
“ Fruit Manual ” states it to be “ a, beautiful and valuable Apple.” This,
as a set-off to “A Thinker’s” remarks on the Queen. I am pleased to
know Lord Derby overweights it. Apples are not sold everywhere by
weight. It is pleasing to have to grant a point in favour of Lane’s Prince
Albert over Loddington. What is “Thinker’s” experience of Lanes
Prince Albert as a standard ? I have it only as a wall tree, and in the
open on the Paradise. As to Worcester Pearmain it is as much one as the
other — i e., culinary or dessert — one of the highest coloured and most
taking f ru ts. Yorkshire Beauty being unknown to your correspondent
I may say that it is “ Large, round, angular, orange yellow, flushed bright
red, second quality, mid-season; a very heavy cropper” in “British

Ootober 14, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

33 7

Apples,” and I find it is early, and the most taking of all the culinary
Apples of its season. It is a real pleasure to have the satisfaction of
knowing that out of the many varieties enumerated your correspondent
only excludes two, for which he is able to find substitutes. — UTILI¬
TARIAN.

CATTLE YA TRIANiE var. BACKHOUSIANA.

Cattleya Trian^e is one of the most useful and popular species of
the grand genus Cattleya, and it is also one of the most variable. Some
scores of varieties have been honoured with names, and nearly every
importation brings some forms differing from those we already have in
depth of colouring, markings, or size of flower. So trifling are the differ¬
ences between them that the task of naming them has become an
extremely difficult one ; in fact, in most large collections now names are

ciety’s Catalogue. As one of the Committee entrusted with the prepara¬
tion of the Catalogue, I hope no one who has the least interest in seeing a
satisfactory catalogue issued at some future date, will hesitate for a
moment in pointing out anything in the present edition that does not
meet with their approval. The Society gave ample notice that a new
edition of the Catalogue would be issued, and would only have been too
pleased to have received suggestions that would in any way improve the
former edition, but strange to say very few took sufficient interest in the
work to send suggestions, and the Committee had to revise the old edition
from their own experience. The Catalogue is not intended to strictly
bind judges or exhibitors, but is simply issued as a guide, so that I cannot
see that anyone runs any risk of disqualification unless they ignore the
synonyms. If any exhibitor stages blooms otherwise than guided by the
Catalogue, it is for the judges to use their discretion ; but if the judges are
of opinion that any bloom is shown in a wrong class, and they find the
exhibitor has followed the catalogue, I should sav in such an instance
they would waive their opinion.

Fig. 51. — Cattleya Trian.® var. Backhousiana.

One of the principal objects of the Catalogue is to discourage showing
one variety under two or more names, and to try and stop the disgraceful
practice of renaming varieties. This renaming is getting alarming, and
ft is time something was done to counteract it. Already this season many
varieties from the Continent, which have been professedly raised by the
distributors, have turned out old varieties with new names. Especially is this
the case with the early-flowering varieties, the sudden demand for which
has conjured up many new names, but few distinct sorts. Of the later
sections, though it is early to have many of them in bloom, we find
Mons. J. Laing, that has been so well showm during the past two seasons,
comes to us again under the name of J. J. Hillier; 1 Aube Matinale, a
new variety of last season, comes over again as Salmonea Plena ; our old
favourite Fair Maid of Guernsey comes with the new name of Mdlle.
Jammes ; Queen of England and Lady Hardinge have new French names.
Again, last season we had Etoile du Midi for Jupiter, Yal d’Andorre for
Guilladia, La Puritd for Mdlle. Lacroix, Souvenir d’Haarlem for Rosea
Superba, and several others. It is time, I say, someone took the matter up.

cnly bestowed upon the select and most distinct varieties. There is, how¬
ever, no lack of these beautiful forms, and one introduced a few years
ago by Messrs. Backhouse of York is shown in fig. 51, a slightly reduced
representation of a very handsome variety. The sepals and petals are of
a bright rosy pink, very clear and fresh ; the lip is well formed, slightly
undulated on the margin, and of an intensely rich crimson shade, con¬
trasting finely with the clear yellow throat. The flower is well propor¬
tioned and attains the size of fully developed C. Trianae of the best

type. _

CHRYSANTHEMUM NOTES.

National Chrysanthemum Society’s Catalogue. — I was pleased
to read the remarks of “ Chrysanthemum ” in last issue of the J ournal on the
classification of some varieties of Chrysanthemums in the National So-

388

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARBLE ER.

[ October 14, 1886.

In reference to the few varieties selected from the catalogue for
criticism, I would like to express my opinion on them for what it may
he worth to readers generally. First, from what I have seen of Mdlle.
M. Tezier it is not a true type of a reflexed flower. Out of the about
1000 varieties of Japanese Chrysanthemums now in cultivation no doubt
Mr. MolyDeux could select a large number that would serve to make up
a board of reflexed Chrysanthemums. More than half of these so-called
Japanese varieties are nothing more than bad reflexed, or what I call
cross-breds, commonly called hybrids for convenience. The variety under
notice has not so much claim as many others to be called a reflexed, it
having a pointed petal, the principal bad feature of a reflexed flower,
and I consider the Committee would have been going out of their way
to have selected this particular variety simply because it had been shown
in one instance. Most of the Journal readers will remember the argument
for and against Cullingfordi last season. Here we had a far better type
of a reflexed flower, and yet we had six on one side and half a dozen on
the other as to which it should be, so that we need to be cautious. Still
the mere fact of its being plaeed as a Japanese does not prevent its being
shown in either section subject to the judges’ approval.

Next as to Minr>ie Chate. I think our correspondent has mie-read
the classification of large and Hybrid Anemones. In no single instance
is the word Japanese Anemone used. I for one, and I think it is the very
general opinion, that Minnie Chile is not a true type of the old-fashioned
show Anemone, but a cross-bred, and as before pointed out, the term is
simply used for convenience in attempting to divide and keep separate
the ordinary show Anemones from the various cross-breeds. This does
not make Minnie Chate a Japanese Anemone. The question is, How many
of these so-called Japanese are there ? In reality, 1 think only one, and I
ask, Is it advisable to confuse the whole by calling them what they are
not 1 I think it is far more advisable to drop the term Japanese
Anemone and class them all as hybrids. We then get an interesting
section of various types without confusion, otherwise we shall very soon
have to re-classify them under three or four heads.

Lastly, in respect to Emperor. Here is inconsistency ; for Minnie
Chate, which is decidedly a cross-bred, is to be shifted into the show class,
whereas Emperor, which for years has been recognised as a good show
variety, is to be turned out. I do not know who was responsible for the
disqualification of Emperor at the Crystal Palace, but in my opinion it
was a decided blunder. The J udges, no doubt, knew very little of what
they were judging, and went by appearances. Had they been experienced
growers of this class, as well as judges, and knew the flowers, they would
have known that the style in which Emperor was shown was merely a
freak, and that the variety when in proper character is a good show
flower, and instead of going to such an extreme measure, they would
simply have judged the bloom by so many points less, as being a bloom
out of character. Is the National Chrysanthemum Society to be guided
by the opinions of individual judges or growers, or are they to act in
accordance with the opinions of the general body of growers ? Our
correspondent “ Chrysanthemum ” seems to desire the former.

I have written rather at length, not so much to defend the decisions
of the Committee appointed to prepare the catalogue, but to try and
show that before a really satisfactory work can be brought out there
must be more united action among growers. Why cannot we have a
convention to hold a series of meetings during the coming season under
the auspices of the National Society, so that all growers can come and
discuss the various questions that need settling ? — N. DAVIS, CambertveL

Chrysanthemum Madame Desgrange. — Summer-flowering Chrys-'
anthemums will always be associated in my mind with the pleasant com¬
panionship of a member of your staff, as in his company I first saw the
best of our yellow- flowering varieties with Mr. David Thomson at Drum-
lanrig, and it was also with the gentleman in question I first saw Madame
Desgrange with Mr. Graham at Hampton Court. In both cases I was
assured that they were the most valuable flowers imaginable, which
induced me to invest in some plants, and I can now, after a trial of four
or five years, fully confirm all your representative told me. Many of them
are simply first-rate, but amongst all I am exceedingly partial to Madame
Desgrange. White-flowering plants in the flower garden are more scarce
than yellow, and this Chrysanthemum comes in as a white flower of the
first order. It is a very strong, robust grower. It attains a height of
from 18 inches to 24 inches. Its foliage is deep green and luxuriant, and
the flowers are produced in such profusion that a row of it resembles a
snowdrift. The flowers are from 2 inches to 3 inches across, and they are
produced in huge masses. It stands dry weather uncommonly well, and
if the blossoms chance to be injured by rain a few days’ sunshine brings
fresh ones out in large quantities. It begins flowering with me in June or
early in July, and never ceases until cut down by frost, and the flowers
when cut are very useful for all kinds of decorations. It is a variety
which can be very strongly recommended to those having anything to
do with the decoration of churches or any other place where chaste flowers
are required by the armful. — J. Muir, Margam.

Belle Paule — Classification of Varieties. — Many persons
have experienced the same trouble with Belle Paule this season that
Chrysanthemum ” has, and it would appear somewhat habitual in this
variety to not set its buds properly. My opinion as to its chief cause is
that during the middle and latter part of August when the buds were
forming the weather was very hot, consequently the wood ripened too
quickly, thus preventing the free swelling of the buds. This would be
aggravated if the plants suffered a check in any way through lack of
water at the roots or overhead during that period, There is more harm

done to Chrysanthemums by allowing them to get dry at the roots just
once than many persons imagine. Owing to there being such a mass of
roots contained in the soil, which is generally secured firmly in the pots,
it often takes several days before the once dry ball is thoroughly soaked,
therefore some damage must necessarily take place, though the evil
does not always show itself at once. Now that a slight weakness in
this grand variety has developed itself growers should slightly increase
the number of plants, as it often happens that it is not want of space
during the summer which is felt, but it is during the time for housing the
plants that this trouble is experienced by many, even of the largest
growers. There is a great similarity in its growth to that of Fair Maid of
Guernsey both in stems and leaves. It is a great favourite and deservedly
so, its colour is so acceptable and quite distinct from any other variety ;
its form is also of the best. Another good reason of its popularity is the
free manner in which it produces cuttings.

I consider Mdlle. Madeleine Tezier as one of the best varieties of
reflexed flowers, and to that section I think it properly belongs. At one
time it was thought to be synonymous with Jeanne d’Arc, but now that
these are proved to be distinct the former variety must be classed as a
reflexed, otherwise it will soon be lost to the exhibitions, as it possesses
nothing to entice growers to stage it amongst the Japanese sorts— at least,
if winning prizes is the object of the exhibitor. Minnie Chate belongs
to the large-flowered Anemone section, and so does Emperor when pre¬
sented in its proper character, and this ought to guide somewhat in
classifying the varieties. As one of the judges who disqualified the
“ supposed ” flower of Emperor at the Crystal Palace Show last year, I
may say that the bloom was not considered “ true,” being so utterly unlike
that variety that it would not have been right to admit it, because the
general public look to exhibitions to see the correct varieties in their true
character; if this cannot be obtained, public shows lose much of their
interest through their being misleading. Mistakes will sometimes occur
I am well aware, but when all due care is taken these inaccuracies are
seldom found. For the information of “ Chrysanthemum,” I may say
that it is my intentic n to publish the articles which I have contributed to
the Journal on the Chrysanthemum in the form of a book, and I am
pleased to find they arc considered valuable by him. — E. Molyneux.

Properties of Blooms.— I am obliged to Mr. C. Orchard for his
appreciative remarks on page 325, and still more so for pointing out what
he regards as an omission of some moment from my observations on
judging — namely, “smoothness” of florets as essential to a superior bloom.
It is obvious that high finish is incompatible with roughness, and this was
clearly pointed out as a fault ; and as roughness is the antithesis of
smoothnefs the latter was admitted as essential ; further, it is distinctly
stated in Mr. Newton’s definitions of a good bloom (page 2C8) which I
adopted, that it must be “smooth.” Unquestionably judges take the
defect of roughness and the merit of smoothness of floret into considera¬
tion when engaged in their duties. Still, as the most practical way in
which I can express approval of Mr. Orchard’s excellent motive, the word
suggested has been incorporated in the article referred to, and will appear
in Mr. Molyneux’s book. — J. Wright.

Chrysanthemum Belle Paule. — In reading a note by “ Chrys¬
anthemum,” I notice his remarks about the Japanese Chrysanthemum
Belle Paule. I grew this year six plants, and they were the most vigorous
plants in the collection, but not one good bud could be had. Three were
standards, the other three were cut down. The only cause that I can
attribute it to is that Belle Paule is a very free soft-growing variety, and
that at the time the buds were appearing there were some very hot sunny
days, and they were burnt in the formation. Perhaps Mr. Molyneux
could explain the matter. His flowers of it at Kingston last year were
not wanting in any respect. — J. B.

HEATING BY HOT WATER.

WATERTIGHT ASHPITS— HOT v. COLD WATER.

Mr. Bardney, in his concluding article on the above subjeot,
page 313, under the head of “ Fire Bars,” recommends the construction
of ashpits to hold water. I do not remember seeing the plan advocated
before by any writer than in a few lines on stoking penned by myself
nearly two years ago. I hope, however, others who may have it in
operation will very kindly favour us with their opinions. Mr. Bardney’s
writings throughout his series, and in other articles on the subject of
firing, have always seemed so consistent that I felt rather struck at the
variance of theory on this point, and feel sure that good may be derived
from exposure of two extremes.

Mr. Bardney says it is a good plan to construct the ashpit so that
water can be constantly kept in it. If the water can be kept cool by a
steady flow in and out it acts beneficially in the preservation of the bars.
Now, apart from the somewhat impracticable idea of flowing in and out
in very many cases, my opinion is considerably in favour of allowing the
steam, which is quickly caused to pass from the surface of water direotly
amongst the bars, to accomplish the desired object. In fact, I know of
nothing in my own experience which is so reliably self-acting as the
evaporation in this case. The water is seldom below 80°, more generally
at 130°, especially when both our doors are nearly closed, while at times
it will reach with good and brisk firing to 160°, at which temperature
evaporation is very great ; theref ore, with increased fire heat evaporation
increased in equal proportion, and circulating with much uniformity, is
quite equal to the task of not only cooling the bars, but also preventing

October It 1886 ]

JOCRNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

339

the clinker or melting doors from running at all between the bars, which
in nearly all cases is the cause of hoisted bars. I may say that a terminal
end saddle put in here about four years ago — which, of course, has
ordinary fire bars set for evaporation — has more than satisfied. The bars
are still as perfect as when new, and we have to maintain very high tempera¬
tures. Even were both systems equally efficient the theory of providing
s mething like a miniature brook would, to my mind, in nine cases out
of ten prove an obs'acle to adoption. Mr. Bardney, having doubtless
tried his plan, may be able to remove a little of my unbelief ; but my
object is mainly to inquire why preference is given to cold water. If Mr.
Bardney has tried both plans I shall be glad to hear what he has to say.
as we are at present setting another on the same system as before. —
J3. Burton.

A Dorsetshire correspondent wishes to thank Mr. Molyneux
■for his instructive articles on the Culture of the Chrysanthemum,
■which he considers will be much valued by all who are interested in
this popular autumn flower.

- In a note on the Salwey and Sea Eagle Peaches Mr. A.

Toung observes “ I can fully endorse what Mr. Muir says against the
Salwey Peach at page 315, as it must be a veiy fine season in a favourable
part of the county where it will ripen outdoors. Sea Eagle I consider a
very desiiable variety to plant for a late supply.”

- Mr. J. Ferguson, landscape gardener to Messrs. Little and

Ballantine, Carlisle, has been appointed superintendent of the public
park, Sunderland. There were 175 applicants ; and Mr. Charles Roupe
has been appointed superintendent of St. Nicholas’ cemetery, Newcastle-
•on-Tyne, for which vacancy there were seventy applicants.

- We regret to have to place on record a lamentable occurrence

in the Suicide of Mr. William Forsyth, who was for twenty years
gardener at Gunnersbury Park, and who had for the last sixteen years
been in the enjoyment of a substantial pension from tbe Rothschild
family. The deceased was found on Ealing common on the evening of
Tuesday, the 5th inst., life being quite extinct, and there appeared to be
conclusive evidence that his own hand applied the razor that terminated
his existence. At the inquest, that was held on Thursday last, evidence
was adduced to the effect that he was in a more or less depressed state for
some days anterior to the melancholy event, and a verdict was returned
■of “ Suicide while temporarily in an unsound state of mind.” Mr. Forsyth
was seventy-three years of age and a widower.

- Mr. Laxton sends in the following “ Seedling Pear Lax-

ton’s Bergamot ; fruits from the original tree, a large pyramid, about
eighteen years from seed, probably raised from Autumn Bergamot. The
fiuits are fallings of the first year of fruiting, and are somewhat below
size. The bulk of the crop not yet ripe. The tree appears fertile, and
the fruits are not easily blown off by the wind.” The fruits are small
but exceedingly juicy and rich — a delicious Pear. A seedling Plum
received at the same time from Mr. Laxton was over-ripe.

- Price of Potatoes. — At Chester Market on Saturday farmers

were offering to sell ten hampers of sound Potatoes for £1. Each hamper
contained 112 lbs., so that at 2s. per hamper the price[is well within 4 lbs.
a penny. The farmers are complaining that at this price it scarcely pays
to dig the tubers, but against the lowest price on record may be set an
enormous crop absolutely free from disease. A Lincolnshire grower
writes : — “About half the Potato crop is lifted in this part and turns out
very light. I think it will not be more than half the weight of last year’s
crop. The price is also very low, several instances having occurred in
which growers sending Potatoes to market have had to send money after
them to pay expenses. In most cases it was through having been taken
up too soon and then standing in trucks several days before being sold.”

- Mr. Walter Kruse, Yew Tree Farm, Leeds, near Maidstone,

writes : — “ On October 6th and 11th I picked ripe fruits of Alpha Straw¬
berry from plants in the open, and there are a great many green berries
nearly ripe. I have often before seen Strawberries blooming late in
the year, but the fruit never ripened. This shows the mildness of the
season.”

- Mr. R. Catt, Assistant Secretary of the)CATERHAM Gardeners’

Society, writes : — “At the ordinary fortnightly meeting for discussion,
held Oct. 9th, the double Dahlia, which I beg to enclose for your in¬
spection, was exhibited by Mr. J. Burlinson, Engineer to the East
Surrey Water Company. The gardeners present considered it an unusual
freak of Nature.” The flower sent is a rather unusual example of
fasciation, apparently caused by the union of two flower stalks, each
bearing a bud. These buds have developed into blcoms placed back to
back with one stalk. We have seen similar examples before, both in single
and double varieties.

- “ The genus Solidago,” writes “ B.,” “ provides us with a

long-continued supply of flowers which are among the best we have
for cutting. In August the common S. Virga-aurea flowers. This is
followed by S. flagulata, a somewhat better species ; this again by
S. canadensis, which is by far the best, and quite a gem among hardy
flowers. For most kinds of cut flower work it is very useful, harmonising
with many flowers. We still have plenty of the above sort, and S. Shorti
is just beginning to opon. Though not nearly so useful, the latter is
neveitheless well worth growing ; in fact, all four are indispensable
flowers.”

- Mr. E. Molyneux, Swanmore Park Gardens, Bishops Wal¬
tham, sends some flowers of Tuberous Begonias gathered from plants
raised from seed sown in January this year. They are very fine and
represent an excellent strain, the flowers large, one being 5 inches in
diameter, of good shape, and of rich varied colours.

- Under the title of the Chiswick Young Gardeners’ Mutual

Improvement Association a society was inaugurated on the 8th inst.
amongst the men employed in the Royal Horticultural Society’s gardens
at Chiswick, which promises to be very beneficial from an educational
point of view. At the inaugural meeting above mentioned Mr. A. F.
Barron was invited to act as President ; Mr. John Fraser of Kew, to whom
the idea is in a great measure due, was appointed permanent Chairman
of the meetings, and Mr. J. Barry, Secretary. A special class for those
anxious to extend their knowledge in botany will be one of the features.
Papers (with discussion) on the following subjects were announced to be
read on the undermentioned dates : — October 15th, The Physiology of
Plants, by Mr. J. Fraser ; October 22nd, The Extension of Horticulture,
by Mr. A. Herrington ; October 29tb, The Position of the Gardener, by
Mr. J. Barry ; November 5th, Roots, by Mr. H. A. Bunyard ; November
12th, Economic Plants and Their Uses, by Mr. A. Parsons.

- “ B.” writes : — “ Does anyone interested in Apples know whether

Bramley’s Seedling Apple is distinct from Warner’s King ? The
above has not yet fruited with me, but the foliage, &c., is so like the King
of many aliases that I am almost afraid I have been increasing my stock
of the latter under a new name to an unnecessary number at the past
budding season.”

- Laburnum in October.— Mr. R. H. Adamson writes “ It

may interest your readers to hear of what would seem to be a very pheno¬
menal display, as we are accustomed to it in our much-abused climate.
In the village of Guilden Morden, Cambridgeshire, there is a Laburnum
tree for the second time this year in full blossom. I am no botanist or
horticulturist, but the display attracted my attention at this time of the
year, and on inquiry I found that no one had ever seen anything of the
kind. I begged for a few of the yellow clusters to bring home as a
curiosity ; and, these being readily granted, I brought them up to London
with me. On one of the small branches given me I found several of the
old pods with seeds, remaining from the spring flowering, side by side
with the new growth.” In some districts Primroses are flowering
abundantly.

- An experiment in Tobacco culture in Cumberland has

proved very successful. Sixteen varieties were planted at the Kuowe-
field Nurseries, and the young plants were put out on June 26th, when
about 3 inches high. Since then they have thriven marvellously,
one of the Missouri variety being over 8 feet in height, and bearing
twtnty-four fully expanded leaves. The plants are very strong and
vigorous, and of a healthy green colour.”

- Mr. R. Lowb, Sleaford, writes to the Times:—" Owing to the

unusually backward spring, the SWALLOWS on their arrival found so
little food that quite two-thirds of their number died of famine. The

survivors were so emaciated that it was late before they commenced to

340

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ October 14, 1886.

build their nests, bringing one brood only. To their diminished numbers
is chiefly owing, 1 think, the present pest of flies. ‘But for the swallows
the air would soon be so filled with flies that we should be unable to see
or breathe, and vegetation would be destroyed,’ writes some competent
authority. This, I take it, would be an excellent opportunity for impress¬
ing upon the minds of your readers the absolute necessity for protecting
the nests of these birds in all seasons for the future, upon railway
stations, public buildings and private dwelling houses. That it was want
of food more than the lowness of the temperature that caused the great
loss in these birds is proved by the fact that all that were brought to me
were wasted to mere skeletons. Thirty would not weigh a pound.”

- Me. Hr. Balderson, Cornier Hall, Hemel Hempstead, sends

the following note : — “ Raspberries in Hertfordshire. — In taking my
morning walk through the kitchen garden with my gardener this morning,
we came in view of a magnificent lot of Raspberries quite in perfection
for the table, and several of them measuring 3 inches in circum"
ference. These were from a bed planted in the autumn of last year, and
bearing fruit now for the first time. If this worthy of record please insert
it; the canes were purchased of Messrs. Wood & Ingram of Huntingdon.’’

- Mr. Joseph Mallender sends the following summary of

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS AT HODSOCK PRIORY, WORKSOP,
Notts, for September : — Mean temperature of month, 55'9°. Maximum
on the 4th, 73-5° ; minimum on the 16th, SIB0. Maximum in sun on the
6th, 124-3° ; minimum on the grass on the 16th, 30-4°. Mean temperature
of air at 9 a.m., 57-6; mean temperature of soil 1 foot deep, 58 0°. The
temperature fell below 32° on two nights on the grass. Total duration of
sunshine, ninety-one hours, or 24 per cent, of possible duration. Total
rainfall T01 inch. Maximum fall in twenty-four hours on the 9th,
037 inch. Rain fell on fifteen days. Average velocity of wind 9 6 miles
per hour. Velocity exceeded 400 miles on four days, and fell short of
100 miles on three days. Approximate averages for September ; — Mean
temperature, 55 8°. Rainfall, 2-51 inches. Sunshine (five years) 114.
A dull month, of average temperature and low rainfall. The harvest was
finished here generally by the 18th.

- Gardening Appointment. — Mr. T. Tebby, for the last four

years foreman at Aberaman House, Aberdare, has been appointed head
gardener to E. D. Thomas, Esq., Welfield, Builth, Radnorshire.

- A dinner, to celebrate the success of the first Exhibition of

the Darlaston Horticultural Society, took place recently at the
Green Dragon Hotel, Darlaston. Mr. William Winn, the President of the
Society, was to have presided, but as he was suffering from indisposition,
and from that cause was unable to attend, Mr. G. A. Wilkes, the Chairman
of the Committee, presided, and Mr. Joseph Yates took the vice-chair-
After the usual loyal toasts, Mr. W. Dean of Walsall, one of the Judges
at the late Exhibition, proposed “ Continued success to the Darlaston
Horticultural Society,” and spoke of the good work these Black Country
societies were doing in fostering a love for gardening amongst the working
classes, and of the very great success attending the Bilston, Willenhall,
and Darlaston Exhibitions, coupling with the toast the name of Mr.
George A. Wilkes, the promoter of the Society, and to whose exertions
so much of the success was due. Mr. Wilkes, in responding, acknowledged
the valuable help he had received from the Hon. Secretaries and the
Committee, and felt that they had done their part in promoting a love for
gardening in the township, and that in the future they should continue to
promote the interests of the Society. Mr. John Griffin, in submitting
the toast of “ Success to the neighbouring Horticultural Societies of
Bilston, Willenhall, Walsall, and district,” remarked that he yielded to
none in a love for floriculture, and it gave him much pleasure to see the
pursuit engaged in in the Black Country with so much success. In a
brief but practical speech Mr. Griffin alluded to the benefits of these
societies, and coupled with the .toast the name of Mr. Joseph Lowe, one
of the Hon. Secretaries of th Willenhall Horticultural Society. Mr.
Lowe, in an able speech, alluded to the time when he should have scouted
the idea that Bilston, Darlaston, or Willenhall would have set an example
to the rest of the Black Country in horticulture. In Willenhall they had
in two years made a profit of £107 towards providing an illuminated
clock for the Board schools. They should now go on with a profit on
this year’s Exhibition of quite £30, and he wished Darlaston also every
success.

- The seventh annual Cryptogamic and Botanical meeting

of the Essex Field Club will be held on Friday and Saturday, Oct...

15th and 16tb, 1886, in the northern section of Epping Forest (Epping Lower
Forest, Chingford, High Beach, Monk Woods, Buckhurst Hill, &c.). Head¬
quarters for the meeting, “ The Roebuck Hotel,” Buckhurst Hill, Epping
Forest. The following botanists, among many others, have kindly pro¬
mised their valuable aid as referees and directors at the meeting: — For
Fungi — Dr. M. C. Cooke, M.A., F.L.S., Rev. Canon Du Port, M.A., Mr.
James English, Worthington G. Smith, Esq., F.L.S., M.A.I., Dr. H. T.
Wharton, M. A.., F.Z.S., &c., Atthur Lister, Esq., J.P., F.L.S. For Mosses,
L'chens, Algre, and Phanerogams — Professor Boulger, F.L.S. , F.G.S., Rev.
J. M. Crombie, M.A., F.L.S., F.G.S., J. T. Powell, Esq., Henry Groves,
Esq., Charles A. Wright, Esq., F.L.S., F.Z.S., F. J. Hanbury,Esq., F.L.S.,
E. M. Holmes, Esq., F.L.S., David Houston Esq., F.L.S., F.R.M.S.,
W. W. Reeves, Esq., F.R.M.S., A. Vaughan Jennings, Esq. An exhibition
of specimens will be held in the large ball-room attached to the “ Roebuck
Inn,” Buckhurst Hill. Exhibitions of fresh and dried botanical specimens,
microscopes, and microscopical objects, diagrams, drawings, &c., will be
very welcome. The exhibition will be confined to subjects from the
vegetable kingdom, but not necessarily to the Cryptogamia, although that
division will hold a very important place. Intending exhibitors (especially
of micro-slides) will greatly aid by sending in their specimens to the
Hon. Secretary at the headquarters, 8, Knighton Villas, Buckhurst Hill, a
few days before the meeting. Fresh specimens of fungi and other plants
should be sent to the “ Roebuck Inn,” on the Friday or the Saturday
morning. Fungi will travel safely in hampers or boxes if care is taken to
wrap each specimen separately in pieces of tissue paper or soft newspaper.
Gatherings from various parts of Essex will be mnch esteemed, and
localities should in all cases be given. Specimens of fungi intended for
the named and arranged series must be in Dr. Cooke’s hand by twelve
o’clock on Saturday, October 16th ; separate tables will be provided for
collections arriving after that hour. The Friday’s assembly is intended
to be a student’s and collector’s day in the woods, the evening being
devoted to the naming and arrangement of specimens. Those wishing to
take part in it should send word to Mr. B. G. Cole, who will then forward
particulars of place of meeting, trains, &c. Saturday morning and early
afternoon will be similarly occupied, and Saturday evening’s meeting will
be of the nature of a conversazione. Ample time will thus be afforded
for careful examination of the specimens by the visitors present, and all
possible facilities will be given to exhibitors. On Saturday evoning Dr.
Cooke’s Report on “ Recent Epping Forest Fungi,” Prof. Boulger’s
“ Remarks on the Progress of the New Edition of the ‘ Flora of E sex,’ ”
and probably some other short papers and addresses will be read.

- In certain districts of the United States of North America

Strawberry culture is carried out on a very extensive scale.
Especially is this the case in Ohio, where a Mr. Crawford has contributed
greatly to the increased and improved cultivation of this fruit. “ The
Barnesville district is very remarkable for the crops raised, but its pro¬
ducts are eclipsed by a belt of territory lying along the Illinois Central
Railroad, over which special express fruit trains have been run for thir¬
teen seasons, until it now consists of thirty refrigerator carloads per day,
twenty-two of which go to the commission men of Chicago, whose
800,000 inhabitants consume 435,600 quarts per day, at a cost of 15,000
dollars for each trainload, or about 350,000 dollars for the three weeks’
season. This represents only a small part of the traffic in the fruits of
this country, which is constantly increasing. The ease and certainty with
which they may be grown is tho reason why it should be done.”

1 1 J - To the Culture of Horseradish considerable space is devoted

in some of the North American States. One writer in New Jersey
describes bis system as follows: — “I planted on moist soil, in banks
3 feet apart, 18 inches apart in the row. The average weight in eight
years was 2 lbs. each, the average price during the same time was eight
cents a pound, or 1600 dollars to the acre ; but I must say we used from
350 to 400 dollars’ worth of manure from a slaughter-house at 1 dollar
50 cents per ton to each acre. The ploughing, planting, cultivating,
trimming, & c., was worth 200 to 300 dollars, according to the season,
leaving a profit of 900 to 1150 dollars per acre. I raised Horseradish
alone, but it can be raised together with Cabbage, Beets, or Lettuce. If
done in this way the roots are not as strong or thick as they are when
planted alone.”

- Since 1834 Prof. Schnetzler has been making some experiments

in the Cultivation of the Ramie or China Grass Plant
(Bcehmeria njfea) on the Champ-de-l’Air at Lausanne. This plant,
a native of China and Sumatra, has been grown in the south of the Unit°d

October 14, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

341

States and of France for thirty years. Recently it has been introduced
into Algeria. There is, of course, a striking difference in the conditions
of temperature between Lausanne and the places in Asia where Ramie is
grown. While the latitude of the latter is from 15° to 35°, that of
Lausanne is 46° 31'. The mean temperature at Lausanne is 9-5° C. Last
winter the plants underwent long periods of great cold ; in one case, the
temperature being below zero for 124 hours, with a minimum on the
gound for 5-210. — C.

Planting in the Isle of Man. — It is interesting to know
that the contracts now being entered into by the Commissioners of Woods
and Forests for trees for the Isle of Man are not the first of the kind.
Already, we are informed, very extensive planting operations have taken
place on the Crown lands in that interesting island. In 1882 contracts were
entrusted to Messrs. Little & Ballantine, Carlisle, which involved the
planting of three millions and a half of trees on mountain land ; and it is
the success of these extensive operations which has led the Commissioners
to go further into this important matter and extend the number of trees
annually. A competent forester from the Carlisle Nurseries is in charge
of the plantations and superintending the planting under the Department,
which is now done as far as possible by native labour. Half of the trees
which are to be planted this year have been again ordered from Knowe-
field.

- “ Entomologist ’’ states that— “ The Lilacs in several of the

metropolitan squares have suffered severely this season, first from the at¬
tacks of the larval of the small moth, Gracillaria syringilla, the ravages of
which were almost immediately followed by those of the grub of a small
fly, Anthomyia species (?), in consequence of which during August many
bushes were leafless and apparently dying off. It shows, however, the
strong vitality of this plant, Jhat with somewhat cooler weather in Sep¬
tember, and slight rains, most of the affected Lilacs rallied and put forth
a fresh crop of leaves.”

At the Indian and Colonial Exhibition, South Kensington, a
display OF Canadian Apples and Vegetables, with other pro¬
duce, is provided in the Conservatory, illustrating the principal varieties
grown in the Dominion. The vegetables were the least satisfactory, the
samples of Potato, Carrots, Parsnips, Onions, Mangolds, and Swedes
being rather coarse. Some very large fruits of the Egg Plant, 9 inches
high and as much diameter, were showD, together with Squashes and
Vegetable Marrows, most of these exhibits being from Mr. Wm. Rennie
Ontario. The Apples comprised sixty dishes from the Toronto Industria,
Exhibition, besides a number from the Montreal, Missisquoi, Brome, and
Huntingdon Horticultural and Agricultural Societies, seventy dishes of
Apples being also contributed from Nova Scotia. There was considerable
difference in the size and colouring of_the specimens, those from Montreal
being remarkable for their rich tints, especially such as Water Corej
Fameuse, Foundling, Montreal WaxeD, Johnston, and Peach of Montreal
in several of which the rich red hues were contrasted with a delicate white
wax-like skin. The Nova Scotian Apples were not so remarkable for
colour, but were large and clean samples. In other collections the
varieties Emperor Alexander, King of Tomkins County, Baldwin, Blue
Pearmain, Wealthy, a bright red-streaked Apple, Sherwood Favourite,
Rhode Island Greening, Kentish Fillbasket, and King of the Pippins
were the best shown. From the Pelee Island Vineyards, Lake Erie,
Canada, were sent some samples of outdoor Grapes, comprising such
varieties as Delaware, Clinton, Catawba, and Prentiss, chiefly forms of
the Fox Grape. Pears were small, but Plums such as Reine Claude and
Pond’s Seedling were fine.

The Manna Ash, Fraxinus Ornhs, looks fresh and green now
in contrast with many deciduous trees, which are fast losing their leaves.
One variety named Theophrasti is especially notable for its dark green
colour, but some others like roundifolia are changing slightly^ assuming
a purplish tint. An interesting variety of the common Ash, Fraxinus
excelsior var. simplicifolia, in which the pinnate character of the leaves is
lost, ooe broad oval leaflet taking their place, is also remarkably fresh,
still with not a sign of October hues. The white Ash, Fraxinus americana,
which is reputed to be so carefully avoided by the rattlesnakes in the
United States, is not quite so fresh ; some of its leaves are fast changing
colour, and will soon be falling.

Several pretty Neri.ves flowering at the present time are
most attractive in the greenhouse or any cool structure. N. Fothergiili
major is the best in brilliancy of colour — a rich scarlet — and size of

flowers ; it is also very free. N. amabilis has flowers of good size, the
petals broad and of a bright rose tint. N. humilis major has similar
flowers, but of a dark rose shade. N. humilis ccerulea has a curious mix¬
ture of rose and purplish lilac in the flowers. N. O’Brieni lilacina has
blooms like N. amabilis, but tinged with a bluish lilac colour ; N. excellens
being somewhat of the same style, but not quite so large.

GARDENS ABOUT PRESTON.

Lancashire is generally associated with tall chimneys, factories,
chemical works, coal pits, and such evidences of human industry. The
county has a bleak and barren appearance in the vicinity of the two
latter, for all vegetation that renders a landscape beautiful is totally de¬
stroyed. But the whole of Lancashire is not in this deplorable condition,
for there are lovely spots and as charming landscape views as can be found
in any other part of the country. Cotton mills are everywhere visible in
the neighbourhood of Preston, and it would be impossible to conceive that
they could be situated with such lovely surroundings. The smoke that
issues from these mills does not destroy vegetation or render gardening in
general so difficult as is experienced in many other localities. Vegetation
is luxuriant in this district, and the gardens, parks, and woods are well
furnished with flourishing timber trees, shrubs, and Conifers. This is not
to be wondered at when we consider the soil in the vicinity of Preston is
of a very fertile nature. Market garden produce is largely grown, the
soil being well adapted for the growth of vegetables. If one crop pre¬
dominates more than another it is Celery, and perhaps nowhere in the
country is it grown better or on a more extensive scale. A portion of
nearly every field is devoted to this vegetable ; in short, everybody that
is in possession of a piece of ground grows it, and they certainly excel in
its cultivation.

The gardens about Preston are not so extensive as are to be found in
the immediate vicinity of many towns, and with one or two exceptions
they are of moderate size only. Gardening, however, in its various
branches is “ well done,” as can be observed by anyone visiting the
Preston and Fulwood Horticultural Society’s Show in the spring of the
year. Some of the most striking features of a few of the gardens about
Preston will he referred to, detailed accounts not being attempted.

FARINGTON HOUSE.

This is the home of J. Eocles, Esq., and is about twenty minutes’
walk from Leyland station on the London and North-Western Railway,
and about four miles from Preston. The residence and gardens are
reached by two drives, which wind through a thickly wooded plantation of
fair size. The trees are not large or well furnished, because they have
been left too long without being thinned. This state of things is to be
found in many plantations, and it is a pity, f t the grass beneath is totally
destroyed, while Rhododendrons and other underwood are smothered, or
partly so. The Rhododendrons that skirt the drive will be destroyed in
a few years unless measures are speedily taken for clearing away the front
rows of trees or liberally thinning the others, bo that light and air can
pass freely through them to the evergreens. Mr. Eccles has certainly
improved the place by the number of trees felled last year, but others yet
need removal, for they overshade the dwelling and some of the plant and
fruit houses. The front of the wood through which the drives pass that
border the lawns are freely dotted with Conifers and evergreens, and have
a very effective appearance from the dwelling. A good stretch of well
kept lawns surround the mansion, and a neat little flower garden to the
left of one of the diives.

The main features of these gardens, however, are the glass houses.
Some five fair-sized houses are devoted to Vines — in fact, four cf them
may be termed large, which are lean-to, or possess a small hip roof. The
principal range is a good one, and, in addition to three vineries, is con¬
cluded by a large early Peach house, the fruit having been gathered from
this structure early in the season ; but the trees are healthy, and very
promising for another year. The early house of Grapes has been cut,
while another house of Black Hamburghs has been recently freed from
fruit-bearing. Part of this house is overshaded by a large tree, and the
Vines cannot be expected to produce very satisfactory fruit until it has
been removed. A large amount of light, which is so essential to the
production of firm, well matured wood, is prevented from reaching the
Vines. The Muscat house, the one of Lady Downe’s and Alicante, and a
third with Madresfield Court and Black Hamburghs, planted alternately,
are carrying enormous crops of fruit. The Grapes are good in every
respect, being fair in size of bunch, colour, and berry ; in fact, they are
remaikably good when the enormous crop they are carrying is taken iuto
consideration. The Vines are healthy and the foliage clean, but it
is evident that high feeding has to be practised, or they would
fail to carry the crop annually imposed upon them. The wood and
foliage of the Vines, in fact their general appearance, strikes one that
the borders are too rich in nitrogeneous matter ; if more mineral
constituents were employed, and less manure for a season or two,
the wood would possess greater solidity, and the bunches would be of a
compacter nature, with berries of a larger size thau they even now
attain.

One little house is filled with Eucbaris amazonica, the very picture of
health, and the opposite side with Orchids, which are doing well. The
remaining division of this range is occupied with stove, fliwering, and
foliage plants, principally the latter for room decoration. Conspicuous
in this structure is a large plant of Adiantum farleyense 3 to 4 foe C
through. Another structure is devoted to Azaleas and other greenhous

842

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER

[ October 14 1886.

plants for cut flowers and the conservatory. Very noticeable was a large
batch of Primulas, which Mr. A. Waters, the able gardener, grows exceed¬
ingly well. Some of the finest plants we have seen for years were staged
by him at Preston last spring. The method of culture Mr. Waters has
detailed, and therefore need not be touched upon in these notes. There
is also a house for standard Peach trees, which are being removed except
in the centre, and trees are trained to wires round the sides. The con¬
servatory contained some good samples of the old double white Primula,
with a general assortment of other flowering and foliage plants.

The fernery is a very beautiful little house, being very tastefully
arranged with fountains, rockwork, and arches formed of Selaginella
6 or 7 fret high with a winding walk passing through. The top of the
house is furnished by a variety of Tree Ferns, and the rocks with those of
a dwarf nature, and a few Begonias of the Rex type. A house of
Camellias in pots completes the glass arrangements. The Camellias are
healthy, clean, and full of flower buds. It is surprising what improve¬
ment has been effected in the condition of these plants during the short
space of time Mr. Waters has bad charge of them.

The same marked improvement is visible in every department, the
grounds, houses, hardy fruit trees, as well as the well-stocked kitchen
garden. The gardens had been dreadfully neglected by some previous
gardeners, but the work of renovation and improvement commenced by
Mr. Campbell, the gardener previous to Mr. Waters, has been ably carried
on by the latter. I was very pleased to find that such a great change for
the better had been effected in the condition of these gardens in such a
short space of time.

WORDEN HALL.

This, the residence of the Misses ffarington, is situated on the
opposite side of Leyland. The mansion and gardens are reached by
traversing a lengthy drive that winds through a well-wooded extensive
park. The entrance to the drive is of an imp sing nature, and the same
may be said of the one on the opposite side of the park. The trees
throughout the park are of large size and well developed. From below
the pleasure grounds a winding walk runs very tastefully through a large
but narrow strip of well timbered land. This is rendered the more
beautiful by the silent rippling stream that winds its course through the
wood, to be crossed here and there in following the walk to which re¬
ference has been made. This walk appears to be of such a nature that is
as no starting or endiDg place, for it brings you through large luxuriant
groups of Rhododendron ponticum and into an old but fruitful orchard,
the Damson trees being particularly heavily laden with fruit, and then into
other walks in the pleasure grounds.

The walls are covered with various fruit trees, which must have been
planted many years ago, many of them having lost their lower branches ;
in fact, are fast falling into decay. It is a pity that these walls are not
recovered with young trees or portions of them at a time, so that there
would be no lack of fruit until the young ones were established. This
has been done, however, on the wall devoted to Peaches, which were bear¬
ing excellent crops of large well coloured fruit, some of the fruits of
Barrington Peach weighing over 7 oza. The kitchen garden is fairly ex¬
tensive, and was well cropped with a general assortment of vegetables.

Close to the kitchen garden is one of those old but charming gardens
that should find a place in every establishment. The Misses ffarington
take a great interest in this garden ; and well they may, for it contains a
little of everything. For instance, beds of the common Moss Rose
pegged down, bulbs of every description for flowering in the spring,
alpine Phloxes, and a general collection of alpine and herbaceous plants.
This garden is bounded on one side by a hedge of Rhododendron pon-
licum and a row of climbing plants trained to pillars and festooned
gracefully from one to the other. Even Hops are not dispensed with for
this purpose, and remarkably well they look amongst other things after
the Hops are produced.

The flower gardens is situated close to the mansion, which is a
geometrical design, laid out in Box and various coloured gravels, the work
of Mr. Nesfield. The garden is sunk below the surrounding lawns, and
would undoubtedly be very effective from the mansion. This garden
was very gay, and the surrounding lawns in good condition. Below the
flower garden, and stretching for some distance t swards the park, are large
squan s of grass, not closely cut, that must be worth seeing in spring,
for they are full of Narcissus ; and below these again are large masses
of Scilla siberica. It is when massed together in quantity that these
bulbous plants are most effective.

The glass houses are not extensive. Vines occupy one house only.
Melons and Cucumbers are grown in one small house and in frames.
Pines are grown in pits, and the plants were sturdy and producing fine
fruit ; these houses are in the kitchen garden, the remainder being in the
pleasure grounds. A large house intended for a fernery, with a quantity
of rockwork, in progress of erection, will undoubtedly be interesting and
effective when completed, the arrangement of which Miss Ffarington
directs herself. Another house is devoted to Nymphseas, which cannot
fail to be very interesting from time to time, when the different varieties
are in bloom. Those that have not gone to rest are healthy and flowering
freely. The remainder of the houses are devoted to Ferns and decorative
plants in variety. Many very old plants that are seldom found in gardens
nowadays are cherished at Worden Hall. The whole of the houses are
heavily draped with a good variety of climbers, the back walls being
also covered with a variety of flowering plants. The climbers add to
these houses a very natural appearance, for they are not tightly tied
together, but from a distance have the appearance of covering the entire
roof. Such, however, is not the case, for they are only trained under the
^afters. The houses are old, and consequently rather dark, and with the

aid of the climbers a large amount of light is hiddm from the p'ants below
Mr. R. Frisby, the able gardener, deserves congratulation for the condition
of the gardens generally.

FERN BANK. PV3

This is situated on the opposite side of Preston, and is about two
miles distant. It is the home of Mr. John Atherton, Hon. Secretary of
the Preston and Fulwood Horticultural Society. This Society owes much
to the exertions of Mr. Atherton, who has woiked hard in order to render
it a success. No better or more able person could be found for the
position. He is an enthusiastic amateur, with plenty of time on hand,,
which he freely devotes to the Society, and in addition is well known
to the ilite of Preston. The gardens at Fern Bank are not large, and
principally consist of an orchard of various fruit trees, two glass houses,
a small lawn, and a few flower beds. Fern Bank is referred to because
amateurs may gather two or three useful hints from what 1 noted as
particularly conspicuous. The first subject that took my attention was
two flower beds of the old Sedum spectabile with its enormous heads of
rose-coloured flowers. Two finer beds it would be impossible to have,
and all desirous of having effective and telling beds without having to
raise plants annually should make a note of this. One of the houses
were filled with Yallota purpurea and various Lilies ; the other, a large
span-roofed structure, contains a good assortment of succulents, about
fifty varieties, some of the plants being good specimens. Eucomis regia
was in bloom with fine spikes of its sweet-scented flowers. This is a
plant that deserves to be more generally grown. The remainder of the
house was filled with a general assortment of plants. Fuchsias — the old
Rose of Castile — were strikingly beautiful ; they were growing from
beneath the stage by the side of the walk, and very full of bloom. The
objectionable part of many houses might be rendered effective by this
method. — W. B.

FRUITS FOR NORTH WALLS.

In many instances we see north walls clothed with Ivy, those in
charge of them being of opinion that nothing of a more profitable character
will grow on them ; but this is a mistake, as there are some fruits which
succeed as well on a north wall as on any other aspect, and those in this
position have advantages which others in earlier situations do not possess.
Morello Cherries do exceedingly well on a north wall. They grow freely,
and soon furnish it with plenty of wood and foliage. They begin fruit¬
ing early, and bear a crop when they are three or four years old. Their
late position is in their favour in two ways. In spring they are later in
coming into bloom than those in sunny positions, and this is greatly in
their favour, as the weather is better as a rule towards the end of April
than in March, and they very rarely miss a crop. Again, in the autumn
the north aspect is all in favour of the fruit being late in ripening and
hanging long. Our first Morellosin a west aspect ripened early in August,
but those on a north wall were not coloured until the very end of that
month, and now those that were in the last week in September we
have still perfectly fresh fruit hanging on the north wall trees. It will
be late in October before they fall, and I think all will admit that this is
very late for Cherries in a district not generally late.

The next fruits I recommend for this position are Red and White
Currants. Some years ago we had a shed, the wall of which faces due
north. It was quite bare and rather unsightly, and with the object of
improving its appearance, in summer at least, a narrow opening was taken
out along the bottom of the wall where there is a pathway, and this was
filled with good soil. One-year-old Red and White Currant bushes were
planted, and the branches trained upright to reach the top of the wall as
soon as possible, but in addition to their covering the wall they soon
began to bear heavy crops of splendid fruit, and for five or six years past
the finest Red and White Currants in the garden have been produced on
those north wall plants. They never fail to produce a full crop, the
bunches and berries being very large, and they hang quite fresh until
long after the bushes in the open quarters are destitute of fruit.

The Keswick Codlin Apple also bears very well on a north aspect, and
some Pears, particularly BeunAd’Amanlis, produce much good fruit facing
the north ; and as the planting season is again at hand, I would advise
all who have north walls now occupied unprofitably or bare to plant them
with those named above. — J. Muir.

ROSE THE BRIDE.

Several correspondents have requested us to furnish them with
some particulars concerning this new white Tea Rose, which has appeared
at several exhibitions this year and attracted much attention. At a
meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society in August Messrs. Wm. Paul
and Son showed a number of blooms and buds that were very charming
and extremely fragrant. It was noted approvingly by one of our corre¬
spondents last week, and again in the present issue (page 334). As a free,
late-flowering variety it is likely to be very useful.

Writing in reference to this variety Mr. William Paul, Waltham Cross
(to whom we are indebted for the loan of the woodcut, fig. 52) remarks as
follows : —

“ Tour correspondent, ‘ Wild Rose,’ tells us (page 314) that this Rose
‘ originated in the garden of Mr. Bancroft, the historian.’ I think he
will find that it originated with Mr. John May of Summit, New Jersey

Ootober 14, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDERER

843

one of the largest and most enterprising of the American market growers.
It was a sport from Catherine Mermet, and has been exhibited by us
several times this season, and always attracted attention, receiving
the commendations of many of our best judges of Roses. It has
bloomed abundantly here from June onwards, and is wonderfully
free both in growth and flowering. The habit is good, the flowers holding

AMERICAN BLACKBERRIES.

I wrote you in the spring about the Wilson Junior variety, and now
that the fruit is ripening I report further. I may repeat that the plants,
twelve in number, were obtained in April or thereabouts of last year, and
consisted each of one shoot, except one, which had two of about 15 inches
in length and of the thickness of a quill [ en. Of the six plants retained
for myself two died and one does not appear to be the true variety. The

Fig. 52. — Rose The Bride.

themselves upright on stiff fljwer stalks. The introducer of it (Mr.
May) describes it as a white Catherine Mermet, and it seems to bear out
this description. I believe it wi 1 prove a grand white Rose, especially
valuable for forcing for cut blooms.”

other three at the time I wrote you were of the size of small Gooseberry
bushes. The tallest is new more than 6 feet high, the stem is over
2 inches in circumference at the base, and there are several branches, one
between 5 and 6 feet in length. The second tree was the height of this
two months ago, but the top was broken off in a gale of wind. The stem

344

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ October 14, 1888

of this is 2£ inches in circumference at the base. The third consists of
two strong stems hearing several branches. The trees are planted 6 feet
apart. This is too close, 10 feet would be better. As the fruit is borne
on the old wood, and as the old wood is but little more than that referred
to at the beginning of this letter, there is naturally not much in the way
of a crop. Indeed, there is very little, but what there is is very
promising. The berries are not very large, but the drupes (the small
berries composing the whole berry) are large, and give promise of a
larger fruit when the plants are thoroughly established. The fruit is
sweet and like jelly in the mouth, and indeed is eatable some time before
it is fully ripe. As far as my experience goes at present, I believe the
Wilson J unior to be a va’uable introduction.

I have no personal knowledge of the introducers, and no commercial
interest whatever in the introduction. — W. R.

MUSTARD AND CRESS FOR MARKET.

[The following article originally appeared in this Journal, March
16th, 1882. It was subsequently reprinted, and both issues being ex¬
hausted it is again reprinted in response to several applications.]

In most English gardens attention is given to providing a supply of
Mustard and Cress for salads ; and being easily and quickly grown, and
further possessing very wholesome qualities, they are within the reach of
all, even of those with most limited means or accommodation for plant or
vegetable growing. Still, very few residents at a distance from London
have any idea of the extremely large quantities of this small Balading
grown to supply the demands of the metropolitan markets. It is only by
visiting the gardens where its culture is made a speciality, or by an early
morning journey to Covent Garden Market, that anyone unacquainted
with the facts would be able to form the slightest conception of the extent
of the trade in such apparently insignificant productions. One reason for
this is that Mustard and Cress require to be quickly grown, quickly sold,
and quickly conveyed to the consumer, as it soon becomes tough and
tasteless after cutting ; and the consequence is that outside the markets
large quantities are seldom seen, as the retailers purchase only what is
ordered, or as much as they consider will meet the demand for the day. The
supply is thus very generally distributed ; and though few shops have
more than a dozen punnets, there is scarcely one in a respectable neigh¬
bourhood that does not require some daily. But for this fact it would
seem almost incredible that so large a quantity as some growers raise could
be consumed while fresh.

The chief season for Mustard and Cress is during the spring months,
at which time a thousand dozen punnets are brought to Covent Garden
Market daily by the chief growers, and one alone sends from a thousand
to fifteen hundred dozen punnets per week. The supply is maintained in
a varying degree throughout the year, reaching its lowest in November,
December, and January, especially in severe or very wet seasons. It is,
however, a constant crop, and one grower informs me that his supply
would average five hundred dozen punnets per week throughout the year ;
and judging by the space he devotes to its culture the quantity does not
seem to be exaggerated, though the results are somewhat astonishing when
we consider the money value that is realised.

The price per dozen punnets varies from Is. to 2s. ; but as less than the
first-named price has sometimes to be taken the average might be fairly
considered to be Is. the dozen. Thus five hundred dozen per week would
give a total annual amount of £1300 ; and taking the profits at the very
low estimate of 10 per cent, we have a yearly income of £130 for Mustard
and Cress alone. From what I have seen and can judge ot the labour and
expense incurred in the production I should, however, think the profits
would be nearer 20 than 10 per cent. The result appears almost incre¬
dible, and considering that even those market gardeners who grow the
largest quantity of small salad also have several other crops, especial at¬
tention being paid to Mushrooms, this form of market gardening seems to
be a rather satisfactory one. It must be remembered that these paiticulars
only refer to those who grow the largest quantities, and less than half a
dozen almost entirely supply the demands of Covent Garden. In small
quantities it would probably not pay for carriage, and most of those men¬
tioned as making a speciality of small salading have waggons which
convey that and other produce to London and return laden with manure.
The grower must be conveniently situated as regards distance from
the chief markets, or the expense would be considerably increased and the
quality of the salad greatly deteriorated if it remained closely packed for
too long a time.

It may be of interest to some readers to know the methods of growing
this salad adopted by market gardeners around London ; and as I have
recently had an opportunity of visiting several of these establishments a
few observations upon the subject will give an idea to those who are
desirous of commencing the culture on a large scale. It may be pre¬
mised that though some of the best gardening in the kingdom is to be
seen in market growers’ establishments, yet there is generally so much
trade rivalry and jealousy that a reluctance to communicate any details of
culture very generally prevails. Some who have been successful imagine
they possess a secret essential to the satisfactory production of any parti¬
cular crop ; yet after all they only act upon general principles, and in half
a dozen different establishments as many different systems may be seen in
operation, with results that vary but very slightly, and are in a pecuniary
point of view equally satisfactory. So it is with the crop now under con¬
sideration. One man who has been very successful in the culture of
Mustard and Cress, and who sends a very large quantity to market, con¬
siders that his progress is due to certain cultural details which he would
not communicate on any consideration, and he is under the impression

that other growers are continually endeavouring to ascertain these, even
going so far as to offer some of his men very high wages to obtain their
services ; yet this does not appear necessary, for all growers I have seen
have equally good crops.

One highly important matter is to obtain good seed, as unless this is
done the crops will come irregularly, and it will be difficult to obtain a
constant reliable supply. It may be here mentioned that very little of the
true Mustard (Sinapis alba) is grown, the substitute employed being Rape
(Brassica Rapa), which is preferred chiefly because it has a milder flavour
and the young stems blanch very readily, being also free from the small
hairs which the stems of Mustard bear. Cress (Lepidium sativum) is
grown in less quantity than the Rape, as it is less in demand, and,
further, it is rather more trouble to raise than the other, as most gardeners
know. The wholesale prices ber bushel average about 12s. for Rape and
Mustard, and 16s for Cress, though samples of superior quality realise
higher prices. Another point that especially needs attention is sowing
the seed very thickly fin the case of the Rape the seeds are placed as
closely as possible), as that not only insures the blanching of the stems,
which adds greatly to the value of the crop, but it also simplifies the
packing, as when the stems are so close together they are cut and placed
in the punnets quickly and evenly. A light soil or compost is invariably
employed, but the best results appear to have been produced by old
Mushroom-bed manure not too much decomposed, which is sifted or
screened and placed in beds 3 or 4 inches deep quite level, moderately
firmly, and if at all dry it is thoroughly watered before sowing the seed.
Almost any kind of light soil is suitable, and old tan was used at one time
very largely for the purpose ; indeed, there was one grower at Vauxball
some years ago who employed that entirely. It is also said that the sawdust
which is now used in some stables is well adapted for Mustard and Cress ;
but it is too “ strong ” when first received from the stables, and requires
storing for a time or to be drenched with water to remove some of the
ammoniacal compounds with which it is saturated. An important object
is to obtain salad free from grit, and on this account the old Mushroom-
bed manure seems to be especially useful, as it forms a moist nourishing
medium, in which the rootlets can readily extend. The seed not being
covered with soil also aids in securing a clean crop, and the surface being
rendered as fine and even as possible, the produce is obtained of equal
height, which also adds considerably to the value of the crop, and facili¬
tates the cutting and packing in punnets.

These particulars especially apply to the winter and early spring supply,
which has to be raised in heated houses or frames. In the summer beds
are prepared outside. Where the early supply receives much attention
small span- roof houses or lean-to frames are devoted entirely to the pur¬
pose, as are the inside borders of late vineries. In the former case the
houses are about 9 feet wide and 6 feet high, and vary in length from
30 to 60 feet, but of course the length is of little importance. They are
heated with 2-inch or 2^-inch pipes, one row extending round near the
sides. The beds are 4 feet wide, thus leaving a space of a foot for a path
down the centre, which are edged with narrow boards 3 or 4 inches deep
on each side, and next to the pipes also. The frames are about 5 feet
wide, with a pipe along the front. In the case of the vineries the prepared
soil is simply spread on the surface of the border to the required depth,
and the seed is sown, sometimes being pressed slightly into the soil with a
flat piece of wood or something similar. A good supply of water is then
given, and the seed is covered with ordinary garden mats. These are only
removed when it is necessary to supply water ; and this must be carefully
attended to, as little is given after germination is well advanced, or decay
is likely to result. The mats are kept on during the day until the young
plants have grown an inch or two, when they are removed to permit the
seed leaves to acquire a bright green colour — a point of some importance
in combination with well-blanched stems.

In from eight to twelve days the crop is ready for cutting — i.c., when
the stems are about 4 inches high, and to effect this a peculiar but simple
knife is used. This has a straight flat blade like an ordinary dinner knife,
but not rounded at the end, about an inch broad and a foot long. Near
the handle is a crank turned upwards at right angles to the blade like a
bricklayer’s trowel, and the end is again turned at right angles, but
parallel with and away from the blade ; this is inserted in the handle just
like the trowel. With this instrument the salad is cut much in the same
style as mowing with a scythe, the blade being flat on the ground. Oue
sweep of the knife cuts enough or more for a punnet, and is taken up with
the hands and placed in evenly, so that it appears almost as it had grown
in it. Some practice is required to effect this satisfactorily, and skilful
experienced cutters can gather and pack over a thousand punnetB a day.
The punnets are then packed in boxes and conveyed to market in vans.
The chief labour is removing the old material from the beds, which has
to be done after every crop; this is stored away in a heap for several
months and then incorporated with fresh material. Where the compost is
purchased this is a rather expensive item, and one grower, I am informed,
pays 28. 6d. a load for old Mushroom-bed manure. In the best-managed
establishments, howefver, Mushrooms are grown in addition, and that
outlay is thus to some extent reduced. It should further be added that
both bouses and frames are constructed in the most economical manner
possible, utility and cheapness bemg the chief objects.

As to the space required, some idea may be gathered from the fact that
the punnets are about 6 inches in diameter, and I should think at a safe
estimate a square foot of a good crop would fill two punnets of Rape, a
little more Cress being required. Thus a heated frame 60 feet long with
a bed 5 feet wide would yield about fifty dozen every fourteen days
throughout the year, as the lights could be removed and the heat discon¬
tinued as the season advanced. Taking twenty-five crops in the year at

October 14, 1888. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

845

the rate of Is. per dozen would give a yearly total from one frame of
£62 10s. ; or to put it in another way, the yearly return per square yard
of ground occupied would be over £1 10s., a quarter of an acre so cropped
giving £1815 per annum.

Although Mustard and Cress seed differ in cost to the extent of 4s. per
bushel, there is not much difference in the results to the grower. For
instance, a bushel of Mustard or Rape is sufficient to sow 256 square feet of
bed, the same quantity of Cress being sufficient for 384 square feet ; but
for the same cost as the Cress 340 feet can be sown with Mustard. The
ultimate results thus vary slightly, for though a somewhat higher price is
obtained for the Cress, yet smaller quantities are required, and there is
more uncertainty regarding the crop. As a guide to those intending to
grow this salading it may be stated that a pint of Mustard seed is required
for each 4 square feet, and the same amount of Cress for each 6 feet.
From about 25 to 30 per cent, should be deducted from the estimated
returns for the cost of the seed. Thus, to provide the five hundred dozen
per week mentioned above between six and seven hundred bushels of
83ed are used yearly, at a cost of something over £400, or about one-third
of the returns. The punnets are very cheap, but even for them, where
such large quantities are grown, £2 or £3 per week is said to be the
average outlay. It should be stated that some growers soak the Rape
seed in water before sowing to hasten the germination.

Such are a few particulars concerning a very simple crop, which, if
judiciously managed, can evidently be made more profitable than some
others apparently of far more importance. The prices and quantities have
been chiefly furnished by reliable market salesmen, and the information
obtained from several different sources agrees in the main facts. Farther,
to avoid misleading statements as much as possible, the lowest figures
have been given in each ease. — L. Castle.

TRENCHED v. UNTRENCHED SOIL.

It appears there are some quite ready to hear more about the subject
of trenching, and perhaps another controversy at this seasonable date
will not be out of place in our good old Journal. At any rate, what “ A
Kentish Gardener” has to say upon the matter will be very well received,
and I am rather glad I did not effectually “ crack his nut ” when I first
attempted it.

When I read how simple the work of improving all soils proves to
such as “ J. L. B.” and “ A. L G.,” it occurred to me that either I am
singularly unskilful, or most unfortunate in that I meet with land that
is so exceptionally difficult to cultivate profitably. It may be that the
garden here might be much improved by a thoroughly new system of
draining, but that at present is quite out of the question, and if ever it is
done I hope someone else will have charge of the place, for I have a very vivid
recollection of the effects of having to take a stokehole drain through it.
That was done four years ago, and the surface affected has not yet been
placed into good working order. After all, if draining and deep cultiva¬
tion would be so very beneficial here, we ought to be able to detect some
marked improvement in the neighbourhood of this drain, but we cannot,
not even where it is only 2 feet deep, so that I may yet have to retract
my first admission. At the same time, a thorough and intelligent
drainage does effect a remarkable improvement in heavy stagnant locali¬
ties such as ours, but our 100-year-old garden, besides being intersected
with choked drains has also a bad outlet. It is by no means singular in
this respect, for I have practised in one large garden, almost on a level
with a river, and very frequently water was standing in the subsoil, it
being quite a common occurrence for the boiler fires to be extinguished
by water. Would any of my opponents recommend deep culture for this
garden, and at least three others that I could name almost as badly
situated ?

“ A Kentish Gardener ” need not hesitate to introduce according to his
ideas any commendable practice adopted by farmers, although, perhaps,
they as a body have more to learn from us than we from them. I really
wanted someone to mention something about steam power and its capa¬
bility of unearthing riches that had for centuries lain locked up a foot or
so lower, as it was the baneful effects of the steam plough that tended
to strengthen my ideas that the value of trenching is very much over¬
estimated. Here let me protest against the insinuation that I have
jumped too quickly at conclusions on this subject ; on the con¬
trary, the first garden I was connected was ruined by injudicious, 1 may
say reckless, trenching, and this has always been well remembered, and
the whole tendency of my remarks upon trenching has been to warn others
of the risks they may run. For the last fourteen years I have been
taking note of various experiments on farms, market gardens, and in private
places, some being confirmatory, and some being condemnatory of my
recently expressed opinion. I have watched steam ploughs at work on
large tracts of land, and at one time was delighted with the way in which
they “ unearthed the riches,” but latterly I began to have my doubts about
these miniature gold mines, especially when some of thejvotaries of the steam
plough figured conspicuously in the bankruptcy courts, the machinery
being principally blamed for the breakdown. By machinery I mean the
actual costs of its purohase and subsequent contingent expenses, and also
the results of going too deep. The scarifier on many soils is better than
the subsoiler, and that those who have brought up the clays to the surface
found to their cost. No matter how deep and good the soil may be, if the
surface is unworkable, failures, or partial failures, must result. Not only
is trenching in any form most expensive work, but the subsequent surface
culture is more laborious, and requires more judgment than ordinary
digging.

My opponents ought to quote correctly and not in a garbled fashion
to suit their arguments. For instance, I have distinctly stated that
deep alluvial soil may sometimes be trenched with advantage, yet “ A
Kentish Gardener” asserts I encourage trenching only in the case of
light gravelly soil. Another correspondent has gone the length of
asserting that it is only quite recently that I have admitted any good at
all could be done by trenching under conditions, and which he must
know to be erroneous.

I may be asked what I would term judicious trenching, and will reply
in anticipation, and will leave it to my readers to decide if I am far
wrong m describing this as rather expensive work and not likely to be
generally adopted in these times of great reduction in manual labour.
A friend of mine selected a good square of ground for Onions, and made
up his mind that he would have some good ones or much superior to any
that might be grown in the “ orchard.” He conld command nearly
2 feet of good soil, and this was bastard trenched early in the autumn,
abundance of good solid manure being worked into each spit. After the
ground had settled somewhat the surface was forked over, this being
repeated at intervals during the winter, a dressing of soot being given
each time. At sowing time he had a good depth of firm ground in excel¬
lent condition, and a wonderful crop eventually resulted. The following
winter only the surface was dug and well worked and more soot given.
Onions being again sown, and such Onions as are now ready in great
quantities for exhibition I have never seen surpassed. In the rectory
garden near here a good breadth of ground has been trenched, only the
“ shovellings ” of clayey subsoil reaching the surface. As much manure
was mixed in as could well be done, and when I saw the ground some of
this had reached the surface during the process of forking over. A few
repetitions of this forking the surface will bring it into good working
order, and the Peas, for which it is prepared, will do well from the com¬
mencement, and probably be benefited, especially if the season is very
dry, by the deep root run. This is doing the work well, very different
indeed from the way it is usually done, and I shall watch the result closely.
Unless I am much mistaken, however, if we could expend half as much
time and half as much manure on our ground our crops would be fully
equal to those at the Rectory. As it is our Peas usually grow too tall, and
trenching either increases this tendency to produce too much haulm, or,
if the season is wet and cold, it renders the ground t totally unfit for
Peas.

“ A Kentish Gardener ” advances several good reasons why surface
culture should be of the highest order, yet, in actual practice, favours the
very methods of treating the ground that is bound to induce deep root
action. As he easily proves, various plants thrive best on ridges where
they receive the full benefit of the sun’s rays and the humid ammonia-
charged atmosphere, and why will he insist upon trenching, and
thereby lose all the benefits he so ably points out as being
derived by the Beans and Lettuces on the ridges ? One important reason
he omitted to mention. I am strongly of opinion that the firmness of
the soil has much to do with the Lettuces and Beans doing so well on
Celery ridges. I am surprised to find that even “ A Thinker ” has
insinuated that it is owing principally to a greater depth of soil they
receive the benefit of, forgetting that these ridges are only a trifle above
the ordinary ground level, the soil thrown out being a comparatively thin
addition to the surface of the wide spaces between the trenches. Then
we are told they have long tap-roots, and are also enabled to find a
“ double dose ” of food. That reads prettily, Mr. Thinker, but I must
point out that we largely plant out the Beans, and at least one-half of
the Lettuces, and the tap-roots are not often preserved in the operation,
or at any rate are diverted from their natural course. It is the valuable
surface soil that Nature is constantly improving that vegetable life
naturally thrives best in, and this our deep trenchers would muddle np
with wretched clay and other abominations. I am so much in favour
of surface culture that for the future the bulk of our Potatoes will be
planted on the surface and moulded over. This season we had a breadth
of heavy ground, 67 feet by 46 feet, planted on the surface with Yeitch’s
Ashleaf Potatoes in rows 3 feet apart. Between these Brussels Sprouts
were planted. We lifted 84 sacks, or 34 bushels of good Potatoes, and
at the same time moulded up the Sprouts. The latter now completely
cover the ground, and are producing abundance of hard knobs ; a better
breadth beiDg almost impossible to find. I should add the ground was
manured and roughly dug early in the winter previous, and a sprinkling
of superphosphate of lime was added at planting time. If we ha d
trenched that piece of ground, in all probability the Potatoes would have
formed too much haulm, and even if we had been able to plant the
Sprouts they would have grown lanky and gone too much to leaves to
be profitable. Which forms the best growth when Broccoli or any
member of the Brassica tribe planted out before they have long stems, or
those which have of necessity to be dibbled in deeply 1 The former root
almost wholly near the surface, the roots of the latter never reach the
surface, and a sappy delicate top-growth is the result. With us Asparagus
absolutely refuses to grow unless planted on the surface and encouraged
to root in the top spit. Directly the roots of fruit trees leave the surface
soil the crops are poorer in every way, and lifting has to be resorted to,
this even in houses where the drainage is perfect. The colour of the
foliage of Peach trees especially intimates where the roots are, and this
season we have partially or wholly lifted several. Mulching is com¬
paratively a simple matter, and any gardener in the country can easily
avail himself of some kind of material more or less suitable. Only this
week I have acted as doctor in the case of deeply rooting Vines. Those
roots formed near the surface, induced by mulching and good surface
treatment, had abundance of fibre, whereas those 18 inches deep were

846

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Ootober 14, 1888.

comparatively fibreless, neither fruit trees nor vegetables forming much
fibre when far below the surface. — W. Iggulden.

REVIEW OF GRAPES.

Me. J. McIndoe, writing under this heading at page 321, in reference
to the two bunches of Grapes staged by Mr. W. Taylor at the Crystal
Palace and Kensington Shows early in September last under the name of
Oros Maroc, says, “ I with two well-known Grape exhibitors carefully
examined them. At first sight they appeared ti be as dissimilar as it is
possible for two bunches of one variety to be.” The largest one, Mr.
McIndoe says, appears to have been taken from the leading shoot of a strong
young Vine, the wood of which appears to have been thoroughly ripened
last year. The other bunch had evidently been cut from a weak lateral
that had not been well ripened last year, hence, says Mr. McIndoe, the
difference in length of footstalk and general appearance. He further
says, “ Upon looking over several other stands of Gros Maroc, we could
discern as great or greater differences between different samples as in that
of Mr. Taylor's two bunches.” I have quoted Mr. Mclndoe’s remarks on
this subject, so as to present his somewhat strange conclusions and my
criticism thereon together in the same article before your readers, so that
they may see at a glance the grounds upon which Mr. McIndoe based his
remarks, and judge for themselves whether they are such as to justify the
conclusion at which he arrived.

1, like Mr. McIndoe, was an exhibitor of Grapes at the Crystal Palace
and South Kensington Shows early in September last, and, in conjunction
with several skilled gardeners, examined and admired Mr. Taylor’s Grapes
at the Palace Show ; but, unlike your correspondent, at first sight we
thought the larger and more symmetrical bunch of the two shown as Gros
Maroc was Gros Colman, and the more closely we examined the two
bunches in question, which curiously enough were alternated with Black
Alicante on the stands, the more fully were we convinced that they were
two varieties — Gros Colman and Gros Maroc. The general character of
the bunch referred to — size, shape, colour, and bloom of berries, with one
exception, were unmistakeably those of Gros Colman. In short, the two
bunches were strikingly dissimilar in every respect. And in support of
this opinion, expressed at the time the said bunch was being examined by
several competent judges, I suggested a comparison with the several
stands of Gros Maroc staged in the class f or that unmistakeable Grape a
few yards from Mr. Taylor’s excellent collection, not one bunch of which
resembled that gentleman’s small Gros Maroc bunch, though they all more
or less resembled the large one. I am aware that there were observable
■differences in a few of the samples of Gros Maroc shown in that class,
the berries in some bunches being less oval than those in others, but they
were all unmistakeably Gros Maroc. But I am taking up more space than
I had intended doing, as I had only intended asking Mr. McIndoe to
kindly show in what way the “leading shoot of a strong young Vine, the
■wood of which appeared to him to have been thoroughly ripened last year,
and the weak lateral that appeared not to have been well ripened last
year,” could contribute to the production of a bunch composed of globular
berries having the colour and bloom of a Groi Colman Grape in one case,
and that of one having oval berries and the colour and bloom of Gros
Maroc in the other. I am well aware that the ripeness or unripeness of
the wood has a good deal to do with the production of compact or loose
bunches, but I have yet to learn that properly ripened wood is instru¬
mental in the production of round-berried Grapes instead of oval-shaped
ones, and vice versa. — Exhibitor.

CULTURE OF THE MELON.

[A paper read by Mr. J. A. Mann, gardener to D. B. Kendell, Esq., M.P., Heath
Home, near Wakefield, to the Wakefield Paxton Society, 18th September, 1886.]

The Melon is a tender annual, producing one of the richest fruits
brought to the dessert table, and has been cultivated in England since
1570 ; but the precise time of its introduction and native country are
unknown. It was originally brought here from the tropics, and was till the
time of Miller called the Musk Melon. To grow the fruit to perfection
the aid of artificial heat and glass are required throughout every stage
of its culture, and even in the warmest months it cannot be brought to
perfection in Britain without the protection of glass. Ripe fruit may be
had at any season with the exception of midwinter ; but the main crop
of fruits for general demand are seldom cut at the earliest before the
middle of May, and the last succession mostly ceases to yield fruit after
October. To ripen the largest and best fruit with the best flavour as
great an atmospherical and bottom heat is required as is sufficient to ripen
the Pine Apple in this country ; but as the Melon is produced from an
annual plant, the seed of which must be sown every year, it requires a
different mode of culture.

Different methods of treatment and various kinds of earths and of
manures have been recommended and used successfully in Melon culture,
bnt the great thing after planting the young seedlings is to give them
plenty of atmospherical heat and a sufficiency of air. The Melon will
succeed in any unexhausted loam if it be rich in vegetable matter with a
mixture of sand, but not too light. The following is a good compost : —
Two-thirds of the top spit from a sheep pasture, adding sharp sand if
the eaith contains little or none till half is sand; add one-sixth of vege¬
table mould and one-sixth of well-decayed manure ; or if the earth is not
obtained from a pasture sheep dung may be substituted for the last. The
ingredients should be well incorporated and pulverised, drying the com¬
post, and before it is used warm it in the frame. The Melon will grow

and produce fruit of a good flavour if it be planted in any kind of
earth not of too light a texture, whether it be taken from the kitchen
garden or from a cornfield mixed with good decayed dung ; but Eoil of a
loamy nature is the best, because it retains moisture longer than light
soil. Earth dug from the surface of a common where sheep and cattle
have long been pastured is excellent for the Melon, but it should be well
broken to pieces about the size of an Apple, and lie five months before it
be used, and if it be exposed to a winter’s frost it will do it good.
Unless the s oil used is veiy strong I make it a practice when the Melon
beds are earthed up to tread the surface, which makes the earth retain
jts moisture longer than if it were left loose.

R:po fruits may be cut in about fifteen weeks from the time of sowing
the seed as an average period ; when many short and wintry days fall in
the course it may last eighteen weeks, but when the forcing is not com¬
menced till the days are nearly twelve hours long and continuously
lengthening ripe fruit are sometimes cut in ten weeks. Little time is
gained by beginning to force Melons in December, seed for the early
crop is, as a rule, sown from the middle of January to the first week of
February, and the succession crop at the beginning of March, and the
late crops intended to fruit at the end of the summer in the middle of
April. The plants may he raised in a Cucumber bed, and this is the
general practice ; but I prefer a separate bed with a higher temperature
than the Cucumber requires at the same period of the year. A one or
two-light frame may be used, according to the number of plants required.
As soon as the plants appear admit air cautiously, protecting the frame or
pit with matting at night and on frosty days. At favourable opportuni¬
ties give a little air, which will get rid of the condensed steam from the
glass. When the seed leaves are about half an inch long transfer the
seedlings into small pots about 4 inches in diameter. Give a gentle
watering to the roots, then plunge the pots in the bed again and keep
them close for a few days. The young plants will then have formed roots,
when more air can be given on favourable occasions, which will help to
strengthen them. When air is admitted it should be given at the upper
end of the lights, which should be raised about an inch or two, according
to the amount of sun.

Close early and damp the house, but if they are in a dung pit damping
is not required. Water occasionally when the earth appears dry. As the
plants advance in growth the first runner bud should be stopped by
cutting or pinching the top off close to the first or second joint. This
strengthens the plants and promotes fruitful growth. When the first
growths are three or four joints in length, if no fruits be shown stop them
at the third joint in order that they may produce fruitful laterals, and
as the runners extend train them over the surface of the bed with neat
pegs. Many shoots, as the plants proceed, will show fruit, but many
barren ones are produced, and hence it becomes necessary to regulate
them. Cut out the superfluous unfruitful or evidently useless shoots,
especially the very weak and the most luxuriant, for the medium-sized
shoots are the most fertile. As the blooms expand assist the setting
by fertilising them. The Melon, however, will also set naturally and pro¬
duce fertile buds if the time of fructification fall at a season when the
house can be left almost constantly open. I have proved by experience
that unfertilised Melons will not swell such fine and handsome fruits
as fertilised ones, and therefore I consider it more necessary to attend
to this operation in Melons than in Cucumbers.

When planting the Melon be careful to see the soil is properly warmed.
From 75° to 80° is a suitable temperature, although I believe that the
Melon will stand any amount of heat if there be plenty of moisture, and
the plants be in a healthy condition. When the plants have leaves about
3 inches long, and about two or three leaves on each plant, they are
quite ready for planting out, but never allow one to get too much
root-bound, or it will injure it in its after growth. A young plant never
should receive any check before it is placed out. Turn the plants out of
the pots carefully, not disturbing the roots if possible. Alter planting
give a gentle watering over the bed and round the roots. Take care
not to wtt the stems, shut the frames close until the heat and steam
arise, then give a little air. Place a mat, or any other material, to shade
them at mid-day until the roots have formed, which will be in three
or four days after planting. Choose a warm morning for water¬
ing before the middle of May, and in summer the afternoon or evening
according to the aspect of the pits. This operation should be done with
great care, and let as little as possible fall on the newly set young fruits,
or near the main head of the plant. As the fruit becomes nearly ripe
lessen the quantity of water given, just keeping the foliage from flagging,
and withhold water entirely when the fruit begins to turn colour.

In varieties almost every gardener has his special favourites, but it
does n t follow that those are the best for all purposes, one reason for
this, among several, being that so much depends upon the conveniences
of the cultivator, as well as the taste of those for whom the fruits are
grown. At the same time a few remarks on the various sorts that have
come under my notice may be of service to intending cultivators who
may yet be undecided as to what variety to select. Thera are many
varieties of Melons before the public at present, and it would be almost
impossible to choose the best. I should advise anyone that has a good
sort to save the seed, and not to get it crossed with any other. I
have found the following varieties very good, and can recommend them
to anyone that has a convenient place to grow Melons in. I shall only name
four, which I think are enough for any gardener to grow — namely, Hero
of Lockinge, scarlet fleshed ; William Tillery, green fleshed ; Here of Bath,
scarlet fleshed ; and Dr. Kendell, scarlet fleshed. The last is a seedling
raised by myself. It is a very handsome Melon, beautifully netted, and
I when quite ripe it has a splendid golden colour. I exhibited a fruit two

October 14, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

347

years ago at the Leeds Horticultural Show, and the Judges awarded it a
first-class certificate and the first prize for the best Melon in the show.
It has been exhibited at several shows since, and has always gained first
honours.

WINTERING ALPINE PLANTS.

It is at this season of the year that lovers of alpine plants generally
will be considering the best methods for the safe keeping of their pets
during the winter months. Not because they are tender, not because the
climates of England and their varied mountain habitats are so widely
different — at home they naturally exist during winter, snowbound perhaps
for several months, while here they are exposed to incessant changes.
They may be frozen hard during the night, with a rapid thaw in early
morn, to be again succeeded by a biting frost at night. Compare this
incessant change with the conditions under which they exist in their
mountain home, where they remain snug beneath a deep bed of dry snow,
uninfluenced by external conditions and changes, and who will wonder
at the collapse of many a choice plant ? Still, it must not be regarded as
an indispensable condition in their cultivation, and indeed it is fortunate
it is not so, otherwise many who now enjoy a sight of alpines would be
debarred from it. It is, however, so to speak, indispensable to a few,
while it cannot be well imitated at home. Those plants which seem to
suffer most away from their mountainous home are such as form dense
cushions of soft silken or downy leaves, of which several of the Swiss,
Pyrennean, and Himalayan Androsaces are fitting illustrations. Many of
these often puzzle the most experienced cultivator of alpines, and those
who, like myself, have had to contend with London smoke and London
fogs, know something of the disappointment experienced at the sudden
damping off of some choice plant which had made a presentable specimen.
Such plants as Houstonia caerulea, Eritrichium nanum, Sibthorpia europea
fol. var., and others of like character have this peculiarity.

For all alpines of a doubtful character which are kept in pots a light
airy frame forms the best receptacle, but having had occasion year after
year to winter large quantities of choice plants I have not omitted to
notice the results, and I can only say had the choice been mine I should
never have placed them in the only frames then at my disposal, and in
which numbers of plants succumbed annually from damp alone ; indeed,
the greatest difficulty was to get the plants dry, especially if they hap¬
pened to be placed in frames at a wet time. I am convinced that the
majority of alpines are better with no frames at all, unless they can be
accommodated with abundance of ventilation all the winter. I am
strongly opposed to covering frames containing alpines with mats, even
in the most severe winters, but rather to keep them freely ventilated the
whole time. The number of deaths attributable to frost as compared with
that of damp are very few ; indeed, frost will seldom harm even our
choicest alpines provided the foliage is dry and the soil is moderately dry
at the roots. In the long severe winter of 1878 and 1879 I had a very
choice collection of alpines in frames, among which were Houstonia,
Androsaces, Himalayan Poppies, most of which were established in their
pots, beside a late autumn consignment from Zurich, only recently potted.
Of these I had little fear, but with them under precisely the same treat¬
ment I wintered several hundreds of Leucophyton Browni, a plant then
in demand for bedding purposes. I had some little difficulty in getting
permission for the last-named to remain, but I succeeded, and I think
there was something like a score of dead ones when the winter had
passed, and these could not have been killed by frost, as most of them
were healthy and vigorous, much more so than a few which had found
their way into a heated house, whence they came sickly and weak. The
secret of my success I regard as this : the whole of the plants were
always freely ventilated, not only by the lights being tilted sideways, but
around the frame. In each light I had removed a brick at the back and
front ; this guaranteed a free current and constant circulation of air pass¬
ing amongst the plants. Theref re, if a frame be employed for wintering
alpines let it be similarly ventilated. In such a frame alpines are bene¬
fited, but in the majority of frames they are invariably ruined. There
are several ways by which frames for choice alpines may be freely and
continuously ventilated without extra expense. In the construction of
such a frame let the position face south, and let it be from 2 feet to
2 feet 4 inches deep in front and an additional depth of 9 inches at the
back. Fill in to a depth of 12 or 18 inches with brickbats, clinkers, or
any material which will ensure a perfect drainage, adding fine ashes to
stand the pots upon ; this will bring the plants near the glass. Instead
of bricking the frame in the ordinary way, the space of half a brick or
less should be left ; or if there be many cats about use perforated bricks
placed at such a height that the plants may get the full benefit of the air,
■either placed in one continuous course throughout the frame or inserted at
intervals. The lights may also be raised by screwing wooden rests about
■3 inches high to the wall plate back and front, each light requiring four
of these — one at each corner. The lights being thus bodily raised ensures
all that is requisite in this respect — viz,, a free ventilation, and which
must bo had to winter rare alpines in frames.

These remarks so far have only referred to pot plants and frames, so
that we have now to consider choice plants on the rockery. There is only
one way, and this is within the reach of all, this is by placing pieces of
glass slightly sloping over the plants to throw off the rain ; this makes an
excellent protection, and is easily and readily applied. In this way all
choice plants, such as Opuntias, Indian Meconopsis, Androsaces, Hous-
tonias, Epigaea repens, which is benefited by temporarily covering
it during its flowering period, Agave utahensis, and Eritrichiums, Gre-
novia dodrontale, and Edelweiss, will be safe. Primula obconica may
also be so treated till thoroughly established, and among Saxifrages few

will take any harm, all of the crustaceous and mossy types being
thoroughly hardy. In the first named group, however, there are some
which, provided the plants are small, "may be similarly treated ; these are
S. Rudolphiana, S. calyciflora, 8. squarrosa, S. aretioides and primulina,
with S. coriophylla, and S. lutea viridis. These are all lovely plants, and
all remarkably slow growers, hence the desirability of taking some extra
precautions. The Saxifragas which suffer most is the Megasea group, of
which ciliata is the most tender. These are invaluable for spring garden¬
ing, and unless the situation be highly favourable for them a slight pro¬
tection will not only hasten the flowering period, but will assist in retain¬
ing the foliage. Even at favoured and sheltered Belvoir Mr. Ingram
deems it prudent to protect with handlights all the most valuable of the
Megasea group. Armeria juncea and Campanula Raineri may be covered
with glass ; Lewisia rediviva, Onosmas, .Cyananthus, Drabas, Gentianas,
and Phyteumas will be safe if in well drained positions on the rockery ;
the same may be said of the major portion of Primulas, verticillata and
erosa being about the only two species which are permanently injured by
frost, the best place for the former being the cool greenhouse. Soldanellas
should be in the frame, and take special note of Hypericum segyptiacum
and balearicum. A wet and frosty winter will kill these. Primula
capitata, a species I had almost forgotten, must be protected.

From the foregoing remarks some idea may be formed of what plants
require protection. It is next to impossible to give a complete list, since
so much depends on the season alone, so that amateurs while taking the
foregoing remarks as a rough guide will do well to lean a little on their
own experience, at the same time carefully considering their own peculiar
circumstances. — E. Jenkins.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

October 12th and 13th.

The series of exhibitions provided at South Kensington this year is
nearly completed, some most varied and successful displays having resu] ted
from the liberal prizes contributed for the purpose. There has been a
succession of shows devoted to the favourite flowers in season ; vegetables
have been amply represented, and the later exhibitions have been appro¬
priated to fruit and Chrysanthemums. At the preceding gathering Grapes
formed the principal feature ; at that held on Tuesday and Wednesday last
Apples and Pears were specially provided for ; and at the next, and con¬
cluding show, Chrysanthemums are to take the leading place. The ex¬
hibition of the present week must, however, be recorded as one of the most
successful and satisfactory of the season, and the grand array of Apples
must have afforded a surprise to many horticulturists who know too well
how short is the crop of those fruits. Pears also were represented by some
fine specimens, though taken generally they were more irregular in quality
than the Apples. Then there were plentiful exhibits of Dahlias, Roses, and
hardy flowers to vary the display, a capital competition with vegetables
and a remarkable show of Tomatoes all contributing to the interest of the ex¬
hibition, every available portion of space in the conservatory being occupied,
and some non-competing exhibits had to be very reluctantly refused.

Fruit Committee. — Present : T. Francis Rivers, Esq., in the chair ;
and Messrs. J. Burnett, C. Ross, T. J. Saltmarsh, W. Denning, G. Norman,
J. Ellam, G. Bunyard, A. W. Sutton, Harry J. Yeitch, F. Rutland, Wm.
Paul, W. Warren, R. 0. Blackmore, P. Crawley, S. Ford, T. B. Haywood,
G. Goldsmith, G. T. Miles, and J. Woodbridge.

Mr. T. Laxton, Bedford, contributed a collection of seedling Potatoes
raised by himself, fruits of Apple September Beauty, which has been certifi¬
cated; the Dartmouth Crab, of beautiful colour and with a bloom like a
Plum; autumn fruits of Laxton’s Noble Strawberry, open-air Tomatoes,
and a new Pear, a seedling from Autumn Bergamot, which is noted in
another column. Mr. J. Phillips, Tudor Road, Norbiton, was awarded a
vote of thanks for an Apple named Princess Royal, which somewhat resem¬
bled M§re de Menage and Scarlet Nonpareil in good condition. Mr. Chad¬
wick, Ealing, showed some well-coloured Peaches from trees out of doors on
a wall, for which a vote of thanks wa3 adjudged, a similar recognition being
accorded to Messrs. T. Rivers & Son, Sawbridgeworth, for fine samples of
the large purple Monarch Plum ; October Yellow and Grand Duke also
being fine, from the same firm. Mr. Pionchon, Marine Hotel, Shanklin,
Isle of Wight, had a large Pumpkin weighing 90 lbs., with a collection of
Gourds, Beet, Apples, &c. Mr. A. J. Harwood, Colchester, sent some
branches of the black Bullace loaded with fruits (vote of thanks) ; and Mr.
G. T. Miles, Wycombe Abbey Gardens, showed a magnificent fruit of Pine
Apple Lord Carrington, 9 inches deep and 6 inches in diameter at the base,
the cultural commendation awarded being well deserved.

From Mr. R. Dean, Ealing, came fruit3 of the Nanny Apple from a tree
on the Crab stock, grafted eighteen years, the grafts being from a large tree
in Hampshire, supposed to be 100 years old (vote of thanks). Good fruits
of Ribston Pippin, weighing 8 ozs., were also shown, said to be from a tree
formerly dying of canker, but which was “ beheaded,” and has now a
healthy, fruitful top. M. Anton Horvath, Hungary, sent a collection of out¬
door Grapes, chiefly Frontignans, forms of Chasselas and Muscat Hamburgh.
Mr. A. J. Oxford, Alderley Park, Chelford, Cheshire, sent a Vegetable
Marrow of nearly globular form, and described as “ a good summer and
winter vegetable.” Mr. C. Springham, Penylan, Llandogo, Monmouth¬
shire, showed a seedling Nut raised ten years ago from Cosford Cob ; it
was of good size, short, and round. Mr. Howe, Benham Park Gardens,
Newbury, exhibited a Melon a cross between Blenheim Park and Hero of
Lockinge, which the Committee wish to see earlier in another season.
Messrs. Saltmarsh & Son, Chelmsford, had a collection of Plums, comprising
Coe’s Golden Drop, Jefferson, Coe’s late Red, Wyedale, and Belle de Sep-
tembre ; samples of the Queen Apple, the Dartmouth and Scarlet Siberian
Crabs were also shown. Mr. S. Ford, Leonardslee Gardens, had fruits of a
pretty, red-streaked, medium-sized conical Apple, named Ford’s Seedling,
which the Committee desire to see again in May. Mr. H. Deverill, Banbury,
had several varieties of Beet, Celery, Carrots, and Beans ; Neal’s Ne Plus
Ultra Runner Bean with some of the others being referred to Chiswick for
ial. A jaltural commendation and a silver medal were awarded him for an

348

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER .

[ October 14, 1886.

extremely fine collection of Onions of the varieties Anglo W hite Spanish,
Rousham Park Hero, and Improved Wroxton.

Flohal Committee. — Present— G. F. Wilson, Esq., F.R.S., in the chair,
and Messrs. H. Cannell, H. Herbst, H. Bennett, G. Duffield, J. Hudson, T.
Baines, J. Walker, W. Wilks, Shirley Hibberd, Amos Perry, W. Holmes, R.
Dean, G. Paul, H. Ballantine, J. Dominy, H. M. Pollett, A. J. Lendy, J.
O’Brien, E. Hill, H. Turner, and J. Douglas.

Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, had a beautiful collection of double
Tuberous Begoniss and Cactus Dahlias, several of which were honoured
with certificates. Of the former notable varieties, in addition to those
described under that head, were Madame Arnoult, pink ; Goliath, scarlet ;
Pavilion Jaune, yellow ; Rosetta, pink ; Yirginalis, white, and Felix Crousse,
scarlet. Amongst the Cactus Dahlias were Charming Bride, rose and
white; Lady E. Dyke, yellow ; Mrs. G. Reid, mauve; and Lady Kerrison,
red and yellow. Messrs. Yeitch & Sons had two new Rhododendrons (both
certificated), the distinct and handsome Amasonia punicea, and several new
Japanese Chrysanthemums, such as Bouquet Estival with fluted florets,
purplish, and Charlotte de Montcabrier, of similar style, blush tinted, nearly
white, and some fine Celosias (vote of thanks.) Mr. E. Penford, gardener
to Mrs. Halton, Barnfield, Weston, showed a plant of Pteris serruluta wes-
tonensis, a variety with deeply cut or lacerated and crested fronds. Mr. B.
Searing, gardener to C. J. Partington, Esq., Cheshunt, was awarded a cul¬
tural commendation for flowers of Cattleya Gaskelliana alba, pure white,
with a golden throat, and of Vanda coerulea, very large and of a fine blue
tint. Messrs. J. Laing & Co., Forest Hill, showed a pretty single Dahlia,
named Pink Paragon, pink, edged with white. Messrs. F. Sanders & Co.,
St. Albans, exhibited their pretty and fragrant Odontoglossum Sanderianum
(vote of thanks), and a variety of Cypripedium Spicerianum named magni-
ficum, with large well-coloured flowers. Mr. G. Stevens, Putney, had several
new Japanese Chrysanthemums, one of which, William Holmes, was certi¬
ficated ; the others were Mrs. Stevens, mauve ; Martha Harding, golden
yellow ; and Thomas Stevens, mauve. Mr. Robert Marnock sent branches
of Hippophiie rhamnoides crowded with its bright yellow berries. Several
remarkably large and handsome heads of Carter’s New Empress Cockscomb
were exhibited that had been grown at Compton House, Shrivenham ; they
were 20 inches over from tip to tip of the “ combs” and about 7 inches in
diameter, of a rich crimson colour.

CERTIFICATED PLANTS.

Begonia Mrs. Plunkett (H. Cannell & Sons).— A beautiful double variety,
white faintly tinted with salmon ; of charming form.

Begonia M. Paul de Vicq (H. Cannell & Sons). — Another fine double of
similar style, but bright rose, and beautifully formed.

Dahlia Annie Harvey (H. Cannell & Sons). — One of the “ Cactus ”
Dahlia group, of a fine maroon shade ; very rich and excellent.

Rhododendron amabile (J. Veitch & Sons). — A hybrid with large symme¬
trically formed blush tinted flowers, the lobes rounded ; very handsome, and
a fine addition to the greenhouse hybrids already in cultivation.

Rhododendron luteo-roseum (J. Veitch & Sons). — A hybrid of the same
group as the preceding, with pale rose beautiful flowers of fine shape.

Adiantum imbricatum (Mr. G. Masters, gardener to Col. H. Cornwall Legh,
High Legh Hall, Knutsford). — A variety raised from spores, and something
of the farleyense style, but with rather smaller deeply cut pinnules and
more compact fronds ; very graceful, and apparently of good habit.

Dahlia R. T. Rawlings (Rawlings Bros.). — A show variety of great
merit, the blooms deep and well formed, bright yellow in colour.

Certificates were also awarded for Dahlia Eleanor (Cheal & Sons), and
single Dahlia Zephyr (Turner, Slough).

Chrysanthemum William Holmes ( H. Cannell & Sons, and G. Stevens). —
Some doubt was expressed whether this should be termed a Japanese or a
reflexed variety ; it is rather too small for the former, and would be a fine
addition to the latter class. The florets are flat or slightly fluted, deep red,
yellowish bronze on the under surface, giving the bloom the appearance of
a bronze centre. It is of good substance and bright colour.

THE FRUIT SHOW.

Apples. — So extensive was the display of Apples, and so remarkably
fine were a large proportion of the fruits, that the Show in these respects has
not been surpassed. In addition to the sixteen classes devoted to Apples,
in which the competition was very keen in most cases, there were large
collections not entered in the classes, besides those from Canada, which are
referred to in another column, affording a representative exhibition of some
hundreds of varieties.

Five classes were devoted to the collections, the first being for fifty
varieties, six fruits each, which brought seven competitors, Messrs. G. Bun-
yard & Co., Maidstone, repeating their success at the Crystal Palace recently,
and gaining the premier prize. These fruits were exceedingly fine and
richly coloured, their appearance being still further improved by arranging
them on leaves in the dishes. The most noteworthy varieties were Stirling
Castle, Emperor Alexander, Worcester Pearmain, Lord Derby, King of the
Pippins, Lord Sufifield, Lady Henniker, Grenadier, Loddington, School¬
master, Cox’s Orange Pippin, Cellini, Hawthornden, Warner’s King, Melon
Apple, Ribston Pippin, Cox’s Pomona, Old English Codlin, The Queen,
Washington, Wealthy, Golden Noble, Queen Caroline, Gloria Mundi, Ecklin-
ville, Beauty of Kent, Potts’ Seedling, and Peasgood’s Nonesuch. Mr. C.
Sclater, Heavitree Bridge, Exeter, secured the second placp, his fruits being
large clean samples, but not quite so bright and well coloured as the first.
Especially fine were Catshead, Lewis’s Incomparable, Beauty of Wilts,
Peasgood’s Nonesuch, Dumelow’s Seedling, Ecklinville, Golden Noble, and
Cox’s Pomona. Mr. J. Watkins, Pomona Farm, Withington, Hereford, was
third, showing Duchess of Oldenburgh, Worcester Pearmain, Catshead, Green
Costard, Lord Sufifield, Cox’s Pomona, Warner’s King, Emperor Alexander,
and King of the Pippins, in capital condition, amongst many others.

Eight exhibitors entered with twelve culinary varieties, the leading place
being accorded to Mr. J. McKenzie, Linton Gardens, Maidstone, who had
extremely large and handsome fruits of Warner’s King, Gloria Mundi, Frog-
more Prolific, Peasgood’s Nonesuch, nearly 6 inches in diameter, Ecklinville,
Emperor Alexander, Waltham Abbey, Lady Henniker, Loddington, Winter
Hawthornden, M6re de Mdnage and Stirling Castle. J. Hargreaves, Esq.
Maiden-Erleigh (gardener Mr.T. Turton), was a close second, bis fruit being
very clean and of good size, some highly coloured Cellini, and large Peas¬

good’s Nonesuch, Mere de Menage, and Emperor Alexander, attracting
attention. Mr. C. Ross, Welford Park Gardens, Newbury, took the third
position, Mere de Menage wonderfully large and of capital colour, Brabant
Bellefleur large, Dutch Codlin, and Stirling Castle being his best dishes.
For six culinary varieties Mr. A. Smith, Warren Hill Gardens, Loughton,
Essex, was first amongst thirteen exhibitors, with large clean beautiful
samples of Emperor Alexander, Gloria Mundi, Ecklinville, Peasgood’s None¬
such, Alfriston, and Annie Elizabeth. R. Norton, Esq., M.P., Down House,
Yalding (gardener Mr. Threadgold), and J. T. Friend, Esq., Northdown,
Margate (gardener Mr. F. Miller), were second and third.

Competition was very keen in the class for twelve dishes of dessert
Apples, the ten good collections entered requiring very careful judging.
Mr. C. Ross took the lead with beautiful even fruits of Baumann’s Reinette,
Gravenstein, Lady Alice Eyre, a seedling from Golden Reinette raised in
1875 ; Blenheim Pippin, Orange Pippin, Adam’s Pearmain, Cornish Aromatic,
Worcester Pearmain, Ribston Pippin, Cockle Pippin, Court Pendu Plat, and
Evargil. Mr. J. McKenzie followed, his Worcester Pearmain, Jefferson, King
of the Pippins, Mabbot’s Pearmain, Ribston Pippin, and Ingestre being of
great merit, while in Mr. C. Sclater’s third-prize collection were King of the
Pippins, Cornish Aromatic, and Worcester Pearmain in excellent condition.
Still more numerous were the contributors with six dessert varieties, no less
than sixteen competing. C. A. Hoare, Esq., Kelsey Manor, Beckenham
(gardener, Mr. C. J. Goldsmith), won first honours with excellent bright
handsome fruits of Nanny, Ribston Pippin, King of the Pippins, Fearn’s
Pippin, Worcester Pearmain, and Cox’s Orange Pippin. Mr. Wm. Jacobs,
Petworth, was second, also with highly coloured fruits, Nanny, Worcester
Pearmain, Ribston Pippin, and King of the Pippins again being most pro¬
minent. Mr. F. H. Virgo, Somerset, was third, showing Blenheim Pippin,
King of the Pippins, and Ribston Pippin, very fine.

The succeeding classes were devoted to special varieties, and were very
interesting as indicating the relative popularity of the respective sorts.
The prizes were offered in each case for single dishes of six fruits. Blenheim
Pippin came first with seventeen exhibitors, Mr. S. Haines, Coleshill House
Gardens, Highworth, securing first honours for beautiful fruits, large, clean,
and bright. Mr. W. Jacobs and Mr. J. S. Hodgson, Lythe Hall, Hasltmere,
followed, each showing well, as did also nearly all the others in the class.
Of Cox’s Orange Pippin twenty-one dishes were shown, T. T. Drake, Esq.,
Shardeloes, Amersham (gardener, Mr. T. Bailey), leading with superb fruits
from an orchard house. Messrs. G. Bunyard & Co. were second, and Mr.
S. H. Goodwin, Mereworth, Kent, third, this class also being a very good
one in the general quality of the fruit. The same number of Ribston
Pippins were staged, T. F. Halsey, Esq., M.P., Gaddesden Place, Kent,
having the best, fine clean-cut well-grown fruits. Mr. C. J. Goldsmith and
J. Abernathy, Esq., Whiteness, Margate (gardener, Mr. R. Silk), were second
and third in the order named with fruits very few points behind the first.

The most numerous competitors in any class, however, entered with
King of the Pippins, and a very beautiful display the twenty-six dishes
of these formed. They were very even in size and general qualities, and
the Judges did not have an easy task in selecting the winners. Mr. G.
Thompson, Croxby House Gardens, Hounslow, was placed first, closely
followed by Messrs. G. Bunyard & Co. and Mr. Chadwick, Hanger H1U
House Gardens, Ealing. Nine dishes of Dumelow’s Seedling were shown,
F. R. Brougham, Esq., Wallington Bridge, Carshalton (gardensr, Mr. W.
Jones), Mr. D. C. Powell, Powderham, Kenton, Exeter, and Mr. Chadwick
were the prizetakers with fair-sized specimens. Only four dishes of Mere
de Menage were entered, but the premier fruits from Mr. C. Ross were of
extraordinary size and most richly coloured ; Mr. G. H. Richards, Somerley
Gardens, Ringwood, being second also with large but not such deeply
coloured samples. Mr. Powell taking the third place. Golden Noble was
well represented by eleven exhibitors, Messrs. Powell, Bolton, and Sclater
gaining the prizes for highly coloured clean fruits. IVarner’s King was
shown by a dozen competitors, all the samples being large, but especially
those from Messrs. Turton, Bunyard, & Co., and J. Fincham, Nacton,
Ipswich, who won the honours. Gloria Mundi was not largely represented,
only four dishes being contributed, Messrs. Threadgold, Powell, and
Bunyard & Co. securing the prizes. Peasgood’s Nonesuch, though included
in so many collections, was only entered in its special class by seven growers,
but these were all of great merit, both large and of fine colour. Mr. W.
Edwards, Kinghill, Withington, Hereford, was first with wonderful speci¬
mens ; Mr. Turton second for smaller but more highly coloured fruits ; and
Mr. W. Bannister, Westbury-on-Trym, third. Of the half-dozen dishes of
Lane’s Prince Albert, those from Messrs. Ross, Bunyard, and Bailey were
much the best, even, fresh, and pretty fruits. . _

Pears. — Some handsome specimens of the principal Pears in cultivation
were contributed in the various classes, the Kentish samples coming out
remarkably well in most instances. The fine collections of fifty varieties
constituted a grand display, but those from Mr. Butler were far ahead ot
the others in size, form, and colour, the majority of the other collections
being greatly deficient in the last named quality. The leading varieties
were PitmaBton Duchess, Doyenne Boussocb, Beurrd Van Geert, Beurrc
Clairgeau, Doyenne du Comice, Caiillac, Uvedale’s St. Germains, Fertility,
Beumi d’Amanlis, Louise Bonne of Jersey, Beurre Diel, Beurre Hardy , ancl
Vicar of Winkfield. Mr. C. Davies, Mote Park Gardens, Maidstone, was
placed second, showing Doyenne Boussoch, Beurre Hardy, Durondeau,
General Todtleben, PitmaBton Duchess, Triomphe de Vienne, Souvenir du
Congres, and Grosse Calebasse. Messrs. G. Bunyard & Co. were thud, then
finest examples being Beurre Capiaumont, Souvenir du Congres, Princess,
Beurre Diel, Beurre Clairgeau, Doyennh Boussoch, Durondeau, and Colmar

The class for twelve dessert Pears was a very large one, and the fourteen
collections occupied considerable space. Mr. Butler was again first wit
handsome fruits of Pitmaston Duchess, Doyenne du Comice, Beurre Hardy,
Beurrh Diel, Madame Treyve, Louise Bonne of Jersey, Duchesse il Angou-
leme, Marechal he Cour, Beurre Superfin, General Todtleben, Doyenne
Boussoch, and Durondeau. Lord Suffield, Gunton Park, Norwich (garden ,
Mr. W. Allan), secured the second award with greener but good fruits, i -
maston Duchess, Beurre Diel, Durondeau, and Fondante d’ Antomne D? „
his leading varieties. H. A. Brassey, Esq , P' eston Hall, Aylesfora g ' '
dener, Mr. A. Waterman) being third. Mr. G. Ware, Tunbridge Wells, ^
the best six dessert Pears, good representative fruits of Pitmaston Hue >
Doyennh du Comice, Beurre Bachelier, Duchesse d’Angouleme can

October 14, 18F6 ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

349

Bergamot, and Beurre d’Anjou. Mr. A. Smith and Lady Fletcher, Ken-
ward y aiding, Maidstone, were second and third amongst eighteen ex¬
hibitors.

The first of the classes devoted to single varieties was that for Doyenne
du Cornice, of which a dozen good dishes were entered, the prizes going to
Messrs. G. Ware,Tbreadgold, and C. Bobs. There was the same number of
Beurrtl Supeifln, Me-srs. Powell, W. Jont s, and Turton, these securing the
honours. Seven dishes of Marechal de Cour were shown, Messrs. K. Silk,

B. Allen, Hnngerford, and Hoare, being placed in the order named with
large samples. Marie Louise was strongly exhibited, twenty-four dishes
being staged, all very even in quality. Mr. B. Smith was first, his fruits
being of a fine colour ; Messrs. Powell and Hunter, Lambton Gardens, fol¬
lowing. There were only six of Glou Morpeau, Messrs. B. Smith, C. Boss,
and W. Allen winning the honours with green fruits. In the Beurre Bance
class there were twelve entries, Mr. B. Smith leading with fine samples, fol¬
lowed by Messrs. Threadgold and Bannister. Beurre Diel was also well
represented by seventeen competitors, most of whom had fine examples,
Messrs. Butler, W. Allan, and Hunter being adjudged the awards. Of the
fifteen dishes of Pitmaston Duchess Mr. Butler’s grand fruits were much
the best, Mr. C. Howe, Benham Park Gardens, Newbury, and Mr. C. Boss
following. Fondante d’Automne was staged by six exhibitors, Mr. B. Smith,

C. B. Bingley, Esq., Stanhope Park, Greenford, and Mr. Turton winning the
prizes in the order named with neat and well-ripened fruits. Seventeen
dishes of Louise Bonne of Jersey represented this popular variety faithfully,
Mr. Butler leading with large and well coloured fruits, Mr. Folks and Mr.
Hargreaves being second and third.

VEGETABLES.

Special prizes for vegetables were offered by two seed firms, and an ex"
cellent display was afforded in response, the competition being very keen-
Messrs. Sutton & Sons’ prizes for a collection of nine kinds of vegetables
brought ten competitors into the exhibition, and these were as clean and
beautiful in all respects as we have seen this season. Mr. G. T. Miles,
"Wycombe Abbey Gardens, was first with a superb collection, including
Vicar of Laleham Potatoes, Sutton’s New Intermediate Carrots, Trophy
Tomatoes, Leicester Bed Celery, Veitch’s Autumn Giant Cauliflowers,
Finest Imported Brussels Sprouts, and very handsome Lyon Leeks. The
other prizes were accorded to Mr. S. Haines ; Mr. W. Meads, Beckett Park
Gardene, Shrivenham : Mr. C. J. Waite, and Mr. William Pope, Highclere
Gardens, Newbury. For three varieties of Onions Mr. S. Haines was first
with Sutton’s Silver Globe, Golden Globe, and Crimson Globe ; followed by
Messrs. G. Allen and B. Phillips. For twelve specimens of Sutton’s Im¬
proved Beading Onion, Mr. G. Goldsmith, Floore Gardens, Weedon, won
first honours with fine samples, Messrs. Miller and Bunnery being second
and third.

Messrs. F. Carter and Co. offered priz s for their Tennis Ball Onion,
which brought many competitors. Mr. R. Phillips Meopham, F. Miller, and
W. A. Beard winning the prizes in that order. Eleven dishes of Carter’s
Champion Bunner Beans were entered Messrs.'Waite, Bolton, and Beckett
taking the awards with capital samples. There were also five exhibitors of
Carter’s Mont Blanc Cauliflowers, Messrs. Waite and Marriott securing the
chief prizes.

MISCELLANEOUS.

The non-competing exhibits were so numerous that they can only he very
briefly noted. Messrs. Sutton & Sons, R ading, exhibited an extensive and
interesting display of Tomatoes, all of open ground cultivation and ripened
out of doors, indicating what can be done by careful management. The
display occupied 50 feet in length, and was divided into three sections.
I. Plants in their fruiting condition taken up from the Beading experimental
grounds. II. Bunches or clusters showing the productiveness of the
varieties. III. Heaps of separate fruit. The varieties which seemed to
us to be best worthy of notice were the varieties introduced by Messrs.
Sutton — viz.. Earliest of All, Chiswick Bed, Beading Perfection, Maincrop,
and Abundance; while of others, Criterion, Acme, Excelsior, Victoria, and
Green Gage seemed conspicuous for the excellent quality of the fruit and
cropping properties. Altogether the collection was one of the best exhibits
of Tomatoes ever seen at the Society’s exhibitions, and a silver-gilt medal
was awarded in recognition of its merits. Silver medals were awarded to
the following: — Messrs. Wm. Paul & Son, Waltham Cross, for a fine col¬
lection of Boses and 112 dishes of Apples and Pears ; Messrs. J. Cheal and
Sons, Crawley, for extensive collections of Dahlias and Apples ; Messrs.
Paul and Son, Cheshunt, for collection of Dahlias, hardy flowers, Boses,
and seventy-eight dishes of Apples ; and Mr. Turner. Slough, for groups
of Dahlias and Carnations. Bronze medals were awarded to Messrs. Bawlings
Bros., Romford, for collection of Dahlias ; and to Mr. G. Jacobs for a
Pumpkin weighing 187 lbs. Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, also had
about 170 dishes of Apples and Pears ; Messrs. C. L°e & Sons, Hammer¬
smith, sixty dishes ; Mr. T. S. Ware, Tottenham, a large group of hardy
flowers; Messrs. H. Lane & Son. Great BerkhamBtead, had seventy-one
dishes of Apples ; Messrs. Keynes, Williams & Co., Salisbury, a beautiful
collection of Dahlias ; and Mr. Butler some fine Pears and samples of the
St. Christopher Apple, a new dessert variety.

IS WORK.Foij.THE' WEEK. O

HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

Again has the time come round to us for making a selection of good
varieties of fruit for gardens large and small. Before giving full lists
fur general guidance it may be well to consider the wants of those of our
readers requiring only a few of the best. Every garden should contain a
Green Gage Plum, a May Duke Cherry, a Marie Louise Pear, a Cox’s

Orange Pippin Apple, a Grosse Mignonne Peach, a Pitmaston Orange
Nectarine, a Brown Turkey Fig, a Moorpark Apricot, a Nottingham
Medlar, a Pearson’s Prolific Nut, Bed Warrington Gooseberry, Prince of
Wales Raspberry, Victoria Currant, and President Strawberry. Taking
the°e prime favouritts as a nucleus, we may add four or five sorts of
well-proved excellence of each kind of fruit to make up a choice little
selection. Of Plums, Coe’s Golden Drop and Blue Imperatrice would
with Green Gage form a useful trio for dessert ; and for cooking Rivers'
Early Prolific, Denyer’s Victoria, and Belle de Septembre afford a succes-
sional supply. Of Cherries we would add Governor Wood, Transparent,
Black Bigarreau, Belle Magnifique, and Morello. It may be well to
explain that Belle Magnifique has with us long ago taken the place of
both Kentish and Flemish for all culinary purposes, above all for making
most delicious Cherry jam. With Pears it is difficult to confine our
selection to half a dozen, but we take five more of the best for a succes¬
sion of ripe fruit — Williams’ Bon Chietien, Fond nte d’Automne,
Doyenne du Comice, Knight’s Monarch, and Glou Mor eau. Of Apples
we may add Margil and Sturmer Pippin for the dessert, and for cooking
Keswick Codlin, WVarner’s King, and Tower of Glamis. To complete
our half dozen of Peaches add Alexander, Dr. Hogg, Noblesse, Barring¬
ton, and Walburton Admirable ; and of Nectarines Lord Napier, Stan-
wick Elruge, Rivers’ White, Balgowan, and Pine Apple. It is only in
southern counties that we would plant other Figs beside Brown Turkey,
but where it will answer Brunswick well repays our care with magnificent
fruit of most delicious flavour. White Marseilles yields abundant crops
of rich-flavoured fruit if grown against a south wall, and if a snug
sheltered sunny corner facing the south-west can be found for
Grizzly Bourjass'tte we may safely reckon upon an annual treat
of its delicious fruit of about the same size as a Brown Turkey,
which is accurately described in the “ Fruit Manual ” — “ Skin of a
chocolate colour, covered with a very thin bloom, neck very short, eye
open, flesh of a deep dark blood-red colour, with a thick syrupy juice and
very richly flavoured. A delicious Fig.” We may add that the fruit of
Brunswick attains perfection when the skin cracks and we obtain a
glimpse of the lusci us interior, but the fruit of Grizzly Bourjassotte does
not crack, it shrivels, and when this begins the fruit is at its best. We
may add Kaisha and Orange Apricots to our selection, and a few choice
Gooseberries selected of excellence of flavour — Early Sulphur, Pitmaston
Green Gage, K-ens’ Seedling, Red Champagne, and Ironmonger. For
general utility there is none like Red Warrington. The fruit is above
medium size, it comes early into use for cooking as green fruit, hangs late
upon the bush when ripe, and is of delicious flavour. As mention was
made of President Strawberry, we may add to it now Marguerite, Sir
Joseph Paxton, James Veitch, Dr. Hogg, and Loxford Hall Seedling. We
have found the few sorts of each kind of fruit mentioned to combine in a
high degree sure and abundant crops with excellence of size, flavour, and
appearance.

Select Sorts of Fruit for a Large Garden. — Pears. — Summer
Doyenne, Citron des Cannes. Jargonelle, Williams’ Bon Chietien,
Colmar d’Etd, Desire Cornells, Souvenir du Congr^i, Beurre de l’Assomp-
tion, Fondante d’Automne, Duchesse d’Orleans, Comte de Lamy, Madame
Treyve, Louise Bonne of Jersey, Marie Louise, Fondante de Charneau,
Marie Louise d’Uccle, Doyenn4 du Comice, Knight’s Monarch, Seckle,
ITrbaniste, Marechal de Cour, Beurre d’Anjou, General Todtleben, Lucy
Grieve, Dana’s Hovey, Comte de Flandre, Thompson’s, Forelle, Josephine
de Malines, Jewess, Zephirin Gr£goire, Besi Vaet, Winter Nelis, Beurrd
Superfin, Huyshe’s Victoria, Huyshe’s Prince of Wales, Millot de Nancy,
Nouvelle Fulvie, Glou Morpeau, Easter Beurr6, Olivier de Serres, Madame
Millet. .

Dessert Apples- — Margaret, Joaneting, Mr. Gladstone, Kerry Pippin,
Worcester Pearmain, Yellow Ingestrie, King of the Pippins, Margil,
Hubbard’s Pearmain. Pine Golden Pippin, Cox’s Orange Pippin, Pine
Apple Russet, Golden Russet, Melon Apple, Cockle’s Pippin, Peasgood s
Nonesuch, Court Pendfl Plat, Reinette Van Mons, Cornish Gillitlower,
Lord Burgbley, Sturmpr Pippin.

Kitchen Apples. — Duchess of Oldenburgh, Keswick Codlin, Lord
Sufiield, Manks Codlin, Warner’s King, Wormsley Pippin, Cellini,
Nelson’s Codlin, Prince Albert, Lord Derby. Stirling Castle, Ecklinville
Seedling, Small’s Admirable, Golden Noble, Gloria Mundi, Cox s Pomona,
New Hawthornden, Tower of Glamis, Mere de Mdnage, Cobham, Northern
Greening, Striped Beefing, Dumelow’s Seedling, Hanwell Souring.

Dessert Plums. — Green Gage, Purple Gage, McLaughlin’s Gage,
Transparent Gage, Beine Claude de Bavay, Washington, Bryanston Gage,
Denniston’s Superb, Jefferson, Coe’s Golden Drop, Kirk’s, Blue Impera¬
trice.

Cooking Plums — Rivers’ Early Prolific, Early Orleans, Czar, Victoria,
Prince of Wales, Lafaye te, Prince Englebert, Diamond, Autumn Compote,
Belle de Septembre, Cluster Damson.

Cherries — Early Purple Gean, Early Rivers, Belle d’Orleans, Empress
Eugdnie, May Duke, Black Tartarian, Governor Wood, Archduke, Beine
Hortense, Transparent, BohemOD, Black Bigarreau, Bigaireau, Bel.e
Magnifique, Elton, Late Duke, Morello.

Peaches. — Alexander, Early Beatrice, Early Albert, Rivers’ Early lork,
Dr. Hogg, Grosse Mignonne, Royal George, Noblesse, Belle Bauce,
Barrington, Walburton Admirable.

Nectarines. — Advance, Lord Napier, Stanwick Elruge, Downton,
Violette Hfitive, BalgowaD, Humboldt, Rivers’ White, Pitmaston Orange,
Pine Apple.

FRUIT FORCING.

Pines. — Plants Showing Fruit.— These will be valuable when fruit
> is scarce and dear, therefore such plants should be afforded the best

350

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ October 14, 1886.

position in the fruiting department. Maintain a temperature of 70° at
night, 75° artificially by day, up to 85° to 90° with sun, closing at 85°,
sprinkling the pathways when their surfaces have become dry, occasionally
sprinkling the plants on fine afternoons. Keep the bottom heat steady at
85° to 90°. Examine the plants once a week for watering, and if any
require it afford a copious supply of clear liquid at about the same tem¬
perature as the beds. Care must be taken not to over-water the fruiters,
as that has a tendency to cause the fruit, when cut, to be black at the
centre.

Plants to Fruit Early. — Queens are the best for this purpose, but
there is not always a certainty of their doing so unless they are given a
period of comparative rest after making good growth. Plants intended
to show fruit early in the year should be kept in a temperature about 65°
in the daytime by artificial means, 60° at night, ventilating at 70°, closing
at 70°, allowing the bottom heat to fall to 70°. Water the plants only
when necessary, but do not let them become so dry as to cause limpness of
the foliage.

Young Plants. — All young plants should now be arranged so as to
obtain the fullest benefit of light and air. As the sun heat diminishes, a
corresponding diminution of temperature must take place at night until it
reaches jhe winter standard of 55° to 60° at night, and 65° in the daytime.
Ventilate freely whenever conditions are favourable, paying particular
attention to watering. Make an inspection of the plants about once a
week, and whenever a plant needs water give it copiously at about the
same temperature as the bed.

Peaches and Nectarines. — Earliest House.— Prune the trees at
rest, and put the house in order for a fresh start. The wood having been
grown thinly, and care taken to equalise the growth, there will be little
need of the knife. Any weak wood may be cut out, and any leading
growths shortened, so as to originate the requisite growths for furnishing
the trees. Where too crowded they may be thinned. Usloose the trees
from ihe trellis, cleanse the house thoroughly, and dress the trees with an
insecticide before again securing them to the trellis. There should not
be any attempt at tight tying, but plenty of space must be left for the
swelling of the branches. Remove the surface soil down to the roots, and
supply fresh turfy loam, adding a tenth of lime rubbish, a fifteenth part
of half-inch bones, and a similar proportion of wood ashes, making firm
and following with a good watering. The outside border also should be
surface dressed in a similar manner, and if in a thoroughly moist state,
protect with a covering of litter or bracken, as cold rains and snow
reduce the temperature of the soil considerably, but allow the soil to be
thoroughly moistened before covering. The lights, if removed, may
remain ofi until bad weather sets in.

Second Early House. — The trees will have most of the foliage down.
It may be assisted by lightly brushing them with a broom. It is best to
prune, dress the trees, and top-dress as soon as all the leaves have fallen,
and destroy all insects before they have time to find secure winter
quarters. In properly managed trees there will be little wood to cut out.
It will be confined to removing any useless parts having escaped the
knife at thinning after the fruit is gathered, and these should now be
removed . Any shoots considered too long may be cut back to a wood or
triple bud, making sure that the centre one is a wood bud, which is not
always the case, and to leave sufficient wood with fruit buds for insuring
a crop. Shoots of 8 to 12 inches length must not be shortened, nor need
those that are very much longer, as all shoots have a few wood buds at
the base and one at the extremity, and others amid the fruit buds, espe¬
cially in the case of strong shoots, but the intermediate buds on short
shoots are generally fruiting ones only. It is a great mistake, however, to
retain much wood, which weakens the trees in flowering, and there is not
space for training-in the necessary growths for future bearing to insure
theii thorough exposure to light and air. Allow plenty of air at all times,
but the lights being off, do not replace them until severe weather comes,
but allow the borders to become well moistened by the autumn rains. If
the lights are fixed, avoid permitting the borders to become too dry, which
is more pernicious than a wet soil at any time.

Midseason Houses. — The foliage in these will be approaching
maturity. The lights should be kept open day and night, and, the wood
ripe, the roof lights may be removed. There is no rain like that of the
clouds for ensuring an even and thorough moistening of the soil. Any
lifting or root-pruning should be attended to so soon as the wood becomes
firm and the buds are developed, and before the leaves have fallen, so that
fresh roots may be formed — a process that is more certain when the trees
have foliage than when it is deferred until the trees are leafless.

Late Houses. — Late Peaches are as valuable as early ones, and we
have now some excellent varieties. We have in Alexander and Waterloo
varieties that ripen in April with no more forcing than is necessary to
have Royal George ripe in June, and there are others, as Early Beatrice,
Early Alfred, Hale’s Early, Dr. Hogg, and Condor, that precede our old
forcing varieties by weeks in the same temperature. In late varieties
those of the greatest value are found. They have size and appearance,
and under glass they ripen in the worst seasons. Barrington and Late
Admirable were our best late Peaches, the Salwey seldom ripening, and
under glass was very mealy. Now we have, thanks to the late Mr. Thos.
Rivers, very fine sorts. They are sometimes dry and mealy — that arises
from the trees not having due supplies of water and nutriment when the
fruit is swelling, also when the fruit is taking its last swelling for
ripening. The fruit is large and requires good support. Princess of
Wales is beautiful ; Lady Palmerston is very handsome ; Sea Eagle large
and good ; Golden Eagle, and gold it is (of the Australian tint), Glad¬
stone very large and good ; and Comet, yellow or golden with a crimson
cheek. All are first-rate. By ventilating freely through the summer, in

fact taking oil the lights in “ broiling ” weather, they can be had as late
as when grown outside, and the fruit can be insured ripening, which is
more than can always be effected outside. Keep the wood thin and get
it ripe. The useless wood should be cut out so soon as the fiu't is
gathered, and trees growing too luxuriantly and late should have a trench
taken out at such distance from the stem as will check their vigour and
cause the buds to become plump.

Cucumbers. — Autumn Fruiters. — Examine these regularly, not less
frequently than once a week, removing any bad leaves and exhausted
growths, training in young growths, pinching out the points of the shoots
a joint or two beyond the fruit, avoiding overcrowding and overcropping,
and remove all male blossoms, as well as a super-abundant show of fruit.
Keep a night temperature of 70°, 75° by day, advancing to 80° to 85° with
sun heat, closing early so as to rise 5° to 10°, advantage being taken
of favourable opportunities to admit a little air, yet avoid drying
currents and cold air. The evaporation troughs may be charged with
liquid manure, or the floors occasionally damped wi h it. The floors
should be sprinkled with water at about 8 Am. and 4 p.m. respectively,
dispensing with the syringe over the plants. Reduce the supply of water
at the roots, but not to cause flagging. Plant out at once on ridges or
hillocks the plants for fruiting in winter and train with one stem to th&
trellis, taking out the point of the lead at the second or third wire of the
trellis. Good supplies of fruit may be had by growing plants in pots or
boxes in a house sufficiently heated, as that of a Pine stove.

PLANT HOUSES.

Eeutzias. — When necessary to increase the stock of these for another
year’s forcing, strong plants may be lifted from outside borders and potted
at once. Many lift these plants and force them the same season, but
this is a mistake, for they should be established in their pots for one
year before forcing them into bloom. If placed at once in 6 to 8-inch
pots, according to their size, they will become partially established before
the foliage falls, and will make splendid plants for another year. They
can stand outside until the approach of severe frost, when they should be
pruned and the pots plunged in a cold frame. If allowed to start into
growth and are encouraged in cold frames until June they will be ripened
early, and in a fit state for forcing into bloom early in the season. It is a
good plan to lift a few plants annually from the outside for potting, and
then the stock of these plants can be kept in admirable condition. Plante
that have been weakened by forcing may now be turned out of their
pots and have their roots reduced by one-half and repotted in fresh soil.
These if given cold frame treatment will thoroughly recruit themselves in
a season, and be in the best condition for forcing. A portion of our
stock is subjected to this treatment annually, and by this simple method
the whole of the plants are kept in good condition. Plants that die or do
not start freely into growth are replaced by new stock from the borders.
The plants for this purpose are raised by striking cuttings in heat in
spring, placing them singly in boxes 2 inches apart, and afterwards
planting them out. Deutzias do well in good fibry loam, one-seventh of
manure, and a little sand.

Viburnum Opulus (Guelder Rose). — To have these in good condition
for forcing in pots they should be established in them for one year.
Plants that were cuttings two years ago may be lifted for this purpose,
and will require 6 or 7-inch pots. These plants Bhould be potted in the
compost advised for Deutzias and then plunged outside, covering the
surface of the soil and rim of the pots. They should be plunged where
they can grow next year — that is, in a sunny open position. They will
give no fuither trouble during the winter, and in spring should be pruned
back closely. This will induce the formation of clean growths, which
will be about 18 inches in length by the end of the year. No trouble

will be given in watering during the summer if the pots are plunged

nearly one inch below the surface.

j Roses. — A good number of Hybrid Perpetuals, and the old common
Moss should be lifted and potted at once where it is necessary to in¬
crease the stock of these plants. If strong plants are lifted, or the

ordinary trade size relied upon, they should be placed in 7 or 8-inch

pots in a compost of fibry loam of a moderately heavy nature, one-seventh
of decayed manure, and one 6-inch potful of half-inch bones, and the
same quantity of soot to each barrowful of soil. If lifted while the
foliage is upon them they will make a good quantity of roots before
winter, and the result next season will be strong growth and large
blooms. The plants should be plunged outside, covering the rim of
the pots with ashes until severe weather sets in, when the protection of
a cold frame should be given them. If plunged they will need no
water, but it may be necessary to syringe them occasionally if dry
weather and dry winds prevail.

Laurustinus. — Any plants ot the common English variety that have
set their flower buds may be lifted and placed into pots at once, vary¬
ing in size according to the size of the plants. Those that have not set
their buds are often destroyed by frost in the northern parts (f the
country, and if these can be given protection for the winter, and planted
out again in spring, all the better. If the Btock of these plants are
deficient buy in at once some small bushy plants, and pot them and place
at the approach of severe frost in a cold frame. In spring they should
be plunged outside, covering the pots with soil, and the majority will set
plenty of flower buds. The Belgian variety has been largely used for
forcing during late years, but it very frequently fails to set buds unless
the plants are prepared under glass. Such accommodation cannot be
afforded them , and threfore the old form alluded to above, which opens
white when subjected to forcing, must be relied upon unless the stock
required is purchased annually.

October 14, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

351

MODIFIED INCREASE.

In a previous article I have pointed out what has appeared
to me to be the surest method of obtaining super honey in
the most suitable form ; but as it is quite possible that some
may regard the absolute prevention of swarming as not al¬
together desirable, either because they desire an increase in
the number of their stocks or because they fear their ability
through press of work to give proper attention to the wants
of the apiary at the time when the greatest care is required,
it may be useful to give an alternative plan, or rather a modi¬
fication of the non-swarming system, which, if not giving such
sure and great results as the non-swarming one, must at least
take the next place in order of merit, and as such was recognised
by the late Alexander Pettigrew even in preference to the pre¬
vention- of-s warming system of management to which he was
always opposed. To those who require a moderate increase
it offers great facilities for getting swarms early in the sea¬
son, and a fair amount of super honey, the mo'3 especially
if there is Heather in the vicinity, when it quite possibly
may be a superior system to the one absolutely suppressing
swarms. As in every other method so in this, strong stocks
early in the season are an absolute necessity, and if these
cannot be had failure will result. A strong stock ought to be
ready in the first week in May to take a super, and a
small one may be given, and when this is completed it may
be removed and an artificial swarm taken from the stock, all
casts or after swarms being prevented, and the stock itself
eupered, and the swarm also as soon as it has filled or nearly
so its hive with comb. This was Mr. Pettigrew’s plan if I
remember it rightly, and the one I prefer to follow is very
slightly different ; for instead of placing a super as soon as
the stock is ready, I would take an artificial swarm when
the stock was strong enough to yield one, thus sacrificing the
first small super, or the possibility of one, for the sake of
getting the stock and swarm strong enough to take advan¬
tage of all the honey flow which occurs in the early
days of June from the Sycamore and Clover. If June and
July are fine two lots of bees, the old stock and swarm, both
working in supers, will gather a great weight of honey, in
some seasons in excess of the amount that can be taken from a
a stock not allowed to swarm at all ; but if part of those months
are wet the latter will have the advantage, and as years are
very rare when the whole season is fine, therefore the plan
which makes it almost a certainty to be able to take immedi¬
ate advantage of fine honey weather is the one likely to be
most useful in a climate so uncertain as that of Great Britain.

Another feature of this moderate increase plan is that in
the autumn there will be a strong swarm of bees to add to
each stock which it is intended to keep for another season ;
and if these bees are, as in the prevention- of- increase plan,
not available, and have to be purchased, a deduction to the
extent of the cost of the bees added must be made from the
profit gained from a stock not giving a swarm to obviate the
necessity for purchasing. Young queens are also hatched
under the swarming impulse, and are under such conditions
very valuable indeed, and far preferable to those born and
bred in a nucleus hive. The pity is that so many valuable
queens are wasted when hundreds of bee-keepers would be
thankful to purchase them at a reasonable price, instead of
being put to the trouble and loss of profit occasioned by
being compelled either to purchase them from a dealer or
use the best stock in the apiary for a queen nursery.

I have endeavoured to state the case fairly, so that bee¬
keepers may judge for themselves which plan has the greatest
advantages when applied to the circumstances of individual
cases. My preference is for the absolute prevention of
increase ; it suits me best, and year by year gives the largest
profit. In a bad season seme honey in supers may be had
when stocks allowed to swarm give none, while in a good

season a stock prevented from giving increase will give sur¬
prising results in super honey. There is only one circum¬
stance that might make a change in my management, and
upon this point I refrain from attempting to advise because
I have no practical experience, and this is most essential in
anyone who desires to show others the way to be enabled to
say that he has himself traversed it and found it safe. This
circumstance is that as there is no Heather in the neighbour¬
hood of my stocks, and I have no time or opportunity to
transport them to the moors, the honey season is a short
one, and often ends by the middle of July, and sometimes
even earlier, though occasionally lasting until the end of the
month. Thus even early swarms are no sooner, in many
seasons, at work in supers than the honey flow is ended. Of
one thing I am convinced by the experience of those who
have been at the expense and trouble to remove stocks to the
moors, and that is the absolute necessity of having them very
strong in numbers. Three seasons out of four the value of
the honey gained does not pay the expenses of transport,
the apparent reason being that the stocks are not sufficiently
strong in numbers to withstand the constant and terrific loss
of b9e life constantly going on owing to wind and rain and
other causes. The day may come when bee-keepers will
recognise that it is better to have one really strong stock
than half a dozen weak ones. It is unnecessary to add,
except for guarding against any mistake, that no cast or
second swarm must be taken from any stock managed upon
the modified increase system. If such a cast were allowed
to issue the old stock would very possibly not work at all in
supers that season, so greatly would it be depopulated by
thus giving an increase greater than it was well able to
sustain without detriment ; while the cast itself would not,
unless in exceptional seasons, yield any super honey, and
this is what we are endeavouring to obtain, and may reason¬
ably expect to succeed in obtaining if we give sufficient care
and exercise a wise judgment in all matters connected with
our management. — Felix.

VARIETIES OF BEES AND THEIR MANAGEMENT.

As promised, I will now give the results of different! hives of bees
at the Heather and within a quarter of a mile of each other. It will
be understood that while there is much goodwill and kindly feeling
amongst bee-keepers, there is also much rivalry as to who will have
the best and heaviest hives. Some bee-keepers, to achieve that, work
their hives in a scientific manner, and spare no pains to accomplish
success. The lines they pursue I have frequently stated in these
columns, so need not repeat them at the present beyond stating that
roomy hives, teeming with bees and brood, are essential. Other bee¬
keepers, quite as desirous of success as their more successful neigh¬
bours, do not use the means to have their hives in proper order, but
appear rather to place all confidence in first swarms only, believing
that no management will secure better results than to allow Nature to
work its way. It is well known that I advocate strong hives
having young queens at their head, yet only a week or two
since a number of bee-keepers visiting me were surprised to hear
me say that having young queens is the key to successful bee-keeping.
They had always been taught that young queens were, comparatively
speaking, useless the first year, and they had read in the British
Bee Journal” that when an increase of honey gathering was
desired the breeding queen should be removed. But they were still
more surprised when I gave them ocular demonstration of three
hives— one a non-s warmed one, the other a stock and first swarm of
Cyprian blood that since their introduction, nine years ago, had
received no artificial feeding. The weight of the contents of these
swarms (minus the wooden hives) was nearly 400 lbs. Had the season
been a good one I doubt not but they would have weighed as much more.

When bees or hives have to be made they should be tested side
by side, and the management on the same terms. Your readers will
remember that in a previous article a stone dyke was all that separated
my hives from another lot placed there one day before mine — an
advantage, as the day was a fine one. Neither of our hives was so
near the Heather by a quarter of a mile as others, but I am unprepared
to say whether that distance nearer is any advantage. Many bee¬
keepers know that the weather during the time the Heather was in
bloom was very unpropitious. I may state that the hives standing
Bide by side, or on both sides of the dyke, were very much the same
— stocks, swarms, and two or three unswarmed ones in each, the
difference being form of hive and management. Those of my neigh.

852

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ October 14, 1885.

bours looked due south, while mine looked due north. The highest
make of the former was 10 lbs., while some of them had risen
nothing. The lowest make of my ones was 25 lbs., and the highest
at the end of seven weeks 50 lbs., the latter were the crossed
Cyprians. One late first swarm of Syrians at the end of seven weeks
weighed 40 lbs. ; being in a Stewarton hive it tilled two supers with
comb, the nett contents of which is 16 lbs., the rest having been
stored in the body of the hive required for its sustenance during
winter. I leave your readers to solve the reason of the great differ¬
ence of weight made by the respective hives. One thing, however,
those who maintain that the hive which suits one district will not
suit that of another have much to learn. There is another erroneous
impression — namely, that bees build drone comb as store ones. If
that was the case the moment a glut of honey came, drone would be
built to the ultimate detriment of the internal economy of the hive ;
but that not being the case, and drone combs being built only in
queenless hives, or where an aged queen or a young defective one is
reigning, or after some obstruction takes place, so that the queen
cannot continue egg-laying ; then only are drone combs built in
supers or other vacant places accessible to the bees. W e may safely
set down that the theory of store combs is another of the many errors
in bee husbandry.

If there was the slightest truth in the store-comb therory, why is
it that in all my supers filled by bees having a young prolific queen
at their head have nothing but worker comb? That bees have a
desire to widen their store combs either in one continuous cell often
to a great width, or to first seal, then build upon and extend upon the
sealed we all know, but that bees the moment they find abundance of
honey start drone comb is an error woith refuting.

Not a single mishap occurred to any of our hives neither on the
outward nor return journey, which I attribute wholly to our method of
conveying and ventilating them. Only a mile distant from where
mine stand are some with not a sound hive amongst them, all of them
heated, and I doubt not but by this time foul brood will be prevalent,
which will be mischievous alike to the proprietor and his neighbours’
bees. Midway between that and my own stand about thirty hives
all straw, with ekes d la Pettigrew except one. All of these have
been well cared for and as well managed, yet making from 7 to
10 lbs. less than my own. This I attribute to the fact that my hives
were a little stronger, and imbued with the Cyprian and Syrian blood ;
but I think had my hives been so situated they would have been
much heavier. Others equidistant in another direction have much the
same results ; but strange to say in the midst of the Heather stands
some from Carluke, Mr. Pettigrew’s birthplace, where we should have
expected to see the Pettigrew system carried out to the letter, as in the
case of those already mentioned coming from an opposite quarter ; but
not so, the hives are small, and so far as I can learn the making is nil.

The foregoing is a true account of the state and making of the
different hives under as fair a trial as if it had been made under the
supervision of the most experienced bee-keepers. But more good
will accrue from it, as the parties concerned have had ocular demon¬
stration of the superiority both of breeds of bees and different hives,
and as experience is gained will be convinced that the hive that is
good for one district will be good for every district, as has been the
experience of — A Lanarkshire Bee-keeper.

®0® All correspondence should be directed either to “The Editor ”
or to “ The Publisher.” Letters addressed to Dr. Hogg or
members of the staff often remain unopened unavoidably. We
request that no one will write privately to any of our correspon¬
dents, as doing so subjects them to unjustifiable trouble and
expense.

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions relat¬
ing to Gardening and those on Bee subjects, and should never
send more than two or three questions at once. All articles in¬
tended for insertion should be written on one side of the paper
only. We cannot reply to questions through the post, and we
do not undertake to return rejected communications.

NAMING FRUITS. — In consequence of the absence of our fruit referee
from London fruits cannot be named by him during the month of October.

Tuberous Begonia (E. G.). — The flower is not nearly so large as many
we have seen, though it is of good shape and colour.

Pear Culture (Pear). — There is no work published on the culture of

special varieties of Pears, and those you name require exactly the same
cultural treatment as others. Given the same climate and aspect, the
most healthy trees produce the finest fruit, provided they are not over¬
cropped, whether they are trained on the cordon, fan, or any other system,
or grown as pyramids or bushes in the open.

Beetle Trap (D. B.).— Your letter will be sent to the manufacturer’s.
It is no part of our duty to advertise the articles of vendors ; we do our
share by pointing out things that may be of service to our readers.

National Chrysanthemum Society’s Catalogue (J. F.). — Write to the
Hon. Sec., Mr. W. Holmes, Frampton Park Nurseries, Hackney.

Root-pruning Fruit Trees (E. Piggot).— We are not able to answer your
question as to Mr. Beattie. Possibly the Editor of the work in question
may be able to do so if you write him on the subject. Mr. Moore’s address
is Botanic Gardens, Chelsea.

Wireworms in Vine Borders (A. B. G.). — These are injurious and
cannot be destroyed by any applications to the soil. They may be caught
by burying Potatoes, Carrots, and squares of fresh turves in the border,
marking their positions with sticks and withdrawing the “ baits ” from time
to time for extracting the pests. Woodlice may be caught by placing dry
rough partially decayed dirty old boards face to face so that they
can find their way between them, to he disposed of as you may think fit.
The young Vine canes if strong and well ripened may bear two or three
bunches each next year.

Erica Lambertiana rosea ( W . W. R.). — The Heath to which you refer
is a good one for winter flowering, and it is useful for cutting. It is of com¬

pact habit when well grown and makes a pretty specimen in a pot. You
will be able to form some idea from the cut, fig. 53, the flowers being white,
suflused with bright rose.

Auriculas (N. B.). — You can have no better list of Auriculas than that
published on pages 5, 6, of vol. 2, the issue of July 2nd 1885, for varieties are
there arranged in order of merit as determined by the number of votes each
received by the florists who made the selections. Mr. Horner and most
other leading florists took part in that election. The results of the election
of Alpines appear on page 18 of the same volum». A lecture on the Auricula
by Mr. Horner also appears on pages 381, 398,418 of the volume in question.

Cobeea scandens. — Violet Ivy (A. B.). — In Mexico where this plant was
first discovered it bears the name of Yedra morada, or Violet Ivy, but it is
scarcely known in Britain under any other name than Cob*a. The first
European plants were raised from seeds in the Madrid Botanic Garden, and
it was named in honour of the Jesuit, Father Cobo, who resided in America
for forty years and wrote a “ Natural History of the New World,” but which,
we believe, was never published.

Petroleum Mixture (F. </*.). — The method of preparing petroleum so
that it mixes with or remains suspended in water you will find on page 216
of the present volume, the issue of September 2nd, 1886. It is good for
applying to the stems of fruit trees and Vines after pruning, but for that
purpose twice the quantity of softsoap and petroleum may be used, rubbing
the mixture well into every crevice with a brush We scarcely know what
you mean by your second question. Wood budb elongate and develope
leaves. Sometimes more than two leaves issue from wood at the base of
fruit buds, and sometimes not one.

Fruit Trees for Wall ( J . 0.). — The wall — i.e., between the piers, would
answer for either Pears or Plums, and for so high a wall we should have the
Plums fan-trained. Pears would be most suitable for the piers, having the
branches trained upright. If you leave Pears between the piers they may
be horizontally trained ; but the space would be more quickly covered by
planting cordons about 20 inches apart, on Pear stocks or double grafted.
It is matter of taste as to which is selected. We name a dozen of each.

October 14, 1883. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER

858

Pears: — Jargonelle, Beurie d’Amanlis, Beurre Superfin, Louise Bonne of
Jersey, Marie Louise, Marcchal de Cour, Pitmaston Duchess, DoyennO du
Comice. Durondeau, General Todleben, Beurrd Bachelier, Marie Benoist.
Plums: — Dessert : Belgian Purple, Coe’s Golden Drop, Green Gage or
Transparent Gage, Jefferson, Kirke’s, and Early Favourite. Kitchen :
Early Rivers or Prolific, Czar, Prince Englebert, Pond’s Seedling, Victoria,
and Yellow Magnum Bonum.

Grapes Withering (J. F.). — What you describe is a rather common
occurrence this season, and points to the Vines being checked or retarded in
the early stages of growth through inclement weath“r, or the Vines may
not have been supplied with proper nutriment during the swelling and
ripening period. We presume, however, your Vines are in good condition,
and there is nothing constitutionally to account for the withering. It is on
such that shrivelled berries often appear, and is on that account the more
disappointing. The fact is the Grapes are not ripe — there has no' been
sufficient continuance of the requisite heat and light for the conversion of
the juices into the saccharine matter which constitutes their keeping
qualities, and is more prevalent with Grapes of high quality, such as the
Muscats ; others, such as Gros Colman and Gros Guillaume, being less liable
to shrivel even when unrip’. The only remedy is to allow no check to
occur during the growing or ripening process, either from lack of moisture
or a fluctuating temperature, which has a tendency to hasten the maturity
of the foliage and causes premature rest in the Vines.

Preventing Vines Scorching— Grapes Shrivelling {Merchant). — We do
not wonder at the Vine leaves scorching, as the foliage must be very thin
from the house being kept so close. The house should be more freely
ventilated in the early stages of the Vines developing the foliage, and until
the leaves have assumed a thick leathery texture, and by attending to this
and ventilating eerly and not closing too soon, the foliage would be able to
bear the sun’s rays without scorching or the necessity of shading. The
ventilation will of course lower the temperature if it is not judiciously
given, but npon sound principles it ought not to do so, but should be
applied as a means of preventing the temperature rising too high. Not
knowing the temperature at which the Vines have been kept, we are not
able to say whether less might not be safe, but if you follow the tempera¬
tures as given in the “Work for the Week,” under the heading of Vines,
you will not be acting wrong, and if you ask our advice at the time of start¬
ing the house we shall be happy to give you every information in our
power. There ought to be sufficient piping in the house to prevent the
necessity of very hard firing at any time, very highly heated surfaces in¬
variably inviting attacks of red spider, besides involving the use of
much more fuel than would be requisite with the pipe-heating surface
considerably increased. The cause of the Grapes shrivelling is not
through want of thinning, but from want of needful supplies of nutriment
during swelling and want of proper ripening. See answer to “ J. F.,” which
is equally applicable to your case.

Gardenia Buds Falling (C. B. B.). — The cause of the buds falling
is probably too high a temperature, especially at night, and not allowing
the plants rest. The moisture, too, is perhaps excessive, so that the plants
push growth instead of maturing the wood and developing the flowers. A
temperature of 60° to 65° is sufficient at night, and 70° to 75° in the day¬
time by artificial means, and in this the plants ought to develope the buds
perfectly, they being duly supplied with water at the roots. They ought
never to be allowed to become dry, but water should not be given until
they require it, then a thorough supply. We should say the plants are not
in a satisfactory condition at the roots, though the healthy appearance of
the foliage would point to their being all right in that respect. We have
known a whole crop of buds lost by allowing the plants to become dry at
the roots, which, giving a check, caused them to fall ; and a sudden change
of the temperature, if only for a short time, proves very disastrous. Indeed,
there are many causes of the buds falling, but it is mostly attributable to
undue excitement or a sudden check, whether from a high to a low tem¬
perature, from a moist close atmosphere to a dry and airy one, or from a
wet state of the soil to a dry condition. With the roots in a healthy state
and the temperature as above indicated we have not experienced any loss
of buds.

Grub Infesting Grapes (An Amateur). — Your Vines are attacked by a
very destructive Tortrix, with which we are well acquainted — namely,
T. angustiorana. It is figured in Barron’s “ Vine Culture,” an excellent
work that all Grape-growing amateurs should possess. We cite from the work
in question the reference to and description of this Vine pest. “ This moth
seems to have existed in America for some few years, but it is only lately
that its appearance has been noticed in this country. The caterpillar's are
found gnawing the skin of ripe Grapes, eating a little of the pulp, and
fastening them together by a web, thus destroying much fruit. They are
about 1 inch in length, of a dirty greenish grey colour, with a dark line
down the middle of the back. The head is pale buff, very glossy, and nearly
square, the eyes black. We have captured several of the caterpillars of this
moth in the great vinery at Chiswick, where they were found preying on the
ripe fruit. They appear to feed on one berry, which decays and rots the
adjoining ones, so that four or five berries are often found to be destroyed;
consequently, they prove to be very destructive. They may easily be found,
and when disturbed, like all these insects, they drop suddenly from their
quarters, suspended by a small web.” There is no remedy beyond disturbing
and destroying the larv®, also every moth that emerges and is seen in the
house.

Ferns in Vinery (Somerset). — Ferns may be well grown in a pit the
top of which is 5 feet from the glass ; in a vinery, because the temperature
required by the Vines is equally suitable for many Ferns, while the shade
from the roof in summer is conducive to the freshness of those plants.
But the plan suggested of planting them out and digging them up and
potting as required for room decoration is quite impracticable. No plants
suffer from root-disturbance more than Ferns, and for continuing fresh in
rooms it is essential that they be thoroughly established in pots. We should
fill the pit with leaves as usual and grow the plants in pots, these being
stood on or partially sunk in the leaves ; but as slugs might be troublesome
the pit might be filled with stones or rubble thickly surfaced with ashes or
fine gravel, and this if kept moist in summ'r would be of benefit both to
the plants and Vinrs. The Ferns cou'd be grown in varying sizes to suit
the decorative requirements of the rooms, while they might be so arranged

in the house as to have an agreeable appearance. An Aponogeton would
grow in a tub of water in the vinery, fresh water being added from time to
time. Three plants would suffice for your tub, but we suspect the space
might be more usefully occupied with Ferns. This, however, is a question
of taste. The spray pump is useful, and with fair usage we do not think
it liable to get out of repair.

Names of Fruits. — The names and addresses of senders of fruit to be named
must in all cases be enclosed with the specimens, whether letters referring
to the fruit are sent by post or not. The names are not necessarily required
for publication, initials sufficing for that. Only six specimens can be
named at once, and surplus fruits beyond that number cannot be preserved
(A. Bobinson). — As has many times, and quite recently stated, Plums can¬
not be named without stalks attached to the fruit and specimens of the
young wood of each variety sent for identification. (J. W.).— The Apple
is Ecklinville Seedling, the Pear Williams’ Bon Chretien. ( T . J.). — 1,
Winter Peach ; 2, Not known, and not good ; 3, Beurre Hardy ; 4, Beurrb
Superfin ; 5, Beurrd Clairgeau (small). (A Constant Beader).— 1, Beurrd Gris
d’Hiver Nouveau; 2, Easter Beurre; 3, Doyenn6 d’Alenjon; 4, General
Todtleben ; 5, Beurrd Sterckmans. The Apple is Pine Apple Russet. (G. S.,
Kent). — 1, Beurre d’Amanlis ; 2, Beurrb Hardy ; 3, Louise Bonne of Jersey ;
4, Marie Louise; 5, Henri Capron ; 6, Triomphe de Jodoigne. (Somerset).
— The Pear is quite worthless, and cannot be named. Why not engraft the
tree with a good variety.

Names of Plants. — We only undertake to name species of plants, not
varieties that have originated from seed and termed florists’ flowers.
Flowering specimens are necessary of flowering plants, and Fern fronds
should bear spores. Specimens should arrive in a fresh state in firm
boxes. Slightly damp moss or soft green leaves form the best packing, dry
cotton wool the worst. Not more than six specimens can be named at once.
(H. C.). — 1, Pteris cretica albo-lineata ; 2, Blechnum Spicant ; 3, Adiantum
hispidulum ; 4, Davalha Tyermanni ; 5, Asplenium bulbiferum ; 6, Onychium
japonicum. (An Old Subscriber). — Nerine undulata. (G. W.). — Fuchsia
corallina. (B. J.). — Oncidium Krameri.

COVENT GARDEN MARK ET.— October 13th.

Trade quiet, prices remaining the same. Good samples of Pines in fair
demand.

FRUIT.

s.

d.

8.

d.

8.

d.

8.

d.

Apples .. ..

1

6

to 4

0

Melon .

l

0 to 2

0

Cherries . . . .

0

0

0

0

Oranges .. ..

6

0

12

0

Cobs . . . .

. . 100 lb.

50

0

55

0

Peaches .

per doz .

4

0

8

0

Currants. Black

. £ sieve

0

0

0

0

Pears .

dozen

1

0

1

6

„ Red

.. J sieve

0

0

0

0

Pine Apples English.. Ib.

2

0

2

6

Figs .. ..

0

6

0

9

Plums .

$ sieve

i

0

2

0

G rapes . . . .

0

6

3

9

St. Michael Pines

. .each

4

0

6

0

Lemons , • . .

0

15

0

Strawberries .. ..

per lb.

0

0

0

0

VEGETABLES.

8.

d.

B.

d

8.

d.

8

d

Artichokes ..

. . dozen

l

0 to 0

0

Lettuce .

dozen

i

0

to 1

6

Asparagus

.. bundle

0

0

0

0

Mushrooms .. .

punnet

0

6

1

0

Beans, Kidney

per bushel

2

0

3

0

Mustard and Cress

punnet

0

2

0

0

Beet, Red

.. dozen

i

0

2

0

Onions .

bunch

0

3

0

0

Broccoli .. ••

0

0

0

0

Parsley .. dozen bunches

2

0

3

0

Brussels Sprouts

.. i sieve

0

0

0

0

Parsnips .

dozen

1

0

2

0

Cabbage .. ..

1

6

0

0

Potatoes .

cwt.

4

0

5

0

Capsicums

100

1

3

2

0

,, Kidney .

cwt.

4

8

5

0

Carrots . . • •

0

4

0

0

Rhubarb .

bundle

0

2

0

6

Cauliflowers . .

.. dozen

3

0

4

0

Salsafy .

bundle

1

0

i

0

Celerv .. ..

1

6

2

0

Scorzonera .. ..

bundle

1

6

0

0

Coleworts doz. bunches

2

0

4

0

Seakale .. .. per basket

0

0

0

0

Cucumbers . .

. . each

0

3

0

4

Shallots .

0

3

0

6

Endive .. ..

1

0

2

0

Spinach .

bushel

8

0

4

4

Heros .. ..

0

2

0

0

Tomatoes ••

0

2

0

6

Leeks . • • •

0

8

0

4

Turnips .. ..

bunch

0

4

0

0

PLANTS IN POTS.

s.

a.

8.

a.

B.

d.

s.

d.

Aralia Sieboldi .. dozen

9

0 to 18

0

Ficus elastica

. . each

i

6 to 7

9

Arbor vita; (golden) dozen

6

0

9

0

Fachsia ..

per dozen

2

6

6

0

„ (common) dozen

6

0

12

0

Foliage Plants, var. each

2

0

10

0

Asters . . . . per dozen

3

0

6

0

Heliotropo

per dozen

0

9

0

0

Bedding Plants, var. doz.

0

0

0

0

Hydrangea . .

per dozen

0

9

0

0

Begonias . . . . dozen

4

0

9

0

Ivy Geraniums

per dozen

0

0

0

9

Chrysanthemum . . dozen

6

0

12

0

Lilium auratum

per doz.

L2

0

30

0

Cockscombs per dozen

8

0

4

0

„ lancifolium per doz.

0

0

0

9

Cvperus . dozen

4

0

12

0

„ longifloiHm per doz

0

0

0

0

Dracaena terminalis, dozen 30

0

60

0

Lobelias . . . .

per dozen

0

0

0

0

viridis .. dozen 12

0

24

0

Marguerite Daisy dozen

6

9

9

9

Erica, various . . dozen

9

0

12

0

Mignonette . .

per dozen

3

9

6

0

hyemali3 per dozen 18

0

24

0

Musk . . . .

per dozen

0

0

0

0

„ gracilis per dozen

9

0

12

0

Myrtles . . . .

6

0

12

0

Euonymus, in var. dozen

6

0

18

0

Palms, in var.

. . each

2

6

21

0

Evergreens, in var. dozen

6

0

24

0

Pelargoniums, scarlet, doz.

3

9

6

9

Ferns, in variety . . dozen

4

0

18

0

Pelargoniums

per dozen

0

0

0

0

CUT FLOWERS.

8

a.

8.

a.

s.

d.

B.

d.

Abutilons .. 12 bunches

2

0 to 4

0

Lily of the Valley, 12 sprays

0

9

to 0

9

Ageratum .. 12 bunche3

2

0

3

0

Marguerites ..

12 bunches

2

0

6

0

Arum Lilies . . 12 blooms

4

0

6

0

Migaonette . .

12 bunches

1

0

3

0

ABters . . . . 12 bunches

0

8

0

6

Myosotis

12 bunches

1

6

8

9

Bouvardias .. per bunch

0

6

1

0

Pelargoniums, per 12 trasses

0

9

1

0

Camellias . . 12 blooms

4

0

8

0

„ scarlet, 12 trusses

0

3

0

6

Carnations . . 12 blooms

1

0

S

0

Roses

12 bunches

2

9

9

9

„ .. 12bunohes

4

0

9

0

„ (indoor),

per dozen

0

6

2

9

Chrysanthemums 12 belies.

3

0

6

0

„ Tea.. ..

0

9

1

0

„ 12 blooms

1

0

0

6

„ red

. . dozen

0

8

1

0

Coreopsis .. 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

,, M083

12 bunches

0

0

9

0

Cornflower .. 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Parme Violets (French)

b

0

6

0

Dahlias . . 12 buncheB

s

0

4

0

Pyrethrum . .

12 bunches

3

0

6

0

Epiphyllam .. doz. blooms

0

6

0

0

Stephan otis ..

12 sprays

4

0

6

0

Eucharis . . per dozen

8

0

6

0

Stocks, various

12 bunches

i

0

5

0

Gardenias .. 12 blooms

2

0

4

0

Sunflowers

0

6

1

0

Gladioli .. 12 bunches

9

0

12

0

Sweet Peas ..

1 ‘2 bunches

2

0

4

0

Hyacinths, Roman, 12 spray3

0

0

0

0

Sweet Sultan

12 bunches

0

9

9

0

Lapageria, white, 12 blooms

2

0

4

0

Tropteolum ..

12 bunches

1

6

0

Lapageria, red . . 12 blooms

1

0

2

0

Tuberoses

12 blooms

0

4

1

0

„ longiflorum, 12 blms.

3

0

«

0

Violets . . . .

12 bunches

1

9

0

0

854

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ October 14, 1888.

MICHAELMAS PLANS.

Another year’s work ended, another year’s work begun,
for Michaelmas is here once more, and with it comes the end
and beginning of the farmer’s year. Results and prospects
are carefully considered, plans made for the future, the crops
for another year being decided upon, and the cultivation of
the entire farm passed under critical review to see what has
been right, what wrong in the past, and what improvement
in practice is possible in the future. Well indeed will it be
if we are able now to see why failure or success has crowned
or marred our efforts, why this crop was inferior, that crop
abundant. If all farmers could do this we should not hear
of so many applications for a reduction of rent just now. On
the day of writing this article a tenant farmer came to our
market stand to complain of short crops and to demand a
further reduction of rent upon that conceeded to him last
Michaelmas. Thirty-two bushels of Oats per acre, and
about 28 bushels of Wheat, was all that the land would yield
under his system of culture. We were bound in reply to
point to land brought from an almost barren condition to
yield this year eighty bushels of Oats per acre, to Wheat
and Barley crops equally satisfactory. But it was all in vain,
and we have pretty well come to the conclusion that land
would be dear to such a tenant at any price. No thought
had he of improvement in his own practice ; if the land would
not jield profitable crops under the system of culture handed
down to him by his forefathers, why the landlord must
reduce the rent again and yet again. In common fairness to
the landlord we were bound to inquire if the tenant was
prepared to adopt a more economical method of culture
which we had found to answer upon a farm we have in hand
within a mile of his. We also suggested chemical manures
instead of farmyard manure, offering to afford him proof of
the superiority of the chemicals, to show him howto procure,
mix, and use them. No ! he could not or would not acknow¬
ledge that he was wrong. It will, therefore, be our duty to
see that the landlord shall not suffer for his obstinate
stupidity. It is precisely such men who “ go under ” now and
make way for better farmers. We must effect all possible
improvement in the land, and such improvements receive
due attention always, but they have a specially prominent
position in our Michaelmas plans.

Wheat, Barley, Winter and Spring Oats, Winter Beans*
Peas, White Turnips, Swedes, Kohl Rabi, Mangolds*
Potatoes, Carrots, Rye, Winter Tares, and permanent
pasture all claim attention in our Michaelmas plans-
Farmers generally condemn Wheat as an unprofitable crop*
yet there are still sharp shrewd men who contrive to make it
answer. One of them had a sample of White Wheat at
market a day or two ago which he sold at 34s. a quarter for
the grain, and for the straw he obtained 45s. a ton. Now
he had five quarters per acre of this Wheat exclusive of tail
corn, and between two and three tons of straw. The grain,
therefore, realised £8 10s., and the straw upwards of £4 10s.,
or a total of £13 per acre. Assuredly that man will not give
up Wheat-growing, yet why should he make it answer while
his neighbour fails to obtain 4 quarters an acre, and has
a thin meagre growth of straw ? The reason is this : the
successful man has his land in a high state of cultivation —
dry, clean, and fertile ; he takes care to sow pure carefully
selected seed, and to use pure chemical manures, so that the
soil is kept well stored with nutriment. He avoids altogether
the costly manufacture of farmyard manure for his corn land,
and his profitable Wheat culture is comparatively inexpensive
in comparison with that of the unsuccessful man who clings

to the muck heap and manure cart, and will have nothing to
do with artificial manure.

To Barley, Oats, and other crops the remarks about
Wheat apply with equal force. Repeatedly have we shown
that no crop affords so clear an indication of the condition of
the laud as Oats, and we can assure our readers that it
answers to apply manure to the land both for Oats and
Barley just as much as it does for Wheat. We still say let
the proportion of each crop be well balanced, and do not
lightly discard any crop that has answered, or which can be
made to answer under high culture. By high culture we do
not mean an extravagant experimental process, but the best
culture possible, having due regard to the combination of
economy with efficiency. If only we have learnt how to do
this, and are on the alert to turn every opportunity of
improvement to best account as it occurs, we may still work
on hopefully, patiently, and have no fear but that success
will crown our efforts. But there must be no carelessness,
no easy-going haphazard practice ; every stroke must tell, and
we must be deeply impressed with a sense of the dignity and
importance of our calling. This is not a time to be above
our work, and we may rest assured that the man who by dint
of downright earnest effort battles successfully with the
difficulties which now beset the farmer’s work, will command
the involuntary respect of all whose respect is worth having.

WORK ON THE HOME FARM.

The collection and storage of root crops now goes briskly on. We
have begun with the Mangolds, and have reason to be fully satisfied with
the crop, f r although the recent drought checked the growth it improved
the quality of the roots, and it may be taken for granted that they con¬
tain more saccharine matter than usual. Nor can we complain of the
quantity of the crop, for it is unusually abundant, and the supply is so
bountiful that the question arises, How shall we turn the whole of it to
best account ? At one of our ofE farms we have already taken action by
the purchase of some bullocks. We have done this both for the winter
consumption of roots, and also the consumption of several stacks of
Barley straw. There is the food ; we have no market for it at hand, and
therefore there is a special reason for having forty or fifty beasts in the
yards next winter. We shall not have to spend a single shilling on food
for them, and it will be optional next spring to sell or keep them over
for fattening. We mention this as an instance of adapting ourselves to
circumstances as they arise, and of the wisdom of avoiding fixed rules
in practice. Our old sheep are fast improving in condition, but we shall
not press them upon the market, for it is precisely when they fill ont and
begin to fatten quickly that it answers best to feed well, and to keep
them till they are in really “ blooming condition.”

The ploughs have been at work daily since our last note was
written, and we have not only got most of our land ready for winter com
but some of it is sown. This was done in mixed soils, but on the heavy
land farms we had to wait for rain to soften the hard clods before the
drills could be used. Full advantage has been taken to get as much land
as possible clean, ploughing, harrowing, and couch-burning going on
daily without hindrance of any kind. Late second crops of Clover have
been saved well, but there are general complaints about barrenness in
much of the seed Clover. In some instances Clover intended for seed has
been made into stover — somewhat hard and coarse in texture, it is true,
but it will answer well if cut into chaff and mixed with other food for
horses. Young layers are so strong and forward in growth that they
afford food now for grazing, but care must be taken not to have them
eaten off too closely.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Camden square, London.

Lat. 81° 32' 40" N.; Long. 0° 8- 0" W. ; Altitude, 111 feet.

date.

9 A.M.

IN THE DAY.

v aJ _

HygTome-

a .

Shade Tem-

Radiation

a

1886.

ter.

3 a

o

perature.

Temperature

£

October.

DO**

ain— .

In

On

Dry.

Wet.

Go

c-,

Max.

Min.

sun.

gras*

Inches.

deg.

deg.

deg.

dfiflr.

detr

det?

deg

In.

Sunday .

3

30.052

53 3

51.9

E.

55.9

66.9

45.2

87.6

37.5

—

Monday .

4

29 9 *3

62.1

60.9

E.

56.3

78.8

54.1

1122

47.0

—

Tuesday .

5

29.825

61.6

60.3

S.E.

57.2

77.0

54.9

103 4

47.3

0*068

Wednesday ..

6

29.813

56.3

55.4

S.E.

57.8

63 8

55.1

95.7

54.3

0*193

Thursday ....

7

29.835

57.1

56.3

E.

57.2

61.4

51.7

70.8

44.6

0*153

Friday .

8

29.929

55.2

54.6

E.

56 8

59.3

53.3

66.4

48.2

—

Saturday ....

9

29.877

52.9

52.7

S.E.

56.3

62.8

51.2

83 7

44.5

0-259

29.899

56.9

56.0

56.8

67.1

52.2

88.5

46.2

0*673

REMARKS.

3rd.— A fine bright day.

41 b. — A very bright warm day.

5th.— Another delightful summer-like day.

nth. — A wet morning ; tine afternoon and evening.

7th. — Wet and dismal throughout.

8th. — A very dull foggy day, brightening slightly in early afternoon.

9th.— Fog, clearing towards noon ; fine afternoon and early evening ; very wet at night.

The early part of the week was most delightful; the closing part very autumnal.
Temperature 7° above the average, and somewhat above that of the preccdinglwecK.
— G. J. SIMONS.

OctobeOl, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

355

: -

COMING EVENTS

21

TH

Apple and Pear Show at Exeter (two days).

22

F

23

S

24

SUN

18th Sunday after Trinity.

25

M

26

TU

Royal Horticultural Society, Committees and Show (two days).

27

W

National Chrysanthemum Society, Floral Committee.

FINE APPLES AND PEARS.

PPLES and Pears always come prominently under
discussion at this period of the year ; and it is
right that they should, for is not the former the
most serviceable of all fruits of temperate climes,
and the latter the most valuable of hardy deli¬
cacies for dessert purposes ? There cannot pos¬
sibly be a more opportune time for recording
observations on the character of some of the
varieties than the present, first because a great
majority are in condition to be judged actually “ by their
fruits,” which is better than trusting to memory, however
retentive, or compiling from books however good and gene¬
rally reliable ; and secondly because the time for ordering
trees has arrived and the period for planting is closely
approaching.

A little skirmishing has already been indulged in in the
Journal in the form of the tossing of a few kinds to and fro
between correspondents, as if they were somewhat more
intent at hitting each other than of conveying information to
interested readers, more particularly those who lack experi¬
ence in growing or have not the best opportunities for ex¬
amining most of the leading varieties. There is one conso¬
lation, however — nothing bad has been recommended, but,
on the contrary, scarcely a variety has been brought to the
front during the past two months but what is good for some
purpose or other, and notably are those enumerated on
page 349 worthy of consideration by intending planters. As
nowhere are such facilities afforded for forming a compara¬
tive estimate of the merits of fruit as at a great show, and
as the greatest and best display of Apples and Pears of the
season was that held at South Kensington last week ; and
as, moreover, probably not one reader of the Journal out of
a thousand could inspect that Show ; and as reports, however
full and good, can only be generally descriptive, I propose
referring to some of the prominent dishes individually, taking
no account of the exhibitors, but only of the fruit. This will
be done in a manner in which growers of the varieties men¬
tioned can compare their own produce and form an opinion
as to how much it is above or how far it is below the standard
of excellence represented, and at the same time enable those
persons who do not know the varieties that will be named
to form a better idea of their size than can be gathered from
catalogues.

Culinary Apples being the most generally useful, primary
attention will be devoted to them. The August Apples were
necessarily not visible, and it must suffice to say that perhaps
the best of these is the Early Julyan ; tree a small grower,
and great bearer of medium sized fruit ; profitable for market.
Nor were the early Codlins represented except by a few dishes
of Lord Suffield. The finest Apple of this type was the
Nelson Codlin, the fruits being 4 inches deep and 3^ wide.
This is an Apple of great usefulness, the tree being a good
grower and great bearer. Duchess of Oldenburgh was shown
3|r inches wide and 2J inches high, handsomely striped, a
variety combining beauty with utility ; the tree a sturdy

No. 330. — Vol. XIII., Third Series.

grower, bearing well. Cellini was 3 j inches wide and 3 inches
high, symmetrical and richly coloured ; a free, early bearing,
October Apple, and one of the most constant. Yorkshire
Beauty was 3£ inches wide near the base and 8£ inches high,
tapering somewhat acutely, skin clear creamy yellow, show¬
ing the clear red cheek to advantage ; in outline and general
character somewhat resembling Emperor Alexander. This
is commended especially to one of your correspondents with
a mental pseudonym, who does not appear to be acquainted
with this Apple. Possibly if he were to grow it he would
in a few years’ time advise others to do likewise, but the
“ others ” had perhaps better not wait.

Emperor Alexander was splendid in many dishes ; fruits
4| inches wide and 3^ inches high, richly coloured, and one
of the most handsome. The tree makes a fine standard, not
a compact bush. Winter Hawthornden, 4^ inches in dia¬
meter and 8^ inches high ; good in every dish, and there were
many. This is one of the best Apples, resembling Warner’s
King, the tree growing well and bearing early and freely.
Stirling Castle, handsome, smooth, and symmetrical, fruits
4 inches wide and 3| inches high ; one of the best of all for
bushes and small gardens. Ecklinville, fruits 4£ inches wide
and 3 inches high, a first-rate Apple ; tree prolific both as a
bush on the Paradise and standard on the Crab. Gloria Mundi,
perhaps the heaviest dishes in the Show were of this variety,
fruits \\ inches wide and 3^ inches high ; the tree is a good
upright grower, but the branches are not “ roped ” with fruit.
Warner’s King would run the preceding closely as regards
weight ; fruits 4J inches wide and 3| inches high, uniformly
fine throughout ; the tree is a healthy grower and fruitful.
Loddington, fruits large, taller and more angular than usual,
3| inches high and the same in width ; the tree is of compact,
sometimes of scrubby habit, and bears heavily : not a good
grower, and, as your mental man says, is liable to canker in
some soils and districts. Peasgood’s Nonesuch, the most
handsome Apple of all, combining a uniformly smooth out¬
line and bright and pleasing colour : fruits 4^ inches wide
and the same or nearly so in height : the tree grows and
bears well, and this noble variety should not be overlooked
in orders to nurserymen. Mere de Menage, the finest of the
very dark Apples, deep, dull red, fruits 4 J inches wide and 3
high ; a good grower and bearer. Brabant Bellefleur, of the
same type as the preceding, but though taller not quite so
large and deep in colour : a moderate grower and excellent
bearer. Lord Derby, not so large as usual, 3£ inches high
and 3 inches wide : a very fine Apple, the tree growing well
and bearing freely. Annie Elizabeth, 3£ inches high and
3 inches wide, prevailing colour brownish red : an excellent
Apple, and tree a sturdy healthy grower and free bearer.
Lane’s Prince Albert, 3^ inches high and 3 inches wide : an
attractive and excellent Apple, and one of the best and most
reliable of bearers, not making a large spreading tree. Al-
friston, 3jr inches high and 3 J inches wide : a fine firm Apple,,
making a fine standard, but not good for dwarf culture.
Small’s Admirable, 3 inches high and about the same in
width : a first-rate Apple, and one of the most abundant
bearers in a dwarf state. Golden Noble, 3^ inches wide and
3£ inches high, symmetrical golden fruits : "tree a free grower
and makes a fine standard, not a good dwarf. Lady Hen-
niker, fruit angular, 3^ inches wide and 3J inches high, of
excellent quality, and tree a good grower and free bearer.
Striped Beefing, 4 inches wide and 3^ inches deep : hand¬
some, and one of the hardiest and best of late culinary
varieties. Dumelow’s Seedling, 3^ inches wide and 3 inches
deep : a well-known brisk late culinary Apple, the tree bear¬
ing abuudantly. Blenheim Pippin, not so large as usual,
3^ inches wide and 2^ inches high, well known for its excel¬
lence ; but if a person wants good crops in a few years let
him plant trees on the Paradise stock, if fine standards for
his grandchildren plant trees on the Crab.

Twenty-six varieties are named, not in the order of merit
or of ripening, but just as they were observed, as among the

No. 1! 8G — Yoi. T.XXY., Odd Series

356

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ October 21. 1886.

most prominent dishes in the show. No doubt others of
value are omitted, but perhaps it would not be easy to choose
an equal number of first class culinary Apples similarly
imposing in appearance and good in quality with those named
excluded from the selection; and judged, therefore, by that
test, those briefly described may be regarded as worthy of
cultivation.

It is not necessary to refer in detail and with equal pre¬
cision to the desserc varieties ; but as an indication of the
size of well-grown examples three familiar binds may be
adduced — namely, Cox’s Orange Pippin, fruits 3J inches
wide and 2f inches deep ; Eibston Pippin, 3^ inches wide
and 3f inches deep ; and King of the Pippins, 3 inches wide
and 2f inches deep. Growers who do not exhibit, yet have
fruits equalling or exceeding these dimensions, may conclude
that they are good ; but do not let anyone think that a ques¬
tion of half an inch in the height and diameter of an Apple
is of small moment on the question of size, for it is of great
moment, making all the difference between a medium and
full- sized fruit, or between winning a third prize instead of
a first in competition.

A crumb of comfort is derivable from a comparison of the
Canadian Apples with our home grown produce. The trans¬
atlantic specimens were clearer in the skins and brighter as
a rule in colouring ; but as regards size, freshness, and
general good appearance the English fruit as a whole was
markedly superior. With the exception of Kentish Fill-
basket from Nova Scotia, and Emperor Alexander from
Montreal, there was nothing strikingly meritorious ; and,
broadly speaking the market value of the English fruit
decidedly exceeded that of the Canadian produce. It is
evident that with a judicious selection of varieties and good
culture English markets can be supplied with home grown
Apples as good as those that can be brought from elsewhere,
and it ought to be soon enough to avail ourselves of the pro¬
duce of orchards 3000 miles away when the frosts of spring
nip the blossoms in our own, and prevent a golden harvest.

Now turn to Pears, of which many splendid dishes were
staged at the Show in question. A few of the finer will be
noticed, and the size of the fruits indicated in the same in¬
formal manner as with the Apples. The finest Pear in the
Exhibition was Pitmaston Duchess, the largest being 5 inches
long and 3£ inches wide, but the majority were half an inch
shorter, and large enough then, as they would weigh nearly
or quite a pound each. This is a noble Pear, and the tree
grows and bears well as pyramids in the open, espaliers and
on walls. It ripens in October and early November, and is
very juicy, with a delicate acid taste that is refreshing to
some palates. Louise Bonne, 4£ inches long and 3 inches
wide, beautifully coloured, and well known as one of the best
varieties. Durondeau, 4^ inches long and 3 inches wide,
bright and handsome fruit, and the quality generally very
good, but somewhat variable according to soils and seasons ;
a fine late autumn Pear. Marie Louise d’Uccle, fruit 4^
inches long and 31, inches wide (very fine) ; a valuable hardy
good bearing Pear of excellent quality. It bears no re¬
semblance to the old favourite Marie Louise, but is not less
worthy of cultivation. British Queen, unusually large,
5 inches long and 3^ inches wide. The fruit when in its
best form is of high quality, but occasionally decays at the
core sooner than is pleasant to the owner. This and the
preceding are October and November Pears, the time of
lipening being as influenced by soils, seasons, and districts.
Fondante de Cuerne, 4^ inches long and 3 inches wide (very
fine), a large and good early autumn Pear not commonly
grown. Triomphe de Vienne, 4^ inches long and 3£ wide,
an imposing fruit, rich, sugary, and melting; a compara¬
tively new Pear not in general cultivation, but worthy of a
trial in all large collections. Beurre Diel, not extra large ;
fruit 4 J inches loDg and 3| inches wide ; a well known large
and prolific Pear, of excellent quality when its aroma is
developed, otherwise not superior. It is greatly improved
by finishing the fruit in a temperature of 80° or 90°,

and the same remark applies to many, if not most, other
Pears that are not quite so good as is. desired. Beurre
d’Amanlis, 4 inches long by 3^ inches wide ; a hardy free
growing and good bearing autumn Pear, but not always
of the first quality, yet usually satisfactory, and extensively
grown. Doyenne Boussoch, 3£ inches long and the same m
diameter, one of the handsomest Pears grown, very refreshing
and enjoyable when “ caught right ; ” but its best properties
quickly depart, and decay spreads rapidly. Mareohal de Cour,
44 inches long and 3 inches wide ; a splendid Pear both in
appearance and quality, and should have a place in even
small collections ; usually ripe in November. Beurre Bose,
4 inches long and 3 inches wide, sharply tapering to the
stalk; an attractive and excellent Pear, and tree a tree
bearer. Doyenne du Comice, 4J inches long and 3^ inches
wide; a splendid Psar of superior quality, ranking amongst
the finest and best in cultivation, usually in nss during
November. Beurre Superfin, 3£ inches long and 3 inches
wide, a fine looking and most delicious Pear, and the tree
healthy and fertile ; all growers should plant it if not already
in their gardens. Marie Louise, 44 inches long and 2J
inches wide, fine, and a well known variety, growing best on
the Pear stock. Glou Mor^eau, 34 inches long and 3J inches
wide, quite one of the best of midwinter Pears, and the
tree tree hardy and a great bearer, good as an orchard
standard in favourable positions. Fondante d Automne,
3 inches long and 24 inches wide, an attractive ana inost
delicious Pear, and the tree a free bearer as a bush, standard,
or against a wall, should be included in all^ orders when
purchasing trees, if not already in possession. Beurre
Bance, 44 inches long and 34 inches wide, fine ; a very late
Pear of superior quality, but does not always ripen well in
northern districts, but when it succeeds it is valued.

Those are a fow of the “ fine ” Pears that attracted atten¬
tion in the conservatory of the Royal Horticultural Society,
and all of them, except Triomphe de Vienne, are familiar to
the writer in a growing state. There are many smaller
Pears that are not less worthy of culture, but all varieties
cannot be brought under review at once. The measurements
given are actual, exclusive of stalk ; they are above the
average of the varieties as usually grown, but it is well to
see what is accomplished by good management, as culti¬
vators generally then know what they have to do to excel
in the production of the most useful of culinary and most
esteemed of dessert fruits — Apples and Pears. — Experientia

DOCET.

SPRING BEDDING.

The taste for flowers in every form has so much increased of
late that the old-fashioned plan of allowing the flower beds to
remain empty after the removal of the summer occupants is being
discontinued, as the beds can be made to look well in the spring
with very small outlay. As the season for removing the summer
bedding plants to their winter quarters is now at hand, refilling the
beds with the spring plants should be commenced. It is an advan¬
tage to plant early, particularly where the soil is heavy, as if we
have much rain and frost before the planting is completed the soil
loses its warmth, and the roots of the plants do not take kindly to
their fresh quarters. I propose to offer a few notes on the plants
which I have found suitable for spring flowering in the beds, and
the best methods of preparing them, with a few notes as to their
arrangement in the beds. _ ,

Wallflowers. — On account of the ease with which they can be
provided, their adaptability to almost any situation, and their
delicious perfume places them at the head of the list. Veitchs
Dwarf Dark is the best variety I have tried. It is dwarf and com¬
pact in habit of growth, which is a consideration of no small
importance when it is used for massing in a bed or border. The
flower spikes are stout ; the flowers, too, are large, of a rich dark
glossy colour, and its perfume is very pleasing. Harbinger grows
too tall, the spikes of bloom are not so self-supporting, after the
lower flowers fade the spikes elongate too much, which renders
them weak, while the colour is not so rich as the former variety.
Belvoir Castle is the best yellow I have seen. It is dwarf, but
branches freely, producing a number of bright yellow spikes of
bloom, which are very fragrant. A great advantage is gained by

October 21, 1888. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

357

i

using varieties which branch freely, as an extra number of flower
spikes are obtained, which is an acquisition ; but in this much
depends upon the way in which the plants are grown preparatory
to planting finally into the beds. Of doubles the German variety
is very fine in flower when grown from a good strain, but they are
not suitable for massing in beds, as they grow so unevenly. The
best position for them is a single row in front of the shrubbery or
herbaceous borders, where uniformity of height is not of so much
consequence.

The time of sowing the seed of all the sections should be varied
according to the soil in which they are to be grown. For a heavy
soil the seed should be sown from the middle to the end of May,
as the plants should be grown almost to their full size prior to
planting in the beds, for the reason, owing to the retentive charac¬
ter of the soil, the plants do not grow freely after the autumn rains
have chilled the soil. On light sandy soil from the beginning to
the middle of June is early enough to sow the seeds, as the rains do
not affect plants in the same manner when growing in sandy soil.
Previous to sowing the seed, if the ground be at all dry, thoroughly
soak the beds, which should be in size according to the require¬
ments of the place. Sow broadcast thinly, and lightly cover with
fine soil : attend carefully in giving water, thoroughly soaking the
soil when the plants are well above ground. The Turnip fly seems
partial to the tender leaves of the Wallflowers, and should be
checked by the application of soot over the leaves. An cast or a
west border suits them admirably, the former being preferred.
When the seedlings are about 2 inches high they should be trans¬
planted into rows 1 foot wide and 10 inches apart in the rows ; in
such a manner they will grow freely and preserve a stocky habit,
which is much preferred to that tall weakly growth which is pro¬
duced when the plants are allowed to remain in the seed beds till
wanted for final planting. Some light manure, such as the mate¬
rials from spent Mushroom beds, is best for the heavy soils. This
should be dug into the beds just previous to planting. It is better
if the digging and the planting can be done in the same day, as the
soil at this time of the year works so much better when freshly
dug than when it becomes wet. Lift the plants with as much
earth to each as possible, place them as near together that the
leaves touch each other. This is the best guide I can give, as so
much depends upon the size of the plants.

Myosotis dissitiflora. — This is the best variety of the blue
Forget-me-not. It is dwarfer in habit, blooms more freely, and of ex¬
cellent colour. From a good strain carefully selected plants should
be grown annually from cuttings, which are more to be depended
upon than those raised from seed every year, which vary in height
considerably. The best way to procure a stock of cuttings is the
following : — When the old plants are taken from the beds after
blooming, the flower spikes should be cut off and the plants laid in
in rows in a west border or in an orchard among the fruit trees.
Suckers will soon commence growing from the bottom of each
plant. These should be taken off early in August and inserted in
a cold frame in sandy soil under a north wall. In this position
shading is dispensed with ; or under handlights they will succeed
equally well as in the cold frame. If well watered when inserted
the cuttings will require very little more until they are rooted,
which they soon will be if the frames are kept close, admitting no
air until roots are formed ; then some should be given, increasing
it until the lights can be taken off altogether. This prevents the
plants becoming drawn weakly. When well supplied with roots
the plants should be placed in rows on any open piece of ground,
first forking in some well-decayed manure or decayed leaves with
refuse soil from the potting bench, from which material they lift
so much better than they do from ordinary soil. They will have
made strong bushy plants by the time they are required for the
beds, in which they should be planted so that the leaves touch one
another, as if the winter is at all severe many of the largest leaves
will be spoilt, and require removal before the young growth starts
jn the early spring.

Polyanthuses. — Showy free-flowering plants when well grown,
A laige number of plants can be procured from seed for a start
selecting a good strain. The first year the best should be separated
from those not so good. These latter will be useful to plant in the
front of the herb iceoui or shrubbery borders, while the more choice
varieties should be reserved for the annual display in the beds,
and from which the future stock shall come. To commence, then,
sow the seed about the end of March in a gentle hotbed, removing
them to cooler quarters as soon as the seedlings appear ; transplant
them thinly into boxes or, what is better, into a cold frame, and
when they have become well established plant out on a west border,
and by early in October they will be strong plants ready to be
placed in the beds, and will make a good display the first year, after
which when blooming is over they should be removed from the
beds, cutting off the flower spikes, dividing the plants into as many

pieces as have roots. Plant them on a west border, pointing
in some manure. Attend to them with water if the weather be
dry until they commence to grow, when no more will be required
except it be a very dry season. By the time they are required in
the autumn they will be strong plants furnished with plenty of
roots, and can be planted without any check. Place them in the
beds at such distances that the leaves just touch each other. A
better effect is produced when the plants are placed in a mass in
one bed ; the contrast in the colours is better, and, what is more
important, they bloom simultaneously.

Double Primroses. — The lavender, white, and yellow varieties,
with the purple P. acaulis platypetala plena, are the best, and are
showy favourite spring-flowering plants ; but they are not well
suited for associating with other plants in the beds, as they bloom
earlier than those generally employed for the decoration of the
spring garden. If all the beds are not expected to be all gay at
the same time they may be used, but otherwise they should be
planted by themselves — for instance, along the fronts of the her¬
baceous borders. The treatment required to provide a supply of
plants is the same as for Polyanthus.

Single Primroses. — These assist much in the embellishment
of the flower garden in the early spring. The front of a shrubbery
or herbaceous border, or even on rockeries, they flourish and make
a good show, now that they are so readily raised from seed, and
of such improved colours. Dean’s strain is the one I like best.
The plants are dwarf, and bloom profusely. In order to have
plants ready to place in the beds in October it is necessary to sow
seeds of them early in J une in a cold frame under a north wall.
In such a position the seeds germinate freely, and when the young
plants are large enough to handle prick them out in sandy soil
liberally enriched with leaf mould. Keep the frame over them
until they begin growing freely, when the lights may be dispensed
with altogether. In hot weather water them freely. They, too,
are more effective when planted in masses.

Double Daisies. — Where spring bedding is done these are
indispensable, so useful are they for planting either in designs,
edgings, or masses. They are easily increased and grown to a suit¬
able size ; they are quite hardy and bloom profusely that they may
be classed as everybody’s plant. Red, white, and pink are the
principal varieties. A newer variety is Rob Roy, but not quite so
hardy as the others. It is admired for the rich colour of its flowers,
contrasting well with the white variety ; it is dwarf in habit of
growth. The best method of increasing the stock of plants is as
follows : — In May, when the beds are cleared to make room for the
summer occupants, the plants should be divided. If a large number
is desired every piece that has roots will grow, tut if the stock
required is not large then they need not be so severely cut. Pre¬
pare any open piece of ground by digging it and adding some well-
decayed manure. Plant in rows 10 inches apart, the plants about
8 inches asunder in the rows, and keep them regularly supplied
with water. If the sun should be very powerful a little shade
given to the plants would be an advantage until they commence
making fresh roots, when they will take care of themselves. So
grown they will at planting time be good stocky plants with plenty
of roots. Some people simply lay the plants in rows when taken
from the beds, and divide them when removing them to their
winter quarters ; but this method causes too great a check to the
plants, and at this time of the year they do not recover so quickly
as in the spring, when the ground is warmer. They make a much
better show in the beds when planted thickly together, as it is a
thick mass or patch of the various colours that is required.

Iberis corifolia. — A plant particularly well adapted for
spring bedding, being of easy growth, very hardy, and, what is of
more importance, its flowers are white, which renders it extremely
useful. I. Tenoreana has a larger and better flower, and it is also
more compact in its growth ; but its fault lies in its blooming too
late to be of any use as a bedder. In the borders or on the rockery
it is much appreciated. — E. M.

(To be continued).

CATALOGUES.

The season of nurserymen’s catalogues has commenced with its usual
severity. On seeing the size of some of these productions, and the coloured
plates, and musing on the money expended on printing and publishing
(for one well-known firm informs us on the first page that the cost ot
their catalogue is over £1000 a year), we cannot help wishing it were
possible to share this money somehow bt tween the nurserymen and their
customers — to keep it to ourselves, as it were. But I am afraid it caDnot
be done. Advertising does pay; and a flourishing business in one trade
will help other lines of business, and I suppose we oug'y not to regret it.
Being more than ordinarily annoyed one day by the coolness and per¬
sistence of a wine merchant’s tout, I wrote to the head of the firm, with
whom I did deal occasionally, asking him if he thought I would buy

358

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ October 21, 1836.

wine because I was asked when I did not want it, and thought I “ had
him,” but his retort was very simple, “ Do you think I should spend
the money on it if it did not pay ? ” and I have not yet found the answer
to that.

Just now the Rose catalogues predominate, and in one respect I
think these have a valuable advantage over general seed lists. But I
have often thought that amateurs who are novices ought to have a little
training in catalogue English before they rely on the descriptions in Bose
catalogues. That “medium-sized” means “small” they might perhaps
guess, but that “ pretty ” generally means “ small ” too, might not occur
to them. They should also learn that “ mod.” for moderate, as applied
to habit of growth, means such weak growth as to render the variety
unsuitable for culture, except in quantities for exhibition, and that “a
good garden Rose” means that the quality is not good enough for show
purposes ; and on learning this latter definition they will probably ponder
the question, If some of the best Roses are also the most floriferous and
the best autumnals, why grow those of second quality at all ? And
especially they should learn to beware, on seeing the fatal words “ almost
full,” applied to any Rose, remembering that “ almost saved is altogether
lost.”

In one impoitant respect, the general winter and spring seed lists,
particularly those of small local dealers, compare mo t unfavourably with
Rose catalogues. Thanks to the National Rose Society, in every case,
except perhaps the newest untried Roses, a named Rose is a distinct
variety, and is not something else under another name; and the same
might be said, perhaps, of all florists’ flowers. But in vegetables, every
“John Smith” nurseryman of any provincial town now sends out his
catalogue, and in all the more important vegetables, Peas, Potatoes, & c.,
you will find in it, “John Smith’s First Early Pea,” “John Smith’s
Ashleaf,” &c., in large letters at the head of the list. Now I do not
know if every John Smith means to say that he has a distinct strain of
all these vegetables from every other John Smith, but only that I doubt
if. No allusion, of course, is intended to Aims of world-wide reputation,
nor would I go so far as to doubt that “ John Smith ” himself did raise
-the variety, whatever it is, from seed ; but what I want to know is, is
there any reason, beyond the old one, “ he wouldn’t do it if it didn’t
pay,” why he should have the right to name any vegetable, simply
tecause he has so raised it, if it be not distinct ?

At a large show this summer, in front of an imposing display of
seeds, &c., was a dish of Tomatoes, fair sized fruits, labelled “ New
Tomato,” “ William Brown’s Glory of Glories,” or some such name.
With something of the scepticism of the stranger in Mark Twain’s
‘ Jumping Frog,” I asked the attendant, “ What points there were about
that Tomato better than any other Tomato ? ” but he could not tell me of
any, or even allege that it was distinct from existing sorts; all he could
say was that it was of their own raising, and that he did not see the force
of my argument that it was therefore at all events not proved to be a
■“ New Tomato ” at all.

What should be the remedy for this state of things ? Something in
the certificate way, as done by the Royal Horticultural Society, seems the
obvious one; but 1 am not sure that this would prevent the small and
comparatively ignorant gardener from still believing in the local “John
Smith ” Pea a9 the best and earliest in the world. — W. R. Raillem.

THE ROSE IN 1886.

According to custom I now proceed— after all the strife is
over, and rosarians, whether exhibitors or not, are for a brief
space resting on their oars previous to the preparation for plant¬
ing for next year — to review the past season and see how far
one’s anticipations of it have been fulfilled or otherwise ; aud in
so doing shall bear in mind as far as I can its bearing on exhi¬
bitions and on our gardens, for the reproach has sometimes
been cast upon us, undeservedly I think, that we have no ideas
about the Rose but those which are connected with it as an
exhibition flower, and a great deal of very groundless “ gabble ”
has been made on the subject. I be’ieve it will be found that
those who are interested in it as exhibitors are also the best pro¬
moters of it as a garden flower. One of the very best authorities
we have on the species of Roses, and whose garden contains
nearly everything that is worth growing among them, and per¬
haps a good many that are not worth growing, is one of our
foremost amateur exhibitors— 1 mean Mr. Girdlestone of Sun-
ningdale ; while another of our members, Mr. Julius Sladden,
who has exhibited such large collections of old fashioned Roses,
is also a successful exhibitor of show Roses It is quite time
that people with whom it is a cheap pastime to sneer at our best
show Roses, should drop their “ vapourings.”

It has been my good fortune this year, as before, to “ assist ”
at most of our Rose shows, and although I did not again cross
the border I had the counterbalancing advantage of breaking
up new ground ; and at Hitchin, Moreton in the-Marsh, and
Clifton attended shows at which I had not been before. As
usual I had to refuse many pressing invitations, not being able
to accomplish the feat of being in two places at the same time.
The wide range which I have again taken —Canterbury, Maid¬
stone, Farningham, C'ifton, and Moreton in the west, Wirral,
Sutton, Tunbridge Wells, and Eltham, besides the National

Society Shows in London and Birmingham, has given the oppor¬
tunity of seeing Roses in all parts of the country and Rose
shows of very varied characters. I have also seen many Rose
gardens, and in giving my opinion on the season and its results
1 cannot plead want of data, and if I err it must be through
incapacity, not ignorance. I was asked at the beginning of the
season what I though; it was likely to be, and said 1 hoped,
unless the unforeseen occurred, we might look for a good one.
This was in May. Well, things did not go as we hoped for.
Long cold weather succeeded by blazing heat was too much for
the Roses, and although I never remember seeing Roses truer
to character they were also small. It was rarely that one had
to question what a Rose was, and I think that this to a great
extent made up for the want of size. They were also, except in
the very hot weather, fresh and good in colour ; so that I should
pronounce my verdict on the season, as far as exhibition Roses
went, a good, but not a very good one.

In two things the season has been exceptional — the unusually
fine days in which the exhibitions were held, for I do not remem¬
ber one case in which there was rain. Even Wirral, which has
generally managed to secure at any rate a shower if not a down-
our, had a lovely day for its Exhibition. This season will then
ave been a good one to test whether Rose shows will support
themselves. In some places they seem to take and to be entered
into with spirit, while in others it is lamentable to see the utter
apathy with which they are regarded. Managers of shows cannot
now, however, say that bad weather keeps people away. The
other exceptional fact has been the almost total absence of aphis.
I say almost a3 a sort of saving clause, for if I were to leave it
out I should soon have someone starting up, “ What nonsense !
Never had it worse ; Roses literally weighed down with it.”
But I never saw it or heard of it. Our Hops enjoyed the same
immunity, and it was a strange thing not to see the syringe used.
Another pest, however, in many instances took its place — the
orange fungus, disfiguring the plants and injuring, 1 suppose,
the blooms. This will be discoursed about in the “ Rosarians’
Year Book.” Mildew has also in many places been very bad ;
nor is this to be wondered at when we consider the very great
alternations of heat and cold that we have experienced : and
although when it comes late it doe3 not permanently injure the
plants, it is very disfiguring to them while it lasts and injures
much the autumn blooms. And this reminds me of what an
autumn we have had and are still having, what a grand profusion
of blooms ; and a'though we do not look for the same quality in
the autumn, how valuable they are ! and above all how have the
Teas vindicated their claim to be true Perpetuals ! I am not
surprised to find how much more popular this lovely class has
beeome, and many growers are increasing their stock of these
and diminishing the Hybrid Perpetuals. At almost every show
that I attended there was a marked increase in the number and
quality of the Tea Roses exhibited, and I think that we shall
find this still more developed in the future.

The exhibitions of the National Rose Society have again been
most successful. New ground was broken at Birmingham, and
everything went off with satisfaction to all concerned. The
exhibitors were treated with courtesy, the arrangements were
excellent, the Show a large and good one ; and although I believe
it entailed a heavy pecuniary loss to the Botanical Society yet
there was a very large assemblage of people. The Show at South
Kensington was good, but, held as it was in broilin ’ weather, the
Roses suffered considerably, and I think the feeling was move
and more impressed upon exhibitors and the public that it had
outgrown the capabilities of the place. There has been the
utmost loyalty on the part of the Society to connect itself with
the great centre of horticulture, but withal that its experience
has not been happy ; and although the utmost that long patience
could effect has been done, yet it is, I think, increasingly clear
that the Society must look out for other quarters. Take but
one case. The classes for twelve blooms of Roses (twelve of a
sort), to many persons one of the most interesting of all, had to
be p’aced in a narrow passage at the front of the conservatory
where there is hardly room for two persons abreast, and with
the sun pouring on the unhappy flowers. Everything, indeed,
connected with the Royal Horticultural Society is in a very
uncertain state. But independently of this the inconveniences
are very great. It is at a distance from all railway stations;
famished exhibitors and their assistants can get no breakfast,
and 1 know of one who was severely ill for want of anything.
Even a crust of bread and a cup of tea were not to be had until
about twelve o’clock ; while in the after part of the day since
the exhibition era commenced dinners as expensive as you might
desire might be had, there was a famine in the land in the early
part of the day.

There has been nothing very startling in the way of exhi-

Oot.ber 21,183'!.

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

359

bitors — nothing so remarkable as Mr. Pemberton's success last
year or Mr. G. Mount’s a few years ago ; for although Mr. Pem¬
berton again carried off the challenge trophy he did not keep up
the ball quite so long. I said some time ago that we shou’d see
Mr. T. B. Hall at the top of the tree. I do not think he can
ever be so at our southern show, as his Roses are never in bloom
so early, but at Manchester this year, which was on the 18th
J uly, he was well first. People hardly consider enough at what
disadvantage northern growers stand at our earlier shows, and
if they do exhibit, the blooms shown are what probably southern
growers would have discarded as premature blooms. I know
that it is not until towards the end of July or beginning of
August that the northern blooms are in their full tide of glory.
A good deal was written some time ago in the Journal about the
rievances of small growers as exhibitors. I think the case I
rought forward of Colonel Standish Hore, who out of 168 Rose
trees secured a first prize for twelve H.P. and third for six Teas
at the National Rose Society’s t-how, beating two experienced
growers with large collections, besides securing at two other good
shows three first prizes, a second, and a third, effectually disposes
of these grumblings, and L think is so notable an example of
what may be done, as to give great encouragement to all small
growers.

There are two prizes which are given at some of our affiliated
societies' shows which I should like to see altered. One is the
prize for the best box of Roses in the show irrespective of num¬
bers. This is a most difficult thing to decide, as all who have
had to judge it know, and it rarely gives satisfaction. The
most difficult case was, as I have already said, at Moreton, where
it was ultimately decided to divide it between two exhibitors, one
professional, the other amateur. It was, of course, an unsatis¬
factory way of doing it, but no other course seemed open. One
writer suggested that such things were sometimes done to make
it pleasant for both parties. I think this betrays a great igno¬
rance of human nature, for the inevitable result is dissatisfaction,
each probably thinking that he ought to have the whole prize,
and in the Moreton case the professional exhibitor threatened
the Society with legal proceedings. In my remarks on this case
I have called a £10 prize a demoralising one, and the result has
proved it to be so. Will affiliated societies consider this question
before another year P By-the-by, a writer of experience, but who
in this instance seems to have been hitting wildly about him, has
suggested to remedy this, that classes of the same number should
be pitted against one another — seventy-two to seventy-two,
thirty-six against thirty- six, and so on. I wonder whether he
thinks that these classes are as plentiful as blackberries in
schedules, or does he know that one of these classes is as much
as one can look for, and that consequently to follow out his plan
would be simply adding to the first prize in each class P No, I
believe the better plan would be to abolish it altogether. Another
very doubtful prize is that for the best Rose in the show. It is
impossible rightly to weigh the merits of a first-rate H.P., say
Marie Baumann or A. K. Williams, and a first-rate Tea or
Noisette, such as Souvenir d’Elise and Marechal Niel, and pro¬
bably the judges would be influenced by their predilections for
either the one class or the other. Let societies strain a point,
give up the best- box notion and give a prize for the best Tea and
the best Hybrid Perpetual. This is always an interesting matter
at the National, and would be for any provincial show.

I do not think that it was a season when there were any
specially remarkable blooms such as linger in one s memory. It
was. strange that Boieldieu, a Rose comparatively seldom
exhibited, should have taken the prize for the best Hybrid Per¬
petual at South Kensington, and as evidencing the staying
powers of the Teas and Noisettes that Mr Girdlestone’s
Marechal Niel should have taken the prize for the best Tea or
Noisette at Moreton, and two days afterwards at Birmingham
should have gained the same honour ; but while many Roses
were excellent, I do not recollect any super excellent blooms ; and
this opens up a question which has been much discussed — Are
Roses exhibited in as good form as they used to be some years
ago ? Are the Roses which have gained the challenge trophy
equal to those which were exhibited when the Cranston challenge
cup was decided at the Crystal Palace ? I very much question
it, and lay it to the score of the seasons we have had of late
3’ears, which I do not think have been so favourable for the
development of good blooms as those we used to have.

If super- excellent blooms have not been seen this season,
there has also been a great dearth of really good new Roses ;
in fact, of those of 1885-86 there has hardly been one of which
any special notice has been taken. One of our most successful
Rose growers says they are a bad lot. Of tbe 1884 Roses the
most promising are Dr. Dor. a seedling of Liabaud’s, shaded red
and peculiar in form ; it has the advantage of being a perpetual

bloomer and very sweet scented. Edward Herve is one of E.
Yerdier’s ilowers, large, cherry red, very vigorous and fragrant;
General Appert (Schwartz), velvety reddish purple, shaded, full,
and very vigorous, likely to be useful ; Gloire Lyonnaise, I have
not yet discovered the yellow in this Rose, there is the faintest
suspicion of primrose at the base of the petals, and in bud it is
pretty enough ; as it was raised from Baronne de Rothschild and
Madame Falcot, its place ought to be amongst Hybrid Teas if that
class is to be maintained in our catalogues ; Princess de Bearn
(Leveque), rich dark crimson, shaded with vermilion, very large,
globular, this is a vigorous-growing dark Rose, promises well ;
Madame Raoul Chandon (Ch. Yerdier), a flower of the Marie
Finger type, but said to be distinct and likely to be useful ; Mrs.
George Dickson ( Bennett \ I thought very pretty when opening,
but there is too little of it ever to make it a useful exhibition
Rose ; Souvenir de Gabriel Drevet (Guillot) is a fine addition to
our Tea Roses, something, so Mr. B. Cant says, between Souvenir
d’Elise and Madame de Watteville. I have reserved what I think
likely to be the best of the 1884 Roses to the last. Yictor Hugo,
it is a brilliant coloured flower of the Xavier Olibo type, but
more vigorous in growth than that favourite variety ; Clara
Cochet promises to be about the best of the 1885 Roses, it is one
of Lacharme's, a clear satin rose colour and vigorous; Comtesse
de Frigneuse is likely to be a good Tea, another of Guillot’s
raising, bright canary yellow and regular Tea shape, very free
flowering.

Two American Roses are highly spoken of. Mr. B. R.
Cant kindly sent me a bloom of The Bride, which is a white
sport of Catherine Mermet, and Mr. Boyson of Caen was good
enough to forward me a bloom of American Beauty, it is a
Hybrid Tea and very fragrant. Both of these are likely to be
useful Roses.

Such is my retrospect of the past season. I shall probably
find many to differ from me, only let me warn them not to be too
much biassed by their own personal experiences in their own
gardens, but take a broad view. Rose-growing and Rose-showing
exhibit no signs of diminution, on the contrary, both are increas¬
ing. It is true some societies came to grief, but others take their
place, and I think the National Rose Society may fairly lay claim
to much of this progress. Its principles are widely acted upon,
and its assistance and advice eagerly sought.

Before c'osing, I cannot omit an expression of personal feeling.
I have everywhere received the same kindness that I have experi¬
enced in former years, and whether amongst old friends or in
new places, where I have been enabled to form new ones, I have-
to look back upon many pleasant days passed amongst the flowers
we love so well. — D., Deal.

LATE PEACHES.

Mr. Muir deserves the thanks of growers for the lucid
manner in which he has directed attention to the inadvisability
of planting late varieties of Peaches on walls. “ Late Peaches
are much valued,” as Mr. Muir very appropriately observes at
page 314. They are esteemed for their fine appearance at desseit,
and are especially valuable from a pecuniary point of view. The
prices realised for choice fruit in the markets this year early in
October were better than for fruit ripe in June. This may be in
a measure due to the comparative scarcity of Pears this year,
but in other seasons I have found the prices of late Peaches were
better than at any other period when the cost of production, as
it ought, is taken into consideration. Fine examples in late
September and early October brought 9s. to 12s. per dozen
wholesale, whilst comparatively poor examples were only bringing
4s. per dozen. Those bringing the highest prices were, as “ A
Thinker” puts it, “magnificent specimens, the result of thinning,
mulching, and watering ; indeed, the same care is bestowed on
them as is devoted to the prize ” fruit, and it pays. “ A Thinker,”
at page 315, hits the nail on the head, and drives it home by
stating, “With a judicious selection of varieties of fruit and
higher culture, the standard of value would soon be raised. ’
Continuing, he clenches the argument by the statement that “ It
is deplorable to see the rubbish that is poured into our markets,,
and humiliating to find American” (and I would add foreign)
“ produce preferred to our own.” This is the way to a better
order of things, and that there is room we need only look at the
difference presented by our produce with foreign in the market?.
There is no reason to wonder at its being given preference being
solely attributable to its “uniformity of excellence.” It is
clinging to old and obsolete varieties which gives foreigners the
pre-eminence in the supply of the markets, in that they “ send
choice fruit of uniform quality by tons,” whilst our^choice fruit
is only capable of estimation by pounds, the majority of it being
rubbish.

360

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ October *1, 1886.

As to late Peaches being a “ mistake," I must join issue with
your experienced and accomplished correspondent Mr. Muir.
Your correspondent seems to practise in a cold locality, or he
would not class Barrington and Bellegarde amongst the late
Peaches. It is stated that “ Barrington is ripe now,” which may
be the end of September, so that the location of your correspon¬
dent must be a late one, but allowance must be made for Peaches ;
indeed, all outdoor fruit, and indoor for that matter, being late
this season. The usual season of Barrington is the middle of
September, and is preceded by Bellegarde, its season being from
the beginning to the middle of that month. Your correspondent
lias them in different order from this, which, I think, is a slip of the
pen, and is only mentioned from its being likely to mislead
planters in selecting varieties. The varieties he names are cer¬
tainly not sufficiently numerous for a supply of fruit from as
early to as late a period as possible. If your correspondent only
grows or recommends those named on pages 314 and 315, I fear
there will be a blank between the early, midseason, and late
varieties ; in fact, Hale’s Early does not ripen outdoors before
early August, or ten days to a fortnight before Early York, and
Early Alfred's season is the same as Early York, if anything
earlier. Bellegarde does not usually ripen until September, very
often not until the middle, and is only ten days or so in advance
of Barrington ; in fact, I have had them ripe together. These
dour Peaches in a season like the present continue the supply
from early August to late September ; but in a good year I think
these four varieties are not sufficient to an unbroken supply from
the eaidiest to the latest period possible. To the quality of the
varieties named I take no exception, only Hale's Early is not of
the first size, nor Early Alfred either ; but Ihev have free fruiting
and quality on their side, so that they are for private use at least
unexceptional, and Bellegarde and Barrington are two of the
best midseason Peaches. For a supply of Peaches on walls from
as early to as late a period as possible, I think we cling far too
much to the “follow my leader" doctrine. We do not experi¬
ment enough. We take for granted what others mark out for
us, instead of marking out a pathway for ourselves. We plant
too much and retain too much. Every grower should ascertain
what sorts are most suited to his locality and then plant largely
of the best — i.e., most profitable. This seems only proper, and
appears to be what Mr. Muir has done, and I wish in no way to
detract from the value of his communication nor in any respect
to put forward my views, only so far as those of your correspon¬
dent seem to me inadequate and not calculated to make the most
of the materials at our command.

Of the early Peaches I think Waterloo must take first place.
It is large and brilliant in colour. Alexander is also large and
of brilliant colour. Then comes Hale’s Early and Early Alfred,
also Rivers’ Early York. I really should not like to say which
is the best of the three, but Early Alfred is the largest. Dagmar,
however, is more handsome than any of the three last, is simply
exquisite, and large. In a limited selection it must supplant the
trio. Dr. Hogg is my next. It is large, handsome, a great
cropper, and a capital traveller. Condor is a large Peach and
brilliant colour. Then we come to Magdala, which only wants
size. Grosse Mignonne, followed by Royal George (Stirling
Ca«tle is a hardier variety of Royal George), Belle Bauce,
Dymond, Violette Hative, Bellegarde, six kinds of the very first
order, to excise one of which is only tod) injustice to the others.
Then there is Noblesse, its hardier form Alexandra, and the
finest of all the midseason varieties Goshawk. What is Mr.
Muir going to make of those last named nine ? Of the light
Peaches I have not given prominence to Early Rivers, Early Silver,
and large Early Mignonne, all early, and as some like the pale
Peaches, and there is no denying their rich racy flavour and some
think charming appearance, they are mentioned so as to meet all
tastes; besides, they sell well, especially with customer's that
require quality. Crimson Ga'ande for colour is superb. It is of
the Belle Bauce race, but hardier and a great bearer. These are
all really good Peaches and have done excellently, but I do not
recommend the light- skinned Peaches, they are more tender than
the darker co’oured sorts and sooner spoiled by wet. Barrington
must not be omitted. It is the last and best of the midseason
varieties.

My object, however, was to make some remarks on the late
sorts, which are alluded to by Mr. Muir as a “ mistake,” although
lie only names two— viz., Walburton Admirable and Salwey.
Late Admirable is certainly one of our finest late Peaches and
brought Is. each this season. Its size and high quality cause it to
rank high as a late variety. Walburton Admirable is later, and
by some thought hardier, but I do not think so, its great recom¬
mendation being a better shaped fruit, and it is clearly of a type
that does not always ripen well outdoors. Salwey is certainly
not worth space on a wall outdoors, so that your correspondent .

has just cause for the heading of his pithy article on page 314 —
viz., “ Very Late Peaches a Mistake.’ That they are a mistake
against walls outdoors no one who has any experience will deny,
for in nine cases out of ten they do not ripen satisfactorily, and
the trees make so late a growth that the wood does not ripen
and they are unhealthy. Your correspondent deserves the thanks
of all gardeners for his outspoken remarks. In these days we
cannot waste wall space with what cannot be other than proble¬
matical even in the best of atmospheric conditions; but the late
Peaches have a value, I think, superior to the early varieties,
especially in the new varieties that have been originated of late
years. Size, colour, quality have made rapid progress, and how¬
ever much we may deprecate them as compared with the mid¬
season varieties, they are indeed great advances and well done
very valuable. In fact, until the late Mr. Thos. Rivers took the
Peaches and Nectarines in han l, we had very few Peaches that
might be termed late. Beyond the two Admirables — i.e.. Late
and Walburton, there were but Desse Tardive, Teton de Venus,
and Yellow Admirable. Now we have some truly noble varieties.
There is Princess of Wales, which comes in just before Desse
Tardive, and is one of the most beautiful Peaches known. Lady
Palmerston is even more handsome, and has a decidedly Nectarine
flavour. Prince of Wales is very large and very good, though I
could not get it last season from Mr. Rivers. It is very high
coloured, very similar to Barrington. Lord Palmerston, very
large and beautiful. It has a firm flesh, and so has Nectarine
Peach, both of which are capital travellers. For quality none of
the late Peaches, perhaps, equals Sea Eagle, and ripening about
the same time is Osprey, closely followed by Golden Eagle of a
beautiful lemon colour. Gladstone is of high colour, very good,
and runs Sea Eagle hard for first place in point of quality.
Cornet, yellow, with a flushed cheek, ripens before Salwey
and is of the same order.

Those are all splendid fruits. The question is, Are they to be
recommended for outside culture ? I think with Mr. Muir that
for such a purpose they are a “ mistake.” But to grow them under
glass is another affair. They have no flavour — are poor and
mealy — little better than chewing wood when they are done
badly; but treat them well and then they are juicy and full of
flavour. The fact is, they require to be under glass in heat, so
as to ensure the blossom having a chance to develope and ensure
a good set, also to ensure the safety of the embryo fruits. They
also want heat in autumn so as to ensure a circulation of air and
dispel damp. They want, in fact making safe against spring
frosts and autumn frosts, damps, fogs, and cold. Our seasons
are not long enough for them. Some have success with them by
using lights in front of a coping in spring and autumn. The
best examples are those where heat is given, and with Salwey
Peaches can be had up to November. What makes them so poor
very often under glass is want of proper supplies of nutriment
when the fruit is swelling. I have had Nectarine Peach in pots
quite woolly and flavourless, whilst the same sort planted out
has been much praised for its quality, the only difference being
that one had exposure during the growing season, the lights
being taken off in summer. It would be a capital thing if we
could give all our indoor fruits a drenching of water in hot
weather direct from the clouds. The ammonia the rain brings
down and soaks the earth with is manifest in the growth that
follow thunder rain. It also cleanses the foliage, and is most
beneficial. Besides, what need of lights in the dog days ? We
want lights that can be withdrawn in little less time than it
takes to roll up greenhouse blinds, and to be able to replace
them in an equally short space of time. Late Peaches want to
come on steadily and not be broiled in late June, July, and
August.

The lights of late Peach houses, especially when that takes
the shape of a case against a wall, might just as well be off the
trees as on from midsummer until the end of August, except in
unexceptionally wet seasons, for the question is not to get heat,
but rather to get openings large enough to prevent too great an
accumulation of it. This would keep the fruit from advancing
so rapidly and ripening at a time when not required. The quality
is much improved by the steady progress, the substance of the
fruit being built up of duly digested and concentrated matter,
instead of constantly evaporating through the necessity of a
current of air in order to keep down the temperature. Lights
to husband the sun heat and a gentle warmth to ensure a circula¬
tion of air in autumn are simply esssntial to having late
Teaches of good quality. It is also necessary to keep the wood
thin and to keep well supplied with nutriment — watering with
liquid manure and mulching as may be necessary according to
the requirements of the trees, esp< cially when taking the last
swelling. It is essential to the fruit ripeniDg perfectly and to
the plumping of the buds. Treated in this way late Peaches,

October 21, 1836. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

8G1

instead of being a mistake are grand, most acceptable at dessert>
and pay better than early forced, which dig deep into the pocket
of the grower, and the prices are as h:gh in October as they are
in June, and this year are much better for the seller. The late
Peaches command a good price if only for their noble appearance,
and if done well are juicy and well flavoured. — Utilitarian.

BARKERIAS.

The species of this genus are all extremely handsome when in bloom,
and as several of them produce their elegant flowers during autumn and
winter they become doubly valuable. Pot culture is not suitable or
congenial to Barkerias, they should therefore be grown upon blocks ; but
as they do not adhere very firmly to these perhaps the very best con¬
trivance for them is a rough cork basket. The plants should be made fast

with copper wire and a little live sphagnum used amongst the roots ; tut
very little moss or peat is necessary, as the roots, which are thick and
fleshy, usually grow straight out into the air. During the Beason of rest
the plants lose their leaves, and at this time amateurs generally dry the
life out of them. This, however, is wrong treatment, as the blocks or
baskets should be occasionally syringed, even when the plants are
dormant, otherwise the following season’s growth will be very weak and
the flowers somewhat microscopical.

B. Skinnebi. — No more charming object for a Christmas bouquet
could be wished for than a few spikes of this plant. The stems are from
9 to 12 inches high ; the spikes are long, produced from the top of the
shoots, and bear a quantity of lovely deep rose-coloured flowers, which
last many weeks in perfection if kept from damp. It blooms during the
dull autumn and winter months. Native of Guatemala.

B. spectabilis. — Another fine species. It grows erect, and
from the top of its stem-like p:eudo-bulbs are produced long racemes of
large bright lilac and pink flowers, which are in some varieties freckled
with crimson dots. Its flowers are freely produced during the months of
June and July and last a long time, especially when cut for bouquet¬
making. Native of Guatemala.

B. elegans. — This is also a native of Guatemala, and is at the same
time one of the most beautiful and rarest of the whole genus. Like the
others its growths are slender and stem-like, whilst the flowers are very
large and richly coloured, the sepals and petals being dark rose and the
lip deep red shading into crimson. When I add that these beautiful
spikes of bloom are produced during midwinter, enough will have been
said to recommend it to all interested in this order. A representation of
this beautiful species is given in fig. 51. — E. C. G.

AMATEUR?.

A QUESTION has been raised in the pages of the Journal, presumably
for discussion before taking definite steps, if any. in regard to it. As a
southern amateur, I beg to submit a few thoughts on the subject, viewing
the question on the side of the amateurs.

The question may be stated thus — Shall we have a separate challenge
trophy for the northern amateurs ? Shall we divide the competition for
the championship ? The first thing one would ask is, What do the
northerners say ? I should very much like to hear. For my part, I fail
to see the wisdom of allowing the present trophies subscribed for by all
to become the exclusive property of the southerners, and of getting other
trophies for the exhibitors of the north. The idea has certainly been
encouraged by competing for the trophies year by year at the southern
exhibitions of the N.R S. Is there not a plan by which the north can
stand on an equal footing with the eouth ? Are there not northerners
who grow as good Roses as those of the south? I think so. Messrs.
Hall of Liverpool, Whitwell of Drrliogton, and Garnet of Chester, for
instance. Think of Mr. Whitwell’ s Roses of a few years ago, Mr. Hal’ s
at Liverpool and Manchester this year and last, were they not as goo l
a=, if not better than any southerners 1 Why, then, if this he so, talk
and propose to act as if their R >ses were so inferior that they must have
a trophy to themselves for second-rate blooms. Give them a right date,
and they will be a match for the;r friends of the south. Don’t let us
always choose the date that best suits us of the south, and then, having
placed others at a disadvantage, turn round and say, See how small are
the chances of the trophies ever getting farther north than Essex, Herts,
and Hertford. But what is a right date ? Clearly not the first Tuesday
in July, for some Rose gardens in the south are barely out by that time,
but give them a week or a fortnight later and then see.

Now, someone may say, Why not, then, have trophies for north and
south as proposed, to be compete 1 for at dates suitable to each respec-
tivel y ? Because the division will so weaken the competition in the north
that the trophy will not be worth winning. I will show why I think so.
Suppose you divide the country by the line as suggested by “ T. W. G ,”~
how many amateurs in the northern provinces can be reckoned upon to
compete? Think of the first division amateurs at the N.R. S. provincial
exhibitions for the last three years (Salisbury excepted), and call to m:n 1
how many amateurs in the northern provinces have compete i. As far as
my memory goes there have been but two — viz., Messrs. Hill and W iit-
well, and to these might perhaps be aided next year the name of the Rev.
L. Garnet. But here the list, to me, seems to end. Now consider, given
wo classes for thirty-six, one open to all amateurs, the other for
^ortherners only, in the class where the competition is the strongest
“there will ba the best Roses. The competition will be strongest, not in
he class for the northern trophy, hut in the class in which southerners
and northerners meet. Where, then, in all likelihood will the northerner
place his best blooms? WI1 anyone like to see the challenge trophy won
by second-rate blooms? Union is strength, by unity a good competition
will be guaranteed. Carry the proposed idea into effect, and it may end-
in there being a walk-over for one northern amateur, as there certainly
would have been in the years 1885 and 1886. I cannot, however, help
saying in passing that this northern amateur is a very good fellow, who
dearly loves a good stand-up fight, and no one would rejoice more than
myself to see him carry off the trophy next year. I should like to hear
his views on the subject. I know he has some.

Now I will make a suggestion which will, I think entirely meet the
case. It is this : Let the present trophies be competed for, not always at
the metropolitan exhibition, but year by year alternately at the metropo¬
litan and provincial exhibitions ; this will give all a good chance ef win¬
ning the challenge trophy of the United Kingdom of the queen of
flowers.

Let us keep together, do not divide us, give us suitable dates, carry
out this suggestion to have turn and turn about, and then the northern
amateur will again see his name engraved on the trophy, as he has done
already. — Southern Amateur.

THE FLORA OF THE BRITISH POSSESSIONS.
At the inaugural meeting for the winter session of the Horticul¬
tural Club held Tuesday 12th inst., at their rooms, 1, Henrietta Street,
Covent Garden, Mr. J. G. Baker of the Royal Herbarium, Kew, in¬
troduced for discussion the subject of the flora of the British posses¬
sions, of which the following is a resume : —

He pointed out that the British Empire contains the whole or a
portion of seven distinct botanical provinces, as follows : —

I. Britain itself is botanically a mere appendage of the European
continent. Including Malta and Gibraltar we can claim about 8000
of the 10,000 plants of the European flora. He thought that iu

362

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Ojtobar 21, 1881.

dealing with gardens and gardening in Britain it would be a decided
advantage if the climatic z mes as defined by Watson were used by
horticulturists. Watson divides Britain into Arctic and Agrarian
regions, and subdivides each of these into three zones. We know
the z mal range of every British plant, and would it not be an advan¬
tage if we coutd similarly speak of Superagrarian, Midagrarian, and
Iuferagrarian gardens ? The Inferagrarian zone is marked by the
upper limit of Clematis, the Midagrarian by the upper limit of fruti-
cose Rubi, and the Superagrarian by that of the Foxglove and
common Brake.

II. India embraces every variety of climate, from equatorial heat
to perpetual snow, and an enormous range of variety in humidity.
In India we have not less than 15,000 plants. There are a large
portion of those that are known in the whole tropical zone of the
Old World. Sir J. D. Hooker’s “ Flora of India” will fill no less
than six volumes, of which four are now finished.

III. The British possessions in North America fill an area nearly
as large as that of Europe, but they yield very few plants not known
in the United States. We estimate their flora at 5000 species.

IV. We have in Mmriiius, Seychelles, and Guinea a mere frag¬
ment of the little-known flora of tropical Africa, which closely
resembles in its general features that of tropical Asia. We may
claim here perhaps 3000 species.

V. The flora of the Cape and Natal is exceedingly rich, containing
perhaps 8000 or 10,000 species. On this subject all horticulturists
should read the excellent sketch contributed by Mr. Bolus to the
Cape handbook issued in connection with the Indian and Colonial
Exhibition.

VI. The flora of Australia is very rich, and has been fully worked
out by Mr. Bentham and Baron Von Mueller. The principal endemic
types are concentrated in extra-tropical Australia. In tropical
Australia there is a strong infusion of types from tropical Asia. The
flora of New Zealand is not large, but interesting and peculiar. The
flora of Fiji forms part of the general flora of Polynesia, and is as
yet very inadequately explored. There is no abrupt line of demar¬
cation between Malaya and Polynesia in plants. We cannot reckon
the number of plants in this province at less than 10,000.

VII. In the West Indies and Guiana we possess a mere fragment
of the great tropical American flora. The number of species may be
estimated at 4000. So that, from a botanical point of view, the
empire embraces three distinct botanical provinces and portions of
four others, and these different areas are so situated that compara¬
tively few plants are found in more than one province ; so that
there is in the British Empire nearly one-half of the whole number
of the plants of the world — a state of things which, both in botany
and horticulture, places us in a very favourable position.

An animated discussion followed, in which the Rev. C. Wolley
Dod, Mr. T. W. Girdlestone, Mr. Druery, and most of the other
members present took part.

CHRYSANTHEMUM NOTES.

Belle Paule, or Belle Pauline. — Mr. Cannell, Swanley, sent
me a bloom of this when first sent out by Marrouch, and since then I
have been anxious to grow it. Last year I gave a cutting to a friend,
and both he and I failed to bloom it satisfactorily, evidently for the
reasons stated hy Mr. Molyneux, page 333. This year I have grown it
differently — viz., in a prepared and highly manured border against a
south wall, and so far the buds are most promising. In habit and foliage,
thus treated, it resembles Eve and Duchess of Albany. At present they
are about 4 feet high each, but the last-named two are seemingly much
1st r. and will require protection from frost. If your correspondents
would try this and many others rather shy in setting their buds in a rich,
deep, and well prepared border against a south wall, or sink the pots
in such a position, should fruit trees or otherwise already monopolise it,
so as to prevent or minimise the risk of insufficient water at the roots,
siccess will be assured. If frost threatens, a sash in front where planted
out will generally prevent injury until blooming has been completed.

Early-blooming Chrysanthemums. — I am very pleased to see
you have commenced to open your columns to those instructive notes and
inquiries that at this time of the year all Chrysanthemum growers so
much appreciate. Opinions are gradually getting fixed that for most
purposes Madame Castex Desgranges is peerless as an early white. A
month since I saw quantities of it as cut flowers in Covent Garden
Markfct. These were, I presume, grown under glass. In a few places I
saw beds of it, but they do not flower here before October in the open air.
I doubt if it can ever be used for this purpose in our moist rainy climate
— the moisture lodges in and rapidly rots the bio >ms. Earlier and better
for beds is the little white beauty, La Petite Marie, growing about 8 inches
high and perfect in form. A large bed, with La Vierge centre if wh:te
was desired, or Anastasia if violet purple, with concentric circles of Mons.
Laval'e white ; then Frederick Pc’e (crimson), Golden Jardin des Plantes
(yellow), or Pre:oeit6, similar colour, but a week earlier; then Nanum
(blush), with the af ore-mentioned La Petite Marie f or margin, would be an
extremely interesting object, contrasting in colours, of suitable height,
and all blooming suffi fiently near to the same timo as to be very effective
during S ptember and October. One of the best of the late introductions

is Salter’s Early Blush, a hybrid Pompon of medium size, blooming in
the open border the first week in October, a beautiful early reflsxed.
Much taller is G. Wermig; though a sport from Madame C. Desgranges
I cannot at all say as a yellow it is so good. Djlphine Caboche and
Secretaire Daurel, shades of lilac and purple, now blooming, about
16 inches high, are perhaps most floriferous oE all, literally hiding their
foliage. Fiberta, though early, has not yet bloomed with me. . Pynaert
Van Geert, tall Japanese, Isidore Feral, and Alex. Dufour, are just now
(mid-October) commencing to open their blooms in the open air. The
foregoing are a solection as the best of thirty-six varieties. Elaine, Fair
Maid of Guernsey, Lady Salborne, and James S titer will expand in a
week. — W. J. Murphy, Clonmel.

Anemone Chrysanthemum Emperor. — I was surprised when I
read in the Journal that the Judges at the Crystal Palace last November
pronounced this a Japanese Anemone. I have grown this variety over
twenty years, long before the Japanese varieties were generally known,
particularly Japanese Anemones. I must acknowledge that it is a rather
deceptive variety, (and not free in producing good flower buds. The
blooms when young are of a purple lilac colour, with a lighter centre, but
when old they assume a deep cherry red hue. Its guard petals are long
and ragged and sometimes irregular, and may be taken by the inexpe¬
rienced for a Japanese Anemone. I am glad to see the N itional Society
have placed it in its right section. Exhibitors and judges cannot be
better guided than by following the above mentioned catalogue. The
edition for 1886 is a great improvement on the old one, and a good guide
for cultivators as well as exhibitors and judges.

Proving Chrysanthemum and Chrysanthemum Belle Paule.
— I have never experienced any diffimlty in selecting flower buds of
Belle Paule. With me it produces buds so freely that the difficulty is to
select the best. I have gr >wn it for three years, and have al ways f mnd
it one of the most free. It is a lats variety and produces the best blooms
from lateral buds. Exhibitors as a rule select the crown bud, or summer
buds, hence their f lilure with this variety, as the summer buds are nearly
always soft or blind and seldom come to perfection. Another mistake
often happens — i.e., growing it in too large a pot. It is a very tall, soft,
and free grower, and should be in a size smaller pot thaD many other
varieties, so as to ripen or harden its growths.

I always prove all new varieties by allowing my plants to grow
naturally — i e , without stopping, and only partly thin the bloom buds,
hence I am better able t> firm a more correct opinion as to character
or habit, and suitability for exhibition blooms or plants, &c. I often
notice Pompon varieties (new) disbudded so extensively that the blooms
are forced to an unusual large sizo ; that gives the blooms the appearance
of being hybrids or small incurved or reflexed flowers. I am proving
this season over one hundred varieties on the natural system of allowing
most of their growths to produce bloom buds. — Robert Owen,
Maidenhead.

Chrysanthemum Emperor. — I was rather amused to find that
Mr. Molyneux should own himself responsible for the disqualification
of Chrysanthemum Emperor. I had taken it to be the measure of some
far less authority. But surely if I read Mr. Molyneux’s remarks rightly,
heistreading on dangerous ground when he argues that a bloom out of
character is to be disqualified. I quite agree with him that it is m's-
leading to the public for blooms to be shown out of character, but if they
are correctly named, as in this instance, it is not for the judges ^disqualify
the whole stand. There are instances in which much discretion is required
in judging on this point. Take the old question of Princess of Wales and
Mrs. Heale. These, though qu’te distinct, are often shown so much alike
as to make it very doubtful whether or not they have not been cut from
the same plant. I should not like to say that one of them was simply out
of character, but should in many cases disqualify them as synonymous.
A white Princess of Wales shown by itself should not be disqualified, but
if shown on the same stand as a white Mrs. Heale it should bs. —
N. Davis, Camlermell.

Belle Paule. — I believe Mr. Molyneux has given the correct
explanation of the reasons why Belle Paule is frequently shy in bud
formation. My plants of this variety each produced crown buds
freely about the middle of July. These being too early were taken and
another growth taken forward. These growths added 2 feet 6 inches to
the height of the plan's, and all produced a second crown bud during the
second and third weeks in August, and which buds are now developiog
finely. In Sheffiel 1 and neighbourhood, owing partly to our smoke-laden
atmosphere and pattly t> our geographical position adjoining to the great
Yorkshire and Derbyshire moors, we seldom suffhr from severe heat, as do
growers in more favoured districts. To this reason and to the fact that
my plants have, I know, never been too dry at the roots, I attribute their
good behaviour as regards bud formation. I believe that, as regards this
district, the season will prove to be the best we have had for many years
for producing fine flowers. Some of the new American varieties recently
raised by Mr. J oo. Thorpe are developing very fine flowers with me.
Especially is this the case with Gorgeous, an early incurve 1 Japanese, of
a bright golden yellow c dour, a very large and deep flower, and which
will, I believe, prove to bra fine exhibition flower. I hope Mr. M ilyneux
will be able to publish his book before the exhibition seison sets in. I
think a copy should be in the hands of all exhibitors as a valuable wo'k
of reference, especially up m points of detail in staging and exhibiting.

W. K. W.

October 21, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF E0RT1GULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDEEER.

863

Taking Chrysanthemum Buds. — On this important point in the culti¬
vation of these plants 1 would like say a few words, for whether or not
the time specified by Mr. Molyneux for taking the buds be too late for
northern growers, it is decidedly too early for growers in Devon and
Somerset, at least such is my experience.

We grow about 180 plants for big blooms, and throughout the season
they were treated as nearly as possible as Mr. Molyneux directed in his
excellent articles that have appeared in the pages of the Journal. By the
1st of August several of the plants were showing their crown buds, but
none were taken until August 6tb, when, thinking four days could make
but little difference, and not caring to lose the crown buds, we commenced
taking them, and continued to do so as they showed until all were taken,
the last being on September 13th. From previous experience in the south
of Devon, where I had charge of some 400 plants, I felt assured we were
too early, and so it has proved, for already some varieties — noticeably
La Triomphante, Mons. Henri Jacotot, Com'e de Germiny, Soeur
Dorothea Souille, M. Mousillac, and Mons. Tarin — are fully expanded,
whilst many others are showing colour, and promise to be open by the
end of this month. Amongst these I may mention M. Moulise, Fanny
Boucharlat, La Nymphe, Bismarck, Duchess of Albany, Album Plenum,
Jeanne d’Arc, Mons. Freeman, Criterion, John Laing, Fabias de Mediana,
Soleil Levant, and Golden Queen of England.

This is not by any means an isolated case, as I am acquainted with
three growers in Devonshire who have found from experience how diffi¬
cult it is to obtain blooms in the middle of November from crown buds, and
have consequently to depend upon terminals, except in the case of a few
very late varieties, such as Meg Merrilies and Boule d’Or. A gardener
in this neighbourhood, who is both a gowerand exhibitor of these flowers,
on seeing we had taken some buds when he called here during the last
week of August, said they were too early to be of any use in November,
or he had always found them so. At that time he had taken none of his,
so from this I conclude the time mentioned by Mr. Molyneux is quite a
fortnight too early for growers in this district. I should be glad to hear
the opinion of others in the two counties I mentioned. — C. L., Bristol.

Deformed Chrysanthemum Blooms. — I have some Japanese
blooms now opening which are like Hen-and-chicken double Daisies.
They are on well-grown plants, crown buds having been set early in
August. A number of distinct small blooms surround the main bloom at
the base of the crown. The centre is now half expanded, and the small
offset blooms are showing colour. The varieties this has occurred in are
Fair Maid of Guernsey, James Salter, Agrements de la Nature, and
Curiosity (the last two are identical with me). Is this very uncommon,
and do you think they will develope into perfect blooms ? I also have
some crown blooms of blush Queen of England the centre of which show
a number of embryo buds, but they are opening well, and promise to have
great depth. — T. P.

Chrysanthemum Belle Paule. — It is generally believed that
human nature derives much satisfaction from the contemplation of other
people’s misfortune, and I am not, I fear, entirely exempt from this failing,
a)jl read with considerable pleasure the letters in your columns com-
psaining of failure in blooming Belle Paule this season. Last December
Ilprocured two good cuttings of this variety from Mr. N. Davis, which
having been struck in a cold frame, grew strongly till May, when one
suidenly went ‘‘blind.” After cutting down in June it seemed to
flourish amazingly till about the end of August, when it again went
blind, and notwithstanding all our efforts it remained inactive till quite
recently, when it started, though it has not yet shown a bud, and hardly
will now, I should think. The other plant gave no trouble, was not cut
down, broke at the proper time, and seemod most promising till early in
August, when all three buds seemed to become blighted, and it has never
moved since, though showing vitality at the roots by sending up suckers
in abundance. We syringe our Chrysanthemums with water forced
direct from a well through a hose on to the plants, and I thought this
might have chilled the young growths. But all having been treated
alike, and Belle Paule only having shown this tendency to blight, we mu3t
ascribe our failure to natural coyness of the variety, or, as Mr. Molyneux
does, to the hot weather when the buds were fornrng, which is, I think, a
most likely explanation, for with me during those oppressive days at the
end of August, Meg Merrilies, Liciniatum roseum, and Souvenir d’Am-
sterdam collapsed entirely, while Cossack, Madame John Laing, Fleur de
Marie, and several others were seriously injured. The plants were not
allowed to be dry at the root-1, but the heat of the sun was such that they
seemed unable to support the enormous evaporation from their leave3,
which were scorched.

Mr. Davis, in your lad issue, complains of the public taking little or
no interest in the compilation of the National Chrysanthemum Society’s
catalogue and affording the Committee no assistance. But how could
they when about 90 per cent, of the new Japanese “ Chrysanths ” are of
foreign origin ? It was to the French that the National Chrysanthemum
Sicitty Committee should have applied if they wanted accurate informa¬
tion. Take, for example, the variety we have just been discussing, Belle
Paule. List year it was generally known aB Belle Pauline. Why is that
now changed ? Pauline is a very common female name in France, and
therefore likely to be the true one. The question might have b;en settle !
conclusively by applying to M. Marroucb. Was this done? Another
plant is variously named as Triomphe de la Rue des Chfi'ets or des
Cba'elets. I suspect the latter is the correst designation, though she
favours the former. Has inquiry been made of M. Pertuzes ? AgaiD,
Why has the “ Madame ” been taken away from poor “ Bertie Bandatler f”

What has she done to deserve such degradation ? The absurdity of calling
a French-raised Chrysanthemum “ Messrs. Thibaut et Keteleer,” has been
already demonstrated in the columns of a contemporary, but why in
addition to this blunder has the second name been altered from “ Keteller ”
as it was spelt last year? Lastly, I find the terminations of all quasi
Lxtin names changed from “ um" to “a” in the new Catalogue, as
Alba plena, Rosea superba, for Album Plenum, Roseum superbum, &c. Is
this correct ?

These are a few cases which I have noticed in looking through the
work, but doubtless there are many others, and it is only with the assist¬
ance of the French that we can ever hope to obtain a correct list of all
the foreign names. But as Mr. Davis and other members of the National
Chrysanthemum Society must be frequently in communication with the
raisers one would think that any information could easily be obtained,
though Mr. Davis may not be in very good odour with his Gallic corre¬
spondents, owing to his acuteness in detecting the efforts of our neigh¬
bours to foist on the British public old varieties under new namss. For
his pluck in denouncing these floral frauds he deserves the warmest thanks
of his countrymen, — B. D. K.

We learn that the Marquis of Bute is so well satisfird with the
results of his Vineyard Experiment in South Wales, that he
intends considerably extending ths cultivation of Grape i in the open air
for wine-making purposes, and we believe several acres will be planted
with Vines in the spring. Toe vineyard at Castle Coch has been increased
to twice its original size, and we understand a new and favourable site
has been selected for extending the cultivation of Vines in fields.

- Messrs. James Carter & Co. have sent us a head of the

Standard Bearer Celery, a variety of which they have recently
become the possessors. It is a red Celery, very fine indeed, containing
much stalk in proportion to foliage. It is remarkably solid and heavy,
the sample before us being such as is coveted in private gardens and
markets.

- Much has been written from time to time on the Extension

System of Vine Culture, but it is just possible that few, if any,
of its advocates have seen a better exemplification of the method than
in the case of a Vine at Manresa House, Roehampton. This is a re¬
markable, and probably a unique specimen. The Vine was planted
twenty-three years ago by the present gardener, Mr. Davis, and rods
trained at int.rvals of 2 feet in a horizontal po ition along the roof
of a lengthy structure. These now cover a length uf 224 feet, o
total length of rod of 1568 feet. Bearing laterals are only allowed on
the upper side of the rods, and these are a foot apart. Each bears a
bunch of excellent Black Hamburgh Grapes. The growths are singularly
regular from end to end and uniform in strength. They are cut back to
spurs at each winter’s pruning. This year 007 bunches have been cut
from the Vine weighing 840 lbs., the beir.es being of full size, and
excellent in quality and colour. We shall hope to see this splendid
Vine when bearing its crop. It is not the only noteworthy Vine at
Manresa House where Grapes and other kinds of fruit are extensively
and well grown by the able and courteous gardener.

- We are informed that the Council of Administration of the

French National Society of Horticulture decided, at a special
meeting on October 4h, called with the view of aiding, in the most
effectual manner, the horticulturists in the surroundings of Paris who
were sufferers by the hailstorms of the 10th and 23rd of August, that
independently of the subscription open under its patronage, a “ lombola
(a sort of lottery) of which the drawing will take place on October 29th,
1886, shall be organised for iheir benefit, at th ? same time as the Exhibi¬
tion to be held from the 23 rd to the 29th of October. The Society appeals
for contributions to this work of succour by the gift of plants, fruits,
horticultural implements, objects of art, &c., to constitute the lots. They
th iuld be addressed to M. le President de la Socidtd Nationale d Horticul¬
ture de France, Pavilion de la Ville (Champs-Elyesds), 1 aris, from the
20th to the 25th of October. Gifts in cash will be devoted to the purchase
of various lots. The price of the tickets is 50 centimes (51.). We are
informed that the losses by the hail around Paris alone amount to over
5,500,000 francs, or £220,000.

864

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER

[ October 21, 1886.

- Last week we noted the display of Canadian Fkuit at

South Kensington, but since then large consignments have been re¬
ceived, and the exhibition is now one of the most comprehensive of its
kind ever made in Europe. Contributions are made by every province
of Canada, from Nova Scotia and New Brunswick to Quebec and Ontario,
and even by Manitoba and British Columbia, the greater part of the
exhibits having been collected under the direction of the Canadian
Government by Professor William Saunders of the Western University,
London, Ontario, who has taken a keen interest in Canadian fruit culture.
From Ontario and Quebec excellent specimens are shown of the varieties
of Apples mostly shipped to British markets, while an excellent display
of vegetables and outdoor Grapes is made. The Nova Scotia display
comprises some fifty varieties. The British Columbia and Manitoba
varieties are also interesting as coming from parts of the Dominion but
little known in England for their fruit- growing capabilities. It is, more¬
over, important to note that the shipment of many of the early soft
varieties now shown was made from Canada in refrigerators.

- Apples are very extensively represented, over 2000 dishes, or

over 15,000 fruits being shown, the varieties we mentioned last week
preponderating. They are very notable for their bright colour, and in
this respect perhaps they surpass the display of British produce recently
held in the conservatory, but with the exception of Emperor Alexander
and King of Tompkins County, there are no finer samples than were
then staged. Of Pears, Grapes, Peaches, and Quinces about 300 dishes
are contributed, the Pears being less notable for size than the Apple?!
and the Grapes are small generally. The vegetables comprise Carrots)
Parsnips, Onions, Potatoes, with Tomatoes, Capsicums, Indian Corn,
Gourds, ‘Hops, and a gigantic Squash weighing 200 lbs.

- Continental Flowers. — The demand for Italian flowers is

increasing year by year, and season after season the inhabitants of the
Biviera are planting more flowers where formerly they grew Olives and
Grapes. This is particularly the case in the neighbourhood of Nice
Cannes, Grasse, and Mentone. From the beginning of November til{
the end of May, 1885, for instance, no lets than 70,000 boxes of fresh
flowers were sent away from the Nice railway station, the value of the
flowers being'£150, 000. ^.One of the countries which have taken a hint
from Italy is Germany, which is [at present diligently endeavouring to
cultivate, for the manufacture of scents, &c., large quantities of Roses,
Violets, Lavender, and Rosemary. The experiments have so far proved
completely successful, and German perfume manufacturers are expecting
in future to grow their “ raw material ’’ in their own country.

- The first Exhibition of Cheysanthemums at Leeds is

announced to be held on Monday and Tuesday, November 22nd and 23rd.
Good prizes are also offered for groups of miscellaneous plants. The chief
prize for Cbrysanthemums’is £5 for thirty-six cut blooms. Altogether
the schedule, which is’well arranged, numbers thirty-five classes, and we
shall be glad to learn that the\fforts of the Committee to provide a good
autumn Show will be crownedjwith success. Mr. Featherstone is Chair¬
man of the Committee, and Mr. J. H. Clark the Secretary.

- The monthly meeting of Belgian Hobticulturists was held

in Ghent on the 11th inst, The members present were MM. P. Blanc-
quaert, E. De Cock,‘Desmet-Duvivier, J. Hye, Mcens, B. Spae, A. Roseeel,
A. Van Geert, pere, and Edm. Vervaet. M. A. Peeters of Brussels,
presiding, and M. Viet. Cuvelier, was Secretary. Certificates of merit
were awarded for Odontoglossum crispu.m var. de Pacho from MM.
Vervaet & Co. ; and Calla sethiopica fol. var. from MM. Desbois & Co.
Cultural certificates for Nepenthes Mastersi var. superba from M. Al.
Dalliere ; Odontoglossum crispum from MM. Vervaet & Co.; and
Cypripedium Ashburtoniac from M. Hye-Leysen. Honourable mention
was accorded for Odontoglossum species and Odontoglossum grande from
MM. Vervaet k Co. ; Warcewiczella discolor from M. Desmet-Duvivier j
Lasl a Dayana, var., from MM. Boelens, freres; Pear Mikado, a Japanese
variety, from Louis Desmet, pere ; and a fine plant of Adiantum cuneatum
from M. B. Spae.

- Tobacco Culture. — Lord Harris, who has cultivated ten rods

on his estates near Faversham, states that the crop has been successfully
harvested. He goes on to say, “ My intention had been to produce the
yellow or golden colour Tobacco, but I found I could not get the house
abo\ e 110° in the middle of the day, so T had to be contented with gradual
drying, resulting only in a brown Tobacco. I have had no one in the trade
down a< yet to see my crop, so it is impossible for me to say whether my

experiment has been as successful as Mr. De Laune’s, but to my inexperi¬
enced eye there is little difference as to appearance and texture between
the two crops. I should imagine that it is impossible as yet to draw any
comparison between our samples and any imported — say American —
Tobacco, because it is evident that the latter, whatever the process of pack¬
ing may be, must undergo some pressure whereby fermentation is set up ;
and I am inclined to think that it has been the omission of this last pro¬
cess which has induced people who have surreptitiously smoked English-
grown tobacco to declare that it was flavourless. One thing you may be
satisfied of, that no amount of ridicule, misapplied in my own opinion, will
prevent this question being probed to the bottom.”

- The public Chrysanthemum exhibitions at Finsbury Park

and the Temple Gardens are now open, but the blooms will not be fully
expanded for a week or more.

- Gardening Appointment. — Mr. James Hussey has succeeded

Mr. J. Jones as gardener to T. C. Garth, Esq., Haines Hill,

- The Liverpool Exhibitions. — We are informed that two

gold medals have been awarded to Messrs. Sutton k Sons, Reading, one
of these being for their extensive exhibit of seeds, grasses, &c., in the
Main Exhibition Building, and the other for a magnificent display of hor¬
ticultural produce, seeds, and grasses in growth at the Royal Horticultural
Society’s Great Provincial Show in the adjoining Wavertree Park on
June 29th and following days.

- The schedule of the Liverpool Autumn Show, which is to

be held in St. James’s Hall on the 23rd and 2!th ult., contains sixty-three
classes — twenty-four for Chrysanthemums, nineteen for miscellaneous
plants, &c., and twenty for fruit. The chief prize for Chrysanthemums
is a silver vase, value 10 guineas (given by Messrs. J. Williams & Co.),
and £3 ; second prize £7, third prize £5, and fourth prize £2, which
should, and no doubt will, insure a splendid display. Prizes of £3, £2,
and £1 are offered for six stove and greenhouse plants, the same amounts
being provided for twelve dishes of fruit ; and “ specimens may be exhi¬
bited from any part of the world, and by any person.” Mr. Edward
Bridge is the Secretary.

- At the recent meeting of the Wakefield Paxton Society,

held at their rooms at the Saw Hotel, Mr. A. Willis read a clever and
nteresting paper in reference to the “ Properties and Functions of Starch
in Vegetable Economy.” Mr. J. Fryer presided. Mr. Willis, in the
course of a very able address, pointed out that although the term starch
was popularly connected with the work of thejlaundry, yet its function in
Nature was far removed from the common-place character which that
association implied. xThe constitution, the development of starch granules
within the vegetable cells, and the chemical changes which it underwent
in the process of nutrifying the growing plant, were clearly explained
and in conclusion Mr. Wdlis exhibited under the microscope numerous
samples of starch, showing characteristic diversity of form. The hearty
thanks of the meeting were accorded the essayist, on the motion of
Messrs. Winter and Gill.

- “A Young Beginner,” writing from Hampshire, desires to

thank Mr. Molyneux for the information on Chrysanthemum culture
which he has given in his articles. “ It has been a great help to me and I
have read his instructions with much pleasure. I hive now about eighty
Chrysanthemums, which are very satisfactory to my employer.”

- Proposed Park for Hammersmith. — A special meeting of

the Hammersmith Vestry was held on Monday last to consider a com¬
munication from the Metropolitan Board of Works with regard to the
purchase by the Vestry of Ravenscourt Park as a recreation ground. A
sum of £50,000 has already been offered by the Vestry for the estate, but
the Trustees now state that they have received a better offer. Mr. Browu
strongly advised the purchase of the land, on which, he said, 600,000
persons could ramble without inconvenience. The park would be a great
bo n to the neighbourhood; the houses which were now standing empty
would be quickly filled, and the financial condition of the parish benefited
by its purchase. Several speakers complained that the Trustees had left
the Vestry in the dark as to the precise sum they required for the estate.
On the proposition of Mr. Cook a resolution was passed declaring further
discussion to be useless until the Trustees of the estate had mentioned
definitely the amount for which they would b# prepared to enter into a
provisional contract for the sale of the property.

- Numerous letters reach us from correspondents in various

October 21, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

365

parts of the country informing us that they have been gathering ripe
Strawberries during the present month. “ A few days since some
fine ripe Strawberries were picked in the grounds of the Catford Con.
servative Club, Elmwood, by the Chairman, Mr. R. A. Morgan, and the
Hon. Treasurer, Mr. W. Northover Jackson. The plant was in excellent
summer-like condition, and the fruit was particularly palatable. A^
Canterbury a quart of ripe Strawberries, fully grown, was gathered from
a gentleman’s garden. In a village in the neighbourhood the fruit trees
are full of blossom."

- As in previous years a Corn Exchange Chrysanthemum

Show will be held in London this season, the proceeds of which will be
devoted to the Corn Exchange Benevolent Society. All the work of
preparation is done gratuitously, and with the object of aiding those
who need assistance through ill health or misfortune. Prizes are
offered for cut blooms alone, and vary from 2 guineas to 5s. The Ex¬
hibition is fixed for November 2nd and 3rd in the London Corn Ex¬
change Hotel, and according to rule 9, “ All flowers placed in the room,
whether for competition or otherwise, will be sold by auction at foi; r
o clock on the second day of the Show, unless expressly reserved, and
notice given to that effect before the Show.” All entries are to be made
to Mr. Henry Robins, Secretary, Corn Exchange, London, on or before
October 29th, from whom show boards can be had at a charge of Is.
each. Considering the object in view, this project appears worthy of
encouragement by exhibitors and visitors.

“A Lincolnshire Gardener’’ writes in reply to a question
by “ B. on page 339 relative to the suggested identity of Bramley’s
Seedling and Warner’s King Apples, observes, “ In growth the
trees have some resemblance, but the fruit of Bramley’a Seedling is
flatter and more uniform in shape, also darker in colour than that of
M arner s King, besides keeping longer, and is altogether an excellent
Apple, about which there is remote fear of having too many trees.”

In commending a well-known plant, the Marsh Marigold
(Caltha palustris), a South Wales correspondent remarks that it is “ one
of the finest yellow flowers for beds of herbaceous plants. Six years ago
we planted in our kitchen-garden borders a number of Calthas, and these
have now become large masses. They flower in May and June, pro¬
ducing a charming effect. The flowers appear on many main stems and
then branch out into many more, until the stems represent huge clusters
of large, half-globular blooms, perfectly double, and of rich golden yellow
colour. It is most easily cultivated, only needing ordinary garden
soil.”

REVIEW OF GRAPES.

“ Exhibitor ’’ (page 346) asks me to show in what way the leading
*r°ot of, f strong young Vine, the wood of which appeared to have beer
thoroughly ripened last year, and a weak lateral that appeared not tc
have been so well ripened last year, could contribute to the production of
a bunch composed of globular berries having the colour and bloom of a
uros to man Grape in one case and the colour and bloom of Gros Maroc
m the other.

Readers of the Journal will remember that the above question has
reference «> the two bunches of Gros Maroc exhibited by Mr. Taylor at
the Crystal Paiace Show on September 3rd, and on the following Tuesday
at Kensington. The inference I draw from “Exhibitor’s” question is
that one of the bunches was a Gros Golman and the other a Gros Maroc.
tn this assertion he appears to fortify himself by saying, “ several skilled
gardeners are of the same opinion.” If “ Exhibitor” is correct in what
he and several skilled gardeners” assert, it is strange that the same twc
Duncbes should pass as one variety in the censorship of the Fruit Com¬
mittee of the Royal Horticultural Society at South Kensington, and
Show C°nfirmmg the decision o{ the Judges at the Crystal Palace

a ™ that “ tbe ripeness or unripeness of the wood has

a good deal to do with the production of compact or loose bunches,” but
esays he has “yet to learn that properly ripened wood is instrumental in
T?!„;Pr j t •°ia ^ round'berried drapes instead of oval-shaped ones.”
Maying admitted so much, I would beg him to go a step further and see if
the ripeness or unripeness of the wood has not a great deal to do with the
enape and formation of the berries as well as the bunches.

lor example, take the well-known Black Hamburgh : if the wood of
yef*r’a growth has been badly ripened, the bunches are
Z t W straggling, and ill-conditioned, and if the root-action be
at au feeble the berries are usually found to be more or less ovate or oval
' “nd c“^red with a smooth skin. On the other hand, where the

w l >l fbeen, t4hlor1ouehIy ripened’ and the roots in vigorous action.it
wm De found that the bunches are compact, footstalks short, and skin
n^mered’ m many ’Pstances such an extent as to make the hammered
ones appear quite a distinct variety from the other. As this is indisputable

in the case of Black Hamburgh, why not so with Gros Maroc and many
other large-berried varieties 1

“ Exhibitor,” several skilled gardeners, and “ competent judges ” have
evidently got mixed on this question. In one part he tells us the larger
of the two bunches was, in their opinion, a Gros ColmaD, and upon a
comparison with several stands of unmistakeable Gros Maroc it was found
that not one of them resembled Mr. Taylor’s small bunch, “though they all
more or less resembled the large one.” How does “ Exhibitor ” reconcile
this with his former assertion that the large bunch is clearly a Gros
Colman, while the name of the small one was not disputed ? If he,
“skilled gardeners,” &c., had taken the trouble to compare these bunches
with those in the class for Gros Colman, taking particular notice of the
back of the berries and footstalks, they would have had no difficulty in
arriring at the conclusion that Mr. Taylor’s large bunch was not a Gros
Colman.— James McIndoe.

Erratum. — In my remarks under the heading “Review of Grapes,”
at page 346, a clerical error has crept into the middle of the second
paragraph, which, after the words “ Mr. Taylor’s excellent collection,”
should read, “ Not one bunch of which resembled that gentleman’s large
(doubtful) Gros Maroc bunch, though they all more or less resembled the
small (unquestionable) one of that variety,” and not as printed. —
Exhibitor.

WATERTIGHT ASHPITS.

I HAVE reserved Mr. Bardney’s interesting essay on heating till I
have more time to study it, but as Mr. Burton asks for the opinions of
those who may have had watertight ashpits in operation I will give my
experience.

I have had two such ashpits in use during the past three years, and
they are so satisfactory that I purpose, when they are required, to have
others made in the same way. The boilers are of moderate dimensions,
each capable of heating 3000 feet of 4-inch pipes. Each ashpit holds
probably about eighteen gallons. There is a tap in the stokehole to which
a piece of hose is attached, and by this means the supply of water is easily
replenished. When a strong fire is kept going, the ashpit is filled when
making up the fire between nine and ten o’clock at night, and the water
is seldom all dried up by six in the morning. As far as I can see, the
bars at present are no worse for the three years’ wear, and are as straight
as when first placed in position. Abundance of clinkers are formed of
course (unscreened coke is the fuel used), but I have never known one
stick to the bars.

I have an idea — and this would be an interesting problem for your
young scientific readers to solve— that the presence of water in the ashpit
enables us to do with a smaller amount of draught than we otherwise
should require. Certain it is that after getting up a good body of fire in
the evening, we close the ashpit doors entirely for the night, and it is
very seldom the temperature of the house is too low in the morning.
The theory is that the steam supplies to a great extent the oxygen
necessary for combustion. — Wm. Taylor.

NATIONAL CHRYSANTHEMUM SOCIETY.

The first meeting of this Society’s Floral Committee was held on
Wednesday October 13th in the Royal Aquarium, Westminster, and
although there was not a large display of Chrysanthemums several good
collections and some excellent novelties were staged. The most important
contribution was a very handsome group from Mr. N. Davis, Camberwell,
which included healthy well flowered plants, tastefully arranged, although
they would have looked better if a little more space could have been
allowed them. Especially noteworthy were the plants of La Yierge, dwarf,
compact specimens, bearing numerous large pure white blooms, admirable
for decoration. Another useful variety that was also well represented was
Mrs. Cullingford, with considerably smaller flowers but pure white, and
produced in great numbers, one freely grown stmdard having a grand head
of blooms. The variety Mdlle. Lacroix was in capital condition, and, with
the two others already named, makes a trio of good white early flowering
varieties for the conservatory or cutting. The dwarf early free flowering
Roi des Precoces was notable for its bright red colour ; Mons. Cossart, bronze
yellow ; Mons. Moussilac, and others were also well represented. A bronze
medal and vote of thanks being adjudged for the group by the Committee.
Mr. W. E. Boyce, Archway Road, Highgate, had a collection of cut blooms
of forty varieties, all very fresh and bright, the sorts phown being mostly
early flowering Japanese and Pompons. (Vote of thanks.) Mr. Mardlin
exhibited from Finsbury Park a bloom of Comte de Germmy of great size,
about 20 inches in circumference and correspondingly deep. Mr. H. J.
Jones, Hope Nursery, Lewisham, was awarded a vote of thanks for cut
blooms of Pynaert Van Geert, Fiberta, Mrs. Cullingford, and others. Mr.
Owen, Maidenhead, had some of his beautiful varieties of Chrysanthemum
carinatum ; one named superbum, with a black centre, surrounded by a
yellow ring, and a white margin, was very pretty.

Certificates were awarded for the following varieties : —

Chrysanthemum Miss Stevens (G. Stevens). — A seedling Japanese, raised
at Putney. It is a beautiful variety of great promise, the blooms large and
full, of a clear pale mauve colour, very delicate. The florets slightly
flattened and long.

Chrysanthemum Carew Underwood (Beckett). — A distinct dark bronze
sport from Baronne de Prailly, obtained by Mr. Beckett of Elstree, but now
in the hands of Mr. N. Davis. It is exactly the same style as the parent,
but is readily distinguished by its colour, a fine bronze hue with a reddish
tinge.

Chrysanthemum Mdlle. Elite Durdans (W. Wright and N. D vvis).— A
large Pompon of most symmetrical form, like Model of Perfection, pale pink
in colour.

366

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Octob.r 21, 1688.

Chrysanthemum Miss Alice Butcher (N. Davis). — A bronze red sport
from the well known early Pompon Lyon, the blooms of good size, the
florets finely edged with yellow ; very free and of $bod habit.

Chrysanthemum William Holmes (N. Davis and G. Stevens). — This was
certificated on the previous day at South Kensington and described in our
report. It is an excellent October Japanese, of good substance and rich
colour.

VIOLAS FOR BEDDING.

The spring and summer of the present year were adverse to the general
culture and well-being of bedding Violas. The dry harsh winds of spring,
the almost total absence of rain, the cold nights with nipping frosts, which
lasted even into the summer term, checked the progress of many plants.
For years past I have been a strong believer in autumn planting of
Violas, a system which if followed out will bring about the most satisfac¬
tory results on almost any well enriched soil. It matters little whether
the Viola is situate on still or light soils. It has this season suffered to a
very considerable extent, and in many cases ended in the absolute
collapse of the plants, a collapse which is remarkable for the suddenness
with which the plants are seized. Constitution should be one of the first
considerations of the florist before sending out new varieties, since this is
of far greater moment than a flower of sterling merit, and which needs
such precise conditions and soils, together with frequent rains and a
partially shaded position to bring it to perfection. This is not the plant
the masses are searching after. I am strongly in favour of autumn plant¬
ing to secure the best results, and at the same time permit the Viola to
do justice to itself as one of the most floriferous of all bedding plants. I
have also spoken in respect of stiff and light soils. In the event of a dry
season both are bad, but the stiff one is decidedly the worst, and the losses
much greater than on light soils. I have worked in gardens where soil,
while being excellent for brickmaking purposes, has proved fatal to the
culture of the Viola in Bpite of anything which could be done to prevent it,
and in which such magnificent varieties as True Blue and Lord Darnley
have succumbed by scores, due in a great measure to the great chasms
which are always apparent after a few days scorching sun, which, while
forming an incessant drain to the plants, not infrequently leaves a great
many roots fully exposed to sun and air. In such soils the hoe is of little
use, as the soil become as hard as any ordinary roadway, and when at
last rain comes it is swallowed up in the fissures. In such a case as this,
knowing the character of the soil with which you have to deal, the only
remedy is to give a good mulching early in the season, and not wait till
the danger is near at hand. The difficulty to be encountered in light
soils, though not so great, is anything but easily overcome. It does not
crack with heat, but it becomes dust dry for several inches deep unless
steps are taken to prevent it. That such difficulties are to be overcome
I have this season proved beyond doubt, much to the surprise of those who
have seen them, while the results have been highly gratifying.

Owing to the especial circumstances of my case my collection of
Violas was only obtained in the spring of the present year from Mr.
William Dean of Walsall at a date much later than I have planted
before. Owing therefore to the lateness of the planting time, and also to
the fact that I am situated on a very deep bed of gravel, which rendered
the soil particularly dry, and further not having any shade upon
the place, I was for some time dubious of attempting their culture. The
plants I received were sturdy well-rooted cuttings ; and now comes the
planting. The soil I have to deal with has for the last fifty years been a
pasture, and one which, according to the older heads in the district, a
load of manure rarely entered. Two years ago this was broken up and
trenched. It is a soil easily worked, but remarkably hungry and poor.
A farmyard close at hand forms the depot for procuring manure, and the
only kind I have used is cow manure. I selected this in particular, con¬
sequent upon the cooling nature of the manure, and from the abundant
moisture it contained when dug in the ground. Of this manure I gave
a good dressing — i.e., four or five barrowloads to beds 6 feet wide and
about 36 feet long. During their earlier days I used the hoe frequently
and deeply, the value of which it is impossible to over-estimate, and this,
with occasional waterings, soon set them growing vigorously. Growths
were sent up abundantly from the base of the plants, a highly satisfac¬
tory sign, and in about four months from planting I had large handsome
patches, from which many hundreds of blooms were taken. During the
dry weather I adopted a simple plan of mulching. The material I have
employed is the dying tops of Narcissi, and had I not this I should find
its equivalent in some other light chaffy material, as, e.g., freshly cut
grass.

But while f have said so much of the general treatment I have adopted,
I would not iufer that all the varieties of which I am possessed have
grown equally strong and flowered with uniform freedom. To have this
a series of years must elapse for trial, keeping in view the one great
starting point of constitution, continually discarding weakly growers and
growing those of vigorous habit. It might form a fitting summary to
these remaiks if I give the successes and failures of my collection during
the present season, and in doing so I will afk the reader to remember
that they are situate upon a deep sul soil tf gravel, and were very late
planted into the bargain.

First, then, I will deal with those which I have succeeded, which
happily are in the majority, therefore it is with pleasure I am able
to record their worth for general decorative purposes. Of all the
white-flowered varieties known I place Countess of Hopetown at the
head of the list. It is simply exquisite both as regards form, purity,
vigorous habit, and freedr m of flowering. I am not saying too much
when I state that it is possible to produce its well rounded flowers fully

3 inches across. It has not the shadow of pencilling in any flower I have
seen, and has been continuously in flower. Next I place Lady Polwarth,
a flower of similar form, and equal in vigorous habit, freedom, and purity.
In this variety, however, the giant size of the first is not forthcoming, in
other respects it is grand. The third place I give to Mrs. Gray, whose
constitution and freedom of flowering is equal to any, while its fragrance is
unique. In age the flowers assume a bluish tinge ; in its prime it is the
purest white of any, and possesses the true type of the Viola, has a good
long stalk, which adapts it for cutting, and is of good substance. If a
fourth white is needed I give that place to a variety called Jeffrayana,
a good grower and very free bloomer. The flowers are large and pen¬
cilled with violet. The white- flowered varieties I have named are a great
advance upon such varieties as Champion, Pilrig Park, White Bride, Lady
in White, and so forth. Among the yellows my very best is Ardwell
Gem ; it is a beautiful soft sulphur in the upper portion of the flower,
while the lower parts are of rich light canary. As a first-rate bedder,
a good grower, not a single plant having failed, and free bloomer, it is all
that we can desire in the light yellows, and one to which I shall give con¬
siderable attention.

In the purples I have two excellent varieties in Cliveden Purple Com¬
pacts and Queen of Purples ; both are of a rich purplish plum, but pos¬
sessing distinct shades, and of different habit, the latter being of dwarfer
habit than the former. Both kinds are simply grand and smothered with
flowers. In rich violet Archie Grant stands out alone and unequalled in
many ways. It is of bold sturdy habit, the flower stalks fully 6 inches
high, and possessing a vigour very far in advance of any in its colour ;
indeed, in this particular it outdistances any other Viola. The colour is
rich and telling, and commands attention at first sight. Another very
distinct and striking sort is Countess of Kintore, in fact it is a marvel on
account of the remarkable and unique combination of oolour. The colour
is deep bluish purple with a broad bordering of white, which produces a
wonderful effect ; happily, too, it is among the very best growers, and a
good continuous bloomer, and that such a sterling flower should find a
ready sale follows at a natural consequence. In blue the very best is
True Blue, a variety as remarkable for the profusion of its flowers as for
its general qualities of endurance. I have no other which can in any way
compare with this gem ; in a mass it is simply grand and most effective,
and where it exists no other blue need there be. For a somewhat new
shade of colour we may turn to Mrs. Chas. Turner, a lovely variety of
serllng merit, with flowers of an exquisite shade of mauve purple. It
is very compact and most profuse, and one which no garden should be
without. In the variety Elegans we have a pleasing shade of light lilac
or lavender, which renders it very distinct ; though hardly as free as those
I have previously named, it is very effective and valuable as a whole.
Queen of Lilacs is a very free and profuse bloomer, with large flowers and
vigorous constitution. It makes an excellent bed, and is well adapted for
large borders or as a belting to a shrubbery. The 'ast I shall name of the
successful ones is Columbine, a well known kind, possessing a good consti¬
tution, and free and profuse in its flowering, the ground colour is white.
For the rest I will ask the reader to conceive a purple and scarlet-flaked
Carnation in mixture, and a good idea of this Viola will be secured. I
have many more good varieties, but these are a selection of the best. Of
the failures, my most conspicuous are Lord Darnley, a seedling from Holy-
rood ; Golden Queen of Spring, seedling from Queen of Spring, a grand
flower in some seasons, but too weak to withstand the excessive heat of
others ; and Paragon. This, however, has had a number of flowers, but not
of the usual size. I shall, however, give these a further trial, and see
what can be done by autumn planting. I may add, in conclusion, that
the key to the successful culture of Violas is early planting, and if your
Violas are ready when the ordinary bedding plants come off, plant them
out at once in good rich soil, and you will have your reward in spring in
abundant flowers. — E. Jenkins.

ONION-GROWING AT CULZEAN CASTLE.

When on a short horticultural tour in Scotland recently, I saw some
wonderful examples of Onion culture at Culzean Castle, the Ayrshire seat
of the Marquis of Ailsa. Mr. Murray is well known as one of our fore¬
most Grape-growers, and in Onion-growing he has few rivals, at least I
have never seen any to equal those he had at the end of last August.
Sometimes a few dozens are seen that have received special treatment,
growing to a large size, but here are whole breaks of them, and of
enormous size. I measured one 17 inches in circumference ; and in a
letter before me from Mr. Murray in answer to inquiries about the size of
bulbs when fully grown, I am informe i he measured one 19 inches in
circumference, which weighs 2 lbs. l£ oz., and that he has had six bulbs
which weighed over a stone. I may add that they are spring-sown, and
what may interest some of your readers at the present time is the fact
that they are grown on ground which is trenched two spits deep every
year. The variety, we believe, is a seedling raised on the place, and not
yet in the hands of the public. It is a beautiful shaped bulb, and though
growing to such a great size is an excellent keeper. While speaking of
seedlings it may be mentioned that a new black Grape is being grown
in the vineries, and which struck me as possessing more than ordinary
merits. The bunches were small, as the rods were weak, but the berries
large, round, or inclining to oblate in form.

Before leaving these beautiful gardens we must mention the erection
since our last visit of one cf the prettiest summer houses we have yet
seen. It occupies a vacant space between a range of vineries and a large
greenhouse, and in front of a large and beautiful rockery. It is built in
so the form of an oblong. The roof is covered with Heather, and projects

October SI, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

867

as to form a spacious verandah suppoitedby rustic pillars formed of Spruce
tiunks. Suspended from the roof are ornamental pots and baskets filled
with flowering and foliage plants, the whole forming a highly ornamental
and pleasing picture. Inside, the furnishings are equally elaborate and chaste
in design. Chairs, tables, cupboards, and window curtains are very pretty
and neat, and of curious workmanship. It is heated by two rows of hot-
water pipes, 3-inch, whieh tend to make it a comfortable and pleasing
retreat in winter as well as summer. Not the least important part of its
furnishings consists in an assortment of the most popular works on gar¬
dening. The whole was designed and the work executed under the
personal supervision of Lord Ailsa, and he certainly deserves great credit

their specific name. I believe P. Hookeri to be simply the Oriental form
of P. Rbasas, but as I have never been able to get Hookeri certainly true I
cannot be certain as to its identity; anyway they are very near relatives.
This is the history of my ‘ Shirley Poppies.’ In 1879 I found a bunch of
(as I then thought and still think) P. Rhfeas growing self-sown in a
desolate part of my garden. Amongst them was one only flower (as far
as I noticed) with a white edge. This seed pod I saved and sowed in 1880,
and had several white edged and some pale red (almost pink) varieties.
Next year I got true pink, and since then by careful selection each year I

65. — Shirley Poppies. — Varieties op Papaver. Rhjeas,

for the good taste displayed in every part of this pretty summer house. —
Visitor.

SHIRLEY POPPIES.

A COLLECTION of Poppies was shown at the meeting of the Roya*
Horticultural Society on July 13th this year, which attracted the admira¬
tion of many visitors, and the Floral Committee awarded the exhibitor,
the Rev. W. Wilks, Shirley Vicarage, Croydon, a vote of thanks and a
cultural commendation for them. They were shown as seedling varieties
of Papaver Rhieis, and were remarkable for their varied hues, chiefly
scarlet and rose, edged with white, or lighter in the centre of the petals
with darker zones and lighter tints, some fading to nearly white, others
very rich and dark. Some of the horticulturists present at the meeting
considered them forms of P. Hookeri, but in reference to this the Rev. W.
Wilkes writes as follows : —

“ I call 'hem ‘ Shirley Poppies,’ as there seems so much doubt as to

have obtained what were shown at Royal Horticultural Society and a
number of other variations from purest white without one speck of colour
down to deepest orange scarlet crimsoD. I have this year (1886) obtained
a new break, I hope in an orange salmon, and I hope through it to obtain
yellow before long. I have also tried hybridising ‘ Shirley Poppies ’
with P. nudicaule, but the result is as yet doubtful.”

VINES AND GRAPES.

Your correspondent, “ Experientia Docet,” contributed an article
on the above subject a short time since which has been much discussed
about here, not from any want of confidence or doubt about the system
of pruning which he advocates, but it happens to meet the case of several
gentlemen who possess what are termed greenhouse vineries, where the
aim and pride is to grow a crop of Grapes in summer and store their
bedding and other plants during winter. The restrictive or spur system
of pruning has not answered in their case for I am told that in one house
there has been no Grapes worth the name for four seasons. Of shoots
there are plenty, most of which come barren and weak, the foliage

368

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDEN Ek.

[ October 21, 1886.

healthy but small ; while in the other houses which I have seen there is
not half a crop. What branches there are come very small, the foliage
is healthy, and the wood of fair size and ripening off well ; but, as your
correspondent states, from the fourth bud and onwards to the extremity
of the shoot the buds are three or four times the size of the one nearest
the main rod. Such buds, if ripened firmly, may reasonably be ex¬
pected to have stored sufficient nutriment to produce fair bunches of
Grapes ; at all events, it is not difficult to try the two systems of pruning,
and I should not be doubtful of the result, yet if I had my own way I
should not hesitate to adopt the semi-extension plan, and prune to a good
bud, ignoring the spur system in such cases as those I have stated,
where a gardener is not regularly employed ; and there are hundreds of
places about the country similarly situated with regard to their Vines,
where good and sound judgment is required to manage them properly. —
— Thomas Record.

THE CHRYSANTHEMUM OUTLOOK.

As the coming compaign of the great autumn favourite approaches,
interest in the condition of the plants and probable character of the
blooms deepens. A brilliant season is generally anticipated, and grand
blooms expected in consequence of the well-ripened growths following
an unusually bright autumn. It is just possible, however, that the
abnormally hot weather duriDg the early part of the present month may
not have been the most suitable for all growers and all plants. Not a
few blooms, and these, of course, the “ best,” may be forced out too early
and lose their freshness before the “ day ” comes on which it is desired
to stage them. Complaints of “ hard centres” are, moreover, somewhat
frequent, and scorched florets not unknown; but it is just within the
bounds of possibility that these evils are in some cases intensified, if
not mainly caused, by too generous feeding at a critical time. Much
good is done by such “ chemicals” as sulphate of ammonia, for instance,
when rightly applied ; but it is none the less true that very decided
injury follows its injudicious use, more especially to the Japanese varie¬
ties, the roots of which are, as a rule, more tender than those of the
incurved section, and once “ brown ” the roots by an overdose and
drooping foliaere and withering florets will inevitably follow when the
sun shines bright. Perhaps brief notes on a few collections of Chrysan¬
themums may not be unacceptable at the present time to readers of the
Journal, so many of whom are cultivators and admirers of well-grown
plants and blooms.

8T. JOHN’S ROAD NURSERY, PUTNEY.

Mr. G. Slevens not only grows Chrysanthemums extensively, but has
raised and introduced some excellent varieties. He is alike a raiser of
plants for distribution and grower of blooms for market. His small
nursery, being close to Putney station, is easily reached, and from the
present time onwards four or five large houses will be gay, for hundreds
of blooms can be cut without sensibly affecting the display. Five
thousand plants are grown here, of which a thousand are of Elaine, and
fine strong plants they are, with “ fat ” buds and rapidly expanding
blooms. But a “ fog” has already been cruel to Mr. Stevens, and a few
of the early blooms were injured on the hot bright day succeeding. His
incurved varieties promise to be even better than usual, and the Japanese
about the same in character as last year. Miss Stevens, the new delicately
tinted and fine new Japanese variety that was recently certificated, is fast
fading, and it is only necessary to say that the plant is a good grower,
attaining a height of about 6 feet. Maiden’s Blush, certificated last year,
has been in great demand, and it is satisfactory to observe that it is one ot
the most sturdy and vigorous in the collection. Martha Harding is one
of the brightest and most useful, reddish yellow, a full and attractive
bloom. Mr. Stevens regards this as one of the most serviceable, giving
fine blooms early and late in the season. Mrs. G. Stevens, old gold
colour, is extensively and well grown in 5-inch pots for margins to groups
and other appropriate decorative purposes. Madame Lacroix is charming
by its purity and full handsome blooms, and in rich companionship is the
new and beautiful William Holmes, one of the most effective October
varieties yet raised, and will probably find its way into most conserva
tories in the kingdom. This and Madame Lacroix, well grown and
arranged together, cannot fail to evoke general admiration. Mr. Stevens
is a great grower of the old double white Primula, but has almost over¬
whelmed himself with plants, which number some thousands, and they have
consequently overflowed from houses into frames, and it seems a pity to
see them in imminent danger of destruction by frost, since if potted and
grown under favourable conditions they would give a wealth of pure and
lasting winter flowers.

BRISTOL HOUSE.

Situated on Putney Heath, about a mile from the station, this collec¬
tion is not difficult to reach, and will be well worthy of inspection in
about a fortnight. The proprietor, T. D. Galpin, Esq., intends having a
“ home exhibition ” this year, and Mr. Harding has endeavoured that it
shall be a good one. The plants are remarkable for their firmness of
growth, stout fleshy peduncles and heavy buds, which foreshadow superior
blooms, not a few of them probably excelling those of previous years,
which is saying a good deal, when it is remembered they won one of the
great cups of Kingston. The show house is a light three-quarter span
structure, 50 feet long, and of adequate width for an imposing “bank of
blooms ” being formed. The plants range in height from 3 feet or less
t-o 6 or 7 feet, and the varieties are well timed to be in beauty from the
first week in November. Jeanne d’Arc is full of promise, and will just
he in right, this heing managed by topping the plants in July, and taking
crown buds towards the middle of September. Those taken in August are

too early, and late hlocms from terminal buds small. It may be stated
that this house is devoted to Tomatoes in the summer, and as soon as the
Chrysanthemums are over tne space will be occuped with Tea Boses,
splendid bushes, grown in 16-inch pots, now bristling with buds. This is
what may be termed profitable culture — Tomatoes in summer, Chrysan¬
themums in autumn, and Roses in winter and spring — an excellent idea ad¬
mirably carried out. Of the Chrysanthemums now open in another house
the bright and elegant Agrements de la Nature is particularly attractive,
what may be termed “ second row ” blooms for exhibition, and beautiful
for conservatory decoration. Madame Lacroix is extremely fine, half a
dozen blooms on a plant ; Flamme de Punch, large and bright ; Mons.
Desbrieux, rich, a magnificent bloom ; and Marguerite Marrouch, unusually
fine. But of especial interest and great promise is a buff rose-tinted
sport from Baronne de Prailly, which originated here last Beason,of which
Mr. Harding has now many plants. It will in all probability prove a
distinct acquisition, but whether Mr. Beckett’s sport from the same variety
certificated by the Committee of the National Chrysanthemum Society
last week is identical is an interesting point to determine, as should this
be the case it will be another instance of the same variety sporting for the
first time in two places in the same year. Everything in this not large
garden is done well, and among other things was noticed what is cer¬
tainly one of the finest trees of Dryden Nectarine in the kingdom, a
variety of which Mr. Harding speaks in terms of the highest praise. It
is one of Mr. Rivers’ seedlings not yet widely known and cultivated.

DOVER HOUSE.

Dover House, Roehampton, the suburban residence of J. S. Morgan,
Esq., is only a few minutes’ walk from Bristol House. The gardens,
which rank amongst the best kept in the kingdom, are under the skilful
management of Mr. Forbes. Indications of wealth are very apparent
here, and not less so its judicious application. The highest order and
utmost cleanliness prevail indoors and out, and the various and extensive
glass structures are well occupied with Vines, fruit trees, Tomatoes, and
plants. Chrysanthemums are remarkably well grown, blooms being pro¬
duced worthy of a place in the best competition ; but this is not the
object of the proprietor. A large light span -roofed house is now filled
with plants, arranged to slope from the centre to the two sides, and from
the end to the door ; and as the majority of these are in full bloom the
effect is very imposing. As these fade others will take their places, and a
prolonged display maintained, about 700 or 800 plants being grown for
this purpose. One of the richest is L’Isle des Plaisirs, velvet crimson
suffused with gold, broad flat florets, and very telling. Wonderfully broad
petalled and fine are blooms of Mrs. G. Rundle, while Madame Lacroix
and the following, among others, are bearing splendid blooms : — Japanese :
Val d’Andorre, Bouquet Fait, Elaine, Mons. Tarin, Comte de Germiny,
Margot, Chang, James Salter, J. Delaux, and Madame de Sevin. In¬
curved : Beverley, Mr. Bunn, Lady Hardinge, Jeanne d’Arc, Refulgence,
Lord Derby, Prince Alfred, Emily Dale, Venus, Empress of India, and
Mrs. Dixon. The foliage is dark, thick, glossy, and clean, and altogether
the display is worthy of the excellent garden in which it is produced ;
more need not be said.

ROEHAMPTON HOUSE.

Adjoining the grounds of Dover House is this, the residence of the
Countess of Leven and Melville, a fine old mansion overlooking delight¬
ful and well wcoded pleasure grounds, in which some grand old Cedars
of Labanon are conspicuous ornaments. Mr. Berry has been the head
gardener at Roehampton House for upwards of twenty years, during
which time he has proved a formidable competitor at many Chrysanthe¬
mum shows and the winner of numerous prizes. But ardency for ex¬
hibiting wanes with advancing years, and he is now one of those
Chrysanthemum veterans, though still in his prime, who content them¬
selves with showing if they happen to have creditable blooms at the right
time, not moving the plants from house to house for retarding or ad¬
vancing to “ bring them in ” on a given date. His plants are now mostly
arranged in a conservatory, not in the form of a sloping bank, but
sinuously, and very effective the display will be about “ show time.”
That he will have good blooms is certain, because such strong and well
matured plants are bound to produce them. The leading varieties are
grown in exhibition style — that is, three or four blooms on a plant from
crown buds, and the majority will be “ in ” early in November. In Mr.
Berry’s cottage silver cups are more plentiful than usual, mostly left by
his relative, the late Mr. Rowe, who, with his wife, was suddenly taken
away ; and Mr. Berry, having made himself responsible for the support
and education of some of the family, will be justified in disposing of these
trophies. They do not bear inscriptions. In a case of this kind — true
charity — this allusion is permissible, and societies may desire to procure
small cups for prizes at a moderate cost.

Our theme may be departed from for a moment to note that Mr. Berry
appears to grow Roses od the extension system — dwarfs pushing up shoots
6 to 8 feet long, which will be bent down and secured to break and produce
flowers from every bud, the old or flowering wood of last year being,
Raspberry fashion, cut out. That is the way to get armfuls of Roses for
vase and general decorative purposes, and the reminder, for it is a good
old plan, may perhaps be usefully recorded here.

DOWNSHIBE HOUSE.

This is “ just over the way ” from the place above named, and is the
charmingly situated residence of D. B. Chapman, Esq. (gardener, Mr.
Sullivan). It is evidently a much-cherished garden, and certainly well
managed, houses and frames being filled with clean and well-grown
plants ; grounds beautifully wooded, artistically arranged, and most

October 21, 1886. 1

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

869

agreeably diversified, everything denoting the exercise of much thought
and well applied effort in the general management. It is seldom that
finer plants of Chrysanthemums' are seen than here ; vigorous yet short-
jointed and firm, with splendid deep green foliage, bold swelling buds, and
large expanding blooms. If they “ finish ” well they must be fine ;
indeed some are fine now, the “ Rundle family ” being large enough for
good stands, in which they are not often seen in these days of big blooms.
A deep lilac Anemone Japanese variety, “Margaret Solleville,” is much
prized ; Madame Lacroix excellent, Princess Beatrice of unusual depth ;
Refulgence, large, full, and rich; Princess of Wales, just “ coming,” as
Mr. Molyneux would like to see; and the Royal group — the “Queen
family,” including the new Bronze Queen, with buds large enough for
anything, but some of them not opening kindly, the centres crumpled and
unyielding. This is from no lack of vigour nor enfeebled root-action, and
the circumstance is not easy to account for, the hot sun of the early days
of the month having perhaps had some influence in the matter. Soot
appears to be a stimulant much relied on in supporting the plants, and
their condition affords conclusive evidence that they enjoy the fare pro¬
vided. They are strong enough without being “ frothy ” for developing
very large blooms, but, as before indicated, the test will be in finishing
them. Let us hope they will finish well, because good cultural attention
has undoubtedly been bestowed in their production.

THE KINGSTON NURSERIES.

“ Jacksons of Kingston,” is a familiar name in the Chrysanthemum
world, several new and valuable varieties having been distributed from
this establishment, and the proprietor of the nurseries, for there is more
than one, is the esteemed Secretary of the Kingston Chrysanthemum
Society, which has done so much in inciting public interest in the flower,
and in promoting high culture, as well as stimulating other societies to
offer generous prizes for the attainment of the same object. Four or
five hundred plants are grown in the home nursery annually and arranged
in the show house, which is 50 or 60 feet long. The nature of the
structure renders dwarf plants indispensable, and they are dwarf, numbers
of them not exceeding 2 feet in height. This is the result of cutting down
in June, and of a check the plants received after their final potting. The
blooms are consequently somewhat late, and not, perhaps, quite so fine as
usual ; yet not a lew will be good, and a bright and attractive display will
be produced in the course of a fortnight or three weeks. Very good now,
or promising, according to the stage of the expanding blooms, are Moon¬
light, a new American variety, sulphur yellow, soft and clear ; Hon. John
Welsh, crimson purple ; Lord Byron, bronzy red ; Frizou, a beautiful
clear canary yellow, excellent for decorative purposes ; L’lsle desPlaisirs,
very rich ; Madame Lacroix, John Salter, Lady Selborne, Martha
Harding, and Pelican, which is expected to prove an acquisition. The
value of Alexander Dufour planted out for affording a wealth of floriferous
purplish crimson sprays for cutting is very apparent, the plants being
dwarf, bearing innumerable small blooms, which are excellent for
associating with white flowers in vases, and for other decorative purposes.
Grown in this natural way Alexander Dufour is a miniature Japanese,
and would undoubtedly be useful in many gardens and familiar where
such flowers are in demand for decorative purposes. No one can visit
this nursery without admiring the speoimen Heaths of various sizes ;
it is wonderful how clear and healthy they are in the middle of a town,
and it can only be by consummate skill and unremitting attention that
this high standard of excellence can be maintained. Camellias, too,
astonish by their floriferousness, a dozen buds in a cluster in many
instances, and also in the axils of the leaves of the young growth. To
free growth for a time, then a rather sudden check, is attributed the con¬
dition of these very noteworthy plants. A general look round the
nursery adds to the pleasure of a visit to the Chrysanthemums. It may
be mentioned that a good opening will be afforded to new exhibitors at
the Kingston Show this year, some of the past prizewinners in the group
classes having left the neighbourhood, and Mr. Molyneux thinks he has
done enough in the “big cup” class. There will also be room to win
also in the specimen plant department.

WARREN HOUSE.

Warren House, Coombe Warren, near Kingston, is the beautiful suburban
residence of Lord Wolverton, whose gardener, Mr. G. Woodgate, is com¬
petent in many things besides growing Chrysanthemums. Of these be
grows about four hundred plants, and grows them well. They are chiefly
in 7 and 8-inch pots, and now arranged in three-quarter span-roofed
houses, the plants ranging from 3 feet to 7 feet high, clean and healthy,
with the buds unfolding kindly, and fresh well-finished blooms will pro¬
bably be ready at show time. Among the more promising are Novelty,
Pelican, Mrs. Shipman, Lady Hardinge, J. Delaux, Thomas Mahood,
Mons. Tarin, M. Desbireux, Val d’Andorre, Safranum, L’lncomparable,
Venus, Jeanne d’Arc, Piince of Wales, Margot, Marguerite Marrouch, and
John Laing, most or all of which will develope good blooms, some not
improbably very fine. Mr. Woodgate has never had a more satisfactory
collection, and as he knows how to finish the blooms and stage them to
advantage, he will almost certain be “ in ” in some of the classes in which
he may compete. Great improvements have been carried out in the
gardens and pleasure grounds by Mr. Woodgate since the acquirement of
the estate by the present owner. In the, summer splendid standard and
pyramidal Bays are arranged on the terraces, and the Japanese garden
formed and planted by the late Mr. James Veitch contains such Conifers
and shrubs as are not seen every day. The grounds overlook the Coombe
Wood Nurseries of Messrs. Veitch, perhaps the most beautiful in their
way in the kingdom, rich in ornamental trees and shrubs, and withal in
such high keeping that shrubs have been removed that obstructed the

view to whit is undoubtedly a picturesque feature in the landscape as seen
from the pleasure grounds of Warren House. Mr. Woolgate is to be con¬
gratulated on lrs Chrysanthemums and the gtrdens generally that he
manages so well.

COOMBE RIDGE.

Coombe Warren was the original name of the delighiful residence
now the property of W. Middleton Campbell, Esq., where Mr. C. Orchard
has for several years practised so successfully as a Chrysanthemum
grower and general gardener, and where he is still engaged discharging
his duties sonscientiously and well. It is questionable if any cultivator
in the kingdom has a more intimate knowledge of Chrysanthemums than
Mr. Orchard has ; he knows all the varieties, and has their origin and
peculiarities at his fingers’ ends, so to speak. Hj grows the plants for
home adornment, and exhibits them in groups, rather than cutting the
blooms for arranging in stands. He has during the past year arranged
some of the best groups that have been seen at exhibitions, these groups
oombining excellence of culture in the plants, and a tasteful association
of colours of the blooms. His plants this year in excellent condition,
dozens of them not exceeding 2 feet in height, as clean and healthy a3
plants can be, and four to six buds on each just showing their colours.
The dwarf plants are later than the tall, it being found that the blooms of
the former develope more quickly after the florets commence unfolding
than these do on stems 2 or 3 feet higher — a rather interesting point in
culture. There will be a rich display of Cullingfordi at Combe Ridge,
and amongst others the following are advancing in a highly satisfactory
manner Jupiter, Mons. Tarin, Martha Hirding, Frizou, J. Delaux,
Madame Lacroix, Henri Jacotot, Mens. J. Laing, Madame Laing,
L’Ebouriffee, Madame de Sevin, and Fernand Fdral. Belle Paule has
shown its weakness in the buds failing to set and swell freely, and
seems to be about the only faulty variety in this choice and admirably
grown collection. Mr. Orchard appears to grow Apples as well a3 he
grows Chrysanthemums, the gardens containing a number of model
trees, not precocious pigmies, but splendid free pyramids, 12 t) 18 feet
high, and the fruit from them is remarkably fine. The opinion prevails
to some extent among persons who fail to grow Chrysanthemums well that
those who succeed with them above their fellows can grow “ nothing else.”
No greater mistake can be made than that, for the possession of qualities
requisite for growing these plants and blooms to the highest degree of
excellence enable cultivators to excel in other things, and as a rule they
do excel, so far as means allow, in whatever they undertake. This is
evident in many gardens besides the one so well managed by Mr.
Orchard at Coombe Ridge.

MOB DEN PARK.

When the inquiry is heard, as it often is at this season, of, “ How is
Gibson ?” it is not the health of that renowned cultivator that is the chief
object of solicitude, but the condition of Mr. Wormald’s Chrysanthemums ;
therefore, when in reply we say, “ Gibson is looking well and strong,” we
mean those plants. The grower of them looks just the stme as usual —
always pleasant. Mr. Gibson is one of the best exhibitors in the king¬
dom, no one carrying his honours more modestly, and certainly no one
losing more agreeably. “ If a man loses,” he says, “ as he must expect to
do, what is the use of blaming judges for not knowing better? It is he
that should try to d) better another year.” There is a good deal of
philosophy in the observation, as it is very rarely a man who loses a prize
and grumbles accomplishes mere than making himself uncomfortable.
But to the plants. They are wonderfully fine, strong, and matured, the
early ones bearing splendid blooms, and the later steadily advancing for the
prize stands. If Mr. Gibson were to bestow the same pains in presenting
his blooms in the best condition at the critical time that Mr. M dyneux
does he would be a more formidable competitor than he is. The critical
time is on the morning of the show and after the stands are arranged in
position. He is, however, formidable enough for the majority, and if
there is a grower in England who is content with a reasonable share of
success that man is Mr. C. Gibson of Morden Park. H s plants range
from 6 feet to 8 or 9 feet high, and are strong in proportion, with thick
but not dark foliage. Some of the blooms are suffering from damp, and
those of the Queen family are not as a rule opening kindly, but have
“ scaly ” centres. In this he is not alone, for there are plenty of other
persons in the same boat. Among the more promising of the incurved
section are Princess of Wales and Cherub, very fine ; Golden Empres5,
Bronze Queen, Princess Beatrice, Le Grand, Jeanne d’Arc, Nil Desper-
andum, Lord Wolseley, and Barbara. Exceedingly fine in the Japanese
section are Golden Dragon, White Dragon, Grandiflora, La Boule d’Or,
Maiden’s Blush, and Comte Beauregard, while Mons. Burnet, Fernard
Feral, I.’ Adorable, Val d’Andorre, Thunberg, Criterion, Comte de
Germiny, Marguerite Marrouch, and Madame Lacroix are developing ex¬
cellent representative blooms. The “ shades of evening ” prevented our
seeing anything else at Morden Park besides the Chrysanthemums and
their skilful grower, but we had quite sufficient compensation for several
miles drive in what our coachman described as very “ regular weather” —
a regular downpour of drenching rain.

THE CAMBERWELL NURSERY.;

Mr. N. Davis is widely known amongst Chrysanthemum growers, and
some hundreds make an annual journey to the Lilford Road Nursery to
inspect the great collection which has gained so much fame. Each season
for several years past there has been a steady improvement in the display
provided there, and this season it is even more extensive than usual.
Several new houses have been erected and in addition to the large show
house will be devoted to the “ Mums.” One in particular, which has been
gay with early-flowering varieties for some weeks past, will shortly be

870

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ October 21, 1888

re-arranged and filled with the late-flowering sorts to form a succession to
the main display. Two other houses not quite finished will contribute
some attraction another season. The chief house is a lofty span-roof
structure 65 feet long by 30 wide, the majority of the plants being arranged
to form a central bed, tbe banks sloping to each side. All the best of the
exhibition varieties are represented, together with a selection of this year’s
novelties, the merits of which can thus be readily compared with those of
the older favourites. The plants generally are dwarfer than usual, yet
vigorously healthy, well furnished with foliage, and bearing buds of a
most promising character. Mr. Davis thinks that Japanese varieties will
be better than usual this season in most collections, but numerous com¬
plaints have been received respecting the incurved, which in many
instances have hard centres and are not expanding “kindly.”

Only a few of the novelties are yet sufficiently advanced to indicate
their true characters, but two that appear likely to give satisfaction are
William Clarke and Edouard Audiguier, both Japinese varieties. The
former is remarkable for its curious colour, a kind of salmon suffused
with red, the bloom of good substance. Edouard Audiguier is a very
promising variety, andjone that will probably be much prized for its colour.
The florets are long and narrow, but the bloom is full and of good shape,
the colour being an intensely rich crim?on maroon. La Triomphe, near
the above, is noteworthy, but its true character cannot be decided at
present ; it seems to be one of the hybrids, something between a reflexed
and a Japanese, it has a large bloom, broad floret, and is of a rather
pleasing shade of rosy purple. William Holmes, which has already
received four certificates this season, is past its best now, but one hand¬
some bloom remained at the time of our visit to show what a capital
variety it is. Though not a novelty Frizou should be mentioned here,
as it is a very useful bright yellow Japanese for early flowering, coming
in well as a compinion to Jame3 Salter and Lady Selborne, its fresh
clear tint being most acceptable. The two last named are contributing
to the display, as also are the rosy mauve Mons . Tarin, the bright red Roi des
Precoces, the free large white Pompon Mrs. Cullingf jrd, and La Vierge.
It might be added, that both James Salter and Lady Selborne are flowered
from the terminal bud, as Mr. Davis finds they open more quickly and
are of better clearer colour.

A new reflexed named Fulvie, of a rosy purple hue, will probably be
found a good addition to the limited list of these varieties. The Pompon
Alice Butcher is in capital condition, equally as free as its parent Lyon,
and valuable for its fine bright reddish bronze colour. Blanche Pertuzes
is a good early dwarf white Pompon, especially adapted for culture in
pots, as it does not exceed 18 inches in height, compact and very free.
Martha Harding, as here grown, is the same as Thomas Todman, which
made its appearance two or three years since, and it is disappointing
that more care is not exercised in distributing new varieties.

A great many other varieties are fast advancing, but it will be quite a
fortnight before they are in their best condition.

IMPAT1ENS SULTANI.

AMONGST the numerous conservatory flowering plants Impatiens
Sultani ranks in my opinion as one of the best. With us it is exception¬
ally fine at the present time, flowering profusely. For cutting and table
decoration I mu t admit we have better plants, "but for the conservatory
it is most valuable, especially at this time of year. It is generally
known it can be bad in flower all the year round with a succession of
p’ants ; but the time it comes in most useful to us is in September and
October, and 1 think in most establishments it will be welcomed then, as
in October flowering plants are very scarce. My mode of having plants in
bloom at the above-mentioned time is to insert cuttings about the middle
of May. They will strike easily in any ordinary potting soil finely sifted,
with a good sprinkling of sand. Place them in a bottom heat of 80° ;
shade from sun. When struck transfer them into 60-size pots. The soil
that I find to su t them best is equal parts of loam and leaf soil, with a
little sand and bone-dust added. Place them in a good steady moist
heat till the plants root into the new soil, and then gradually harden them
in a frame. Examine the plants at intervals to see if they want potting,
at it is a great mistake to let the pots get too full of roots. The final
shift is into 32-size, or 6-inch pots, the same compost as before. Place
the plants as low down in the pot as possible, so as to leave room for a
topdressing a little later on, the compost for topdressing to consist of a
mixture of leaf mould and spent Mushroom dung, with a little sand and
bones added ; this last addition will greatly benefit them. Never stop the
points of the plants ; let them grow in their own natural way, as I tiiink
i . is far the best. About the beginning of Septe nber take them out of
the frame into a conservatory. Stake the plants out as they require it,
as when placed in conservatory, especially in dark places, they get drawn.
Keep the plants in as light a p’ace as possible, as these flowers come a
much better colour. The brilliant display they make till the Chrysan¬
themums are brought in will well repay for the trouble bestowed upon
them. — W. Roberts, Llwyngmern, Machynlleth.

BRIEF NOTES.

Overhauling. — This is a subject well worthy of being brought to
the front, as poiutel out by “ Experientia Dicet” at page 311, but my
mot ve in referring to it is to draw attention to the Vines and Peach trees
now languishing in hundreds of gardens and which need attention at the
roots. Many Vines and Peach trees are termed “worn out” at the time
when they ought to be at the height of fertility. Many gardeners regard
disturbing a Vine or Peach root as little better than sacrilege, but if they

only knew the benefit that would result from the old soil being removed
from the roots, these being lifted and laid in fertile soil, they would
regard it as part of their annual wcrk. It only needs a little courage to
start, and if delayed for another eeason it only means another poor crop
of fruit. Where the borders are partly inside and out, one part could be
renewed one season and the other the next, and instead of the crop being
weakened the following season it would be much better. The time to do
the work is as soon as the crop is off and the leaves still on. The work
should be performed quickly, so all hands that are available should be
employed in the work. If the border is a wide one, a trench should be
cut straight through, 8 feet from the Vines or Peach trees, and the soil
carefully worked out from amongst the roots. As the work proceeds
these should be kept out of the way. If the drainage is out of order it
should be rectified, and the roots carefully laid in the new soil as near to
the top as it is possible to place them. A good watering with tepid water,
and if an outside border covering a foot deep in leaves, will complete
the operation.

Apple Yorkshire Beauty. — At page 315 “A Thinker” asks for
further particulars about Apple Yorkshire Beauty. It is really the old
Greenup’s Pippin, and which is its original name. Whilst being shown a
few weeks since through the Witley Court Gardens by Mr. Austin he
pointed out this Apple as of good quality and very prolific. The fruits
were hanging like ropes of Onions.” The following is the descrip¬
tion given of it in the “ Fruit Manual — “ Fruit above medium size,
3 inches wide and 2£ deep, rounded ovate, broadest at the base, and with
a prominent rib on one side, extending from the base to the crown. Skin
smooth, pale straw coloured tinged with green on the shaded side, but
covered with beautiful bright red on the side next the sun, and marked
with several patches of thin delicate russet. It was discovered in the
garden of a shoemaker at Keswick named Greenup.” This is one of the
little known Apples well worthy of extensive cultivation.

Trenched v. Untrenched Soil. — I do not wish to enter into the
discussion between Mr. Iggulden and “ A Kent'sh Gardener,” but I can
fully believe how injudicious it would be for Mr. Iggulden to trench the
garden at Marston as trenching is generally understood — i.e , two spits
deep, the good soil being placed at tbe bottom and the bad on the top.
the result being poor crops. The garden that I have charge of has as stiff
and unworkable a soil as any garden in this country, but yet it is not bad
soil, for when any vegetable gets established they will “ go.” It has
taken many years to get the surface into “ fettle ” by draining, liming, <fcc.,
and if this top soil was turned down it would take many more years to
get it into order again. We do a little trenching occasionally, but it is
what is termed bastard trenching — i.e., two spits deep, the good and top
soil being placed at the top and the bottom turned over and improved by
burned garden refuse. A great deal of the soil has been burned in some
parts of the garden, and we intend to burn as much as we possibly can
this winter, and with draining and liming is about the best corrective a
heavy soil can have. In a garden that I had charge of in North Wales
you could trench as much as you liked, as the crops of vegetables testified,
but then it was an alluvial soil. In another garden “ on the gravel ” we
had to trench (but not to bring the gravel up) and work in plenty of good
soil.— A. Young.

THE NON-VENTILATING SYSTEM.

On the saving of Cucumber seed when tbe plants are grown on the
“ express system,” I have but little to say, and intend to be brief. I know
very little about the subject, never having put seed-saving into practice
when growing Cucumbers without ventilation. The Prescot growers save
their own seed, and some of them grow for sale, but not on a large scale
I have every reason to believe.

Mr. Iggulden believes that more fruits can be produced without the
aid of ventilati >n than by the old general system ; there can be no doubt
whatever on that point by all familiar with this method of culture. But
he affirms that the plants pro luce more than they can perfect — his
qualification of perfection I have not overlooked. In growing Cucumbers
for daily use in private gardens or f ir the market who wants them to per¬
fect an average number of seeds ? It is not only better for the plants, but
the fruit is better for use when cut before it can be determined whether
they contain perfect or imperfect seed. For all purposes — except seel
bearing— a Cucumber is perfect when ready for cutting on whatever
principle it mav be grown. My friend admits that the fruits grow very
fast. Now, I have always been under the impression that the quicker
they can be grown the better they are, and this is a point in favour of the
praitice I pointed out a few years ago. When seed is required, whatever
system of culture is pursued, the plants must be given special treat¬
ment, and not exhausted by fruiting before an attempt is made to save
seed. Some varieties are very shy seeders, and if every flower is fertilised
a la-ge per-centage of fruits will prove barren.

Mr. Iggulden has tried the new system, and now condemns it because
he has failei. It is clear, judging from his article on the subject, that my
friend does not understand this method of growing Cucumbers, and there¬
fore I am not surprised that he failed in his first attempt. He is prema¬
ture in his condemnations, and evidently did not think that those familiar
with the system would discover the weak points in his method of proce¬
dure. The main contention is that it will never answer in private
gardens on account of the close and constant attention that is required to
carry it into effect successfully. This is one of the weak points in Mr.
Jggulden’s article, and displays his want of knowledge on this subject. No
other method of culture with which I am familiar gives such an immunity
from trouble, care, and attention as the Prescot system of culture. Why

Ootobor 21, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

371

has it been adopted by them ? Simply to free them from that constant and
almost hourly attention in ventilating, damping, and the atticks of red
spider brought about by the varying atmosphere caused by the old prac¬
tice. The only attention these growers give is liberal waterings at the
root and syringing the home twice daily according to the state of the
weather. The syringings given are not mere sprinkles that are dried up
in a few minutes. Some of them water and syringe with a rose on the end
of a 2-inch hose pipe, one end in the tank, one man pumping, and the
other directing the hose. The houses are saturated, or I think the more
appropriate term will be flooded. They have evidently dispelled the old
notion of syringing early in the afternoon, so that the foliage will be dry
by evening. They invariably give the evening 11 dousing ” about eight
o’clock. I have see a them doing it later, when nearly dark.

Evaporation, says Mr. Iggulden, is enormous, and if the hoase is
neglected for five minutes the plants are certain to be scorched. Surely
evaporation could not be very excessive with the heavy shading that
appears 1 1 have been applied. Even supposing no shading is used, evapora¬
tion could not be so rapid as would be the case in a structure that was
freely ventilated. To keep the atmosphere of a structure moist when the
ventilators are open and the external air is hot and dry considerable atten¬
tion is needed, and time required to pour water about the floor and other
parts of the structure to prevent it becoming too dry. Nearly as fast as
water can be poured down it is drawn out, and the soil in which the plants
are growing, as well as the atmospheric conditions of the house, become
much drier than could possibly be the case on the non-ventilating system.
If Mr. Iggulden’s plants scorched I am afraid they suffered by an insuffi¬
cient supply of water at their roots and in the atmosphere. They might
flag and the foliage wither by this cause, but they ciuld not be scorched
when heavy shading was employed.

I am afraid the shade employed was too heavy, and had something to
do with the failure at the time stated. It must be remembered that
Cucumbers require a large amount of light if they are expected to do
well. They may grow freely enough under dense shade, but they cer¬
tainly fail to fruit satisfactorily ; or, if they do fruit heavily for a time,
they become exhausted quickly. Shade for Melons is very rarely practised,
why shade heavily for Cucumbers ? The present growers only syringe a
little whitening on the glass, and they find the afternoon sun when
shining directly upon the plants is the most trying. In such cases the
plants might be slightly scorched if piovision were not made to prevent it,
but with a southern aspect burning would not take place provided plenty
of water was applied to the roots and abundance in the atmosphere.
However, light shade in this position might be applied with advantage.

Perhaps Mr. Iggulden will explain how he colours his Crotons when
grown on the non-ventilating principle with shade applied. Some, such
as the old C. variegatus, C. Morti, and a few others, jwill colour wbh
shade, but the majority would be perfectly green. If my articles had
been carefully followed your correspondent would have observed that I
have from time to time advocated a very close system of treatment. I
have long since regarded the favoured “chink” of air as a thing of the
past. I never think of giving air to my stove from November until
April or May, and very little after. Tea Roses are subjected to the same
treatment from the time they are started all through the spring months.
Warm Orchids have the same treatment. I cannot possibly understand
the object of those who arrange the laps of their Orchid houses so that
air day and night can have free access. The only object or result that I
can perceive arises from such treatment is a chill to the plants and an
increased expenditure for fuel. It is clear that a moister atmosphere can
be maintained, and also less water is required at the roots of the plants
without the use of the ventilators. This is a great advantage in the
cultivation of plants in pots, fur I have long since been convinced that
watering daily, or twice or more in a day, as the case may be, is not only
unnatural but injurious to the plants. The longer the soil in the pots
can he kept in an intermedia'e state for moisture without applying water
the more luxuriantly they grow. It is on this account that I have advo¬
cated again and again plunging the pots, covering the rim and surface of
the soil if possible. 1 have struck Crotons and grown them by this
method until they have been large plants in 10-inch po's without pouring
any water into them. They were grown without air, fully exposed to the
sun, liberally syringed, the atmosphere and plunging material being kept
moist.

It may surprise some of your readers, perhaps Mr. Iggulden too, when
I say we grew our early Grapes last season until they commenced
ripening without ever opening the ventilators. We could have cut on the
7th of May, but the fruit was not required until the following week.
The f oliage, to all appearance, was equal to another house grown by the
aid of ventilation, and they coloured equally as well, if not better. Those
who maintain that a “ chink ” of air top and front is essential to flavour
and colour can try to explain away these fac’s. Opening the ventilators
early in the season when forcing Grapes is certainly wrong, and admits
cold air into the house, causes a chill to the Vines, increases the coal bill
without any return in the shape of superior Grapes.

The system of vent lating early and midseason Peach houses after
they are once started, posses es no advantages whatever over keeping the
houses perfectly close until the stoning period, or as long as the internal
temperature can be kept within reasonable bounds. It is a very common
practice to admit air daily from the time of starting, and frequently a cir-
cu'ation during sunny weather when in bloom, and so on through their
various stages until the fruit is ripe. With us this treatment frequently
■resu ted in a slight touch of mildew on the trees ; the cause was most per¬
plexing for a time, but was discovered to be the remit of admitting air
th it was much colder than the atmosphere of the house. The house from

which ripe fruit was gathered in May never had the ventilators open
from the time of staiting until the stoning period, when a little air on
very bright days was admitted at the top. If I remember rightly the
front ventilators were never used until the fruit commenced ripening.
What was the result of this treatment ? No mildew, spider, or fly, and I
think the condition of the trees was most satisfactory, for they pleased my
friend Mr. Iggulden. The night “chink” of air on vineries and Peach
houses at any season of the year, I mean the growing season, is, I am
firmly convinced, all nonsense. The achievements that were to be accom¬
plished by its aid, the scoldings and threatenings, and things more serious
to the young men in charge, has made but few converts. The old and
mysterious system of ventilation is fast dying out except with Orchid
enthusiasts, who have very recently revived it, in fact, are pract:sing it on
a more liberal principle than ever advocated or practised by the leading
gardeners of the “gooi old times.” Ventilating plant and fruit houses,
which perplexed me not a little, and caused me hours of anxious thought
whether I ever should master the intricate details or not, I have en¬
deavoured to make simple and easy in these gardens. For six months
of the year, or, say, during most trying period of the year, we never venti¬
late at all except for Azileas that we want to retard as long as possible,
and in the conservatory where an agreeable temperature is required for
sitting in. Even Azaleas and Camellias here make their growth during
the spring and early summer months without opening the ventilators.

When plants are grown on the non-ventilation system they require a
corresponding amount of light— that is, more light than if grown by the
aid of ventilation. If this is not practised many plants grow too rapidly,
and do not possess that solidity essential to flower them well or render
foliage plants lasting under the hardships to which many of them are
subjected. The majority of houses in private gardens have been wrongly
constructed, but a great improvement has been made of late years. Too
much attention has been paid to side lights anl ventilators for houses in
which to grow decorative plants. Thousands of houses erected for the
purpose are not suitable. They may have cost much money, but are only
makeshift places at the best. Side lights and front ventilation are not
needed; a little ventilation might be provided at the top with advantage.
In such houses a moist genial atmosphere can be maintained about the
plants, and considerable labour in watering saved. When little or no air is
given the plants do not dry half so quickly, and a good syringing or sprinkle
with a rose watering can suffices for a day or two, or longer, instead of
pouring water into the pots two or three times a day in hot dry weather.
The plants do better because a more uniform condition of moisture is
maintained about their roots.

The system of plunging plants of late years has partly died out, the
method, and a good one, having been condemned because the plants were
injured by careless persons entrusted with the work of watiring. This
is about the only argument that can be brought forward against plunging,
which when carefully examined carries neither weight nor force with it.
Plants do much better plunged — that is, most plants — than st ood upon the
surface with their pots exposed, evaporation is less, and they stand for
a much longer period moist without pouring water in their pots. If there
is one ruinous system of plant culture in vogue it is the laborious
system of watering which can, to a large extent, be prevented by
plunging the pots and the close system of culture. Few who have
not practised these methods of culture can realise the ease with which
splendid decorative specimens can be grown. — Wm Bardney.

LAVATERA ARBOREA VARIEGATA.

This plant, about which there was at one time some doubt as to its
realising the glowing description given of it, appears to be gaining favour
with many cultivators. I have seen several examples of it this season,
and all are noble and ornamental plants, though some are more variegated
than others. This I think is accounted for by the difference in the
character or composition of the soil, but in all instances it is a most use¬
ful plant for large beds or borders, where it is a very conspicuous plant in
the background. It is, however, seen at its best when planted as a single
specimen on the lawn. Here it developes itself into a fine specimen,
pyramid in shape, compact growth, and well furnished with foliage, and
capitally variegated. The finest plants I have seen are growing in the
grounds of Southgate House, Southgate. It is there a great favourite.
Mr. Osborne is the gardener there, and the way he treats it is by raising
the plants either from seed or cuttings in early autumn, keeping them in
store pots all the winter, anl in spring pots them into 5-inch pots and
grows them in these till planting out time, when suitable situations are
found for them. They are treated in every way as an ordinary bedding
plant. The variegation c mss out best where the soil is not too rich.
Some of the plants are 5 feet high and nearly as much through, stout,
string, and handsome. — Thomas Record.

THE INSECT ENEMIES OF OUR GARDEN CROPS.

THE APPLE.

(.Concluded from page 1G0.)

Allied to the aphides and cocci mentioned in our preceding
article is the little insidious pest that, from its resemblance to a
musselshell in miniature, has been styled the mussel scale, or
Aspidiotus conchiformis. 1 have never seen a ma'e and doubt
if that sex has been noticed in Britain ; it would be winged and
a brief insect of autumn. The females are flat, curved
somewhat, wrinkled, and brown or reddish brown, of course

372

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDE HER.

[ October 21, 1886.

wingless. Although it is a species occurring both on the
Apple and Pear, it is seldom injurious to the latter, as the
Apple is its favourite, and some varieties have been said to be
specially attacked — the Wellington, for instance. This scale
may swarm on the tender bark of the trunk, or cluster on the
branches. In either case its colour and shape make it liable to
be overlooked. Upon raising one of these scales in the spring,
at the small end we perceive the shrivelled body of the parent
and at the large end her progeny, some fifty or sixty eggs, which
have been screened through the winter by the protective shell
from the weather, partially perhaps from insect enemies. When
hatched, the tiny scale, which ai-e whitish, flat, and able to make
active use of their six legs, speedily quit the shell, travelling
about rapidly as they employ their suckers in extracting sap.
Not many days will have elapsed before the insects begin to
fasten down, and they increase in size till they become pupae,
then imagos, parents of the next year’s brood, for there seems to
be but one each season. Yet it is a species capable of affecting
the vitality of a tree seriously, besides greatly lessening its pro¬
duce of fruit. The application of oil— linseed oil has been found
best— certainly kills this scale, but the possibility that harm may
be caused by it leads us to scrach this off the list of remedies,
since it may prove nearly as bad as the disease. A diligent
scrubbing during autumn with a dressing compounded of soap
and tobacco destroys the insect speedily. Some folks prefer the
slower process of covering the bark with a paste, say of sof tsoap,
sulphur, and clay, which gradually dries and drops off. Nicotine
soap is excellent, but too expensive for use save in the case of
choice trees; and the solution of petroleum, already recom¬
mended for a variety of insect pests, will bring away the mussel
scale if a spring appearance of the young calls for washing or
syringing.

About the size of the preceding, though of habits quite dif¬
ferent, is the weevil that attacks the blossom of the Apple,
Anthronomus pomorum, an insect more destructive in continental
than in English orchards, but it occasionally does notable damage
here, and a backward season favours its increase. It is worth
while to explain how this is. The female beetle is particularly
fastidious and goes from flower bud to flower bud, selecting those
of a certain size and fulness which will suit her progeny; the
more rapid therefore the opening of the buds, the shorter is the
time for the weevil to lay eggs. This may make a difference of
from one week to two or more in the time this species is busy.
We have to thank Roller for pointing out this fact, one at least
against the theory of some country folks that late seasons are
likely to be best. Should a weevil, as may happen, deposit eggs
on blossoms too far advanced, the newly hatched grub generally
dies for lack of sufficient shelter from sun and rain. A single
egg is placed in each blossom visited, and small as the weevil is
the number each female deposits is presumed to be considerable,
the beak being broughkinto use to pierce the Apple bloom.
About a week after the grub emerges, white, with a black head,
and it devours the stamens and pistils, finishing on the receptacle
itself, but avoiding the peta’s. Three weeks mostly suffice for
its growth to maturity, when it changes to pupa in the flower,
and the beetle or weevil is speedily developed.

Infected blossoms cannot be cured, but their removal dimin¬
ishes next season’s brood of enemies to the Apple, and we have
to thank several of the smaller birds for their assiduous attention
to the flower buds, they having a taste which leads them to hunt
up this grub in the spring. Unfortunately, the grower of fruit
is less grateful to them than he might be if they went to work
differently, for it is certain they open a great many buds (by
accident, no doubt) which are free from the weevil maggot.
When the insect emerges from the bud, should it escape men
and birds, it crawls about the tree3 for weeks, or even months,
feeding occasionally on the leaves, but keeping itself much con¬
cealed, so that it is seldom noticed. The dropping of the leaves
is its warning to quit the tree ere the cold nights of autumn
come, and it then gets a lodgment amongst stones on the surface
of loose soil, or enters cracks in rough bark, where, however,
enemies still follow it, for it is hunted up by the wren, titmouse,
spanow, and other birds during winter. It has been suggested
to adopt the same expedient with the female weevils that has
been successfully tried in the case of the winter moth — i.e., to
draw a line of tar or something else sticky round the trees, which
those that may crawl out of the earth in spring will not crawl
over. Those hiding under bark may most of them be removed
if proper measures are taken during winter to clear away frag¬
ments and keep the trunks and branches clean. Shaking the
twigs frequently at the egg-laying time will bring down 8 'me
weevils, yet this is but partially of service. Something might
be done possibly to keep them away from the buds by moistening

these with a liquid that would be distasteful to the insects,
though not hurtful to the Apple bloom.

The lisette or purple weevil of the Apple (Rhynchitis Bacchus)
is so named from the colour of the insect, which is golden purple
when it is fully developed, tinged with blue. This is a largish
weevil, nearly half an inch long. For many years past we have
not been much troubled by this pest of the Apple, a later one
than the preceding insect. After the Apples have attained some
size the females bore holes into the smooth side of the fruit,
depositing in each from one to four eggs, generally two. The
grubs feed without touching the core until they are full grown,
then they bring the Apple to the ground, quit it, and enter the
earth, becoming pupse, from which about May appear the beetles.
It is an insect also frequenting the Plum and Cherry, especially
on the Continent. Of the same genus, smaller, and of different
habit, is the weevil that some call the stem-borer, in science R.
alliari®, and if we catch one of these little creatures for examina¬
tion we see that the eyes are set at the lower end of the long beak,
so that they cannot be injured by its boring operations; and as to
bore successfully one must have a firm hold, the feet are well
equipped with pads and hooks, enabling the weevil to cling while
piercing to either a rough or a smooth surface. The plan pursued
by this injurious species is first to pierce a young shoot, and a
hole being made, the weevil widens it next into a little chamber
to make a comfortable abode for her offspring ; her last act is to
cut off the shoot about 4 or 5 inches from the tip, or else to leave
it hanging merely by a bit of the bark. The beetles appear in
the month of June, and small though they are their steely blue
colour makes them conspicuous, so they may be picked off young
trees or shaken into sheets placed beneath. Where the insect
occurs a careful search is advisable for all of the portions of
twigs cut off, which should be collected and burnt. The formid¬
able Apple-bark beetle of the Continent (Xyloterus dispar),
happily for us is very rare in Britain, but it has long been
observed that the bark of our trees is occasionally infested by a
less, yet rather similar insect, supposed for a time to be the
identical species so destructive to Elms (Scolytus destructor), it
is now regarded as distinct and named S. hoemorrhous. It is
minute, scarcely a line in length. The maggots feed in parties
under the bark from June till the following spring. The general
opinion of fruit growers who have observed it is that the beetle
only attacks unhealthy trees. Other beetles, occasional foes to
the Apple, need not be mentioned, but I must name the garden
beetle, Phyllopertha hcrticola, a species that as larva feeds on
the roots of our vegetables or on roots of grasses, and as a summer
beetle nibbles the leaves of various fruit trees and even devours
the just-forming fruit. Lastly, I should note that under the
bark of Apple trees or in cracks we sometimes find parties of
mites, chiefly of the genus Rhizoglyphus, much discussed in
these pages a short time since as being either the cause or the
consequence of canker. — Entomologist.

KITCHEN GARDEN.

Cleaning up. — Our vegetable garden is fast assuming a winter
aspect. The late Peas are over, Broad Beans are withered, Dwaif Kidney
Beans have ripened oil, Runner Beans have ceased to flower or f urn
fresh pods, Potatoes have all been harvested, and in short affairs generally
have come to a standst 11 ; but the garden would be untidy if left in its
present state, and in all cases a general and good cleaning up should be
given. Pea and Bean straw never make good manure, and the best way
is to burn them on the ground that they have been drawn from. Dead
leaves of every description should be put in a heap to decay for manure.
Where the Teas have been supported by wire netting roll this up care¬
fully and store it for another season. Where the Peas and Runner Beans
are staked pick out the best cf these and put them away fjr another
season ; they do very well for mixing with new ones. If it is too damp
to hoe among young crops hand-weed them, and clear away everything
that is unsightly or of no further use, and the garden will soon appear in¬
teresting and pleasing again.

KiTCmN Garden Walks. — Many put these in order at the begin¬
ning of t1 e summer, but it is of more importance that they be put in
order at the commencement of winter, as a low damp walk is hardly
noticed in the summer ; but now that there is so much rain and through¬
out the winter when the pathways are frequently wet, a walk in bad con¬
dition is very objectionable. They ought to be a few inches higher along
the centre than at the sides, and with a high and drypidge in tbe middle
comfort to the feet is insured at all t’mes. Where the walks are much

October 51, 1886. ]

373

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

on the incline it is often difficult to prevent the gravel or ashes
being washed down, and in such cases we would advise that grass walks
be made. We have lately seen some kitchen gardens on the face of
banks with grass walks, and they answered the purpose so well that they
ought to be generally introduced into gardens of this sort. In repairing
ordinary garden walks they should be picked up all over, the surface,
gravel, ashes, or whatever it may be, drawn to each side, then place a
quantity of rough material in the middle and replace the surface gravel.

Carrots. — Those from seed sown some time ago should be thinned to
a few inches apait. Young Carrots in autumn are almost as valuable as
early ones in spring, and a patch on a south border or a frameful will be
most useful during the next month or two. All the crops which are fully
grown should now be lifted and stored. As a rule the roots are very good
this season, and many of them are almost too large, but any which are
split or not good should be put on one side and only the best stored.
They may be drawn up by catching hold of the tops and pulling, or if
they fail to come up in this way they may be assisted with a fork. The
stems should be cut off close to the crown, and then bury them in a heap
closely packed together amongst seed or leaf soil. Ashes and sawdust may
also be used, but we prefer sand to any of them. They will keep well in
a shed or cellar or any cool dry place of this kind.

Beetroot, — This should also be taken up and stored in the same way
as the Carrots, but care should be taken that the roots are not broken in
any way, as when this happens the sap escapes and the root loses much of
its value. For the same reason the stems should not be closely cut into
the crown, but should always be left 3 inches or 4 inches in length. The
Carrots and Beet are the only roots we store at present, as Parsnips,
Salsafy, &c., are better in the ground for some time to come.

Herb Borders. — These should be cleaned for the winter, Remove
weeds and decayed growths, and give a good dressing of manure for
Mint, Tarragon, and all roots with no top growths above ground. Mint
is more inclined to spread than any other herb, and a small bed of it is
capable of giving a very large supply, and there is no profit in growing
more than is actually required, and where it has outrun its bounds it
should be cut in or rooted out before the permanent roots are top-
dressed.

Winter Spinach. — The autumn has been in favour of this, and the
plants have grown very freely of late. We are gathering now from
August-sown seed, but that sown in September will also soon be ready.
It is a good plan, however, to thin the late sowings more than the early
ones, as the plants can then develope freely without any drawing up or
pampering, and this is a great advantage to them when very severe
weather come?. From 6 to 8 inches is not too much space between the
plan's, and if they ara thinned out early they will make much hardier
plants than if allowe 1 to become crowded and then thinned. Where the
plants are still very small the inexperienced may be inclined to think
that they will never become a useful size, and hoe them up or throw
them away ; but if they are too late to be of use this autumn they will
grow larger and prove highly useful in the spring, and plenty of Spinach
in March and April is as acceptable as it is in October or November.

Leeks. — These are amongst the most useful of all winter vegetables,
and although some may regard them as a coarse vegetable they are not so
when properly cooked ; but, apart from their value as a dish, the cooks are
always glad to secure them for their soups, and a good supply never fails
to give satisfaction in the kitchen. A good length of white stem is very
desirable in all of them, and to secure this they must be earthed up. In
growing Leeks for exhibition they are earthed up from time to time as
they grow, but for table purposes one earthing is generally sufficient, and
this should not be given until they are well grown, as most of them are
at the present time. If earthed now they will be well blanched by
December, and then they will remain fresh and good until May. Where
they are grown wide apart the soil on each side of them should be banked
up to the stems, but where they are grown so close together that the soil
cannot be disturbed between them, a quantity of leaf soil or something
of that sort should be put in between the plants and close up to the
stems.

Digging and Trenching. — Many parts of the garden are now becoming
vacant, and digging and trenching should be attended to from now
onwards. Turn the soil deeply, leave it rough on the surface and well
exposed to the weather, and it will soon mellow and become in capital
order for spring cropping. Crops grown on soil which is merely scratched
on the surface cannot bo compared with those grown on ground which has
been deeply dug and well cultivated.

. FRUIT FORCING.

Vines. — Late Grapes. — We have so many good varieties of late
Grapes that early forcing is not by any means essential for insuring a
supply of Grapes in every month of the year. They almost all, however,
lack the quality of the thin-skinned variet es. No one knowing anything
of the quality of Grapes will take to a thick-skinned variety, which con¬
stitutes their keeping quality, so long as a Black Hamburgh or a Madres-
field Court, a Daks of Buccleuch or a Muscatof Alexandr a is forthcoming.
These and other thin-skinned varieties are not good keepers. It is diffi¬
cult t > keep Black Hamburgh from losing colour, which seems chiefly
dependant on the amount of light or sun to which it is subjected after
being ripe. They have to be kept in a well- ventilated atmosphere to
protect them from shrivelling by too little or of damping by too much
moisture. All the thin-skinned varieties can be and are kept until the
new year or after, but we submit the losses from decay or other causes
are considerable, and to one case of profitable keeping there is at least
nine of failure. With the present system of houses that are constructed

upon no sound principles for the insuring of a regular temperature and
uniformity of moisture, it is evident that the bottling system is much
the best, not only for the thick-skinned but also for the thin-skinned
varieties. More especially is this the case in houses that are not drip
proof, and of not having large laps of glasi in which the water hangs,
and is driven in by wind over the bunches of Grapes, causing them to
spot and decay.

There is much difference in keeping qualities of Grapes. Black Ham-
burghs, for instance, will not remain in good condition nearly so well
ripened in a cool house or late as when the Grapes are brought to a high
finish by fire heat when there is sun or light for the conversion of the
juices of the fruit into, and secure a high development of the saccharine
matter so characteristic of high quality and known long-keeping pro¬
perties. Muscat of Alexandria is a notable example of this, for unless
its berries are ripened up to an amber colour they are almost certain to
spot, and worse still, to decay at their junction with the shank when the
weather is damp, whilst if the atmosphere is kept dry the berries lose
moisture and shrivel, never again to be restored to their former plump¬
ness. All Grapes owe their keeping to thorough ripening under the
influence of sun and strong heat. Of late Grapes we consider Lady
Downe’s the most valuable. It is a free bearer, and the fruit is of a
quality simply unapproached in late Grapes, for when well ripened it has
the Muscat flavour nearly as highly developed as in Mrs. Pince, and the
keeping qualities of Lady Downe’s are unsurpassed, keeping excellently
up to May or even June. Mrs. Pince, if we only knew how to get the
berries to ripen thoroughly and colour to the shank, would be a very great
rival, indeed it would be hard to say which would win. Neither is very
large either in bunch or berry, but they have quality which no other
late Grapes possess in the remotest degree. Some have size, colour, and
some are sweet, but they have, on the palate of those accustomed to high
quality fruit, a most disagreeable earthy taste. Alicante is free from this
defect, is an excellent keeper, and invariably finishes well. Gros Maroc
is one of those Grapes that, after being little Dotioed for some time,
springs all at once into prominence. Its appearance is good, and is an
earlier type of Gros Colman, and in keeping qualities not going beyond
Black Alicante, say February. The great merit of Gros Maroc is that
of its fine appearance, and in not requiring more heat than a Black
Hamburgh. For quality, West’s St. Peter’s, not so often seen as it deserves,
is good, and though not so imposing in bunch or berry as many, it is very
taking when well done, and always pleases at table those that like some¬
thing in a Grape beyond appearance. It is one of the best Grapes for
keeping to February.

Gros Colman is perhaps the most magnificent in appearance of all
Grapes. In bunches of 4 lbs. weight, and berries 4 inches in circum¬
ference, and in its best form it is simply superb. Well ripened, and allowed
time to mature, it loses much of that earthy taste so characteristic of
this variety. It requires a longer time and stronger heat to finish it satis¬
factorily than the majority of late Grapes. Gros Guillaume is little in¬
ferior to Gros Colman in appearance. It surpasses it in size of bunch,
and the berries are little less in size, and it is very much better in quality.
It requires time in ripening, and shows soonest of any Grape we know
the evil effects of overcropping, not only not colouring, but even not
ripening. Of late white Grapes, Trebbiano is perhaps the best. It is coarse
generally, but well ripened the flesh is firm, crisp, and sweet, and re¬
quires well thinning and time to ripen. Unless well ripened it is spotted
next in degree, only worse, to Muscat of Aldxandria ; of course we exclude
Duke of Buccleuch. Syrian has very large bunches, a thick skin, and
ripened in a strong heat is not bad in flavour. Calabrian Raisin has
large bunches, is sweet when well ripened, and the berries a good size
when thinned. The raiser of a white Grape having the quality and keep¬
ing of Lady Downe’s would have no further need of the blue apron.
With the above or other varieties to maintain the supply of Grapes up
to May, the necessity of starting permanently planted out Vines does not
arise. This is a great advantage to the Vines and to the grower from
an economic point of view.

Earliest Vines in Pots. — For reasons above given some Grape
lovers will not take to the thick-skinned varieties, and desire sweet Grapes
(Black Hamburgh) and Musk Grapes (Muscat of Alexandria) at all
times. This is well understood, thereto: e we need only consider the
case to arise of having fresh ripe Grapes in spring. In that case it is
preferable to take the early supply from Vines in pots than to start
the permanently planted Vines at a very early period. Vines in pots
produce fruit very little inferior, if any, to that borne by Vines planted
out, and often better, from the conditions of cultivation being more
favourable. Especially is this the case where there is the convenience
of affording bottom heat. Success in that case is certain, the canes
being sufficiently strong, thoroughly ripened, and duly rested. The
materials for affording bottom heat — i e., tree leaves and stable litter,
should be in due course of preparation. To begin with, the heat about
the pots should not exceed 65°, augmenting it by bringing up the ferment¬
ing materials to the level of the pots, so as to raise the temperature to
70° or 75Q when the Vines are in leaf. Vines in pots not intended for
early forcing should be placed under cover, an op9n shed with a north
aspect being suitable, and the pots protected with hay or straw.

Melons. — The Melon season as regards dung-heated pits and frames
is at an end. Any fruit yet remaining may be cut, they being full grown
and placed on shelves in a warm house. The latest plants in houses will
require a night temperature of 65° to 70°, and 70° to 75° by day artificially,
advancing to 85° with sun heat. The paths and other available surfaces
should be sprinkled about 8 A.M. and 3 P.M., until the fruit is full sized,
when a drier atmosphere will be advisable. Cut out all superfluous

374

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ October 21, 1888.

laterals, well thinning the old foliage, 60 that the fruit may have the
full benefit of the autumn sun. Do not allow flagging for want of water,
but keep the foliage healthy until the fruit is ripe, as the quality is in
proportion to the health of the plants.

PLANT HOUSES.

StepJuinotis floribunda. — Plants that have completed their growth
should be kept moderately cool for the next month or six weeks.
If the night temperature ranges from 50° to 55° this plant will rest
thoroughly, provided the atmosphere is kept dry. The soil about the
roots should also be kept rather dry, for they are certain to die back if too
wet. The drier the roots and the atmosphere, the lower the temperature
can be kept with safety, the more completely will the plant rest. This is
a good time to take down the plants if trained upon wires under the roof
to thoroughly clean them. If infested with mealy bug every endeavour
should be made to free them during the season of inactivity. As soon as
the wood and foliage becomes hardened by drier and cooler treatment
they will bear a much stronger insecticide than at any time during the
growing season. One of the best insecticides for this purpose is Fir tree
oil, and if used at the strength recommended by the vendors it will prove
effectual for mealy bug. As soon as the plant is started into growth it
should be daily syringed with a weak solution. It is surprising, if per¬
sisted in, how this keeps bug from spreading. Plants that have not yet
completed their growth should be in a temperature 65° at night, and the
atmosphere moderately dry. Gfiowth must be brought to a standstill as
early as possible and then thoroughly rested if a good supply of bloom is
required next season.

Clerodendrons. — The earliest plants of C. Balfourianum and such
varieties have lost their foliage, should be kept perfectly dry at their
roots. These plants will do well under the same conditions as advised above,
but the temperature should not be allowed to fall below 55°. If placed in
too low a temperature these are very liable to go off instead of starting
into growth when desired. No advan‘age is gained by subjecting these
plants to a long period of rest ; it is much better to keep them under stove
treatment, and supply water to the roots in sufficient quantities to pre¬
vent their going to rest as early as would be the case if water was with¬
held. PlaLts to bloom profusely in July and August next should be
encouraged to grow until the end of the year, or they will naturally start
into growth and flower before they are required.

Allamandas. — The earliest plants are resting, and although they will
bear a low temperature for a time, they will be injured if allowed to
remain in a cool house too long. To insure safety do not have a lower
temperature than 50°. Successional plants may be rested by withholding
water until the foliage flags. When this has taken place two or three
times the branches may be pruned to within a yard of the main stems.
Those intended to supply flowers until Christmas must continue growing,
or else they will cease flowering in a very short time. Feed the plants
with weak stimulants every time they require water. A rich top-dressing
will also prove beneficial. Rest Bougainvilleas, and the treatment advised
for Allamandas will suit these plants well.

Winter-flowering Plants. — With Poinsettias, Euphorbias, Plumbagos,
Linum trigynum, and other plants that have been removed from cold
frames to a light structure where heat can be supplied them, care must be
taken that they do not commt nee fresh growth. Too much heat and too close
a temperature will bring about this state of things, and destroy to a very
large extent the plants for flowering profusely. The temperature for the
present should not exceed 55° to 60°, and a good circulation of air should
be maintained whenever the weather will allow of this being done. If a
close system of treatment is followed the lowest temperature named
must not be exceeded. As soon as it can be seen that the plants have
not been excited into fresh growth they should receive a little artificial
manure applied to the surface of the soil. This may be practised at
intervals of two or three weeks until they bloom.

Tydceas. — These and Gesneras should have a light position close to the
glass, a shelf in a warm house is a capital place for them. Care must be
taken that water does not lodge on their foliage, or it will be browned
and the beauty of the plants destroyed. When arranged on stages with
other plants it is almost impossible to keep water off their foliage when
syringing, but as a rule they are safe when placed on a shelf. A little
clear soot water should be given them every time they require water,
which will bring the beautiful markings of their foliage out to perfection.

Medinilla magnified,. — When growth has been fully developed and
brought to a standstill a cooler and drier atmosphere should be given, or
else this plant will start again into growth. A light, moderately airy
temperature of 55° will suit them well, less water being given from this
date until the end of the year. Well-ripened wood and a good rest is
essential if plenty of bloom is expected.

Begonias.— Such Begonias as B. Ingrami, B. nitida, and others in very
small pots may now be placed into 4 and 5-inch pots. These will make
useful plants for flowering in the stove during the early months of the
year. The shoots of the first-named should be pinched once or twice
after they are established in the new soil ; such kinds as the last named
will be better grown on without pinching. These plants may be placed
close to the glass and grown on steadily in an intermediate temperature.
Begonias of the manicata section should have a moderately dry posiiion,
for their large fleshy leaves are liable to suffer if too much moistui e is
maintained about them. They may be divided into two batches, keeping
half cooler than the remainder, so that they will form a successim. If
this is done they will maintain a supply of flowering plants for the con¬
servatory until the end of April or into the following month.

Lilacs. — The variety known as Charles X. is decidedly the best for
forcing in pots in a small state. To grow these plants well those that
were budded in 1885, and have made one season’s growth, should be
selected for placing in 7-inch pots at the present time. The soil advised
above will be suitable, and the plants should be plunged outside the same
as advised for Guelder Roses. If lifted at once while the foliage is upon
them they will become partially established before winter, and will start
freely into growth next spring. In early spring they should be pruned
back to within 4 or 6 inches of the union of the scion and stock, and the
results will be growths 1 foot or more in length during the season studded
with hold flower buds in autumn.

Prunus. — The variety known as P. sinensis flore-pleno is decidedly a
more profuse flowerer than P. triloba, and does well on its own roots, while
the last named must be budded, or it frequently fails to give satisfac¬
tion. We invariably grow our stock in pots, but if we have surplus
plants they are planted outside, and such plants often prove serviceable
for lifting and potting at this season of the year. These, if lifted at
once, should be given the same treatment until spring as the Deutzias,
when they may be introduced into a vinery or Peach house to make
their growth.

THE FLOWER GARDEN AND PLEASURE GROUND.

Shrubs and Conifers in Masses. — Where there are several large beds
to be filled, the centres of these to within 3 or 4 feet of the edges may well
be filled with ornamental shrubs and Conifer®. Several of the leading
nurserymen prepare a number of plants specially for this purpose, and
very pretty and effective they are when properly grouped. Some of the
best of these are Aucuba japonica, Berberises aquifolium, Darwini, and
Jamesoni, Biotas aurea, elegantissima, Variegated Box, Cupressuses
minima, lutea, Lawsoniana, alba spica nana, minima, and argentea,
erecta viridis, gracilis, Euony muses japor.ica in variety, and radicans alba
marginata, gold and silver variegated Hollies, Junipers chinensis aurea,
feemina variegata, and tamariscifolia, round and Myrtle-leaved Laurels,
Osmanthus ilicifolius, all the Retinosporas, notably those above named ;
Taxus baccata and elegantissima, Thujas occidentalis aurea and Ver-
vrnana, and Thuiopsis dolahrata variegata and laste virens. These
are all supplied at a cheap rate, and as they move well they are
available for several years. They are most effective in panels or circles
divided by the more erect growers, though they also look well in
mixture, due regard being paid to their respective heights so as to have a
gradual slope to the edges.

Bulbs in Beds. — The various kinds of bulbs suitable for the flower
beds can now be purchased very cheaply, and this is very fortunate, as
they are seldom to be relied upon a second time. The most popular are
Hyacinths, Narcissuses, Tulips, Crocuses, Snowdrops, Anemones, and
Ranunculuses. In some instances they are solely depended upon to
brighten the garden in Maroh, April, and May, according to the season.
Others intermingle them among flowering and foliaged plants, and seeing
that the bulbs are the first to bloom in quantity they materially prolong
the display. When planted in masses Hyacinths ought to be about
9 inches apart, but if intermingled with other plants they may be from
12 inches to 15 inches apart, and in any case not less than 3 inches deep.
They may be planted at once, or not later than the first week in November,
and the latter remarks, including the depth of planting, apply to all with
the exception of the Anemones and Ranunculuses. The Narcissus may be
planted the same distances apart as the Hyacinths, but the Tulips should
be from 4 inches to 9 inches apart, the small Due Van Thols being given the
lesser distance . Crocuses, Snowdrops, and Scillas to be about 2 inches
apart, and are most effective in double or trebled lines near the edges.
Anemones, including appennina, nemorosa flore pleno, vernalis,
coronaria, and varieties, may be planted now for early flowering, or in
February and March to flower late in spring. They are best planted in
drills 2^ inches deep and about 5 inches apart each way, covering the
roots with good sandy soil. Planted more thinly they will not cover the
ground. The Turban varieties of Ranunculus are be9t for bedding out.
Late in January or early in February are good times for planting them,
and they should have a rich, deep, and well-worked soil. They may be
lanted 6 inches to 9 inches apart and 2 inches deep. Beds containing
ulbs only ought to be either mulched with leaf soil or cocoa-nut fibre, or
they may be covered with neat branches of evergreens, such as Hollies,
Aucubas, tree Ivy, Laurels, Arbor Vitas, and Box. Many of these being
variegated, they can be made to brighten the beds somewhat, but the
work should be done neatly. The ends being thrust into the ground,
these branches will remain fresh for many weeks, and are certainly pre¬
ferable to bare beds.

Sf

Si

HI

HE BEE-KEEPER.

STIMULATIVE FEEDING IN AUTUMN.

Stimulative feeding in autumn is disastrous to the bees
and the sure precursor of ruin. This is my verdict upon a
practice which it is hardly possible to condemn too strongly.
It is antagonistic to every natural law and contrary to all
economical management ; it destroys the vital energy ot
the queen and enervates the stock ; it taxes to the utmost
capacity the strength of the workers and demands from the

October SI, 1386. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

375

bee-keeper a constant attention and trouble ; it brings with
with it also, if not carefully carried out, robbing, chilled
brood, and their attendant evils. Ia the autumn wearied
nature seeks repose, and in the long sleep of winter gathers
strength for the wear and tear of spring. So with the bees.
The time of production is over, the period of rest at hand,
and the stocks are by degrees becoming more still and quiet,
when the bee-keeper comes and ruthlessly destroys this state
of repose by giving driblets of food, which keep the stock in a
continual ferment.

The object of these very practical men is to get a late
hatch of brood, in order that in spring, when the aged bees
are fast dying out, the younger ones bred in late autumn
and never having experienced hard work and death-hastening
toil, may fill their places and keep up the strength of the
stock until brood hatches out more freely. Now, if all this
could be managed without any serious difficulty but little
could be urged against a practice which would, were it not
for several very serious objections, possibly be useful in
practical bee-keeping. But there are several objections, and
the first is that the number of young bees bred in autumn is,
while large enough to tax the queen and the worker bees to
the utmost, scarcely more than large enough to fill up the
vacancies occasioned by the late and extra work laid upon
the workers by this untimely extension of their period of
work, while those which do remain are so weakened and aged
that they die very many weeks earlier than they would have
done in the ordinary course of events.

The second objection is that the late brood is sometimes —
and unless more than usual care is taken, oftener, in fact,
than many imagine — chilled by early frosts. The third, and
perhaps greatest, objection of all is that a queen, when, so to
speak, compelled to deposit eggs after the usual time in
autumn, does not begin to lay so early in the following year,
so that on considering the result of this stimulative feeding
the system will hardly appear to the impartial man to be so
eminently conducive to success as some wouldhaveu=i imagine.
The result, in fact, appears to be that a slight increase in
population is obtained in autumn at the expense of a
weakened queen, spring depletion, and infinite trouble to the
bee keeper, and all this too at a risk of chilled brood and
robbing. Add to this that not the slightest necessity for
any such system exists, and the case seems clear enough to
carry conviction to many.

What, then, is the alternative ? It is, as I have frequently
pointed out, to add driven bees in quantity sufficient to bring
up the stock to the required strength. Now, in an apiary
where swarming is allowed and no permanent increase in the
number of stocks is required, no difficulty or expense in
obtaining bees will be experienced, for if each swarm is
placed in proximity to a stock the one can in autumn be
united to the other, and the stock will be very fit to stand
the winter. If, again, it is preferred, both the stock and
swarm may be driven and the bees united and fed into a
sugar fed stock ; or if the hives are fitted with frames, and
these contain well-built regular combs, there may be an
interchange of combs, the owner keeping back for sale those
which contain the greatest weight of honey, and feeding the
bees with syrup for a winter provision. Either of these
causes may be followed with equal success and advantage
both to the bees and their master.

Whether the queen can be induced by feeding syrup to
lay again when once she has ceased from doing so is
apparently somewhat of a vexed question ; but unless a con¬
siderable time has elapsed since egg-depositing was stayed
before stimulative feeding was begun she will undoubtedly
again begin to lay, so far as my experience goes, and I am
not at all sure that she will in any case show any very great
disinclination to resume her labour. If stocks are weak they
must by all means be strengthened, but no resort should be
had to so dangerous and futile a practice as stimulative
feeding, which together with spreading of brood and other
manipulations of a like nature has been a pitfall into which

many an otherwise good bee-keeper his dropped, and found
to his sorrow that he was quite unable to extricate himself
from his awkward position except by the rejection of all such
practices. — Felix.

NOTES ON BEES.

The weather for the past two weeks here has been the most
agreeable and settled during the whole year, the mean tempera¬
ture being about 55°. The thunderstorms and big floods else¬
where did not visit us. Outstanding crops, however, owing to
the heat and calmness of the atmosphere, were not benefited by
the mildness, better if it had been more airy. Much victual is
still in the stook, and owing to the break of weather (Oct. 9th)
the ground is much sodden, and a leaden sky overhead does not
augur well for a speedy clearance of the fields.

The bees up till to-day (Oct. 11th) hare been busy and carried
much pollen, being required for breeding purposes by the bees
having young queens. Feeding has been very little resorted to
this year, and is long since past for a season with the few nuclei
not otherwise assisted. Every one of my hives unless one stand
upon ventilating floors ; all unless that one are dry and comfort¬
able. That one having been fed is damp, and unless supplied
with a dry or ventilating one will assuredly suffer, so will supply
it with a new one at once. It is the damp generated in the
corners of hives and close-fitting solid floors that is the cause of
so much mortality amongst bies during the next three months.
Even when pretty far advanced in the spring fed hives will then
be very often damp and disagreeable. Avoid feeding if possible.

Many of your readers are aware of the great value put by
some on regulating feeders and stimulating feeding, but without
giving the slightest proof, unless assertions, that any good
accrues therefrom. It is well known that I am opposed to any
such modes of feeding, experience having taught me that non-
fed hives are usually the most productive. All the queries I ever
put regarding feeding in driblets, and the advantages likely to be
gained thereby, 1 never could elicit a single answer. For the
benefit of your readers I made several experiments with hives in
good condition for breeding by feeding them with driblets.
After 1 reduced them to a state similar to what is advised by
advocates of the stimulative feeding system.

During the beginning of September, when the weather was
fine, I began the experiment. The hives had abundance and
more for their immediate wants, but not sufficient stores to tide
them over winter. 1 began feeding in driblets, and although
thousands of eggs were laid not one was allowed to become a
larva. During the last week of September I discontinued feed¬
ing, and filled up the hives with frames containing honey suffi¬
cient to keep the bees alive till next May. Immediately that was
done the eggs were allowed to hatch, quantities of pollen was
carried in, and large patches of sealed brood are now in the hive
Feeding in large quantities would have had the same effect, but
I prefer allowing Nature in this respect to take its course. Keep
your bees well supplied with food at all times. They are true
economists, will waste nothing, and pay back a hundredfold
what you lavish on them.

Some people hold strange views about bees, and feeding in
in particular. Lately I presented a feeder to a gentleman, who
I learn lectures on bees and bee-keeping, and yet in a letter
he informs me that the feeder sent him is worthless, as the
bees consume too much sugar when fed from it, and was thereby
expensive. 1 put some queries to him, but like all others they
remain unanswered.

The winter will soon be upon us, and the time is fast
approaching when bees will settle and do not wish to be dis¬
turbed. No time should be lost until every hive is in its winter’s
covering. Nothing is better or cheaper for straw or single-cased
wooden hives than a hackle of straw for the sides and 3 or
4 inches of meadow hay upon the top and over all a sheet of
ga'vanised iron, which serves as a porch both in front and back,
and projects so much at the sides that when properly fastened no
rain ever touches the hive, insuring dryness, the secret of success
in bee keeping. When placing the iron upon the hives let the
top of the hive be slightly hollow, so that any damp rising from
the bees will be immediately carried away. The hackle, too,
made upon a string should reach only to the hay packing, so that
feeding from above is not interrupted. — A Lanarkshire Bee¬
keeper.

PURCHASING HIVES AND BEES.

A Roxburgh correspondent wishe9 advice on the above ; also as to
the best books to buy for instructing bee-keepers. If he looks to the
advertisements of Messrs. George Neighbour Sc Sons, 149, Regent Street,

376

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ October 21, 1886.

London, W., and writes them on the subect, he will get full particulars
concerning everything: necessary for bee-keeping. The be6t instruction
for beginners is in the Journal of Horticulture. The best breets of
bees are, as a rule, crosses. My experience proves the Cyprian crosses t >
be the best honey gatherers. In addition to the many instances of success
with these bees that I have mentioned in this Journal, I have just had
notice of one I parted with a year since, which has this year given its
owner 80 lbs. of super honey. The Carniolian, for its mild temper, hardi¬
ness, and assiduity, are favourites with me. They are a little trouble¬
some when swarming, often flying a long time before settling ; also
liable to send off many after casts. This latter can be easily prevented
by excising all royal cells but one the eighth day after throwing its first
swarm. The former annoyance can be obviated if artificial swarming is
performed at the right time.

The main object, however, with beginners is to secure a healthy hive
of bees, having a young queen and new combs, and this is as good a time
as any. Never mind what sort of hive it is, but let it be of a sufficient
size, so that there will be a chance of the swarm or swarms being large
enough to gather plenty of honey when the opportunity occurs. The
swarms, of course, should be put into proper hives, and you will find no
better than I have described in previous numbers. Upon the manage¬
ment of bees in these or other hives we shall be always glad to advise
you. In an early number I will give directions how to make a cheap and
useful hive in four or five hours’ time, and at a cost of three or four
shillings. This hive is similar to those I had in use between the years
1850 and 1860, and similar to those being adopted by bee-keepers gene¬
rally. No other hive gave me such good returns, and none is better
adapted for bee-keeping generally.

Good stocks of bees now1 can be had for about 15s. and upwards.
Those having bees to dispose of and those wishing bees or other things
could find it to their advantage to advertise. — Lanarkshire Bee¬
keeper.

TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

L. Spath, Berlin. — Catalogue of Plants.

William Dean, 134, Sandwell Street, Walsall. — Catalogue of Violas and
Pansies.

James Walters, Exeter. — Catalogue of Poses for 1886-7.

J. Cheal & Sons, Crawley, Sussex. — Catalogue of Trees and Shrubs.
Thomas Rivers & Son, Sawbridge worth. — Catalogue of Fruit Trees, 1886-7.

*w* All correspondence should be directed either to “The Editor ”
or to “ The Publisher.” Letters addressed to Dr. Hogg or
members of the staff often remain unopened unavoidably. We
request that no one will write privately to any of our correspon¬
dents, as doing so subjects them to unjustifiable trouble and
expense.

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions relat¬
ing to Gardening and those on Bee subjects, and should never
send more than two or three questions at once. All articles in¬
tended for insertion should be written on one side of the paper
only. We cannot reply to questions through the post, and we
do not undertake to return rejected communications.

NAMING FRUITS. — In consequence of the absence of our fruit referee
from London fruits cannot be named by him during the month of October.

Begonias ( B . Owen). — We have received a box of flowers, but no letter
referring to them. Presuming them to be seedlings of this year grown in
the open air, they are very good and diversified in colour.

Kew Gardens (Le Qargon). — Write to the Curator, Mr. G. Nicholson,
and the necessary forms will be forwarded to you. It is necessary to have
had at least five years’ experience in gardens. The wages are 18s. per week.

House Glazed without Putty ( Ferndale ). — The system of gltzingyou
describe is certainly a ventilating one, and not calculated to retain heat.
This is more particularly the case during windy weather, when the wind is
driven in with such force as to cause a sudden or rapid depression of tem¬
perature. We do not advise such an open system of glazing for early fruit
houses or vineries. It is not economical, and an excess of air is admitted
just when it is least wanted. With proper means of ventilation, as you seem
to have provided, the squares pressed on a bed of putty, and secured in
position with sprigs, a great saving of fuel would be effected, and more
equable temperature by artificial means, and good Grapes produced under
good management. Economy is of importance, especially when it is had
with efficiency.

Chrysanthemums (W. Nicols). — The quotation to which you refer was
taken from the Journal of Horticulture, and the author of it was duly credited.
If the old authors of properties of flowers were to be strictly followed, in¬
curved blooms would be disqualified, because one condition states the florets
“ must not show their under sides.” This, of course, refers to the reflexed
varieties, which are older than the incurved. Certainly authors should be

credited with their own work, and if you will send an exact copy of the
definitions to which you allude, we are willing to publish them if space
permits.

Tomatoes in Frame ( Constant Beader). — It is very doubtful that the
cultivation of Tomatoes iu the frame during the winter would be profitable
or equal to your expectation, apirt from the possibility of over-heating the
vinery in supplying the requisite heat, 60° at night, for the Tomatoes.
With free venti ation the temperature of the vinery might probably be kept
down to 45° or thereabouts, and the Vines would then rest in a dry house,
but in that case Tomatoes could only be had, and perhaps light crops too,
with what would be practically a great waste of fuel. We do not advise
you to carry out the project, though, ot course, you can try the experiment
if you desire to do so.

Cankered Apple Trees ( A Bray Subscriber). — We have known cankered
Apple trees cut down and grafted with other varieties and healthy trees
result ; but as those most likely to succeed are more or less robust in growth
they might be too large for your restricted space, and therefore we think
your second suggestion the better — namely, to plant young trees on Paradise
stocks, and keep the roots near the surface by refraining from digging
amoDgst them, and mulching in the summer to prevent the soil drying and
the roots striking downwards in search of moisture. You may then exp=ct
fruitful trees, and no canker if overcrowding of the growths be prevented in
the summer.

Taro or Tara ( J . E., Belgium). — The word Taro is employed to signify the
rhizomes of several species of Caladium and CalocaBia, but especially of
C. esculentum, which is cultivated in many tropical countries, including
India, where its farinaceous rhizomes are consumed by the natives. In the
South Sea Islands, particularly in Fiji, it is also largely grown, and one
variety, named by the natives Kurilagi, has been mentioned by Seeman as
being formerly much used iu the canibalistic feasts once so common in those
islands. Colocasia macrorhiza has a similarly farinaceous rhizome, and
numerous other members of the Aroid family are remarkable for the
quantity of starch contained in the rootstocks.

Florida (A. P.). — In recent years considerable attention has been given
to the cultivation of Oranges in Florida, which is said to prove remunerative.
In this Journal for May 6ih, May 13th, and May 27th, 1885, articles were
published giving full details respecting Orange culture in Florida. Most
crops can be satisfactorily grown in that State, but you will find the in¬
formation you appear to require in a manual published at 30, Fleet Street,
entitled “ Sunny Florida,” which gives many particulars concerning its
resources.

Roses for Market ( C . C. B.). — It is not possible for anyone to say which
are the “best” varieties for all soils and districts. Those you name are
good, but Climbing Devoniensis, Isabella Sprunt, and Celine Forestier are
not equally floriferous in differing soils and positions. We Bhonld not
plant great numbers of those before proving their suitability, and we should
add a few of several others, as the probability is that some of them would
be found specially adapted for your soil and purpose. A. K. Williams is a
beautiful Rose, though in some soils it is the reverse of a vigorous grower.
Dwarf Roses may be planted 3 feet apart, or perhaps rows 4 feet asunder
would be more convenient in extensive culture ; and at that distance —
4 by 3 feet— an acre would take 3630 plants.

Grapes for Wall (.4 West Surrey Amateur). — The two very best Grapes
for outdoor culture are Chasselas Vibert and Esperione, the former being
decidedly earlier than Royal Muscadine. Both are good growers and free
bearers. Two Vines will be sufficient for covering the space, and the Vines
planted 7 feet 6 inches from each end, taking a cane right and left at a foot
distance from the ground, and on these originating the uprights 15 inches
from the ends of the alloted space and 15 inches on each side of the stem and
one midway of those, so that each Vine will have six uprights, allowing a
space of 2 feet 6 inches between each. Ferdinand de Lesseps is not nearly
so good as Chasselas Vibert for outdoor cultivation.

Gooseberry and Pear for Confined Space (Idem). — Neither of the
Gorseberries you name is of upright growth, but spreading. Whitesmith,
Red Champagne, and Whinham’s Industry might suit you, these being hardy
and great croppers and of good quality. Of upright-growing Bears to
come in in October there is none more compact, free in bearing, or better
in quality than Comte de Lamy, Fondante d’Automne, and Louise Bonne
of Jersey.

Destroying Ants (4 Buffed Gardener). — Try sponges clean and dry,
held tightly between the fingers and thumb and dipped so held in honey
or syrup, relaxing the pressure when dipped so as to allow the honey and
syrup to enter the sponge, and then withdraw, giving a gentle squeeze so as
to cause some of the juice to exude or drip ; all that is wanted is to get some
of the sweetness into the interior of the sponge. Baits of this kind will
be eagerly sought after. The ants will pass into the sponge in quest of the
honey or syrup, and when they are at work in goodly numbers the pieces of
sponge can be dropped into boiling water. Wash the sponges, dry, and
repeat. We have never known this fail when persevered in. Or bait with
honey in saucers and then change to others in which arsenic has been
thoroughly mixed. If not thoroughly mixed, the ants will take the honey
and leave the arsenic. The poisoned honey must be kept from animals.

Crotons (Constant Beader). — Perhaps your plants do not flourish because
they have not sufficient heat. They require a very high temperature and
moist genial atmosphere. They should seldom be kept below 65° even in
winter. They grow well under suitable conditions in a mixture of two-
thirds turfy loam and one-third turfy peat, adding sand and a little crushed
charcoal to render the compost porous. It is quite impossible for us to say
whether your plants need repotting or not, as you neither indicate their size
nor the size of the pot3 ; but as a rule spring is the best time for repotting
Crotons. Nor can we advise you satisfactorily about the Gloxinias, because
you say not a word about their condition ; probably the pots are large
enough, and if the plants are strong they may flower towards Christmas in
a suitable temperature, and with good attention as regards watering.
Hydrangeas should be kept cool and rather dry in the winter, and pruned
to the boldest buds in the spring. You ought to have described the size and
condition of the plants. It will be soon enough to answer your question
about Roses in a future issu".

October 21, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

377

Destroying “White Bug” ( L . S. S.). — The “white bug” to which you
refer is no doubt the mealy bug, aud must have been dreadfully neglected to
have “eaten down the whole house of Passion fruit.” Petroleum is an
excellent remedy, and judiciously applied will not destroy the plants. We
advise the Paesiflo-a to be loosened from the trellis, and any other plants
removed from the house and cleansed This may be done effectually with
petroleum at the strength named below, laying the plants on their sides and
turning them round that every part can be reached with the mixture.
This will facilitate matters as regards the Passioi Flower. Add 2 ozs. soft-
soap to a gallon of boiling rain or soft water, or 8 ozs. to a four gallon
watering potful, and half an ounce of soda. Mix thoroughly, then add
one-third of a half-pint of petroleum and mix this by stirring briskly. With
this the Pashflora should be syrinjed, the petroleum being kept mixed with
the soap solution by briskly stirring it. It must ba done ( flkctually, and
the mixture should be kept from the roots. Wash the whole of the woodwork
with the same mixture, thoroughly cleansing it. Repeat the syringing of
the plant if necessary. If the work is done well the e will not be a trace
of mealy bug, and the plant will be little if any the worse for the application.
A sharp look out must be kept afterwards, and every insect destroyed the
moment it is seen. There is no better method of preparing the petroleum
mixture than that described on page 210, September 2nd, 1886, under the
heading of “ Hollyhocks Diseased.” Fir tree oil is also good for the same
purpose. Either the gardener in charge of the new glass range to which
you allude is overwhelmed with work or is lethargic or inexperienced.

Mushrooms in Pastures (B. C. D.). — Though salt is applied to pastures
for the destruction of wireworm it is a little questionable if it is as efficacious
as is popularly supposed, as we suspect that a dressing strong enough
to destroy the pests below the surface would injure if not kill the grass. We
cm quite understand that a pasture infested with wireworms would not be
favourable for the gr >wth of Mushrooms, through the reason you suggest of
the larvfe breaking the cobweb 1 ke threads of the mycelium. That Mush¬
rooms have benefited by salt is well known to growers of this crop in beds,
and in such cases it is clear there was not sufficient salt in the soil. It
may be, and probably i», beneficial in another way to the growth of Mush¬
rooms in pastures, especially in dry soils and seasons — namely, its deliques¬
cent properties rendering the soil more uniformly moist in hot weather.
When salt is applied liberally and systematically to Asparagus beds the
soil remains moist long after that surrounding, and to which no salt is
applied, is dry; and the prolonged and uniform moisture of the land in hot
weather through the application of salt may be favourable to the spread of
the Mushroom mycelium. The growth of Mushrooms in pastures is greatly
influenced by the weather, and salt would not be nearly so beneficial in a
wet summer as a dry one. The distance for inserting spawn in pastur s is
very much a question of fancy or outlay, and the results somewhat a matter
of chance, but we would rather insert half bricks of spawn a yard apart
than small particles a foot asunder, as the larger pieces would be less liable
to be destroyed by a possible term of wet weather than smaller would. Salt
applied to an orchard will not injure the trees if it does not destroy the
grass.

Pruning Vines ( Docet ). — Several persons besides yourself appear to have
read with “ much interest ” the article on Vines and Grapes by “ Experientia
Docet ” on page 173, and, as the signature of our correspondent indicates,
his articles are founded on the teachings of experience. We have seen just
such Vines as he has described rendered much more fruitful than before by
the change of pruning suggested. It does not follow that high-class Grapes
can be had on Vims that constantly produce either no crops or miserable
bunches by this simp’e change in pruning ; but that greatly improved crops
have been obtained by a departure from close pruning in the case of many
Vines is beyond a doubt. The two great essentials of fruitfulness in Vines
are an abundance of active fibrous roots working freely in good soil near the
surface of a border, and thinly disposed laterals with clean thick leaves in
the summer, each developing without crushing against or being shaded by
others. Vines thus grown may be spurred to any reasonable extent, and
they will push strongly and bear good fruit ; but Vines, the roots of which
are not under control, and that produce weak laterals and small leaves in
one case and long-jointed succulent growths in the other, are not equally
amenable to the same treatment. It is qu:te certain that spur-pruning does
not answer in your case, for you say the Vines are “ quite barren.” By all
means change your plan and shorten the laterals to the best buds on firm
ripened portions of the laterals. The best buds are those that are round and
hard, not pointed on the one hand nor soft as if preparing to burst on the
other. Also have regard to the direction of the buds, as in the same direc¬
tion will the shoots extend, and if a bud points inwards where there would
not be room for the extension of growth, it would be a mistake to shorten
to that if there were another equally good or nearly so pointing in the direc¬
tion of “ vacant space,” which the future laterals could occupy, and the
leaves expand under full exposure to the direct action of light. If the
ripened laterals are long enough to be secured to the main rod so secure
them, shortening to the best buds, rightly placed, as suggested, then the
“ fearfully long spurs ” you dread will have no existence. It is not unlikely
that the stronger growths that would mature from these bolder buds might
be cut back pretty close to thrir point of issue next year, as they might in
consequence of their strength develope good buds near the base of the
laterals. This we have more than once known, and the Vines have been
afterwards managed on the spur system for a year or two. When the late¬
rals are not long enough to be secured to the main rods the most promising
and best placed “ break ” or shoot from each must be retained for carrying
the bunch, and one from near the base can be retained for producing a lateral
forbearing next year ; but growths are almost certain to issue from latent
buds on the rods or base of removed spurs between the bearing laterals ; but
however that may be choose the best situated, and so dispose the growths
that the foliage can develope without let or hindrance, stopping these late¬
rals, so they do not cause any serious overcrowding. There will be plenty
of growths to choose from, and danger lies in retaining too many. Wher¬
ever there is space for the free expansion of the leaves let the laterals grow ;
where there is not space for leaf development thire should be no laterals.
It is not necessary to disbud before the bunches can be seen in the growths,
then make your choice, not rubbing all the others off at once, but a few at
a time thoughtfully over a period of a week or two. It depends to a very
large extent on the judgment that is exercised in disbudding as to whether

you or anyone else will succeed or not in this modified extension system of
pruning Vines. Endeavour to obtain stout healthy leaves that can store
nutriment in the laterals and produce bold axillary buds, then by pruning
to the best of these yearly you will have fruitful instead of barren Vines.
We advise no change from the spurring method where that answers well;
but where it fails a change is desirable if Grapes in summer are esteemed of
more value than straight neatly trimmed rods in winter. We prefer Grapes
to affording opportunities yearly for a person to show how bandy he is with
a knife, and little or no fruit to follow. As to thinning out overcrowded
laterals now the leaves are withering to give the others more light it will be
of no material benefit, as fading leaves have done their work and can do no
more. The thinning ought to have been done long ago, then those relied
on for storing food would not now be in need of relief, and the light would
come too late for changing their character.

Names of Fruits. — The names and addresses of senders of fruit to be named
must in all cases be enclosed with the specimens, whether letters referring
to the fruit are sent by post or not. The names are not necessarily required
for publication, initials sufficing for that. Only six specimens can be
named at once, and surplus fruits beyond that number cannot be preserved.
{H. S., Bedale). — 1, Ringer; 2, Lord Suffield ; 3, Manks Codlin ; the Pears
are too far advanced for identification, some being quite rotten. ( E . L. W.).
— I, Napoleon; 2, Easter Beurre; 3, Glou Morpeau; 4, Beurre Diel ;
6, Beurre Ranee ; 8, Huyshe’s Victoria. (P. H. W.). — 1, Emperor Alexander ;
2, Not known, perhaps local ; 3, Lemon Pippin. (“ Shilling stone"). — Beurre
Hardy. ( E . H.). — 1, Striped Beefing ; 2, Carlisle Codlin ; 3, Roundway
Magnum Bonum. (J. M.). — 1, Duchesse d’Angouleme ; 2, Deux Sceurs ;
4, Verulam ; 5, Red Doyenne.

Names of Plants. — We only undertake to name species of plants, not
varieties that have originated from seed and termed florists’ flowers.
Flowering specimens are necessary of flowering plants, and Fern fronds
should bear spores. Specimens should arrive in a fresh state in firm
boxes. Slightly damp moss or soft green leaves form the best packing, dry
cotton wool the worst. Not more than six specimens can be named at once.
(A Constant Reader). — 1, Sedum spurium ; 3, Polygonum cuspidatum ; 5,
Corydalislutea ; 2 and 4 were unrecognisable. ( //. S.). — 1, Athyrium Filix-
feemina plumosum ; 2, Nephrodium spinulosum ; 3, Asplenium thelypter-
oides ; 4, Nephrodium molle ; 5, Athyrium Filix-fcemina cristatum ; 6,
Aspidium aculeatum var. angnlare. ( T. J. D.). — Apparently Epimedium
pinnatum, but it was so much crushed in the letter that it was scarcely
recognisable.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— October 20th.

Tbade quiet, prices remaining the same. Good samples of Pines in fair
demand.

PLANTS IN POTS.

8.

a.

8.

d.

B.

a.

s.

a-

Aralia Sieboldi . . dozen

9

0 to IS

0

Ficus elastica

. . each

i

6 to

7

0

Arbor vitae (golden) dozen

6

0

9

0

Fuchsia

per dozen

0

0

0

0

„ (common) dozen

6

0

12

0

Foliage Plants, var. each

2

0

10

0

Asters . . . . per dozen

6

0

9

0

Heliotrope

per dozen

0

9

0

0

Bedding Plants, var. doz.

0

0

0

0

Hydrangea ..

per dozen

0

0

0

0

Begonias . . . . dozen

4

0

9

0

Ivy Geraniums

per dozen

0

0

0

0

Chrysanthemum . . dozen

6

0

12

0

Lilium auratum

per doz.

12

0

80

0

Cockscombs per dozen

4

0

6

0

„ lancifolium per doz.

0

0

0

0

Cyperus . dozen

4

0

12

0

„ longiflorum per doz

0

0

0

0

Dracsena terminals, dozen

30

0

60

0

Lobelias . .

per dozen

0

0

0

0

„ viridis .. dozen 12

0

24

0

Marguerite Daisy dozen

<

0

9

0

Erica, various . . dozen

9

0

12

0

Mignonette . .

per dozen

3

0

6

0

,, hyemalis per dozen 18

©

24

0

Musk . . ..

per dozen

0

0

0

0

„ gracilis per dozen

9

0

12

0

Myrtles . . . .

6

0

12

0

Euonymus, in var. dozen

6

0

18

0

Palms, in var.

. . each

2

6

21

0

Evergreens, in var. dozen

6

0

24

0

Pelargoniums, scarlet, doz.

3

0

6

0

Ferns, in variety . . dozen

4

0

18

0

Pelargoniums

per dozen

0

0

0

0

CUT FLOWERS.

8.

d.

8.

d.

s.

d.

S.

d.

Abntilons

12 bunches

2

0 to 4

0

Lily of the Valley, 12 sprays

0

0 to 0

0

Ageratum

12 bunche3

2

0

8

0

Marguerites ..

12 bunches

2

0

6

0

Arum Lilies . .

12 blooms

4

0

6

0

Mignonette . .

12 bunches

1

0

3

0

Asters

12 bunches

6

0

8

0

Myosotis

12 banche3

1

6

3

0

Bouvardias . .

per bunch

0

6

1

0

Pelargoniums, per 12 trusses

0

9

1

0

Camellias

12 blooms

3

0

6

0

„ scarlet, 12 trusses

0

3

0

6

Carnations . .

12 blooms

1

0

3

0

Roses

12 bunches

2

0

9

0

12 bunches

4

0

9

0

„ (indoor),

per dozen

0

8

2

0

Chrysanthemums 12 bches.

8

0

6

0

„ Tea.. ..

0

9

1

0

12 blooms

1

0

6

0

„ red

.. dozen

0

8

i

0

Coreopsis

12 bunche3

0

0

0

0

„ Moss

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Cornflower . .

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Parme Violets (French)

6

0

6

0

Dahlias

12 bunches

2

0

4

0

Pyrethrum . .

12 bunches

3

0

6

0

Epiphyllum . .

doz. blooms

0

6

0

0

Stephanotis . .

12 sprays

4

0

6

0

Eucharis

per dozen

3

0

6

0

Stocks, various

12 bunches

3

0

5

0

Gardenias

12 blooms

2

0

4

0

Sunflowers

0

6

i

0

Gladioli

12 bunches

9

0

12

0

Sweet Peas ..

12 bunches

2

0

4

0

Hyacinths, Roman, 12 sprays

0

0

0

0

Tropaeolum ..

12 bunches

1

6

2

0

Lapaceria, white, 12 blooms

2

0

4

0

Tuberoses

12 blooms

0

6

1

0

Lapageria, red

. 12 blooms

1

0

2

0

Violets . . . .

12 bunches

i

0

0

0

„ longiflorum, 12 bims.

3

0

6

0

„ Czar, French, per bunoh

i

0

1

8

VEGETABLES.

8.

d.

s.

d

d.

s.

a

Artichokes

.. dozen

l

0 to 0

0

Lettuce .. ..

dozen

1

0 to

1

6

Asparagus

.. bundle

0

0

0

0

Mushrooms ..

punnet

0

6

1

0

Beaus, Kidney

per bushel

a

0

3

0

Mustard and Cress

punnet

0

2

0

0

Beet, Red

.. dozen

i

0

2

0

Onions .. ..

bunoh

0

3

0

0

Broccoli .. ..

0

0

0

0

Parsley .. dozen bunches

1

0

3

0

Brussels Sprouts

.. £ sieve

0

0

0

0

Parsnips.. ..

dozen

1

0

2

0

Cabbage .. ..

l

6

0

0

Potatoes .. ..

cwfc.

4

0

5

0

Capsicums ..

100

l

6

2

0

,, Kidney

•

cwt.

4

e

6

0

Carrots . . • .

0

4

0

0

Rhubarb . . ..

bundle

0

>

0

8

Cauliflowers ..

.. dozen

3

0

4

0

Salsafy .. ..

bundle

l

0

i

0

Celery .. ..

1

6

2

0

Scorzonera

. .

bundle

i

6

0

0

Coleworts doz. bunches

2

0

4

0

Seakale .. ..

per basket

0

0

0

0

Cucumbers

. . each

0

8

0

4

Shallots . . . .

0

8

0

6

Endive .. ..

1

0

2

0

Spinach .. ..

bushel

8

0

4

4

Herbs . . . .

0

2

0

0

Tomatoes . .

0

2

0

6

Leeks .. ..

0

8

0

4

Turnips .. ..

9 •

bunch

0

4

0

0

378

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDEEER.

[ October 21, 1888.

FRUIT.

Apples .

£ sieve

a.

1

d.

6

8.
tl 4

d.

0

Melon .

s.

1

d.

0

8.
to 2

d.

0

Cherri- s .

| sieve

0

0

0

0

Oranges .. ..

6

0

13

0

Cobs .

100 lb.

eo

0

55

0

Peaches .

perdoz.

6

0

12

0

Currants. Black .

£ sieve

0

0

0

0

Pears .

. dozen

i

0

a

0

,, Red .

| sieve

0

0

0

0

Pine Apples English.. It).

3

0

4

0

Flg3 .

dozen

0

6

0

9

Plums .

£ sieve

1

0

2

0

Graces .

0

6

8

9

St. Michael Piues

. .each

4

0

6

0

Lemons .

0

15

0

Strawberries ..

per tb.

0

0

0

0

SHEEP-FOLDING.

How to make farming answer is a question of vital
importance that is not easily answered. We have repeatedly
striven in these papers to explain various means to so
desirable an end, in point of fact that is the end and aim of
the whole of our wiitings on agriculture. We lay no claim
to the possession of a panacea for the present very unsatis¬
factory state of agricultural affairs in this country, but we do
hold that by close attention to every detail of practice, by the
adoption of every possible means of improvement, by the
exercise of rigid economy, it is still possible to make farming
answer financially, and this is really the only sound test that
can be applied to both theory and practice of this or any
other commercial undertaking.

Among questions of reform to which general attention has
repeatedly been invited is that of the application of manure.
That the easy going but costly process of the manufacture of
farmyard manure still obtains upon many farms is, we regret
to say, only too true, but it is, nevertheless, wrong as applied
to farming generally, for the simple but forcible reason that
we are able to apply manure to the soil in a manner that is
much less costly, and to say the least that is equally efficient.
Among the means at our disposal for doing this in the best
way sheep-folding holds a leading place, and deservedly so,
for not only is it thoroughly efficient but it is profitable — so
profitable that we desire to invite closer attention to it as a
means ready to our hands of helping us to render farming
profitable once more. But we may be told this is no new
thing, it is old as the hills, and has been handed down to us
by our forefathers. Granted, but have we turned it fully to
account, and dono all that is possible with sheep-folding ?
Have farmers generally come to regard it as being among the
means at our disposal to use as a substitute for farmyard
manure ? We know that they have not done so — nay more,
we know many a man who, under the stress of hard times,
has sold his flock, but has still clung to his herd with strange,
and we may add with suicidal persistency. How much we
have to unlearn in farming ! and how slow we are in doing
it. Yet there never was a time when accurate judgment
and prompt decision were so important to us. Contrast the
process of the manufacture of farmyard manure and its
application to the soil with sheep -folding. The one involves
the breeding or purchase of beasts, the free use of straw as
litter, the cost of attendance and food throughout winter and
spring, loading carts and carting to the manure heap, the
turning over and mixing of the heap, carting again and
spreading upon the land with a heavy per-centage of loss of
ammonia, and we may add a slow return upon the outlay
which we incur in the purchase of the beasts. The other
certainly also involves an outlay of capital in the breeding or
purchase of sheep, but then we have a much earlier return
upon our outlay, and we avoid manure heaps and the costly
outlay which they involve for labour with men and horses.

Another objection which may be raised to sheep-folding
is that it is not applicable to all farms, for upon heavy-land
farms the soil is liable to become so saturated with moisture
in wmter that to keep sheep out in folds upon it is simply

impracticable. Well, we agree in part, and only in part, for
there can be no doubt that the saturated condition of much
heavy land in winter is owing to imperfect cultivation. For
example, we know a case where some land had been under
permanent pasture for many years. Now this pasture was
so foul with weeds and so poor in really good sorts of grass
that a gentleman who had purchased the land resolved to
break up the old pasture and to lay it down afresh with a
really good mixture of grass and Clover seed. He was told
that he would fail, for the old pasture was both poor and
wet because the soil was a heavy clay and nothing else. He,
however, very wisely paid no heed to all this, but set a steam
cultivator at work, and had the soil thoroughly broken up and
stirred fully a foot in depth. This and drainage effected such
a radical change in the condition of the soil that its wetness
and poverty are a legend of the past, of miserable easy going
slovenly practice, to which its present florishing condition is
a standing reproach. We might go on and cite many other
examples of faulty treatment of heavy land, but it will suffice
for our purpose now to have shown how such land in one ot
many instances has been rendered fertile and sound.

(To be continued.)

WORK ON THE HOME FARM.

For a full crop of Mangolds 4s. an acre is paid for pulling, topping >
throwing into small heaps ready for carting, and if required covering the
heaps with the leaves, which is only done when there is any risk of sharp
frost. The carting of roots has proved a long and heavy business, for the
crop is certainly a full one, and the roots have heen carted to make heaps
either close by a gate and hard road or alongside a field where it is
intended to fold sheep upon a green crop. Swedes are being put into
small clamps upon sound land intended for Barley. These clamps of roots
are arranged up and down the field at convenient distances apart for
folding, so as to be able to follow the sheep closely with the ploughs.
Ploughing for winter corn has been much retarded on many farms by the
dry hard condition of the land ; recent showers have therefore been
welcomed by heavy land farmers, and ploughing now goes briskly on. In
such a dry autumn steam tackle is of especial value, as enabling us to break
up the soil early and get a fine deep seed bed pretty well as early as we
please. On an estate where steam tackle is turned to full account, and
where much of the land is undoubtedly heavy, by the first week in October
the whole of the Rye, winter Barley, winter Oats, and Wheat had been
sown, the drills and harrows cleaned and put away for the winter, and
most of the young plants were visible along the rows when we went over
the farms a week later. Sown in the soil dry and warm, seed-germina¬
tion and brisk growth followed the first heavy shower. Where it is in¬
tended to follow the Mangolds with a crop of winter Tares no time
should be lost in ploughing in the Mangold leaves and sowing the Tares,
which are one of our most valuable green crops late in spring. We have
had much trouble with foot-rot among one flock of sheep purchased
specially for folding. There must be much negligence about this trouble¬
some disease by shepherds generally, or we should not see so much cf it,
and yet the treatment is most simple. After all it depends upon genuine
kindly care as to how soon it may be cured. Cutting the hoof, cleansing
with warm water, and regular applications of Q-ell’s ointment soon restore
the foot to health, and until this is done affected animals cannot put on
flesh.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS’.

CAMDEN SQUARE, LONDON.

Lat. 51° 32' 40" N.; Long. 0° 8' 0" W. ; Altitude, 111 feet.

DATE.

9 A.M.

IN THE DAY.

a .

o-g .

Shade Tem-

Radiation

p

1886.

a co a> a>

" ter.

9

perature.

Temperature

£

October.

2 05 -d <5

*S fe

a oS

4)00.-,

In

On

CQ2 aS

Dry.

Wet.

3o

Ph

Max

M1d.

snn.

gras*

Inches.

dee.

deg.

deer.

deg.

dci?

dei?.

dee

In.

Sunday .

10

29.731

51.7

48.1

w.

55.8

61.2

41.2

99.2

41.2

0*0 10

Monday .

11

29.862

52.3

47.9

N.

54.4

61.4

48 2

97.4

41.8

O’ 9/

Tuesday .

12

29.682

55.8

54 9

S.E.

54.2

60 9

52.2

72.0

46 9

0 46S-

Wednesday .

13

29.380

50.7

47.9

Var.

49.5

58 5

47.0

102.4

44.2

0*0 32

Thursday ...

14

29.679

4 *.8

45 2

Var.

53.2

58.7

39.6

92 6

33 9

01 8i>

Friday .

15

29.105

57.1

54 7

S.

52 6

58 2

48.8

67.4

43.7

0 298

Saturday ...

16

29.640

51.1

48. L

S.E.

52.6

56.1

48 8

714

44.5

0*152

29.583

52.2

49.5

53.2

59.3

47.0

86.1

42.0

1*24 G

REMARKS.

10th.~ Fine and b ight.
llth.— A bright pleasant day.

12th.— Wet and dull throughout . . „ . „

13th.— Fine and bright, with slit'll t shower in early afternoon ; wet and dull evening’.
14th.— A tine bright day : wet at night,
loth.— Wet, windy, and cheerless.

16th.— Dull morning and evening ; wet afternoon.

A week of genu'ne October weather; bright sunshine, alternating with gloomy
weather and heavy rain. Tempera* ure 3° above the average, and more than 6° below
that of the previous week.— G. J. SIMONS.

October 23, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

379

21

th

f

so

s

31

SUN

19TII Sunday after Trinity.

1

M

2

Tu

Ealing and London Corn Exchange Chrysanthemum Shows

8

W

Highgate Chrysanthemum Show.

GRAPES SHRIVELLING.

OMPLAINTS of xipe Grapes shrivelling prema¬
turely have been far more numerous this autumn
than usual, especially in the case of Muscats,
and more or less of anxiety has been caused
thereby to several gardeners and amateur culti¬
vators — the former lest the supply of firm fruit
should fail too soon, and the latter through being
haunted by a feeling of their having made some
great mistake in management that they are
unable to indicate. This circumstance of Muscat Grapes
turning to raisins, not in whole bunches ia a natural way,
hut in small portions of them, a few berries shrinking here
and there, and now and then a shoulder collapsing, has
caused the more disquietude because the origin of the evil
has not been clearly traced. It is commonly understood
that Muscat Grapes will not keep if the saccharine matter is
not satisfactorily developed before the leaves fall ; but even
common understandings do not constitute inflexible laws,
and it is quite possible that fruit that is in fairly good con¬
dition, yet the flavour not fully developed in October, will
remain firm as long, if not longer, than will crops that were
fully ripened and the fruit in superior condition six weeks or
two months earlier. But it by no means follows that the
late-ripened fruit will by any means equal the other in
quality, while its colour may be dingy in comparison.

The fact that late Muscats occasionally remain firm after
the much earlier, richer, and better finished examples shrivel
suggests that imperfect ripening is not the sole cause of the
evil in question, even if it is the main cause. There can be
little or no doubt as to the advisability of starting Muscats early
enough, and providing a temperature adequate to finishing
the fruit in the best manner attainable before the leaves of
the Vines wither as the result of maturation, because it is
difficult to see how the wood can be ripened and stored with
nutriment in any other way for sustaining the vigour of the
Vines and supporting future crops. But while admitting
that, it does not follow that later, even if somewhat imper¬
fectly ripened, fruit will of necessity shrivel before Christ¬
mas, while the much earlier, more completely ripened, and
highly finished crops will remain quite firm for several weeks
beyond that time.

During the process of ripening fermentation is active in
the fruit by the conversion of gum or mucilage into tartaric
acid, and this and starch into sugar. During this action the
fruit of the Vine absorbs more oxygen than the leaves do,
and all the time this great work is going on, and the labora¬
tory of the Grape is in full operation, distension is more
likely to occur than a collapse and shrinking ; indeed, it
seems impossible that shrivelling can happen at this stage,
and yet the fruit remain sweet. If from a check to the
Vines, no matter from what cause, fermentation is arrested
and the chemical changes in operation suddenly stopped,
growth stops also, but with what result ? Certainly not
sweet, but intensely sour Grapes, as in shanking ; indeed, it
is almost certain that that is the way in which this greater
evil than shrivelling is brought about.

No. 331. — Vol. XIII., Third Series,

The shrivelling or drying up of Muscat Grapes that
has been so prevalent of late is not “ shanking,” because the
Grapes remain sweet. That would appear to be proof, not
that they were unripe, but exactly the contrary. If their
growth suddenly ceased before the acids and other consti¬
tuents were converted into sugar the fruit must remain sour,
and any further change after that — for a shanked Grape is a
dead Grape — must be in the direction of putrefaction ; but
when shrivelled Muscats are sweet — and they are often
sweeter than before — the conversion of acids into saccharine
must have been complete before the shrinkage, hence the
Grapes were ripe, for if otherwise it is very reasonable to
suppose they would be sour. The non-ripening theory, then,
does not seem to be a satisfactory solution of what appears
to be regarded somewhat of a mystery — the premature and
unexpected shrivelling, not shanking, of Muscat Grapes.

Is there any mystery whatever about the matter ? What
causes ripe Grapes to shrivel ? The answer is found in the
preparation of raisins. The Grapes are simply cut and
placed in the sun of Spain, choosing the darkest soil on which
to spread them for absorbing the sun’s rays and retaining the
heat during the night, for the greater the heat the greater
the evaporation of water from and the concentration of sugar in
the berries. Is it not the evaporation of moisture from the
fruit that causes so many Grapes to shrivel in September
and October in English vineries ? It is very certain that
Muscats will shrivel in what is known as dry and “ roasting”
fire heat, and what difference is there between that and a dry
atmosphere from natural causes ? What was the nature of
the weather in September and early October this year ? The
first-named month may not have been abnormally hot, but it
was extremely dry in most places, for when the sun was not
shining, or whether it was or not, a parching east wind was
blowing, depriving vegetation of moisture to a remarkable
extent, causing the leaves of late Potatoes to shrivel a month
before their time, and of Turnips and other root crops to stop
growing. And the first week of October was phenomenal for
its heat and absence of moisture in the air. During the
Grape- Bhri veiling period named, so great was the scarcity of
moisture through evaporation that farmers could not plough
the ground for weeks in preparation for autumn sowings ;
and gardeners know what a fine time it was for killing weeds
and preventing the raising and planting of Cabbages. Why
should moisture be extracted from pdmost everything, and
thus cause inconvenience, and Grapes alone retain their
juices ? Thousands of bunches of Muscats could not resist
the strain upon them and remain fresh. They suffered the
most in light dry borders, and the least in strong moist soil.
They scorched the most severely where the foliage was thinly
disposed, and shrivelled the least where it afforded partial
shade to the bunches, and where the air of houses was as dry
as that of a desert for finishing the crops. Some of them
were “ finished ” only too completely through excessive loss
of moisture by evaporation. Hence the shrivelling.

So often has the formula been repeated that “ Muscats
cannot have too much sun,” that it has almost become an
axiom in Grape culture. But they can have too much sun,
and do have too much if it shines directly on the fruit,
extracting the moisture from the berries more quickly than it
is supplied to them. The fruit will shrivel then just the
same as the leaves of plants will droop from exhaustion under
similar conditions.

The fine Grape in question cannot well have too much
light — diffused light — but very hot sun acting directly on the
berries is often injurious. If intense and unobstructed sun,
not on the leaves but the fruit, is essential to high finish,
how is it that the average quality and finish of the Grapes
grown in the cloudy north, and exhibited at Edinburgh, is at
the least as high as those grown in the “ sunny south” and
staged in London ? Possibly no better ripened, firmer and
more glowing Muscats have been seen than some that won
the chief prize in one of the great contests at Edinburgh in the

No. 1987 — Vol. LXXV. Oij> Series,

380

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER .

[ Oobobar 28, 1F86.

class for “ colour and finish." When the writer saw the
Grapes growing at Mount Melville, a paper shield was placed
over every bunch, and if they did not benefit from that slight
shade and subdued sun, it is very certain they did not suffer.
The covering may have been provided to prevent dust settling
on the bunches, or it may not; be that as it may, it was
there, and not long afterwards the first-prize card was
attached to some of them in very severe competition.

^ It is not possible to give specific instructions that can be
safely and rigidly followed by all persons in all places and
under all circumstances. Judgment must be exercised on
the question of admitting the sun to Muscat Grapes, paying
due regard to the moisture in, or its comparative absence
from, the soil and the atmosphere. If the evaporation is
disproportionate to and greatly in excess of absorption ripe
Muscats will shrivel just as White Currants will “wizen”
if exposed to the direct action of hot sun in summer, when
the bushes at the same time are suffering by drought at the
roots ; and late ripened or imperfectly ripened Muscats often
remain firm, because evaporation from the berries is neces¬
sarily less during dull and cool weather than in the exhausting
days of summer, or an exceptionally dry early autumn like
that of the present year. — Experientia docet.

In the Journal for October 7th, page 330, in your reply to corre¬
spondents you give two causes for this — first, a cheek in ripening, or
rather I should say in the growing season, and then (what to my
mind is of the first importance) starting the Vines too late. This
reply has been brought under my notice, and I should now like to
give my experience on some points in Grape culture, also my opinion
on the fruit shrivelling. I feel rather reluctant in thus putting my
thoughts on paper, more especially as so far I have done nothing
wonderful in growing Muscats, though we have a good crop.

I will take three kinds of shrivelling. First, the most common —
namely, shanking ; second, the shrivelling of stoneless or imperfect
berries when over-ripe ; and lastly, the shrivelling of berries on un¬
ripened wood, chiefly on young rods, this latter deserving particular
attention. Shanking, though I do not personally complain, is very
prevalent this year, due, I think, as much to a low or fluctuating
temperature and want of sun in this very changeable season as to
anything else. Of course, faulty borders, low and undrained, which
are cold, aggravate the evil, which is also, on the other hand, incited
by a scarcity of water. A raised — thus a warmer — border is one
great step towards preventing shanking. This is very clearly shown
here, where Muscats are never so good or free from shanking as in a
raised bed. I have never grown a Muscat in a pot, but should not
expect to see shanking if I did.

Nothing surprises visitors here, including experienced men and
good practical gardeners, so much as a house 80 feet long of Muscats,
growing in what was three years since a Cucumber bed. The Vines
are planted 4 feet apart in a border 3 feet wide, with soil not more
than 15 inches deep, and the rods are now carrying from 10 to 20 lbs.
of Grapes each — Grapes, too, that I hope to have in good condition
in March.

I have satisfied myself that an excess of water early in the season
will cause shanking, even though the border is well drained ; and
again, I have found that a border kept too dry, though it does not
cause shanking and sour berries so soon, still the evil is apparent
later on. A low temperature at swelling time is a fruitful source of
shanking, and though some good growers close their houses at 90° or
100° I do not believe in it, as this temperature may be down to G0Q
in the morning, and this extreme or sudden change from heat to cold
cannot be good. Old Vines in poor or exhausted borders with roots
running at random shank more or less. The remedy in such cases is
root-pruning, lifting, and better soil.

The second kind of shrivelling I will deal with is with either
stoneless berries or Grapes containing less than the normal number
of seeds. If Muscats of this kind are ripened early no man can
keep them ; but if ripened late, though of course the colour is not
good, I have proved they will keep far into the spring. This wi 1, I
suspect, lead to some writing to the contrary, but still I record a fact
If early Muscats are to be kept on the Vine after ripe shading will
benefit them immensely. I have put sheets of paper over each bunch
with great advantage, for if the sun be allowed to shine fully on the
bunches after fully ripe a few berries, especially near the top of the
bunches, will shrivel and also become discoloured. I know that
distance from the glass has great influence, also the size of the house,
the Grapes in a large house enduring much more sun than those in a
smaller one.

I will now refer to shrivelling which is not shanking, because

shanked berries are sour, not filled with saccharine matter, while the
shrivelled berries under notice are sweet and eatable, and shall trace
the cause to immature wood. I have never found this kind of shrivel¬
ling except on young canes or rods, which rods if considered ripe
were certainly not so. Two Vines of Muscats in my oldest house
speak volumes to a thinking man. One rod five years old is now
perfect, with a good crop of useful bunches, not large, but fair-sized
berries, of good colour. On the same Vine is a rod of last year,
which at pruning time I left the full length of the rafter to match
the old Vine, allowing a space of 3 feet 6 inches between the rods.
Now what is the result ? The largest bunches are on the young
canes, but the Grapes are not ripe, or at least not coloured ; they are
also shrivelling, and to prevent waste I must cut and sell them.
When the sun is shining on them the difference in colour and plump¬
ness of the Grapes on the two rods of the same Vine is very appa¬
rent, and equally so by candlelight. These young canes — I have two
of them — have taught me a lesson, and I conclude that unripened
wood is often a cause of failure in Muscats. One of these young
rods will be cut away as soon as the fruit is cleared, but the other
will be left for another year’s experiment. Late Muscats must of
necessity be more liable to this form of shrivelling than is fruit
ripened early. By early ripened I mean Muscats that are at their
best in August or September, and I cannot think that these are
improved by hanging on the Vine. This, however, will depend to a
great extent on the amount and quality of the foliage.

I am seeking information as to the best time for starting Muscats.
I think March is too late, especially in this cold marshy district, and
believe February (if hard firing is not resorted to) would be better.
A very experienced grower informed me the other day he began before
Christmas, and this, too, with the Grapes now hanging. If the Vines
require rest I would ask, When are they to have it ? Seven months I
find is the time it takes me to grow and finish Muscats, but unfoitu-
nately I have overweighted the crop this year, and have no doubt
with a lighter crop six months would suffice. A bad season must
retard the ripening of Muscats much more than black Grapes. I
hope some of our successful Grape growers will favour us with their
experience on early and late ripening for keeping purposes. Here at
the warmest end of the house nearest the boiler Muscats always do
the best. This I think due, not so much to the higher temperature
of the fruiting season, as to the fact of this wood being so much
earlier ripened the previous summer. I have dealt with this matter
rather freely, and hope to be pardoned if in going out of the beaten
path new light is put on this great question of the shrivelling of
Muscats. If grown under favourable conditions they will not be so
liable to any of the three kinds of shrivelling, and the larger the
berries the better they will keep.

So far I have confined my remarks to the white Muscats : now
for a line on the black. Madresfield Court, the only black Muscat I
grow, never shrivels here. True, the end of November sees the end
of these, as this is not a keeper. Lady Downe’s, though it is a dis¬
puted point as to its having a touch of Muscat (I think it has) is
often subject to shrivel, though the shrivelled berries are uniformly
faulty in stones. Very great stress is laid upon this variety being
the best keeping Grape. I, however, do not fully endorse this. I
will give in to its being the best flavoured of all the late blacks ;
but speaking of flavour in black Grapes, where does it lie ? Why,
in the skin. Take all the pulp out of a berry each of the Black
Hamburgh, Alicante, Madresfield Court, and Gros Maroc— then
what? It would be a very difficult matter to say which is
which ! Take the skins and suck them well, then you will tell one
from the other. Lady Downe’s under this test will stand well, the
Muscat aroma coming out more or less according to ripeness.
Muscat of Alexandria if well grown even the pulp is scented more or
less. — Stephen Castle, West Lynn.

SPRING BEDDING.

( Continued from page 357.)

Cuttings of Iberis corifolia should be inserted in sandy soil
at the end of August or early in September in a cold frame.
Do not admit air until roots are formed, when they must be gra¬
dually hardened. It is well for them to have the protection of the
frame until early in April, when they should be planted in rows
in an open space. Pinch the point out of each plant, which induces
side shoots to grow freely, keeping them dwarf. If the weather
be dry during summer supply water freely, and by October they
will be stout plants. Year-old plants may be retained another
year by placing them deeply in the beds, and they may be made to
render good service once more. The position in the beds must be
determined by circumstances, either in masses or as an edging.

Cheirantiius alpinus.— A plant not commonly used for
spring bedding, but it is charming for the purpose. Its delicate
lemon-coloured flowers are so distinct from any other plant that it

October 28, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

881

is at once an acquisition. In some localities — on wet soils for
instance — it is late in flowering, which detracts a little from its
value, hut where time is not so much an object it is useful. The
following is a good method of increasing the stock of plants. When
the old plants are removed from where they flowered they should
be split into as many pieces as have roots : these planted on a west
border, using a little sand to assist the formation of other roots,
during the summer they will make handsome bushes. Small side
shoots taken off and inserted in sandy soil under a handlight behind
a north wall in August will make fine little plants for edgings.

Aubrietias gRjECa, purpurea, and violacea. — These are
amongst the best plants used for spring bedding. So hardy aie
they, beside their free-blooming properties, that they could not be
easily dispensed with. A stock to commence with is easily procured
from seed, afterwards the best should be selected and increased
annually by division of the old roots ; so grown the colour and
height can be more depended upon. The seed should be sown in
boxes in a cold frame towards the end of May. Prick off the seed¬
lings as soon as large enough to handle. When established plant
them on any open piece of ground, where they will soon become
suitable for the beds. To increase by division cut the old growth
down to the ground, divide and plant on a border, using some sand
to assist rooting. They will soon grow into dense tufts, which can
be easily lifted and placed so that the tops touch each other in the
beds, as they do not grow much in the autumn after removal.

Alyssum saxatile compactum. — On account of its bright
orange yellow flowers this :s much appreciated in the spring, when
it flowers freely, remains gay a long time. The old roots can be
used several years by planting them deeper in the soil each year.
As it does not strike readily from cuttings increasing the stock
from seed is the easiest way, which should be sown early in August
in a cold frame. As soon as the seedlings are large enough plant
them on a west border, where they should remain for a year : in
such a manner they acquire strength, and will bloom freely the
following spring. By sowing a few each year a stock of plants is
always ready.

Violas. — These are well suited for beds in the spring if well
prepared previous to transferring to the beds, but if they are poor
and weak at planting time it is useless to expect good results from
them. They are hardy, and flower freely under favourable con¬
ditions. Their various shades of colour enliven the beds much.
A cold frame is the best place to strike the cuttings in, which
should be inserted early in July. It is useless to take cuttings
from shoots which have previously flowered, as such are a long time
in making roots. The best cuttings come from the centre of the
plants — short stiff cuttings with no signs of flower about them.
As soon as rooted the point should be pinched out of each to induce
side branches to form, and when well rooted plant them out where
they will become stocky by the production of side shoots. If some
decayed leaves are mixed with the soil a better ball of earth can
be obtained with each plant in October, thus causing no check to
the plants. For freedom of flowering and effective colouring no
variety surpasses Cliveden Purple. The centre of a bed m a bold
mass of this variety broadly edged with Vestal, a white-flowered
variety, produces a charming effect. Sovereign and Cliveden Yellow
are two of the best of this colour — yellow. There are several other
kinds, but this can be left to personal tastes.

Limnanthes Douglassi. — This blooms freely, but its one fault
is the late period at which the flowers are produced : hence it is
not well adapted for planting in beds that have to be filled with
summer decorative plants. It is easily grown from seed sown in
July out of doors. Still some persons may be partial to it, and the
dense mass of flower produced yellow and white is pleasing.

Silene pendula compacta. — The same fault mars this as the
Limnanthes, otherwise its bright pink flowers, which are produced
in abundance, are very showy. It is easily raised from seed sown
out of doors in July.

Cardamine pratensis fl.-pl. — The Double Cuckoo Flower is
grown somewhat freely in some places. Its pale lilac blossoms are
freely produced. It is dwarf in habit, and being very hardy it is
well worthy of a place in the spring garden, where much variety
is essential. It is easily increased by dividing the plants when
removed from the beds after flowering.

Arabis albida. — With its variegated form this is in some places
much in request, particularly where bees are kept. It is one of
the earliest blooming plants we have. Very partial are the bees
to it on this account mainly. It is easily increased by division of
the roots in the spring, but neater plants are procured by inserting
single cuttings in a cold frame in June, planting them on any open
space when well established. By reason of its very early flowering
it is not used nearly so much as it would be were it coming into
perfection later on, when it would harmonise with other plants
used for the decoration of the spring garden.

Pyrethrums aureum, selaginoides, and laciniatum. —
Sometimes these are used for dividing lines between dwarf plants,
such as Daisies and Aubrietia for instance, where it is required.
The best method of preparing the plants is by pulling in pieces the
side shoots from those plants used for summer bedding. This is
much less trouble than raising seedlings, and by using side shoots
only no fear need be apprehended that they will develope into
bloom shoots during the time they are required in the spring beds.

Bulbous Plants. — Hyacinths, Tulips, and Crocuses in some
places are largely used for the decoration of the flower garden
where expense is not so much considered as effect. The best effect
is made by planting them in beds by themselves, massing them
broadly in their respective colours, as, for instance, a whole bed
should be planted with Hyacinths in different colours, using say as
a centrepiece a mass of red, blue, white, or pink as the fancy may
incline, filling out the remaining parts of the bed indistinct colours.
As all bulbs do not bloom simultaneously it is better to use them by
themselves, say a separate bed of Hyacinths, another of Tulips,
both single and double, and another one of Crocuses. Hyacinths
for bedding can bought for this purpose in distinct colours, also
Tulips and Crocuses would be used in a mass ; a few of the best
varieties of the latter are Large Yellow, which flowers early. Bride
of Abydos is a very fine white variety, coming next to the former ;
and Othello is a splendid dark blue sort which is particularly effec¬
tive in bold masses. Towards the end of October or early in
November dig the beds to the depth of 18 inches, where the soil is
heavy and wet adding some well-decayed manure, loam, wood
ashes, leaf soil, and plenty of sand for heavy soils. Hyacinths may
be planted about 9 inches apart and 4 inches deep, placing a little
sand under each bulb. Tulips should be planted in the same
manner, exepting that the distance should be 6 inches apart.
Crocuses may even be closer, say 4 inches wide and 3 inches deep.
Over the beds place a thin layer of cocoa-nut fibre for protection
during the winter ; a much neater appearance is given to the beds
than by using manure for this purpose.

A few suggestions only shall be given as to arrangement, but
that so much depends upon personal taste and the plants which are
appreciated. Most kinds show to the best advantage when used in
bold masses, as, for instance, the centre of a bed filled with purple-
coloured Violas edged with a broad band of white Violas, or the
centre of a circular bed filled with dark Wallflowers edged with a
broad band of Alyssum saxatile. Particularly rich is these two
colours in combination. An oval-shaped bed with the centre of
Cheiranthus alpinus, next to this a broad band of purple or blue
Violas with a margin of White Daisies would complete this arrange¬
ment. A small circle might be filled with Aubrietias, either of the-
three varieties named are very effective so massed ; dark Wall¬
flowers and Myosotis do well together. Daisies are well suited for
edgings or planting en masse in one bed, having due regard to
arrangement of the colours. Myosotis as a central mass with a
broad band of Silene pendula is very telling. Dark Wallflowers,
Myosotis, and white Daisies harmonise well together. — E. Moly-
neux.

BUSH APPLES.

I have often sent an account of my experience with bees to
the Journal, but I have not hitherto placed before its readers
any matter horticultural. I cannot, however, refrain from
sending a few lines just as the season for planting approaches
regarding a small plantation of bush Apples Five years ago I
planted a number of pyramid and bush Apple and Pear trees,
grafted on the Crab and Pear respectively. Some of these on
my shallow soil have done very well and are bearing a fair quan¬
tity of fruit, but many are showing signs of canker, necessitating
annual lifting. A number of standard trees planted at the same
time are in the same condition. Half must be done away with.
The soil here is a peaty loam, on the average about 15 inches
deep, resting on a dry hard subsoil of sand and gravel. Two
years ago I determined to plant a plot with bushes on a dwarfing
stock and watch the result. I obtained from Messrs. Bunyard
and Son of Maidstone a number of good trees grafted on Rivers’
Paradise stocks. The principal varieties planted were Lord
Grosvenor, a beautiful Codlin shaped Apple, ripening just before
Lord Suffield, of which latter variety some trees were put in ;
Lord Derby, a splendid baking Apple, coming into use from now
on to Christmas; Peasgood’s Nonesuch, Wellington, Loddington
or Stone's Apple, Cox’s Pomona, Tower of Glands, and Cox's
Orange Pippin.

These bushes were planted nearly on the surface, well staked,
mounded up, mulched, and left unpruned (excepting the cutting
off clean of fractured branches) for the first season after planting.
All of them bore fruit, which was well thinned last summer, only
leaving two or three on each bush to test the sorts. They made

382

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ October £8, 1S86

good growth, which was duly stopped about the end of June to
cause the formation of fruit spurs, and the leaders pruned back
early in October last. The bushes were kept well open to sun
and wind. This has not been generally a good Apple year, but
these bushes have been pictures of fruitfulness, the admiration
of all who saw them. Summer pruning was carried out as last
year, and although they have yielded a splendid lot of sound
large fruit, they have made strong short-jointed growth, much of
which shows embryo fruit buds on the current year’s extension.
Several fine fruit were also forme 1 and well matured on the
growth made last year. Notably on Lord Grosvenor bushes
fruit was borne by the wood of the year before, and this princi¬
pally at the terminal buds of rather long spurs, other fruit buds
forming behind the bearing bud during the present summer.
All the bushes carried a fine show of Apples, but those which I
wish particularly to recommend to planters of small gardens
are Lord Grosvenor, Lord Derby, and Peasgood’s Nonesuch. On
three bushes of each of the three sorts above named the yield
was as follows : — Lord Grosvenor ninety-seven Apples, all of
good size, most of them very large baking fruit ; Lord Derby
sixty-five, all large fruit, the largest Apple weighing 14.^ ozs. ;
Peasgood’s Nonesuch fifty-four, none small, some large, and many
weighing about 1 lb., the largest turning the scale at 18 ozs

Some will think that such a crop must exhaust the trees.
Such is not the case, the wood is thoroughly ripened, even that
which has been made since the branches were stopped early in
July. Some growths started again since that date being 8 to
10 inches long and well ripened to the points. The culture has
consisted of keeping the bushes well open by a judicious thinning
of the growth, and a few applications of liquid manure over the
mulch during the swelling of the fruit. The trees are planted
8 feet apart, and the ground was cropped with Potatoes between
the rows of bushes and kept firm, but hoe- weeded within 2 feet of
the trees throughout the season. The great amount of pleasure to
be got by those who love their gardens from a plantation of such
dwarf fruit trees must be apparent to many readers of this
Journal, and this is why I have written these few lines in order
that others may be induced to plant in places where the natural
advantages are not all that could be wished for fruit-growing.
Fruit, certainly inferior to many borne by these bushes, was
selling in Brighton for lid. and 2d. each. The bushes of Cox's
Pomona and of Cox’s Orange bore less fruit than those specially
mentioned above, but the Apples were all fine specimens of their
kind. Pomona well deserves its description given in Messrs.
Bunyard’s catalogue, “ Very prolific and handsome.-’ , Its shape
i3 very attractive, and the lovely colouring on the sunny side and
rosy streaks on the soft yellowish ground to my mind render it
the queen of Apples so far as appearance is concerned. I have
yet to test its quality as a good Apple, both for K and T, as the
list puts it. I need not speak of the worth of Cox's Orange
Pippin ; to taste one is ever after to esteem this delicious variety,
and it is so much easier to grow than the Ribston Pippin, the
Apple of our boyhood.

I cannot conclude this letter without putting in a word for
my friends the bees. It is an article of my faith that I owe to
them a very great part of the success I ever obtain in the various
products of my garden. I well remember how they crowded out
during the few short bursts of sunshine which we had during
the blossoming season of last spring, and who shall say how
many of the big Gooseberries which I pluck each year would
have fallen in their babyhood, had not the busy little sprites
visited them at their birth ? What small agents does not a good
Providence employ to work His wonders and to crown the year
with plenty ! — P. H. P.

AMBURY.

After reading the note on ambnry or Cabbage disease by Mr. Tho*.
Record, I thought the following might be of use 1 1 some- one. as it has
enabled me to have Cabbage plants entirely free from disease or clubbiug.
There is some trouble connected with it, but that is as nothing, when tho
success of a crip depends >n having plants healthy and free from
blemish. The beds are made to the required size, the soil being fine,
trodden down firmly, and the suiface made ev.n. We then take three paits
of wood ashes and one part of burnt earth, mix together, and spread them
on the surface of the beds, half an inch thick. Then sow the seeds,
and rake in with a long-toothed iron rake, making all firm with the back
of the spade. The plants come very strong through the wood ashes,
being well supplied with potash and ammonia imbibed by the burnt
earth. They lift with roots, more like small tufts of gras? than Cabbage
plants, and are very little checked by removal when t an?planting them
to other beds, or their final quarters, the holes being made an inch deeper
than the plant requires, some of the mixture being put in them,
and pressed round the roots. The same applies to Cauliflowers when
planting them out of boxes or from frames with a trowel. Stir

up some < f the mixture in the bottom of the hobs, then place in the
plftut, cover toe roots with it, and up the items, which I have found to
ktep tin m fr<e from grubs, and they make additional roots from the
stem, where the ashes come in contact with it, in all producing & mass of
fibrous roots. This is most effectual in residing drought on light Open
soil, — John Swan, Kilmalcolin, Renfrewshire.

COMMON FLOWERS FOR CUTTING.

Those who lack the means of providing the finer flowers for
cutting might easily cultivate any of those noted in this article.
We use quantities of such flowers, and take the opportunity of em-
bodying remarks suggested by experience as to the best methods of
culture, and also the uses to which the flowers may be put. We
shall take annual flowers first, as being at once the easiest to grow
and the cheapest to produce in quantities, and of course of these
hardy annuals ought to be the commonest.

It might be thought that Sweet Peas should require no note
further than the bare mention of the name to commend them to
everybody, but there are a few thoughts about these which may
be useful to many. First of all, if one can grow only a few of these
it is as well to get the best, and the best for the purpose in view
are pure white and crimson- flowered varieties : the whites especially
are very useful for many purposes. Then the season when these
can be had may be considerably lengthened by attention to a few
little points. By sowing about this time flowers may be had much
sooner in the year than if sowing be deferred until spring. Thin
seeding is also of importance in so far as it renders it much easier
to carry the plants through a much longer blooming period than if
the plants are too thickly in the ground. But the main point to be
observed in order to secure a continued bloom is to remove two or
three times during the season all seed pods by cutting plenty of
flowers, and by seeing that the plants do not suffer for want of
nourishment. Small Peas when cut are useful in various ways ;
they are capital for wreath-making, may be used in good bouquets,
and for furnishing vases are very good indeed, only they must not
in the latter case be stuck thickly and evenly together, but gathered
in long branchlets, leaf, flower, and bud, and arranged as naturally
as possible. With a few flowers of a heavier form added they make
a very acceptable change, and they are also very suitable for mixed
arrangements with other flowers.

Another extremely good annual is the white Sweet Sultan.
This may be sown in spring for autumn flowering, each plant
having a clear space allowed of at least a foot each way. These
are also useful for wreath and bouquet-making, and are first rate
for dotting among other flowers, either in small or large vases, using
them with long stalks so as to stand well out from the others.
They last well for weeks, are very sweet scented and pretty. The
yellow Sweet Sultan is even prettier, but lacks the odour of the
white one. The purple is not worth growing. The light coloured
varieties of the common Cornflower are useful for variety, and we
always grow plants of the blue branching Barkspur ; these are
sown in spring and given plenty of room, and furnish for several
months a supply of deep blue flowers at a season when that colour,
is rather scarce.

The Alpine Poppies, of which we have three varieties, are so
extremely useful, and it is strange they are so little grown. The
white form is the prettiest, and for filling small glasses is quite
indispensable. The seeds are sown here in the beginning of April,
are sprinkled over the surface of the ground, and then firmed with
the back of a spade.

(Lnothera Lamarckiana is properly a biennial, though by sowing
in a frame and planting out when big enough the plants flower
the same year. With us chance seedlings come up wonderfully
freely. The flowers are a soft smooth yellow, extremely pretty, and
are best cut in long spikes, the flower buds opening quite freely in
wSitcr

Chrysanthemums are quite a host of themselves. The common
C. segetum, although grown so much of late years, is the finest
yellow for some purposes we have. The tricolor varieties are ex¬
tremely showy, gaudy perhaps, but nevertheless they cannot be
overlooked as cheap and abundant producers of available flowers.
Burridgeanum is perhaps the showiest ; Lord Beaconsfield, W. L
Gladstone and atro-coccineum are all good sorts.

Single Anemones are so easily grown from seed that they may
be classed as annuals. Sown thinly on a warm border in March
they will bloom the same year, and produce quantities of most
lovely flowers for cutting. The common Honesty (Lunaria biennis)
is so useful that a few plants at least should be grown. \V ith us it
takes care of itself, any number of seedlings putting in an appeal -
ance in various positions.

Of half-hardy annuals none surpasses the Aster for general use¬
fulness. For all purposes the treatment we give to Asters is simple

October 28, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

883

and effective. The seeds are sown under glass, and may be either
in boxes or on beds of prepared soil. When large enough the plants
are lifted and dibbled out like Cabbages in the positions they are
to flower in. The quilled is the most generally useful, and these
may be employed either cut singly with long stalks for mixing with
other flowers, cut in branches and used in the same way, or vases
may be very prettily filled with one colour arranged quite natu¬
rally. Victoria Asters are also grand for cutting, the white variety
being quite indispensable, so useful as it is for wreath-making,
harvest festivals, &c. The dwarf Pseony White Aster, a form dis¬
tributed this year for the first time, is very good indeed, and such
kinds in fact are of great value. Nothing prettier is to be had
than some of the single flowers which crop up among the others.

Nicotiana affinis, sown under glass and transplanted into borders
forms very useful flowers for cutting, being pretty, graceful, and
sweet. Humea elegans is a very old friend, and too much neglected
nowadays. It requires to be kept during winter under glass. Its
feathery-looking flowers are extremely useful for many purposes,
and can be employed in any size of vase.

Single Dahlias are somewhat less popular than they were a few
years ago, but they are well worth growing, notwithstanding the
recession of the full tide of popularity. It may be noted here that
a very simple method of raising a large stock of plants is to do so
by means of seed sown in the spring. We raise a good number
thus, as we grow them by the hundred, and find that it is possible
to reproduce varieties very closely from seeds. We have various
shades of yellow toning of almost to white, and those of a scarlet
shade which we find most useful. The flowers are rather fugacious,
but if cut as soon as open they stand moderately well. It is
necessary to pick off all seed pods in order to keep up a long-con¬
tinued bloom.

Carnations, we may note here, also do well from seed and supply
large quantities of bloom. We are at this date cutting from plants
sown last January, and the same plants will continue flowering
thioughout next summer. More will be said of these on another
occasion. — B., North Britain.

THE GOOSEBERRY AS A WALL TREE.

To those who have wall space to spare and on which no choicer
fruit will thrive I would say, Plant the Gooseberry. It is not often
that overmuch pains is bestowed upon this class of fruit tree so as
to make it an attractive one about a garden, yet it is amenable to
training in almost any fanciful way without in the least affecting
its fruiting qualities. I do not advocate its being planted in posi¬
tions which would be more properly and profitably assigned to choicer
kinds of fruit, yet there are many gardens where the walls with a
direct northern aspect, and having a soil unsuitable to such things
as Plums, Pears, and Morello Cherries, which may well be devoted
to the cultivation of the Gooseberry. Take for an instance the
chalky soil of the northern part of Herefordshire and some parts
of Cambridgeshire, where the surface soil is not more than 1 foot
or 18 inches in depth with a substratum of solid chalk. Those in
the most favourable aspects of the garden it is useless to plant
Peaches, Nectarines, Apricots, or Cherries, unless in specially pre¬
pared borders ; on the other hand Pears and Plums as well as Apples
do fairly well until they get rooted solidly in the chalk, after that
they decay and die. I have seen some good examples of Gansel’s
Bergamot, Brown Beurre, Marie Louise, and Glou Moreau among
Pears, and Coe’s Golden Drop and Green Gage and Victoria among
Plums, while the Gooseberry is thoroughly at home, and never
fails to produce a crop, but then this tree likes a dry bottom. Some
gardens have the entire length of the northern side of the wall
planted with them. The trees are mostly trained fan-shaped, and
when properly done a more neat or pretty appearance could not be
wished for in tree training. They are mostly pruned on the spur
system, which causes the branches to be thickly set with fruit buds.
When growth commences in spring the shoots are often found too
thick, when a disbudding takes place, and the remaining shoots are
tipped or stopped when nearly their full length, thereby throwing
the strength back into the fruit and buds. Another advantage is
to be found by growing the trees on a north wall — that is, the fruit
comes to maturity a stage later than those in the open ground,
which therefore prolongs the season. — Thomas Record.

THE CONSTANTINOPLE NUT.

The species of Corylus known in gardens are comparatively few. In
the west of Europe we have C. Avellana, the common Hizel, which in its
numerous varieties affords us both useful and ornamental trees ; then in
the east, Turkey and Asia Minor, is found C. Colurna, the C nstantinople
nut. Nepaul gives us C. ferox, while North America yields 0. americana
and C. rostrata. These may be taken as types of the Hazels, but except
the first-named they are seldom seen in collections of trees, cither as

curiosities or ornaments. C. Colurna especially might well receive more
attention, for when planted in a situation adapted to its requirements it
becomes a distinct and handsome tree, which is rendered still more
remarkable when fruiting freely. Very rarely can it be seen so finely
represented as in the Oxford Botanic Gardens, where an old large and
well-proportioned specimen annually produces a heavy crop of nuts in
pendulous clusters. The nuts are enveloped in and almost concealed by
a large and deeply cut involucre, the segments of which are curiously
twisted and curled, as shown in the illustration (fig. 56). This
character is strongly developed ; but it is not peculiar to C. Colurna, for
in the Frizzled Filbert, C. Avellana crispa, and the Indian Hazel, C. ferox,
a similarly cut involucre is produced. A variety or hybrid named inter¬
media is thought to have resulted from a cross between C. Avellana and

C. Colurna, and another form termed arhorescens is distinguished by its
involucre being very finely cut, by the spreading habit of the tree, and
its rapid growth.

The tree of C. Colurna in the Oxford Botanic Garden is a large
spreading specimen, old but healthy and well proportioned, and probably
one of the best in this country. There are several at Kew, but we do not
remember seeing such a large or handsome specimen either in the Botanic
Gardens or the Arboretum. Mr. Baxter informs us that the Oxford speci¬
men of Corylus Colurna was in all probability “ planted in Dr. J ohn
Sibthorp’s time, about one hundred years ago. The height is 33 feet and
the spread of the branches 44 feet. The stem, which is worked on
Corylus Avellana, measures 5 feet 4 inches round 3 feet from the
ground.”

CHRYSANTHEMUM NOTES.

Various Notes. — When growers disagree who is to decide ? Mr.
W. J. Murphy’s plan of growing Belle Paul- is quite opposite to mine,
and may suit in Ireland. I prefer growing this variety in a less rich soil
than the general collection, and in a fully exposed position. I doubt if
Mr. W. J. Murphy has the true variety, as he states his plant only grows
4 feet, whereas the true one grows 6 to 7 (when not stopped). In habit
it resembles Fair Maid of Guernsey more than any variety I know.
When grown near a wall or build:ng it is mo™ liable to be attacked with

384

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Ootober 28, 1886.

red spider or scorched with heat during hot weather. This is my ex¬
perience in the south of England. Mr. Murphy should add to his early-
flowering Chrysanthemums Flora, a Pompon, one of the most free-
flowering and earliest I know. It has been in bloom with me since the
15th of July, and now. the 23rd October, is a mass of flowers.

“ C. S., Bristol," should regulate the time of “ taking the buds ” by
the time he requires them to bloom. Early varieties when required
during mid-season, say November the 15th, should be taken from lateral
buds, and late sorts from crown buds. Dates are of little use, as seasons
vary, also localities, and few growers will find time to refer to them. I have
come to the conclusion that “ T. P.” has left the whole of the buds
surrounding the central, and not disbudded, hence the Hen-and-chickens
or bouquet of flowers.

Belle Paule, again. I should imagine that your correspondent
“B. D. K.’s” plants of the above were attacked with red spider, or
scalded during the very hot weather we had in August. I have <fien
known the variety Fleur de Marie to perform the freaks described by
“ B. D. K.” The plants grow freely until hot weather begins, and then
gradually become weak, and the leaves assume a scalded appearance and
often die. The cause of this I should like to know from some other
growers of experience, as I could never satisfy myself with my own
conclusions. Belle Paule is the correct name of the Japanese variety,
but I had it from the French under the name < f Belle Pauline. Messrs.
Thibaut et Keteeler should lead MM. Thibaut et Keteeler. The first is
part English and part French.

Aurantium I see is changed in the Society’s catalogue to Aurantia.
Why this change? I had this variety sent me from Salter of Ham¬
mersmith about eighteen years ago under the first name, Aurantium.
Magnum Bonum still retains its termination of “um.” If Magnum Bonum
is right, why is it that Roseum superbum is wrong, and changed to the
one found in the Society’s catalogue ? — Robt. Owen, The Floral Nurseries,
Maidenhead.

Hen and Chickens Chrysanthemums. — It may interest “T. P.”
to know that last year I had forty plants of Japanese Chrysanthemums
that gave me hen-and-chicken buds. The buds were “ taken ” the first
week in August ; they did not develope perfect flowers and had to be cut
down. This year not a bud was taken till the third week in August, and
I have no blooms of the above description. But I believe that to have
early- flowering varieties at their best in the first week of November the
buds should not be taken till the first week in September, as on October
21st I had a few plants of James Salter and Elaine at their best. —
A. L. a.

Chrysanthemum Emperor. — Taking the Buds. — I am pleased
to see that all are agreed that Emperor is not a hybrid Anemone. Can
Soeur Melanie and other hybrid Pompons be shown in a class for Pom¬
pons ? and, if so, would it be awarded the full number of points ? I have
sent a bloom, which appears to me more like a small reflexed than a
Pompon. I also Bend wood and flower of a Queen of England, which you
will see has many centres, and, from the notes in this week’s Journal,
there seems to be many about, and think by comparing notes we may find
out the reason. Can it be through taking the buds too early ? I wrote
in the middle of May asking advice, as I thought they were making the
first breaks too early, asking whether it would not be best to stop the
breaks in June, so as to retard the crown buds. Mr. Molyneux advised
to let them grow, and if they set too early to take them up to the
next. The Queen family and other incurved commenced setting early in
August, and as I wanted some early in the season and some late, I divided
them. The plants that showed before the 10th of August of the Queens
were taken up to the next bud, and now look promising for good if
small flowers. Queen of England and Alfred Salter, taken on the 16th, are
like the bloom sent. Empress of India, Lord Alcester, and Golden
Empress, taken four and six days later, look much better, and I think
will finish some big but rough flowers. The nearer I got to the 1st of
September, Mr. Molyneux’s date, the better they promise. Princess Teck
and Hero of Stoke Newington, taken August 13th, are just showing
colour, the centres being scaly, like the Queens, while buds of the same
varieties, taken September 6th and 9th, are commencing to open, and look
well. Barbara, takea August 11th, looks as if it would finish a good
flower. At one time I thought they would be of no use. They have
shown colour for four weeks, and they will take quite two more to finish
them, as the centre is full of small florets. Cherub, taken August 14tb,
also promises a good flower. I do not see any resemblance between
Belle Paule and Eve as Mr. Murphy says there is. — Chrysanthemum,
Sussex.

National Chrysanthemum Society’s Catalogue. — I thank
l'B, D. K.” for his somewhat kindly criticism on this catalogue, in the
preparation of which I took a small part, but I think he misinterprets my
meaning when I complained, as he terms it, of the public taking little
interest in the work. The difficulty mostly experienced in the prepara¬
tion was to make the classifications and descriptions tally as nearly as
possible with what we considered to be the general opinion amongst
growers upon various controversial points. The first issue of this work
was from time to time rather severely criticised, and I own there was
much in it that required amending, and my complaint was meant to
convey tbe query, “ Where were the critics when they were mostly
wanted ? ” Some of “ B. D. K.’s ” remarks are inconsistent. He first
tells us what we ought to have done, and then blames us fcr what

actually was done in the direction he points out. I will answer the few
queries in “ B. D. K.’s ” notes. He refers to the absurdity of the name
Messrs. Thibaut et Keteleer having been demonstrated in the columns
of a contemporary. I read most of the leading gardening papers, but I
do not recollect having seen these demonstrations, but I would ask, Is
there any more absurdity in the name of Messrs. Thibaut et Keteleer
than in the names of Madame John Laing (his own quotation), Mons.
John Laing, Mons. N. Davis, Madame Canneli, &c. P These are English
names, and yet they are allowed to have French prefixes. With regard
to Belle Paule, the reason we did not apply to M. Marrouch was because,
unfortunately for the Chrysanihemum interest, this greatest of all Chrys¬
anthemum raisers, to whom we owe so many of our superb back row
flowers, died some time since, as already mentioned in the Journal of
Horticulture, nor would there have been any necessity had he been alive,
for the que-tion was settled twelve months ago by referring to several of
the French catalogues, including M. Marrouch’s own agents, and that
of his successors, to whom his collection was sold to. Independent of
this information, I fail to see why Pauline, being a common female name
in France, it should be the correct name in this instance. Monsieur
Delaux is a Frenchman, and does he not know his own language when he
gives us the names of Mons. Paul Fabre (masculine), and Mdlle. Paule
Dutour (feminine) ? Next as to Triomphe de la Rue des Cb&lets. If
“B. D. K.” will refer to the “Horticultural Directory,” published at
171, Fleet Street, he will find Messrs. Pertuze’s place of business is in
the Rue des Chalets, and that the Tiiomphe was no doubt named after the
nursery it was raised in. This is not surmised, however, for we have
the confirmation in his catalogue. Next as to Bertie Rendatler. Madame
is taken from this name, because here we actually had one of those
absurdities “ B. D. K.” speaks of, and I am surprised at his inconsistency.
Bertier is a man’s name, and when we search the records, as he would
have us do, we find two distinct flowers, Bertier Randatler and Madame
Berthier, which have been confused in this country. Lastly, as to the
terminations “ um ” and “ a ” that seem to puzzle many people. We
were called upon to settle this among other questions, and as we had not
the benefit of “B. D. K.’s” help, we spent some six weeks in correspond¬
ing with Latin and French scholars, and were able to arrive at a con¬
clusion on the subject.

I think “ B. D. K.” will thus perceive that the catalogue has not been
compiled in the clumsy way he thinks ; and considering the work took
over five months of correspondence with every raiser in France that
could in any way help us in the matter, I think “ B. D. K.” might
himself have taken rather more pains in his researches before venturing to
criticise. — N. Davis, Camberwell.

Taking Chrysanthemum Buds.— Your correspondent, “ C. L.,
Bristol," appears to have made a mistake in “taking” the buds of his
Chrysanthemums at too early a date. I consider he is to blame entirely
for this. If he had followed my advice a little more closely he would
perhaps not. have found it necessary to condemn the dates I advised ; and
another thing I should like to impress upon him, that when he has had a
little more experience he will find that if he wishes to have good blooms
of the varieties he names first in his note he will be compelled to have
them fully expanded by the time he states they are fully out, as these
varieties are naturally rather early in blooming. 1 will now point out
where “ C. L.” acted wrongly, and in consequence does not do justice to
my advice. He says the buds were showing by the 1st of August. Now,
there is a wide difference in this date and the time I noted — the 18th of
August. Where I named the 18th inst. I quoted the varieties which
were better for that selection of bud-taking. From the 1st to the 18th of
August is a long time to a Chrysanthemum plant at that season of the
year receiving proper attention, which “ C. L.’s ” plants did not have, or
the buds would not have remained six days without being “taken” or
removed. Perhaps he thinks this of no importance ; if so, he makes a
great mistake, and in consequence condemns my advice as being wron g.
Now, surely this cannot be right and just. It would be better were he to
act upon it first strictly, and I still contend, in spite of all “ C. L.” can
say against it, that the times I gave are the best in a general way. One
cannot be expected to search into all parts of every county in England
and ascertain what times meet the views of every grower of Chrysan¬
themums. The “three growers from Devonshire’’ will continue to find
as long as they reside in that part how difficult it is to obtain blooms in
the middle of November fit to compete in tbe best company grown from
crown buds as far south as the county named. “ C. L.” seems to consider
that because the “ gardener who is both a grower and exhibitor of these
flowers ” had “ taken ” none of his buds at the time of his visit, the last
week in August, my advice was altogether wrong. Perhaps “ C. L
would do better to wait and see if the authority he quotes proves by his
own produce that his blooms are superior to those “ taken ” at the time I
advise.

Chrysanthemum Emperor. — I should like to inform Mr. Davis
that the reason my colleagues and myself disqualified the stand of Chrysan¬
themum blooms at the Crystal Palace Show last year, which contained the
“ supposed ” Emperor, was, that we did not consider it was Emperor, but
some other variety named in mistake. This was the simple reason. The
point was well considered before we arrived at the conclusion that the
flower did not belong to the Show Anemones, but to the Anemone
Japanese. I know that Emperor in its true form is a first-class
variety. In my note, p. 338, I said the “supposed” bloom of Emperor
was not “ true.” What 1 meant was this, that it was not correctly named ;
it was staged in all good faith, but we did not consider it was that
variety. Certainly I should not disqualify a stand of blooms containing

October 28, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

385

one variety so altered by imperfect cultivation as to be not generally
recognised as the true sort, I should consider it a bad flower, and “ point ”
it accordingly ; but when a bloom has not the slightest resemblance to the
variety which it is supposed to represent, it is hardly right to admit it.

I think Mr. Davis contradicts himself on p. 362. He says, “ A white
Princess of Wales shown by itself should not be disqualified, but if
shown on the same stand as a white Mrs. Heale it should be.” Now I
ask, What is the difference between showing the white Princess by itself
and showing it on the same stand with Mrs. Heale ? The contention Mr.
Davis sets up is that because the flower is white, and he knows when it
is white it is “out of character,” he will disqualify it, but a little earlier
in the paragraph says he would not disqualify Emperor if shown out of
character. I am afraid this latter admission anent Princess of Wales
when white, hardly corroborates his previous opinion. When two blooms
in one stand are true to the section which they represent there is then
only one way when they can properly be disqualified, and that is when
they are considered to be both of the same variety.

Chrysanthemum Belle Paule. — Mr. Owen is more fortunate with
this variety than many growers in procuring bloom buds. I know a great
number of growers who had an abundance of flowers from it last year,
and this season very few promise to open, except in cases where, owing
to the lateness of the setting of the buds (terminals) they will be of little
use for exhibition. There is a great difference between flowers of this
variety produced from terminal buds and from crown buds. My experi¬
ence differs considerably from that of Mr. Owen. With me it is not a late
variety, nor does it produce the best blooms from lateral buds. To show
that it is not entirely a late variety I know where several are in bloom at
the present time, and last year it was in good order early in November,
and with many other growers likewise. Ours were all from crown buds
last season ; therefore I do not think that the Srlection of the buds is the
cause of failure with this variety, but I do think that failure would occur
to many people if they selected only the lateral buds, I mean failure to
procure blooms good enough in quality to stage in competition. — E.
Molyneux.

Propagating Madame Desgrange Chrysanthemum. — In reply
to “ G. S., Selkirk, N.B.," who wishes to know how to propagate this
variety and have it in bloom by the end of June or early in July, Mr.
Muir sends the following note : — “ At first when the stock is limited pro¬
pagation must be done in the usual way by taking the cuttings in spring,
rooting them, and topping and propagating again ; but when they are
plentiful, as they are here now, propagation in the ordinary way is
avoided, and they are simply increased by lifting the old plants in March
or April, dividing them into many pieces with a root attached to each,
and replanting. From this it will be seen that plants raised in this way
are much in advance of cuttings rooted in March, April, or maybe the
early part of May, and by dividing them in this way there is no difficulty
in having them to bloom from June onwards.”

Lady Selborne. — For decorative purposes this variety, in either a
cut state or growing on the plants, is unequalled at a time when the early
blooms, Madame Desgrange and La Yierge, are fading, about the begin¬
ning of October, and just before the regular November blooming varieties
properly develope. It is superior to Madame Desgrange in some respects,
its form being more graceful, and its snowy whiteness renders it accept¬
able for cutting for any purpose, either using singly in specimen glasses,
wreaths, or for harvest thanksgiving decorations. It is of free growth,
producing its blossoms in abundance as a bush plant, but the finest
specimens are obtained by growing the plants on what is termed the
“ big bloom ” method — that is, striking the cuttings at the ordinary time
in December, or even in January or February, allowing the plants to go
without topping till they make their first break, then selecting three of
the strongest shoots, removing all others, and when the growths break
again naturally select three additional shoots, and from these take one
flower from each stem, removing all other buds. Blooms produced
from plants thus treated are much superior to those grown upon plants
that are not disbudded, and amply repay for the loss in numbers which
are obtained by not disbudding : 8-inch or 9-inch pots are large enough
for one plant. Two may be grown in a lOJ-inch pot, while three will do
in a 12-inch pot, with the requisite assistance in the way of feeding with
liquid manures. — E. Molyneux.

BRAMLEY’S SEEDLING APPLE.

Replying to your correspondent’s inquiry, p. 339, as to whether this
variety is distinct irom Warner’s King, I should say there is no question ;
the only question is, Has he worked the true variety ? Bramley’s Seedling
was raised in the neighbourhood of Southwell, Notts many years ago, and
was made known to the public by the enterprise of Mr. Merry weather, nur¬
seryman of that place, who exhibited fruit of it at the Apple Congress, Chis¬
wick, and was awarded a first-class certificate by the R H.S. 1 have seen
trees twenty years old and orchards almost wholly planted with this kind,
so it is pretty well known. The foliage does somewhat resemble Warner’s
King, but is not quite so dark in colour ; the fruit is harder and heavier
than Warner’s. The tree is a heavy and regular bearer, but unlesson
the Paradise stock not suited for garden culture, as it is a rampant grower.
For planting on the outside row of an orchard of standard trees nothing
could be better, as it is hardy in itself, and would break the wind from
its less vigorous companions. I think the question of habit of growth is
one of importance, and one which is comparatively but little studied.
How often one sees Apples planted as standards which are only fit for
dwarf culture, and vice versa. But to return. All old inhabitants of

Southwell, who are lovers of fruits, when leaving the district, carry away
a Bramley’s Seedling. This summer I walked into a large garden, almost
an orchard, in Lincolnshire, and asked the proprietor at once if he was a
Nottinghamshire man, for his orchard was all Bramley’s, no other kind.
I found he came from the neighbourhood of Southwell, and had taken
his original trees with him. Bramley’s is a good well tried variety, but
in my humble opinion will in the future play second fiddle to the New
Northern Greening. — A. H. Pearson, Chilwell, Notts.

The practical articles on the cultivation op the Chrysanthemum
by Mr. E. Molyneux that have appeared in our pages will be issued in
a few days in the form of a neatly bound volume of 110 pages, which will
be sold at the low price of a shilling each, or post free Is. 2d. from the
author or from this office. Orders are now being booked, and will be
executed in rotation.

- Tea Roses for Pots. — An amateur has read “ with great

interest the discussion that has taken place in the Journal of Horticulture
on the experience of Rose growers during the past season, and especially
the remarks of ‘ D., Deal,' in last week’s issue. I would be very much
obliged if ‘ D., Deal,' or some other rosarianlof experience would give
the names through the Journal of three dozen good Teas for pot
culture to afford blooms for cutting.”

- Messrs. J. Backhouse & Sons, York, referring to the illustra¬
tion of Cattleya TRiANiE Backhousiana in the preceding issue of
this Journal, remark that in the typical variety “the petals are heavily
flaked with deep purplish crimson. In the labellum also there is a streak
of intense purple passing backwards up the tube, nearly white on each
side and shading into clear lemon as it approaches the purple front.”

- We are informed that the Executive Council of the Liverpool

International Exhibition have awarded to Mr. John Matthews of
Weston-super-Mare a silver medal for the terra-cotta ornaments which he
is showing at the Exhibition. This exhibit has attracted much attention
at Liverpool, and has been generally admired. The medal now awarded
makes the fourteenth which Mr. Matthews has received for his products.

- Mr. E. Jenkins wishes to state that in his note on “ Bedding

Violas ” in the last issue he has “ wrongly described the variety 1 Colum¬
bine,’ which in reality is white striped with lilac, and the description
there given for Columbine actually belongs to the vaiiety called “ Clown.”

- We learn that at the Liverpool Shipperies Exhibition Mr

J. Bramham has been awarded the gold medal for his Allerton Priory
boiler, and a silver medal for general excellence in wirework, both these
being the highest awards.

- In referring to the Liverpool Autumn Show last week it was

stated that it would be held in St. James’s Hall, a clerical error for St.
George’s Hall, where the Show will be held on the dates named.

- After a long period of ill health and an apparent recovery Mr.

Z. Stevens of Trentham Gardens died somewhat suddenly on the
20th instani, in his fifty-third year. For over twenty years he had held
the position of head gardener to the Duke of Sutherland at Trentham,
and had distinguished himself in the culture of Orchids and fruit, and
gained the reputation of a skilful practitioner. Mr. Stevens spent some
years of his early career in Trentham as journeyman and foreman, but
subsequently left to enter the service of Messrs. Yeiteh & Sons at Chelsea.
When Mr. Henderson retired from the charge of the Trentham Gardens
Mr. Stevens was appointed his successor.

- For such a late period in tie season Messrs. H. Cannell and

Sons have a remarkable show of Tuberous Begonias at Swanley, quite
dazzling in their brilliant shades of scarlet, orange, and crimson, while in
rose, pink, blush cream, and white there are abundant soft tints to modify
the brighter hues. The flowers too are of wonderful size for the middle
of October, after a continuous flowering of several months. Bright as

886

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ October 28, 1886,

the Zonal Pelargoniums are in other houses, the Begonias in comparison
render them almost dull. For a really effective display of varied
colours nothing can surpass a first-rate strain of Tuberous Begonias.

- The first annual Chrysanthemum Show at Hitchin will be

held in the Corn Exchange on Thursday, November ISth, this year.
Twenty classes are enumerated in the schedule, the prizes ranging
from 20s. to Is.

- We are requested to state that the death of Mr. Geo. Knight,

gardener to W. Peachey, Esq., of Ebernoe occurred on the 22nd of
September at the age of seventy-seven. He was gardener at Ebernoe
fifty-two years, and is succeeded by Mr. H. Williamson from the Royal
Gardens, Kew.

- The Honorary Secretary of the proposed Sutton (Surrey)

Chrysanthemum Show informs us that in consequence of the in¬
ability of the Committee to obtain a suitable place the exhibition that
was announced cannot be held.

- “ Foreman ” writes, “ Having a fancy to test novelties that

are sent out every year, I obtained seeds of A New Melon from ono
of our leading nurserymen called La Favourite, a green-fleshed variety.
The seed was sown on the 1st of May, and the plants when fit were
pricked off into 3-inch pots. When ready to he planted out they were
placed in two different position, three in 12-inch pots facing the west, two
in a Melon frame facing south-east. The fruits grew rapidly to the end
of J uly, when they ought to have begun to change their appearance, but
strange to say, out of fourteen fine even fruits not one seemed inclined to
change. I let them hang till the end of August, with no change whatever,
and so they were cut off from the plants. Those in the frame were left till
the second week of September, with the same result, quite green and
unfit for table. I should like to know if any gardeners who have been
growing this variety have experienced any difficulty in getting it to such
perfection as described in the catalogues. I must state that other sorts
have done remarkably well placed in a similar position. Just to mention
a few of the best — William Tillery, Read’s Scarlet Flesh, Mclndoe’s
Best of All, and Scarlet Premier, the last-named coming in very quickly.

- We have received the first number of a new weekly gardening

paper published at Berlin, entitled Der Pralttische Gartenfreund, which
appears to have the literary support of a number of the most important
gardeners in Germany. It is edited by Mr. Th. Lange. We wish it
success.

- Zonal Pelargoniums for Winter Flowering.— “ G.”

writes: — “ For brightness and enlivening other flowers these are indis¬
pensable. Having tried most of the varieties, 1 find the following are the
best John Gibbons, orange scarlet ; Henry Jacoby, crimson ; Surprise,
salmon ; Aida, white, suffused rosy pink ; Lady Bosworth, bright rose ;
Lady Sheffield, pink ; Queen of the Belgians, white. Those have single
flowers. Of doubles, F. V. Raspail, scarlet ; Emile de Girardin, rose pink .
the Lord Mayor, purple pink ; President Leon Simon, orange scarlet ;
Grand Chan Faideherbe, crimson ; Etendard, claret ; Belle Nancienne,
salmon red, white margin ; Le Cygne, white. In autumn and winter
there is nothing that can vie with Zonal Pelargoniums. The following
are very fine : — Lord Rosebery, cerise red ; Swanley Gem, rosy salmon,
white centre ; Kentish Fire, crimson scarlet ; Lord Chesterfield, magenta;
Edith Pearson, rosy red, tinted salmon ; Golden Glory, scarlet suffused
orange; Commander-in-Chief, rich scarlet; Atala, orange scarlet; Mrs.
Gordon, crimson, white eye; Ajax, scarlet; Metis, crimson; and
Favourite, cerise scarlet. In a temperature of 50° to 55° they bloom all
the winter.”

- A Hint to Planters, — It has been brought to our notice that as

the prices of trees are generally low this year and labour also cheap, the
ciicumstances are favourable for extensive operations in planting . There
is no doubt that a great deal of planting might be done to ultimate
advantage, and the sooner the work is in progress the better.

- “ J. A. W., Alder minster," writes as follows on Judging

Fruit and Potatoes. “ We are now in the Rose and fruit catalogue
season. My letter bag is ‘ bulged out ” every morning with catalogues.

I do not consign them to my waste paper basket, for one can learn much
from them. But there is something which I object to to be found in
every catalogue — e.g., say it is the description of an Apple, ‘Largo,
highly coloured, free bearer, good keeper; second quality only, hut
indispensable for exhibition.’ Potato this time. Well, we all know how

many prizes International Kidney has won ; but I ask, On how many
soils can it be grown fit for culinary use? Surely fruit and vegetables
are meant to be eaten rather than looked at and admired, and I am
strongly of opinion that, cceter is paribus, quality should in every instance
take priority of size, appearance, or shape. Boauty is only skin deep.
When will judges refuse to be attracted by the pretty face ? ”

- - The Autumn Show of the Winchester Horticultural

Society will be held on November 16th and 1 7th. The chief prizes for
Chrysanthemums are 60s., 40s., 25s., and 15?., for groups of plants
arranged for effect, and similar amounts for twenty- four cut blooms in
not less than eighteen varieties. We observe a class for twelve blooms in
not less than eight varieties for persons who have not won a prize for
Chrysanthemums in the open classes at any exhibition. Prizes are also
offered for fruit, miscellaneous plants, and floral decorations.

- Mr. Stephen Castle has sent us from the West Lynn

Vineyard, King’s Lynn, some interesting samples of VARIATIONS IN
Gros Maroc Grape. Three bunches are before us of this variety,
and between two of them the difference, both in size and shape of the
berries, are equally as pronounced as in Mr. Chaffin’s two bunches of the
same variety as grown by Mr. William Taylor and exhibited at the
Crystal Palace and South Kensington this year. The larger of the two
bunches from Bath was regarded as Gros Colman by not a few gardeners
who inspected the exhibit and compared the Grapes with others in the
classes for the two varieties mentioned. In that case Mr. Taylor informs
us that Mr. Mclndoe has indicated the cause of the variation. The
largest hunch sent to us from West Lynn almost exactly resembles the
supposed doubtful Gro3 Maroc bunch from Bath. The berries are as large
and as round as good average samples of Gros Colman, and two expe¬
rienced Grape growers who inspected the bunch pronounced it Gros
Colman. This bunch of Gros Maroc was cut from a Vine inarched on
a Hamburgh in apparently robust health, but which produces red
Grapes — that is to say, the fruit on the Hamburgh rod is not coloured,
while Gros Maroc supported by the same roots is excellently coloured .
How is that ? The other two bunches of Gros Maroc are from Vines on
their own roots. The berries of one are round, or nearly so, and small,
resembling in appearance second-rate Black Hamburghs, while the berries
of the other bunch are distinctly oval, quite as much so as characteristic
examples of Mrs. Pince are. The Vine bearing these oval-shaped
berries has been fed with chemicals, that producing the smaller and
round berries not having had such assistance. As regards quality, the
oval-shaped fruit far exceeds the other from the Vine on its own roots,
and is quite equal, if not superior, in flavour to the very fine Gros Colman-
like Grapes cut from the Vine worked on the “ red ” Hamburgh. This,
and Mr. Chaffin’s bunch that has been the subject of discussion, are the
finest examples of Gros Maroc we have seen, and the berries of both,
with the exception of one or two in each hunch, were round. Mr. Castle
does not say the whole of the bunches on the three Vines are like those
before u?, but we presume such is the case, and not one of them exactly
represents Gros Maroc in its typical or normal form, though we have no
doubt that all of them are of this variety. It is very evident that this
Grape is subject to considerable variation, and that the shape of the
berry alone is not a sufficient test of identity. We are obliged to Mr.
Castle for the samples referred to.

- The prices of fruit and vegetables have fallen con.

siderably this season, as can be judged by the following figures supplied
by a Covent Garden firm. Of course, the fruit market is especially
liable to fluctuations, and it must not be assumed that the prices of
this year will be the prices of next. But irregularities are becoming
less. A glut of fruit of any particular kind in this country nowadays
means the stoppage of importations, and, on the other hand, any deficiency
of our own crops immediately sets up a stream from abroad. Though
prices go up and down a good deal therefore, they do not vary as they
once did, and there is a constant tendency downwards, due to greater
competition, more extensive growths, and the opening up of new sources
of supply. The criterion pointed to is that afforded by the average prices
paid by the jam manufacturers. In 1878 to 1880 these manufacturers
had to pay £18 to £20 a ton for Gooseberries; this year they have been
buying them at from £4 to £6 a ton. Black Currants they bought at
£28 t) £32 a ton ; this year at £10 to £12. Red Currants formerly
fetched £18 to £26; this year £10 tr £12. Strawberries, which a few
years ago fetched £28 to £35, have this year averaged £16 to £20 ; Rasp¬
berries have fallen from an average of from £35 to £42 to an average of

October 28, 1888. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER ,

337 —

£12 to £15 ; and Plums from prices ranging from £11 to £28, to £1 or
£5 a ton. Apples have not materially fallen, though even in these the
maximum has been £8 a ton instead of £10, as they were six or eight
years ago ; and importations from America, which fetched from 20s. to
25s. a barrel, have this year sold at from 10s. to 12s. 6d. These are the
jam manufacturers’ figures, and they indicate roughly the variations in
the cost of fruit to the general public. Taken together with the low
price of sugar, they certainly ought tolindicate”a very cheap supply of
jam this winter.

- This year has been quite exceptional, and these figures must

be read in the light of that fact. But it is unquestionable that the
past few years have witnessed a remarkable development in the popular
demand for fruit, and that demand has called forth a supply decidedly
in excess. There is general testimony to the effect that the average price
of fruit never was so low as during the past few years. And pretty
much the same may be said with respect to vegetables. There has been
a great depreciation in this market, particularly in the matter of Potatoes,
the most important of vegetables. There is a difficulty in presenting
figures with regard to them, just as there is with fruit. Ten years ago
there was a dearth of home-grown Potatoes, which' were fetching £8,
£9, and £10 a ton in the wholesale market. From the year 1875 till
1879 we imported largely from Germany, paying for Potatoes far
inferior to our own from £1 to £7 a ton. The best English Potatoes)
such as ten years ago were fetching £8 or £10 a ton, are now selling
at from 45s. to 80s. a ton, A comparatively small quantity of a superior
kind are fetching from 80s. to 100s., but the bulk of the present supply
are selling at from £2 to £4 a ton. Several other kinds of vegetables
are almost equally cheap, and though in all such things wo are greatly
dependent on seasons, there are uumistakeable and very decided down¬
ward tendency.

HEATING BY HOT WATER.

WATERTIGHT ASHPITS.— HOT v. COLD WATER.

I wish to thank your correspondent, not only for his commendatory
remarks, but for bringing forward the subject of water in the ashpits.
This matter may not have been written about in the various gardening
periodicals previous to Mr. Burton’s article two years ago, which I do
not remember; perhaps he will say in what volume and at what page his
notes are to be found. This, however, is not a new practice, for I
remember having to keep ashpits full of water some sixteen or seventeen
years ago, and have more recently had to carry out the same practice in
other gardens. The system may not be general, it is nevertheless carried
out in many gardens. I prefer stokiDg with water in the ashpit, if only
for the sake of reducing the quantity of dust about the fire when cleaning
and clinkering. If my observations have been correct the fire burns more
brightly and clearly when the water in the ashpit is comparatively cool
than when it is raised to a high temperature by absorbing heat from the
fuel. The fire more resembles that of a cold frosty night, the draught
also appears better. Cool water beneath the bars would have a tendency
to keep them cooler than when heated vapour only reached them, the tem¬
perature of which it would be difficult to estimate, for it would be increased
materially in its passage from the water to the bars.

Again, a steady flow in and out was advised for the purpose of saving
labour in keeping the ashpit full of water. To accomplish this under
boilere capable of heating 8000 or 10,000 feet of 4-inch piping would
entail considerable labour. When firing hard, even when the ashpit
was full to commence with, say at 6 P.M., it would be evaporated long
before the morning, hence the value of a constant flow in. This, how¬
ever, might be remedied by deep ashpits that would contain a good
volume of water, but the flow in and out would be as practicable as this
method and would insure the ashpit being kept full. If advantages arise
from having the ashpit full of water, the bars would be benefited in a
small degree only if empty half its time. It is to guard against this
uncertainty that a flow in was advised. The outlet was advised to carry
otf superfluous water ; it was not my intention to convey the idea that a
full stream should be allowed to be constantly running in and out. This
would mean a large waste of water, which I condemn. But it was
intended that the flow in would be more than equal to the evaporation,
so that a little would pass out to keep the water much cooler than would
otherwise be the ease. It would be very difficult indeed to keep the
water oold directly under a large mass of burning fuel, where the heat
would be intense. The water would not enter at a lower temperature
than 47° to 50°, and I did not for a moment think anyone would conclude
that I intended it to remain at this temperature without absorbing heat
from the fire above. What I intended to convey briefly was a prevention
of those high temperatures Mr. Burton has pointed out as having taken
place in his own practice. High temperatures cause enormous evapora¬
tion, and the greater the latter the more the labour required to keep
the ashpit supplied with water, unless some such plan as I have advised
is carried into effect.

Where the water supply is deficient and the drainage of a stokehole
impossible I have not, and do not, advise the use of water in the ashpit
by a flow in and out to prove a nuisance. It would be better to

have none. Where the stokehole is drained and the flow of water into
the ashpit steady, it would be essential to have an outlet, so that the over¬
flow and evaporation would be equal to the inlet. This would keep the
water cooler than could possibly be the case by Mr. Burton’s system.
This is what I mean by keeping the water cool. I am of opinion that
the cooler it is kept the better chance it will have of keeping the bars
firm and hard.

I may have observed wrongly on these points, and shall not be sur¬
prised if the conclusions to which I have arrived are proved to be more
imaginary than real. Because I am already certain that for small boilers,
or say those capable of heating 1500 or 2000 feet of 4-inch piping— I
mean boilers fully capable of doing this work, not those that may be made
to do it by hard firing only— need not have water in the ashpit. Mr.
Burton’s boiler has worked four years on his principle with water in the
ashpit and the bars are sound. I have a gold medal boiler that was put
in eight years ago last spring for heating the conservatory that contains
1500 feet of 4-inch piping, and the fire bars are perfectly sound, and have
the appearance of lasting for some considerable time yet, for they look as
good as they were at first. Now, in this ashpit not one drop of water
has been employed.

From Mr. Burton’s remarks we would conclude that bad stoking was
the result of the bars becoming “ hoisted ” or raised out of their place, for
if the clinkfers are the cause io his and other cases they are not in mine.
The chief cause of “hoisted” bars is the great heat to which they are
subjected, which causes them to expand. The majority have a small pro¬
jection on each side of the centre, and when the bars become jammed as
well as the ends by expansion the remainder of the bar is twisted, or the
whole bar is lifted out of its position. In our large boilers the bars are in
a season badly burnt, and become so twisted that they have to be replaced.
When new bars are cast they will be made for these boilers on a slightly
different principle, but whether they will act remains to be proved, and
therefore nothing further on the subject will be said at present.

Turning again to the subject of water in the ashpit, it will be very
interesting to me if others will state their views on the subject, for I
have doubts whether any real benefits arise from it or not. I did not
intend that sentence to have appeared in my piper, but it was overlooked
when revising it for the press. No water is used under any of the large
Cornish form of boilers used for steam purposes, and greater heat is main¬
tained than we frequently employ for heating our fruit and plant houses ;
in fact, I have never seen water in the ashpits of the boilers used, either
for ships, locomotives, or any boiler for generating steam, and I think if
the advantages arising from such a practice were great it would have been
adopted for these long ago. The fire bars used for these boilers are thinner
than we employ in gardens, expansion will therefore be less and the bars
less liable to become twisted. There is something in this, I think ; what
does Mr. Burton, “ Thinker,” and others say ? I could the belter under¬
stand the value of the hot vapour advised by Mr. Burton if the bars
absorbed moisture, and contracted when exposed to the direct heat of the
fuel, and coiled up by the increase of temperature expelling moisture from
their pores. The bars here coil up or drop in the centre, but this is due
entirely tc expansion. There is a considerable difference between the
heat maintained in large boilers that are required to heat large quantities
of pipes a good distance from the furnace than is the case with those of a
smaller size with probably not one-third the quantity of piping to heat,
and that perhaps no great distance from the fire. It is in these very
large boilers only that the bars become badly burned and twiste 1 by the
intense heat to which they are subjected. I have never known the bars in
smaller boilers suffer to any great extent, and if they will last eight or ten
years there is little reason to complain of them. — Wh, Bakdney.

I HAVE been studying for three years in an economical point of view
the “ watertight ashpits,” and after what Mr. Bardney and Mr. E. Burton
have written I thought I may venture to give your readers my views on
the subject. The continual wheeling into the stokehole of coke, the
stoking, the taking away clinkers, twisted and burnt furnace bars, the
late hours in cold weather to those on duty, the expense of coke, and
carting from the station at inconvenient times, comprising a sum of £150
annually, all these things determined me to make a new departure in
our system of firing. I wrote to Swansea for a truck of anthracite
coal. The men said it would not burn. Not to be beaten I did the stoking
myself (but I was) and had to mix coke with the coal, I was not satisfied,
and had watertight ashpits made with cement the length and width of
the furnace, and 18 inches deep. The change so far has been great. We
can now burn coal only, and from close observation wo notice that the '
more steam rises from the water under the bars the brighler the fuel
burns in the furnace. We have learned that by drawing out the damper,
opening the ashpit door 2 inches, the fire burns best and brightest. The
heat from the fine glow can be retained when necessary by almost cl 'sing
the damper. We have in use gold medal boilers and one c omm on
saddle. I went specially last winter to St. Margarets, East Grinstead, to
see two large furnaces that heat a large building. The watertight
ashpits have been in use for three years, previous to that the furnace bars
had at least to be renewed annually, costing £12 a furnace, but for the
three past winters the same bars have been in constant use and was then
sound. Mr. Laing informed me that a greater heat can be had now than
before the watertight ashpits were made. Welsh coal is also used, con¬
sidering it to be more economical. — Albion.

I have not seen many ashpit? under boilers for heating glass hous’s
formed to contain water, but I know it to be a plan worthy of being
generally adopted. Here we make our own gas, and as I have to s^e to

888

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ October 28, 1886.

the management of it I know a little of how mattera work, and each
ashpit is made with bricks and cemented to hold water. They will hold
about six gallons, and they are never allowed to become empty when
the fires are on ; but they only require to be filled twice in the twenty-
four hours, and this does not entail much labour ; but it is a great advan¬
tage to have it, as the moisture underneath the bars prevents their burning
or becoming crooked, and very few clinkers are formed, although a great
deal of small rubbishy coal is used. The fires are large and very strong,
and are more severe in their action on the grate than any boiler fire, as
there is no banking down in the gas house, and yet the water keeps all
going on smoothly for years. The introduction of a constant stream of
water under the bars may have its advantages, but the plan I speak of
answers so well that I would never be inclined to introduce any other
mode of working.— J. Muir.

ROSE MARIE BAUMANN.

IN reading with much interest and general agreement the admirable
notes upon Roses for October 14th, I must confess to great astonishment
when I came to “ Now for Marie Baumann.” She has been thoroughly
tested, and is pronounced “ sometimes respectable.” Imagine her indig¬
nation ! The reigning queen of the last twenty years, the head of the
poll I do not know how often, the victor of a hundred fights, come down
to faint praise like this 1 It reminds me of the slip of the chisel by
which a highly respected British matron was represented as “ remarkable
for her chastity,” instead of “ charity.”

I only remember Marie Baumann being once beaten in a Rose election,
and that by Marshal Niel, when Teas and hybrids were taken together.
I quite admit an inferiority to A. K. Williams. There is no Rose equal
to that. From the first frost-damaged bud of spring to the last weak
attempt of autumn it always comes true. For size, colour, shape, and
substance, the four great requisites, it is unequalled ; but I would submit
that Marie Baumann is not very far behind.

In my own limited but long experience I have had it in winning boxes
more often than any other Rose I could name. There is another Rose
nearly related, and now also being pushed into the background by new¬
comers, which I prefer to it when perfect ; but Alfred Colomb is not seen
once in twenty times in perfection. When true to type to my mind it is
unequalled for colour, the red seems to flow from it ; it almost answers
to the description of a Rose on fire.

Marie Baumann is accused of mildew. I have never found it worse
than its neighbours ; but I gladly endorse the immunity of Ulrich
Brunner, that wonderful seedling from Paul Neyron. We must speak of
a Rose as we find it, and certainly one garden’s experience is not that of
another ; but were I condemned to one exhibition Rose, bar A. K. and
Mar&jhal Niel, it would certainly be Marie Baumann. I should have
hopes sometimes still of the best Rose in the show, and very often of
winning with a stand of twelve or six of the same kind. What Mr.
Horace says of his friend Lalage I must still say of my other friend,
perhaps quite as “ respectable ” —

—A. C.

“ Place me where on the ice-bonnd plain
No tree is cheered by summer breezes,
Where Jove descends in sleety rain,

Or sullen freezes ; —

" Place me where none ean live for heat,
’Neath Phcebus’ rosy chariot plant me;
That smile so sweet, that form so neat,
Shall still enchant me.”

REVIEW OF GRAPES.

I trust that Mr. Mclndoe does not feel hurt in any way on account
of the conclusions at which he and two “ well-known Grape exhibitors”
arrived in reference to the doubtful bunch of Gros Maroc Grape in a col¬
lection at the September Crystal Palace Show not having been accepted
by me as being absolutely correct. I would remind your correspondent
that the fact of the said doubtful bunch having been awarded, in connec¬
tion with the unquestionable bunch of Gros Maroc, first prize in the class
provided for that variety at South Kensington the second week in Septem¬
ber, does not necessarily prove that the two bunches were the same
variety, though to those unacquainted with the circumstances connected
with the “ censorship ” at both the Palace and South Kensington Shows
it would appear to do. I may be permitted to say there is no reader of
the Journal better pleased at Mr. Taylor’s success in the Grape classes at
the shows last m nth than I, and I wish him every success in the future.
It is simply the grounds given by Mr. Mclndoe in support of the con¬
clusions at which he and the two “ well-known Grape exhibitors ” arrived
that induced me to say anything in the matter, as I could not fall in with
his (Mr. Mclndoe’8) views regarding the cause of the difference in the
two bunches of Grapes.

I admitted in my previous note what all practical gardeners will
admit — namely, that ripeness or unripeness of the wood has a good deal
to do with the production of compact or loose bunches ; but further than this
I cannot go, not even to oblige Mr. Mclndoe, by saying that the condi¬
tion of the wood would alter the “ shape and formation” of the berries —
that is to say, an unripe weak shoot would, according to your corre¬
spondent’s statement at page 321, produce a small bunch of Gros Maroc
Grapes, consisting of oval and heavily bloomed berries, while the ripe
strong shoot of the same Grape Vine or variety produces a large bunch,
consisting of round and lightly bloomed berries. How can Mr. Mclndoe

prove this ? It may ease Mr. Mclndoe’s mind t ) know that he and the.
two “ well-known exhibitors ” were not the only Grape-growers at the
Crystal Palace Show who took the “ trouble ” to compare the bunches in
question with those of Gros Maroc and Gros Colman in the classes provided
for them, and to say that the “ back of the berries and footstalks ” were
noticed and acknowledged to he characteristic constituents of the bunches
of the respective varieties by — An Exhibitor.

With regard to the two bunches of Gros Maroc shown by me at the
Crystal Palace and South Kensington, I have to say that they were both
grown on a Vine raised from an eye in the spring of 1884. They were
the only two bunches of that variety on the place, and although there are
several Vines of Gros Colman, some old and some young, none of its fruit
was coloured at the time. Had I been sufficiently dishonest to stage on&
bunch under a wrong name, surely it would not have taken an extra¬
ordinary stretch of conscience to put up another to match it. The larger
bunch was grown on the leader, which was very strong, and the berries
during the second swelling laid on a remarkable amount of flesh, and
grew out of the normal shape. I have before occasionally noticed a
tendency with oval Grapes to become less oval on young vigorous Vines.
— Wm. Taylor.

MAXILLARIA SAN DERI AN A.

At the Orchid Conference last year B iron Schroder exhibited
amongst many other choice novelties and fine specimens, a plant of a new
Maxillaria, which was named in honour of Mr. F. Sander of St. Albans,
It was greatly admired for its distinct and bold character, a first-class
certificate being awarded as a fitting recognition of its merits. The
species has been exhibited on some occasions since, notably by C. Dorman,
Esq., at the June meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society this year,
when its peculiar characters were again well shown. The plant s in the
way of M. grandiflora, and has been aptly compared to Lycaste Skinneri
in the size and general form of the flowers. It is dwarf in habit, with
strong lanceolate leaves and short pseudo-bulbs. The Bepals are broadr
ivory white, stained and spotted with very dark heavy purplish crimson
at the base ; the petals are much smaller, with the spots of a similar
colour on a white ground, but more scattered than on the sepals. The lip
is a dark reddish purple. The bold appearance of the flower and its wax¬
like substance render it one of the most handsome and distinct of the
genus. It was introduced from Peru .

TREES AND SHRUBS FOR LAWNS.

Cedars — In young trees they are beautiful ; at their best they yield
to none in majestic grandeur, and in old age are singularly picturesque.

The Cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus Libani), a noble spreading tree with
a, flat top. The width is as great as the height, many noble specimens
being found in this country of a very massive and sublime aspect ;

BO to 80 feet. , ,. . . , ,,

The Silver or Mount Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica), resembles the
Cedar of Lebanon in general appearance, but does not assume so fully the
Bhelf-like disposition of its branches. It is also of freer growth and more
silvery appearance. It will probably attain to larger proportions than the

Cedar of Lebanon. , . , ., ,

The Deodar or Indian Cedar (Cedrus Deodara), is perhaps the most

noble of all drooping Conifers. As a single specimen it is unsurpassed m
beauty, the foliage having a peculiarly silvery appearance. There is a
variety of this— viz., robusta, with longer and larger leaves, and more
glaucous, and though it is more vigorous it is not so dense m habit, a
large tree requiring space for proper development.

The Cedars like a good soil and water near the surface. The Deodar
thrives only for a time on shallow soils, and is not suited for an exposed
situation, indeed it requires shelter. . ...... ...

Chili Pine —The Chili Pine (Araucaria imbricata) is one of the
noblest of trees. Its symmetrical and unique form is most picturesque.
It does not thrive in shallow soil, liking a good deep soil and cool bottom,
but free from stagnant water. On a wet base and shallow soil it is much
given to the loss of its lower branches.

Silver Firs.— Regu’arity and symmetry are the peculiar characte--
istics of these, the branches being horizontal to the stem, and are
pyramids in comparison with the Cedar of Lebanon, the jranches bem£
spreading at the base and diminishing gradually upwards to a point.
They are well adapted for specimens. ... . ,

The Noble Silver Fir (Picea nobilis), is perhaps the moBt beautiful or
all, especially in its var. glauca. ItB rapid growth, and the fine contrast
of the silver on the young branches, an i the massive deep colour ot the
old is very effective ; indeed they are models of beauty.

The Lovely Silver Fir (Picea amabilii-).— Truly beautiful, of dense
habit, and not so spreading as many, the foliage being deep green a ve
and silvery beneath, imparting a very striking and beautiful elrec .
Large tree. . , . ,

Nordmann’s Silver Fir (Picea Nordmanniana), is of fine symmetiiuu
habit, forming a majestic and hands >me specimen. It is very effective.

Perhaps the finest of the Silver Firs is Picea concolor violacea. in
its young growths it is quite charming and of compact growth, ft |s 0
comparatively recent introduction, and apparently ver.v hardy. Large rue.

October 28, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

389

The Pinsapo Fir (Pioea Pinsapo). — Densely branched, the branches
very thickly placed in whorls, and spreading horizontally, which from its
perfect symmetry is strikingly handsome, being a round or flat cone-
shaped tree of great beauty. It is also very distinct. There is a variety
(P. Pinsapo glauea) with all the leaves of a silvery or glaucous colour.
Requires space laterally. Not tall, but spreading.

The Superb Silver Fir (Picea magnifies), is much after the P. nobilis
style, but is more robust, and certainly is very beautiful. In limited
collections the two need not be grown, especially as lawn trees, notwith¬
standing it is quite distinct.

The Silver Firs delight in a strong moist loam and a cool bottom or
clay. On shallow soils they have a tendency to become yellow and lose
their leads, which is very determined in P. Nordmanniana, the worst of it
being that the trees thrive well enough for a few years, and in eight
years or so they assume a dingy colour in early summer.

Spruce Firs. — The White Spruce (Abies alba). — Fine pyramid shape,
fast growing, and forming a fine tree of a beautiful glaucous- whitish hue,
which shows to great advantage in association with Pines. It is very
hardy, but like all the Spruces is not nearly so fine in a bleak or sheltered
situation. It is, perhaps, best seen on a north aspect, or with others and
equally tall trees to the south, and its fine appearance is then brought out

The Corsican Pine (Pinus Laricio). — This forms a handsome pyramidal
tree, grows more quickly than any Pine I know, and will stand wind even
better than the Austrian Pine. It, however, is not nearly so dense in
growth, and is much more pyramidal in habit. For bleak situations this
and the Austrian Pine are invaluable, and that must be my apology for
directing attention to them, as to have lawn trees they must have shelter
in some localities, and none furnish it better than those under notice.
Keep them thinned so that they can retain their lower branches.

The Taurian Pine (Pinus Pallasiana). — A large pyramidal tree, but
with a somewhat roundish head, compact in growth, but the branches are
disposed irregularly, and being robust have a singular appearance. It
is of stifT habit, the leaves dark bluish green, several inches long.

Bentham’s Pine (Pinus Benthamiana). — Noble in aspect, its long dark
green leaves closely set on stout somewhat spreading branches are singu¬
larly if not grotesquely beautiful.

The Swiss Stone Pine (Pinus Cembra). — A very handsome dense-
growing tree, and can hardly be dispensed with in ornamental scenery.
It has a peculiar fitness for knolls on slopes, especially where the
sceneryjis a water one. The Siberian Stone Pine (P. Cembra sibirica)
is of slower growth, and is very ornamental from its glaucous green
leaves.

Fig. 57. — Maxillaria Saxderiaka.

very strikingly. We have the blue or glaucous variety of dense habit
and smaller dimensions, which is very beautiful from its bluish green
foliage. It is very fine as a lawn tree.

The Douglas Spruce (Abies Douglasi). — Conical in form, graceful from
its numerous pendulous branches covered with bright green foliage. A fast
growing and most beautiful Fir, making a grand specimen. Large tree.

Engelman’s Glaucous Spruce Fir (Abies Engelmanni glauea).— Dense
glaucous blue tinted foliage, yet of free hardy growth, rendering this one
of most lovely of the Spruces, if not the most beautiful of the family.
Japanese Spruce (Abier polita) is very distinct, and is to Spruces what
Picea Pinsapo is to the Sdver Firs, being very beautiful if for nothing
less than its decided distinctness. It promises to be very handsome. It
is quite hardy and of free growth. The Oriental Spruce (Abies orientals)
is a beautiful and densely branched tree, and very ornamental. Large tree.

The Spruces thrive best in a moist soil, and preferably light, but from
their shallow rooting will grow in most any kinds of soil except gravelly
and hot soils, in which they are subject to red spider, and soon assume a
stunted appearance ; in fact they like a cool moist soil, and with shelter
attain noble proportions, indeed there are few finer trees than the Norway
Spruce (Abies excelsa) as a specimen. Lord Clanbrasil’s Spruce (Abies
Clanbrasiliana) is a dense bush, useful for lawns, never exceeding
4 feet in height, and there are many other dwarf forms.

The Pines. — The Austrian Pine (Pinus austriaca). — I consider this
the most useful of the Pine family from an ornamental and sheltering
point of view, and for forming a background its rich dark foliage is
unique. It will grow anywhere near the sea, and at a high elevation on
mountains, on clay soil, and on sandy, on peat soil, and on limestone. It
is, indeed, invaluable. It forms a dense tree, closely branched, thickly
clothed with dark glossy green leaves. As a specimen it is superb.

The Lofty Bhotan Pine (Pinus excelsa). — Free growing, very spreading,
withal pyramidal. It is very handsome, its silvery slender long leaves
giving it a silvery-grey colour. Though its branches are very flexible it
does not succeed well in an exposed situation. Ltrge tree, requiring
much lateial space.

The Pines, being hill trees, like a soil from which water drains freely,
and they luxuriate in ground that will not support Spruce or Silver
Firs ; but they will grow in clay soil or any other, only not saturated
with water.

The Mammoth Tree. — Wellingtonia gigantea is, perhaps, the best
known of the Conifers and most prized. It is very beautiful, forming an
exceedingly symmetrical cone or sugar-loaf of a pleasing bluish-green
colour. It is not suited to exposed situations, for after it attains some
height it is driven more or less from the perpendicular towards the east,
and becomes less plentifully furnished. It seems to require a deep soil,
and in such only have I ssen it healthy after a quarter century growth.
On shallow soils it grows well for a time, and is very beautiful. It re¬
quires shelter from the west in exposed situalions, and is more of a valley
than hill tree. The Weeping Wellingtonia is very fine, and is perhaps
the best of the weeping Conifers, unless it be the Pendulous-branched
Spruce (Abies excelsa inverta), which is very elegant.

The Cypress. — Lawson’s Cypress (CupressusLawsoniana) is decidedly
the most graceful of lawn trees. There are many varieties. Argentea is
suffused with a charming glaucous tint, and is not so free in growth as the
species ; alba pendula, glaucous, drooping ; aurea variegata, of moderate
growth ; Allumi, a fine form ; compacts, a close-growing variety ; Frazeri,
of free growth ; the beautiful round-headed gracilis ; the purple-tinted
pulcherrima ; Silver Queen, very silvery and beautiful ; lutea, with its
golden tint, and of free even vigorous growth ; nana and nana glauea, the

390

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ October 28, 1688,

two last very dwarf and neat, and some others. C. Lawsoniana erecta
viridis is of upright habit, of a beautiful green hue : the variety stricta
is very fine, forming very handsome specimens. The Lawson’s Cypress,
though it succeeds most anywhere, does not do in exposed bleak situations.
It is indeed a valley tree, or needs shelter from strong winds; large tree
in favourable situations. Varieties described as vigorous also require
space.

The Nootka Sound Cypress (Cypressus nutkaensis). — Erectness with
gracefulness are the characteristics of this tree. It is of darker hue than
C. Lawsoniana, and a tall beautiful tree, none finer for specimens. It is
very hardy. There is a variety viridis with brighter green foliage very
pleasing, and there are dwarf forms that are beautiful. The variegated
form affords variety of a kind that may well be dispensed with. Charm¬
ing as they may be in other trees, the variegation in Conifers is not taking.
Large tree, or medium large. — G. Abbey.

(To be continued.)

APPLE AMERICAN MOTHER.

Two years ago I wrote to you about this splendid Apple. Again I
have some beautiful fruit, the colour not quite so rich as before perhaps,
but you will judge from the specimens for yourself. Archdeacon Lea
(my archdeacon), was surprised at the wonderful flavour of this Apple
when he tasted it here last week, and we are most of us aware of his
experience in fruit culture, and his refined “taste” in matters horti¬
cultural. — J. A. W., Alderminster.

[The fruits are of good average size, but only one of them well
coloured, the others possibly having been shaded. It is undoubtedly a
rich Apple, and not being very firm in the flesh, is esteemed by persons
advanced in years. Dr. Hogg describes this variety in the “ Fruit
Manual,” and publishes a word of caution in respect to “Mother”
Apples which may perhaps be usefully cited here: — “American Mother
(Mother Apple ; Queen Anne ; Gardener’s Apple). — Fruit medium size,
2f inches wide, and the same in height ; conical, even, and slightly
undulating on its surface, and generally longer on one side of the axis
than the other. Skin golden yellow, covered with mottles and streaks of
crimson on the side next the sun, and strewed with russet dots. Eye
small, closed and tapering, set in a narrow basin. Stamens median ;
tube conical, inclining to funnel-shape. Stalk half an inch long, very
slender, inserted in a deep cavity. Flesh yellowish white, remarkably
tender, crisp, and breaking, very juicy, sweet, and with a balsamic aroma.
Cells elliptical, abaxile, wide, and Codlin-like. One of the finest dessert
Apples in October. In shape it resembles Adams’s Pearmain. This is an
American Apple, and one of the few that ripen well in this country.
I may here state that the indiscriminate introduction and recommendation
of American fruits has led to grievous disappointment, and growers
cannot exercise too much caution in the reception of advice on this
subject. I have distinguished this as the 1 American ’ Mother Apple, as
there are other varieties in this country known as the Mother Apple. It
originated at Boston, Massachusetts.”]

THE CHRYSANTHEMUM OUTLOOK.

In the north of London the Chrysanthemums are somewhat late,
especially as regards the trade collections, but in private gardens a great
difference is observable in the respective forwardness of the blooms, for
while some seem likely to be well timed for the show season others will
be past their best before the competitions commence. Mr. B. S. Williams,
Upper Holloway, and Messrs. Cutbush & Son, Highgate, have extensive
collections under glass, but as they have only been recently housed it
will be fully a fortnight before they can be expected to be in their most
effective condition. At both nurseries the principal object is to show the
value of. the principal varieties for conservatory decoration, and with this
end in view the plants are grown freely and informally, with very little
disbudding, and they thus indicate characters that are lost under the more
rigid system of cultivation as trained specimens, or to yield “ show ”
blooms. Abundance of flowers, bright, fresh, pleasing colours, and com¬
pact habit are characters that can be appreciated in scores of gardens
where no effort is made to produce sensational blooms.

FINSBURY PARK.

Amongst the public displays of Chrysanthemums that have obtained a
high reputation for the good culture of the plants and their fine blooms,
that at Finsbury Park, under the superintendence of Mr. Cochrane, has
gained a prominent position, and its credit is well maintained this season.
A convenient structure with a glazed span roof, contains about 1600
plants in 500 varieties of all types, Incurved. Japanese, Anemones, and
Pompons, the plants remarkable throughout for their sturdy, healthy,
ample rich green foliage, and general compact habit. They are arranged
in two bank-bke groups, one on each side of a central path, extending
the whole length of the house, with a margin of Pompons that supply an
agreeable finish to banks. In previous years there has been a row of
pillars in the centre of the path supporting the roof, but by employing
metal ties across the rafters the roof has been rendered sufficiently
firm to enable the pillars to be safely removed, so that an un¬
interrupted general view can be obtained of the exhibition fr m either
end of the house. This is a great improvement, and by keeping the very
numerous visitors passing in one direction only, all crowding and incon¬
venience are avoided. That some regulations are needed may be judged
from the fact that on fine Sundays the show is visited by 9000 to 10,000
persons.

The plants are somewhat dwarfer than usual this year, being thus
better adapted for arrangement, and the varieties have been very taste¬
fully disposed to insure the harmony or contrast of colours. Numbers of fine
blooms are now open, but the majority are not yet expanded, and a good
display will be maintained for at least three weeks from this date if the
weather prove favourable. The Japanese varieties are the best repre¬
sented at present, and the great feature just now are the enormous blooms
of Comte de Germiny, huge globular specimens from 20 to 24 inches in
circumference. There are about four dozen of these great blooms, and
as the plants are placed in two groups on opposite sides of the path they
have a most telling effect. Many of the florets are 1 inch in diameter,
and some are lj- inch across, incurving almost as regularly as in that
type. The skilful grower, Mr. Mardlin, states that blooms of this variety
can be had still larger, and thinks he can produce some astonishing
results another season. Other Japanese that contribute materially to the
display are Marguerite Marrouch, deep red, yellow reverse ; La Charmeuse,
deep purple crimson : M. Moussilac, intensely dark red ; La France, a
large full bloom with flat florets, rose crimson, white beneath ; Gloire
Rayonnante, long tubular florets, rose mauve ; MAd. Eugene Pourquie,
fluted twisted florets, gold and bronze; Bouquet Estival, narrow fluted
florets, pink and white, very free and early, useful for decoration ; Agrei-
ments de la Nature, bright clear yellow; M. Henri Jacotot, intense crim¬
son maroon, L’Or du Rhin, deep gold, medium size, but free ; Gloire de
Toulouse, crimson ; Brise du Matin, James Salter, Lady Selborne, and
Margot. Of the incurved, Mrs. G. Rundle, G. Glenny, Lord Alcester, and
Refulgence are very satisfactory. The Pompons are scarcely out yet, but
that useful variety Soeur Mdlainie is expanding fast. All who wish to see
a really well grown and representative collection of Chrysanthemums
should visit Finsbury Park within the next week or ten days, and they
will find ample to repay them for their trouble.

SWANLEY.

Whatever plants Messrs. Cannell & Sons take in hand are certain to
be grown extensively and well. Not a few scores or hundreds, but
thousands are needed to make a display proportionate to the resources of
the establishment. So it is with the Chrysanthemums ; 6000 plants are
grown for the annual show in the Swanley Nursery, and to these are
appropriated four span houses, three 100 feet long each, and one 150 feet
long. The plants are arranged to form a large central bed in each house,
with smaller specimens at the sides. Some hundreds of varieties are
represented, comprising all the leading novelties ; but a careful system of
selection is adopted, and in consequence many of these new introductions
have to be discarded each year, or are found to be too much like other
older varieties to merit distinct names. At the same time any improve¬
ment is instantly noted, as often by a little extra care in cultivation
another year the difference may be intensified, and beauties more highly
developed.

The Japanese are also the most forward in the nursery at this early
date, and although the bulk of the plants are still in the bud stage, there
are numbers such as James Salter, Lady Selborne, Mdlle. Lacroix,
M. Henri Jacotot, Bouquet Fait, Madame de Sevin, M. Moussilac,
Alexandre Dufour, Beaute des Jardins, and the early La Yierge that help
to make an interesting floral display. The early Japanese, William
Holmes, which has been honoured with four certificates this season, has
been in excellent condition, with fine deep richly coloured blooms, but
it is now past its best, and will evidently be useless for the November
shows. As a conservatory plant it will be greatly valued, for it is of
compact habit, flowers freely, and the colour is bright and fresh, con¬
trasting admirably with the early white decorative varieties like La
Yierge and Mrs. Cullingford. A new Japanese variety from De Reydellet,
named La Triompbante, is promising, and likely to make a good exhibi¬
tion bloom. The florets are broad and flat, streaked with purple on a
silvery white ground, very full and of good size. Mr. W. Clark, one of
Delaux’s novelties, is a pleasing Japanese of a rosy salmon or fawn colour,
with a yellow reverse ; it varies in tint on different plants, but is very
distinct in all stages. Madame Rozain, another new Japanese, has
broad bronzy red florets and a yellow reverse, bold and fresh in colour.
Two Japanese said to be named Samuel Henshaw and Mr. W. Barr are
worthy of mention. The former is of a purplish mauve tint with a white
reverse, the florets curious, flat at the upper part, but with a tendency to
quilling at the base. Mr. W. Barr is of a fine reddish bronze colour,
likely to make a good bloom, but was not sufficiently expanded at the
lime of our visit.

In Anemones, single varieties and Pompons, Messrs. Cannell & Sons
also have several novelties of merit, to which we shall have occasion to
refer another week.

SWANMORE PARK.

All the plants here are arranged effectively in a series of houses.
Complaints bad reached Mr. Molyneux of hard buds in the Queen
family, but his blooms appeared to be expanding freely. The
plants are generally not so tall as in other years, but ihe wood and foliage
indicate thorough ripeness, while the blooms promised to be as good in
quality as in former years. There was not nearly so many expanded as
at the same time last year. Madame C. Audiguier, M. Astorg, Balmoreau,
Soleil Levant, Meg Merrilies, Peter the Great were the most advanced
among the Japanese ; and incurved were represented by Prince Alfred,
Bronze Queen of England, Refulgence, Mr. Bunn, Jeanne d’Arc, very
fine. Mr. Molyneux was evidently much pleased with the notes of your
reporter when visiting Morden Park, anent his remarks on the manner in
which Mr. Gibson carries his honours and his extremely happy mood
when losing. He said, “ Gibson is the best loser I know, and perhaps I

October 28, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

891

have had more opportunities of testing this than any other man, and I
hope he will win at Kingston this year, as he richly deserves to do.” —

Visitor.

INNER TEMPLE GARDENS.

Mr. Newton has a very good display of Chrysanthemums in the Inner
Temple Gardens, about 700 plants beiog arranged in the house devoted
to them near the Thames Embankment. Over 400 varieties are repre¬
sented, including all the best old and new varieties. The plants are in
excellent health, well clothed with vigorous foliage, and the blooms
already opened are very creditable specimens, numbers of fine promising
buds having yet to expand. They have made much progress in the past
few days, and now there is a varied and handsome exhibition that will
continue attractive for over a fortnight to come. No artificial heat is
provided in the show house, but'great care is exercised in ventilation, with
the result that the blooms keep well and very little trouble is experienced
with damp. Abundant means of ventilation is provided at the base of
the house at the back, thus avoiding admitting smuts and dirt to disfigure
the blooms, as would be the case with ventilation in the roof.

The varieties most noticeable just now are mostly Japanese, such as
Lakmd, bright orange scarlet; James Salter, very abundant and good ;
J. H. Laing, creamy white with a yellowish centre ; Mdlle. Lacroix,
Chinaman, M. Freeman, a Japanese with incurving florets, pink, silver
reverse; Fair Maid of Guernsey, Alexandre Dufour, Mad. de Sevin,
Margot, fine handsome deep blooms ; Val d’Andorre, grand blooms coming
on ; and Source d’Or, fresh and bright in colour. In the reflexed, Webb’s
Queen is good, of a pale blush tint or white ; Crimson King is also fine,
and Golden Christine. OE incurved, Prince Alfred, Empress of India,
Mrs. G. Rundle, and G. Glenny are the best at present.

EXETER APPLE AND PEAR SHOW.

October 21st and 22nd.

This Exhibition was held in the large market, Fore Street, Exeter, and
was in all respects a success. The entries have steadily increased annually,
showing that is it gaining in popularity, and this year there were about ninety
exhibitors, representing the counties of Devon, Kent, Hereford, Somerset,
Dorset, and Cornwall. The average size of the Apples was above that of
last year, though several collections last year contained fruit much larger
than any shown this season. Colour was absent to a very marked degree,
but cleanliness was everywhere apparent, showing a decided improvement,
Pears in the dessert classes were extra good. Culinary varieties were much
smaller than usual. About forty dishes of Canadian fruit was also staged,
some of extraordinary size, and the colour such as is rarely seen in our
English-grown fruit.

Apples (twenty-four distinct varieties). — Messrs. Bunyard & Co., Maid¬
stone, Kent, were first with a very clean, even, and handsome collection,
well meriting the honour conferred on them. The following varieties were
included : — Grenadier, Gloria Mundi, large ; Pott’s Seedling, Reinette de
Canada, Beauty of Kent, large ; Lord Suffield, Tower of Glamis, extra good ;
Stirling Castle, New Hawthornden, very fine; Ecklinville, Alexander, a
splendid dish, beautifully coloured ; Peasgood’s Nonesuch, very fine ;
Warner’s King, Loddington, very large; Tibbet’s Pearmain, a very large,
handsome fruit, almost covered with a deep dull red ; Lady Henniker, Gos-
patric, Cox’s Pomona, highly coloured ; SaltmarBh’s Queen, Golden Noble,
Melon Apple, Lord Derby, fine ; Cellini, large and well coloured ; and Lane’s
Prince Albert. Mr. J. Watkins, Withington, was second, his collection con¬
taining many good dishes of fruit, which generally had more colour than
any others. Among his best were Striped Beefing, Green Costard, Red
Costard, deep, conical fruit; Mere de Menage, good; Blenheim Orange, the
best dish in the Show ; and Yorkshire Beauty. Third Mr. C. Sclater,
Heavitree, Exeter, who followed closely, having Peasgood’s Nonesuch, grand ;
Afriston, Gravenstein, Lady H nniker, Golden Noble, &c.

Twelve dishes distinct. — First Messrs. Bunyard, who had Lord Derby,
Warner’s King, Loddington, Saltmarsh’s Queen, and Alexander, extra fine.
Second Mr. Watkins ; third Mr. H. Berwick, Sidmouth. Twelve dishes
dessert varieties, distinct. — First Messrs. Bunyard, whose best dishes were
Cox’s Orange Pippin, very fine ; Herefordshire Crimson Greening, fine in
colour ; Melon Apple, Lady Henniker, Ribston Pippin, Worcester Pearmain,
a lovely colour ; King of the Pippins, Wealthy (American), high colour ;
Washington, fine ; Blenheim Orange, and Colonel Yaughan, a fine conical
and high-coloured fruit. Second Mr. Sclater, third Mr. J. Scott, Meiriott.
Twelve culinary varieties. — Really a repetition of class 2. First Messrs.
Bunyard, again staging fine examples of Stirling Castle, Lord Derby, Gloria
Mundi, Beauty of Kent, Saltmarsh’s Queen, Warner’s King, New Haw¬
thornden, high colour ; Cox’s Pomona, Ecklinville, Prince Albert', and
Alexander. Second Mr. Watkins. Third Mr. D. C. Powell, Powderham,
Exeter. Nine dishes dessert (prize given by Messrs. Bunyard). — First Mr.
Sclater, second Mr. H. Berwick. Twelve dishes cider Apples. — First Mr.
E. P. Uglow ; second Mr. Garland, gardener to Sir T. D. Acland ; third Mr.
B. Salter.

Eighteen dishes distinct (private growers). — First Mr. Geo. Brooks,
gardener to A. Yaughan Lee, Esq., Dillington Park, Ilminster, who staged
a very good collection, his best dishes being Lady Henniker, best in the
Show; Warner’s King, Mere de Manage, Royal Russet, Alfriston, Cox’s
Orange Pippin, Peasgood’s Nonesuch, fine and highly coloured; Cellini,
Royal Somerset, Alexander, and Beauty of Wilts. Second Mr. Garland,
who had as his best dishes Blenheim Orange, fine and well coloured ; Mere
de Manage, also high colour ; and Cox’s Pomona. Third Mr. Slee,
gardener to E. V. Hawkins, Esq., Edgerton Park. Nine dishes dessert. —
First Mr. Geo. Brooks, who had many unknown varieties and very similar
to each other. Second Mr. Garland, who had Alexander Russet, a fine
distinct, handsome, and good keeping variety. Nine culinary varieties. —
First Mr. Truman, Countess Weir, whose Gloria Mundi was best in the
Show ; he had good dishes also of Alfriston, Ecklinville, B. Orange, Flower
of Kent, Beauty of Wilts, <Szc. Second Mr. A. C. Williams, gardener to
W. C. Sims, Esq., Clyst St. George. Nine distinct, also a repetition of

Class 9. — First Mr. J. Baker, gardener to Mrs. Rowe, Lafrowda. Second
Mr. P. Slade, gardener to W. H. Cocks, Esq., Broad Clyst. Third Mr. J.
Blythe, Ide. One dish of Apples (Devonshire cottagers). — First Mr. J.
Hitchcot, Lowson, with Blenheim Orange. Second W. Gibbings, Topsham,
with Warner’s King. Third Mr. S. St?er.

Single Dishes. — Heaviest dish of five. First Mr. W. Blackmore, with
Warner’s King weighing 1 lb., G ozs., 6 drrns. Second Messrs. Bunyard,
with the same variety. Third Mr. J. Powlesland, gardener to C. J.
Luscombe, Esq., Hill’s Court, with Gloria Mundi.

Dish of Best Flavoured Apples (twenty-five competitors). — First Miss
Matthews, Crediton, with Cox’s Orange Pippin. Second Messrs. Bunyard,
also same variety. Third Mr. T. Taylor. Alfriston (seven competitors). —
First Mr. G. H. May, Topsham. Second Mr. J. Baker. Blenheim Orange
(twenty-eight competitors). — First Mr. J. Beer, Cullompton. Second Mr.

A. C. Williams. Golden Noble (seven competitors). — First Mr. D. C.
Powell. Second Mr. C. Sclater. Lord Suffield (twelve competitors). — First
Messrs. Bunyard. Second Mr. J. Watkins. Old Hawthornden (six com¬
petitors). — First Mr. J. Fyer, whose dish happened to be none other than
Dumelow’s Seedling. Second Messrs. Bunyard. Warner’s King (twelve
competitors, all staging very fine fruits). — First Mr. W. Blackmore. Second
Messrs. Bunyard. Dumelow’s Seedling (twenty-one competitors). — First
Mr. Truman, whose fruits were far ahead of any other. Second Mr. T.
Gillard, gardener to R. N. G. Baker, Esq., Heavitree. Any other variety
culinary (thirty-one competitors). — First Mr. Geo. Brooks, with Peasgood’s
Nonesuch. Second Mr. Lai way, gardener to C. R. Collins, Esq., Cullompton,
with a fine dish of Alexander. Cornish Gilliflower (twenty competitors). —
First Mr. W. R. Baker, gardener to Rev. P. L. D. Acland. Second Mr.
T. Taylor, whose dish comprised only one true Cornish Gilliflower, and four
of a local sort called Red Ribbed Greening, very similar. Court Pendu
Plat (nine competitors). — Not one good dish was staged. First Mr. Sclater.
Second Mr. J. Hayman, gardener to Mrs. Pinder, St. Germain’s House.
Cox’s Orange Pippin (twenty-four competitors). — First Messrs. Bunyard
and Co. Second Mr. T. Gillard. Gravenstein (seven competitors). — Mr.
J. Stenner, Broadclyst. Second Mr. Garland. King of the Pippins (seven¬
teen competitors). — In this class was exhibited a great diversity of shape
and colour. First Messrs. Bunyard. Second Mr. J. Searle, Crediton.
Margil (nine competitors). — Generally very small. First Mr. J. Mogridge,
gardener to Mrs. Ord, Topsham. Second Messrs. Bunyard. Mere de
Menage (four competitors). — First Mr. J. Searle, very fine. Second Mr.
Watkins. Ribston Pippin (thirty competitors). — First Messrs. Bunyard,
fine but colourless. Second Mr. S. J. Wright, gardener to C. Lee-Campbell,
Esq., Ross. Any other sort dessert (forty-three competitors). — First B. C.
Gidley, Esq., with Gidley’s Pearmain ; raised by exhibitor. Second, Mr. J.
Hall, Cullompton. A great many dishes were far too large for competition
in dessert classes.

Pears. — Twelve dishes distinct. Messrs. Bunyarl, who were again
first with very fine fruits, including Beurre Diel, Beurrh Bachelier, Doyenne
du Comice, fine ; Beurre Superfin, Beurre d’Ecully, and Beurre Clairgeau,
Durondeau, Gros Calebasse, MaHe Louise d’TTccle, Louise Bonne of Jersey,
and Catillac. Second Mr. Garland, who had fine Pitmaston Duchess,
BeurrG Bose, and Winter Nelis, fine as his best. Third Mr. Sclater. Class
32 (seventeen competitors). — Six dishes distinct, dessert. First Mr.
R. Salter, gardener to J. Carver, Esq., Chilton, Polden. Second Mr. Garland,
Third Mr. H. Berwick. Class 33. — Thres dishes distinct, dessert (nineteen
competitors). First Mr. D. C. Powell with Beurre Clairgeau, highly coloured ;
Marie Louise, large and well coloured ; and Muir Fowl’s Egg. Second
Mr. F. Bradshaw. Three dishes distinct, culinary (seven competitors). —
First Mr. A. C. Williams. Second Mr. W. Slee.

Single Dishes. — Catillac (eleven competitors). — First Mr. Ham, Broad¬
clyst, with superb fruits, evidently from a wall, second Mr. J. Searle.
Uvedale St. Germains (twelve competitors). — First Mr. G. Brooks, second
Mr. J. Powlesland. Any other sort culinary (nine competitors). — First Mr.
Truman with Black Worcester, second Mr. Berwick with Verulam. Beurre
Diel (seventeen competitors). — First Mr. Geeson, gardener to Lord Haldon,
Haldon House, a very fine dish indeed ; second Mr. G. Brooks. Doyenne du
Comice (six competitors). — First Mr. G. Brooks, second Mr. A. C. Williams ;
the position of these two exhibitors should have been reversed, the second
prize fruits being magnificent. Easter Beurre (nine competitors). — First
Mr. J. Searle with a splendid dish, grown on cordons, on a cob wall coped
with thatch; second Mr. J. Ham. Glou Morjeau (seven competitors).—
First Mr. Smith, gardener to Lady Fletcher, Yalding ; second Mr. G.
Brooks. Josephine de Malines (nine competitors). — First Mr. A. C. Williams,
second Mr. J. Hall. Knight’s Mouarch (four competitors). — First Mr. A. C.
Williams, second Mr. G. Brooks. Louise Bonne of Jersey (eighteen com¬
petitors). — First Mr. Garland, second Mr. W. Mortimer, gardener to Col. W.
Thompson. Marie Louise (twenty-two competitors). — First Mr. R. Smith,
very fine ; second Mr. J. Osmond, gardener to Rev. P. Williams, Reive.
Pitmaston Duchess (ten competitors). — First Mr. A. C. Williams, second Mr.
R. Salter ; the dishes in this class were generally small for this variety.
Winter Nelis (twelve competitors). — First Mr. R. Smith with fine fruits ;
second Mr. J. Morgan, Wellington. Any other sort dessert (forty-one com¬
petitors). — First Mr. Bunyard with Beurre Clairgeau, very large and hand¬
some ; second Mr. J. Morgan with Marechal de Cour, fine. Five Quinces
(four competitors). — First Mr. C. Sclater, second Mr. Bowers, gardener to
Sir G. Clay, Bart., Cerne. Twelve Tomatoes (seven competitors). — First Mr.
Truman with a grand dish of Stamfordian ; second Mr. Garland, also with a
grand dish of Hack wood Paik. Medlars (eleven competitors). — FiistRev.

B. W. Wrey, second Mr. H. Mounsdon, gardener to F. Bradshaw, Esq.,
Sifton Park, both with the large Dutch variety. — Correspondent.

THOUGHTS ON CURRENT TOPICS.

I think my first thoughts are due to Mr. Iggulden on the trenching
question. When 1 suggested increased depth of soil and increased
warmth as the twin cause of his Lettuces and Kidney Beans growing so
well on Celery ridges, our valorous friend retorts that I “ must have for¬
gotten that the ridges are only a trifle above the ordinary ground level,
the soil thrown out of the trenches being a comparatively thin addition
to the ridges between them.” I did not forget anything < f the kind.

392

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ October 28, 1888.

It was not necessary. The addition of soil to the ridges is not denied,
nor can it be denied that it is rich surface soil added to rich surface soil,
making the depth of good soil greater than on the level, and if that is
not an advantage I do not know what is. Again, if the Celery trenches
are not thrown out till May, as is often the case, or even April, the surface
quite warm before being covered with the layer of soil taken from
them, and the ridges are thus several degrees warmer 3 or 4 inches or
more below the surface than the soil is at that depth on the level. This
increased depth of good soil, however slight it may be, coupled with the
distinct gain in earth heat, is of enormous advantage in land that is
naturally heavy and wet in inciting the growth of whatever may be sown
or planted. I wonder if your correspondent is still “ surprised” that a
double dose of good soil or warmed rich surface soil should make his
Lettuces grow? If he is he had better not attach the slightest import¬
ance to “ gentle bottom heat ” in starting his Cucumbers or other plants,
which ordinary gardeners consider are benefited by such assistance.

The truth of the matter is, that the soil with which Mr. Iggulden has
to deal is too cold for the free growth of crops early in the season, and
the sun is long in warming it ; indeed, it never can warm it to any great
depth. The soil is adhesive and wet, and the sun’s rays are employed in
evaporating the water. Not one degree can the earth’s temperature be
raised till the water is extracted. Instead of that the surface is being
made colder, for there can be no evaporation without a fall in tempera¬
ture. If a pint of water is evaporated from 100 lbs. of soil the land is
left 10° colder than it would be if the water passed away by filtration.
Grasp that fact and think it over. The importance of drained and
warmed land will then be evident, and if draining cannot be done in the
orthodox way it may to a great extent be accomplished by ridging and
cropping on the ridges.

By far the most important of all elements in making crops grow is
warm moist air. Air cannot enter waterlogged ground ; but let the water
pass away by filtration and the air will follow, because 15 lbs. in weight
of it presses on every square inch of surface. Exclude air from the earth,
and decaying animal and vegetable matter therein is plant poison ; admit
air and it is converted into plant food. I believe the more these state¬
ments are thought about the more clearly they will be recognised as facts,
and as such incontrovertible. It is easy enough to contradict and express
disbelief. That can be done without any mental effort. In fact, mere
contradictions usually betray want of thought and a lack of knowledge
of the true scientific principles on which all sound practice is founded.

The great fact to remember, and in my opinion it is the greatest of
all facts in connection with culture, yet one which we seldom see stated
is this — namely, that at the least 80 per cent, of plant food is supplied by
the air in the form of rain and gases that act aB solvents of the matter
locked up in the soil. The deeper the air can penetrate freely with its
warmth, hence life-giving power, the more food is conveyed, and that in
immeasurably the cheapest of all forms, and it only needs tin pr sence of
moisture for its absorption. If soil, no matter whether it is at Marston or
elsewhere, is not improved by being dug more than a spade deep, it is
fundamentally out of condition, and this the quicker and better growth
of crops on ridges between Celery trenches conclusively proves, and
proves another thing too — that it is amenable to improvement by
deepening and aeration. To say it is only a “ trifle ” deeper is no
answer ; it is really a corroboration of what it is intended to confute,
because obviously if a mere trifle tells so markedly a still greater addition
or depth c f equally good soil, say another “ trifle,” must of necessity be
still more efficacious.

Now, let me venture to give Mr. Iggulden and all persons similarly
situated a little what he may term “ practical ” advice. It is this. If
they cannot convey the water out of the land by filtration and increase
its porosity for the admission of warmth and air by a well conducted
system of dra> ag let them throw it into a series of ridges when the
surface is dry am warm in spring, and crop on those ridges, and they will
get a better return with half the manure than can be obtained by
cropping on the level with a double dose, no matter whether they grow
Lettuces, or Potatoes, or Onions, or Roses, or Gooseberries, or Peas ; in
fact, I expect nothing in strong, cold, adhesive, waterlogged soil. That is
the condition, and this fully comprehended, I may venture to say that if
the change does not result in improvement it will be time I gave up think¬
ing altogether ; and I do not know that I should quarrel much with those
of my readers who may mutter in response, “ And a good job, too.”

But I do not [intend ceasing to “ think ” if I can help it, or to re¬
frain from expressing my thoughts just at present, and I am going to
direct my attention for a few moments to the subject of one of Mr. Muir’s
paragraphs (page 322) — Onions. There is nothing like beginning with a
bold statement for arresting attention, therefore I make bold to assert
that the “improvers” of Onions are spoiling them. They are on the
wrong track altogether, and Mr. Muir appears inclined to help them along
the road to ruin. An entirely false standard of excellence is being set up
by exhibitors and judges at shows, and cultivators are induced to grow
just what is not wanted by the multitude in the markets, consumers turn¬
ing for what they do want to the produce of Spain, Portugal, Holland,
and other countries. A few more “ improvements,” and a few more prizes
for them, and English Onions will be as flat as pancakes. It is time a
protest was entered against this spoiling of a valuable crop. Foreign
competition is denounced in words, but invited in practice, and there is

no wonder at the increasing importations of Onions. Greengrocers know
very well what the public like — bright, firm, round bulbs, not the flat
cake-like “specimens” which “judges” delight to honour.

For years past the leading seedsmen have been devoting their atten¬
tion to the improvement of the root crops of the farm, and flat Swedes and
Turnips are obsolete, while one of the chief merits of Mangold Wurtzels
is that of attaining to a great size out of the ground. Weight above the
soil is the test of excellence. There is no question as to that being a
sound estimate of value from whatever point of view the subject is re¬
garded. But a directly opposite course appears to be taken in the “im¬
provement ” of Onions, and the standard of excellence seems to be cover¬
ing the greatest extent of ground with the bulbs, and getting as little
produce as possible above it, as though there were no room upwards for
Onions to swell. Look at them on the exhibition table, with their backs
turned to visitors like so many white plates, as if the upper or face side
was not fit to be seen, and yet these flattened monstrosities, with a
minimum of kernel and a maximum of husk, are held up as models.
Truly the Onion growers on the Continent who flourish at our expense
must thirk the English a peculiar people. I write with a full conscious¬
ness of the risk incurred in thus striking at the flats — I mean the flat
Onions — in provoking a mighty onslaught from their defenders, and am
prepared to take the consequences.

Turning to my doughty opponent “ Utilitarian,” I am sorry to have
overlooked what he appears to have intended — namely, his admission of
a mistake in respect to the Windsor Pear as a market variety, and I
should regret very sincerely if I should even seem to reproach anyone
under such circumstances. I have the utmost respect for “Utilitarian”
and all such able defenders of their views who make me press down my
“ thinking cap ” more firmly in maintaining a position, and I feel certain
that similar feelings are entertained towards myself by most, if not all,
who feel it their duty or pleasure to combat my notions, for I am proud
to feel there are as true gentlemen among gardeners as in any other class
of society, notwithstanding a sprinkling of the other sort, the existence
of which I sorrowfully admit. I felt “ Utilitarian's ” rebuke on page 336
rather keenly, because I regard him as one of the right sort, and apologise
for my oversight. We now start fair again, and I am going to say what
I think about his pet Beurrd Capiaumont Pear. I have nothing to say
against the richness of the Seckle, as invited, and wonder who has ; nor
of the hardy and useful Swan’s Egg and Aston Town as orchard standards ;
but I repeat that, as a rule, and taking the samples as generally produced
over a wide area, Beund Capiaumont is “ poor and poor looking.” I agree
fully that “ estimates should be founded on experience,” and that being
so, let not my opponent take refuge again in quoting authorities against
me. I am suspected of taking my “ promptings from the sunny south,’*
as if this or any other Pear coloured better in the north. Mind you are
not caught tripping, Mr. Utilitarian. I take my stand on gathering
bushels of fruit from standards and giving most of it to the pigs, as it
would not be eaten by their matters. This was north of the 53rd parallel
of latitude, therefore not in the “ sunny south ; ’’ fine healthy trees, too,
in good soil, not scraggy overcrowded examples in barren land. I
consider Beurrd Capiaumont a greatly overrated Pear, and if I had land
intended for growing fruit for market, and “Utilitarian” should be
moved to offer me fifty or a hundred trees of it, and plant them for
nothing in the middle of the ground, I should respectfully decline the
proffered kindness on the score of utility.

It is only in the sunny south that well-coloured samples of this
Pear can be seen. I have seen a few attractive specimens ; but look
through the prize list of any good show, or turn to the records of the
Pear Congress, and it will be seen how comparatively scarce they are.
It is very different with “ good and good-looking ” Pears. It is beside
the question to refer to fruit from “ trees on a wall ” as evidence of
quality. The theme of your correspondent was “ Pears for market,”
and the bulk of these are not grown against walls. Moreover, where
walls exist they can be better occupied — namely, with first-rate Pears,
and no one that I know who has had much “expeiience” would place
Beurre Capiaumont in that category.

There is one purpose, and only one, for which I would plant trees of
the variety under notice — namely, shelter. The tree is hardy, and a close
upright grower. Orchards in exposed positions require protection from
high winds. Forest trees are sometimes planted for this. A row of
standard Beurrd Capiaumont Pears 12 feet apart, and another row of
dwarfs 6 feet asunder, about 8 feet in front of the others, would form a
magnificent hedge furnished from the ground to a height of 40 feet
upwards, and tie sheltered side would give much fruit of its kind, that
might happen to find a sale in some big but poor town, where the multi¬
tude pay more regard to bulk for money than to quality, and in that case
the Pears as a screen would be better than Poplars. I am not able to go
beyond that in recommending Beurre Capiaumont for market or anything
else. The Pear hedge is “ prompted by experience,” and 1 have a little more
on an extensive plantation of this Pear ; hut 1 had, perhaps, better keep
it in reserve, for I presume “ Utilitarian ” will have another cut in.

I HAVE to thank your correspondent and others for the information
they have been so good as to supply in respect to the Yorkshire Beauty
Apple. I know Greenup’s Pippin very well, and good and attractive it
is, but I had also sent to me another Apple as the Yorkshire Beauty,
which I identified as the Cobham, and I was anxious to know whe her

October 28, 1888. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

393

this or Greenup's was the recognised “ Beauty,” and the point is settled.
I now recommend them both as good and perfectly distinct, indeed, as two
of the best Apples in cultivation. The Cobham is very much like the
Blenheim Pippin, but not so flat, and generally brighter in colour.

I ALWAYS admire a neat retort, and anything better in its way I have
not seen for a long time than a short sentence by “ D., Deal,” on page
359. Relative to tho division of one prize between two exhibitors, your
correspondent says, “ One writer suggested that such things were some¬
times done to make it pleasant for both parties. I think this betrays a
great ignorance of human nature, for the inevitable result is dissatisfac¬
tion, each probably thinking that he ought to have the whole prize.” That
is rather clever because of the doubtful element in the case, as to whether
the gentle insinuation of “ ignorance ” is intended for myself as the
“ writer ” alluded to, or to the judges who do such curious things. If the
elegant epithet quoted is applied to myself, I bow acceptance ; but would
remark that the question is not the study of mankind, but the alleged
disposition of some judges to extricate themselves from a difficulty in
close competition by awarding equal prizes to make things pleasant. I
have seen this done more than once, or twice, or thrice, and heard the
object avowed in some such words as these — “ It’s close, very close,
indeed a toss up between the two ; what are we to do ? If we give it to
this one, that growls, and if we give it to that one, this grumbles. We
sha’n’t do far wrong by making them equal. Agreed 1 ” And the thing
is done. That is a simple fact. Such a free and easy way of “judging”
is only excusable (if at all) when through loose management the arrange¬
ments are not completed till far past the stipulated time, and the adjudi¬
cators have to “ rush through ” the classes as best they can.

In my opinion, and it is arrived at after a close examination of many
collections, not of Roses alone, but not excluding them, which have been
placed “ equal,” that there is not a greater per-centage of garden products
staged absolutely equal in merit than there is of “ dead-heats ” in
University and other races, or of equal voting in parliamentary divisions.
But in practice the disproportion is enormous, and I firmly and honestly
believe that more than half the equal awaids that are made are wrong.
Admitting judges to be competent, the disposition of the awards is a
question of taking pains, not begrudging any time that may be necessary
in finding out a possible fault, so as to turn the balance either one way
or the other. It is extremely close competition that tries the metal of
the men who make the awards, and they should face the difficulty and
conquer it, not run away under the cover of a split verdict. When silver
cups are offered they are awarded in their entirety, and judges ought to
feel no more at liberty to divide a money prize than a silver cup. If they
do feel justified in acting on a principle if simple justice in one case and
if compromise or expediency in another, it would be well to know on what
grounds.

Tour correspondent has, I perceived, accused another writer of
“ hitting wildly about him ” in suggesting that stands of seventy-two to
seventy-two, thirty-six against thirty-six Roses, and so on, should be
pitted together in competition for a premier prize beyond the ordinary
prizes of the schedule. I have not seen this suggestion in the Journal of
Horticulture , but may have overlooked it. Perhaps the page can be
quoted ; or, possibly, the suggestion has appeared elsewhere, and if so, it
is, I think, a little confusing to criticise in one journal a subject under
discussion in another. It may, however, only be “ human nature ” to do
so, and I am not expected to understand that ; nor have I observed the
“ groundless gabble ” against exhibition Roses on the one hand, or the
“sneers and vapourings ” against show Roses on the other, that are
brought under notice in a few scathing lines on page 358. 1 fail to see

the force of these forcible “ hits,” with no “ object ” for their reception
in my mental vision ; but I am on delicate ground here, as my inability
to comprehend what may be clear to others may be adduced as evidence
that, after all, I must only be a shallow — Thinker.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

October 26th and 27th.

The concluding Exhibition of the season at South Kensington was held
on Tuesday and Wednesday, and in all respects proved as successful as
those that have preceded it in the long and varied series provided this year.
It was somewhat too early to expect an extensive display of Chrysanthe¬
mums, but most of the blooms and groups contributed were characterised
by good quality and bright clear colours. The vegetables, however, con¬
stituted the great feature, Potatoes especially being very largely shown
both in the classes and not for competition. The class for a collection of
vegetables was also remarkably w ell filled, no less than seventeen com¬
petitors staging, the general quality being so even that it was only by a
very close and careful scrutiny the three prizewinners could be selected.
The special prizes offered by several seed firms also brought a number of
exhibits in the Pstato classes, and with the collections of Canadian Apples
which have been previously noted, all available space in the conservatory
was filled.

Fruit Committee. — Present : T. F. Rivers, Esq., in the chair, and
Messrs. G. Bunyard, Philip Crowley, W. Denning, J. Ellam, G. Goldsmith,
T. B. Haywood, G. T. Miles, J. Roberts, A. W. Sutton, H. J. Yeitch,
J. Willard, C. Ross, and J. Woodbridge.

Messrs. Rivers & Son, Sawbridgeworth, showed fruits of the Wyedale
Plum, a dark purple, oval shape, medium size variety, but prolific, and of
good quality. The Committee considered that this Plum should be more
generally known, as it is a valuable late cooking Plum (vote of thanks).
Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, sent a tree in a pot of Apple Prince

Bismarck from under glass, but this was not enough to enable an opinion
to be expressed in accordance with the rules of the Committee, and it was
requested that the fruit be shown again from trees out of doors. Mr. W.
Divers, Ketton Hall, Stamford, was accorded a vote of thanks for handsome
fruits of Salwey Poach from a cool house. Messrs. J. Backhouse it Son,
York, exhibited a Pear named Backhouse’s Beurrd, but it was not in suit¬
able condition, and it is desired to see it again. R. Scrase Dickens, Esq.,
Coulhurst, showed large highly coloured fruits of Apple Hollandbury (vote of
thanks). Mr. Laxton, Bedford, exhibited fruits of Pear Laxton’s Berga¬
mot, which were passed. W. Roupell, Esq., Harvey Lodge, was awarded a
cultural commendation for two well-fruited trees in pots of the Melon
Apple. They were on the Paradise stock taken from the open ground. It
was stated that the fruit kept until the end of March this year, and it sets
its fruit well, as it blooms late. Mr. Roupell also showed some fine well,
coloured Muscat of Alexandria Grapes (vote of thanks). Mr. R. Dean-
Ealing, showed bunches of Madresfield Court Grapes from Vines out of
doors, the berries of fair size and colour (vote of thanks). Mr. R. Fenn,
Sulhamstead, exhibited sample bottles of home-made wines prepared from
Grapes, Gooseberry, and Rhubarb, a blending of the last two fifteen years
old being of good flavour, but the Committee declined to express any
opinion respecting them. From the Royal Horticultural Society’s Gardens
at Chiswick was sent a collection of American Grapes, comprising Ferdi¬
nand de Lesseps, Pockliugton, Chasselas Rose, Virginia, Lady Washington,
Jefferson, Strawberry, and Brighton, the two first named being the best in
flavour.

Floral Committee. — Present : G. F. Wilson, Esq., F.R.S., in the chair,
and Messrs. H. Bennett, W. Wilks. W. Bealby, G. Duffield, J. Hudson, H.
Herbst, T. Baines, W. Holmes, A. Perry, W. H. Low, H. Low, H. Ballan-
tine, J. Douglas, H. M. Pollett, J. O’Biien, A. Turner, E. Hill, C. Noble, H.
Cannell, and A. J. Lendy.

From R. J. Measures, Esq., Cambridge Lodge, Camberwell (gardener, Mr.
Simpkins), came a plant of Cattleya bicolor marginata, with greenish sepals
and petals, the lip crimson edged with white, the column large and white
(vote of thanks). F. G. Tautz, Esq., Studley House, Goldhawk Road,
Hammersmith (gardener, Mr. J. C. Cowley), was awarded a cultural com¬
mendation for Dendrobium ruperbiens, with a stout pBeudo-bulb over 2 feet
long, and bearing two racemes of ten deep purplish flowers. Mr.. B. S.
Williams, Upper Holloway, had five Hybrid Amaryllises of the reticulata
type, comprising Pioneer, a cross betwreen Crimson King and Mrs. Garfield,
the flowers scarlet, with no veining as in the other forms; Mrs. W. Lee, a
bright rose, veining, 'and suffusion on a white ground ; Mrs. Garfield pale rose
reticulation on a pure white ground, very delicate and beautiful; solandras-
flora reticulata, flower long, veined and suffused with rosy red, and Pirloti, a
very distinct form, with deep rose-crimson boldly marked veins and a
central white bar in each petal. These varieties form a beautiful group
with good foliage, and bloom freely from now onwards to Christmas.

Mr. T. S. Ware, Tottenham, showed some pots of the bright yellow
Sternbergia lutea, the purplish Colchium speciosum, and profusely flowered
specimens of Saxifraga Fortunei (vote of thanks). Mr. H. B. May, Upper
Edmonton, exhibited an elegant crested Fern named Pteris tremula
grandiceps, which the Committee desire to see again. Messrs. H. Low and
Co., Upper Clapton, had a plant of Warscewiczella cochlearis with long
tapering leaves and narrow white lanceolate sepals and petals, the lip
large scoop-like, veined with light purple at the base and a darker shade at
the apex. Messrs. W. Cutbush <fe Son, Highgate, had some baskets of
Pernettya mucronata varieties bearing numerous fruits — red, purple, lilac,
mauve, and white. Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshunt, showed plants of Erica
Maweana with large purplish flowers (vote of thanks), and a new pillar
Rose, Paul’s Single, the blooms large, white, or blush. Herr Max Kolb,
Botanic Gardens, Munich, sent a plant of Anthurium Martianum, a strong
growing with thick lanceolate dark green leaves.

Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, were awarded a bronze medal for a
collection of Chrysanthemum blooms, including specimens of several good
new Japanese varieties and others like Beaut 5 des Jardins, James Salter,
Lady Selborne, M. Henri Jacotot, Flambeau, and M. Moussillac which are
better known. A cultural commendation was awarded for Begonia Double
White, a tuberous variety with most symmetrically formed flowers of
medium size. The petals are as regularly placed as in a white Camellia or
a Gardenia flower, the plant is of excellent compact habit and very flori-
ferous. A bronze medal was adjudged to Messrs. Hooper tfe Co., Co vent
Garden, for a group jof ^Carnations in pots, and a box of cut blooms ; Dr.
Raymond, maroon ; A. Alegatiere, scarlet; Irma, rose; and Mdlle. Carle,
white, were the best of the varieties. Mr. R. Owen, Maidenhead, exhibited
blooms of Cactus Dahlia marginata, a sport from Cochineal, scarlet, edged
with a lighter shade, and Chrysanthemum carinatum varieties ; Cloth of Gold,
Cloth of Silver, Yellow Perfection, and Superbum, with some handsome
Tuberous Begonia blooms. Mr. E. Beckett, Aldenham Park Gardens,
Elstree, showed some Bouvardias, a pale pink sport from Hogarth being
named Blushing Bride ; he also had blooms of Chrysanthemum Curew Under¬
wood, a bronze sport from Baronne de Prailly. Mr. Molyneux, Bishops
Waltham, sent blooms of Chrysanthemum Marie Louise, said to be a sport
from Bouquet Fait, and of La Triomphante, a ne w J apanese of great promise.

CERTIFICATED PLANTS.

Chrysanthemum William Stevens (Stevens). — A Japanese variety, with
flat for slightly fluted florets, bronze red with a yellowish reverse, the bloom
large and of good substance. , . .

Bignonia Chamberlayni (C. R. S. Dickens, Esq.).— A capital climbing plant
for a conservatory, the leaves elliptical, bright shining green, the flowers
tubular or trumpet-shaped, in pendulous racemes. . ...

Cattleya Eldorado virginalis (H. M. Pollett, E?q.).— A variety with pure
white well-formed flowers, the lip pale yellow on the throat.

Chrysanthemum Flambeau Toulousaine ;(R. Owen).— A neat I ompon

variety like Model of Perfection, pale clear rose edged with white. .

Chrysanthemum Elise Uurdan (J. Laing ife Co.).— A Pompon previously
certificated at the Royal Aquarium and described in the report last week.

Primula Beuli (G. F. Wilson).— An interesting distinct Himalayan
Primula with small white bell-shaped flowers.. The plant shown was very
small and had only three flowers. A botanical certificate was awarded
for it.

394

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ October 28, 1888.

Odontoglossum blepharacanthum (F. G. Tautz, Esq.). — A pretty little
Orchid, something in the way of 0. nffivium majus,but with a creamy white
ground spotted with chocolate.

Chrysanthemum Buttercup (J. Yeitch & Sons). — A variety raised by Mr.
Salter, and apparently intermediate between the Japanese and reflexed
types, though it is more likely to be classed in the latter. The florets are
flat and bright yellow.

Rhododendron j a sminiflorum carminatum ( J. Veitch ifc Sons). — A charming
addition to the varieties of the greenhouse Rhododendrons, with long
flowers of a deep crimson hue, borne in large trusses.

Cratcegus tatarica (J. Veicch ifc Sons), — A Hawthorn remarkable for the
size of its fruits, which are somewhat oval in form, over 1 inch in the larger
diameter, and bright red in colour. The leaves are large and deeply cut
into broad lobes.

THE CHRYSANTHEMUM AND VEGETABLE SHOW.

The leading class was for a group of Chrysanthemums in pots, and of the
four competitors Mr. N. Davis of Camberwell was an easy first with a
tasteful arrangement of plants bearing large and bright blooms represent'
ing a large number of the best varieties. Mr. Stevens of Putney was
second with good plants and blooms, but not quite sufficient diversity of
colours. Mr. Townsend, Putney, being third. Seven collections of twenty-
four blooms were entered, the premier prize being secured by Mr. J. Ridout,
gardener to T. B. Haywood, Esq., Woodhouse Lodge, Reigate, with beautiful
blooms of the following : — Back row — Madame A. Sevin, Criterion, La
Triomphante, Comte de Germiny, Coquette de Castille, Jeanne Delaux,
Elaine, and Dormillion. Second row — Dr. Macary, J. Laing, Madame B.
Rendatler, Bouquet Fait, Mdlle. Lacroix, Wm. Robinson, M. Tarin, and
Maiden’s Blush. Front row — Lady Selborne, M. Freeman, Lakme, Phoebus,
Margot, M. Astorg, Triomphedu Nord, and Chang. Mr. E. S. Cole, Wood-
side, Bristol, was a good second, also with Japanese varieties ; the third
prizewinner, Mr. J. McKenzie, Linton Gardens, Maidstone,, having twelve
incurved and twelve Japanese, but the former were not in good condition.

In the vegetable classes, as already remarked, the competition was very
keen and the quality of the exhibits very even. With six heads of Celery
there were fourteen exhibitors, Mr. W. Pope, Highclere Gardens, Newbury,
leading with a variety like Major Clarke's Red, very solid and clean ; Mr.
R. Timbs, Amersham, and Mr. Richards, Somerley Gardens, Ringwood,
following closely. For Parsnips Mr. W. Meads, Beckett Park Gardens,
Shrivenham, was first amongst seventeen competitors, showing Sutton’s
Student in excellent condition. Mr. Lye, Sydmonton Court Gardens,
Newbury, was second with Elcombe’s Improved, and Mr. G. Bloxham,
Bletchley, third. Carrots were staged by twenty-seven exhibitors, Mr.
Neighbour, Bickley, taking the first place with Sutton’s Intermediate ; Mr.
Robins of Aylesbury, and Mr. J. Barker, Bampton, Oxford, being second
and third. Twenty-six entered with Turnips, Mr. May, gardener to Capt.
Le Blanc, Barnet, having the best, m-dium size, even samples of Snowball;
Mr. E. S. Wiles, Banbury, following with Early Six Weeks, and Mr.
Bloxham being third. Of Onions twenty lots of nine each were Btaged,
Mr. W, Finlay, Faversham, taking first honours for Sheldwick. Mr-. G.
Neal, Bampton, Oxford, Becond, and Mr. G. Haines, Highworth, third, with
Wroxton. With Brussels Sprouts (fifteen entries), Mr. Finlay was first for
Wroxton, Mr. Lye second with Argburth, and Mr. Pope third.

The prizes offered for Beet were also keenly contested, and twenty-five
dishes of six roots were staged. Mr. Neighbour was first for very beautiful
even specimens of moderate size, Mr. C. J. Waite second with Pragnell’s
Exhibition, and Mr. Haines third with Pine Apple. There was much
diversity in the character of the Cauliflowers from the sixteen exhibitors, but
the premier heads from Mr. A. Miller, Rood Ashton Gardens, Trowbridge,
were of medium size and pure white; Messrs. G. T. Miles and Meads fol¬
lowing with similar specimens, but many of the others were large, coarse,
and of bad colour. Mr. Miles had the best Leeks, beautifully blanched heavy
samples ; Mr. C. Ross, Welford Park Gardens, Newbury, was second with
Ayton Castle, and Mr. C. J. Waite third with Sutton’s Prizetaker, all the
specimens being good. Tomatoes were capitally shown by thirteen com¬
petitors, the leading fruits being Selected Trophy from Mr. R. Farrance,
Chadwell, very handsome fruits of rich colour. Reading Perfection was
also admirably shown in the second prize dish.

In the class for a collection of eight sorts of vegetables twenty-two
exhibitors entered, and seventeen of these competed at the Show, their
produce collectively forming an exceedingly fine display of well-grown
vegetables. Mr. G. T. Miles secured first honours for handsome samples of
Leicester Red Celery, Imported Brussels Sprouts, StamforJian Tomatoes,
Veitch ’s Autumn Giant Cauliflowers, Cave’s Pinesfield Onions, Sutton’s New
Intermediate Carrots, Chancellor Potatoes, and Lyon Leeks. Mr. Neighbour
took the second place, his Reading Perfection Tomatoes, Sutton’s New'
Intermediate Carrots, and Ne Plus Ultra Peas being the most notable dishes ;
Mr. S. Haines was third, staging Perfection Tomatoes, very fine.

Potatoes alone constituted an exhibition of considerable extent, and the
display was an eminently satisfactory one, the tubers very even, with few
rough samples. For twelve varieties Mr. J. Hughes, Eydon Hall Gardens,
won first honours amongst sixteen competitors, showing excellent tubers of
Mr. Bresee, M.P., Hughes’ Purple Perfection, Snowdrop, Reading Russet,
Sutton s Seedling, London Hero, Edgcote Purple, Adirondack, Sutton’s First
and Best, Chancellor, and Prizetaker. Messrs. E. S.Willes, W. Kerr, Dargavel,
and W. Ellington, Mildenhall, followed in the order named. Twenty-one
collections of six varieties were entered, and these again were very close in
merit, Mr. Hughes leading with R ading RuBset, Mr. Bresee, Sutton’s
Seedling, Chancellor, Purple Perfection, and London Hero, followed by
Messrs. E. G. Wiles, and C. W. Howard, Canterbury.

The special prizes offered for Potatoes and vegetables were numerous
and the entries were correspondingly abundant. Messrs. Sutton & Sons,
Reading, contributed prizes in seven classes, all of which were remarkably
well filled, and brought some very satisfactory produce together. For a dish
of Sutton’s Seedling and Sutton’s Abundance Potatoes there were nine entries,
Messrs, E. G. Wiles, J. Hughes, and E. Chopping, Sittingbourne, securing the
prizes for excellent specimen tubers. In the next class, for a collection of
nine varieties selected from the following : — Ringleader, First and Best,
Early Border, Early Market, Fillhasket, Woodstock Kidney, Early Regent,
Prizetaker, Lady Truscott, Seedling, Abundance, Favourite, Harlequin,

Magnet, King of Potatoes, Reading Russet, Fiftyfold, Magnum Bonum,
Reading Hero, Redskin Flourball, Eclipse, Reading Ruby ; all Messrs.
Sutton’s varieties. Seven priz s were offered, which were won by Messrs.
J. Hughes, E. S. Wiles, Chopping, G. Allen, Meads, C. W. Howard, and S.
Haines, in that order, all contributing very handsome tubers, but the first
collection was extraordinary for their even form and clean character. Thera
were eleven entries.

For three sticks of Sutton’s Whit3 Gem Celery there were eleven
entries, Mr. G. H. Richards being first with solid white samples ; Mr. C.
Osman second, and C. J. Waite third. With Sutton’s Dark Red Beet, Messrs.
C. J. Waite, J. Hughes, and G. T. Miles were the p iz -takers amongst
seventeen exhibitors. Sutton’s new Intermediate Carrots were shown by
twenty-three competitors, Messrs. Neighbour, W. Robins, G. H. Richards,
and Baker winning the four prizes fur very handsome roots. Sutton’s
Prizetaker Leeks came from eight growers, Mr. C. J. Waite being first with
superb samples, such as are seldom seen at shows in the south ; Mr. G. T.
Miles was second, and J. Spottiswood third. Sutton’s Student Parsnip was
well represented by thirteen exhibitors, Mr. Kingsmill, Mr. Richards, and
Mr. S. Haines being the successful competitors.

Messrs. J. Carter & Co., High Holborn, offered prizes for the best four
dishes of Potatoes, to comprise Carter’s Ashtop Fluke, Sukreta, Village
Blacksmith, and Cetewayo, which were accorded to Mr. J. Gilbert, Fresh¬
water, Isle of Wight ; Mr. Beckett, Amersham ; Mr. C. J. Waite, and Mr. W.
Jacobs of Pet worth, amongst six exhibitors. Mr. C. Fidler, Reading, con¬
tributed prizes in three classes, which brought a good number of entries.
For nine dishes to include Fidler’s Reading Giant, Snow Queen, and General
Gordon, Messrs. E. G. Wiles. J. Hughes, G. Allan, and W. Kerr were the
winners. For six dishes, to include Fidler’s Reading Giant and Perfection,
Mr. Hughes was first, his other varieties being Large Red, Crimson Beauty,
Snowdrop, and Reading Russet ; Messrs. Wiles, Ross, and Allen followed.
With three dishes to include Fidler’s Perfection, General Gordon, and
Bountiful, Mr. Wiles was again to the fore, Messrs. Hughes and Allen fol¬
lowing. Many very beautiful samples Wrre entered in these classes. Mr.
H. Deverill, Banbury, contribut d prizes for Onions Rousham Park Hero,
Anglo White Spanish. Main Crop, and the Wroxton, which were won by
Messrs. H. Wingrove, J. Bunney, T. Doherty, and E. S. Wiles, with large
bulbs such as Mr. Deverill has so frequently shown.

MISCELLANEOUS.

Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading, had an extensive and interesting display
of Potatoes arranged in groups as follows — American varieties, Sutton’s
Seedlings, not in commerce, including over thirty sorts, mostly of handsome
appearance, thirty dishes of varieties sent out by this firm, a selection of
English varieties for exhibition, and a selection of varieties recommended
to be cultivated for their quality and flavour. A silver-gilt Banksian medal
was awarded to Messrs. Sutton & Sons for this exhibit, and a similar medal
was adjudged to the Canadian Commissioners for the large collection of
Canadian Apples that have been referred to in the two previous issues of
this Journal. A silver Banksian medal was awarded to Messrs. J. Carter
and Co., High Holborn, for a series of partly dried Tobacco plants repre¬
senting seventeen varieties, and sixty dishes of Potatoes, including some
fine samples of the leading exhibition and garden varieties. An equal
award was granted to Mr. C. Fidler, Reading, for a large collection of fine
Potatoes, including his own varieties. From Chiswick came fifty varieties
of Potatoes, representing many curiosities of the “ Fir Apple,” “ Asperge,”
and “ Vitelotte ” types. Mr. A. Fenn, Sulhampstead, had a selection of
thirty varieties of Potatoes, raised by himself, a large proportion of which
have taken a high place in the f ivour of cultivators. Messrs. E. Lee & Son,
Hammersmith, had a few varieties of Potatoes, and Mr. Deverill and Mr.
Miller were awarded cultural commendations for large well-grown samples
of Onions.

SOME NEW ROSES.

It is to be hoped that the new Roses distributed this spring
may prove of more value than last year’s novelties, for, with two
or three exceptions, the varieties of 1885 must be pronounced a
very moderate lot. Whether owing to the damage they experi¬
enced in the spring frosts, or whether, as may reasonably be
feared, owing to inherent lack of merit, they have not shown to
advantage either in the garden or at the exhibitions. However,
it is a difficult matter to show new Roses well at the few shows
where classes are provided for them, since these shows generally
fall towards the middle of July, and the novelties, having been
budded in the previous May or early June, are usually at their
best about the third week in June. This is the case in a pro¬
pitious season ; but if the plants are damaged by late frosts — and
from being the forwardest they are the most liable to injury —
they do not recover in time to be shown at all. So that probably
amateurs will soon altogether give up buying new Roses until
they have become public favourites at a short price.

Of the Roses sent out this spring (1886) the only ones that
have been seen at all in character out of doors are some of the
Tea-scented varieties : —

Claudius Levet, T. (Cl. Levet). — A deep pointed flower,
clear rose colour with paler base, but little shaded with yellow;
quite full and probably good ; vigorous.

Comtesse de Frigneuse, T. (Guillot).— A good type of
flower with very large deep petals of a clear bright yellow colour.
The flowers seen so far are inclined to be rather thin, but if it
comes full in the summer it should be a great acquisition.

Comtesse Horace de Choiseul, T. (Levequej.— A sturdy
growing plant, flowering freely on stiff erect stems. Flowers of
goad size and of great substance, deep petaled with pointed

October 28, 1886. ]

895

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

centre, and of a uniform pale rose colour ; a vigorous and pro¬
mising variety.

Marguerite Ramet, T. (Cl. Levet). — A pretty rosy Tea
with pale centre, flowering on stiff stems, so that it is effective in
the garden ; very free flowering.

Marquise de Vivens, T. (Dubreuil). — A shaded rosy Tea
that comes with a great reputation from France, and which
seems very much in the way of Madame de Watteville, having
petals shading from a yellowish white base to a rosy margin,
sometimes twisted together over the centre. The fact of two
medals having been awarded to this variety in France would
seem to indicate that it is of considerable merit.

, Souvenir de V ictor Hugo, T. (Bonnaire). — A pretty variety
that both grows and flowers extremely freely, producing a pro¬
fusion of flesh- tinted rose blossoms with yollowish base. If it
does not flower too freely to attain size it should be an acquisition;
and it certainly is useful as a free garden plant.

The Bride, T. (May). — This is likely to be the Rose of the
year, and to take permanently a prominent position among Tea-
scented varieties. It is describedas a sport from Catherine Merrnet,
a description entirely borne out by the habit of the plant and
by the form of the flower, and at the same time, unlike most
sports, it seems to be quite as good as its parent. The flowers
are very large and are freely produced ; in fact, only differing
from Catherine Merrnet in their colour, which is white, shaded
W1u ^emon towards the base. It has made good growth

and flowered freely this autumn, and maybe confidently expected
to give a good account of itself next season,
v .^oainrww Folkestone, T. (Bennett). — A Rose of much the
build of Souvenir d un Ami, but deeper coloured and without the
lilac shade, being more a salmon pink.

American Beauty, H.T. (May). — This is the only hybrid
variety among this year’s novelties from abroad that has flowered
m character out of doors with me in addition to the Teas above
mentioned. It is a thorough Perpetual, producing large deep
rose flowers with a brighter centre, the back of the petals pale,
but prominently veined, as in Cheshunt Hybrid. It is extraor-
cunarily fragrant and every growth carries bloom, so that being
ot large size it should be valuable if the lilac tint underlying its
brighter colour do not become too obtrusive.

As has been said, the foreign novelties distributed in this
country m the spring of 1885 contain very little of interest, and
would hardly be worth recording, except as what to avoid,
laking them in alphabetical order : —

Alexandrine Bruel, T. (Levet, pere). — A not very vigorous
vainety of Gloire de Dijon race, which produces numerous small
white flowers that open perfectly flat ; of little value.

Annette Murat, T. (Levet, pere). — Another of the same
1^C'e,i.0^ f immense vigour, producing large citron yellow flowers
which have here been very rough and coarse, in t he way of the
old “ Monplaisir.”

Baroness Nathaniel de Rothschild, H.P. (Pernet, pere).

A large coarse Rose of La Reine type and colour ; not at all
wanted. J e

Comtesse Cahen d’Anvers, H.P. (Yeuve Ledechaux). — A
seedling from La Reine, of good size and globular form, but
lather a, dull Rose and inclined to come rough. How far distinct
trom others of its colour it is as yet difficult to say, but it is very
perpetual, though but little fragrant.

Docteur Dor, H.P. (Liabaud). — This was well exhibited as
a handsome Horace Vernet-like Rose, and may be a useful
dark. ]

Longfellow, H.P. (Paul & Son). — A vigorous dark purple
tor(?r0f Charles Lefebvre, quite distinct in colour.

Madame D. Wettstein, H.P. (Levet, pere). — The Rose of
the year especially to avoid The talle-t plant in the row of
maidens is about 9 inches high; the cupped flower is semi-double
only and a dull dark red in colour, and the plant has no constitu¬
tion to speak of.

Madame Massicault, H.P. (Schwartz). — A Rose of distinct
colour, a pale flesh pink flower which, if in a more favourable
Sf^l°n ^ co1ies anther larger, will be worth growing. The habit
ot the plant is something after Etienne Levet, and it is thoroughly
autumnal.

Mons. Hoste, H.P. (Liabaud). — An uninteresting crimson
-Hose, fairly freely produced on very thorny wood.

Princesse Amelie d’Orleans, H.P. ( Levcque & Fils).— A
smooth-wooded dwarf-growing light Rose of no value.

. Princess de Bearn, H.P. (Leveque & Fils). — A pretty
cmnson shaded darker, free and vigorous, but too thin.

Rose Button, lucida fl.pl. (Yeitch). — Is a charming small
cluster Rose for the garden and for cutting.

. '-ouvenir d’Alphonse Lavallee, H.P. (Ch. Yerdier).— A
vigorous free dirk maroon, fine colour, but shell petaled.

Souvenir de Gabrielle Drevet, T. (Guillot fils). — A
ray of light in the dull collection. A very pretty Tea and quite
distinct ; flowers with a yellowish base, shading to a deep flesh
at the margin of the petals, of good size, and flowering freely.

Victor Hugo, H.P. (Schwartz).— The best of the H.P.’s, of
gorgeous colour, crimson shaded with velvety black ; if large
enough, one of the best really dark H.P.’s.— T. W. G.

CHRYSANTHEMUM SHOWS.

The following shows have been advertised in our columns, and schedules
have b.en sent to us, from which we have taken the dates : —

November.

2nd and 3rd, Ealing

„ „ London Corn Exchange

3rd and 4th, Havant
„ _ „ Highgate

4th, Brixton

4th and 5th, Stoke Newington
5th and 6t,h, Crystal Palace
9th and 10th, Kingston-on-Thames
10th and 11th, National Chrysanthe¬
mum Society
10th and 11th, Bath
11th and 12th, Richmond
„ „ Portsmouth

12th and 13th, Huddersfield
„ „ Canterbury

12th, Reading
16th and 17th, Winchester
„ „ Brighton

„ „ Putney

17th and 18th, Bristol
17th, 18th, and 19th, Newport, county
York

18th, Hitchin
18th and 19th, Hull
18th, Chiswick
„ Taunton
19th and 20th, Sheffield
20th, K-ttering
22nd and 23rd, Leeds
23rd and 24th, Liverpool

PLANTING VINES FOR FORCING.

To-day, while looking through some of the back numbers of the
Journal, I saw some writings by Mr. W. Bardney, entitled, “ Young
Vines for Early Forcing,” in vols. x. and xi., third series, at
pages 528 and 40. I shall feel indebted to him if he will kindly give
me, through the Journal, a little advice with regard to the following. I
have a span house 50 feet by 12 feet, with a partition dividing it into two,
leaving one 20 and the other 30 feet. The path was excavated 3 feet
de p, bricked up each side, 4£ inch brickwork, the remaining sides not
taken out, but surfaced with cinder ashes, so forming stages for the plants
to stand upon. After reading the articles mentioned, I have decided to
take out one of these beds of earth, or rather chalk, for such it is, and
turn this part of the house, which is 30 feet long, into Vines. Now these
side beds are each 4 feet 6 inches wide. Would Mr. Bardney advise me
to take this out to the depth of the path, which is 3 feet, or only a part
of it? What I thought of doing was to take the chalk out the 3 feet deep.
This will then leave me a border space 30 feet long, 4 feet 6 inches wide,
and 3 feet deep, but I do not propose to fill it all in again with mould at
once, but would fill it to about the depth Mr. Bardney says is sufficient
for some few years — viz , 20 inches, as I thought by not filling in all at
once I should have a good space left for an annual top-dressing. He
advocates planting early enough for the Vines to become somewhat
established before they lose their leaves, but I am afraid I am too late
to accomplish this this autumn. Shouli I be acting wisely to buy some
Vines at once in pots, wait until they have broken well in the spring, say
April, then plant them in border? — VitiS.

[The chalk should be taken out to the depth of 2 feet 6 inches,
allowing a slope of 3 inches towards the drain provided for carrying
away superfluous water. The bottom should be concreted, and for this
purpose I mix together a heap of clinkers broken fine, or broken bricks,
or both, with a quantity of lime, mixing the whole well together as if
tasking mortar, and then spread it about 3 inches thick, beating it level
on the surface with the back of a shovel. About 9 inches of drainage
should be placed at the base after the concrete has hardened, and then a
depth for soil will be left of 1 foot 9 inches, and 3 inches less toward
either the front or walk, according to whichever way the base is allowed I
to fall to the drain. As the border is 4 feet 6 inches wide, the portion to
he made might be 2 feet wide and 18 inches in depth when first made,
which will allow for top-dressing when the border has settled down. One
or two additions can then be made to the width of the border after the
first portion has become full of roots and the Vines require additional food
until the wh ole space has been filled up. It is surprising what a length
of time the first portion will last them, providing they are top-dressed
annually and fed during the growing season with stimulants after the first
two seasons. It is immaterial whether the chalk is taken out as described,
or only to the dep'h of I foot 9 inches, which will allow provision for
drainage, and 1 foot or 14 inches of soil over the entire bed for the Vines
to root in. If the Vines are to be grown on the principle that I described
for early work, I should advise the latter plan to be followed, for the
depth of soil given will be equivalent to the quantity advised in the
Journals to which you have referred. I should advise the Vines to be
purchased at once and wintered under glass, and start them into growth
about the end of January, and plant them out when they have made
about 2 inches of growth. This is if the Vines are intended for early
forcing the following season ; if not, do not start them into growth before
the beginning of March. If I wanted fruit — that is, a few bunches next
season, I should purchase a ceitain number of fru ting canes that have
been well ripened, and an equal number of planting canes, and plant
them out alternately ; the planting canes to be disbudded nearly closa
back their full length, which, if allowed to extend for some distance at
the top would produce excellent fruit the following year.— W. B.]

396

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

I October 28, 1886.

WORK foathe WE EK. . Oi

l^SlS't;

HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

Profitable Fruit. — In planting fruit for market avoid a large
collection of sort?, and plant only such as are well known to be very
prolific of fruit, come into bearing early, yield fruit which commands a
prompt and brisk sale, and which are found to answer in most kinds of
soil and situation.

Dessert Apples. — Devonshire Quarrenden, Kerry Pippin, Margil,
Yellow Ingestrie, Worcester Pearmain, Kentish Pippin, Sugarloaf Pippin,
Red Astrachan, King of Pippins, Cox’s Orange Pippin, Wyken PippiD,
Sturmer Pippin, Count Pendu Plat, and Lord Burghley.

Kitchen Apples. — Duchess of Oldenburgh, Early Julyan, Keswick
Codlin, Manx Codlin, Cellini, Lord Suffield, New Hawthornden, Cox’s
Pomona, Warner’s King, Grenadier, Stirling Castle, Small’s Admir¬
able, Ecklinville, Golden Noble, Lord Derby, Queen Caroline, Dumelow’s
Seedling, Northern Greening, Smart’s Prince Albert.

Pears.— Summer Doyenn4, Lammas, Jargonelle, Williams’ Bon
Chretien, Colmar d’Et6, Hessle, Beurre Capiaumont, Beurrd Clairgeau,
Aston Town, Fertility, Eyewood, Bishop’s Thumb, Broompark, Louise Bonne
of Jersey, Duchesse d’Angouleme, Beurrd Hardy, Doyenne du Comice.

Plums. — Rivers’ Early Prolific, Victoria, Early Orleans, The Czar,
Mitchelson’s, Prince Englebert, Belgian Purple, Denbigh, Pershore, White
Magnum B inum, Pond’s Seedling, The Sultan, Green Gage, Autumn
Compote, Belle de Septembre, Prince of Wales, Grand Duke, Goliath,
Cooper’s Large or La Delicieuse, Corse’s Nota Bene. Damsons. — Crit¬
tenden’s, Rivers’ Early.

Cherries. — Frogmore Early, Elton, Governor Wood, Adam’s Crown,
Bigarreau Napoleon, Werder’s Early Black, Black Bigarreau, Black
Tartarian, Belle Magnifique.

Bush Fruits. — Gooseberries. — Whitesmith, Early Sulphur, Red
Warrington, Rifleman, Crown Bob, Lancashire Lad.

Black Currants. — Lee’s Prolific, Black Naples, Black Champion.
Red Currants.— Knight’s Large Red, Red Dutch, Raby Castle. Rasp¬
berries. — Prince of Wales, Carter’s Prolific, Fastolf.

There are certain kinds of fruit which may be planted by the acre
with a feeling of certainty that the return upon our outlay will be quick
and abundant. Of such we would take such Apples as Margil, Keswick
Codlin, Duchess of Oldenburgh, Warner’s King, and such Pears as
Williams’ Bon Chretien, Bourn.: Clairgeau, and Louise Bonne of Jersey.
Rivers’ Early Prolific Plum, and Crittenden Damson, and Red Warrington
Gooseberry should also be planted extensively. For the assistance of
those of our readers who may be planting a collection of hardy fruit
we append additional lists of really fine sorts of Apples and Pears new
and old.

Apples. — Striped Beefing, Scarlet Pearmain, Reinette Van Mods,
Pine Golden Pippin, Pine Apple Russet, Pearson’s Plate, Norfolk Beefing,
Nonesuch, Nonpareil, Mannington’s Pearmain, Irish Peach, Hubbard’s
Pearmain, Hambledon Deux Ans, Gravenstein, Gooseberry Apple, Golden
Russet, Golden Reinette, Golden Pippin, Golden Harvey, Adam’s Pear¬
main, Alfriston, Api, Ashmead’s Kernel, Barcelona Pearmain, Beauty of
Kent, Bedfordshire Foundling, Bess Pool, Brabant Bellefleur, Calville
Malingre, Claygate Pearmain, Coe’s Golden Drop, Court of Wick, Dr.
Hogg, Downton Pippin, Early Harvest, Early Joe, Emperor Alexander,
Fairy, Lemon Pippin, Fearn’s Pippin.

^ Pears. — Beurr6 Sterkmans, Beurr6 d’Amanlis, Beurrfi Ranee, Duchesse
d’Orleans, Red Doyennd, Van Mons Leon Leclerc, Dr. Trousseau, Gansel’s
Bergamot, Pitmaston Duchess, Dr. Hogg Bergamot, Summer Beurre
d’Aremberg, Brown Beurr6, Beurr4 Hardy, Beurr4 Diel, Beurr6 d’ Anjou,
Bergamotte Esperen, Belle Julie, Baronne de Mello, Autumn Bergamot,
Althorp Crassanne, Doyenn4.Defay, Emile d’Heyst, Hampden’s Bergamot,
Napoleon, Passe Colmar, Suffolk Thom.

FRUIT FORCING.

Vines. — Early Vines. — Those for affording fruit in April must now
be started, whether they be in pots or planted out. Vines in pots are
unquestionably the best for this early forcing, and with good culture they
afford fruit little inferior to that from permanently planted Vines. In
the case of those in pots we advise the pots to be stood on pillars of loose
bricks, and a bed of leaves or litter should be sweetened as advised in a
former calendar and placed so that the heat about the pots will not at
any time exceed a temperature of 70° to 75°, and at the commence¬
ment 65°. 'J'he canes should be suspended over the fermenting materials
in a horizontal position to insure a regular break. Syringe three times a
day, keeping every part of the house moist by sprinkling in bright
weather. In order to insure regularity of starting Bomewhat higher tem¬
perature is necessary at this than later in the season — 50° to 55° at night
and 60° to 65° by day is not too high to begin with. Those planted out
should have the inside border thoroughly soaked with water at a tempe¬
rature of 90° ; and in the case of weakly Vines a soaking of tepid liquid
manure is beneficial, alike from enriching the soil as from the food sup¬
plied being conducive of a good break. The border or floor of the house
should be covered with leaves and litter in a state of fermentation, occa¬
sionally turning the material and adding fresh. The ammonia-charged

atmosphere is very beneficial to the Vines, and it makes a considerable
difference in the fuel used. The outside border must have a covering of
leaves, litter, or fern sloping from the house outwards, and be covered
with shutters, tarpaulin, or thatch, so as to throw off the rain or snow.
Fermenting material is not indispensable, nor is bottom heat for those in
pots ; but it accelerates forcing operations considerably, and is a great aid
in maintaining a moist geniil atmosphere.

Vines for Starting in December. — The house should be prepared
without delay for a start. Give the Vines early and complete rest,
nothing contributing so much to this as pruning. In pruning two eyes
are ample for affording useful bunches, but if the Vines are wanted to
give large bunches longer pruning may be practised, also when the eyes
at the base of the shoots are not plump ; but what is gained in size of
bunch is lost in compactness, size of berry, and high finish. Large
bunches are generally loose, uneven in size of berry, and do not finish
satisfactorily. The Vines should be stripped of the loose bark, and be
washed with softsoap and warm water. A solution 4 ozs. to the gallon
is strong enough, and if there is not any scale or mealy bug it will be all
that is necessary. If, however, there has been any scale or mealy bug a
dressing of some insecticide must follow, and it should be repeated before
the Vines are started. The woodwork must be thoroughly cleansed, and
the walls limewashed. The surface soil should be removed down to the
roots and fresh lumpy loam supplied, with some half-inoh bones — about
a twentieth, and a similar proportion of wood ashes. Keep the house
cool, admitting air freely except when frost prevails.

Houses of Ripe Grapes. — Remove dead and decayed foliage from the
Vines where ripe Grapes are hanging, and look over the bunches fre¬
quently for the removal of decayed berries. A temperature of about SO*
artificially will be the most suitable, losing no opportunity of admitting-
air when the days are fine, turning on the heat so as to cause a gentle
warmth in the pipes, and so insure a circulation of air and the expelling
of damp, turning off the heat at midday or soon after, so as to allow the
pipes to cool, and the temperature at night not kept above 50° or even less
on cold nights. The fault of a low night temperature is that the succeed¬
ing day being bright, and the heat not being turned on in good time, the
sun heats the atmosphere much quicker than the Grapes, and any moisture
in the atmosphere is condensed on the berries, and which can only be
avoided by turning on the heat and admitting air early. In dull damp
weather it will be necessary to keep a gentle warmth in the pipes, but the
house closed, in which case the moisture will be condensed on the glass
instead of the Grapes.

Ripening the Wood. — Any Vines not yet hard and brown in the wood
should be kept closely stopped, fire heat being still applied accompanied
with free ventilation. The laterals should by degrees be brought down to
the principal buds, which will have a tendency to cause rest, especially if
air is freely admitted at night, the house being kept rather warm, but nit
close, by day, as that would have a tendency to induce growth.

Cucumbers. — Maintain a temperature of 70°, falling 5° on cold
nights, 70° by 75° by day, artificially, advancing to 80° and 85° with sun
heat. Admit a little air at the top of the house whenever the weather is
favourable, but it must be done without lowering the temperature, it being
better to shut off the top heat for an hour or two when the sun is power¬
ful than admit air when the wind is very cold. Except on very fine days
the syringe should be laid aside, using it chiefly for damping the paths,
walls, and other surfaces in the morning and afternoon in warm bright
weather, keeping the evaporation troughs filled with liquid manure. The
water given to the roots must be of the same temperature as the house, as
also must the soil that is used for covering the roots.

The autumn fruiters being now in full bearing must not be over¬
cropped, therefore remove the fruit when it attains a useable size, also all
deformed fruit. Examine the plants at least once a week for the removal
of bad leaves, and for stopping and cutting away the superfluous growths.
Let the winter fruiters advance well up the trellis before stopping them,
training the side growths right and left of the stem, and not too closely,
so as to insure well developed foliage. Allow few or no male blossoms,
but remove them with tendrils as they appear, and add fresh warmed
soil as often as the roots have fairly covered the surface of the bed.

Pines. — Liberal ventilation should be afforded to houses or pits con¬
taining young plants whenever the weather is favourable, and avoid too
much moisture, as over-damping, keeping the houses constantly saturated,
is more injurious than otherwise. Water will not now be often required,
yet the plants should be examined every week or ten days, watering such
as require it, as too great dryness is very pernicious, causing a stunted
growth, which is not easily if ever made free. In the fruiting department
lose no opportunity of closing the house at 85°, keeping the night
temperature at 70°, or a few degrees l -ss in cold weather. Remove all
the superfluous suckers, retaining one only, the best on each plant.
Suckers that appear on successional plants before the fruit is visible
should be removed, except an increase of stock is urgent, and then the
fruit is more or less sacrificed to the suckers.

At this time of the year it is usual to make new beds and prepare
them for the young plants. Tan is the best material, retaining its heat
longer than any other. In forming beds of it place lightly together. Oak
or Beech leaves are a good substitute for tan, which should now be col¬
lected and as dry as possible. In forming beds of leaves they should be
firmly preserved, so that they may not sink much, and also to regulate
the heat, and preventing it from becoming too violent and soon spent.

PI, ANT HOUSES.

Epiphyllums. — Plants that have their flower buds in a forward state
are very effective, when in bloom, t r anged with Adiantum cuneatum.

October 28, 1888. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

897

The Epiphyllums should rise well above the latter, and then their brilliant
flowers are displayed to the best advantage. Later plants should be kept
perfectly cool, and must have less water at their roots than has been the
case up to the present time, or they will suffer considerably. On the
other hand, however, they must not suffer by an insufficient supply, or the
Toots will die, and it is a mistake to dry these plants until they shrivel.
Young plants grafted in the spring, if they have been grown in beat, will
have made heads fully 1 foot across, but will not yet be sufficiently ripened
to flower profusely. As growth becomes completed give them a cooler
and drier position to harden the growth, and they will flower freely enough
towards the spring. Those having strong stocks should graft them at
once. The best method is to grow a plant or plants strong and remove all
side shoots as they appear until it has extended some yards along the roof
of a warm house, and then cut the plant into lengths of 9 inches or 1 foot,
according to the length of stem required. These will be stiff stout cuttings
that would bear a good-sized head without a stake. All eyes from the
axils of the leaves should be removed when the cuttings are inserted
singly in the centre of 3-inch pots. At the same time, as the cuttings are
inserted they should be grafted by splitting the stock at the top and
fixing, a strong scion of Epiphyllum, that branches in three different
directions between the stock, which should be kept in position with a
little matting. When the stock are rooted the scion and stock will also
have become united. Scarcely one in a hundred will fail by this method
if placed in a close frame in heat.

Calceolarias. — Room is now more plentiful than has been the case for
some time past, and the earliest of these should be transferred into 5-inch
pots without delay. They will do in cold frames for some time, as they
are not so liable to damp as many plants. Those in various stages should
be potted if they need more root room. The smallest now in pans and
boxes will be better placed into pots, so that they will become established
before the approach of winter. These do well in fibry loam, one-third
leaf mould and one-seventh of manure, with a little sand added. A
sharp look out must be kept for aphides, which should be destroyed
directly they are observed. Fumigate only when the foliage is dry.

Cinerarias. — The earliest plants should be in a forward state, and if
placed where the temperature ranges about 50° at night they will quickly
come into bloom. A few will be most useful during November, especially
blues, which should be raised in quantity for flowering in the autumn.
Those not wanted in flower must be kept perfectly cool, but where the
foliage can be preserved from damp. All plants that have filled their
largest pots with roots should have weak stimulants every time water is
needed. Later batches may be transferred into larger pots according to
their size and the purpose for which they may be required. A good
batch placed now in 5 and 6-inch, from 3 and 4-inch pots, will be very
useful stuff in the spring. Young stock still in boxes may be placed into
the last named size, and then potted into larger after the turn of the
year.

Bulbs. — The latest Hyacinths, Tulips, and Narcissi should be potted
without further delay. No advantage will be gained by keeping them out
of the soil any longer. The last batch of Romans should also be
potted.

Lily of the Valley. — Home-grown clumps that have been prepared for
forcing by growing them in pots may now be started into growth. They
should be plunged in brisk bottom heat, and the crowns covered with a
few inches of cocoa-cut fibre refuse. Imported single crowns and clumps
will soon be to hand, and should be potted or boxed. The former for
early work should be laid thickly into boxes and pans amongst leaf
mould or fibre, while the latter should be potted. For later flowering
a dozen or fifteen single crowns should be placed evenly into each 5-inch
pot if these are preferred to the clumps. After these are potted or boxed
they should be stood outside until after they have been exposed to a good
frost. Spirasa japonica and Dielytra spectabilis may also be potted into
5 and 6-inch pots, and exposed the same as advised for Lily of the
Valley.

HIYE MAKING FOR WORKING MEN.

Although outside cases are of a very old date, and still
serve the purpose of preserving bees much better than double¬
cases, many bee-keepers adhere to use the latter hives, notwith¬
standing the fact that they possess many disadvantages. They
are in the first place more costly and difficult to make than the
single-cased hives, and very much more difficult to handle or
move about ; while, the most important of all, they do not
preserve the bees from damp so well as those having outside
cases, or even a simple covering of straw surmounted by a good
projecting waterproof roof.

The shape of a hive should be such as to have all the honey
stored overhead and above the brood. Such a hive is narrow
and easily carried about. The horizontal sections of such a hive,
to insure the combs against collapsing during transit or under a
broiling sun, should not be more than 6 inches deep in the clear.
Another advantage these shallow boxes have is that the upper
ones can be removed after fully sealed out ; hence there is no

waste of comb. A hive should be rigid in all its parts, and secure
against bees escaping when shut in, which may be easily done
with thorough ventilation. Moreover, they must be perfectly
smooth on the top, and the spaces between the bars closed by
slides. Every hive may carry its own stand, but be detachable
if desired. This gives the bee-keeper greater control over his
hives in many respects than when fixed, and admits of any
portion of the hive being renewed or repaired without being put
to the trouble of breaking up the whole hive before that is
effected. These are but a few of the advantages a hive should
possess, and will be found in the one I am about to describe,
which for cheapness and efficiency I have never seen surpassed.
I had it in use from thirty to forty years ago, and have taken
them to the moors and other places, distances of seventy to
eighty miles, without a single mishap as to breakdown of comb
or bees being smothered.

The cost of the materials and price for a hive of three divi¬
sions and stand containing ventilating floor will be — two pairs
of brass buts and nails, 3d. ; sides for divisions and stands 5 feet
1 inch by 64 by f and of white pine, Is. ; if of yellow pine, 3s. 6d. ;
four posts, 9 inches by 2 by 14 and bottom, 3d. ; wood for
frames, 6d. ; nails and perforated zinc with alighting board, 8d. ;
tackets for keeping frames proper distance from each other,
round headed and 1000 to the pound, Id. Total 2s. 9d.

The tools required for making a hive of this sort need not be
many, nor need the wood be planed, because if thoroughly dried
a rub with sand paper will give quite a neat surface either for
paint or without. As every division should have a sliding mouth¬
piece a pair of | match ploughs should be at hand. A small
circular saw would do nearly all the other necessary work and
checking, but even without that a common hand saw and check¬
ing plane will be all that is necessary.

Many amateurs think that unless hives are dovetailed they
would be imperfect. This cannot be so, as if properly checked
and nailed they are better adapted for outside than if dove¬
tailed. Nailing holds the joints together and excludes rain far
better than when dovetailed.

It is important that the heart side of the wood be kept outer¬
most. Keeping that in view the amateur should gauge the
boards to the proper and equal breadth. When that is done
mark off the lengths of the sides and ends of the box. I make
my hives 15 j inches square outside measure or 14 inches inside,
which gives 14 inch from centre to centre of each bar unless the
outer spaces, which measure quarter of an inch more. When
the frames are made the top bars, 1^ inch broad by half an
inch thick (this weight is necessary to prevent the combs
collapsing when the slightest pressure is put upon them, as
occurs with lighter ones, and is often the ruin of the hive).
Tackets of the size mentioned are driven in near the lower edge
of the top bar opposite the end piece of the frame. The end
pieces could be made to preserve the proper distances, but
tackets are cheaper and the frames are more easily lifted out and
in. A larger tacket is put in the hive at four corners opposite
those in the frames, and care should be taken that the frames
are easy, as no dividing boards are necessary in these hives. Ten
blocks of wood are required to fill in the crown of the hive of
the same depth as the thickness of the top bars 1 by 3-16
thick. These blocks must have a check taken out opposite the
tackets on the under side, so that they will rest upon the same
level as the frames. Being a little narrower than the space be¬
tween the tars, gives sufficient opening for the ascent of vitiated
air in an insensible manner, and reduces propolising to a
minimum.

Returning to the squaring and cutting the pieces for hives
and stand, mark off the pieces for the fronts and backs at
154 long. Square and cut them accurately, then on the
top edge check a piece out the half thickness of the wood and
half an inch deep, so that the frames be flush with the top of the
hive. The ends of the same must be checked the same depth
on the thickness, but of the exact thickness of the sides, which
ought to be five-eighths of an inch. The front piece should now
be reduced half an inch and the groove run in a lower edge for
a sliding mouthpiece, which should be easy and made to match
by the plough, which forms the feather. That is all the work
necessary to prepare the fronts and backs. The sides only re¬
quire to be cut exactly to one-sixteenth of an inch longer than
the top bars, so that the latter be not jammed. The parts for
the stand require no checking on the top edge, but the piece for
the back should be an inch or so narrower, for the purpose of
allowing the false floor to be flush with the under edge and held
by a button. When these pieces are all checked as described,
are ready to be nailed, and the best nails for the purpose are the
steel oval-shaped, nailed both ways, and a little slanted dovetail
ways. When nailed properly together the series consists of four

898

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDEN Eh.

[ October 28, 1886.

boxes minus tops or bottom, three of them having a rabbet on
top edge front and back half the thickness of the wood by half
an inch deep, the front one in three of them having the entrance
the whole width of the box half an inch high fitted with a
sliding mouthpiece.

To complete the stand lay the four little posts that form the
feet upon their edge, and at the distance from top, which will
cause the folding floor to shut flush with the back and bottom
edge of stand, which should be about 1 inch narrower than the
others. Make two saw cuts that will when cleaned out form a
groove one-eighth of an inch deep and wide. After the feet are
firmly nailed in their places from the outside fit a thin piece of
wood half an inch broader than posts to form a stop for the
folding bottom. Now take a piece of thin wood and cut to the
size, then nail firmly to two bars of wood, on to which the hinges
must be screwed. A stop now may be placed at the back
opposite the hinges, and a wooden button secures and keeps the
bottom in its place. A screw nail being put into one of the feet
serves as a stop to prevent it falling close to the ground or
being dragged when the hive is moved about. The perforated zinc
may be slightly tacked on the top edges, which if desired may
have a little well soldered on for feeding from below ; or if de¬
sired before the zinc is fastened a little piece is cut out of the top
of the stand a quarter of an inch deep from the zinc, so as to
admit a fountain feeder to be pushed in, when the bees will sip
the syrup through the perforations. A little block of wood or
tin slide closes the opening when not required for feeding. This
method of feeding is handy, and a large number of hives may
be fed at any time quickly and with little trouble.

A fillet should be nailed underneath the a’ighting board,
which should be hinged so as to fold up out of the way when in
transit. The divisions may be made rigid to one another with
hooping, having three holes, back flap hinges, which holds down
out of the way when manipulating ; or, better still, brass clasps
of the “ Yon Deusen ” style, which cost about lid. each. Tiie
making of the frames requires exactness. The wood for the top
bars, half inch thick, should be clean and free from knots, and
cut to the exact length one-sixteenth shorter than sides of the
hive were cut. Plane one side of the board, then shoot one edge
straight and square with the ends ; then cut in strips 1 1 inch
bi’oad, having previously made a draught on face five eighths and
one-sixteenth from the ends, where the hole must beboiedfor the
ends of the frame, mark the centre with a gauge, and enter the
piece at the intersection. After these are bored a groove one-
eighth of an inch wide and deep should be made with a circular
saw. Failing the circular, the groove should be made with a
lough plane before cutting into strips, but always after the hole
as been bored. The end pieces for the frame should need not
be more than 5J inches long by 1 inch thick. Make a tenon on
one end and on the other two across, one on each corner. No
bottom rail is required with shallow hives, but if beyond 8 inches
deep should have them. After the block is thus prepared cut
nto little clefts a quarter of an inch thick ; then dip the tenon
into glue and drive into the top bar, so that they form a right
angle with it. The pieces for closing the spaces between the
bars ai-e of the same length, and if the raggle is cut and the
board to suit the distance tacket, then cut into strips three-
sixteenths of an inch thick. The hive after being fitted with
foundation is finished, and any artisan can make in five hours.
When made will prove to be a hive superior for bee-husbandry
to any ten times its price ; and when covered externally with a
hackle of some sort and surmounted with a sheet of galvanised
iron, which costs about 9d., cannot be surpassed for keeping bees
dry, comfortable, and healthy.

Some people may, however, prefer an outside case, and there
is none better than the one made for the “ best hive in creation,”
but for cheapness and efficiency a few thin boards not more than
4 inches broad by quarter of an inch thick, having their bottom
edges beveled inwards for a drip and planed on outside nailed
on posts overlapping each other half an inch or so cannot be sur¬
passed, and will not cost more off the saw, including posts,
2 by 6 long by 2 by £ than Is. 8d. If a cheap roof is wanted a
sheet of iron bent over two circular end pieces of wood, and held
in its place by four screws, makes a perfect roof, providing^air
courses are left above. If a better thing is wanted then a square
frame is necessary, and it covered with lead or zinc. If the bee¬
keeper is of an artistic turn of mind the outside cases can be
made very ornamental by tracing designs upon the case and
employing fir cones and acorns to complete them. In that case
a projecting Swiss roof will be desirable.

Altogether such work does not add to the utility of the cases.
It forms a pleasant pastime and prepares them for other
work, which may in the end prove more remunerative lan keep¬
ing bees.— A. Lanarkshire Bee-keeper.

TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

James Dickson, “Newton” Nurseries, Chester. — Catalogue of Forest
and Ornamental Trees, Evergreens, <&c.

Charles Turner, Slough. — Catalogue of Boses and Fruit Trees.

J. Clieal & Sons, Crawley, Sussex. — Catalogue of Trees and Shrubs,
Boses, and Fru t Trees.

James Cocker & Sons, Aberdeen.— Catalogue of Boses.

Cooling & Sons, Bath. — Ca'alogue of Roses and Fruit Trees.

James Dickson & Son, Chester. — Ca'alogue of Forest Trees for 1886-7.
Dammann & Co., Naples. — Illustrated Seed Catalogue.

Ewing & Co., Havant, Hampshire. — Price List of Nursery Stock, Roses,
and Hardy Trees and Shrubs.

All correspondence should he directed either to “The Editor”
or to “ The Publisher.” Letters addressed to Dr. Hogg or
members of the staff often remain unopened unavoidably. We
request that no one will write privately to any of our correspon¬
dents, as doing so subjects them to unjustifiable trouble and
expense.

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions relat¬
ing to Gardening and those on Bee subjects, and should never
send more than two or three questions at once. All articles in¬
tended for insertion should be written on one side of the paper
only. We cannot reply to questions through the post, and we
do not undertake to return rejected communications.

Books ( S . S.). — The “ Cottage Gardener’s Dictionary ” will probably suit
you, as it not only contains a “ little of most things ” as you say, but gives
copious information on the culture of important plants and crops. It can
be had from this office price 7s. 6d., post free 8s. 3d, (IE. R.). — Write to
Mr. William Paul, Waltham Cross Nurseries, Herts.

Birkenhead’s Beetle Trap (F. F.). — This simple but excellent contriv¬
ance for catching beetles and other nocturnal crawlers is advertised in
another column.

Seedling Pear (11. B.). — The texture of the flesh is too watery, and the
juice has sweetness without richness of flavour, neither has it any aroma.
It is inferior to a great many of tbe midseason Pear3 that are now in use.

Cement Joints for Hot-water Pipes (IE. H.). — We have seen at least
a mile in length of pipes fixed with cement joints, and nothing could answer
better. We have also seen some failures, the result of inferior material or
workmanship. If the work is well done we have no doubt it will answer,
but it should not be entrusted to inexperienced persons.

Vines not Thriving (C. G., Mansfield). — The roughness of the leaves
is not evidence of the presence of the phylloxera, nor do we find any traces
of this great scourge of the Vine on the roots. Possibly the canes were
left too long when planted, and the numerous “ breaks ” exhausted the sap
from them before roots were produced in sufficient numbers to imbibe
adequate nourishment for inciting and maintaining strong growths.

Small Mushrooms (Bolton). — It is ju3t possible that you have had the
manure too long in preparation and turned it over too frequently, hence
weakening it if not drying it too much. See remarks on this subject in tbe
supplement to the fourth edition of Wright’s Mushrooms for the Million.
The fact that a few Mushrooms attain a fair size at the bottom of the bed
suggests that the top is too weak or too dry. You might try the effects of
weak tepid liquid mpnure after sweeping off the small 11 fur-like clusters,”
and casing with a little stronger soil, might also be advantageous. The
temperature is right.

Peaches versus Tomatoes (C. C.). — Peaches do not pay nearly so well as
Tomatoes, more particularly as you wish to winter Zonal Pelargoniums and
other flowering plants in the house. You could not have a better Peach
than Stirling Castle. The Peach would do on one Bide of the house and the
Tomatoes the other, but we do not advise this arrangement, and we should
keep to the Zonal Pelargoniums, &c. in winter and Tomatoes in summer, as
they would prove most satisfactory and pay best. Your Tomato proved
an early and free-cropping variety, producing heavy brightly coloured fruits
of good quality, though we are not able to Bay that it excels some other
varieties with which it was grown.

Fruit Buds, Single Cordons, Verbena venosa, Propagation, &c.
(F. J.). — Two leaves at the base of a bud do not indicate a fruit bud, nor one
leaf at the base of a bud a wood bud. A fruit bud is more round and pro¬
minent than a wood bud, which is rarely half the siz-, very much thinner,
and pointed. Single cordons intended for training oblique should be grown
a year upright if they are wanted elongated, or they may be trained in the
proper position at once. We have tried both, and think the latter the
better plan, as the trees get much better furnished at the base than when
trained upright. The best time to divide Verbena Vrnosa is in spring, or it
is readily raised from seed. For destroying the weeds on gravel walks you
could not have anything better than Smith’s weed killer, which has been
frequently advertised. We have no recollection of giving a receipt for
making artificial manure. Any of the advertised manures would answer
your purpose, and a dressing could be applied now, following the instruc¬
tions given in each case.

Ootober 28, 1888. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER ,

399

Grapes for Mixed Vinery (Muscat). — As you exclude from the choice
Muscat of Alexandria, Black Hamburgh, and Alicante, and do not wish for
any like Syrian in flavour, our s“!ection is Chasselas Vibert, Dr. Hogg, Duke of
Buccleucb, Golden Queen, Foster’s Seedling, and Buckland Sweetwater,
which are a'l white ; Madresfield Court, Black Prince, Gros Maroc,
Alnwick Seedling, Mrs. Pince, Gros Guillaume, and Lady Downe’s — the last-
named are black. If quality is the main object then West’s St. Peter’s would
bs preferable to Gros Guillaume. A dozen varieties not in general cultiva¬
tion are Dr. Hogg, Mrs. Pearson, Black Frontignan, Purple Constantia, all
four true Frontignans ; Black Muscat (Muscat Hamburgh), Madresfield
Court, Mrs. Pince, Black Muscat, Chasselas Vibert, Golden Queen, Duke
of Buccleuch, Alnwick Seedling, and Gros Maroc.

Planting Rhubarb (Kirk 'Allen). — Spring is the best time to plant
Rhubarb, just when it is beginning to grow, cutting it into aB many parts
as can be done with one or more crowns and some portion of roots to each.
The variety you name— indeed all Rhubarb for forcing — should be planted
in rows 3 feet apart every way, it requiring to be grown a couple of years
before it is lifted for forcing. Tbe ground must be well manured and
trenched as deeply as the good soil allows, the manure being well mixed
with the top spit. Double ploughing might answer, but single deep
ploughing would hardly be deep enough, especially as the ground is fresh
broken. If you want the crowns for sale they are usually not so large as
for private forcing, and the distance is reduced to 2 feet apart in the rows,
or the plants are placed 2 feet 6 inches apart every way. The stronger and
larger the crowns the better they are for forcing.

Chrysanthemum Roots Injured ( f Constant Header). — We are very sorry
to hear of the roots of your plants being injured with nitrate of soda; but
as you say you have given less than Mr. Molyneux advised, we are unable
to account for its ill effect. Mr. Molyneux only advises what he uses and
finds safe and good. Both nitrate of soda and sulphate of ammonia are
liable to adulteration with salt, and even if not adulterated a small quantity
of each will injure the roots of plants if given when the soil is dry. We
cannot undertake to analyse chemical manures, and the safe course to
adopt in using them is to commence with very small quantities, and try
their efhot on a few plants at first. Much injury is done by the too free
use of powerful stimulants. Mr. Molyneux’s blooms at the autumn shows
afford conclusive evidence that what he gives is good for the plants, and
he recommends nothing that be has not proved. Moreover, strong plants
with tbe pots well filled with active roots are improved by solutions that
would injure weak plants with a corresponding scarcity of roots. We
suspect you have made some mistake in the use of the fertiliser.

Roses fora Smoky District (A Constant Header). — The following Hybrid
Perpetuals should do well with you : — Abel Grand, Abel Carriere, Baroness
Rothschild, Bessie Johnson, La France, Camille Bernardin, Captain Christy,
Docteur Andry, Duke of Edinburgh, Duke of Teck, Fisher Holmes, Charles
LeFebvre, Francois Michtlon, General Jacqueminot, John Hopper, Jules
Margottin, Louis Van Houtte, Madame Gabriel Luizet, Madame George
Paul, Madame Hippolyte Jamain, Madame Victor Verdier, Marie Baumann,
Merveille de Lyon, Pride of Waltham, Prince Camille de Rohan, Senateur
Vaisse, Star of Waltham, Ulrich Brunner, Violette Bouyer, and the old
Bourbon Souvenir de la Malmaison. All the varieties named will do well in
pots. The varieties of Tea Roses for outside planting for the neighbourhood
of a town are somewhat limited. The following Tea and Noisette kinds will
do : — Gloire de Dijon, Wm. Allen Richardson, Grace Darling, Madame
Falcot, Abricote, Madame Lambard, Rubens, and Marie Van Houtte. For
pots those named and Niphetos, Safrano, Isabella Sprunt, Souvenir d’un
Ami, Souvenir de Paul Neyron. Souvenir d’Eiise, Perle des Jardins, Madame
Willermoz, Madame Angele Jacquier, Innocente Pirola, Anna Ollivier, Alba
Rosea, and Catherine Mermet. It woul be very difficult indeed for us to say
why your Rose blooms fail to open from the inrormation before us. In
planting prepare the soil well, and if the natural soil is poor and unfertile
remove it and replace it with good fibry loam and manure with a few half¬
inch bones added.

Names of Fruits. — The names and addresses of senders of fruit to be named
must in all cases be enclosed with the specimens, whether letters referring
to the fruit are sent by post or not. The names are not necessarily required
for publication, initials sufficing for that. Only six specimens can be
named at onoe, and surplus fruits beyond that number cannot be preserved.
(Toole £ Co.). — The Apples sent have no numbers attached to them, con¬
sequently cannot be named. (Hillside). — The old Orange Pippin. (John
Garnett). — Beurre Diel. (No Name). — 1, Lamb Abbey Ptarmain; 2, Clay-
gate Pearmain. (J. G.). — 1, Duchesse d'Orleans; 2, Due de Bordeaux;
4, Fondante d’Automne ; 6, Beurre Superfin. (Keswick). — Not known.
(T. H.). — 1, Golden Peaimain; 2, Lord Suffield ; 3, Golden Winter Pear-
main ; 4, Ord’s ; 5, Hawthornden. (Constant Header). — We cannot give you
the name of the Grape exactly, but it is one of the Spanish varieties known
as Malvoisie, of which there are many. It is not of such excellence in
flavour as to make it worth cultivating, as in that respect it is not superior
to those that are import’ d from Spain at this season. (B. 0. B.). — 2, Seckle ;
3, Due de Bordeaux ; 4, Knight’s Monarch ; 5, Catillac ; G, Bergamotte
Esp ren. (H. H.). — 1, Doyenne Boissoch ; 2, Suffolk Thorn; 3, Althorp
Crasanne ; 4, Rotten ; 5, Fondante de Noel ; G, Hacon’s Incomparable.
Several packages of fruit have been received without the names of tbe senders,
and consequently cannot be attended to.

Names of Plants. — We only undertake to name species of plants, not
varieties that have originated from seed and termed florists’ flowers.
Flowering specimens are necessary of flowering plants, and Fern fronds
should bear spores. Specimens Bhould arrive in a fresh state in firm
boxes. Slightly damp moss or soft green leaves form the best packing, dry
cotton wool the worst. Not more than six specimens can be named at once.
(H. K.). — 1, Insufficient for identification; 2, Viburnum lantana ; 3, Ley-
ctsteria formosa ; 4, Spiraea salicifolia. (G. B.). — Oncidium tigrinum,
Cypripedium insigne. (S. H. T.). — Cattle} a bicolor. (IF. C. Peebles). —
Abies Fraseri.

Lanarkshire Stewarton Hives (E. A.). — The price of these hives
depends upon the quality of material and workmanship employed. They
can be had from a few shillings up to £2, the supers cost from 3s. to 4s. per
ozen. Messrs. George Neighbour & Sous supply both hives and supers

“ A Lanarkshire Bee-keeper ” does not now make hives for sale, being unable
through ill health to follow that avocation. He is, however, glad to assist
and by giving advice through the Journal.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET. — October 28th.

demand.

FRUIT.

8.

d.

s.

d.

s.

d.

s.

d

Apples .. ..

l

6

to 4

0

Melon .

1

0 to 2

0

Cherries . . . .

0

0

0

0

Oranges .. ..

6

0

13

0

Cobs . . . .

. . 100 lb. 50

0

65

0

Peaches .

per doz .

8

0

12

0

Currants, Black

. . i Bieve

0

0

0

0

Pears .

dozen

1

0

2

0

„ Red

. J sieve

0

0

0

0

Pine Apples English., lb.

3

0

4

0

Figs .. ..

0

6

0

9

Plums .

£ sieve

1

0

2

0

G rapes . . . .

0

6

3

0

St. Michael Pines

. .each

4

0

6

0

Lemons •• ••

0

15

0

Strawberries .. ..

per ft>.

0

0

0

0

VEGETABLES.

8.

d.

s.

d

s.

d.

S

d

Artichokes ..

.. dozen

l

0 to 0

0

Lettuce .

dozen

1

0

to 1

6

Asparagus

.. bundle

0

0

0

0

Mushrooms .. .

punnet

0

6

1

0

Beans, Kidney

per bushel

3

0

3

0

Mustard and Cress

punnet

0

3

0

0

Beet, Red

. . dozen

1

0

2

0

Onions .

bunch

0

3

0

0

Broccoli .. ..

0

0

0

0

Parsley .. dozen bunches

3

0

s

0

Brussels Sprouts

. . 4 sieve

0

0

0

0

Parsnips .

dozen

1

0

3

0

Cabbage .. ..

1

6

0

0

Potatoes .

cwt.

4

0

6

0

Capsicums

.. 100

1

8

3

0

,, Kidney .

cwt.

4

e

5

0

Carrots . . • •

0

4

0

0

Khubarb .

bundle

0

2

0

6

Cauliflowers ..

.. dozen

3

0

4

0

Salsafy .

bundle

1

0

1

0

Celery .. ..

1

6

2

0

Scorzonera .. ..

bundle

1

e

0

0

Coleworts doz. bunches

2

0

4

0

Seakale .. .. per basket

0

0

0

0

Cucumbers . .

. . each

0

8

0

4

Shallots .. ..

0

s

0

6

Endive .. ..

1

0

2

0

Spinach .

bushel

8

0

4

4

Herbs . . . .

0

3

0

0

Tomatoes .. ..

0

3

0

6

Leeks . . . .

0

3

0

4

Turnips .. ..

bnnch

0

4

0

0

PLANTS IN POTS.

B.

a.

s.

d.

b. d.

B.

d.

Aralia Sieboldi .. dozen

9

0 to 18

0

Ficus elastica

, . each

1 6 to

7

0

Arbor vitae (golden) dozen

6

0

9

0

Fuchsia

per dozen

0 0

0

0

„ (common) dozen

6

0

12

0

Foliage Plants, var. each

2 0

10

0

Asters . . . . per dozen

6

0

9

0

Heliotrope

per dozen

0 0

0

0

Bedding Plants, var. doz.

0

0

0

0

Hydrangea ..

per dozen

0 0

0

0

Begonias . . . . dozen

4

0

9

0

Ivy Geraniums

per dozen

0 0

0

0

Chrysanthemum . . dozen

6

0

12

0

Lilium auratum

per doz.

0 0

0

0

Cockscombs per dozen

4

0

6

0

„ lancifolium per doz.

0 0

0

0

Cyperus . dozen

4

0

12

0

„ longiflomm per doz

0 0

0

0

Dracaena terminalis, dozen 30

0

60

0

Lobelias . .

per dozen

0 0

0

0

„ viridis .. dozen 12

0

24

0

Marguerite Daisy dozen

S 0

9

0

Erica, various . . dozen

9

0

12

0

Mignonette . .

per dozen

3 0

6

0

„ hyemalis per dozen 18

0

24

0

Musk .. ..

per dozen

0 0

0

0

„ gracilis per dozen

9

0

12

0

Myrtles . . . .

6 0

12

0

Euonymus, in var. dozen

6

0

18

0

Palms, in var. . . each
Pelargoniums, scarlet, doz.

2 6

81

0

Evergreens, in var. dozen

6

0

24

0

3 0

6

0

Ferns, in variety . . dozen

4

0

18

0

Pelargoniums

per dozen

0 0

0

0

CUT FLOWERS.

s.

d.

B.

a.

s. d.

0.

d.

Abntilons .. 12 bunches

2

0 to 4

0

Lily of the Valley, 12 sprays

0 0 to 0

0

Ageratum .. 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Marguerites ..

12 bunohes

2 0

6

0

Arum Lilies . . 12 blooms

4

0

8

0

Mignonette . .

12 bunches

1 0

8

0

Asters . . . . 12 bunches

6

0

8

0

Myosotis

12 bunches

1 6

3

0

Bouvardias .. per bunch

0

6

1

0

Narciss, Paper-while bunch

0 4

0

6

Camellias . . 12 blooms

3

0

6

0

Pelargoniums, per 12 trusses

0 9

1

0

Carnations .. 12 blooms

1

0

8

0

„ scarlet, 12 trusses

0 3

0

6

„ .. 12 bunohes

4

0

9

0

Roses

12 bunches

4 0

9

0

Chrysanthemums 12 bches.

4

0

9

0

„ (indoor),

per dozen

0 8

2

0

„ 12 blooms

1

0

6

0

„ Tea.. ..

0 9

1

0

Cornflower . . 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

„ red

. . dozen

0 0

0

0

Dahlias . . 12 bunches

2

0

4

0

Parme Violets (French)

4 0

5

0

Epiphyllnm . . doz. blooms

0

6

0

0

Pyrethrum . .

12 bunches

8 0

6

0

Eucharis . . per dozen

8

0

6

0

Stephanotis . .

12 sprays

4 0

6

0

Gardenias . . 12 blooms

8

0

5

0

Stocks, various

12 bunches

3 0

5

0

Gladioli . . 12 bunches

9

0

12

0

Sunflowers

0 0

0

0

Hyacinths, Roman, 12 sprays

3

0

4

0

Sweet Pea? ..

1 2 bunches

0 0

0

0

Lapageria, white, 12 blooms

2

0

4

0

Tropmolum ..

12 bunches

1 6

2

0

Lapageria, red ..12 blooms

1

0

2

0

Tuberoses

12 blooms

0 6

1

0

„ longiflorum,12blms.

3

0

6

0

Violets . . . .

12 bunches

1 0

0

0

Lilac (white), French, bunoh

6

0

8

0

„ Czar, French, per bunch

1 0

1

6

SHEEP FOLDING.

Regarded from whatever point of view we may take of it,
this important process of farming bears the most severe test
we can apply to it with impunity if only the guidance and
management of it is in really skilful hands. For example,
in our first paper we dwelt most upon its superiority over
farmyard manure upon arable land, yet it plays an even
more important part in farming economy when applied to
pasture. Old pasture, poverty-stricken and bare, is brought
into flourishing condition in a single season by folding.
This is done to best advantage during winter if only the

400

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ October 28, 1886.

land is naturally sound or has been made so by drainage.
We can hardly conceive of a man being content to take it
for granted that land is so wet that it cannot be reclaimed
by drainage, unless the surface is so flat and low as to be
subject to periodical floodings, as in the case of marshes and
low-lying land by the margins of rivers. Yet we know
upland farms with an undulating surface which are regarded
as altogether unsuitable for sheep in winter. In point of
fact we have one such farm in hand now, upon which we are
told there has been no really sound practical work done
within the memory of any living person. Upon this farm the
work of improvement goes steadily on. Huge ridges of soil
accumulated during a long course of years alongside the
deep ditches which intersect the entire farm are being burnt,
and the burnt earth is spread upon the surface of the
adjacent fields. The “ pan ” has been broken up by steam
cultivation, field after field is being drained into the nearest
ditch, and it is our intention eventually to lay down the
whole of the upper slopes of this farm to permanent pasture,
retaining the lower fields under the plough for green crops,
roots, and corn, in suitable proportion for a sheep farm.
The surface lends itself admirably to our purpose, for the
farm forms the head of a valley, with slopes low and
wide, the uplands of the farm sweeping round in a wide
semicircle ; yet, because the soil is somewhat heavy and
retentive of moisture, and the surface so open and treeless
as to afford hardly any natural facilities for shelter, it is
considered unsuitable for sheep.

We shall proceed with caution in laying down part of
this farm in permanent pasture. A selection will be made
of one or more fields that are clean, sound, and fertile, and
next spring the best mixture of Grasses and Clovers we can
procure will be sown there with a corn crop, by means of
which we hope to cover the expense of our outlay upon the
Grass and Clover seed. In the following season we shall
only obtain some grazing for lambs in fold upon our new
pasture ; but then, apart from the folding, our outlay both
for the labour of men and horses will have practically ceased,
for that year at any rate, and we shall only have to meet the
ordinary demands for tithes and taxes. Meanwhile strenuous
efforts will be made to bring the remainder of the land of
this farm into as high a condition of cultivation as possible,
so that more land may be brought under pasture year by
year till our purpose is accomplished.

In thinking out our plans we look forward to possible
results, and how we may reasonably hope to attain them.
The second year of the young pasture will witness the intro¬
duction of the ewe flock upon it in folds immediately after
the green crops of spring upon arable land are exhausted.
Due care will be taken to have the folds so small as to ensure
a sufficiently close clearance of the grass in twenty-four
hours, and both lambs and ewes will have enough dry food
for condition and growth, the ewes having a mixture of
crushed Oats and Beans, with chopped hay and Barley, Oat,
or Pea straw, and the lambs some of Mackinder’s lamb
food, which we find answer better for them than any other
dry food we have tried. The lambs will be let run forward
before the ewes through lamb gates, and the lamb food also
placed forward out of the way of the ewes. This process of
folding will be repeated as often as necessary throughout the
season of active growth, the sheep and lambs being with¬
drawn altogether in both the first and second seasons after
September or October, according to the state of the weather.
It is thus obvious that while we should be able to derive
some benefit from the pasture both in the first and second
seasons we should be enriching it in the most economical
manner, and our labour bill will be reduced to a minimum.

By the third season the sheep folding would have brought
it into a suitable condition either for hay, for sheep feeding,
or for both, and when the entire young pasturage is so
finished the farm will be to all intents and purposes a sheep
farm. We may mention in connection with this undertaking
that we have in view a certain outlay for sheep shelter in

the form of a few rough but commodious lodges, with dry
hard floors, to which the sheep can at all times have access.

(To be continued).

WORK ON THE HOME FARM.

MaDgold leaves are being ploughed in for Winter Tares, which
should be sown at once to afford us a nice sturdy plant well calculated
to pass unscathed through all the trying changes of winter weather. The
ploughing iD of the leaves of our root crops is altogether preferable to
turning sheep on the land to eat them, as is still done generally, so slowly
do farmers come to recognise the value of leaves or of green crops as a
manure. Yet the lesson is not hard to learn. Throw a few cartloads ot
Cabbage or Turnip leaves into a heap, and as decay sets in the powerful
and very offensive odour arising from the heap shows unmistakeably how
rich in fertility are the gases escaping into the air from it. Better still,
plough in a thick dressing of any green crop, and the effect upon the next
crop will be equal to any specially prepared manure we can apply.
Ploughs are in full swing on all farms now, either for winter corn or for
turning the land up for the winter. As much land as possible will be
thrown up into ridges in readiness for early spring work. Depend upon
it there can be no better practice with soil that is at all wet or heavy , for
after the softening influence of winter weather upon it, it comes to our
hand in the best possible condition for a fine seed bed and early sowing.
How can we hope to have land ready in good time for sowing spring corn
after it has been left in stubble throughout winter ? Preparations are
being made for more drainage where it is required, and the first step is to
select and open out good outfalls. If the main drains empty into ditches,
it would be well to first scour the ditches. Not only should this be done
for new work, but the mouths of all old drains should be examined, and
due care taken that there is nothing in the way to prevent an unchecked
flow of water from them. Let everything possible be done to relieve the
soil of superfluous water as the first step to all good farming. Attention
should also be given to the storage of water for a time of drought, for the
carriage of water from a distance is an expensive and laborious under¬
taking, which an extra pond or two may enable us to avoid. Care should
also be taken that drains near yards and buildings are in sound working
order. We recently had a drain burst during a storm near a barn, an a
but for prompt action the water would have flooded the barn floor co fl¬
aming a large quantity of corn ready for market.

SMALL HOLDINGS.

If your agricultural correspondents could give some reliable inform a-
tion on the subject of small holdings I think it might be of interest to
some of the readers of this Journal. The great drawback to the “ three
acres and a cow ” scheme is that there is more work than a man can do
in his leisure hours, and on the other hand not near enough to occupy
the whole of his time. The difficulty in such a case would be to find a.
master who would employ a man, say, four days a week, leaving him at
liberty the other two. t , ,

How many acres of land can be well cultivated by one man, 60 that
his whole time is occupied? how much capital per acre would be suin-
cient 1 and in what way would it be most advantageously laid out at
starting ? How much on horses, implements, cows, and other stock, and
any other hints that would be of service to any who may be desirous of
trying a small holding. — Inquirer.

Spratts Patent. — At the Liverpool International Exhibition,
188G, Spratts Patent, Limited, were awarded the gold me.lal for superior
excellence in the manufacture of their biscuits, including special mention,
of the quality of their cabin biscuits.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Camden Square, London.

Lat. 51° 32- 40" N.; Long. 0° 8' 0" W. ; Altitude, Ill feet.

DATE.

9 A.M.

IN THE DAT.

1886.

Barome¬
ter at 32«
and Sea
Level

Hygrome¬

ter.

a .

Temp, of
Soil at

1 foot.

Shade Tem¬
perature.

Radiation

Temperature.

Rain

October.

Dry.

Wet.

Qo

Max.

Min.

In

sun.

On

grass

Sunday .

Inches.

29.045

deg.

48.6

deg.

45.8

w.

deg.

52.3

deg.

55.2

d«g

47.7

deg

93.7

deg

44.4

In.

0.010

Monday .

29.404

52.4

51. 1

N.E.

51.8

57.2

44.2

76.1

40.9

0. *14

Tuesday .

29.577

52.6

51.3

N.E.

52.0

54.6

45.6

59.0

37.8

0.010

Wednesday .

20

29.657

53.1

52.0

N.E.

51.8

58.0

48.2

68.6

42.5

0.017

Thursday ...

. 21

29.890

46 4

46.2

W.

51.8

557

45.2

82.3

44.0

0.010

Friday .

80.013

43.1

42.8

s.w.

51.5

55.2

41.7

76.2

35.4

0.024

Saturday ...

23

30.024

51.6

50.8

E.

50.2

54.3

42.3

62.2

32.3

0.047

29.659

49.7

48.6

51.6

55.7

45.0

74.0

39.6

0*132

REMARKS.

17th.— Fair, with slight showers.

18th.— lluil, with brief bright intervals and slight showers.

19th —Damp, foggy, and dull. ... ,

20th.— Dull, with slight rain in morning, and some sunshine m early afternoon.

21st.— Fair morning, fine bright afternoon, damp evening.

22nd.— Fog early, flue bright morning, foggy afternoon ; fair evening

23rd.— Wet day ; tine evening. , „ , „

An unsettled and dull week, giving the impression of more rain than really feu.
Temperature about 3° below that of the preceding week, but still nearly 2° above the
average.-U. J. Simons.

November 4, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

401

4

Th

Stoke Newington and Brixton Shows.

5

6

P

Crystal Palace Show (two dajB).

7

SUN

20th Sunday after Trinity.

8

M

Lambeth Show (three days).

[and St. Neots Shows.

9

TU

Royal Hort. Society, Committees at 11 A.M.

Kingston, Southampton,

10

W

National Chrysanthemum Society. Croydon and Bath Shows.

DEATH OF MR. GEORGE WILLIAM JOHNSON.

T is our mournful duty to record the death of
the founder of this Journal, Mr. George William
Johnson, who passed quietly away at his resi¬
dence, Waldronhurst, Croydon, on Friday even¬
ing last, at the ripe age of eighty-four years.

It will be remembered by many of our readers
that after a period of thirty-two years of diligent
and assiduous editorial labour, Mr. Johnson
retired at the end of June, 1881, to benefit by repose that
had become a necessity through failing health consequent on
advancing years.

If ever a worker earned the right to rest, that worker
was Mr. Johnson. For fifty-five years his great intellect
and strong mind were in constant activity. Conducting
experiments and searching for truth appeared to be the chief
work of his life. His capacity for research was enormous, as
is evidenced in the compilation of his “ History of Garden¬
ing,” a work which few but himself could have accomplished
so well. Yet the best he had to say for it was what another
great man said of his own productions — “ 1 see daily ‘ com
plete ’ systems and ‘ complete ’ dictionaries ; but I cannot |
discover this perfection in any of my performances, which
after all my labour and pains most provokingly still continue
incomplete and erroneous.” This is characteristic of him
whose loss we now deplore. A consciousness of something
left undone impressed him, but at the same time impelled
him the more determinedly to pursue the object of his search.

“ Pause, and consider well before you begin anything, but if
you once commence never give up, Nevek,” was his counsel
to an assistant, and that firm, strong, decisive “Never,”
uttered in a tone not to be forgotten, amply displayed the
Unflinching resolution of a powerful mind.

But with that strength was gentleness. Few men>
perhaps, possessed in an equal degree the power to overawe
and to fascinate — to command respect and deference, yet to
incite love towards him. " If you want to know anything
don’t be afraid to ask ; if you want any help come to me, and
if I can help you I will.” Such words, kindly spoken, were
the more assuring since everyone to whom they were ad¬
dressed well knew them to be the expression of real intention.
There was no mistaking the moods of our departed friend.
If he were joking (and he simply overflowed with humour),
it was perfectly transparent, and equally so when he spoke
the words of seriousness, and then not one was lightly
u tered, every sentence being framed so clearly that it could
not be misunderstood, every order given with precision to
No. 332.— Vol. XIII., Third Series.

insure its being carried out, and every promise made bound
to be fulfilled.

Mr. Johnson’s method of reproving, when occasion arose
for its exercise, was original and impressive. No man could
speak more sternly than he ; no one was more quick to per¬
ceive if he caused pain ; and then his power of healing the
wound was marvellous and magical, and seldom indeed did
the recipient of a short lecture leave the room without a
smile through some happy phrase or amusing reference that
always appeared ready for the occasion. “ Who altered this
word ? ” he asked one day on reading a proof ; “ the Printer,

I suppose ; send him down.” On his presenting himself he
was asked if he did alter it, and replied, “Yes, sir, I did;
because I thought it wrong.” “ Never mind that,” was the
stern retort; “it is your duty to ‘follow copy,’ and mind
you do follow it, even if it flies out of the window.” As the
window was five storeys high in Fleet Street, the man had to
rush out of the room to laugh at the grotesqueness of the pro¬
position. He was not hurt by the interview, but never forgot
the rebuke. That was exactly what his superior desired —
namely, to accomplish his object without hurting anyone ;
and he invariably succeeded.

It is generally admitted that when one faculty fails the
remainder become the more acute. Mr. Johnson’s trouble
of late years was deafness ; but this was a trouble to others
rather than to himself, for it is not easy to imagine a more
thoroughly genial, happier man than he was. Full of racy
anecdote, apt in humorous quotation, and quick in retort,
gloom could not exist in his company. His memory, before
his health failed him, was extraordinary ; his mind appeared
as if a reflex of his library. “ What are you searching for ? ’
he would ask, when index after index was consulted, and on
being told he would go straight to a volume among thousands,
open it, turn deliberately to a page, draw his finger down
the lines to the passage containing the information sought
for, finding in a few moments what others might not discover
in a day or week, and possibly not at all.

Mr. Johnson was, in the strictest sense, a just man, and
exhibited his sense of acting on right principles in small, or
what might be termed trivial matters, the true test of
integrity. For instance, though he and Dr. Hogg worked
together like brothers for years, the mutual trust between
them being absolute, he would not use an office postage
stamp for a private or personal letter, because only half of
it was his own. It is these small episodes of life that best
display real character, and judged by that severe test Mr.
Johnson’s stands out sharp and clear as that of a high-
minded honourable man.

As a public speaker Mr. Johnson, though seldom heard,
especially of late years, was singularly effective. He possessed
in a marked degree qualities that if exercised must have
made him an orator — a commanding presence, a firm, clear
sonorous voice, a fertility of resource, a command of forcible
and lofty language, a boundless store of pleasantries, and
the power of imparting not only his ideas but his convictions
and feelings to others, gaining their sympathy and absorbing
their attention.

As a writer he was thoughtful and perspicuous, clothing
his ideas in simple language and elegant sentences. Any¬
thing approaching to pomposity on the one hand and slang

No. 1988 — Vol. LXXV., Oij> Series.

402

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ November 4, lc8^.

phrases on the other he avoided himself and abhorred in others.
His advice to young men was, “ Employ just as many words
as make your meaning clear and no more, and if you have a
choice of long and unusual words, and of short and simple,
always choose the latter.” In his work of revision the
articles of young gardeners striving to do their best had the
same consideration as those of contributors of experience and
higher station in life, and he would allow no one, however
eminent, to say “ smart things ” with the object of causing
pain to an opponent, though no one admired sprightly,
harmless, legitimate retorts better than he did. Young
writers he especially protected from keen criticism, and his
practice has never been departed from ; experienced contro¬
versialists he considered quite able to take care of them¬
selves. As writers, all persons were on an equality in Mr.
Johnson’s estimation, their productions alone being regarded.
He would sometimes remark, “ When a man tries to look
wise beyond his capacity he only reveals his want of know¬
ledge ; and when a man, however great, attempts to magnify
his greatness, he succeeds in making himself look less than
before, but he cannot see it.” His epigrammatic observa¬
tions, which were various, invariably embodied some home
truth as in the sentence quoted.

An example of Mr. Johnson’s thoughtful style and
felicitous expression may be taken at random from bis
voluminous writings. “ There is not,” he has recorded, “ in
the whole of the arts and sciences, one link of their circle so
suitable for the occupation of man in a state of innocency as
that which embraces the cultivation of plants ; and it is an
instance of the beneficent providence of the Deity that He
assigned a garden as the [dwelling of our first created parents.
It is no consequence of the fall of Adam that plants require
cultivation ; he was placed in Paradise to till and to keep it.
Then the weed had not sprung up to render the tillage toil¬
some. Fruit trees which God had ‘ planted ’ were the chief
objects of care; and it was an employment without labour;
combining the preservation of health with amusement ; pure
without insipidity ; constant without sameness. From that
peiiod gardens have never ceased to engage the attention of
man ; and even now that their labours are manifold, they
still afford the * purest of human pleasures.’ Whether as a
private individual man regulates his garden — or with more
extended benefit cultivates his farm — still he participates in
pleasure combined with utility, and whilst his time is agreeably
occupied, he is benefiting mankind.”

That citation from Mr. Johnson’s writings not only
shows his manner of expression, but is typical of his busy
and active life — the acquirement of knowledge as a congenial
occupation, in orderjthat he could distribute it for the benefit
of mankind.

The following narrative'of his life and literary career was
prepared and published in 1881 ; it is reproduced'now, with
a striking likeness of Mr. Johnson, and we feel assured will
be acceptable to new readers and old friends alike at the
present time.

For upwards of half a century the name of Mr. G. W. Johnson
has been associated with the gardening literature of this country.
So early as the year 1826 we find him communicating articles to
“ Loudon's Gardener’s Magazine,” and in 1829 he published his
“ History of Gardening,” which is the most complete work on
the subject up to the date of its appearance which has been
written in the English language.

Mr. George William Johnson was the younger brother of the
late Mr. Cuthbert William Johnson, the well-known writer on
agricultural subjects. They were the sons of Mr. Wm. Johnson
of Widmore House in Kent, where the eldest son was born. Mr.
G. W. Johnson was born at Blackheath in Kent, 5th of November,
1802. He was descended from a Durham family long settled at
Loup and Cainrow in that county. His grandfather came to
London early in the last century, where he established himself as
a goldsmith and banker, and having amassed a large fortune he
was at the time of his death in 1790 possessed of Easby Abbey
in Yorkshire, Welders, near Chalfont St. Giles, in Buckingham¬
shire, and the Yauxhall Distillery (now Messrs. Burnetts) in
Surrey. Mr. G. W. Johnson’s father inherited the Vauxhall
Distillery and the Buckinghamshire property with a share of the

personal estate, while his uncle succeeded to Easby Abbey and a
competency. Some changes in the excise laws by which the
trade of the English distillers was injuriously affected induced
Mr. Johnson to dispose of the distillery, and being a man ot
active mind and great ingenuity he embarked in various commer¬
cial speculations, of which the celebrated Colebrookdale China
Works was one. After some years he retired from these, and
eventually established the Salt Works at Hey bridge in Essex.
Here it was that his two sons, Cuthbert and George, found an
occupation suitable to their natural inclinations, for early in li e
both brothers evinced a strong predilection for the study ot prac¬
tical chemistry and the cultivation of the soil. _ The Salt W oiks
enabled them to carry out those experiments in the application
of salt as a manure, which culminated in a work by Mi.
Cuthbert Johnson entitled “ The Uses of Salt in Agriculture.
One of their most important discoveries was a method for the
separation of the sulphate of magnesia or Epsom salt from sea
water, by which the price _ of the article was very mucn

reduced. . ,

We have already stated that Mr. Johnson’s connection with
the gardening press began in 1826, but before'this he had written
articles for the Essex Standard, published at Chelmsford. His
first communication to “ Loudon’s Magazine ” was uP°ii The
Employment of Salt as a Manure in Gardening. In the same
journal he began in 1827 a series of papers entitled 1 Outlines ot
Horticultural Chemistry,” which extended over two volumes.
His first independent work was “ A History of English Garden¬
ing, Chronological, Biographical, Literary, and Critical, pub-
lished in 1829. It contains a vast amount of information, and
exhibits great patience and research on the part of the author.
In addition to the record of almost every work on gardening
which has issued from the press in this country, together with
their various editions, there is a short biographical sketch of the
authors, rendering the book full of interest. Mr. Johnson used
to tell an anecdote in connection with this work which afforded
him great amusement. Some years ago he called at the shop ot
Pamplin, a second-hand bookseller in Frith Street, Soho, and
inquired for a particular edition of a certain work, which the
bookseller told him never existed. “It is mentioned in Johnson s
‘ History of Gardening,’ ” said Mr. Johnson mildly. “ Ah, said
Pamplin, “ that is not a book of much authority.” “ I am aware,
said Mr. Johnson, “ that it has many faults, for I am the authoi
of it ! ”

While still continuing his connection with the Salt Works Mr.
Johnson devoted all his spare time to the pursuit of literature
and the cultivation of science. At great Totham where he resided
he conducted experiments in gardening, and especially in the
aop ication of substances as manure. But the versatility of his
mind led him to other pursuits, and he, after great research,
wrote a “History of Great Totham,” which was printed by Mr.
Charles Clarke, at his private press in the village, in 1831.
This work is now extremely scarce, and is eagerly sought after
by collectors at prices the mention of which provoked a smile on
the author’s countenance. During his researches at the reading
room at the British Museum while the “History of. Great Totham”
was in progress Mr. Johnson discovered that one Edward Good-
shaft had left an estate for the benefit of the poor of the parishes
of Great Totham and Little Braxted in Essex. .This benefaction
had for many years been diveited, and the parishes which were
interested in it were ignorant of its existence. It was through
Mr. Johnson discovering an extract from the will of Goodshaft
that the property was restored. In 1835 he published a memoir
of John Selden, which was dedicated to the late Earl of Derby
when he was Lord Stanley. In 1839 the two brothers edited an
edition of Paley’s works with very copious notes, the ‘ Natural
Theology” being undertaken by Mr. C. W. Johnson, and the
“ Evidences of Christianity” by Mr. G. W. Johnson. The latter
having for some time been reading for the bar, was called by the
Society of Gray's Inn in 1839, and then he proceeded to India
when Lord Auckland became Governor-General. . He was ap¬
pointed Professor of Moral and Political Economy in the Hindoo
College at Calcutta, and besides being co editor of the Englishman
newspaper, he edited the Government Gazette for Lord Auckland.
His residence in Calcutta did not extend heyond three years,
and he returned to England in 1842, when he wrote Ihe
Stranger in India,” in two vols., which was published by Colburn
in 1843.

Before starting for India Mr. Johnson had been consulted by
the churchwardens of Braintree in Essex on the question of a
rate for the repair of the church which had fallen into disrepair.
This became a question of great public importance, and it was
on Mr. Johnson’s advice that the churchwardens imposed the
rate. The church was in a very dilapidated state, so much so as
to be thorouerhlv unsafe. The churchwarden, a Mr. Velly, sum-

November 4, 1886 ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

403

moned a meeting of ratepayers of the parish to consider the
state of the church, and to propose a special rate for its repair.
The parish of Braintree consisted almost entirely of silkweavers
who had settled there years before. The majority of these were

what he thought could be done when the case was so urgent.
“ What shall you do ? ” said Mr. Johnson, “ why, sir, if the case
is as urgent as you say it is you ought first to consult an architect,
obtain his opinion as to the state of the church, then call a

Fig. 58.— The Late Mu. George William Johnson.

dissenters, consequently much averse to helping in anything to
do with the church ; the question, therefore, when put at the
meeting was only agreed to by a very sin ill minority of the
ratepayers, the majority refusing to pay a farthing in such a
cause. Mr. Yelly in despair went to Mr. Johnson to ask him

meeting of ratepayers and inform them of his opinion. If the
dissenting majority still hold out request the signatures of the
church minority consenting to a rate for repairs, and on that
minority proceed accordingly."

Mr. Yelly a' ted on Mr. Johnson’s advice. He consulted two

404

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ November 4, 1866.

architects, who both pronounced the church unsafe and in need
of repair; then he called a meeting of ratepayers as arranged,
and on the majority refusing as usual to consent to a rate, he
obtained the signatures of those who did agree, and with their
co-operation the church was restored.

The dissenters indignant at the course taken by the church¬
warden, carried the question to a court of law, and the case was
heard at Westminster in January, 1846, where it was argued by
Sir Fitzroy Kelly, Q C., Mr. 'T. Barnes, Q.C., and Mr. T. Arnold
for the plaintiffs in prohibition ; and by Sir F. Thessiger, Mr.
G. W. Johnson, and Mr. W. Ogle for the defendants. Loid
Denman and the three other Judges of the Court of Queen's
Bench and the Court of Exchequer decided that the opinion
given by Mr. Johnson was perfect'y correct, and according to
precedents dating as far back as the reign of Queen Elizabeth.
This decision was appealed against, and the adverse majority
being led by Mr. Courtauld of Gosfield Hall, carried the case to
the House of Lords, who decided that the adverse opinion must
prevail if sustained by a majority of the parishioners.

On his return from India Mr Johnson settled at Winchester,
and again turned his attention to gardening pursuits. His first
success was the issue of “ The Gardeners’ Almanack,” published
by the Stationers’ Company, which continued without interrup¬
tion from 1844 to 1866. In 1845 was published “ The Principles
of Practical Gardening.” the object of which is thus stated in
the preface — ‘ For nearly twenty years the author of these pages
has laboured to make the gardeners of England more generally
aware than they are, even at present, of the principles on which
their practices are or ought to be founded. The results of his
early researches have from time to time been made public, and
those together with more that are new he now offers to his
readers in a collected and orderly form.”

This work was subsequently much enlarged and re-issued in
1862 under the title of “ The Science and Practice of Gardening.”
“ A Dictionary of Gardening ’’ appeared in 1846 and met with a
welcome reception. This was the forerunner of “ The Cottage
Gardener s Dictionary,” published in 1852. In 1847 Mr John¬
son commenced a series of works called “ the Gardener’s Monthly
Volume, ” the first volume of which on the Potato was written by
himself. Twelve volumes of this series appeared, each of which
is devoted to some important subject connected with gardening,
and written by the best authorities.

On the death of his father-in-law, Mr. Newington Hughes, a
banker at Maidstone, Mr. Johnson succeeded to his property, and
thus the Fairfax MSS. came into his possession. These consisted
of the whole of the correspondence of Ferdinando Lord Fairfax
and his son Thomas, the gi’eat parliamentarian general during the
period of the civil wars They were discovered in a chest which
was sold as old lumber at a sale at Leeds Castle in Kent, the seat
of the Fairfax family, on its coming into possession of the late Mr.
Wykeham-Martin. The purchaser was a shoemaker of Maidstone,
who cutup the letters as he required them to take measurements
in his trade. On one occasion when he called on Mr. Hughes,
and in bis business capacity made use of a portion of an ancient
manuscript, the keen eye of the antiquary was arrested, and
after an examination of the precious documents Mr. Hughes be¬
came the purchaser of them. VV hen they came into Mr. Johnson’s
possession he offered them to Mr. Richard Bentley with a view to
publication, and they were eventual y published in four large
octavo volumes, the first two of which were edited by Mr. John¬
son in 1848. ,,

We come now to a period of Mr. Johnson’s career when his
name became more familiarly and intimately connected with hor¬
ticulture. He enteitained an opinion that the time had arrived
when the gardening taste of the country had so greatly developed
among the middle classes that a journal issued weekly, giving
advice as to the operations to be attended to in small gardens,
would meet with a ready circulation. Mr. Johnson consulted Mr.
Orr, at that time an extensive publisher in Paternoster Row, on
the subject, and the result of the consultation was the publication
on the 5th of October, 1848, of the first number of The Cottage
Gardener, It wa9 a modest production of twelve pages, but it
was stored with wisdom and knowled e communicated by some of
the best practical men of the day. The venture was justified by
the result, for The Cottage Gardener was a- wonderful success from
the first.

In the year 1851 a friendship sprang up between Mr. Johnson
and the present Editor, Dr. Hogg, which through all these years
lias been a source of unalloyed pleasure and happiness to both.
In.bued by the same feelings and actuated by the same motives
these two gentlemen, during a period of thirty years, worked
in perfect harm ny, devoting themselves to the service of ihe
public, and doing whatever seemed to them to contribute to the
welfare and enjoyment of a large mass of the population of these

kingdoms and their dependencies. The Cottage Gardener con¬
tinued to prosper and increase in influence and in power. As
its field of readers increased its sphereof usefulness widened also,
and the work of its Editors was to meet the requirements of those
who came to them for instruction. By degrees these require¬
ments rose to a higher standard than was contemplated when
The Cottage Gardener was first published, and the universal
opinion of the public was expressed by a writer in The Quarterly
Review, when he said that The Cottage Garden er was for the
occupiers of a cottage to which a double coach-house was
attached. Acting on this bint the Editors decided on changing
the title to The Journal of Horticulture, a designation which it re¬
tained ever since. In addition to the works already mentioned
Mr. Johnson wrote “ The Chemistry of the World,” “ The
British Ferns Popularly Described,” besides many pamphlets on
various subjects.

The remains of Mr. Johnson will be consigned to the tomb
at 3 o’clock this afternoon (Thursday) in the burial ground of St.
Peter’s Church, Croydon, the day of the interment being the
day before the 84th anniversary of his birth.

A SELECTION OF PEARS.

Many of your readers will now be thinking of planting fruit
trees, and as there are no better winter fruits than a good
selection of rich Pears, this section is sure to be largely dealt
with ; but although Pears are so acceptable, there is a possibility
of having too many of them, and there is no greater loss amongst
fruit in the garden than that which occurs every winter amongst
Pears. Happily there are still many gardens not yet em¬
barked in the market business, and where Pears are only grown
for home consumption, and in cases of this kind it is a mistake
to have a great number of varieties coming in at the same time,
or too many of one variety, as Pears ^differ widely from
Apples in their keeping, or, rather, non-keeping qualities. In
the case of Apples, some which might be ripe and ready for use
in October would remain sound for two months or more after¬
wards, but Pears which are ripe one week will hardly keep to
the next, or the one after that at most, and it is astonishing how
many Pears are spoi’ed m this way. The only remedy for it is
to plant in succession, and not put in more of one variety than
is likely to meet the demand for the fruit, and the aim should
always be to have a constant supply rather than great many
varieties in at one time, and none at another. Judging from ex¬
perience Pears are not so partial as Apples. We all know of
some Apples that succeed well in certain districts and failing in
others, but Pears are not like this, and, as a rule, good free-
fruiting varieties will succeed everywhere. We hear, too, of good
keeping Apples, and know of many of them, but good keeping
Pears are few if they exist, and there is an opening for new
varieties in this direction.

The following is a good selection of Pears for a general
supply from July until March — Doyenne d’Eti‘, small, excellent,
a good bearer, end of July; Jargonelle, large, melting, juicy,
delicious, August; Williams’ Bon Chretien, large, buttery, rich,
September; Beurre Superfin, large, melting, fine October;
Beurre Diel, large, rich, melting, November ; Doyenne du Comice,
large, delicious, December; Winter Nelis, small, melting, rich,
January ; Easter Beurre, large, buttery, highly flavoured,
February; Bergamot Esperen, medium size, juicy, and [sugary,
March; Josephine de Malines, large, melting, delicious, April. —
J. Mum, Margam.

THE NON- VENTILATING SYSTEM.

Mr. Bardney, page 370, has trailed a coat of many tails, any and all
of which he seems to invite us to tread on. Not being so well versed in
horticultural engineering as he presumably is, I shall not attempt to
combat all his arguments, but shall content myself with meeting that pait
of his arguments relating to the non-ventilating system. He seems to
imagine that the Prescot growers have a monopoly of this method of
growing Cucumbers, and it was because I did not strictly follow the
instructions given in these pages by Mr. Bardney that I failed. As it
happens it is by no means a “new thing” that he advocated. At the
outset he mentions a fact that I should think very well known — viz., that
quickly grown seedless Cucumbers are the best for eating ; but does he
wish to infer that the Preecot Cucumbers, or those generally grown
without air, are superior to those cultivated under the ordinary system —
i.e.., with a little air given during the hottest part of the day ? Speaking
from expeiience, I say they are not. They are grown rather more quickly,
and that is all that can he said about it.

Perhaps I am premature in my condemnation of the system as far as
private gardens are concerned, and tie way to prove that such is the case
is simply to bring forward the names of any private gardeners that have
succeeded t ) their own satisfaction on the lines laid down by Mr. Bardney,
the men" s of July and August to be included in the cropping period, and

November 4, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

405

the style of house also to be given. If permitted, I could give one note¬
worthy instance of complete failure, though for obviou9 reasons I cannot
without permission publish the names of those trying the experiment. I
might add, however, that they broke down even before we did. Mr.
Bardney infers that the plants must have suffered by want of water at
the roots and also that the shading was too heavy, but in both cases I can
truthfully state he is altogether wrong. In reality there was too much
water given. Our soil being naturally of a heavy nature, much judgment
has to be exercised in the watering, or it soon becomes saturated and
uncongenial to the roots ; but even if the best of turfy loam was available,
I still have my doubts about the success of the system of non-ventilating
for Cucumber growing in private gardens. Mr. Bardney repeatedly
alludes to the heavy shading we are supposed to use, but I think those
who have used the ordinary cheap scrim canvas, as supplied by all drapers
and much used by paperhangers, will agree with me that it is by no means
a heavy shading, yet that is all we use during the hottest part of the day.
Crotons we have not grown so extensively this season as heretofore ; but
those we have, including Warreni, Williamsi, picturatus, Prince of Wales,
princeps, Queen Victoria, nobilis, and magnificus, are, as far as colour is
concerned, perfectly satisfactory.

With all due deference I maintain that it was not our method of
procedure that was at fault, but we failed owing to our house being
unsuitable for the experiment. When it is understood that the Prescot
houses are totally different in design and construction to anything we see
in private places, it will be seen I am not so far out in my judgment.
According to my information the principal house at Prescot is a series of
connected hou es on the ridge-and-furrow system, only they have no
dividing or supporting walls, these being superseded by iron supports.
It will be thus apparent that in such a building the risk of burning from
excessive heat or a too rarified atmosphere is reduced to a minimum.
Contrast this with the hot little houses usually devoted to Cucumber
culture in private gardens, and the conclusion must be that the different
construction of the latter necessarily entails a different method of pro¬
cedure. During a hot sunny day the walls, flooring, and staging, all are
liable to become hot and dry, and these naturally absorb the moisture
from the house. The consequence is, it soon becomes drier than the ex¬
ternal air ; therefore, unless the latter is admitted in small quantities, or
abundance of water is almost constantly being distributed about the
house and over the foliage, thereby staying the “ enormous evaporation ”
going on, burning of the foliage must ensue. A little air and shading is
safe, no air and thin shading is not.

Mr. Bardney rashly asserts that the “ chink of air ” is a thing of the
past, but that has yet to be proved. I shall not attempt to quote what
Messrs. Thomson, Barron, Taylor, and other noteworthy Grape growers
have recommended with regard to the proper ventilation of vineries,
preferring rather to express my own views. I am not at all surprised to
hear that Mr. Bardney gave no air to his early vinery until the Grapes
commenced ripening, but if he had given no air before they were ripe
we might have expressed some wonderment. If he had ripened them
satisfactorily without air there might be facts to explain away, but if I
understand the paragraph rightly, he too admits the chink of air, this
being essential tc flavour and colour ; if not, what does he mean ? Saving
the coal is of moment to all of us, and if anyone can suggest any plan
for reducing the outlay in that direction he will have done good service,
but I fail to see that Mr. Bardney eaves much fuel with his method of
forcing unless he is satisfied with low night temperatures as a set-off f ;r
the other extreme in the daytime. Very little air is admitted in early

vineries generally, at all events till the sun heat has raised the tem¬

perature considerably, and the mere fact that no air at all is given will
not save the coal bill much, unless it has the effect of materially hastening
the crops. Then if we are not careful there is the danger of forcing the
Vines “ off their logs,” or to be plain, the top growth may be much too
far in advance of the root-action. With Mr. Bardney’s snug little early
vinery and comparatively new inside border there may be no risks run,
but what about those outside, and which far outnumber inside borders?
Then, again, much depends upon the weight of Grapes each Vine is
allowed to perfect. A light crop will colour and be of fairly good quality

without the assistance of the proverbial chink of night air, but try the

same plan with a heavy crop, such as we in the West of England are in
the habit of taking off the Vines, and the colour of the black sorts,
especially, would be very far from perfect, that I say we Grape growers in
this neighbourhood have nothing to learn from the Liverpudlians gene¬
rally, and it is very certain we shall not attempt to finish our Grapes early
or late without a chink of air at the right time.

The Peach trees at Norris Green are certainly in a highly creditable
state, but 1 had no idea their good health and vigour was mainly or
partially due to the adoption of the non-ventilating system. I thought
it was principally due to the practice pursued of annually lifting all of
them, plentiful supplies of water, and moderately heavy cropping.
I repeat the trees are noteworthy examples of good all-round treat¬
ment, but at Knowsley the trees are the best I have ever seen,
and Mr. Harrison attributed much of his success to periodical liftings.
After all that has been said it would appear that Mr. Bardney is not eo
nearly converted to the non-ventilating system as I am, or why does he
give air during the summer and early autumn months to the plant houses
under his charge ? If the plan is such an economic one why adopt any
other? I am quite prepared to join issue with him on the subject of
plunging plants. — W. Iggulden.

In support of Mr. Bardney’s remarks on the above (see page 370) I
may relate a striking instance that has recently come under my notice.

Five weeks ago I called at Cuerden Hall Gardens, where Cucumbers
and Melons are grown in the same houses, and while the latter a e ripen¬
ing the former invariably become more or less infested with re 1 spider,
and this was their condition when 1 saw them ; bat as so in as the Melons
were all cut the house was closed, the interior of which, as well as the
plants, being frequently syringed when rapid growth sets in, and the
plants soon recover. For having occasion to call this week I found those
I am speaking of quite free from spider, and the trellis covered with
healthy foliage and studded with scores of young fruit nicely set, anl
this on plants that were planted last February, and having been bearing
heavy crops of fruit throughout the summer.

In another house one plant remains of a batch planted out last
November. Mr. Roberts informs me that it is seventeen years since
when growing for market he first practised the non-ventilating system of
growing Cucumbers, hut he always applied a thin shading ot whitening
to the glass with the syringe during the hottest of weather, which wa9
partly washed off by the first heavy rain, and another application given
f necessary. — Constant Reader.

NEW VIOLAS.

In the Journal of Horticulture of September 16th, in your
report of the Exhibition of the Glasgow and West of Scotland
Horticultural Society, Mr. Baxter of Daldowie was reported to
have received a first-class certificate for his seedling Viola York
and Lancaster, and that he was also “ placed easily first for
twelve bunches of Violas, and that his stand was most tastefully
arranged.” As I have long made the Viola a pet plant, and grow
an immense number, I felt a desire to write to Mr. Baxter
asking him to let me see a bloom of York and Lancaster, and I
received blooms of this variety and several others which are
quite new and valuable acquisitions, and of which I send notes.
Further correspondence has brought hints on culture, &c., which
I also append, and it would be truly a boon to our spring and
summer bedding folks if this could read, How the Viola should
be managed, and see what glorious results arise from their being
properly planted and treated. At the flower Show in the Abbey
Park, Leicester, last July, thousands who never saw before what
can be done with the Viola must hive been st'uck with the ex¬
tensive and rich display of Violas there, especially in four lirge
circular beds of mixed Countess of Kintore Viola and silver-leaf
Geranium, their soft colours harmonising so delightfully, and
calling forth universal admiration.

We are comparatively behind the times in the application of
Violas for bedding purposes, especially for mixing with Tulips,
Hyacinths, and other bulbs, and prolonging this spring disp'ay;
and they are equally valuable for mixing for a summer display,
the shades of blue and violet working in so well with yellow
Calceolarias and other colours, white Violas with crimson and
other colours, and so on. If Violas wanted no other recom¬
mendation, their early blooming charms alone should be a
sufficient reason for their general adoption, but the starving
process has been ruinous to their adoption. Mr. Baxter, in a
letter just received, says, “ The public parks seem to starve Violas
and call it disease,” and it is so. I looked in at Chiswick some
three summers since hoping to see a fine collection of Violas
there, and of course grown tolerably well, but I was grieved to
find them “ starved,” and out of all charac er, although varieties
were being grown there then which I would not tolerate

Mr. Jenkins, in the Journal of October 21st, forcibly insists
on liberal cultivation and the use of cow manure, and his ex¬
perience is fully corroborated by Mr. Baxter, as will be seen
further on. In a .conversation with Mr. Gough of Hamfield
Green Gardens not long since, I was looking with astonishment
on two very long rows of True Blue Viola, our best blue, in
capital condition. When his crops were suffering greatly from
excessive heat and want of rain, he told me that a spit of soil
was taken out along the rows and rich rotten manure worked in,
and the top soil put back again. Here was the secret of their
success, and he had always adopted that plan with Violas. There
may be some who may fancy that Mr. Jenkins and myself suffer
from Viola on the brain from our persistent advocacy of this
lovely bedding plant, but when we meet with so much lament¬
able ignorance as to culture, and persistent ignoring of the Viola
as a valuable bedding plant, it is time to speak out pretty plainly
and do the plant justice. No one knows better than I do how it
has failed in the south under great summer heat and drought,
but Mr. Jenkins, at Messrs. Collins Brothers & Gabriel’s nursery
at New Hampton, last summer clearly demonstrated that the
Viola is a grand plant in one of the worst positions possible
for it, when thought and generous cultivation are brought to
bear upon it. I saw their display in August in the midst of
broiling weather, and I shall remember it for life. Next year
I think" Mr. Jenkins will show the southerners what he can do.

Mr. Baxter has made Violas a speciality for thirty yeais, so,

406

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ November 4, 1886.

as he observes, he is “ a little familiar with the subject,” and
has taken first prizes for years Id Edinburgh and Glasgow, and
in a recent letter he writes : “ I will send you before long a few
words on raising Yiolas. We have had a bed of fancy Yiolas —
not bedders — which have been a great attraction here and invalu¬
able for cut flowers. The spotted sorts come cleaner when not
in too rich a soil.” He further observes : “ As the Journal is
duly appreciated in the West of Scotland, and as I am often
asked to state which, in my opinion, are the best twelve varieties
of Yiolas for competition in bunches, it may save me some trouble
and be useful to mauy others if the Editor will kindly allow me
through its pages to give the following : —Archie Grant, Bullion,
Countess of Kmtore, Countess of Hopetoun, Dawn of Day,
Duchess of Sutherland, Ethel Baxter, Ebor, Merchiston Castle,
Mrs. Baxter, Skylark, and York-and-Lancaster. This selection
will stand them in good stead when the day of trial comes, but I
would remind my juvenile frn nds that there is a little thought
and taste required to set up a stand properly, and beg them to
keep steadily in mind in staging Viola blooms to ‘ Wear his
beaver up,” like Hamlet’s father’s ghost. There may be better
sorts in cultivation than some of those I have named, but the
list I have given will be an excellent one to start with. Now for
a few words with regard to my method of preparing beds for
Yiolas during the winter. We gather cow droppings in the
fields, even when they are as hard as a frozen turnip, and store
them in a corner until wanted, and, being thoroughly frozen,
insects in the manure and their belongings are destroyed. If
i4he bed is on the lawn, we lay down a cloth and just as much
soil on it as will cover the bed 3 inches deep. On the bed we
place a good barrowful of this dry cow manure (say the bed
4 feet by 4 feet) and add a large shovelful of hot slicked lime
and mix it thoroughly to the depth of 18 inches, using a fork for
that purpose, and if the bed is likely to be a bit too high with the
manure added, trample it down a little and then put on the

3 inches in depth of soil previously taken out. The manure being
buried underneath the surface prevents the birds from making
holes in the beds, and it is judicious to prepare the bed fully a
month before planting. The beds can be planted at the same
time if preferred, hot lime notwithstanding. We use an old
Potato dibble, which makes a hole the required depth and about

4 inches in diameter, and fill round the plants with clean fresh
soil, and by the time the roots grow out of this there is no danger
from the lime. We leave a small basin round each plant and
fill in with a handful of sand, which fills up crevices and prevents
resting holes for slugs and snails. I find the sand to be very
beneficial, and in planting we keep the plants down to the first
green leaves. As Yiolas are much larger in the flowers than they
were some years ago, they require manure accordingly. The
writer on Yiolas (Mr. E. Jenkins) in a recent Journal, does not
put half enough manure in the ground. As to sorts, Bullion is
by far the best yellow extant for bedding. Ardwell Gem looks
too much to the ground. If Yiolas could be seen in some of our
great public parks grown freely as I have recommended, there
would be much less talk about disease in the Yiola. The present
treatment tends tp starve the poor things off the face of the
earth. In any places where the Yiola shows a tendency to die
off during the summer, I strongly recommend, say, a tablespoonful
of hot lime into a canful of water and pour it in at the neck of
the plant as soon as any tendency to ‘ go off ’ is shown.”

These words are from a thorough cultivator of the Yiola,
and he is right as to “ Bullion,” a grand yellow of excellent
habit and constitution. I must confess that yellows do bother
us in going off. All the lutea section stand well. Golden Prince
Improved is another A1 yellow, and Ardwell Gem (known in
some places as Hardwick Yellow) is a very valuable primrose
yellow. I havei been working away at the “ Queen of Spring ”
section because I wanted yellows without any markings at all,
and I obtained some lovely things, notably Yellow Dwarf and
Yellow Beauty, but their constitution was too fragile and they
are lost. We must have good constitutions in our Yiolas. A
description of Mr. Baxter’s new sorts from two lots of blooms he
sent me must close this paper.

Countess of Glasgow. — Rich violet bottom petals and silvery
lilac top petals, fine form and substance. Mr. Baxter describes
this as better than Countess of Kintore in summer, and it
obtained the first prize in Glasgow in 1886 for the best seedling
Yiola. It is certainly a very beautiful variety, and distinct from
the Countess of Kintore.

Clipper. — A very telling variety, light top petals, lower petals
violet with lighter-shaded margin ; fine.

Crimson Gem. — A crimson tinted purple, medium-sized and of
good form, but not distinct enough in colour to be regarded as
an acquisition.

Dawn of Dags. — A lilac shaded lavender ; a large and very

effective variety, distinct and evidently a telling bedder ; a decided
acquisition.

Ethel Baxter. — Shaded light rosy purple, good form and the
best of this colour ; a fine desirable variety.

E bor. — Excellent form, but running very close to Crimson
Gem in colour. Mr. Baxter describes this as a fine bedder.

Goldfinch— A decided novelty, pa]e yellow with a medium
margin of deep lilac ; quite distinct.

Mina Baxter.— Crimson shaded light purple, with lighter top
petals ; a charming variety.

Mrs. Baxter. — Rich rosy purple, of fine form and substance,
with a white blotch in the top petals ; a very fine variety and the
best of this type.

Merchiston Castle. — Truly a gem, rich crimson maroon with a
wire margin of cream running around the flower, very distinct
and beautiful, resembling a miniature fancy Pansy.

Rosebud. — Somewhat resembling Ethel Baxter.

Ravensicood. — A small well formed flower of good substance,
rich violet with a bluish grey small blotch at the bottom of the
lower petal, and blue tinted top petals ; very pretty.

Spotted Gem. — Crimson tinted violet, rich in colour, with a
white spot at the top of each top petal ; distinct and fine.

Skylark Improved. — Creamy white with a good border of dark
coerulean blue. It beats “ Skylark ” in the breadth and density
of the blue margin.

York and Lancaster. — White, distinctly striped ; and clouded
with rich maroon and rosy purple, a vigorous grower, a great
beat upon “ Clown,” a striped variety, a very fine competition
flower, and in every respect Al. Has been awarded three first-
class certificates in 1886.

There notes were not taken when these Yiolas were at their
best ; far from it, for the blooms came by post after the recent
storms Scotland has known so well The greater portion of
these varieties are scarcely in commerce yet. — William Dean,

Walsall.

MUSHROOM GROWING MADE EASY.

This was the title of a paper read at the bi-monthly meeting of the
Birmingham and Midland Counties Gardeners’ Mutual Improvement
Association, October 20tb, by Mr. J. Crooke, a well-known gardener in
ihe neighbouihood and the librarian of the Society, who, in the course of
his interesting paper, remarked that “ In the culture of the Mushroom
some are successful and some are not, at times failing to produce them
even in Mushroom houses erected purposely for their culture, whilst
many gardeners and amateurs, with very restricted accommodation at
hand, obtain good supplies all the year round. I have grown Mushrooms
for several years, adopting several plans, but with the simple plan I work
upon now I rarely have a failure. The only accommodation I now have
for cultivating Mushrooms is underneath a stage in a cool greenhouse
without the aid of heat from hot water pipes. This house is 20 feet long
by 14 feet wide, span-roofed, with a path through the centre. Underneath
one side of the stage are six divisions for six beds, each 3 feet long by
41 feet wide, and with a depth of 18 inches, a single brick wall dividing
the beds. Wooden shutters are used in front, and moveable board divi¬
sions from the stage above the beds, so that manure can be easily got in
and out. Three large zinc pans, each 6) feet long by 4J feet wide, with
a hole at one corner for the water to pass away when watering plants,
prevents any dripping of water on to the Mushroom beds. Manure is
gathered every morning from our stables, and the droppings and short
straw placed under an open shed, care being taken to prevent its heating
itself into a too dry state, and when sufficient is obtained for a bed it is
turned over every day for a week, and when it has lost all its deleterious
fermentation and the heat is on the decline, it is put into any of the beds
which require making up, and two or three days after the spawn is put
in and 2 inches of good soil put on the top, and in six weeks we are
cutting a good supply from these newly made beds. With regard to
beating the soil hard, as some recommend, I give it only a moderate firm¬
ness, as I well remember failures from excessive treading and failure of
the spawn to germinate. I spawn when the beds register a heat of
about 80°, for it is a great mistake to spawn a bed with the heat over
100°, and from this cause failures frequently arise. I have found so
constantly that my Mushrooms are firmer in the flesh, tenderer, and more
juicy, grown under such conditions as I have indicated than when grown
with fire heat. With the plan I adopt, and making a new bed directly
one gives out, I keep up a good supply for a small family, and the heat
from the manure of the new bed penetrates the wall on either side and
gives renewed vigour to the other beds. I seldom water, but if I do I
use water from 80° to 1)0° in temperature with a good-sized piece of salt
dissolved in it. Just a word or two with regard to the enemies we have
to deal with in Mushroom culture. I have used as a simple remedy for
catching woodlice a rotten piece of wood placed close to the side of the
bed, giving just sufficient space for the woodlice to harbour, taking it out
each morning and clearing off the woodlice. I made up on August 22nd
two beds, each 3 feet long and feet wide, and I began cutting the last
week in September, and these beds have already produced over 50 lbs. of
fine Mushrooms. My chief object to-night is to show what can be done
on so small a scale, and I recommend the culture of the Mushroom to all

November 4 1836. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

407

present, as a more appreciated vegetable cannot well be sent into the
house for an employer’s use. I just wish to say before I sit down that I
have recently obtained much valuable inf irmation from a practical
treatise on the culture of the Mushroom, written by Mr. Wright. It can
be obtained at a cost of Is., and this indispensable guide, under the name
of ‘ Mushrooms for the Million,’ will be a friend to all.”

Fully one hundred members of the Society attended, and a good useful
discussion followed. One of the members, Mr. Bick, spoke on outdoor
culture, having worked on Mr. Barter’s plan, as recommended in “ Mush¬
rooms fir the Million,” and that a bed he made up in February last,
-5 yards long, and made as per illustration at page 25 of Mr. Wright’s
book, and he began cutiing at the end of April, and had secured a very
large quan ity of excellent Mushrooms. A discussion arose as to the
heat applied, which he explained was only that in the manure itself for
the germination of the spawn, but he was so thoroughly satisfied with
the experiment, that he proposed giving the outdoor culture more ex¬
tended application. Mr. Bick said he felt bound to speak in the highest
tones of Mr. Wright’s book, which would make Mushroom growing not
only easy but general throughout the kingdom. Messrs. Cooper, Jinks,
Wood, Spinks, Jones, Wneeler, and Harris also took part in the
•discussion.

We may just add that the Birmingham Society is making wonderful
progress, numbering already 250 members, with a special library fund of
£74, and the Society only ten months old, but Mr. Hughes is an inde-
fagitable Secretary, and to his efforts the greater portion of the library
fund is due. — W. D. W.

INDIAN EXPERIENCES.

Now the cultivation of Tea, Coffee, Chinchona, and other agricultural
products is making such rapid strides both in India and Ceylon, and when
so many young gardeners are annually leaving England for those distant
lands, it may not perhaps be uninteresting to some readers of ihe
Journal of Horticulture to have a description of personal experience of
a planter’s life in southern India, extending over an uninterrupted period
of some seventeen years.

At the outset I may be permitted to give it as my opinion that while
to the young gardener in England the area of success in his profession is
admittedly becoming yearly more circumscribed, and even greatly under¬
paid, employment is becoming more and more difficult to obtain. The
planting and horticultural field of enterprise in India and Ceylon is to
the well educated and trained young gardener a very hopeful one. At the
same time, I would impress upon him before taking the final step, that
ultimate success in any country, but more especially a country like India,
will depend greatly upon his own strength of character, self-control,
veracity, integrity, and patient perseverance. Temptations to upset and
trample underfoot all these virtues abound in India, but of these tempta¬
tions I shall have more to say afterwards. I would only in this place beg
to reiterate my warning to young gardeners about to emigrate to India,
that without the firm resolve to adhere firmly to the abo re principles
of conduct, failure will, in nine cases out of every ten, be the inevitable
result.

I have already stated that I have had some seventeen years’ planting
experience in south India. This was between the years 1861 and 18777.
Eleven years of this period I spent in Coffee planting in the Wynaad
district of Malabar, five years in Chinchona planting on the Neilgherry
Hills, and one year in the Indian Forest Department in Tinnevelly, the
most southern, and perhaps the hottest of all the Indian provinces. In
1861, being then just twenty- three years of age, I was employed as
propagator by a well known firm of nurserymen at Edinburgh on a
weekly wage of 18s., with bothy on the grounds; the latter a hovel con¬
sisting of one room 10 feet square, free of access to all employed in the
nursery, and containing two beds for the accommodation of four persons.
The room contained not a vestige of an article of furniture conducive to
comfort, with the exception of a rough deal table, one wooden-bottomed
chair, and a wooden form. The above salary and accommodation was
in those days deemed sufficient for young men who were expected to
attend closely to their duties from ten to twelve hours daily, to possess
a knowledge of the history, mode of propagation, and culture of all plants
coming under their notice, also to converse intelligently with customers.
In a room such as I have attempted to describe it is needless to say that
no opportunity existed for reading or study for the advancement in our
profession. The wages were too small to allow for my own support and
that of a widowed parent. These things combined made life very irksome
to me, and being, like most young gardeners, anxious to improve myself
iii my profession and otherwise, and being denied the means of obtaining
the necessary books, &c., for doing so, I not unnaturally turned my
ait nt ion to emigration, and e’er long was fortunate enough to observe
an advertisement in the columns of the Scotsman newspaper for a young
gardener to proceed to India as an assistant on a Coffee estate on a
salary of RslOO or £120 for the first year; Rsl20, or £144, for the
second year ; Rsl40, or £168, for the third year ; and £240 per annum
for the two following years. Engagement for the five years, with
an optional break at the end of the third year, I applied for the
appointment, and with the assistance of my employers and other friends
ootained it at once, signed the agreement, and was off on my voyage to
India within four weeks from the date of my application.

It was on a beautiful Sunday afternoon in the latter end of October,
1361, that I set sail from Southampton in the good ship Mooltan of the
1 emnsular and Oriental Steamship Company for Alexandria. The over¬
land j rnrney to India has been so frequently and so graph'ca’ly described

by the ablest writers that it would be utterly useless for me to attempt
to tread the same path. I shall therefore confine my few remarks to some
incidents of the journey which produced in soma cases a very pleasing, and
in all a lasting impression on my mind.

The terrors of the Bay of Biscay past, it was passing pleasant to land
for a few hours at Gibraltar. A few days’ sail had brought us from every
indication of an approaching dreary English winter into summer again
with all its accompanying flowers and fruits, festoons and masses of
flowers hanging from bower and wall in the open air, the produce of
plants that it had been my duty to tend with assiduous care under glass
in England. Then the voyage to Malta and Alexandria was a thing
never to be forgotten, the intense blue of the inland sea baffling the pen
of poet to describe. While deeply enjoying the trip down the Mediter¬
ranean the fact was lost sight of that the good ship Mooltan was fast
approaching Alexandria, with its cloud of windmills, its fervid heat, its
steamy and squalid bazaars reeking with fifth and drowned in swarms of
flies. With the advent of the native pilot on board to guide us into the
famous bay came the first feeling of oppressive heat, and if it must be
confessed the incipient regret that I had left dear old England, and the
very pronounced resolve to take advantage of the clause in my agreement
with reference to the optional break at the end of the third year, and re¬
turn to my native land. The resolve was deepened by a remark of a
fellow passenger to the effect that if I felt the heat so much at Alexandria
he did not know how I would get on ia India. One night in the ancient
city and off next morning by rail to Cairo, where we were compelled
to remain four days awaiting the arrival of the mail steamer at Suez,
which was to taki us on to Bombay. On the way to Cairo I had an
opportunity of seeing the destruction caused to the wretched huts com¬
posing the native villagers by a higher than usual rising of the Nile. The
water had recently -uHsided, leaving nothing but pools here and there in
a sea of mud, and revealing the fact that in most of the villages one-half
of the huts had comp etely collapsed, and in some instances the whole of
the huts of a village had crumbled into the original mud from whence
they sprang. This state of things made it very difficult for travellers
either on foot, donkey, or muleback to get along, and large crowds in con¬
sequence took advantage of the high railway embankment, frequently
bringing our train to a standstill. These crowds consisted of natives of all
degrees and conditions, many well-to-do merchants evidently, and all
wending their way to the capital.

Our four days’ sojourn at Cairo was spent very pleasantly in visiting
the lions of the city on donkey back. Shepherd’s Hotel afforded good
accommodation, and although the days were hot and dusty in that rain¬
less region, yet the evenings were extremely pleasant, and as it happened
to be full moon at the time the brilliantly lit-up sky and clear soft atmo¬
sphere and still air were wonderfully attractive to anyone fresh from
England. It was at this hotel I had the pleasure of seeing for the first
time the celebrated General Outram. He had come out to Egypt for his
health, being unable to stand an English autumn and wiuter. During
the evenings he sat in the verandah of the hotel conversing in a very low
tone of voice with his friends. His forty years’ service in India had
evidently told severely on his health, ”as he appeared to be a complete
wreck as he sat leaning with both hands on his stick and with his chin
resting on his breast, and unless I had been told of his identity I would
little have suspected that the “ Bayard of India” sat before me. As an
instance of the truth of the saying, “ No man is a hero to his valet,” I
on frequent occasions overheard the man in attendance on the General
complain in no very complimentary terms of his master’s irritability and
other supposed failings. He little understood what a forty years’ resi¬
dence in a hot climats like India meant, with all the anxiety, responsi¬
bilities, and dangers connected with a life like that of General
Outram’s.

On the morning of the fifth day we started for Suez by train, reach¬
ing that place some time in the afternoon, after only one brief stoppage
on the way. The journey across the desert was a hot one, but not devoid
of beauty, although not a vestige of vegetation was to be seen ; yet the
white and yellow sand hills and undulating ground were very
impressive, and stretching out on either side as far as the eye
could reach. Arriving at Suez we dined at the Oriental Hotel off
food not of the very choicest description, and then embarked on
the mail steamer for Bombay. The heat was very oppressive till we
reached Aden, where we went on shore for twelve hours and had an
opportunity of inspecting that bleak, burning, treeless, plaatless, yet
wonderful place, with its marvellous fortifications and natural defences.
In the evening we again went on board the good ship Behar, which
soon weighed anchor, which, after a delightful trip across the Indian
Ocean in beautiful weather, duly landed her passengers at the port of
Bombay without mishap, the voyage from India to Bombay occupying
some thirty-two days.

My stay at Bombay was of very short duration, and consequently I
had n i time to visit the public gardens and other places of interest as I
intended to have done. I had seen nothing in the shape of vegetation
since I left the Egyptian delta, and was much disappointed at finding so
little in the parts of Bombay I visited. The whole amounted to a few
Mango trees, a few scattered Cocoanut trees, and some flow-ring shrubs
in the gardeos. After arranging some matters with the gentleman who
had brought me out to India, 1 started, in company with an uher young
Englishman, in a chartered native craft called a “pattimir” — coasting
steamers not being so plentiful in those days — for Calicut on the Malabar
coast, a distance of some 700 miles. The crew consisted of eight or nine
natives, not one of whom could speak a word of English, our interpreter
b.i ig a I’ortuguese servant, who acted as interpreter, cook, and general

408

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ November 4 1888.

servant. The weather proved calm most of the way, but we suffered
considerably from the heat, the vessel not being fitted np for the
accommodation of passengers. The usual mode of procedure of the
skippers of these boats, while on such voyages, is to frequently go close
in shore, cast anchor, and then for the greater portion of the crew to land
under the pretence of obtaining supplies of food, &c., retarding he voyage
several hours each time of landing, but on this occasion the ship stood
well off the land during the whole trip of nine days from port to port.
True, we never lost sight of land, but objects were only dimly visible.
The cloud-capped western Ghauts looked very grand all day long, and a
line of vegetation was just visible, fringing the coast line nearly all the
way, but the nature of this vegetation was a puzzle to me until my
arrival at Calicut, when I found that this continuous belt of everlasting
green extending for the 700 miles consisted of the Cocoanut Palm (Cocos
nucifera), and a very magnificent and glorious belt it is, beginning within
reach of the waves, and extending from one to three miles inland. The
Phoenix dactylifera, or Date Palm of the Egyptian delta, is a stately and
graceful tree, and one greatly to be admired, its stout straight stem and
long feathery fronds giving a striking effect to the landscape. The
Cocoanut Palm with its much taller stem, and almost invariably crooked
withal, is not nearly such a handsome tree individually, but collectively,
as seen in this glorious Malabar belt, and on the islands lying off the
same coast, all lying within the influence of the south-west monsoon, it
is beautiful beyond description. This was my first view of real tropical
vegetation, and a grand one it was. — Planter.

(To be continued.)

We are informed that Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading, have
been awarded a gold medal for their fine display of seeds, Grasses,
models, &c., at the Edinburgh International Exhibition of 1886.

- “B.” writes: — “ Please let me thank those who have kindly

taken the trouble to assure me that the Apples Warner’s King and
Bramley’s Seedling are distinct. I have been so often ‘ taken in ’
with names, though I do not in the least reflect on those who were the
unwitting cause, that my doubts are perhaps too easily revived. Also let
me add my testimony to that of ‘ P. H. P.’ (page 382) as to the pleasure
derivable from Apple culture. It is the one hardy fruit which can be
successfully grown in our climate, and which gives us a lengthened supply
of fruit for any little trouble we may lay out on them.”

- Samples of chemical manures have been sent to u? by

Messrs. Yiccars, Collyer, & Co., and the Alluvial Manure Company. It is
obviously impossible that we can do more than say that the former is a
dark brown, dry, and rather gritty mixture not disagreeable to use, and
that an analysis of its constituents are embodied in an advertisement.
The alluvial manure is lighter in colour, softer in texture, and its consti¬
tuents vary according to the plants and crops for which it is prepared, as
indicated in the circular of the vendors.

- Mr. G. R. Allis sends us from The Gardens, Old Warden

Park, Biggleswade, a bunch of Gros Maroc Grapes with the following
note : — “ The Grapes is a sample grown without fire heat. They were
produced in a house containing plants, with air on day and night
throughout the season. The hot water has only been turned on about a
fortnight, merely to drive damp out of the house. I have two or three
Vines of Black Hamburgh planted in the same house, but in a better
position as regards soil, Sea. The Gros Maroc is planted in a shallow
narrow border on the back wall of the house, which the sun does not reach
before 10 or 11 o’clock. It ripens with the Black Hamburgh and appears
to bo very easy to grow ; besides, it is a fine showy Grape, and I should
think it would take well as a market Grape.” The Grapes referred to
are of a good size and admirably coloured, and, though the flavour is not
fully developed, such examples would, no doubt, “take well” in the
market.

- Madame Barthelemy Levet Rose. — “ W. R.” writes : —

“Will you kindly say in Journal whether Rose Madame Barthelemy
Levet is a Tea or a Hybrid Tea J It is differently classed in catalogues —
Messrs. W. Paul & Son have it a Tea, Cranstone a Hybrid Tea.” When
high professional authorities differ we think it advisable to give some of
our accomplished amateurs an opportunity for expressing their opinion
on this subject,

- A correspondent, who occupies a rather prominent position

in the horticultural world, alluding to the Ripening of Fruit asks
“ If the writer of the article on the shrivelling of Grapes on page 379 is
correct in his statement as to tartaric acid being converted into sugar
during the ripening of Grapes?” And further observes, “That starch
mucilage, and cellulose is converted into sugar cannot be disputed, and
the change may be, and probably is, effected in part by the agency of
acids, but that the acid itself is converted into sugar is a proposition that
can scarcely meet with general acquiescence. If the tartaric acid in
Grapes is really converted into sugar it would be interesting to know the
process. The signature of your correspondent implies that he writes
from the teachings of experience, and it would be instructive if he would
oblige by stating how he arrives at his decision on the subject in ques¬
tion.”

- An American paper says, “ The Tomato Market has been

very dull since September 1st, the fruit selling wholesale at only 20 cents
(101.) per bushel. We suppose the canning establishments know their
own interests, and think they are wise in buying as low as possible, but
20 cents per bushel barely covers the cost of picking and carting to
Boston, and indeed many thousands of bushels this year will be
neglected and allowed to decay upon the plants on account of the low
prices.”

- We are reminded of the approach of winter, and of the desira¬
bility of keeping the feet dry in wet weather, and preserving boots and
legging?, by a sample of Gishurstine. This dubbing we have used for
several seasons and shall continue to use, because we have found it as good
as it is stated to be by the manufacturers. Not in outdoor work alone is
it useful, but equally so to young gardeners under glass, whose boots are
much oftener wet than dry, through watering, syringing, and cleansing.
Like its insect-destroying progenitor, “Gishurst,” Gishurstine appears to
be a preparation of sterling value in gardens.

- Reports on the Onion Crop. — A note from America says that,

“ Owing to a smaller acreage, dry weather, and the maggot, there is a
reduced yield. The Onions, though not as large, are, in most cases, of
better quality than those harvested in 1885. Complaint of the maggot
appears to be pretty general, with very few suggestions of a remedy.
Special reports to the New England homestead, October 2nd, place the
yield of the crop in Maine at from 200 to 450 bushels to the acre, prices
ranging at 50c. to 1 dol. per bushel. The yield in Massachusetts averages
from 250 to 500 bushels to the acre, according to quality of soil,
culture given, freedom from pests, &c. Prices range at 50c. to 1 del. per
bushel, the same as in Maine. In Connecticut the Onions are smaller,
but of better quality than last year. Cut-worms and maggots were
unusually prevalent, half the crop in East Hartford and South Windsor
having been ploughed up on account of their ravages. The price varies
from 75c. to 1 dol. per bushel. Only about 250,009 bushels will be
harvested this year from the great Onion fields of Orange county, N.Y.,
which usually produce between 500,000 and 600,000 bushels on the
2500 to 3000 acres planted. The new Onion weevil, which proved so
destructive last year, and the cut-worms are responsible for this.”

- In a small lean-to Melon house in the garden of R. K. Wyndham

Esq., Corhampton House, Bishop’s Waltham, is an excellent plant of
Bougainvillea glabra trained along the back wall, covering a space
about 30 feet long and 5 feet wide. It flowers very freely, and is re¬
markable for the very rich colour it assumes. There are about six branches
growing from the main stem ; from every eye along these numerous shoots
grow, all of which are pruned closely during the winter. In the spring,
when new growths are made from the eyes on each main stem, the plant
is given a good soaking of water at the roots. Flowering commences
early in May, and continues until the middle of November ; many shoots
bearing blossoms the whole length are cut quite 3 feet long. The
quantity of flowers which can be cut from a plant growing so freely as
this one renders it most useful, and its culture reflects much credit on the
gardener, Mr. J. Cox.

- Tobacco Growing in Scotland. — The Scotsman states that

there has been a fine crop of Tobacco in the gardens at Sunlaws, near
Kelso, which Mr. Keir, the gardener, planted in a wall border, after a crop
of early Potatoes. The seed was sown under glass, the plants grown in
pots, and planted out after the middle of July. It might be thought from
the late date of planting that the crop would be useless, but such is not
the case, for the plants grew rapidly, and reached 6J or 7 feet high, with

November 4, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

409

leaves 28 inches long by 13 inches hroad. The plants have stood 7° of
frost uninjured.

- At a recent meeting of the Wakefield Paxton Society the

subject for discussion was the Potato. Mr. T. Senior, the President, was
in the chair, and the vice-chair was filled by Mr. Arthur Goldthorpe. The
subject for discussion was introduced by Mr. Herbert ChapmaD, one of
the Honorary Secretaries, who read a brief but excellent paper on “ The
Potato,” some remarkably fine specimens being exhibited. Mr. Chapman
referred to the introduction of the Potato into this country by Sir Walter
Raleigh, spoke of its great value as an article of food, clearly and fully
explained its chemical properties, and exhibited the results of an analysis,
showing the proportions of sugar, starch, fatty matter, and other pro¬
perties contained in the Potato. An interesting discussion ensued, in
which Messrs. Garnett, Carbert, Calvert, Thomas, Brown, Hudson)
Preston, and others took part. On the motion of Mr. Carbert, seconded
by Mr. Preston, St. John’s Nursery, and supported by Messrs. Garnett
and Hudson, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. Chapman for
his paper, and then the members of the Society proceeded to test cooked
specimens of various kinds of Potatoes.

- With a view to drawing the attention of cultivators to the

subject in a wider and more popular way than the learned Societies
have done, it is proposed to hold a Potato Tercentenary Exhibition
at the St. Stephen’s Hall, Westminster, from Wednesday, December 1st
to Saturday, December 4th, and to appoint one of those days for a Con¬
ference, when some of the unsettled questions may be discussed. The
exhibition will consist of four sections : — 1. A historic and scientific
collection, to include early works on Botany in which the Potato is
figured ; maps showing the European knowledge of the New World three
hundred years ago, and the proximity of Potato-growing districts to the
ports most frequented ; early books on travel and voyages in which
references to the Potato occur ; works and papers in which attempts to
define the different species are made ; illustrations of the species and
varieties ; contemporary references to the voyages of Hawkins, Drake,
Grenville, and Raleigh. 2. Illustrations of Potato disease, and Works on
the subject. Sections 1 and 2 will be arranged under the advice of a
committee of scientific gentlemen, who have consented to give their co¬
operation. 3. Methods of storing and preserving Potatoes ; methods of
using partly diseased Potatoes ; Potato products of any kind. 4. A dis¬
play of tubers of the various varieties grown. It is hoped that
a nearly complete series will be shown. In this section, gold, silver, and
bronze medals will be awarded. Each exhibit must he accompanied by a
statement of date of planting, locality, nature of soil, See. Full particulars
will be found in entry form, to be obtained on application at the office,
St. Stephen’s Hall, Broad Sanctuary, Westminster, S.W.

- The following gentlemen have consented to act as a Scientific

Committee of Consultation, to co-operate with the Executive, in
relation to the sections as below : — President, Earl Cathcart ; J. G. Baker,
F.R.S., F.L.S. (Kew) ; Clements R. Maikham, C.B., F.R.S. ; George
Murray, F.L.S. (British Museum); Worthington G. Smith, F.L.S. ;
J. Scott Keltie (Librarian R.G.S.); H. B. Wheatley, F S.A. ; and B.
Daydon Jackson, F.L.S. Ihe following are the subjects to be dealt
with : — 1. Illustrations of the order Solanaceaa and the tuber-bearing
species in particular. 2. Batatas, Yams, Ignahames, Sec., that in Eliza¬
bethan times were confounded with the Potato. 3. Distinct species of
tuber-bearing Solanums. 4. Cultivation by the Incas. 5. Early cultiva¬
tion in the British Isles. 6. Cultivation at Chiswick. 7. Cultivation of
species at Kew. 8. Cultivation at Reading and other places. 9. Potato
disease (Phytophthora infestans). 10. Methods proposed for pre¬
venting the disease. 11. Other diseases affecting the Potato. 12. Chem¬
istry of Potato and of Batata as food. 13. Soils suitable for Potatoes,
geologically considered. 14. Meteorology as affecting disease. 15. His¬
toric literature of the Potato. 16. Maps showing European knowledge
of the New World in Elizabethan times, 17. Raleigh. 18. Drake.
19. Hawkins. 20. Other voyages of Elizabethan reign. 21. Heriott.
22. Gerard. 23. Statistics of produce.

- Mr. R. Falconer Jameson, Hessle, sends this paragraph on

A plague of aphides — “ About three or four weeks ago the East
Riding of Yorkshire was visited by great clouds of the winged form of
these troublesome pests, and we now seem to be reaping the result, as 1
find that Chrysanthemum blooms just opening have quantities of the
insects ensconced completely within ; in fact, right down at the tase of

the florets. Partially developed blooms, which show no signs of animate
life on the exterior, yet on the florets being parted with the fingers, are
discovered to be the abode of numbers of wingless aphis. It would appear
as though the wingless aphis had laid their eggs among the florets, and
these eggs, which in ordinary course would lay dormant until the spring,
have been hatched by the warmth of the atmosphere under the glass.
Several fumigators are necessary to scotch the untimely visitors, as the
smoke does not seem sufficiently penetrating to reach them in the interior
of the blooms. The Yorkshire Weekly Post of the 9 th inst. contained a
most interesting and instructive article by Mr. G. Paul, F.G.S., on the
habits of these creatures.”

CHALLENGE TROPHIES.

As 1 anticipated, the insertion of my notes on this subject has
brought me a considerable number of letters, some offering assistance,
and others suggestions. These have been of various kinds, hut one idea
seems to he very prevalent — viz., that it would be a great misfortune to
divide the forces. This idea is excellently expressed by your corre¬
spondent, “ A Southern Amateur,” and I must confess that his arguments
have considerable force, although I do not quite agree with the conclusion
that he draws from them.

The main objection which has been brought against the proposition
(which, as 1 have already said, was made to me by northern growers), is
that the competition for this would be too narrowed, and that there would
not he the same kevdos in gaining a trophy for which all might not
compete, as there would be in gaining one which was open to all comers.
Should this take a decided form, I do not think that it would be obviated
by altering the date of the metropolitan show, hut by arranging that the
trophy should be competed for at the provincial, and not at the metro¬
politan exhibition. When the Society was established it was arranged
at a meeting, which comprised all the best growers in the kingdom of
that date, that the metropolitan show should be either in the last week
in June or the first in July. Gradually however, whether owing to change
in the seasons, or because experience determined that the former date was
too early, the first Tuesday in July came to be the recognised date ; but
older rosarians will remember that the Crystal Palace Show used in
former days always to be on the last Saturday in J une, and I do not
think that any evidence has been brought forward that would justify the
statement that the first Tuesday in July is too early. We must remember
that we have competitors from Devonshire, Gloucestershire, and the
south-west generally, and that there Roses are early. The same may be
said of such home districts as Kent and Surrey. The Canterbury Show
is always in the last week in June, so is Farningham, while Reigate has
its before the National is held, and the Crystal Palace Show in most years
precedes the National, and I feel tolerably certain that if any change
were proposed in this fixture it would be very generally condemned.

The Provincial or Northern Exhibition is held about ten days or a
fortnight later. This gives the midland and northern counties a better
chance, but would it be equally fair on the southern growers ? Well, as
a matter of fact the principal prizes at our provincial shows generally
fall to the southern growers, although northerners do gain a place in ir.
The fixtures for this show depend on a variety of circumstances. It
must be remembered that the National is not quite independent in this
matter. It combines with the provincial authorities in arranging the
show, and I think very wisely does not attempt to ride roughshod over
them, but acts pari passu with them, and leaves to them within certa n
limits the date of fixture, for many local circumstances have to be taken
into consideration. Let me give next year’s fixture as an instance.
I was deputed by the Committee to confer with the Council of the Royal
Caledonian Society to arrange matters. I found on meeting them that
two things were absolutely necessary — the show must be held on a
Wednesday, and it must be held before the 20 . h of J uly, as then the courts
broke up and Edinburgh was emptied of the usual supporters of its show.
Consequently, the show had to be fixed for the 13th, as the following
Wednesday was the 20th. Some such reasons also determined the da'e
of the Birmingham Show this year. These things show, I think, pretty
clearly that it is not quite so easy to lay down a hard-and-fast line,
but that, as Sir Roger de Coverley says, “ There is a great deal to he said
on both sides." .

It would seem to me that the question resolves itself into this, Shall
we have separate trophies for the northern and midland Exhibitions, or
shall we transfer the competilion for the metropolitan to the provincial
Exhibition ? I do not think it would detract much from the interest of
the metropolitan Show, and would considerably add to the eclat of the
provincial one. I hardly think whatever is done can be well arranged
unlit 1838. Edinburgh is too far north to commence.it with, and pro¬
bably the expense of the journey might deter some exhibitors who would
otherwise put in an appearance. There is, moreover, the question of time.
The Committee will soon be putting out their schedule, or at any rate
making their arrangements, and matters like this require some consider¬
able time to ventilate, talk about, and arrange.

Before quitting the subject let me just allude to “ T. W. G. s ” cri¬
ticism (I do not call it hypercriticism, for it had a foundation) on my
statement about the gainers of the challenge trophy. It is true, as a
matter of fact, that Hereford has not gained it, hut as a matter of prin¬
ciple I think that I am correct. No doubt, the challenge cup ofiered by
Mr. Cranston was in my mind. This did go, after a hard-fought struggle,

410

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER .

[ Novemb r 4, 1886.

to Mr. Jowitt, again proving mv statement that in such competitions the
south has always had the pre-eminence, and at such a date the chances
are a hundred to one that it must continue to do so. — D., Deal.

It gave me great pleasure to read the letter signed “ Southern
Amateur,” which appeared in the pages of the Journal of 21st October. Our
northern Roses may well blush when so highly praised by so competent
a judge and splendid exhibitor. It is certainly true that when they are
in “ their full tide of glory ” they are as good as can be grown in the
southern parts of England, and I believe they have too much self-
respect to contend for a challenge trophy closed to their sisters in the
south. Objecting on this ground to “ D., Deal’s" suggestion of 7th
October, I wrote immediately to him, and threw out as an idea that if
the points scored by the winners in the trophy class at the metropolitan
show were duly noted and added to those subsequently gained by same
exhibitors at the provincial show, we might arrive at a tolerably fair
notion as to whom the trophy should be awarded. The money prizes
might be paid for each class at each show as at present.

I would have liked the principal class for Teas to have been included,
so that the best all-round man might be recognised as the champion
amateur Rose grower of the season. If this plan had been adopted it
would have only conferred on Rev. Mr. Pemberton the position he has
actually held for the two past seasons. I brought this forward at the
spur of the mement simply as a crude idea, as there are at least three
objections — first, that unless the season be an early one the northerners
cannot show at all at the metropolitan, whereas the southerners can
generally exhibit well till long past the middle of July, so the northerners
are still left out in the cold ; secondly, there might be much confusion
from want of time allowed for judging, and possibly mistakes in putting
down the points ; thirdly, a good exhibitor with his Roses in grand form
might be prevented by some other cause than want of blooms from putting
in an appearance at cne of the two shows, and thus by a fluke the trophy
might fall to one less worthy. I entirely agree with “ Southern Amateur ”
that no true amateur cares for a walk over.

If there is a big class oppn to noith and south, there the best Roses
will be found, without reference to the trophy, and it would not be
edifying to see the trophy carried off by an inferior stand. As in politics,
so in Rose-exhibiting, the unity and integrity of the empire must be
maintained, no splitting into northern and southern factions.

I may be prejudiced, but I cannot help thinking that the metropolitan
show is generally t o early for nine-tenths of the exhibitors. The Roses
there appear to be feeble as compared with those we see later on. This
may be due to the terrific heat we have experienced of late years at
South Kensington, but since the final contest between Messrs. Jowitt and
Baker in 1880, I do not remember any Roses competing for the trophy at
all equal to their exhibits, but I may perhaps be allowed to quote the
following extracts from the Journal of 8th July, 1880, in the report of
that Show : — “ It will be safe to say that for the majority of growers the
fixture, like all other exhibitions of the Society that have been held at the
same place, was si me days too early.” Again, the report of the Wirral
Show on 24th July, given in Journal of 29th, we read of the magni¬
ficence of Mr. Jowitt’s thirty-six, as well as of other Roses, and those at
the National Show at Manchester on 17th are described as of “excep¬
tional quality, both as regards size and colour.”

Mr. Mawley, in the “ Year Book ” of same year (1880), writes : — “ The
cutbacks would seem to have been at their best about 12th July, and the
maidens about 23rd of same month.” Mr. Whitwell took the trophy
with lovely blooms in 1882, but I am sure he has very frequently
exhibited much better Roses at a later period of the month, and I believe
that to be the only year when his Roses have been early enough for
exhibition at the metropolitan. The trophy should, in my opinion, be
contended for in the midland counties, about the middle of July; but if
this would really be hard on the Kent, Surrey, and Devonshire growers,
then let us adopt the suggestion of “ Southern Amateur.” so that the
southerners may have the trophy for one year, but would have to fight
hard for it the next, when it would be contended for at the provincial
show. With or without a chance of winning the trophy, we northerners
understand the pleasure of fighting a battle which is always conducted on
the principles of fair play, courtesy, and good fellowship. — Northern
Amateur.

“ Southern Amateur,” in his letter on page 361, puts the pertinent
question, “ What do the northerners say ? ” I have since discussed the
matter with one of the leading amateurs of the north, and found him
strongly opposed to the establishment of a close class for a northern
trophy, but somewhat in favour of the proposal for handing over the
trophy to the provincial exhibition (assuming it to be held in the north)
in alternate years.

There is much to be said in support of this, and the matter is one that
should be thoroughly discussed before the general meeting of the National
Rose Society in December. I venture therefore now to bring forward a
few arguments in favour of maintaining the existing arrangements, and
start with the theory that a national trophy should be competed for at the
chief show of the year, where the strongest competition takes place.
Now on referring to past records, it appears that from 1882 inclusive the
average number of competitors for the trophy at the London Show has
been close on to ten, while in the premier class at the northern Show
about half that number only have exhibited. Again, on looking at the
names of the exhibitors at both shows there is little difference betwern
them, the diminished number at the northern Show being caused by
sou them exhibitors dropping out ; and as for results, if the proposed

alteration had been carried out no gain would have resulted to the north,
except perhaps in 1883, when Mr. Slaughter was first in London and
Mr. Whitwell in Sheffield. Since that date Essex avd Surrey have
divided the honours in the proportion of five to one. No rosarians have
done more, both by example and precept, to teach what good Roses
are and how they are to be produced, than the two leading amateurs of
the north, and all would heartily rejoice to see the trophy either return
to Durham or find a fresh temple in Cheshire or elsewhere. This result,
however, should be brought about by natural causes, and not by fixing
the contest at a date when the Roses of some of the strongest southern
growers are over. The dates now adopted were not fixed for their, but
for the general convenience of Rose exhibitors, and are indeed full late
for some gardens. As an eximple of this I would instance Mr. Haywood’s
Roses at the Reigate Show on the 1st July this year. Fine, indeed, as
they were, we were told that they were then a little past their best, and it
should be remembered that it was formerly the custom to hold two
provincial shows, one before, and the other after the London Show.
Moreover Durham has won on July 4th, and that which has been done
once may be done again. “ D., Deal," has told us each year of late that
the season has been an abnormal one, and probably this may account for
the lateness of the Roses. In support of this view Mr. Hall’s interesting
article on Roses in Cheshire in the “ Rosarian’s Year Book ” of 1884 may
be quoted. He speaks therein of having to re-prune on the 17th May,
1883, in consequence of a severe April frost, and adds that his blooms
were consequently late, the harvest commencing on July 4th. Now if
plants will come into flower at this date in the north after such severe
treatment, it is not unreasonable to suppose that with more genial seasons
the northern amateur may again come to the front without the need of
special legislation to enable him to do so. — North Herts.

THREE NEW CHRYSANTHEMUMS.

New and meritorious Chrysanthemums are numerous this season, and
cultivators will have to make some important additions to their collections
for another year. Japanese varieties, as usual, preponderate, and the
trio represented (necessarily much reduced in size) in our illustration
(fig. 69) are remarkable alike for their distinctness and fine substance.

William Holmes is one of the best early flowering Japanese we
have, the plant of good, compact, yet free habit, being admirably adapted
for culture in p ts in the conservatory. The blooms are of medium size
as regards diameter, but they are relatively deep with recurving flat or
slightly fluted florets, of a deep red colour, the reverse bronze, and the
young incurving florets form a pretty contrast with the other portion of
the bloom. As an October variety this will take a prominent place, and
it may be seen at some of the earliest shows, the plant being useful for
grouping. It was certificated at the Royal Hoiticultural Society’s meet¬
ing on October 12th this year, when blooms were shown by Mr. G.
Stevens of Putney and Messrs. H. CanneU & Sons, Swanley ; it was also
again honoured by the Nath nal Chrysanthemum Society on October 13th,
the blooms being exhibited by Mr. N. Davis of Camberwell and Mr.
G. Stevens, and from all these exhibitors we have received specimen
blooms.

La Triomphante is a handsome Japanese variety, somewhat early, but
it forms a grand bloom and will make an excellent show variety. In
Mr. Ridout’s winning stand of twenty-four varieties at South Kensington
last week it was a very prominent back -row bloom, one of the best in
the collection, and it was shown in even better condition by Mr. J.
Martin, gardener to C. N. Kidd, Esq., West Hill House. Dartford, at the
Westminster Aquarium the following day. On the same occasion it was
exhibited by several other growers, and certificates were awarded for it
by the Floral Committee of the National Chrysanthemum Society to Mr.
Shoosmith, Hythe, Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons, and Mr. Martin, one of
the blooms shown by the last named being represented in our illustration.
The blooms are of good size when well grown, with straight, broad,
rather flat florets of a pale purplish rose colour, a delicate and pleasing
shade. It is one of Reydellet’s varieties, and is included in the revised
edition of the National Society’s catalogue issued this year.

Phcebus is of English origin, having been raised by Mr. Alfred Salter,
and sent out by Messrs. J. Yeitch & Sons in the spring of the present
year. It is a Japanese variety with long recurving fluted florets, some¬
what flat in its early stage, but assuming the character depicted in our
engraving when it becomes more developed. The bloom figured was
shown by Mr. Martin on the same occasion as La Triomphante, and, like
that, indicated superior cultivation, being clean and of great substance,
much the best example of the variety we have seen. It is noteworthy
for its bright clear yellow tint, a shade something in the way of Frizou,
very pure and rich. Both Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons and Mr. Martin
obtained certificates for the variety at the meeting named.

TRENCHED v. UNTRENCHED SOIL.

Your able correspondent, Mr. Iggulden, certainly deserves the highest
commendation for the courage he has displayed in defending his non¬
trenching theory in spite of so many adverse criticisms. In his last com¬
munication on this subject (page 345) he has as usual attempted to justify
the soundness of his theory by adducing a number of argumenis and
Lustrations, but these tend to weaken rather than support his case.
However honest his convictions may be on this impoitant point at issue,
the position he has taken up is an untenable one, and one which at no
distant date he will have to unconditionally surrender to the “ other
side.” This is at once apparent to those who have read the second para-

November 4, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER

411

graph in the article above referred to, in which he admits the value (as
pointed out by me in my previous article) of the intelligent drainage of
such soils as that at Marston, but does not see his way clear to adopt it,

the surface soil, and this he employs as an argument against deep cultiva¬
tion of the other parts of the garden. N >w, in the case of the drain re¬
ferred to is it rational to expect that a drain probably from 5 to 10 feet

Fig. 59. — Chrysanthemums.— 1, La Triomphante ; 2, Phcebus ; 3, William Holmes.

because a deep stokehole drain that.was put in a few years ago has very
justly failed to show signs of its having beneficially improved the soil in
its immediate vicinity. He complains, too, of the ungenial nature of the
ubsoil thrown out this deep drain, some of which became mixed with

below the surface, covered with nearly the same depth of clay, is going to
act in the same beneficial manner in draining off the surface water as
one 18 inches to 2 feet deep would ? Certainly not. Deep draining on
such soils is next to useless if the drains are covered with clay, for the

412

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER

[ November 4, 1886.

simple reason that the water in its natural descent would soon cause the
speedy cohesion of the former, and thereby render the passage of water to
the drain impossible. What is wanted in this case is shallow draining,
say 2 feet deep, or sufficient to carry off the superfluous water at that
depth, and judicious trenching — that is, deep cultivation without reversing
the positions of the soils and subsoils until the latter has been improved
by the disintegrating agents referred to by me on page 317. Such a
rational method of treating clay soils is bound to prove the most advan¬
tageous in the long run on account of their greater depth and fertility.

Then as to the unworkable nature of the soil over the stokehole drain.
May I ask why your correspondent allowed such ungenial material to be¬
come mixed with the surface soil to such an injurious extent ? Surely he
does not mean to identify a case of this kind as being similar to the effects
produced by judicious trenching. If so, his views of the latter are de¬
cidedly of an unorthodox type.

There are two ways of trenching, as in doing other matters, the right
and the wrong, and I emphatically challenge anyone to disprove the
fact that undertaken in a rational and judicious manner it has ever proved
otherwise than beneficial. If I mistake not, Mr. William Taylor had,
when in charge of the gardens at Longleat, almost if not nearly the same
class of soil to contend with as Mr. Iggulden, yet he did not practise the
surface-tickling system, but deep cultivation by trenching and burning of
the subsoil, and all to excellent effect. This, too, in the same neighbour¬
hood, and if I am not right in my assumption on this point I am open to
correction.

With regard to gardens on a level with a river, it is stretching a point
to bring in an illustration of this kind on either one side or the other,
because such examples are altogether exceptional, and cannot be classed
with those of the ordinary type to which this discussion has all along
been confined. Exceptional cases demand exceptional treatment, but
your correspondent’s individual case bears no analogy whatever to that
just referred to, therefore it will be going beyond the legitimate bounds
of this discussion to refer further to it.

I cannot accept the statement that the deep cultivation of farm land
by the steam plough has proved a failure, and especially on the reasons
given — the great cost of machinery, and the ultimate appearance of the
owners in the bankruptcy courts. My observations on this point in the
counties of Worcester, Sussex, Hertford, and Kent have been of a de¬
cidedly opposite character to those of your correspondent’s, for in every
case I have found that capital judiciously expended in deep steam culti¬
vation has improved the land fourfold. There is something beside the
deep soil, and that is the intelligent cropping of it afterwards, that leads
to ultimate success. Not far from my district there is an enterprising
farmer who has perhaps more steam cultivators than any other man in the
kingdom, and is also the holder of several large farms. This gentleman
devotes the greater part of the land on these farms to growing fruit for
preserving, especially Strawberries, and whenever he takes to new land —
that is, such as has been employed in the usual way of farming, he sets his
tackle to work, and the best possible evidence of the wisdom of this
practice is the excellent character of the plants and the quantity and
quality of the hundreds of tons of the fruit which he preserves in bis own
factory. Again, on the estate of the late Earl of Dudley in Worcester¬
shire a few years ago tenant after tenant began to give up their farms,
being unable to make the land produce by their shallow cultivation
system profitable crops, and when such of these holdings came into his
lordship’s possession, a year of deep steam cultivation wrought wonders,
as the now increased rentals of more than one of these farms will testify.
Given capital and an intelligent use of the subsoil plough, farm land is
greatly improved, and with a slight additional outlay and judicious
trenching garden soils will be permanently benefited.

I am accused by your correspondent of making garbled quotations
from his own articles to suit my own arguments. This I respectfully
deny, having only given what I apprehend to be the substance of his
arguments in order to prove that he is opposed to trenching in any form.
I have referred to his first article on the subject in a back volume of the
Journal, and there is no other evidence to justify me acknowledging
having made any statement in reference to his early views in an incorrect
form. The fact is our friend has, to use a vulgar phrase, worked him¬
self into a corner, and to extricate himself has had, as more correspon¬
dents have indicated, to admit that trenching on some soils is beneficial
— to wit, the admissions in his last article, which afford the very best
possible proof of deep cultivation.

As pointed out by Mr. “ Thinker ” and myself, the Celery ridges afford
the highest proof and illustration of the value of trenching, and how
your correspondent can draw an analogy between his shallow surface
system and this I cannot imagine. The two principles are as widely
divergent as the poles are asunder, and if the Celery crops are grown in
deep trenches at Marston, and the Beans and Lettuce he referred to grew
thereon, there could not be better evidence that the soil there would be
improved by the adoption of the very system he so strongly opposes. No
one need be surprised for a moment of either “Thinker” or any other
intelligent person solving the problem as they did. It shows conclusively
that soil deeply worked has a greater chance of absorbing heat and of
producing the most satisfactory crops in hot weather ; and that trenching,
judiciously pei formed, is the best and most durable method of keeping
soil in a fertile condition with the least amount of subsequent labour and
manure.— A Kentish Gardener.

FLAT ONIONS.

“‘Thinker’ hat h's thoughts aid I have the Onions,” was my
obseivat'on to e friend on this question, and I think you will adu it that

so long as we have the produce we can laugh at our critics. “ Thinker’s”
remarks, however, have a slight appearance of being correct, as some
kinds of flat Onions are by no means a desirable type, more especially the
white ones, as they split before they are fully grown and decay prematurely
in many cases ; but there are flat Onions and flat Onions, and those well
selected yellow ones, of which Webb’s Banbury is a good type, do not
show any of this disposition as a rule, while they possess the valuable
advantage of growing quicker than any conical Onion I know, and they
are also milder and more tender when cooked than the tapering Onions.
In some of my previous writings in these pages on Onions I have recom¬
mended the Banburys for use in autumn and throughout the early part of
the winter, and my experience leads me to assert that from August until
February there is no Onion grown to equal them, but the more conical
ones come in after that in the form of James’s Keeping, Bedfordshire
Champion, and others. — J. Muir.

FORCING BULBS.

Last year I tried what to me was a new plan in forcing Hyaoinths,
Tulips, and Narcissus, and with the best results. After potting and a
thorough watering given the pots were placed in a Melon frame which had
not long been cleared of its summer occupants. The dry soil of the bed
was heaped over them to a depth of 6 inches. The lights were kept
closed for six weeks, at the end of which time I uncovered the pots and
found that the Hyacinths and Tulips had made a healthy, sturdy, and
uniform growth of about 2 inches. The Narcissus had not made the same
progress, being naturally of slower growth. The whole were gradually
inured to the light, and, maintaining their original sturdiness throughout
their subsequent growth, produced blooms of exceptional merit. I
attribute the success I attained with these bulbs to the mild heat of the
decaying Melon bed. As far as my experience goes, this plan is much
superior to the ordinary method of plunging in cold ashes out of doors or
in cold frames. — Thomas Richardson, The Gardens, Simonside Hall,
South Shields.

CHRYSANTHEMUM NOTES.

Belle Paule — Taking the Buds. — Replying to Mr. E. Moly-
neux’s notes anent Belle Paule, as stated before, I have grown this
variety three years, and always failed to obtain good flowers from crown
buds, but never failed in having good flowers from lateral buds, and
plenty of them. Though a little later in opening, I maintain that the
proper time to judge a variety — i.e ., if late or otherwise, is to allow it to
expand its lateral buds. Many late varieties can be made to flower early
by selecting the summer or crown bud and disbudding and stopping all
growth afterwards. How does Mr. E. Molyneux reconcile the fact of
Belle Paule flowering two years in succession during the months of
December and January when left the greater part to Nature and only
partly disbudding the small buds from the sides? I differ from Mr. E.
Molyneux in selecting crown buds of this variety for the best flowers,
and maintain that better blooms and less failures will occur by selecting
lateral buds both for exhibition blooms or otherwise. There are many
other varieties that produce better blooms (and at their proper season) by
selecting lateral in preference to crown buds. What does Mr. E. Moly¬
neux think when November and December varieties are made to flower in
September (see Journal list of varieties shown at Aquarium in September),
and in good condition, and October varieties in splendid condition in
January, is not that forcing them out of their true season of flowering ?
Very few varieties perfect their crown buds when left to Nature, but
always perfect their lateral bud-', if not injured, hence my time of select¬
ing late varieties from early. Does Mr. E. Moiyneux infer that, taking
the first buds that appear on a Chrysanthemum and making it expand its
bloom, that it mu-.t be an early or midseason and not a late variety ?

If employers were to allow their gardeners to select only crown buds
on their plants, the flowering period of Chrysanthemums would be very
much shortened. By selecting good lateral growths the period of bloom-
img could be extended well into January. There are other motives for
cultivating the Chrysanthemum besides growing them for exhibition.
Princess of Wales. — A great deal has been wri'ten about White Princess
of Wales. Well, what is White Princess of Wales but Mrs. Heale ? Mrs.
Heale is said to be a sport from Princess of Wales, and if Princess of
Wales produces white flowers in place of rose-tinted lilac blooms it must
be Mrs. Heale. I had Princess of Wales perform this freak of nature
more than once, and Mrs. Heale changed to Princess of Wales, there¬
fore no White Princess of Wales exists, or is known to the craft. Why this
controversy about these two distinct varieties ? An old bloom of Mrs.
Heale may deceive a judge, as it changes colour with age to lilac, but an
old bloom of Princess never changes to white, but often deepens in colour.
Princess of Wales in most catalogues (I think without reference), the
National catalogue included, places it (syn) with Beauty of St. John’s
Wood and Princess Alexandra. The latter may be Princess of Wales in
the flesh, but not in the Chrysanthemum. I have the two distinct in
form and colour. Princess Alexandra has tubulated florets, and much
lighter in colour. This variety I received when at Liverpool about twenty
years ago from John Salter, late of Versailles Nursery, Hammersmith.
Robt. Owen, Floral Nursery, Maidenhead.

Belle Paule. — Mr. Owen is a peculiar critic. He thinks I must
not have the tiue variety of this because his, without being stopped and
for some time housed, are 6 or 7 feet high, while mine stopped and grow¬
ing against a fully exposed Bouth wall are only 4 or 5 feet high. I
believed with Mr. Molyneux, ( ne of the causes of failure to grow this

November 4, 188S. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

413

erratic Chrysanthemum might have been occasionally insufficient mois¬
ture at the roots and imperfect maturation, and hence my reason for
growing it where a maximum of both would be secured. By spreading out
the stems and training them as they develope every inch is firm wood,
and the foliage as well becomes ripe and matured. If frost threatens —
there has been none in the south of Ireland so far — protection is easy.
If Mr. Owen would try the ordinary November bloomers in this way, not
to mention the early varieties, he would find the growth is much more
restricted and less rampant than he seems to think. Until he does he
cannot compare results.

After reading Mr. Molyneux’s note on this subject (page 385), espe¬
cially as to the time of flowering, I feel inclined to doubt that Mr. Owen
has the true variety. Mr. Owen recommends me Flora (P). I should
like to ask him does he consider it preferable to Prdcocitd ?

Calyx Buds on Chrysanthemum Blooms. — On this point, in
which small incipient buds seem to grow out of the calyx underneath the
petals, and that “ T. P.” (page 363) aptly compares to Hen-and-chicken
Daisies, “ A. L. G.’s ” explanation as to the time of “ taking ” the buds
seem the most reliable cause. Mr. Owen says : “ He has come to the
conclusion “ T. P. ” has left the whole of the buds surrounding the
central, and has not disbudded.” He has misunderstood the matter
altogether. “ T. P. ” has one of the largest collections well grown, and
is himself one of the best amateur growers in the British Isles. — W. J.
Murphy, Clonmel.

Last Year's Plants. — Last Bpring I had about 100 old plants
which had not been removed from the pots in which they had flowered
the previous autumn, only the old wood cut away and the roots kept
from frost. In April the young growths were about 1 foot high and very
weak. Instead of throwing them away I cut the young growths down t >
within 2 inches or so from the old stumps. When the fresh breaks were
just started the plants were turned out, the soil shaken away, and a
portion of the roots cut off sufficient to allow of their being placed into
5 or 6 inch pots, using a compost of a third leaf mould and sand, thoroughly
mixed with good turf. When potted they were placed in a cold frame,
kept close, and syringed daily till the roots had taken hold of the new
soil, after which air was freely admitted. Only a very little watering
was necessary during the first fortnight. The plants made fresh roots
quickly, and when the young growths were about 3 inches long I examined
them, taking out all the weak ones, leaving three or four of the strongest.
The plants were next placed in 10 and 11-inch pots. The soil used was
similar to that in which they were first potted, with a little soot added.
These old plants were from that time treated just the same as those taken
as cuttings at the usual time in December. The wood appears riper than
the other, and the bloom very promising. Some of both were disbudded,
and at the present time the most promising flowers are on the old plants.
The object here is to grow for cut flowers and grouping. The plants are
from 3 feet to 5 feet high, and answer the purpose admirably. — G.
Garner, Ambermood Gardens, Hants.

New Varieties. — It is full early yet to form a correct opinion of
some of the most recent introductions, but it is evident that there will be a
few valuable additions to the large-flowering Japanese section that will find
a place on the exhibition table. With one exception I have not yet seen
any promising addition to the incurved section. What a pity our con¬
tinental raisers do not turn their attention to this class now instead of
flooding the country with so many doubtful improvements in the Japanese
and decorative sections. There is still a wide field open for them in this
direction.

L' Ebouriffee (Japanese). — This variety I obtained from Messrs.
Gannell in the spring, and it has fully borne out the high estimation I
formed of it when I saw it in their stand last year. In growth it very
much resembles Jeanne d’Arc, the foliage and wood being of a light
glaucous green with rather finely cut foliage, but the flowers open out
very much like Criterion, which it somewhat resembles, only the colour is
not so decided as in that excellent variety, being splashed and heavily
shaded brown on the amber ground. The florets are broad and the lower
ones thrown well out. A good one to cover the board, and one of the most
promising new varieties for exhibition.

Jupiter (Japanese). — This is of the Jeanne Delaux and John Laing
type in growth and evidently closely related to them, but a very great
addition in the brightness of colour. It unfolds very much after the style
of Jeanne Delaux, with florets of the same character of a bright fiery
crimson colour.

Pelican (Japanese). — A long tuby-petalled variety of the Dragon type,
and will evidently make a good exhibition flower for the board. The buds
come somewhat bard, and will require a little heat to fetch them out. A
most promising variety ; colour, a creamy white.

White Dragon (Japanese). — However much this may resemble the
preceding variety in colour and shape of flower, it is thoroughly distinct in
growth, being evidently a counterpart of the old Golden Dragon. I saw it
looking very promising at Morden Park, and I hope Mr. Gibson will be
able to show it in good condition.

Maiden's Blush (Japanese — Stevens). — This is a very robust grower,
with large broad foliage, flowers deep and full, florets broad and reflexed,
of a delicate blush pink, but hardly long enough to be a typical Japanese.
Very distinct.

Madame J. Laing (Japanese). — A very robust grower, with broad and
distinct foliage. The peculiarity of the flower buds, as they are be¬
ginning to unfold, is very noticeable. They appear to be scalded and
withered, but they open out with broad and somewhat pointed florets of

good substance ; colour, a silvery pink outer petals splashed and shaded
of a deeper lilac pink, centre cream. Distinct, hut with rather too much
incurved blood in it.

Bronze Queen (Incurved — Carter’s). — This variety appears coming
true to its character as exhibite 1 last year, and I was in hopes it would
make a valuable addition to the incurved classes. I have no doubt but
that we shall see some good flowers staged of it. I am only afraid that it
will have the long florets of the old Golden Queen, which is so very apt to
reflex and go back ins ead of the shorter incurved petals of Lord
Alcester or Golden Empress type. The day may come when we shall bo
able to put up a dozen distinct varieties of Queens; a deep yellow, Mr.
Bunn colour, will no doubt be the next break, an! what a treat if we
should get from this bronze a dark one of the Prince of Wales or Re¬
fulgence colour. — C. Orchard.

Taking Chrysanthemum Buds.— It appears I did not make my
meaning sufficiently clear respecting the buds of our Chrysanthemums ;
at least Mr. Molyneux did not rightly understand ic if he thought I
meant that the buds I said were taken on the 6th of August were the same
that were showing on the 1st. Had those buds been allowed to remain on
the plants — not taken — six days, I should certainly agree with Mr. M fly-
neux in saying our plants did not receive proper attention ; but I wish to
explain to him that all buds that showed before August 6th were at once
removed and the shoots taken on to the next bud.

The varieties of which buds were taken from the 6 .h to the 14th of
August were Meg Merrilies, Golden Dragon, Comte de Gsrminy, La
Nymphe, Duchess of Albany, Criterion, and Soleil Levant. Of these the
two first-named were amongst the few varieties Mr. Molyneux said might
be taken on the 10th, and even here that date is not too early. Admitting
we did not strictly follow Mr. Molyneux’s advice when we took the buds
of the varieties mentioned above, I can scarcely perceive how he can
blame us for taking all that showed after that date, for in the concluding
chapter of his articles on their culture (page 301, September 30th), he
says, “ I have always tried to impress upon beginners that, there is no
necessity to do certain things on the same date exactly ; indeed, it is
impossible to ‘ take ’ Chrysanthemum buds on any given day of the
month, for the reason that buds do not always show on the same date
each year ; therefore, should they show on the 5th of August one year in¬
stead of the 10th, it is hardly likely that I should advise the removal of
such buds because of their being five days too early.” Therefore I con¬
clude Mr. Molyneux would not have removed those buds had he been in
my place.

Mr. Molyneux tells me that if I wish to have good blooms of the
varieties I named first in my note I shall be compelled to have them fully
expanded by the time I stated they were fully out, as these varieties are
naturally rather early in blooming. I presume Mr. Molyneux meant this
to apply only to growers in the most southern counties, and in this I fully
agree with him ; hut evidently it is not the same everywhere, for on referring
to the Journal for November 12th of last year I find that at the Crystal
Palace Show, held on the 6th and 7th of that month, blooms of four of the
six varieties I mentioned were exhibited in winning collections. In the
class for six Japanese of one variety Mr. Orchard was a close second with
Mons. H. Jacotot, of excellent substance and superb colour ; whilst Comte
de Germiny and M. Tarin were amongst the “ chirm ng examples” ex¬
hibited by Mr. Ridoutin the class for eighteen varieties of Japanese, thus
proving that some growers are able to obtain good blooms of those
varieties without having them fully open by the middle of October.

In the notes on the Chrysanthemum Outlook, at page 368 of the
Journal, I see Mr. Harding of Bristol House has managed to secure blooms
of Jeanne d’Arc at the right time by topping the plants in July and taking
crown buds towards the middle of September. Would those buds be
rightly termed “crown” buds? and will they produce good blooms ? If
so, would it not be a good plan to adopt with all the naturally early
varieties ? Perhaps someone who has tried this will be good enough to re¬
cord the results, as it would doubtless be very acceptable to others as well
as myself to know how to get good blooms of those varieties in November.

I must add that it was not my wish to be unjust in what I wrote at
first. I simply gave as my opinion, which I still maintain, that the 1st of
September is early enough for taking the huds of most varieties. — C. L.,
Bristol.

Hen-and-Chickens Chrysanthemums. — I thank “ A. L G.” for
his reply to my query relating to above, which I feel sure is the correct
explanation, as a plant of James Salter having this peculiarity in crown
buds set early in August has fair ordinary terminal blooms upon it. Mr.
Robert Owen is quite in the dark in his remark on this subject. I hare
read with great interest the notes from the different growers in various
districts, and think some remarks from the South of Iteland may be
acceptable to your readers. “ W. J. M.” writes from this locality, but
though enthusiastic in all matters relating to horticulture, he only grows
Chrysanthemums for decorative purposes, not having sufficient glass to
house them. About five years since I was the first here to grow for large
blooms. Several of my friends and neighbours appreciating the result
followed my example (some of whom have already passed me), the
outcome being a local show held last year, which wa9 considered very
good for a first attempt. This year another show will be held on 21th
November on a more extended scale. Owing to the cool and wet summer
here, plants have grown very tall. I have one plant of Madame Audiguier
unstopped which is now nearly 10 feet high, three others were smashed
by high winds. I have several other varieties over 8 feet high, with
crown buds nearly expanded, such a9 Belle Paule, Comte de Germiny,

414

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ November 4, 1886.

Piince Alfred, Fair Maid of Guernsey, &c. Belle Paule has done well
here, all the growers having been able to set crown buds. I have one
plant with three fair sized crown blooms three parts expanded and two
plants with a number of terminal buds, but not suitable for show purp ses.
■Only two plants of incurved sorts with me show scaly centres. These
were set early in August, all the rest were not set until after 1st September
and have perfect centres, though most are only of moderate size. — T. P.,
JJlonmel.

SULPHIDE OF POTASSIUM FOR MILDEW.

This preparation, as made especially for destroying mildew
on Roses, was strongly recommended last winter, and 1 have
been hoping that some of those rosarians who have made notes
in the Journal on the past season would give us their opinions
on its use. None such, however, having appeared, I venture to
give my own experience.

I purchased a Is. bottle from the firm recommended, but
as this makes 32 gallons of solution, it ought to suffice as a
sample. I made the solution of the required strength, and applied
the whole of it at different times by syringing, sponging, and
•dipping. I am happy to say I believe it will destroy mildew, but
am not prepared to recommend it. It is, I think, in one of
Dickens’ works that a Cheap Jack is represented as selling an
insect- destroying powder On a purchaser inquiring how it was
to be used, he was told that the F sharp or B flat was to be
■caught and held between the finger and thumb of the left hand
in such a position as to force its mouth open, and that then a
few grains of the powder were to be put down its throat, which
would presently cause the insect to expire Now, sulphide of
potassium is not so bad as that, but I did find a difficulty in the
application of it. Those preparations for mildew which have
softsoap in them may be induced to remain on the plant, but
there being no such soapy or greasy matter in the solution of
sulphide of potassium, it runs off the leaves like water off a duck’s
back. Possibly spraying it might result in its remaining better
■on the leaves, but the solution stains badly, and you could not
spray it where any blooms were opening.

A most serious objection, also, is its horrible smell. Mr.
Fish, in the “ Rosarian’s Year Book,” objects to “compounds
of paraffin and sulphur as simply abominably incongruous among
fragrant Roses.” What must he have thought of the sulphide
of potassium he there recommends when he came to try it?
With these two strong objections against it, I could not find any
point about it better than any other preparation, except, perhaps,
that it can be prepared rather more quickly and easily. I do not
find that it or any other remedy will prevent mildew coming
again as bad as ever even in two or three days if there his been
rain in the interval. It is a great business to dip every shoot;
the stiff ones cannot be dipped. Nothing but dipping or spray¬
ing will reach the under sides of the leaves where the mildew is
worst, and spraying will not do when the Roses are in bloom.

Let us have a gold medal, or a gold cup for the matter of
that, at the next National Rose Show for a really efficacious
destroyer and preventive of mildew. It will be more valuable
than any new Rose.— W. R. Raillem.

METHYLATED SPIRITS v. INSECTS.

On different occasions I have received plants infested with mealy
bug, scale, and woolly aphides, but at the present time my plants are free
from them. I keep a bottle of methylated spirit and a good sized camel
hair brush, frequently examining all plants for some time after their
arrival, and if any vermin are detected I give a thorough dressing of the
spirit, which dries very rapidly and destroys the enemies and their eggs.
About two years since I bought a dozen choice Cacti, which unfortunately
were all infested with mealy bug, but by constant dressings, especially
into the joints where the eggs were deposited, the bugs were all destroyed,
and the sickly plants soon assumed a healthy appearance. Bouvardias
are subject to scale, but the pests soon relax their hold upon the plants,
and can be observed after a good dressing dried up on the brush. The
spirit is used at its full strength, and I have never found it injure a plant,
although I have even applied it to Cinerarias to destroy mildew, which it
has successfully accomplished.— W. G., Mmdale, Sutton.

CARNATION SOUVENIR DE LA MALMAISON.

This beautiful Clove is being grown extensively in some establish¬
ments, and as a few words on the subject may be of service to intending
cultivators I have forwarded some remarks for the readers of the Journal.
I he plants should be layered about the beginning of August, or as soon
after flowering as possibie. Devote a frame to the purpose if possible ;
but if not they can be layered outside. In either case use good leaf
soil and sand liberally to layer them in, which will cause them to lift with
good balls of soil. If layered in a frame, a slight shading will be useful
for a day or two, and if well attended to as regards water they will soon
be rooted. In layering the old plants should be carefully turned out of

the pots, and planted firmly in the bed, or if the pots can be spared for the
three or four weeks the layers take to root, they would be better plunged,
which would prevent any disturbance of the roots. In three or four
weeks’ time from layering they will be ready for placing in 7 and 8-inch
po s. See that all the pots are thoroughly clean and Tvell drained, pot
moderately firm ; they may then be well watered and stood in a cool
house or frame. The soil should be light — say three parts loam, one of
leaf mould, one of peat, one of dried cow dung, a good addition of sand
and charcoal, and a small quantity of soot.

The twelve-monthf-old plants that are intended to be grown on should
have all loose soil taken off them, and if possible the ball reduced a little,
and given a slight shift, after which their treatment will be the same as
the younger plants. They are rather subject to attacks of green fly, and
should be fumigated occasionally. The house or frame in which they are
placed must never be kept close, except in frosty weather, when frost
must be excluded.

Careful watering is necessary, as a plant overwatered, or not supplied
with sufficient, soon shows the neglect by turning yellow, and no after
care will restore it to health. The two-year-old plants certainly produce
a great quantity of flowers, a well-grown two-year-old plant carrying from
sixty to seventy useful flowers, but for size and quality the young plants
produce the best.

As soon as the spikes begin to rise they shou'd be neatly staked, and
the pots being by that time getting full of roots the plants should be
assisted with a little liquid manure once or twice a week, giving it oftener
as the plants require more water. To some this may appear too much
trouble to spend on Carnations, but taking into consideration their fine
effect when in full flower, their usefulness for general decorative purposes,
and also that at the time of their flowering many people have houses un¬
occupied, any extra trouble is well repaid by their great beauty and
sweetness. — J.

MUSTARD AND CRESS.

Me. L. Castle's account of the Mustard and Cress trade in your
issue of October 14th, is a wonderful example of what can be done with
so simple an article. Perhaps the most astonishing part of the business
is the substantial balance in favour of the grower, when the heavy items
of expense are placed against the very low price received for the produce.
The production of Mustard and Cress by the vanload for market with
special convenience, and the supply of a private family when no special
provision is made, are two very different things. I have, for the last
few years, had to produce a daily supply throughout the year, and it may
be of service to some if I describe how we do so during the winter
months. We grow it in shallow boxes, 2 feet by 1 foot, and to have a
constant supply seven boxes are required. A box of each is sown every
week. As Cress takes a week longer to grow than Mustard, four boxes
are necessary to keep up the succession instead of three as for Mustard.
The soil generally used is old waste potting soil from under the potting
bench, with which is mixed nearly an equal quantity of fresh but slightly
dried horse droppings. The soil is made moderately firm and smooth on
the surface, is then soaked with liquid manure from the stable tank, to
which has been added warm water sufficient to make it lukewarm. The
seed is then sprinkled on the top but not covered with soil. The boxes
are then placed where there is a little warmth from pipes, and covered over
with a sheet of thick brown paper. In three or four days the seed will
have germinated, when the paper must be removed, and when the seed-
leaves assume a green colour the boxes must be moved to a light airy
place near the glass. In about ten days the Mustard leaves will be fully
developed and fit for use. Two points here are of importance. Thoroughly
soak the soil in the boxes before sowing the seeds, and stand them on a
moist base it possible, so that they require no more water while it is
growing. Avoid flabby leaf mould in the soil, as it is apt to “ lift” with
the young plants and is difficult to wash out of it, and never cover the
seeds with any soil if you would avoid “grit,” so objectionable in the
salad bowl. — A Working Gardener.

LAYATERA ARBOREA VARIEGATA.

Being the discoverer of the above-named plant, I was very much
pleased to read Mr. Record’s note, p. 371, and to learn that it appears to
be gaining favour with many cultivators.

My object in now writing is to advise anyone who may have well-
grown plants from 2 to 4 feet high to lilt and pot a few of them. Much
depends on the texture of the soil as to their lifting well or badly. If,
however, they are cut round with a sharp spade and loosened, then the
balls made firm by treading and allowed to remain for a fortnight, there
will be no difficulty in getting them safely into pots. After potting they
should have a good soaking of water, and they may stand out until
winterly weather sets in, at which time an unheated Peach house will
afford sufficient protection. Some time in April a portion of the plants
thus treated may be planted out in suitable positions, a few may be kept
in their pots for the conservatory.

This plant a tains its highest degree of beauty from the time growth
commences in the spring until after blooming. The shoot you figured in
the Journal, vol. ii., p. 467, is an excellent representation of this spring
growth. The beauty cf the plant from which it was taken is still fresh
in my memory. It would appear from Mr. Record’s note that some are
taking a good deal of trouble with it. With me the difficulty is to keep
it in moderate numbers, hundreds have fallen under the Dutch hoe during
the past summer. Mr. R’cord is right with r gard to soil influeniin • f e

November 4, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

415

variegation. In this garden it does not come out quite so well as I have
seen it in some places, but of the hundreds of plants which have come
under my notice I have not yet seen a green one. Should anyone desire
to dwarf their plants which are growing in the borders (not those in¬
tended for potting) it may be done by cutting the stems half way through
near the soil and carefully bending the plants down, making secure with
a stout hook-peg. — T. S.

P-S. — I would not advise this laying down to be done so late in the
season as this, nor would I attempt it on very large plants having stems
as thick as one’s leg, but I have often seen tall plants with good heads,
which would look better a foot or two lower.

CKATaEGUS TATARICA.

At the meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society on Tuesday,
October 26th, this year, Messrs. J. Yeitch Sc Sons of Chelsea exhibited

Fig. 60— Uratiegus tatarica.

fruit-bearing branches of a small tree or shrub named Crataegus tatarica.
It is notable for the large size and bright colour of the fruits, which would
render a specimen of moderate height very ornamental at this time of
year. The Floral Committee awarded a first-class certificate for it, and
as it is seldom that we have to chronicle additions to really useful trees or
shrubs, the accompanying illustration is given to pourtray the chief
characters of the plant.

The leaves are large and deeply cut, almost triangular in outline in
some cases, as shown in the lower left-hand leaf in the woodcut, but in
others more rounded or oval, the segments sharply serrated. The fruits
are an inch or more in length, about three-quarters of an inch in trans¬
verse diameter, rather ovoid in form, with a small protuberance at the base
on one side of the stalk, such as is seen in some varieties of Pears. The
calyx tube at the apex of the fruit forms an open deep narrow cavity,
slightly puckered round the mirgin. In c< lour the frui's are a deep clear

scarlet, and they are borne on long slender stalks in clusters of six to
twelve at the apex of the branches, their weight giving them a slightly
drooping appearance.

The plant from which the specimens were obtained has been growing
in Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons’ Coombe Wood Nursery, but the exhibitors are
uncertain when it was introduced.

REVIEW OF GRAPES.

After Mr. Taylor’s letter upon the subject of the two bunches of
Gros Maroc exhibited by him at the Crystal Palace and South Kensington
Shows, and your remarks on those of the same variety sent you by Mr.
Stephen Castle, surely “ Exhibitor ” and his party of “skilled gardeners”
and “ competent judges ” will be convinced that their allegation of the
large bunch being a Gros Colman is, to say the least of it, entirely a
mistake.

I observe “Exhibitor” lauds Mr. Taylor on the one hand, and is
pleased at his success, while, on the other hand, he at least implies dis¬
honesty. No one can pretend to say that a man of Mr. Tayloi’s experi¬
ence and knowledge of Vines and Grapes could possibly grow Gros
Colman and Gros Maroc together and say he did not see any difference
between them. There can be only one inference drawn from “ Exhibi¬
tor’s ” remark about a bunch of Alicante being staged between the two
bunches of Gros Maroc. 1 ask your correspondent if it is not question¬
able taste for one exhibitor to try and discredit another because he happens
to be a successful rival, and is it not aggravated when the attempt is
made anonymously ?— J. McIndoe.

THE CHRYSANTHEMUM OUTLOOK.

FOREST HILL NURSERY.

Amongst the specialties in Messrs. J. Laing & Co.’s nursery at
Forest Hill the principal place is occupied just now by the Chrysanthe¬
mums, although the Tuberous Begonias which have made such a won¬
derful display this season are not yet over. A spacious span-roof house,
100 feet long, is devoted chiefly to the Chrysanthemums, about GOO plants
being arranged in a central bed sloping to each side, the side stages being
filled with Tuberous Begonias. The new varieties are numerous, both
introduced and home-raised seedlings, some of the latter being very
promising, and the continental novelties also seem better generally than
usual. The plants have been well grown, compact, and healthy, and are
producing good blooms and buds, very fresh and bright in colour. The
Japanese are the most advanced, and the following varieties are very
noticeable, chiefly novelties of the present year or previous season. M.
Cossart, bronze or reddish yellow, rather flat florets, good bloom;
Charlotte de Montcabrier, fluted drooping florets, rose streaked at the
edge, of fine substance and beautiful ; Dominique Pertuzes, bright
yellow, very long florets faintly quilled at the base; Jenny Mestre, a
small Japanese, something like a reflexed, bright bronze red; Gabriel
Porte, yellowish with a bronze reverse, distinct ; J. H. Laing, creamy
white, yellowish centre, varying in quality, but a good variety when seen
as it is at the Temple ; Coquette de Castille, very handsome bloom, with
long fluted florets ; Annie Clark, a large bloom, pink, flat florets, white
or yellowish in the centre ; Lady Mathieson, very delicate tint blush rose,
a good variety ; L’Ebouriflee, a fine variety, the florets long, yellow, and
bronze red ; Mdlle. Paule Dutour, very beautiful, white shaded with
rosy purple, and tipped with purple. Five seedling Japanese raised by
Messrs. Laing Sc Co. deserve notice — namely, Rose Beauty, of a clear
rose tint, the blooms of good substance ; Punctatum, florets flat, deep
rose, spotted with white at the upper part, white at the base, curious and
distinct, the florets crossing each other ; Pearl, white with a lemon tinge
in the centre ; Titania, blush or white recurving florets ; and Mrs. Foster,
crimson drooping fluted florets, silver reverse, very distinct. To these
may be added of better known Japanese the following useful varieties : —
Alexandre Dufour, free; John Laing, excellent; M. Tarin, good; Dr.
Macary; Beaut6 des Jardins. fine crimson; L’lncomparable, Mandarin,
Lakmb, Jeanne Delaux, M. Henri Jacotot, M. Moussillac, and the bright
clear yellow Frizou, one of the best of its colour.

Incurved are coming on well, but there are not so many blooms out at
present, though good examples of Emily Dale, Queen of England, Jeanne
d’Arc, Nd Desperandum, Empress of India, Golden Queen of England,
and Mr. Brunlees are included amongst them. Anemones and Pompons
are all duly represented, but of the latter, two are especially good —
namely, Flambeau Toulousaine, pink and white, and Mdlle. Elise Dordans,
with fine symmetrical globular blooms, both of which have been certificated,
stand out prominently from the others as excellent varieties.

Any reference to Messrs. Laing’s nursery would be incomplete without
a word or two about the Tuberous Begonias, especially as just now the
thousands of seedlings are being lifted from the beds out of doors.
About 100,000 have been so grown, carefully marked when in bloom, and
are now assorted iu their colours to supply the increasing demands for
cheap seedling varieties for bedding. During several months a most
brilliant show has been formed with these plants, hoth indoors and out.
Orchids receive much attention, and the general stock of stove and
greenhouse plants is in capital condition.

THE CHELSEA NURSERY.

In the Camellia house at the Brompton Road end of the nursery, and
in a large span-rot f J home ne r tr it, Mes'rs. J. Yeitch & Sons have an

416

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ November 4, 1886.

excellent display of these popular autumn flowers. Over 800 plants are
included in these two houses, representing all the best varietes in each
section, together with the novelties of the present year, which are now
being carefully tested in comparison with the older varieties, a service
that all can appreciate who know the strangely heterogenous character of
the varieties so glowingly described by the French raisers. Besides these
are several of the varieties raised by Mr. Alfred Salter and sent out by
this firm, one of the best being Phoebus, a handsome bright yellow
Japanese, with recurving fluted florets (see the illustration page 411).
Comet is another of the same raiser’s best varieties, a medium-sized
flowered Japanese, with straight-spreading bright orange red or bronze
florets, very free, and useful for conservatory decoration, making a grand
dwarf specimen. Euby has iucurving florets, crimson with a light reverse.
It is regarded as an incurved variety, but the blooms are not sufficiently
advanced to permit its true character to he seen, though it is a pro¬
mising novelty. Janira is a pretty Japanese variety, something of the
Beaut6 des Jardins type, but more attractive, with recurving fluted bright
crimson florets, and a silvery reverse that in the younger flowers has a
most pleasing appearance. Buttercup, a variety certificated at the last
meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society, has bright clear yellow
blooms somewhat intermediate between the Japanese and reflexed types,
and one that, from its free-flowering character and good habit, will probably
become a favourite decorative variety. Lady Rosebery, a Japanese with
flat broad florets, forms a bloom of excellent substance, and may be ex¬
pected to be seen in still better style. The last of Mr. Salter’s varieties
that we have to note at present is Mrs. Weldon, a peculiar form of the
Japanese type, with quilled straight-spreading rosy purple florets, very
curious and distinct.

In the Camellia house a row of Chrysanthemums is arranged on each
side of the path, and a very pretty avenue they form ; many of the plants
having been stopped are of medium height, permitting the blooms to be
readily seen — a considerable advantage. Tne Japanese are conspicuous
for their bright varied tints, and there is a number of handsome flowers
expanded, such as Yal d’Andorre, Lakme, Brise du Matin, Rosa Bonheur,
Jupiter, Maiden’s Blush, Source d’Or, M. Astorg, Boule d’Or, MM. Thibaut
et Keteleer, Bras Rouge, Etoile du Midi, William Robinson, Le Chinois,
Elaine, Beauts des Jardins, J. Laing, and Roseum superbum, with its
more recently introduced counterpart, Sovenir de Haarlem, which is iden¬
tical in all respects with the former. Gloriosum is a Japanese variety
from America, certificated last year. It has long drooping twisted yellow
florets, somewhat suggestive of the Dragon style.

Then in the general show house, still referring only to the Japanese,
we find Mandarin in excellent condition, the blooms large, with straight
narrow twisted or fluted florets, radiating so as to form a globular bloom,
tiuged with blue purple fading to white ; Mdlle. Paule Dutour, large
handsome blooms ; Ornement ; M. Weick, fils, a new Japanese with deep
red flat florets ; Madame la Marquise de Mun, a crimson Japanese with a
most cumbrous name ; Charlotte de Montcabrier, William Clark, Rozain
Boucharlat, and Madame Audiguier, are all excellently represented.

Handsome blooms of incurved are developing, such as Emily Dale,
Lord Alcester, Hero of Stoke Newington, Golden Queen of England, and
the Rundle family, while Anemone reflexed and Pompons contribute their
flowers in large numbers. It is almost needless to add that in every other
department of this extensive nurserv something of inteiest is to be found,
but particularly showy is a house of Bouvardias, comprising a selection
of tbe best varieties, the plants sturdy and most profusely flowered.

THE FLOWER GARDEN IN WINTER.

,r~ The time has now arrived for clearing the flower beds of their summer
occupants, and a few remarks on how best to replace them for the next
few months by something more seasonable may not be altogether out of
place or unacceptable at the present time. It used to be the rule, and
still is in some places, after the first sharp frost in autumn to denude
the flower beds forthwith of the plants which had made them gay for
some months previously, then to be manured, dug over, and left to pre¬
sent an unutterably desolate and cheerless appearance till the time of year
came round again for filling them with half-hardy plants as before. There
is little or no excuse for this state of things, except on the score of first
cost in the way of purchasing the young nursery stock of evergreens and
shrubs, The majority of the shrubs suitable for the purpose we are now
advocating possess a naturally dwarf and compact habit of growth, and
owing to the fact of their being lifted twice a year, spring and autumn,
retain that habit for a good many years, so that there need be no appre¬
hension or anxiety as to their having to be frequently replaced by fresh
purchases.

The chief object of winter bedding should he to relieve that dull
monotony which always exists when beds and borders remain unoccupied,
rather than the attempt to carry out some elaborate or special design in
which startling and telling effect appears to have been the guiding
principle ; at the same time it ought to be stated that neither design
nor effect should be altogether absent from the planter’s mind, but hold in
restraint whatever temptation or inducement there may be to produce
violent contrast of colour, and so forth. Amongst our hardy shrubs there
are many pleasing shades of colour, and by them a variety of agreeable
contrasts and pleasing combinations may be accomplished by a little
forethought and a close study of local surroundings ; but above all things
strenuously guard agamst having a variety of hues and shades of colour
within a limited space, as often happens in the case of summer-flowering
plants, lest by so doing something savouring of the burlesque is produced.
Do not plant three or four different kinds of shrubs in the same bed ; for

very large beds two kinds ought to be considered ample, and will prove
far more effective than would a greater number in the same space.

Supposing a geometrical design of, say, thirty or fifty flower beds was
intended to be plmtsd with evergreen shrubs, a beginning might be made
by grouping or massing some special subject at stated intervals through¬
out the design. Given four large corner beds to commence with, each
might be planted with, what shall we say ? Well, Mahonia aquifolia
(common B°rberris), this in its turn to be surrounded by a broad band or
edging of Euonymus argentea variegata. At other intervals we might have
a group of Aucuba japonica with an edging of Kalmia latif dia or Skimmia
japonica, and again Cryptomeria elegans accompanied by Thuiopsis dola-
brata would prove a pleasing and agreeable contrast. Many other
similar instances might be given, but words would altogether fail us in
attempting to describe their effect, the better plan being to give a list of
shrubs suitable for the purpose, leaving it to individuals to select and
choose for themselves at the nurseries such subjects a9 may appear best
adapted to their requirements.

The undermentioned will be found worthy of special notice — viz., An¬
dromeda floribun la, Buxus japonica faurea, B. sempervirens aurea, B.
suffruticosa argenteo-marginata nova, Cotoneaster microphylla, Cupressus
erecta viridis, C. lutea, C. nana glauca, Erica herbacea carnea, E. rubra,
E. vulgaris aurea, Euonymus japonicus, E. argenteus variegatus, E. aureus
variegatus, E. radicans variegatus, Juniperus tamariscifolia, Hypericum
calycinum, Ligustrum japonicum, Osmanthus aurea, O. myrtifolium,
Pernettya mucronata, Retinospora ericoides, R. obtusa aurea nana, R.
plumosa, R. plumosa argentea, Rhododendron daphnoides, R. myrtifolium,
R. ovatum, Taxus baccata elegantissima, Veronica decussata, and V.
Traversi.

The foregoing list ought to satisfy even the most fastid’ous- i.e., as
regards selections. Certain it is there are many names of shrubs included
in the list which possess many good points, and cannot fail to hold their
own in the front rank of plants suitable for the embellishment of flower
beds during the cold winter months. In some instances purchasing
large quantities of the above may be inconvenient, or least undesirable.
Admitting such to be the case, there is one alternative, which is far better
than empty flower beds for the next six months, and cannot be regarded
as one necessitating any great outlay of money — viz., plant them with
Wallflowers, which of themselves will remain green through the winter,
and afford a charming display in the spring. To render them mo e
attractive, each bed might be edged with a broad band of tbe white¬
leaved Stachys lanata or Variegated Vinca. Where parterre and carpet
bedding are in vogue, the beds may be made attractive, and the number
of plants suitable for the purpose is even greater than the one given above.
Without wishing in any way to give a too lengthy list, the following may
be named — Antennaria tomentosa, Arabis lucida variegata, Arenaria
balearica, Herniaria glabra, Hutchinsia alpina, Saxifraga affinis, S. Bur-
seriana, S. Wallacei, S. cassia, S. ceratophylla, S. muscoides, Sedum acre
aureum, S. Lydium, Veronica repens. Many others might be named, but
the above will suffice for our present purpose. In the planting of carpet
their beauty and attractiveness will be greatly enhanced by making a
liberal use of some of the Conifers as “ dot ” plants, few being better for
the purpose than the Retinosporas. — J. Hoksefield, Heytesbury.

CHRYSANTHEMUM SHOWS.

The following shows have been advertised in our columns, and schedules
have been sent to us, from which we have taken the dates : —

November.

5th and 6th, Crystal Palace
8th and 0th, Surrey (Peckham Rye)
8eh, 9th, and 10th, Lambeth
9th, Royal Horticultural Society
„ St. Neots

9th and 10th, Kingston-on-Thames
„ „ Southampton

10th and 11th, National Chrysmthe
mum Society
10th and 11th, Bath
„ „ Croydon

11th Hammersmith
11th and 12tb, Richmond

„ „ Tunbridge Wells

»j » ,,

„ „ Portsmouth

12th and 13th, Huddersfield
„ „ Lewisham

,, „ Cheshunt

„ „ Canterbury

12th, Reading

6th and 17th, Winchester
„ „ Brighton

„ Fatney

„ „ Southend

„ „ Watford

„ „ Teddington

„ „ Twickenham

7th and 18th, Bristol
., „ Ascot

7th, 18th, and 19th, Newport
„ „ „ York

8th, Hitcnin
8th and 19ch, Hull
8th, Chiswick ; Taunton
9th and 20th, Sheffield
10th, Kettering
!2nd and 23rd, Leeds
!3rd and 24th, Liverpool
„ „ Manchester

!4th and 25th, Birmingham

’rit-Vi ninnrtiol

GARDENS ABOUT PRESTON.

RIBBLETON HALL.

The residence of Mrs. Birchall is about two miles from Fern Bank, and
is approached by a drive with good Thorn hedges on each side, and behind
them a row of Sycamores, which in a few years will form a splendid
avenue. The pleasure grounds, which are the principal attraction of
this place, were designed and laid out by Mr. Miller eighteen or twenty
years ago. A very choice assortment of trees and shrubs were planted,
but many of the better Conifers are failing. They evidently have their
roots in the cold wet clay which is very near the surface in these grounds ;
in fact, the surface soil is wet and heavy, perhaps the worst soil in this

November 4, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

417

neighbourhood. This is not the only evil, for those that are growing well
are crowding one another. They were planted thickly at first and
allowed to grow together, to the ruin of many valuable trees. In spite
of these drawbacks, however, the grounds are very effective, but the staff
provided is not sufficient to keep them in first-class condition. Roses were
robust, and the soil of the Rose garden appeared to suit them. The
houses are not numerous or large, and were filled with a general assort¬
ment of stove and greenhouse decorative plants. The conservatory is
attached to the dwelling, and contained a good example of Araucaria and
an effective piece of rockwork. Mr. Clark presides over these gardens.

CUERDEN HALL.

These gardens are about twenty minutes’ walk from Leyland, and
belong to Townley Parker, Esq. They are more extensive than others
visited in the neighbourhood. The pleasure grounds are large and varied,
being well furnished with Rhododendrons, Conifers, and forest trees.
Amongst the former several varieties of cut-leaved Maples were charming
with their beautiful crimson foliage. The best specimen Conifers have
been planted in a lovely sheltered spot, the ground being undulated,
which adds much to their effect. Another portion of the grounds, in the
front of an old range of houses, is a small flower garden, backed by
evergreens. The beds are mostly filled with foliage plants, such as are
generally used for carpet bedding. The Altemantheras had grown luxu¬
riantly and had coloured well. This portion of the grounds is varied by
the addition of Roses, rockwork in suitable nooks and corners, while the
front wall of the houses are draped with Clematis Jackmanni, which was
charming, with an assortment of other flowering plants to the front. A
long border of herbaceous plants leads to this portion of the ground,
and was gay with Hollyhocks (seedlings), Dahlias, Phloxes, Anemones,
Asters, and other autumn-flowering plants.

A large portion of ground by the side of the kitchen garden proper is
devoted to fruit trees, and is known as the Pear Orchard. Standard
Pears predominate, although a fair quantity of Apple trees are associated
with them. Several varieties of the former are carrying capital crops of
fruit. The walls are extensive and well furnished with fruit trees. The
trees are well managed, and some of them were carrying excellent crops.
Peaches outside have been a great success, and some of the trees had
heavy crops of fine well coloured fruit. A good space within the grounds
is devoted to kitchen garden produce, and the crops throughout looked
remarkably well. Celery is wonderfully well grown, and I do not
remember having seen any in finer condition. A few beads that had been
grown in a frame and tied up for blanching were remarkably so.

The glass, however, is the principal feature of these gardens, and is of
a very extensive nature, most of the houses being comparatively new,
and the dry system of glazing has been adopted. The main range forms
three sides of a square and overlooks the kitchen garden. It consists of
four vineries, two Peach houses, a large span- roofed greenhouse and
stove of the same size and shape. The fruit had all been gathered from
the Peach houses, but the trees were promising for another year, having
bold flower buds and stout well ripened wood. Most of the fruit from
the vineries had also been cleared from the Vines, but those still hanging
were of fair average quality. All these houses have remarkably wide
paths, and would have a bare unfurnished appearance but for the Ferns
and foliage plants which Mr. W. P. Roberts has encouraged to gro w from
the sides of the walks in the stove and greenhouse. The stove was well
filled with a variety of flowering and foliage p’ants, including Orchids,
the whole being clean and healthy, some half-specimen Gleichenias being
very praiseworthy. Gardenias were planted out in small brick pits in
this and another stove, and Mr. Roberts is scarcely ever without blooms.
There are only three plants in all, but they are of large size, the largest
being 6 or 7 feet through. The plants are not pruned back, but make
short sturdy growths which produce flowers all the year round. At the
time of my visit the flower buds were in all stages of development with
numerous young growths. The roof is furnished with Allamandas,
Bougainvilleas, Stephanotis, and similar useful plants.

The greenhouse at the other end of the range was also filled with a
general assortment of plants, the sides being gay with the ordinary
flowering plants that are generally seen at this season of the year.
Mignonette is wf 11 done, both pyramids and bushes; it would be im¬
possible to have it in better condition than I have seen at Cuerden in tbe
spring of the year on previous occasions. The roof of this house is also
draped with choice climbing plants. Very striking was Acacia Riceana
trained up one of the pillars and then to the right and left. It was full
of flower buds, and will shortly be very handsome. This is one of the best
greenhouse climbers that can be grown, for its long slender branches
hang gracefully from the roof for several feet in length, which when in
bloom could not well be surpassed. Bignonia grandiflora had also been
charming in the same house.

Another range of glass runs parallel with the one described, a wide
road running between the two. These houses are constructed on the
same principle, to form three sides of a square. Both end houses are
span-roofed, the one having the roof furnished with healthy plants of
Mardchal Niel Rose with decorative plants beneath, while the correspond¬
ing one is a stove, and contains a mixed collection of plants. A number
of small Ixoras were well bloomed, and the foliage plants which pre¬
dominated were healthy. This house opened into a fruiting Pine stove
which contained some particularly fine large fruit, the adjoining house
being devoted to succcssional plants and suckers. These were dwarf and
sturdy, and will doubtless in due time also produce fine fruit. Four half¬
span houses are devoted to Cucumbers, Melons, and Tomatoes. One of
the divisions contained a capital crop of late Melons about the size of a

cricket ball. Last year Mr. Roberts had Melons until Christmas, and he
is in a fair way for accomplishing the same this year. Some of these
houses are at the present time furnished with Euphorbias, Poinsettias,
Celosias, and similar plants.

The general condition of the gardens at Cuerden amply testify that
Mr. Roberts is an excellent gardener. — W. B.

CHRYSANTHEMUM SHOWS.

EALING. — November 2nd and 3rd.

Though classes for Chrysanthemums have been provided at South
Kensington the show' season may be said to have commenced with the
Ealing Exhibition on Tuesday and Wednesday last. The summer Bhows
of the Ealing Horticultural Society have been very successful displays, and
the autumn exhibitions have steadily improved in a similar manner, the
ninth annual gathering, of which the general features are recorded in the
following notes, being equally satisfactory. Chrysanthemums formed the
principal portion of the display, but classes were also devoted to miscella¬
neous plants, flowers, Apples, Pears, and vegetables, which, with the non¬
competing exhibits, occupied all the available space in the Lyric Hall,
Broadway. The arrangement was carefully superintended by Mr. W. R.
Dean, the Honorary Secretary, and the general effect was all that could be
desired.

The date appeared to be somewhat too early for the cut blooms, and the
incurved were not up to their usual standard of excellence, rough or
undeveloped blooms being noticeable in every stand. With twelve incurved
Mr. H. Davis, gardener toJH. G. Lake, Esq., Pairlawn House, Chiswick, won
first honours for fairly good blooms, his best sample being Empress of India,
for which the National Society’s bronze m-dal was awarded. Mr. C. Long,
gardener to E. B. Ridges, Esq., Orchard Dene, Ealing, took the second place,
the back row in his stand including handsome even specimens of Golden
Empress and Queen of England. The third prize went to Mr. H. Collyer,
gardener to Mrs. Murrell. The Elms, Uxbridge. For nine incurved the prizes
were accorded to Mr. F. Milsom, gardener to W. Lindsell, Esq., Manor
House, Drayton Green ; Mr. A. Wright, DevonhuMt, Chiswick ; Mr. H.
Collyer, and Mr. W. Stanton, gardener to H. Smith, Esq., Griffin Brewery,
Chiswick, who had blooms of moderate size, but fresh in colour. The
Japanese varieties were better represented, especially in the class for twelve
blooms, in which there were seven competitors, Mr. C. Long securing premier
honours with handsome specimens, very notable being Jeanne Delaux,
Boule d’Or, Fulton, Mdlle. Lacroix, and M. Astorg, the National Society’s
bronze medal being awarded for a very deep bloom of Elaine. Messrs. W.
Stanton, H. Collyer, and H. Davis taking the other prizes. The Pompons
formed two bright and pleasing classes. In one Thomas Cunnington, Esq.,
offered two special prizes, three others being contributed by the Society.
Mr. F. Milsom was the leading exhibitor, Marie Stuart, La Purete, Cedo
Nulli, and Astrea being the best varieties. Mr. E. Fountain followed, his
Sceur M-dainie and Cedo Nullis being very good. Mr. H. Collyer and Mr. E.
Chadwick were third and fourth. In the Society’s class several stands of
neat blooms were staged, the best coming from Mr. Collyer, who had
St. Michaels, Prince of Orange, Rosinante, and St. Thais in capital form.
The smaller classes for six and three blooms were well filled, the prizes
being taken by Messrs. Elliott, Collyer, F. Milsom, and W. Passey. Mr. C.
Long had an extremely fine premier t'io of Japanese — J. Delaux a wonder¬
fully handsome deep rich bloom, Madame C. Audiguier, and Elaine. The
lust stand of six large Anemone Chrysanthemums was shown by Mr. W.
Passey, gardener to Thomas Nye, Esq., Oakville, Castlebar, Ealing, his
bloom of Gluck being large and well formed.

The groups of plants were bright and varied, Mr. F. Hicks, Oakhurst,
St. Stephen’s Road, Ealing, leading with a tasteful arrangement of healthy
plants, the blooms large and of good colour. The other prizes were secured
by Messrs. J. Baird. G. Fulford, and G. Elliott. Specimen plants were not
in first-rate condition, and required a week or more to bring the blooms to
perfection. The early Soeur Melainie was the mo3t noticeable amongst
them, some from Mr. Fulford being loaded with blooms.

Fruit comprised some excellent Grapes from Mr. Hudson, gardener to
H. J. Atkinson, Esq., M.P., Gunnersbury House, Acton, two grand bunches
of Alicante and one of Alnwick Seedling, beautifully coloured. Mr. Milsom
was second with Lady Downe’s, having large berries, and Mr. F. Baird third.
For three dishes of culinary Apples Mr. Chadwick was first, showing
Dumelow’s Seedling, Emperor Alexander, and Minchill Crab, Messrs.
Hudson and A. Wright following. With dessert Apples Mr. Hudson was
first for Gravenstein, Scarlet Nonpareil, and Ribston Pippin, fresh, clean,
and beautiful fruits, Messrs. A. Wright and Chadwick being second and
third. The best dessert Pears came from Mr. Garlandoy, good-sized speci¬
mens of Pitmaston Duchess, Beurre Diel, and Mens. Leon Leclerk, the same
exhibitor having a large miscellaneous collection of Apples and Pears.

Vegetables were admirably represented by ten collections, Mr. G. Foun¬
tain leading with fine clean samples, and Messrs. Sutton & Sons’ prizes for
four dishes of Potatoes brought sixteen competitors, all showing clean even
tubers.

The principal exhibitor in the cut flower classes was Mr. Hudson, who
had two excellent collections. Mrs. H. B. Smith had some tasteful wreaths
and stands of Chrysanthemums. Mr. J. Roberts, gardener to the Messrs.
Rothschild, Gunnersbury Park, Acton, contributed a beautiful group of
flowering and fine-foliage plants, and Messrs. C. Lee & Son, Hammersmith,
showed large collections of Apples and Potatoes. The cottagers’ classes
were well filled, and some good produce staged.

LONDON CORN EXCHANGE.— November 2nd and 3rd.

A small but attractive Show of Chrysanthemums wasjheld at the Corn
Exchange, Mark Lane, London, on the dates named, in aid of the Corn
Exchange Benevolent Society. The classes, nine in number, were for cut
blooms only, the first, with prizes of two guineas and one guinea respec¬
tively, being open to all comers, and the others to amateurs engaged in
business in Loudon. It was not expected that the Show would be a very
large or fine one, but nevertheless it was most creditable, many excellent
blooms being shown. The principal prize n the open class, which was for

418

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ November 4, 1856.

twelve incurved and twelve Japanese varieties, was won by Mr. J. Bettes-
wortb, gardener to R. Ewing, Esq., Barton Grange, Cheshunt. His stand
included good blooms of Prince Alfred, Mrs. Heale, Lord Wolseley, Made¬
moiselle Lacroix, Elaine, and Oracle. Mr. J. P. Kendall was second. Messrs.
F. Woodley and John Aste took the prizes for twelve incurved blooms, and
Messrs. A. Macgetson and J. P. Kendall those for twelve Japanese varieties
in the amateurs’ classes. In the latter classes there were some surprisingly
good flowers, and it was evidently a popular one, seven stands being shown.
Messrs. T. Wickham Jones, G. Lambert, O. T. Hodges, and J. Spiers were
prizewinners in other classes. In an exhibition of this nature high-class
flowers are not looked for, but there was evidence in the stands of the
exhibitors named and others that the art of growing good Chrysanthemums
is not altogether unknown to many amateurs. Two handsome boxes of
blooms, chiefly Japanese varieties, were shown by Mr. N. Davis, Lilford
Nurseries, Camberwell, London, S.E.

HIGHGATE. — November 3rd and 4th.

A most varied and satisfactory Exhibition was opened at Highgate on
Wednesday and continued on Thursday, and for such an early date the
competition was keener and the quality of the exhibits better than could
have been expected. The district includes Finchley and Hornsey, and the
Society is well supported by the local residents, twenty-four of whom con¬
tribute prizes in special classes. The Show was held in the Northfleld Hall,
the arrangements being well conducted by the Secretary, Mr. H. Barnby,
and Mr. T. Bevan.

The Hall suflioed to hold all the exhibits at the first show held last year,
bnt on this occasion the entries were so numerous that a large tent had to
be employed to find space for the additional contributions. In this the
groups and most of the specimen plants were arranged, the former being an
excellent feature, but the specimens were not in first-rate condition, and it
is seldom that they are seen quite satisfactory at local shows. Groups are
far more effective and more competitors can enter such classes.

For a group of Chrysanthemums in a space of GO Bquare feet, Mr. James
Brooks, gtrdener to Walter Reynolds, Esq., The Grove, Highgate, was first
with an effective display, the plants compact, healthy, and bearing large
brightly coloured blooms. Mr. J. H. Wit y, London Cemetery Company,
Highgate, was second with a good group, and Mr. J. Britain, gardener to
J. Reckett, Esq., Caen Wood Towers, Highgate, was third, both these
having well arranged groups but smaller blooms. Mr. W. Theobald, gar¬
dener to A. Goslett, Esq., J.P., West Hill, Highgate. had the best six plants,
Japanese varieties, well flowered even specimens, Mr. Brittain being second
with taller plants. In the class for six incurved, Messrs. J. Brooks, W.
Theobald, and C. Shepherd, gardener to Mrs. Horwood, South Grove. High¬
gate, were the prizetakers. Pompons were well exhibited by Mr. J. Brooks,
who had the b st six plants. Madam Marthe, Mr. Astie, Mrs. Hutt, and
Soeur Melainie, very good. Mr. W. Theobald, was second with smaller but
neat plants.

Cut blooms were numerously and well shown. In the open class for
thirty-six cut blooms Mr. B. Calvert, gardener to G. Kent, Esq., Southwood,
Highgate, was first with an excellent collection, eighteen incurved and
eighteen Japanese. The former comprised grand blooms of Alfred Salter,
Lord Alcestt-r, Lord Wolseley, Lady Slade, Nil Desperandum, and Prince
Alfred, while amongst the Japanese were Criterion, Curiosity, Comtesse de
Beauregarde, Joseph Mahood, Mons. Astorg, and Mons. Tarin, very good.
Mr. J. Britain was second with fresh but smaller blooms. With twenty-four
incurved Mr. Calvert was first, staging fairly eood even blooms, Mr. Brittain
following with rather rougher example?. Messrs. J. Brittain, B. Calvert,
and T. Taylor were the prizetakers in the class for twelve Japanese, all
showing very satisfactory collections. Mr. W. Theobald had an excellent
stand of twenty-four Japanese, for which he secured the premier honours ;
Mr. J. Brittain followed closely : Mr. B. Cdvert being third. Mr.T. L. Turk
was first with six Japanese, having Yal d’Andorre wonderfully fine. Incurved
were not so good ; Mr. T. L. Turk, W. Theobald, and H. Neary securing the
chief prizes. Mr. W. Morley’s prize for twenty-four Japanese blooms brought
three admirable collections. Mr. J. Brooks was first with large blooms of
good substance and bright colours ; Mr. Theobald took the second place with
rather smaller blooms, and Mr. J. Brittain was third. Mr. G. Kent’s prizes for
six blooms of one Japanese variety brought six competitors, Mr. W. Theobald
winning the first place with magnificent blooms of Madame C. Audiguier,
large and of a most delicate colour. The second and third awards were
secured by Mr. J. Brooks and Mr. T. Turk, gardener to T. Boney, Esq.,
Cholmeley Lodge, Highgate, for good blooms of Elaine. Mrs. Gossley’s
prizcs for twelve Anemone blooms brought three good collections from
Messrs. W. Theobald and J. Brittain, who were respectively first and second.
A class in w hich Messrs. William Outbush & Son, Higbgate, offered prizes
for twenty-four blooms, incurved or Japanese, exhibited with foliage as cut
from the plants, was very interesting, five good collections being entered,
and the awards were secured by Messrs. W. Theobald, Brooks, and Brittain,
all showing fairly good blooms.

Mr. C. Catling’s prizes for bouquets of Chrysanthemums were won by Mr.
T. Horsman, gardener to A. J. Reynolds, Esq., Northfleld, Higbgate, Mr.
W. Theobald, and Mr. B. Calvert, the first being a tasteful combination of
varied colours. Mr. E. G. Shelton contributed prizes for dinner-table deco¬
rations with Chrysanthemum blooms, Mr. W. Wilkinson, gardener to W.
W. Webster, Esq., Highgate Rise, being first with three small stands, light
and graceful. Mr. H. Neary and Mr. W. Neary followed with larger and
heavier productions. Mr. B. S. Williams, Upper Holloway, offered prizes
for six table plants, Mr. B. Calvert winning the first with neat Aralias and
small Palms. Mr. H. Eason, gardener to B. Noakes, Esq., North Hill, High¬
gate, followed with Crotons, Dracaenas, and Aralias, Mr. W. Theobald beiDg
third for larger plants.

Fruit comprised Apples, Pears, and Grapes in good condition, vegetables
being also numerous, the cottagers’ exhibits occupying much space. Mr.
W. E. Boyce, Archway Road, Higbgate, and A. R. Rundell, Esq., showed
collections of blooms not in competition. Messrs. W. Cutbush & Son High,
gate, had a group of Pernettyas and foliage plants. Mr. B. S. Williams had
a pretty group of flowering and fine-foliage plants. Mr. J. Douglas, gar¬
dener to Francis Whitbourn, Esq., Great Grades, Ilford, showed three geo l
bunches of Grapes — Snow’s Muscat, Royal Vineyard, and M-s. Pince.

WORK MlTHE WEEK..

O’®*

KITCHEN GARDEN.

Forcing Vegetables. — The early part of November is a good time
to begin forcing vegetables for supplies at Christmas and midwinter, but
it may be well to remind the inexperienced that forcing in the short days
is difficult work, and unless those who take it in hand have suitable
appliances the forcing operations will not, as a rule, prove satisfactory.
Heat is the leading agent in forcing, and where plenty of this is at com¬
mand there is no reason that forcing in November or any other spring
month should be a failure. There are many who may force vegetables
well who do not live in large gardens, or who do not possess range after
range of glass houses, as it is by utilising small spaces and securing crops
from odd corners that much valuable produce in secured, and this is un¬
doubtedly profitable forcing. We have known many good dishes of
Rhubarb, Seakale, and Asparagus to be cut at midwinter from a light or
two over a flue, and it is in such places as these that forcing should be
done as well as in forcing houses, always provided heat can be secured.

Asparagus. — This is a delicious vegetable throughout the winter, and
when forced early gives much satisfaction. It is amongst the easiest of
all roots to force, and with strong well-matured roots, and a bottom heat of
70°, the produce may be cut in three weeks after the roots have been put
in. Roots can never be forced profitably until they are four years old at
least, and there is no limit after that. It is important that they are well
matured and have grown freely during the past season. They may either
be forced in a hotbed or the bed of a Cucumber pit where there is bottom
heat. We force ours in the latter position, and it does well. Care should
be taken in lifting the roots that they are not cut or injured, as the roots
are very fleshy and easily broken. A dozen good roots will give much
produce, and if some roots are put in every ten days two or more dishes
will be cut weekly. In placing them in to force the roots may be packed
together on the bed closely, and they should be covered with some rich
light soil. Supply water at a temperature of 90°, and with a steady
bottom heat growth will soon begin. It is sometimes forced in the dark,
and the produce is white, but heads of this kind are not so well flavoured
as those grown in the light, and we always force our Asparagus in as
much light as possible. Top heat is not very important, as they will grow
in a temperature of 65° or 60°, and a little air may be admitted on flue
days.

Rhubarb. — We have tried many ways of forcing it for Christmas, hut
now confiue ourselves to one, and that is very simple. The roots are not
lifted, but a cask or large box is turned upside down over the crowns. A
hole is made in the upper end to allow the steam to escape, and then the
box or cask is surrounded with a hotbed. This may consist of a mixture
of manure and leaves and anything that will ferment. The material
should extend 3 or 4 feet beyond the cask, and it should be made into a
firm heap about 4 feet in depth. This warms the soil about the roots and
induces the growths to spring away freely and strong. If two or three
roots are covered every three weeks or so a constant supply will be kept
up. Should the heat decline before the growth is finished place a
quantity of fresh manure round the cask to produce a greater heat, and in
frosty weather the whule may be covered with straw or bracken. If the
casks are left on until the spring so as to protect the crowns the roots will
grow afresh in summer, and show little indication of having been forced
at such an unseasonable time.

Sealtale. — Seakale may be had in December by treating it in the same
way as the Rhubarb, or large pots may be used for placing over the
crowns. It is only good when blanched, and should always be k°pt in
the dark, but the interior of the pots must be veutilated a little to prevent
the growth decaying ; but for midwinter forcing we prefer the plan of
li'ting the roots, placing a Dumber of them in a 10-inch or 12-inch pot,
and plunging this in bottom heat in a hotbed in the Mushroom house or
any kind of pit. This induces quick and free growth, and it is more at
command when treated in this way than when in the open. The earliest
should only be lifted at present, and as soon as the leaves have withered
from the crowns a lot of the roots may be taken up and potted, and some of
these may be put in now and again as the demand requires. They do not
require much water at the root when being forced, as the roots are not
very active, but if the crowns are preserved after forcing they will be
found useful for propagating in spring.

FRUIT FORCING.

Peaches and Nectarines. — Earliest Trees. — Ripe fruit being re¬
quired in late April or early in May, commence forcing about the middle
of this month — that is, close the he use, but use no fire heat the first fort¬
night unless the weather is frosty. Give a thorough soaking of water
to the inside borders, and if the trees are weakly afford liquid manure,
but not too strong, which will tend to cause activity at the roots, and
conduce to a more vigorous expansion of the buds. The house may be
kept close, and the trees syringed in the morning aDd afternoon of fine
days, admitting air abundantly wheneverthe weather is brigh’, employing
no fire heat, as before stated, only to exclude frost, for the slower the
trees are excited the stronger will be the blossom. The outside border

November 4, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

419

must be well protected with litter or leaves, and if tarpaulin or shutters
are put on the top it will be useful in preventing the soil becoming chilled
by heavy rains and snow.

Succession Houses. — All but the latest trees will have the leaves down,
but if not they must not be removed until they part freely from the trees.
When the leaves are all down unfasten the trees from the trellis, prune
them, thoroughly cleanse the house, and paint the woodwork and trellis,
leaving room for the branches to swell in securing the trees to the trellis
after they have been dressed, as tight-tying is one of the most prolific
■sources of gumming. Remove the surface soil down to the roots, and
•supply fresh loam rather stiff, containing about a twentieth part of bone-
meal, and a similar proportion of wood ashes. Give a thorough supply
of water to inside borders, or remove the roof lights, and allow the
borders to become thoroughly soaked by the autumnal rains. Any lifting,
root-pruning, or the introducing of fresh trees should be performed at
once, the planting being now proceeded with, or as Boon as the leaves are
nearly off the trees. Trees for planting in houses are best three years or
more trained and prepared for lifting by annual or biennial lifting. Such
trees lift with an abundance of fibres, and being carefully planted they
can be forced very well the first year if not being started before the new
year, not brought on too rapidly, and not overcropped. It is always best
to select such trees in preference to planting young trees, but if young
trees must be planted select such as are well furnished and not very
strong in the wood.

Late Houses. — As soon as the fruit is gathered cut out the non-exten¬
sion wood that has borne fruit, as nothing is so prejudicial as too much
wood, especially in late houses. If the trees are not ripening the wood
properly form a trench about one-third the distance from the stem the
trees cover in height of trellis, and down to the drainage, so as to detach
the roots. This will check the tendency to a late growth, and induce the
ripening of the wood. The trench may remain open for a fortnight, and
then be filled up, making quite firm. Remove the surface soil iD the
undisturbed part down to the roots, and replace with fresh material made
firm, giving a good watering. The trees will push fresh roots, and
the trees invariably set the blossom well after operations of this
character.

Figs. — Early Forced Trees in Pots. — Trees that are forced for afford¬
ing fruit at the close of April or early in May will now need to have the
wood brushed over, using softsoap £ lb. to a gallon of water brought to
the consistency of cream by adding flowers of sulphur, being careful
when using the mixture not to rub off the young fruit, the shoots of the
current year needing to be carefully handled. Very little pinning will
be necessary, the trees having been regularly pinched or stopped during
the growing season, but if the growths are too crowded or irregular they
may be thinned to render the trees symmetrical. Wash the woodwork
and walls with scalding water, and the walls afterwards with quicklime
and sulphur. A mild bottom heat is essential to a successful swelling
and perfecting the earliest crop'; 'the pots therefore must be raised up on
loose bricks pedestal fashion in the position they are to occupy, and the
pit filled with Oak or Beech leaves pressed firmly. If the pit be not more
than 2£ feet deep, a third of stable litter may be added. Care must be
taken to avoid overheating, not allowing the heat about the pots to exceed
<55° until growth takes place. The house should be kept close and moist
by sprinkling twice a day in bright weather, employing fire heat to main¬
tain a temperature of 50° at night, 55° by day, and with sun heat 60° to
65°. If the soil in the pots be dry, a thorough soaking of water must be
given. Forcing operations need not begin until the middle of the
month.

Early Forced Trees. — Trees planted out in borders intended for early
forcing should now be untied from the trellis and pruned. Those with
the roots restricted to small borders will require little more than thinning
out the shoots where too crowded, but those not having the roots re¬
stricted will require a hard pruning at the upper part of the trellis, allow¬
ing room for the growth of the branches, forking the surface of the
border, slightly removing the loose material, and apply a surface dressing
of fresh loam with some half-inch bones intermixed, and not more than
2 inches thick, and then apply a top-dressing of decayed manure, but not
very highly decayed, 2 to 3 inches thick, and give a good watering.
Ventilate fully at all times, except when frost prevails, and at such times
heat ehould be used to exclude it.

Succession Houses. — Let the trees be pruned, cleansed, and put into
thorough order. Give attention to trees that have been infested with
insects. The house must have the woodwork and walls scalded with hot
water, keeping it off the trees, and well wash these with a warm soapy
solution, using a brush, which will do much to dislocate the insects,
especially scale, and render more potent the insecticide, which should be
applied after the trees become dry from washing with the soapy water.
Complete any root-pruning, lifting, See., remembering that Figs with the
roots restricted or confined to limited space are more manageable and
fruitful than those with an unlimited rooting area. Any unfruitful trees
must be severely root-pruned, and the roots restricted to moderate-sized
borders, depending more upon active feeders near the surface encouraged
by mulching than a Urge extension of roots. Make the soil firm, employ¬
ing one-sixth old mortar rubbish, grit being furnished by road scrapings.

Late Houses. — The trees in these should be attended to on lifting or
root-pruning if showing a tendency to over-luxuriance, or have cast the
fruit in an unaccountable manner. Fig trees grow too luxuriantly in
large borders, therefore they should have them restricted, as with the
roots in borders of limited extent they are more under control and can be
fed according to their requirements. When the leaves fall the trees must

be unloosed fr im the trellis, and being tied together they should be made
safe with some dry straw or fern amongst them. Trees in cool houses
suffer quite as much from cold as trees against walls outdoors. In houses
that have means of heating the protection will not be necessary.

a

r - .j p

Z Ttfai

Jffili

HE BEE-KEEPER.

lb

MATTERS OF IMPORTANCE TO BEE-KEEPERS.

The rapid strides made by bee-keeping during the last
few years are, it is much to be feared, bringing with them
the evils necessarily attendant upon an unhealthy growth ;
the too speedy development of the industry nursed by manu¬
facturers of appliances is beginning to be felt, and many years
must elapse before a good sound healthy state is again
obtained. The profits of bee-keeping are dwindling down
each year, and, as in Lancashire and our large manufac¬
turing districts, new men are continually entering a business
which can with difficulty support those who have already
invested their capital and time in the work. The rage for
novelties and expensive luxuries has increased the cost of
production, while injudicious pictures of future profits have
induced many to enter into bee-keeping on a large scale, only
to find honey a drug in the market and scarcely saleable in
some localities at any price at all.

It is always a pleasure to us to see any man taking up
bee-keeping in a moderate and sensible manner, but it is
quite the reverse when a man who is just able to manipulate
a hive thinks himself a practical bee-keeper and sets up a
large apiary. It is sad because it is rarely possible for him
to make a fair profit on the undertaking, and yet he is, even
if producing his honey at a loss to himself, causing his
neighbours who keep bees only on a small scale loss also, by
reducing the price of honey and glutting the market. It is
the appliances — the manufacture and sale of them — that
support these men ; for, finding themselves incapable of
managing their apiary so as to yield a profit from bee pro¬
duce, they turn their hands to the more easy and certain
production of hives, frames, and extractors. The man who
really finds bee keeping a profitable and remunerative
industry is he who spends least and uses his common
sense moat ; who is neither niggardly nor luxurious in his
management, but preserving a happy medium ; neither
increases the number of his stocks beyond what he is well
able to care for, nor yet invests in new hives of every con¬
ceivable style or price, but finding out what kind of honey is
most easily saleable at the best price, turns his mind to the
production of such honey only. And here I may be per¬
mitted to say that, although every fair man desires to see
each one have his due, it hardly seems to be either necessary
or politic for inventors to be continually squabbling in print
over their inventions. In the first place, most of these inven¬
tions are mere revivals of old methods or appliances long ago
discarded in favour of a more practical management, and in
the second place it is of no material consequence who has the
merit of the invention so that we have the use of it.

Another point of great importance to all concerned in
agricultural industries is the present high rate of charges
prevailing throughout England, and the low freight paid
upon goods imported from abroad. That honey can be pro¬
fitably imported from America, Canada, and other countries
is not strange, when it is considered that the cost of carriage
is trifling to what the home producer has to pay when he
sends his honey or other produce to the market. Either
railway companies must be compelled to lower their charges,
or the charges on imported produce must be raised, or a tax
be put upon all goods — not raw material— imported from
abroad. It may be taken for granted that protection will
not, at any rate for a long period, be revived, nor will the
cost of carriage for imported goods be raised, and for this

420

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDEHER.

[November 4, 1886.

reason — i.e., that the consumer would object to any such
change, because the price of the commodity would be raised
in proportion.

To enable English producers to compete fairly with the
foreigner rates of carriage must be very materially reduced,
and greater facilities offered for the transit of perishable
goods at lower rates without any increased risk. Farmers,
market gardeners, bee keepers, every branch of our agricul¬
tural population is affected and intensely interested in any
change that may be effected either by a voluntary effort on
the part of the companies or by compulsion. A united
attempt must be made, and soon, to accomplish this most
necessary object, and to relieve the agricultural industries of
this country from the great cost of transit with which they
are at present so heavily handicapped. If the companies are
unwilling to meet the emergency it will be matter for con¬
sideration whether the Government should not buy out the
companies, and by getting the lines in their own power work
them with a view to the benefit of the country in general.

It may seem somewhat of a digression to have thus
discussed so great a question, but the importance of the
subject is so evident and so necessarily prominent at the
present time that it may be useful, while endeavouring to
show where the secret of failure and success lies, to point out
how it is that our colonial cousins can so easily compete with
us in an enterprise which we ought without difficulty to
retain almost exclusively in our own hands. — Felix.

HOME MARKETS FOR OUR HONEY.

A PEW facts may be useful to dispose of Mr. Geo. Walker’s statement8
on page 330. Tbe “ clique ” is represented, he says, by 400 shareholder8
who hold 6000 shares. Now there are somewhere over 10,000 member8
in the British Bee-keepers’ Association, and yet out of this vast number
only a paltry 400 have had confidence enough in the undertaking to take
shares, and of these gallant 400 who have entered the breach there are
no doubt a very gco’.ly number of “leading lights” and influential
members of the British Bee-keepers’ Association; so that, after all, the
clique is a clique, and a very small clique too.

In the BritishBee Journal of 15th March, 1885, I find the following : —
“ The expenses, though managed with strict economy, must be propor¬
tionately larger with a small capital than with a large one, and as a result
a Emaller price will have to be paid for honey to ensure even a small
profit.”

Again, in the issue of the same paper for 5th May, 1885, a report
is given of the first meeting of the British Honey Company. The Chair¬
man, among other things not of present importance, said : “ The directors
are pleased to note that the shares are taken up by persons of all classes
— from the capitalist who looks to the money profit of his investment
down to the humble cottager.” Also, “ The directors have determined
that in purchasing honey a preference shall be given to honey offered by
shareholders, provided that in price and quality tbe terms of purchase are
equally favourable.” Again : “ With regard to the lowering of the price
of honey the directors did not expect to lower it beyond a point at which
it would be remunerative to the producer.”

Do capitalists, “ who look to the money profits,” generally invest in
an undertaking which is only, some people would have us believe, a
benevolent scheme for benefiting the producer, and not with a view to
good profit ? Is any sane bona fide bee-keeper likely to support a scheme,
or do otherwise than strongly oppose it, when he is told that owing to
the capital of the undertaking being small the prices offered for honey
must be lower than there is any need for them to be except for the pur¬
pose of giving a profit to the shareholder ? Does anyone imagine that by
“ dangling ” the preference which was to be given to shareholders’
produce, together with the inducement offered to invest by telling those
who had not hitherto done so that “ capitalists who look to money
profits ” had taken shares, did not have the desired effect ?

Again, the desired result has not been obtained, for Mr. Geo. Walker
says that after purchasing £1000 worth of honey the purchasing powers
of the Company were unequal to any further purchase ; and Mr. John Peel
says that, writing for a quotation, he never had a reply at all.

It is only necessary to notice one more statement. It is this : “ What
we have done is to increase to a very great extent the demand for British
honey, and if this goes on increasing it will lead to two results — first, t >
make the sale of honey very much easier to the producer . . . and
second, to increase the sale of honey.”

It hardly needs a honey company to increase the sale of honey if
such an increase is to be at the expense of a reduced price. Most indi¬
viduals could do the same, and no doubt the sale at such low prices will
be rapid if the producer is weak enough to play into the hands of his
enemies ; but how making the sale easier is to increase the value of
honey in view of the powers to purchase foreign honey taken by the
company it seems hard to say, since upon the least strengthening of prices
recourse may be had to foreign supplies, and if the supply is unequal to
the demand such recourse will be had, otherwise why were the “ powers ”

taken at all ? Therefore, reducing the price of honey now to increase its
value say five years hence is but a small consolation in the face of these
“ powers,” which will keep the English producers bound helplessly down
to reduced prices if they do not use their common sense and act indepen¬
dently of any such scheme.

The thanks of all bee-keepers are surely due to Mr. Geo. Walker for
losing “ professional time ” and spending “ some pounds in railway
fares.” Possibly some other bee-keepers have done the same. — Felix.

TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

Thomas S. Ware, Hale Farm Nurseries, Tottenham. — List of Specialties’
1886 ( illustrated ), and Catalogue of Boses.

R. H. Vertegans, Chad Valley Nurseries, Birmingham.— Catalogue and
Circulars of Specialities.

All correspondence should be directed either to “The Editor ”
or to “ The Publisher.” Letters addressed to Dr. Hogg or
members of the staff often remain unopened unavoidably. We
request that no one will write privately to any of our correspon¬
dents, as doing so subjects them to unjustifiable trouble and
expense.

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions relat¬
ing to Gardening and those on Bee subjects, and should never
send more than two or three questions at once. All articles in¬
tended for insertion should be written on one side of the paper
only. We cannot reply to questions through the post, and we
do not undertake to return rejected communications.

Address (B. C.). — The address you require is Messrs. Letts, Son & Co.,
Printers, New Cross, London, S.E.

Botanical Names (J. T. AT.).— Expressed phonetically the pronunciation
would be — I-re-d&y-se-e, with the accent on the third syllable.

Chrysanthemum Bloom ( F . C. B.).— The bloom of Maiden’s Blush is
very good, and with the accompanying foliage indicates that the plant is
admirably grown. We shall be glad to see a copy of what you propose.

Chrysanthemums not Opening (J. G.). — The specimens received were
very healthy. The precise cause of the refusal of several blooms of the
Queen family to develope their central florets is not ascertained; in the
example before us the peduncle of the bloom is somewhat weak, and the
flow of sap on that account must be to some extent arrested. The b’oom
of Soeur Malanie is of good average quality. We have seen several larger
and thousands smaller.

The Eucharis Mite {Inquirer).—' This pest is certainly not “ indigenous
to North-East Lancashire,” but is prevalent in many parts of the country.
It is very destructive and difficult to eradicate without injuring the plants.
The method that has been described in the Journal was founded on practice,
and plants that were once in a miserable plight are now healthy ; but all
persons do not succeed alike in the application of a remedy, not taking equal
care in the preparation of what may be suggested, and of the plants. We
cannot tell what particular insects your plants may be attacked with from
your vague description of them.

Lapagerias {G. JET. B.). — Spring i“, as a rule, the best time for repotting
these plants. They grow admirably in firm fibrous peat, such as is used for
Azaleas, adding a liberal quantity of broken charcoal, oyster shells, and sand.
Some persons add a third part of loam if it ia light, firm, and full of fibre.
A rather firm, yet “ springy ” mass, is wbat these plants delight in, very
liberal drainage being provided so that water can be given copiously with¬
out rendering the compost sour. We have Been them luxuriate in two
parts peat and one part loam, and grow equally well in peat alone, so much
depending on judicious applications of water and general management.

Mushroom Bed Unproductive {J. W. H.).— Manure from stables in
which the horses have many Carrots and much medicine is not favour¬
able to the production of Mushrooms; still, if the spiwn is running in
your bed you may possibly have a light c op. In such a case we should not
expect Mushrooms until about eight weeks after spawning, and then not
many, nor large. You state the quantity of old potting soil you used with
the manure, but not the quantity of the latter, so your information is no
guide to us in forming an opinion as to the composition of the bed. If it is
moist, that is sufficient, and it can be kept so by using damp covering
material for preventing the escape of moisture from the bed. If you act on
the instructions given in “ Mushrooms for the Mi lion,” you will have
abundant crops, but not, of course, with unsuitabl .• materials.

Dressing Ground for Roses (Experimentalist). — The application of
artificial manure now would be of service, especially if mixed with fresh
soil and well incorporated with the bed. A much better plan, however,
would be to trench the ground as deeply as the good soil allows, loosening
that beneath or at the bottom of the trenches, which will admit of the freer
passage of the water through the soil, and the air so essential to rendering
the constituents of the soil available as food for plants. Some solid manure,
as stable or farmyard, would be most desirable mixed with the soil in

November 4, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDEHER.

421

trenching, but failing that you may use the artificial manures advan¬
tageously. We prefer, however, to use them as a top-dressing, or mixed
with the top G inches of the soil, and in spring.

Glass for Greenhouse ( Pershore ). — As you intend to have a Vine in the
house you could not have anything better than 21-ounce sheet glass third
quality of British manufacture. The Belgian glass, though cheaper, is not
nearly so good or cheap in the end. The 21-ounce j.lass need only be used
for the roof ; the front or side lights may be glazed with 15-ounce, which
will make a little difference in the cost. All should be sheet or clear glass,
rough plate not being suitable for general purposes. We should prefer a
check-end saddle boiler, as beine easily managed and standing wear and
tear well. By all means have a Vine or two. The Yine is the most useful
of all greenhouse climbers, and when not grown too thickly, say a rod every
G feet apart, does not materially interfere with the growth of plants. You
could not have a bett-r Grape for your purpose than Black Hamburgh, and
if you require a white one Chasselas Yibert or Foster’s Seedling would
answer, the latter keeping some time after being ripe.

Carpet Bedding ( JRosa ). — No doubt your garden (of which you sent a
plan) would look well with the beds filled in the “ carpet bedding style
but carpet beds cannot be made as “bright as possible” without Alter-
nantheras, and thc-se, of which you would require a great number, cannot be
wintered in a greenhouse, as they require a temperature of 60° for their
healthy preservation. It is quite impossible for anyone to tell you how to
arrange the beds without knowing the skill and means at your disposal for
raising and preparing plants. Flowering plants are not employed in the
best carpet beds, end you would require several thousands of suitable kinds
to furnish your garden. Perhaps you cannot do better than send a shilling
to Mr. Graham, Hampton Court Gardens, Kingston-on-Thames, and ask him
to send you his manual, which contains several designs, and indicates the
kinds of planls employed in the beds. We do not supply methods of plant¬
ing, but examine any that may be submitted, and suggest possible improve¬
ments, as obviously it would be useless our saying how a series of beds
should be filled when the plants named are not at hand, or cannot be con¬
veniently obtained, for occupying them.

Names of Fruits. — The names and addresses of senders of fruit to be named
muBt in all cases be enclosed with the specimens, whether letters referring
to the fruit are sent by post or not. The names are not necessarily required
for publication, initials sufficing for that. Only six specimens can be
named at once, and surplus fruits beyond that number cannot be preserved.
(•/. B.). — We would willingly oblige you if we could, but fruit cannot be
preserved that is not sent in compliance with our published conditions. It
is absolutely necessary that letters should be placed in boxes of fruit sent to
be named. If we have a dozi n boxes of fruit without the senders’ names,
and as many letters by post, simply asking us to name the specimens, it is
oft n impossib'e to tell to which boxes the letters apply. We are sorry
your letter of description arrived too late. (A. J. Brown). — Beurre Superfin.
(N. E. Owen). — Apple Margil. The Pears appear to be all one sort, which
we should say is Beurre Clairgeau. (E. M.). — 1, Groom’s Princess Royal ;

2, Not known ; 3, Beurre Capiaumont ; 4. Nouveau Poiteau ; 5, Chau-
montel; G, Not known. (H. G. B.). — 1, Ecklinville ; 2, Hawthornden ;

3, Beurrb Clairgeau ; 4, Passe Colmar; 5, Not known; 6, Cockle’s Pippin.
(G. S., Kent). — 1, Go den Pearmain ; 2, Cobham; 3, Hampden’s Ber¬
gamot ; others not known. ( A . L.). — 1, Marechal du Cour ; 2, Dutondeau;
3, Uvedale’s St. Germain; 4, Hacon's Incomparable; 5, Not known;
6, Beurrfi Bacbelitr. (W. M. Yardley). — Your fruit is in so filthy a
condition from being packed with soot that we cannot handle it.

Names of Plants. — We only undertake to name species of plants, not
varieties that have originated from seed and termed florists’ flowers.
Flowering specimens are necessary of flowering plants, and Fern fronds
should bear spores. Specimens should arrive in a fresh state in firm
boxes. Slightly damp moss or soft green leaves form the best packing, dry
cotton wool the worst. Not more than six specimens can be named at once.
(A. B.). — The flower was so much decayed that it was quite unrecognisable.
(G. G.). — 1, Helianthus grosse-serratus ; 2, Geranium phoeum var. lividum ;
3, Lysimachia clethroides ; 4, Polygonum vacciniifolium ; 5, Chrysanthemum
maximum; 6, Chrysanthemum latifolium. ( N . T.). — The Orchid is a variety
of Cattleya Loddigesi ; the Begonia we cannot recognise by the leaf sent.

COYENT GARDEN MARKET. — November 3rd.

Large supplies of Nova Scotia and Canada Apples to hand, realising
moderate prices. Home consignments light. A cargo of St. Michael Pines
to hand .

FRUIT.

3.

d.

8. d.

s.

d.

8.

d

Apples .. ..

l

6

to 4 0

Melon .

0

0 to 0

0

„ Nova

Scotia and

Oranges .. ..

6

0

12

0

Canada, t er barrel 12

0

21 0

Peaches . , . . . .

per doz .

6

0

18

0

Cherries . . . .

0

0

0 0

Pears .

dozen

i

0

2

0

Cobs . . . .

0

0 0

Pine Apples English., th.

3

0

4

0

Figs . . . .

0

6

0 9

Plums .

J sieve

1

0

2

0

Grapes . . . .

0

6

3 0

St. Michael Pines

. .each

4

0

6

0

Lemons,. ..

0

15 0

Strawberries .. ..

per lb.

0

0

0

0

VEGETABLES.

8.

d.

s. d

8

d.

8

d

Artichokes ..

.. dozen

l

0 to 0 0

Lettuce .

dozen

l

0

to 1

6

Asparagus

.. bundle

0

0

0 0

Mushrooms ..

punnet

0

6

l

0

Beans, Kidney

per bushel

2

0

3 0

Mustard and Cress

punnet

0

2

0

0

Beet, Red

. . dozen

i

0

8 0

Onions .. ..

bunch

0

3

0

0

Broccoli .. ..

0

0

0 0

Parsley . . dozen bunches

2

0

3

0

Brussels Sprouts

.. 4 sieve

1

6

2 0

Parsnips .

dozen

i

0

2

0

Cabbage .. ..

1

6

0 0

Potatoes .

cwt.

4

0

6

0

Capsicums

.. 100

1

6

8 0

,, Kiduey ..

ewt.

4

8

5

0

Carrots . . . .

0

4

0 0

Rhubarb .

bundle

0

2

0

6

Caulifloweis ..

.. dozen

3

0

4 0

Salsafy .

bundle

l

0

1

0

Celery . . . .

1

6

2 0

■icorzonera

bundle

l

6

0

0

Coleworts dcz. bunches

2

0

4 0

Soakale .. .. per basket

0

0

0

0

Cucumbers

. . each

0

8

0 4

Shallots .

0

3

0

6

Endive . .

1

0

2 0

Spinach .

bushel

8

0

4

4

Heros . . . .

0

2

0 0

Tomatoes .. . .

0

2

0

6

Leeks . . . .

0

8

0 4 1

Turnips .

bunch

0

4

0

0

PLANTS IN POTS.

s.

a.

s.

d.

8.

d.

a.

in

Aralia Sieboldi .. dozen

9

0 to 18

0

Ficus elastioa

. . each

i

6 to

7

Arbor vitae (golden) dozen

6

0

9

0

Fuchsia

per dozen

0

0

0

0

„ (common) dozen

6

0

12

0

Foliage Plants, var. each

2

0

10

0

Asters . . . . per dozen

6

0

9

0

Heliotrope

per dozen

0

9

0

0

Bedding Plants, var. doz.

0

0

0

0

Hydrangea ..

per dozen

0

0

0

0

Begonias . . . . dozen

4

0

9

0

Ivy Geraniums

per dozen

0

0

0

0

Chrysanthemum . . dozen

6

0

12

0

Lilium auratum

per doz.

0

0

0

0

Cockscombs per dozen

0

0

0

0

Lobelias . .

per dozen

0

0

0

0

Cyperus . dozen

4

0

12

0

Marguerite Daisy dozen

6

0

9

0

Dracaena termmalis, dozen 30

0

60

0

Mignonette . .

per dozen

3

0

8

0

„ viridis .. dozen 12

0

24

0

Musk . . . .

per dozea

0

0

0

0

Erica, various . . dozen

9

0

12

0

Myrtles . . . .

e

0

12

0

„ hyemalis per dozen 18

0

24

0

Palms, in var.

. . each

2

6

31

0

„ gracilis per dozen

9

0

13

0

Pelargoniums, scarlet, doz.

8

0

6

0

Euonymus, in var. dozen

6

0

18

0

Pelargoniums

per dozen

0

0

0

0

Evergreens, in var. dozen

«

0

24

0

Primula sisensis

per doz.

4

0

6

0

Ferns, in variety . . dozen

4

0

18

0

Solanums

per doz.

9

0

12

0

CUT FLOWERS.

8.

d.

B.

a.

S.

d.

s.

d.

Abutilons .. 12 bunches

2

0 to 4

0

Lily of the Valley, 12 sprav3

0

0 to 0

0

Arum Lilies . . 12 blooms

4

0

6

0

Marguerites ..

12 bunches

2

0

6

0

Asters . . . . 12 bunches

6

0

8

0

Mignonette . .

12 bunches

1

0

8

0

Azalea . . , . 12 sprays

1

0

1

6

Myosotia

12 bunches

1

6

8

0

Bouvardias .. per bunch

0

6

1

0

Narciss, Paper-while, bunch

0

4

0

6

Camellias . . 12 blooms

8

0

6

0

Pelargoniums, per 12 trusses

0

9

1

0

Carnations .. 12 blooms

1

0

8

0

„ scarle

, 12 trusses

0

3

0

6

„ .. 12 bunches

4

0

9

0

Roses

12 bunches

4

0

9

0

Chrysanthemums 12 bches.

4

0

9

0

„ (indoor),

per dozen

0

6

2

0

„ 12 blooms

1

0

6

0

„ Tea.. ..

0

9

1

0

Cornflower .. 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

red

dozen

0

0

0

0

Dahlias . . 12 bunches

8

0

4

0

Parme Violets (French)

4

0

6

0

Epiphyllum . . doz. blooms

0

6

0

0

Primula (single)

per bunch

0

6

0

-9

Eucharis . . per dozen

8

0

6

0

„ (double)

per bunch

0

9

1

0

Gardenias . . 12 blooms

8

0

5

0

Pyrethrum . .

12 hunches

8

0

6

0

Gladioli . . 12 bunches

U

0

0

0

Stephanotis . .

12 sprays

4

0

6

0

H yacinths. Rom an , 1 2 sprays

3

0

4

0

Stocks, various

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Lapageria, white, 12 blooms

2

0

4

0

Tropa3olum . .

12 bunches

1

6

2

0

Lapageria, red . 12 blooms

1

0

2

0

Tuberoses

12 blooms

0

6

i

0

„ longifiorum,12 blms.

3

0

6

0

Violets . . . .

12 bunches

1

0

0

0

Lilac (white), French, bunch

6

0

8

0

„ Czar, French, per bunch

1

3

1

9

from the present time throughout winter till next March.
In November and December the ewe flock may be kept in
such folds, and while there are no hard frosts Turnips may
be used for them in moderation. We are now so using
White Turnips, pulling and carting them to the folds with
the tops left on. If severe frost sets in we refrain from using
Turnips from the open fields, for there can be no doubt that
abortion is frequently caused by ewes eating large quantities
of roots either frozen or so cold that the temperature of the
body is seriously reduced, and the lambs are either killed
before birth or abortion occurs. Weak delicate lambs are
also an outcome of improper diet, and knowing as we do
how great is the risk of losses from the use of unwholesome
food, all possible care is taken that the ewes run no such risk
from the present time till the lambing. Whether Turnips are
used or not, some crushed Oats may be given them with
advantage for full six weeks before lambing time, and if the
grass is bare Pea straw in cribs, and Oat straw chaff mixed
with the Oats. Unthreshed Oats cut into chaff with the
straw makes one of the best and most economical articles of
diet for folding sheep. Not only for the sake of the sheep,
but also for the improvement of the pasture is high feeding
desirable in the folds. Old sheep drafted from the breeding
flock immediately after last lambiug season are now, after a
four months run upon meadows, Clover, and the corn
stubbles, sufficiently improved in condition to be roady for
folding with a liberal allowance of roots, Cabbage, crushed
corn, and chaff, and they will enrich the pasture sufficiently
to ensure a good crop of hay next season.

Old pasture that is foul with weeds and contains only
poor grasses indigenous to the soil, much as the grass is
invigorated by folding, can never afford results at all equal to
such as are possible from a new pasture of the best grasses
and Clovers. In the one we may obtain a vigorous growth

SHEEP-FOLDING.

Folding upon old pastures is done to best advantage

4 22

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDESER.

[ So em'rer 4, 1S86.

of herbage, but it will be only moderately nutritious ; in the
other we are certain of a full crop of the most nutritious
mixture of sweet and wholesome herbage, consisting of well
blended proportions of such grasses and Clovers as have been
specially selected for'our purpose. It would be well, there¬
fore, before coming to a final decision about folding old
pasture, to examine it well, and see if it is really rich enough
in good grass and Clover to repay us for the outlay. Our
inspection must be close and thorough, for it is not an easy
matter to ascertain all about the plants growing in a meadow.
For example, we have had a growth of Clover that was
positively rampant in a meadow that was said to contain
little, if any, Clover among the grass ; yet a single dressing
of wood ashes saturated with urine was followed by the
appearance of plenty of Clover, almost as tall as the grass
when it was mown for hay. We had no doubt that the
Clover plants were there before the ashes were used, but the
plants were mere starvelings, just able to exist but not to
thrive, simply owing to poverty of soil. The nitrogen and
potash of the saturated ashes acted upon the soil as though a
golden key had been applied to unlock its treasures of fertility,
or to be correct, we should rather say to store it with the
elements of plant food which it lacked.

A trifle, a simple affair indeed, was that dressing of
wood ashes saturated with urine, so simple that it could b9
dono by anybody, yet it had not been done, and the Clover
had practically been of no use either for hay or grazing.
This is just one of those little things of which neglect or use
makes all the difference between failure and success. Wood
ashes are certainly not hard to obtain, and they can readily
be enriched by the household sewage, or by the liquid manure
which we so often see wasted as it is suffered to escape from
stables, cow sheds, yards, or manure heaps.

If we find enough good herbage in old pasture to lead to
the conclusion that it will answer for folding, let us resolve
not to waste the sheep manure upon strong-growing perennial
weeds, but to eradicate them by uprooting before each new
fold is opened to the sheep. Upon many an old pasture can
we find evidence of the slovenly easy-going practice which
has so long prevailed in farm management. Thistles,
Docks, Gorge, Rushes, and Rest-Harrow (Ononis arvensis),
ought never to be allowed to become established in a meadow,
for if they are the expense of getting rid of them is so heavy
that it can only be done gradually. At the present time we
have much grass land badly infested with Docks and Thistles
and about fifty acres overrun by Ononis. We are clearing
the pastures of these pests surely if slowly, by digging them
up, for there is no other sure way of destroying them.

WORK ON THE HOME FARM.

Never have we had better weather for the sowing of winter corn. There
has been enough rain to make the ploughing light, and the soil has been
ploughed in excellent condition for a fine seed bed. Light Barley harrows
have answered on most of our farms to press down the freshly ploughed
land suffi -iently for the harrows to follow at once, and the drilling was
done quickly and well. With Mangolds all in clamps, the earthing
finished, and the winter corn all sown, the ploughs have all been at liberty
for stubble ploughing, and the whole of the land required for roots next
season is fast being thrown up into ridges so as to expose it thoroughly to
air, rain, and frost. A nine acre field which was under Winter Oats last
summer was ploughed immediately after harvest, so many Oats were
shattered that plants have sprung up almost thick enough for another
crop. The field will he left untouched till spring, when the Oats may
either be eaten off by sheep or ploughed in for Barley, if the crop is not
then found good enough to leave for harvest. The mention of Barley
reminds us of an instance of the value of a change of seed which recently
came under our notice. On two adjoining farms Barley was sown exten¬
sively last spring, one farmer using home-grown seed from last year’s
stock, the other obtaining the best seed he could from a distance. The
produce of the home-grown seed was sold for 24s. per quarter, while that
from the seed of another locality was sold in the same market for 32s.
per quarter. What this means is, that one farmer has realised at least
£2 an acre more for his Barley than the other. All that can possibly he
done to improve the soil of fields intended for Barley next season should
be, for this crop is the most profitable among corn now. Draining, ridge-
ploughing, the best seed from a carefully chosen sample, a fine seed bed,
and a full dressing of chemical manures will go far to ensure success in
Barley culture. We have been at some pains in changing our seed Wheat
from one farm to another, and we have procured the best White and Red

Wheat we could for the home [farm, our aim being to render the home
farm a nursery whence supplies of the home-grown seed of the best sorts
of corn may be drawn for sowing upon the ofiE farms.

SUCCESSFUL FARMING.

In the course of an address on Some Conditions of Successful Farming,’
recently delivered to the Lancashire Farmers’ Club by a gentleman occu¬
pying a prominent position in the dairy districts — viz., Mr. Thomas Rigby,
the Secretary of the Royal Manchester, Liverpool, and North Lancashire-
Agricultural Society, the following remarks occur that are specially worth
attention. The first conditions n cessary for success he very properly laid
down as labour, care-taking industry, perseverance, and mutual confidence
between landlord and tenant. Rent must he properly proportioned to the
use that might be made of a holding ; but a fair rent, or even a low rent,
was no guarantee of success. In fact, a low rent often acted as a snare to
the unwary, as it appeared to be too easily makeable. He did not therefore
plead for low rents, or for uniform rents, or uniform reductions, but simply for
such rents as could be fairly paid by industry and reasonable effort. Situation
and aspect of land, soil, and buddings were all factors for consideration. In
fact, the question of rent was properly one of capability — not capability of the
tenant, but of the farm. With some men rent was almost immaterial, for
they could make no farm pay, simply from their own inherent incapacity.
Successful farming was dependent, said Mr. Rigby, on knowledge — not.
merely knowledge of what to do on a farm, hut of when to do it.

Then, coming to the point of his address, he asked whether the most
was being made of the Lancashire dairy farms ? In other words, was the
cheese and butter as good as it could be made, or was it irregular in quality
and therefore in price ? Was not much of their cheese sold at 5s. to 10s.
per cwt. lesB than the current average market price, and even that with
difficulty ? And must it not be admitted that lack of skill and knowledge
was the cause'of all this— and, worse even than lack of knowledge, contempt
of knowledge ? Very truly did Mr. Rigby observe that the conditions of
successful cheese and butter making were too subtle to he discovered or
defined without close and patient study, and then only when the student
possessed the natural aptitude. The utility of dairy schools was pointed
out by instances of pupils who, after a short course of proper instruction,
had gone back to their farms and forthwith improved the quality of their
cheese by 5s. to 15s. per cwt. Nor should the “ little things ” of the farm,
be overlooked— poultry, bees, and other minor matters weie all factors m
the sum. The breeding or economical purchase of good sound stock, a
knowledge of markets, and an ever- ready judgment in buying and selling,,
the conduct and observance of experiments, the keeping alive to the general
state of agricultural affairs by reading and by conversing, and the mainten¬
ance of an honest character, were all put forward as essentia's to success,,
of more consequence than lowness of rents.

The Wheat Trade. — One of the most remarkable circumstances in con¬
nection with modern commerce has been the development of trade in Wheat.
Fifteen years ago England imported 10,000,000 cwt. a year of Wheat from
Russia, 12,000 000 cwt. from America, and 8000 cwt. fromlndia. She now im¬
ports 5,000,000 cwt. from Russia, 22,000,000 cwt. from America, and 11, 000,000
cwt. from India. India and America thus yield our chief supplies. But
another market is rapidly developing. The Argentine Republic and
Uruguay, which formerly did not grow sufficient Wheat for their own popu¬
lations, are beginning to export it. There was only half a million of acres
of land under cultivation in the Republic thirty years ago ; now there are
over five million acres. In thirty years, therefore, the area under crops has
multiplied more than ten times, and the Wheat crop during the last three years
has quadrupled. The two States referred to contain nine hundred million
acres, and in proportion they have more cultivated land than any similar
area in the world.

OUR LETTER BOX.

Warts on Heifer’s Teats (It. C.).— Wash the wart daily with a strong
solution of nitrate of silver, taking special care that only the wart is touched
by it, and it will soon disappear. For small warts use the same specific in
the solid form, termed lunar caustic, rubbing the wart once or twice daily
with it.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Camden Square, London.

Lat. 51° 32' 40" N.; Long. 0° 8' 0" W. ; Altitude, 111 feet.

DATE.

9 A.M.

IN THE DAT.

a

<

01

1886.

October.

Barome-
i terat32«

and 8ea
Level

Hygrome¬

ter.

Direction
of Wind.

| Temp, of
Soil at

I 1 foot.

Shade Tem¬
perature.

Radiatiou

Temperature

Dry.

Wet.

Max.

Min.

In

sun.

Oq

graft*

Inches.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

df.g

defy

deg

In.

Sunday .

30.204

.52.4

49.3

E.

50.3

55 3

4.5.7

78.9

390

—

Monday .

2.5

30.242

48.8

47.4

K.

50.3

/2 0

48.7

60.9

45.0

0. 57

Tuesday .

26

30.138

48.4

45.7

N.E.

50 3

49.6

47. L

54.6

42 2

Wednesday .

27

29.89.5

47.4

4.5.6

E.

49.8

51.5

45.5

69 3

44.0

O.OSS-

Thursday ...

28

30.072

.51.2

50.0

N.E.

49 8

58 0

46 2

75.3

42.6

0.018-

Friday .

29

80.2.50

.54.8

53.8

S.

50.3

63 2

45.2

95-6

36 3

—

Saturday ...

30

30.387

52.7

52.3

E.

50.9

69.0

48 4

64 7

38.7

““

30.170

50.8

49.2

50.2

55.5

46.7

69 9

41.3

0-163;

REMARKS.

24th. — Bright early, fine day but without much sunshine.

25th. — Dull early, showers from 9 to 10 a m., dull day.

26th. — Cloudy all day.

27th.— Overcast, witn showers in morning, wet afternoon.

28th.— Fine bright morning, pleasant afternoon, shower lite in evening.

29th. — Fine, bright, aDd warm.

80th. — Fog till 10.80 a.m., afterwards fair, slight shower in afternoon.

A variable week, Eome bright pleasant weather but a good deal of cloud and damp-.
Temperature 8° above the average, and about 1° above that of the prece ing wtek. —
G. J. bYMONS.

November 11, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

423

COMING EVENTS

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

th

F

S

SUN

M

TU

W

Richmond, Tunbridge Wells, and Portsmouth Shows.

Reading, Huddersfield, Lewisham, Cheehunt, and Canterbury.

21st Sunday after Trinity.

[ham.

Winchester, Brighton, Putney, Southend, Watford, Teddington, Twicken-
Bristol, Ascot, Newport, and York.

AUTUMN-FLOWERING ’AMARYLLISES.

IE spring and summer months afford us a wealth
of Amaryllis flowers rich, brilliant, and varied
in ‘colour, but later in the season we have
hitherto had few representatives of the genus.
At a time when indoor flowers are not too
plentiful additions of any kind are most accept¬
able, and for this reason the autumn -flowering
Amaryllises, now steadily increasing in numbers,
are particularly worthy of attention. The
species from which these have chiefly originated is Amaryllis
reticulata, an old and well-known stove plant, but one that
has never been regarded as of great horticultural value ; nor
until quite recently has its capacity for development been
recognised. There is now, however, every reason to sup¬
pose that a distinct and beautiful race of varieties and hybrids
will be formed that should command as much favour as the
spring- flowering type now so popular.

According to the first edition of Aiton’s “Hortus
Kewensis,” published in 1789, Amaryllis reticulata was then
grown in the Eoyal Gardens, having been introduced in 1777
by Dr. Edward Whitaker Gray. In Andrews’ “ Botanists’
Depository,” vol. 3, plate 179, which was not issued until
more than ten years after the first-named work, the species
is well illustrated in a coloured plate, and it is said that the
plant was first cultivated in 1772 at the Hammersmith
Nursery, the bulbs having been received from Portugal by
Edward Whitaker Gray, M.D., of the British Museum, and
were by him communicated to Messrs. Lee & Kennedy.
If the latter account be correct it would seem that the plant
was introduced from Brazil to Europe by some traveller, and
that it passed from Portugal to England. In Andrews’
illustration the white midrib of the leaf is not shown, the
flowers being suffused with rose and reticulated with a darker
shade. Some variations differing slightly in depth of colour
have appeared from time to time, but over 100 years elapsed
before any very distinct departure from the ordinary character
was obtained, and it seems strange that, although other
Amaryllises received so much attention from hybridisers, this
species should have been comparatively neglected for so long.

It is probable that experiments with the object of securing
hybrids between A. reticulata and some of the ordinary
scarlet varieties were commenced about the same time both
at Chelsea and Upper Holloway, but the first recorded success
was gained by Mr. B. S. Williams. At one of the meetings
of the Eoyal Horticultural Society in 1881 this raiser
exhibited a plant of a hybrid between A. reticulata and the
scarlet variety Defiance, which was named Mrs. Garfield, and
at once honoured with a certificate. It was recognised as a
distinct advance upon the ordinary type, the flowers larger,
well formed in good heads, most delicately but clearly veined,
with bright soft rose on a pure white ground. The strength
of habit and floriferousness had evidently been greatly
improved by the cross. Following this in 1882 came Autumn
Beauty, this time from Messrs. J. Yeitch & Sons’ Nursery,
and all that has been said in favour of Mrs. Garfield might
be repeated of this. It was the result of a cross between A.

reticulata and a scarlet variety, and the former type seemed
to have profited in an exactly similar manner. In both
these the reticulata parentage predominated in the foliage,
which retained the white midrib and in the venation of the
flowers, but a tendency towards successional or periodical
flowering during a great portion of the year was also
developed that has been still further improved in subsequent
acquisitions of a similar kind, but especially in the direction
of autumn and winter flowering.

About the same time as the two hybrids named made
their appearance another hybrid was produced on the con¬
tinent and figured in the Flore des Sevres as A. reticulata
vittata, the veining of the flowers being rather bolder and
darker than in the others. Then in 1884 followed Mrs.
W. Lee from Mr. B. S. Williams, which was certificated by
the Eoyal Horticultural Society at South Kensington and
the Eoyal Botanic Society at Eegent’s Park. This was a
lovely addition to the list, and amply merited the honours it
secured. The flowers have the rose colours partly suffusing
the lobes of the corolla, but the “reticulation ” is still seen,
and in the centre of each lobe is a well-defined white band.
The strength of habit was still further increased, and the
floriferousness became still more marked, the scapes bearing
five and six good blooms each, and the plant can be fairly
described as perpetual flowering.

Two more varieties or hybrids were introduced to public
notice in 1885 — namely, Autumn Charm from Messrs. J.
Yeitch & Sons, and Comte de Germiny from Mr. B. S. Wil¬
liams, both being certificated at South Kensington. Autumn
Charm has large beautifully formed flowers, pure white,
veined with bright rosy red, a distinct tint and well marked.
Comte de Germiny was a seedling from Mrs. Garfield crossed
with a scarlet Amaryllis, and has flowers of good size richly
veined with crimson, and barred with white in the centre of
the lobes. It is a bold, handsome variety, and affords a
pleasing contrast with the other lighter tinted forms. This
season a handsome variety of the same type has been intro¬
duced from the continent, named Perloti, which is perhaps
one of the most distinct of these hitherto obtained. The
flowers are very heavily veined with intensely dark rose
crimson on a white ground, the rich colouring showing still
more strikingly in contrast with the white central bar in each
lobe of the corollas. One of the last to be described is Pioneer,
which flowered in Mr. B. S. Williams’ nursery last month,
and is said to be the result of a cross between Crimson King
and Mrs. Garfield. In this the veining of the petals is quite
lost, the colour being a soft scarlet, and it will probably prove
the progenitor of a race of scarlet-flowering autumn Amaryl¬
lises.

To these must be added another hybrid that was certifi¬
cated at South Kensington last Tuesday, November 9th, and
which is entitled to rank amongst the best that have yet been
raised. This was appropriately named Lady Mayoress, and
came from Messrs. J. Yeitch and Sons’ nursery, having re¬
sulted from a cross between Amaryllis reticulata and a
variety of A. Leopoldi. The last-named parent has in¬
fluenced the size of the flower considerably, and the colour is
deeper than in most of the other forms — a rosy red bearing
reticulation on a lighter ground, but with the colour more or
less suffusing the whole of the flower. We next may expect
that someone will be fortunate enough to raise a pure white-
flowered seedling, and then we shall have a charming series
of variations.

A few others have been raised and named, but those
mentioned have the best marked characters, and present
sufficient diversity amongst themselves to merit including in
any collection. One advantage they all possess which must
not be omitted — namely, they are evergreen, and their leaves
are sufficiently ornamental to render them worthy of cultiva¬
tion on that account alone, and in some stoves this has been
the chief recommendation the old Amaryllis reticulata has
possessed. The increased freedom of flowering of the hybrid

No. 333. — Vol. XIII., Third Series.

No. 1989 --Vol. LXXV., Old Series.

424

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ November 11, 1886

and varieties now in coiiections is a valuable quality, and
from this time until past Christmas a constant supply of
flowers will be yielded by those enumerated.

These Amaryllises are not difficult of culture, but they
need a little different treatment from the Leopoldi hybrids,
1 hough similar soil suits them well. A compost of sandy
loam and leaf soil, with a very small proportion of old
manure, is what they require, with a stove or intermediate
temperature during the greater portion of the year. Where
conservatories are kept somewhat above the greenhouse tem¬
perature to accommodate such plants when in flower, the
autumn Amaryllises can be safely employed. They do not
have a marked season of rest like the others, and the “ drying
off” system must therefore be especially avoided, for growth
continues throughout the year.

In the illustration (fig. 62, page 488), three of these
Amaryllises are depicted — viz., 1, Mrs. W. Lee; 2, Perloti;
8, G. Firth, indicating the characteristics of the race.

THE LiTE MR. GEORGE WILLIAM JOHNSON.

It is, to me, a sacred duty, as well as a mournful pleasure, to
add just a word or two to those so well said by yourself last week,
and will be said by others, on the character and life of Mr.
Johnson.

You do well to enlarge on his kindness of heart. “ Write me
as one who who loves his fellow man ” might, with literal truth, be
said of him. His was a large, loving heart, ready, nay anxious, to
help all who came before him. I am, myself, a living witness of
what he did out of pure kindness to me, a perfect stranger, thirty
years ago. Through the correspondence of the then Cottage Gardener
he found me, a young man living in a manufacturing neighbour¬
hood in uncongenial surroundings, with high gardening aspirations,
but little prospect of satisfying them, and, from my explanation
alone of my desires and position, he took up my case, and never
rested until he had introduced me to those who lifted me out of
my then unsatisfactory position, and placed me in the, to me, much
longed for paths of true gardening ; the result being that for many
years now I have been a head gardener in a steady and fairly com¬
fortable place. He was therefore, under God, the means of all my
life’s prosperity and happiness, and that you can understand my
feelings of gratitude towards him. Then, having once taken me
by the hand, he never let me go, but occasionally, by a timely letter
of advice and fatherly counsel, guided me to right conclusions and
actions. The last, and about the pleasantest letter I ever had from
him, was from Waldronhurst not very long since.

One by one all the old teachers and guides of our J ournal are
going home, the “ Doctor ” being now about the only one, with
“ D.” of Deal, that is left, and it is getting with me, as the Laureate
says, that —

“ The'days darken round me, and the yea-s,

Among new men, strange faces, other minds.”

But though “ the old order cliangeth, yielding place to new,” God
fulfils himself in many ways. The Journal goes on, and as our
late chief and friend said, in his last letter to me (for we were on
this subject), “ the new generation of writers keep up the old gar¬
dening spirit and intelligence of the paper with great skill and
power.”

I have a kindly feeling for the present writers and readers of the
Journal of Horticulture , but, of course the Editor and writers of
thirty and more years ago lie closer to my heart, and I think of
them — Robert Errington, Donald Beaton, Robert Fish, Thomas
Appleby, John Robson, Thomas Weaver, James Barnes, and
others — with the tenderest feelings, but the dearest to me is the
memory of my life-long friend, George William Johnson, whose
death is blessed, and his works follow him. — The “ Excelsior ” of
the “ Cottage Gardener ” of October 14 th, 1856.

I read with strong sympathetic feelings of the peaceful end of
our kind friend and benefactor, Mr. G. W. Johnson. It recalls to
my mind his stating on offering me a post on the staff of the
Journal of Horticulture in 1861, that he had the pleasure of ob¬
serving, “ You have the sound sense to make comparative experi¬
ments. Pursue that course, and you will assuredly acquire a fund
of reliable information of great practical value to yourself and
others.” This is only one of many similar encouragements received
in a long course of years, and which will ever be remembered with
a strong sense of indebtedness to departed worth. — G. Abbey.

As a recipient of much good advice from the* late Mr. G. W.

Johnson, I feel impelled to record an instance of the generosity of
his heart. Many years ago he desired an article on a specified
subject by return of post. I was unwell at the time, yet just able
to comply with the request of our departed friend. At that time
I was a little proud, perhaps vain, of my penmanship, which was
very different from what it is now, and expressed regret for my
inability to acquit myself better both as regards the matter and
manner of my contribution. His reply was prompt and practical ;
it was to the effect thit I should ask to be relieved for a week
or two for a rest and change that he was sure I needed, and he
enclosed a bank note for meeting any expenses that might be
incurred under the circumstances. He was subsequently the
means of placing me in a position far better than before, and
to which I could not have succeeded without his assistance.
What is often said jocularly in respect to another gentleman,
whom it is not necessary to name, 1 say in great sincerity of Mr.
Johnson — that he was, indeed, a “ grand old man.” — A Gardener.

THE PAST SEASON’S GARDENING.

Now that the period of comparative rest in gardening has
arrived, it is a suitable time to exchange experiences regarding
the various crops of flowers, fruit, and vegetables we have had to
cultivate during the past, not by any means unfavourable, year of
1886. Of course, writing from a somewhat favoured locality, five
miles from Tunbridge, Kent, it is not to be suggested that the
season has been equally favourable to all alike. However, I will
roughly note down from memory a year of our successes and
failures, which may profitably be compared with other readers
of our Journal’s experiences.

We have had a good Pea season, more especially with the early
and second crop varieties, such as William I., Day’s Sunrise, Kentish
Invicta, Advancer, and one or two other sorts, with later varieties,
such as Champion of England, Victoria, Ne Plus Ultra, &c. They
did not do so well after the later summer rains set in, mildew
supervening, which very much shortened the crops. Potatoes Myatt’s
and Welford Park Kidney have done good service, the latter an
excellent introduction of good quality, and a splendid cropper with
me. Schoolmaster, Grampian, Victoria, with a few other late sorts,
have cropped well and been free from all decay. By the way, I may
mention since storing away the seed tubers they have, all sorts
alike, become badly affected with the old 1845 complaint, the
Potato blight. Mr. Ross’s new M.P. is a good variety, but not
sufficiently in advance of the grand old Schoolmaster (at least with
us) to merit any particular distinction.

The first sowings of Carrots and Parsnips were almost a failure ;
later beds, however, produced splendid results, more especially
Carter’s Improved and Intermediate Carrots. Autumn-sown
Onions were unusually large, many measuring 17 and 18 inches
round, but I am sorry to say they kept Joadly. Spring Onions are
plentiful, but one-half of them have run bull necked, and will, of
course, only be suitable for present use. Broad, Kidney, and
Scarlet Runner Beans have cropped well. Turnips, as usual with us
in the garden, quite a failure ; but in the fields, and even among
Hops surrounding, they are plentiful and very fine, as well as all
other root crops generally. Beetroot, where sown a little too
soon, have done well, but many seedy ones have shown up in the
beds. We had a fine season for Celery planting, no maggot in the
crop, but nearly all the White Sandringham ran to seed, Harrison’s
Red standing well, and at present in full use.

Lettuce and Cabbages have been put out for spring use ;
the latter we found much afflicted with club at the root,
which is best' cut off with a sharp knife, and rarely any of the
plants will suffer. All kinds of Winter Greens, Brussels Sprouts,
Broccoli, &c., are unusually strong, which will be none the better
in the event of a severe winter setting in. I will add a few fruit
notes, with the Editor’s kind permission, in another number of the
Journal. — Wm. Chisholm, Oxon Heath Gardens, Tunbridge.

SELECTION OF PEARS.

I MUST plead on behalf of an old friend — viz., Marie Louise, which
I notice is omitted by Mr. Muir in his selection page 404. Taking all
things into consideration I consider this variety the best Pear we have
for general usefulness and reliability, and if I were confined to one
variety I should choose this in preference to any other I am acquainted
with, as I know of no other variety so good in quality which can be
depended upon to produce a crop under such a variety of circumstances.

Beund Superfin is a grand Pear certainly, but I do not find it a
certain cropper. We are told “the aim should always be to have a
constant supply,” hut I, for one, would not like to depend on so few
varieties in order to secure this end as those given on page 404, as very
few will keep from four to six weeks after they begin to ripen among those
fit for U9e before Christmas, and occasionally one kind will have a year’s
rest. Beurie Diel varies much in quality in different parts of the country.

November 11, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

425

Instead of large, rich, and melting, here it is small and worthless, and in
Kent I have found it of fairly good quality as a rule. Josephine de
Malines is of no use in this neighbourhood ; it is small and poor in
quality.

Doyennb du Cornice ripens here middle of October, and also in Kent I
have noticed it the same time, instead of December as stated on page 404.
The following varieties do well here, and are placed as near as possible
in the order of ripening.

Doyennd d’Etd, Beurr6 GiSard, Jargonelle, Williams’ Bon Chretien,
Brockworth Park, Fondante d’Antomne, Louise Bonne of Jersey,
Doyennb du Comice, Marie Louise, Pitmaston Duchess, Emile d'Heyst
syn. Beurrd d’Esperen, Beurrd Bose, General Todleben, Winter Nelis,
Easter Beurrd, Passe Colmar, Bergamotte Esperen, Ne Plus Meuris. —
W. H. Diveks, Ketton Hall, Stamford.

COMMON FLOWERS FOR CUTTING.

Of hardy flowers there is a goodly number either to select from
or to grow as a collection. At this period of the year we are
approaching the end of these for another season, but of the few
which bloom during the dull months of winter we have already some
stray flowers appearing. Of these are Schizostylis coccinea, many
spikes of which are now well forward, and some open. In moderately
open winters this does very well planted so as to have the protection
of a south wall ; on a south border and protected by rough frames
very fine spikes of clear bright flowers are freely produced. The
plant must have good cultivation, and requires breaking up and
transplanting every spring in rich soil. Christmas Roses are also
now beginning to show, strong clumps of the rnaximus form pushing
up numb»rs of buds. This is the most prolific of what are termed
the “minor” varieties, three good blooms on each stalk being quite
common. The blooms of all the Christmas Roses are easily damaged,
the roughest method of gaining purity in the flowers being to cover
the plants with dry leaves or fern. Large beds we cover
with old sashes, and when we want a large number of
flowers quickly they are cut in the bud state and put into a stove
temperature, in which they open quite full out in the course of two
or three days. For vase work we use half-expanded blooms ; these
open quite pure, and last much longer than fully opened blooms do.
Christmas Roses as a rule are much the best used in glasses by them¬
selves, using as a setting a good leaf of their own foliage, and at
most a very good frond of Maidenhair Fern. Another indispensable
winter flower is the Czar Violet. This variety flowers well in most
winters if the stock is annually replanted ; April or May is the best
time for this work, rooted runners being taken and planted in good
soil well enriched. To bloom in winter we plant under the protec¬
tion of walls. The same plant flowers well at the usual flowering
time, but bets in the open garden do best for spring flowering. In
early spring there are not many flowers which grow in the open
borders which are suitable for cutting. True, we can on occasion
make use of Snowdrops, Crocuses, &c., but that is only “ on occasion.”
But a good early-flowering plant is to be found in Doronicum
caucasicum, a pretty starry yellow flower ; D. austriacum may also
be grown, but these are much alike. Helleborus atro-rubens is a
pretty flower — -exceedingly pretty, but unfortunately does not stand
well when cut. Then the earlier of the

Daffodils should be planted in quantity, Narcissus minimus being
both pretty and useful. Other good and cheap Narcissi are the
common Lent Lily, N. bicolor, N. telamonius, N. poeticus, N. poeticus
ornatus, N. p. flore-plena, N. incomparabilis, N. i. Leedsi, and
the double form of incomparabilis. These grown in quantity will
yield a lengthened harvest of their beautiful flowers. A point worth
noting in their culture is this : the bulbs flower much better if occa¬
sionally lifted and planted thinly. One extensive grower we know
lifts annually, but that is hardly necessary, every third year doing
very well. It may be noted that Daffodils make up into beautiful
wreaths, and that the double poeticus is most useful for all decorative
floral work. Then, of course, we have Wallflowers, of which we
may say here that selected plants ought to be grown and seeded in
pots in order to keep the strain select. The dark blood-red strains
are very beautiful, but I by no means object to some Bhades of red.
The old “ double ” black form is a most useful variety, and of this
we grow a goodly number. Very charming flowers, too, are these
improved strains of Polyanthuses, which everybody should grow. A
bed of good whites and another of yellows is well worth the little
care they require to have good, though they do under the most ordi¬
nary treatment. Seed sown early in April with us blooms in the spring
succeeding.

Taking now the best cutting flowers as they come to mind we
first note Chrysanthemums. Of these the very finest is undoubtedly
Madame C. Desgranges, a variety which has taken a foremost place
with all who have to produce quantities of good flowers for cutting.
Even in our northern latitude it does exceedingly well out of doors,
both as sheltered by a south wall and grown in open borders. As we

have found it possesses a few little traits which must be studied and
provided for, we may be allowed to note these here. Those anxious
to get as much bloom as possible out of each plant very naturally
expect that a judicious system of pinching will help them. In this
instance such is not the case, as pinching has the effect of reducing
the quantity of bloom. Well-grown plants of this variety break all
the way up the stem, and when in full bloom a broad convex head is
formed by the many dozens of flowers open at the same time. Then
this sort does much better grown out of pots, even should they be
wanted to flower in these, although when one has to limit the size of
pot for house decorative purposes, it is necessary to grow them in
pots. Generally, however, the best way is to grow them like
Arums or other decorative plants. Old plants, again, flower much
earlier than those from cuttings of the same year, and this is a point
of considerable importance, as by using these old plants in pots we
can girdle the year with good Chrysanthemums, there being no diffi¬
culty in keeping such sorts as Mrs. C. Carey and Fair Maid of
Guernsey in bloom until the “ Desgranges ” cake their place. That,
however, by the way. As to their adaptability for cutting, that almost
goes without saying, although we have found full developed flowers
drop their petals to a destructive extent, and that indeed is the only
fault which this variety has. For wreath-making of the best class it
is first-rate, the larger blooms 6 inches or so across being quite as fine
as Elaine is later. It is also one of the best flowers for wiring for
table decoration as at present in vogue, and for vase-filling nothing
excels it. For the latter purpose the blooms may be used singly in
the smaller glasses, or whole stems cut and employed quite naturally
in conjunction with other flowers for large vases. The yellowish
centre of the younger blooms are very often condemned as detracting
from the beauty of the flowers, but for general purposes this does
not hold. The yellow variety G. Wermig we fully expect to be, if not
of actual va'ue, at least not very far behind the original form. It
seems to have the property which so many yellow sports possess of
flowering somewhat earlier than the white.

Another very good early hardy sort is Precocite, a medium flower
as to size, rich yellow, and flowering throughout the autumn. La
Petite Marie is another very good kind, and useful for wreath- making.
La Vierge maybe mentioned here, as it does exceedingly well planted
out and lifted to open its flowers under glass. This we expect will
take its place alongside Madame Desgranges, Lady Selborne, Mrs.
Rundle, Elaine, and Fair Maid of Guernsey as a standard cutting
sort. — B.

REVIEW OF GRAPES.

I beg to remind Mr. J. Mclndoe (page 415) that I have not said one
word against Mr. Taylor in this discussion nor at any other time, neither
have I tried to discredit any statement made by him. Mr. Taylor was
not a successful rival of mine at the Crystal Palace Show, and I repudiate
Mr. Mclndoe’s insinuation. Your remarks on the Gros Maroc Grape scnt
you by Mr. Stephen Castle, as well as those of “ A Medallist ” and many
others, go to show that there were good grounds for discussion. It was
your correspondent’s “ explanation ” of the difference in the two bunches
of Grapes in question that drew me into this discussion, in the hope that
he would prove conclusively the soundness of the grounds upon which he
made his first statement ; but instead of trying to do this, he has shifted
his position in the case from that of defendant to special pleader, and
attempts to make me the defendant by wrongfully accusing me of having
attributed unworthy motives to Mr. Taylor, whom he makes an unwilling
plaintiff. As I never write anything that I need be afraid or ashamed to
put my name, I am sorry for the sake of Mr. Mclndoe that I have not
given my name, as is my wont, at the beginning of this discussion, and
which I most certainly should have done had I started the subject, but for
the present I must remain to Mr. Mcludoe — An Exhibitor.

[Our correspondent is quite within his right, and he is too high-
minded to write with the object of attributing unworthy motives to
anyone.]

HARD WATER AND BOILERS.

Where nothing but very hard water is available for filling the boilers
and hot-water pipes it is astonishing how soon this proves destructive to
the former. Here, for instance, we are continually worried with the
boilers, and not a winter passes without a breakdown of some kind. In
another. garden situated in Wales the boilers of all descriptions that have
been tried seem equally unreliable, and many a young man has been
thoroughly disheartened with the almost impossible duty of keeping up-
the requisite heat of the forcing houses on ordinary occasions, and mire
especially during frosty weather. Various remedies have been suggested
and various experiments tried to soften the water, none of which is of
much use when much water is constantly passing from the supply cistern
into the boilers. When everything is in good working order or compa¬
ratively new very little water is wasted, and what therefore is let or
poured into the feed cistern may be softened by some means and with
advantage. But when the pipes run “ nobody knows where and nobody
knows how,” many of them being very old, many buried out of reach of
ordinary observation, and all connected in various forms and by various
hot- water engineers, it is not at all surprising to find there is always some

426

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER

[ November 11, 1886.

thing wrong somewhere. This is a nearly correct description of our
system, or want of system, of heating, and the consequence is many
bottom-heat pipes are burst at the sockets, for which the rusted iron
filings used in the packing are responsible. The valves when turned leak
badly till rusted up again, and a few cracked pipes complete the tale of
misery. Fortunately, we have a good water supply, and a steady stream
is always running in. Plenty will be ready to ask, “ Why not have all
this rectified?” but this is much easier said than done. Nobody could
say where to stop and what the cost would be, and besides a grand upset
is not to my liking ; in fae’, I could not name a time of year when we
could afford to stop everything in the way of growing plants, fruits, end
vegetables. There are many more, I am afraid, in much the same pre¬
dicament, and we can only sympathise with and assist each other to the
best of our ability.

We cannot soften our water nor alter the arrangement of the pipes,
and under the circumstances it must be a very good boiler indeed that
will long stand against a train of unfavourable incidents. Various cast
iron boilers have been tried, especially before I had charge of the place,
and more have since been fixed and refixed by their maker, who would
not accept defeat ; but they all collapsed, either at the first strain or in
about twelve months. The first offenders were upright tubulars (not
Weeks’), and they burst at the lower ring, either from a too slow
return, the cold water first passing through the hollow bars, or owing to a
rapid settlement of rust or other heavy matter, which the heat rapidly
transformed into rock. The old-fashioned upright tubulars are simply
worthless, being liable to break down even where the water is perfectly soft.
There are two glaring faults in their construction, both of which have
been remedied by the leading hot-water engineers, but not by the local
makers, who still persist in constructing them on the old lines. In the
first place the bottom ring ought either to be ca6t more after the shape of
a horseshoe, or with a gap in the ring, this admitting of expansion ; or
better still on the duplex system, so well carried out by Messrs. Weeks.
Then instead of there being only one small pipe connecting the hot-water
bars with the boiler there ought to be two, this being especially needful
when the settlement in the boiler accumulates quickly, or wherever hard
water is used. When a very experienced friend first pointed out to me how
important it is that there should be one good return pipe if not two to
every boiler, I felt certain that the want of this had much to do with the
collapses that have occurred here. When there are two 4-inch flow pipes
and only one partially choked 3-inch return it is bound to end disastrously
the first time a sharp frost necessitates hard firing, and it is the ring at a
spot just in front of the furnace door that gives way beyond all power
of repairing. The very thought of what we have had to contend with
makes me shudder. These breakdowns are always annoying, happen
when they will, but I have no word to describe the gardener’s feelings
when it occurs, as it usually does, at the outset of a severe frost.

Upright tubulars unfortunately are not the only failures, as it has been
necessary to re-rivet saddle boilers and to frequently repair those that are
welded. They give way somewhere, some in about five years, others after
a longer duration. The most serviceable boiler ever fixed here, an
improved Trentham or Cornish, gave no trouble for twelve years, but the
breakdown happened as a matter of course when the upright tubular in
connection with it was also " in a bad way.” Early last winter, at the
commencement of a week’s frost, we were fixing one new boiler and re¬
pairing the other, the new working as best they could in the daytime, and
so contriving as to admit of the pipes being filled and a fire lit each
night. We were up all night long and adopted all soits of contrivances
to keep out the frosts from those houses which the Trentham does not
reach. It was altogether a case of gardening under difficulties, and it was
not the first time I devoutly wished all the hot-water apparatuses at the
bottom of the sea. I thought of all this when I saw the display of boilers
and piping at Liverpool, and I quite sympathised with Mr. Witherspoon
and his difficulties with defectively constructed joints. He should have
had the gold medal if my vote could have been the casting one.

The one great recommendation of the Trentham boiler is the fact that
it can be repaired where it is most liable to burst wbhout the aid of a
mason. With us it failed directly over the fire and within easy distance
of the front. A small crack soon spread, and a steady stream proves too
much for any ordinary fire. At first an iron plate half an inch thick,
about 12 inches by 6 inches, and made to fit the boiler was bolted strongly
over the weak place. Instead of red lead, which is liable to squeeze out,
a square of the fireproof asbestos was enclosed, and this effectually stopped
the leak. This papery material seems proof against a fierce fire, though
in our case it was only subjected to the test for a few months ; at the same
time when removed last winter it was apparently uninjured. The work
of drilling holes and strongly bolting on the plates is very laborious, but
in spite of the great heat necessarily got up eveiy night it was well done.
As it happened it only staved oft a breakdown for a short time, as the
roof of the boiler soon began to warp and crack afresh, and after an ex¬
amination it was decided to cut a piece measuring 18 inches by 15 inches
clean out. When this was done it was found that the whole of the roof
was encrusted with rock of nearly the ihickness of the water space, and
the wonder is that any heat ever reached the houses connected with that
boiler. In case I may appear to have exaggerated the state of affairs I am
posting a sample of wbat came out of the boiler for the Editor to inspect.
He may have seen similar instances of incrustation, but I never have, nor
could have credited previously that a boiler would have got into such a
bad state in a comparatively short space of time. A man worked hard all
one day in clearing out the rock from that boiler, and some could not then
be £°t at- A fresh stout plate well paced at the edges with iron filings
and red lead was strongly fixed over the opening made, and it answers

well. As many as thirty-two stout square-headed screws were used, and I
have no doubt such strong work will be lasting. Flimsy repairs are use¬
less, especially in such trying positions, and we were fortunate in being
able to command the services of experienced mechanics. It is no economy
to patch up an old-fashioned boiler, seeing how much more powerful and
less fuel-consuming are the most modern inventions, especially saddle
boilers with a waterway back or “ check end,” but nearly any boiler can
be repaired, and if the work is well done will last for many years longer.
— W. IGGULDEN.

SEASONABLE HINTS ON FLORISTS’ FLOWERS.

This month is a busy and important one for florists, and it is not too
much to say that on the care and attention bestowed now will depend the
success or failure of another season. Other circumstances may cause it
afterwards to make or mar the season’s prospects, but if neglect takes
place now nothing will remedy it afterwards. A few hints, then, from an
old florist may not be out of place.

Auriculas. — These must now be put into their winter quarters.
Some have houses in which “ to bestow their goods,” others — that is, the
larger proportion of growers, use frames. These must now be removed
from the shaded aspect in which they have been (or ought to have been)
all the summer to a position facing the south, so that they may get the
benefit of the winter sun when it condescends to shine. All dead and decay¬
ing leaves should be gently stripped off, and if there are any aphides they
should be got rid of, either by brushing or fumigation, and the pots kept
clear of weeds. I do not know how others have found it, but although this
has been one of the finest and warmest autumns that we have experienced
for many years I never had so few autumn trusses. As I potted at the usual
time and treated my plants precisely as I have done in former years I
know of no reason that will account for this.

Carnations and Picotees. — Those who, like myself, trusted to
plants in beds received a rude shock this season. For two winters my
plants had done well, and I hoped that I could dispense with flowering
them in pots, but the severitv of last season was too much for them and
grievous gaps marked the bed, so I am this year returning to pot culture,
and shall bloom them under a rough structure I have put up for flowering
my Chrysanthemums under. The layers, which have all been taken oft
some time and just planted thickly in a bed, will now be taken up, potted
where the plants are large, one in a 48-pot, or two when they are small, but
if there is plenty of space they are better potted singly. The compost
used should be very simple — pure loam, with a little leaf mould added, but
no manure. It is not desired that the plants should grow during the
winter, but make plenty of roots. After potting they should be kept close
for a few days after being gently watered, and they should then be re¬
moved to a frame facing south, and have abundance of air given at all
seasonable times, a close damp atmosphere inducing spot.

Gladioli. — This is an anxious month for these, as on their suc¬
cessful housing depends a good deal of the success of next year’s
blooms. The beds containing them will have to be carefully watched, for
there are some corms which are earlier than others, and will have to be
lifted first. The early part of the month was very favourable for ripening
them, but within the last fortnight we have had in Kent more than
3 inches of rain, and where the ground is at all heavy it has made the
ground too sticky for much to be done with them. Opinions vary as to
the best time for taking them up. Mr. Burrell leaves his to a very late
time, even covering his beds with long litter to prevent the frost getting
at them. They say at Fontainebleau that November is the month for
lifting them, but in a note I had from there a fortnight ago they told me
that they were already doing so. When they are taken up they should
be placed in a cool shed where the air can get at them, but from which
frost is excluded, so that they can be dried gradually. I never found that
corms what are lifted in a sound state go off afterwards, but if they are
spotted they are most likely to go from bad to worse. Some advocate
their being left with all the earth adhering to them, but neither at
Fontainebleau or Langport is this idea carried out. The “ spawn ” should
be carefully saved of good varieties when the bulbs are cleaned off, and
be put into paper bags with some dry sand ; there they may be kept until
the spring. When I clear off my corms I place them in a frame specially
made for them, and place it in a dark cellar where frost cannot reach
them, writing their names on the bulbs themselves, so that if they do get
disarranged in any way they may be easily known.

Pansies.— These may now be placed like Carnations and Auriculas in
frames, and be treated in a similar manner. Where they are grown in
beds care must be taken to save them from being broken or twisted by
high winds, and a top-dressing of old manure about 1 inch in thickness
will be found useful for keeping the plants in order, as well as helping
their growth.

Ranunculi. — I have been much puzzled by the observations on
these tubers in a recent Journal, when the writer of the calendar said,

“ The Turban varieties of Ranunculuses are best for bedding out late in
January. Late in January or early in February are good times for planting
them.” I hardly know what he means by Turbans being best for bedding
out. Of course if you want to have beds all of one colour this is true,
but the Persian varieties are equally good ; and as to planting the
Turbans then. It is, 1 think, the first time I have seen that recom¬
mendation. They ought to be, or at any rate they are always, planted in
October, while the Persians are reserved for spring. It is to me a great
surprise that these (the Persians) are not more generally grown, for they
are now easily obtained. After having tried in many quarters for s >rts
that would bring back to me those which made so vivid an impression on
me fifty years ago, I received a collection from Messrs. Ant. Roozen and

November 11, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

427

Sons of Haarlem, and they entirely fulfilled my expectations. They
were of all the varied hues which the Ranunculus gives to us, from pure
white to so dark a purple as to look like black, reis, greys, olives, white
grounds, spotted or striped yellow grounds edged with various colours,
and I could but feel, as day after day I revelled in their beauty, whet a
pity it is that more lovers of flowers do not grow them. Let me advise
my readers to try a bed, and I think they will agree with me in admiring
their beauty and symmetry of form.

Roses. — It is a busy time now with the Rose grower. He will look
over his beds to see what vacancies there are, what kinds are to be
discarded for better varieties. He will look out eagerly for the packages
from the nurseryman, and if he is wise plant as soon as ever he receives
it, unless the ground is very unfavourable. In that case it will be better
to lay them in and defer it to a more favourable time. Where fresh
plantations are to be made the ground should have been well trenched
and manure added, so that no fresh manure should be added at planting
time. It is also well to be looking out for turf to prepare compost for
future use. — D., Deal.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.

ENGLISH AND FOREIGN PRODUCE.

Upon any day of the week this Market exhibits an odd mingling
of the rich and poor in the throngs that pass through its avenues, for
many come here even from distant parts of London who have money
to buy things out of their season, be it sooner or later ; and some
come here thinking it must be the place to get any fruit or vegetables
good and fresh, though experience after a while may alter their
views about this. To say the truth, Covent Garden prices are rather
anomalous. Thus, one man may be noticed getting 6d. for some
article which affords another a few yards ofE a profit at 3d. The
plants and cut flowers of the Market furnish another attraction, and
those who do not buy here yet obtain some enjoyment by strolling
about with observant eyes.

It is appropriate certainly that this great emporium should be on
land which once belonged to monkish owners, for the convent gardens
of the Dark Ages were for a long period the only places at which
experiments in horticulture were carried on ; and this plot, of about
its present size and shape, so the old deeds show, was the garden
attached to the abbey of Westminster till it became the property of
the Duke of Bedford, and a small market was held on one side of
the ground during the Commonwealth, but it was still a garden ;
down to Strype’s time there remained a shady grove of trees. Could
we resuscitate one of the old monks and take him round, even upon
an autumn day, he would acknowledge that, clever as his brethren
were in raising toothsome fare, the gardeners of modern times have
completely distanced them.

An entry has been found recording the setting of young trees in
1666, probably Elms, which have all vanished. A few Sycamores
of no great age grow beside the churchyard of St. Paul’s near. To
see what trees Covent Garden has still to show us we must ascend
to the terrace or gallery which extends round a portion of the Market
buildings. Here one seems to breathe a freer air than on the ground
below, where a somewhat mixed vegetable odour exhales, and we find
ourselves in a sort of elevated shrubbery backed by conservatories ;
and the sound of the birds in the aviary adjacent might suggest to
us that we were in some rural retreat. Most of the trees were planted
on this spot thirty years ago or more by the grandfather of the present
occupier, and there are many, both English and foreign, that have
stood the London smoke well. The roots are contained in tubs or
boxes, and on comparing the size of these receptacles with that of
several of the trees living and thriving here, it is evident that a very
moderate quantity of earth suffices to keep certain species in a grow¬
ing condition ; but possibly some of them have extra nutrition sup¬
plied, and though October is advanced they are not yet bare of their
leaves. We are overshadowed by Birches, Poplars, Hazels, Planes,
and Sycamores, also by evergreen species of familiar kinds. Here,
however, as elsewhere in the metropolis, Rhododendrons, though
attaining a good size, will not bloom.

Evergreens of all kinds are a feature of the Market just now, as
the demand for them increases with the approach of winter, but the
young Firs appropriated to Christmas festivities have not yet arrived
on the scene ; and the numerous Chrysanthemums in pots indicate
the growing popularity of this flower, which is opening just when
many of its Composite kindred are ceasing to adorn our gardens,
Bunches of Michaelmas Daisies and Asters are evidently in demands
with autumn Roses and Violets ; indeed there is probably no week of
the year when cut blooms of these favourites are not to be purchased .
A specimen of the Camellia-flowered Balsam, though going off, bring,
to our mind a row of cottage gardens where these were a conspicuous
autumn adornment, beside tall Sunflowers and Hollyhocks. This is
a species that might be oftener sown about our London open spaces,
as also the tree Carnation. The latter will flower on till Christmas
with not much injury from damp days or frosty nights. Numerous
Ericas interspersed with Ferns, amongst which the predominance of

Adiantums is perceivable, Pelargoniums, autumn Lilies, and other
plants in pots make a pleasant show, and they are somewhat in
demand at this era of window gardening, when even city streets show
us the rotation of the seasons. Then there are creepers ready for
autumn planting, and showy herbaceous species also, guaranteed to
flower early in spring. Some enterprising vendors of seeds produce
their stocks of annuals, advising the public to sow these late in
autumn ; but I am afraid, so far as most London gardens go, the
result is seldom successful owing to cats and sparrows.

Also we may see at Covent Garden the products of our fields and
woodlands. Here are bunches of tall Grasses, Fescues, Catstails, and
others arranged for ornament, long sprays of wild Rose well covered
with fruit, and Hawthorn twigs profuse of bright berries, and amongst
the edibles wild Blackberries and Mushrooms. People come to the
Market for healing herbs, specially for those presumed to furnish a
tonic beverage in autumn. Cheap substitutes appear for the much-
advertised “ Hop Bitters,” and some seem to think that Danilpone
can cure almost all maladies save those requiring Liquorice, while the
numerous bundles of Solomon’s Seal hint at the frequency with which
black eyes occur amongst a certain class.

Amongst the esculents that may be said to be both palatable and
healthful the Tomato claims a high place. Not so many years ago
it was chiefly used with us for making sauce, but it is now freely
eaten raw and cooked in a variety of ways. We have only to glance
around the stalls to see that this fruit is very popular, its perishable
nature being somewhat troublesome to the vendors, yet growers
manage to send a large quantity to the London markets from Guern¬
sey. It is also raised throughout England in the open air as under
glass, though not regarded with favour by market gardeners owing
to the uncertainties of the crop, which is apt to be infested with a
minute but troublesome fly, the Aleyrodes. Celery is another esculent
much eaten in autumn, and decidedly beneficial ; it is one of the few
vegetables that can be advantageously grown near the metropolis, and
much of the Celery we see has not cost much in carriage. As we
look around we are reminded of a burning question of the present
day, for how small a proportion of ihe fruit and vegetables sold in
this Market has been raised on Biitish soil. Hard upon native industry,
say some, let us adopt repressive measures, shut out foreign goods, or
put on them heavy imposts, and then the farmer and market gardener
would have a fair chance of beating the foreigner, Is it possible for
us to replace the supply we have from abroad by English-grown
articles? I believe not. Then let this fact be considered, that it
has been estimated at least 150,000 persons in London alone gain a
livelihood by selling foreign fruit, and were this no longer to airive
here their trade would be practically gone One thing is unalterable,
either by theorists or law makers, and that is our English climate,
which does not favour the early ripening of fruit, so that the markets
are well stocked, or perhaps glutted, with articles raised in summer
lands before the English growth can put in an appearance. Then
again, the Englishman while knowing he has the disadvantage of being
behindhand, very often holds back his goods, in spite of this, for the
sake of getting what he thinks a fair price. And indeed, he is often
obliged to ask more than the competition of the day will allow the
buyers to give, because he is heavily handicapped by high rent,
extraordinary tithes, &c. Time was when we exported a good deal
of the produce of our market gardens, now except some Cauliflowers
and Cucumbers very little goes to the Continent. But as already
stated, we import enormously fruit and vegetables that are also
grown in these islands, chiefly from I ranee, Belgium, Germany, and
Holland. America sends in her contingent, of which Apples form the
largest item. To arrest this is impossible, yet something might be
done, we may say must be done, to help the native producer, not to
outrival, but to compete fairly with, the grower in a more genial
climes. It is admitted that the present rate of railway charges forbids
the transit from a distance of much that would reach the London
market if a lower tariff was in force, and greater facilities given for
quick despatch. And we must imitate our French neighbours by
whom so much land is held in small allotments, and its produce sent
abroad, the cost of labour being of course much less than with our
English farmer. — J. R. S. C.

THE CHRYSANTHEMUM OUTLOOK.

THE SLOUGH NURSERY.

Flokists’ flowers have for many years received close attention in Mr.
Turner’s nursery. Roses, Azaleas. Dahlias, Carnations, and Auriculas have
rendered the firm celebrated wherever flowers are prized.no name being
better known in the horticultural world than Turner of felough. 1 rompt
to recognise the increasing popularity of any plants, different groups or
families have been taken in hand in succession, the rule being in every
case to develope their qualities to the utmost, and prove by the best
cultivation their capacity for improvement. Chrysanthemums have long
held an important place'in the collections at this nursery, but to meet the
greatly extended demand, and to do ample justice to such a beautiful

428

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ November 11, 1886.

race of plants, it has been necessary to increase the number of plants
grown and the house accommodation for them when in flower. Con¬
sequently a display of considerable magnitude is now provided, not of
trained specimens or exhibition blooms, but of freely grown plat)ts
admirably adapted for grouping or affording a bountiful supply of flowers
for cutting. Two large houses are mainly appropriated to the autumn
show of Chrysanthemums, one the spacious structure near the main
road, and the other a span-roof house over 100 feet long. In the latter
Ihe plants, which are remarkably dwarf and in comparatively small pots,
are arranged in two sloping banks, with the path down the centre, and
there is such a good proportion of light, dark, and richly coloured blooms,
the plants being furnished down to the pots with floe fresh green foliage,
that the effect is most pleasing. In the show house first noted the plants
form central groups, and are also arranged on the side stages, some 500
or 600 plants being employed, rep'esenting a selection cf all the varieties
worth growing. With those of which the merits have been proved in past
years are associated for trial those received from the Continent and
America this year, and a good proportion of these will have to be incor¬
porated with the general stock another season.

To supply the very large demand for cut flowers considerable numbers
of Chrysanthemums are grown specially for this purpose in addition to
those already referred to. One long spin-roof house, which is devoted to
the late variety Princess Teck, planted out in borders on each side of the
path, and in the course of a week or two these plants will present a re¬
markable display. There are some thousands of stout healthy buds
advancing very steadily and giving promise of some grand flowers. In
height the plants are as level as if they had been mown over, and
altogether this house will be worth a long journey to see when the blooms
the at their best. Outside long beds of Mrs. G. Bundle and other
favourite white-flowered varieties have been covered with lights on an
improvised framework and matted round, thus bringing the blooms a
little earlier, clean, and efficiently protecting them from possible rain or
frost.

In other departments of the nursery the Carnations are looking well,
the tree varieties now flowering abundantly, an extensive batch of
seedlings, including some richiy coloured varieties equal in many re¬
spects to the best named varieties and distinguished by their robust
habit. Pelargoniums, Roses, Azaleas, and many other plants have houses
devoted to them, while outside the Dahlias are scarcely over, and the
large stock of herbaceous plants still comprises some in flower, Anemone
japonica and alba having been exceedingly beautiful.

THE MAIDENHEAD NURSERY.

About twenty minutes’ walk from Maidenhead station on the Old Bath
Road brings the visitor to Mr. Robert Owen’s nursery, whence during the
past two years several meritorious novelties have been sent to exhibitions
and honoured with certificates. After long experience as a practical
gardener, Mr. Oweu acquired this land and commenced business as a
florist and nurseryman with a specialty, Tuberous Begonias, to which he
had previously given much attention, and which have served to render his
name familiar to large numbers of horticulturists. Some six or seven
substantial and commodious h >uses have been erected, and these are
devoted to the Tuberous Begonias, Ivy-leaf, Zinal, and other Pelar¬
goniums, Ferns, miscellaneous flowering plants, and Chrysanthemums,
the last-named forming the feature with which we are now chiefly
concerned.

The collection of varieties is a large one, several houses being appro¬
priated to the plants, which are freely grown witn the object of producing
as many blooms as possible ; but probably another season Mr. Owen may
take his place amongst exhibitors of Chrysanthemums, as it is intended
to grow a portion of the stock for show purposes. One house is partly
filled with the excellent late white variety Boule de Neige, for which Mr.
Owen obtained a certificate at the meeting of the Royal Horticultural
Society in January this year. It is a free-flowering variety, of dwarf
habit, capitally suited for culture in pots, either as a conservatory plant
or for cutting, and the period at which the flowers are produced renders
it still more valuable. Quite distinct from the Chinese or Japanese
Chrysanthemums are C. carinatum and C. frutescens, but they deserve
mention here, since Mr. Owen has formed a group of varieties or hybrids,
all very free and varied in colours. That figured in this Journal some
time ago — namely, Cloth of Gold, is a very pretty type, but there are
several others, such as Cloth of Silver, scarcely less attractive.

Much of the ground has been devoted to Tuberous Begonias and early
Chrysanthemums this season, but attention is also being directed to
.herbaceous plants, of which a good collection is being formed.

BEDDING VIOLAS.

I HAVE read your correspondent Mr, Dean’s remarks with much
interest in last issue of the Journal in respect to these flowers, and from
them I gather that it is generally accepted that cow manure is the best,
and I certainly consider it the best for my especial circumstances. In
Mr. Dean’s quotation of Mr Baxter’s letter on the subject, the latter
gentleman appears to give preference to dry cow manure collected from
the meadows (rather a tedious operation where it is required in quantity,
unless the cows are very plentiful). I am at a loss rather to know why
Mr. Baxter prefers the dry manure to that which comes from the cow¬
shed, to which I give preference, and for reasons I have previously shown.
Perhaps Mr. Baxter will enlighten me in this, and I am grateful to him
for the hint of hot slacked lime, which is new to me. The sudden
'•ollapse of some varieties has hitherto been unaccountable, for the plants,

which were apparently in health to-day, are dried up and withered on
the morrow, when it is certainly too late to apply anything, and there I
take it to be advisable to adopt the old adage of “prevention is better
than cure.” Mr. Baxter also imagines that I do not put “ half enough
manure in the ground but I scarcely know if that gentleman is in
earnest or whether he anticipated chasing the heads of my firm over a
gigantic stack of manure and rushiDg them headlong into the bankruptcy
court. I find, however, that I gave (which I did at the time of writing
my notes on page 366 from memory) the wrong size of my Viola beds,
and gave the size of the beds on the next quarter. The actual size of the
beds are, which I have specially measured to-day, November 5th, 5 feet
wide and 30 feet long, which makes a very considerable difference in the
dressing given, and seeing that my barrows are those hideous box
barrows which only know existence in the neighbourhood of London,
some idea may be had of the amount given. At any rate I considered it
a very liberal dressing, and not only have they done remarkably well
under most adverse circumstances, but they appear to have made a life¬
long impression upon Mr. William Dean, who, to say the least, is one of
the most competent authorities in such matters, and one who has made
these plants and their allies the study of many years. My Ardwell Gem
does not look to the ground, but shows an equally good front as the
Queen of Spring type, but the latter cannot equal in any degree the
former for constitution in our light gravel drained soil at Hampton. —
E. Jenkins.

GASCOIGNES SEEDLING APPLE.

The fruit illustrated (fig represents a mediur sized and fair
example of the variety in question. Prominence is given to it because

Fig. 61.— Gascoigne’s beed iug.

it was quite one of most attractive varieties in the fruit-room at Chiswick
this autumn, and Mr. Barron considered it well worthy of public atten¬
tion. There are three “ Gascoigne’s Seedling ” Apples described in
“British Apples” as having been exhibited at (he Apple Congress in
1883. The one under notice is the best of them, and is referred to on
page 187 of the work in question as “ Dessert or culinary, medium,
oblong, pale yellow, streaked, and flushed rosy pink, with a thick bloom,
mid-season, very handsome.” Our description of the specimen figured
is fruit roundish ovate, very prominently ribbed towards the eye. Skin
lemon coloured when ripe, marked on the side next the sun with a
crimson flush, and broken streaks of the same colour ; the base has a
greenish grey tinge and covered with a coat of thin russet. Eye closed,
with incurved convergent segments set in a deep angular basin. Stamens
basal ; tube conical. Stalk upwards of an inch long, inserted in a
deep funnel-shaped cavity. Fiesh white, crisp, juicy, and briskly flavoured
with a pleasant aroma. Cells obovate, axile, or somewhat abaxile.

This is a very handsome Apple iadeid, aa I apparently of the Dreheu
of Oldenburg type, which is known as one of the best and most abundant
bearers of autumn Apples.

CHRYSANTHEMUM NOTES.

Nomenclature — I deeply regret having hurt Mr. Davis’s feelings by
my criticism of the N.O.S. catalogue ; but he and his colleagues were
really too modes'-, as they have never before breathed a word about

November 11, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

429

spending “ six weeks in corresponding with Latin and French scholars,
Their reticence on this point, coupled with the fact that several
distinctly English slips were to be found in the work, made me jump to
the conclusion that they had not consulted any authorities but them¬
selves, and I am glad to find myself mistaken. Messrs. Thibaut et
Xeteleer being, as Mr. Owen points out, part English and part French,
this latter gentleman makes confusion worse confounded by spelling the
last name “ Keteeler ” in addition to “ Keteleer ” of the N.C.S. and
Keteller ” of Mr. Davis’s own catalogue last year.

I could not be expected to know of the existence of Mdlle. Paule
Dufour, as she is not mentioned in any catalogue I have yet seen, but am
glad to find that even some Frenchmen believed Belle Pauline to be
■the correct name for that very capricious variety.

I was quite aware of “ Bertier ” being a man’s name ju^t as George
us, yet the N.C.S. Committee have not taken “ Mrs.” away from
“ George Rundle.” Why then “Madame” from “ Bertie Randatler ?”
Mr. Davis’s excuse that they did so for fear of confusion with “ Madame
Berthier ” will not hold water, for on looking through the catalogue I
find two Ceres, two Carmen, two Jupiter, two Graziella, two Aurore
Boreale, two Delicata, two Duchess of Albany, and two Flocon de
Niege, besides Coquette de Castille, James and Jane Salter, Mons. Roux
and Mons. Rioux, Gloire de Toulouse and Gloire Toulousaine, Mr.
J. Laing, Mons. John Laing, and Mons. J. H. Laing. After this Mr.
Davis can hardly complain of my inconsistency. But if the Committee
were so anxious to avoid confusion why did they not adopt the English
synonym Curiosity ? It is an excellent name, and I for one think that
English names might with advantage be given more frequently than they
are, as the majority of French names present insuperable difficulties of
•pronunciation to English gardoners and mislead Englishmen generally.

•ru r" ^oe3 no*; U8 who bis Latin correspondents were, and

without some proof of the correctness of their views I must decline to
accept their substitution of the termination “a” for “ um.” Why a
Chrysanthemum is to be feminine instead of neuter I fail to comprehend,
especially as the generic name ends in “ um.” Chrysanthemum album
plenum surely sounds better than Chrysanthemum alba plena. We might
just as well have Oncidium macrantha or Sobralia macranthum, and
■Cattleya guttatum or Saccolabium guttata. Would Mr. Davis tolerate
for one moment such a jumble as that?

. Taking the Buds. — I have little doubt of “C. L., Bristol ,” being
right in his criticism on Mr. Molyneux’s dates for the above. I followed
the directions most carefully, and did not “ take ” a single bud before
the 18th August. I think the 20th was my first, and the result has been
that all have been too early, many of the best kinds being over now,
therefore never again do I take a bud sooner than Sept. 1st. I am the
more convinced of Mr. Molyneux’s mistake, because in his concluding
article he published some letters from celebrated growers agreeing with
his view that the latter part of August is the right time to take buds, but
•on looking through that list I perceived all his correspondents to be north
countrymen— -conclusive evidence, I think, that southern growers do not
endorse his views on this subject.

I am a trifle hazy as to the geographical position of Swanmore Park,
but believe it to be near Southampton, one of the wettest places on the
south coask its climate being not unlike that detestable place Liverpool,
where the Chrysanthemum flourishes in a way unknown in warmer and
■drier situations. No ; Mr. Molyneux’s dates may do very well in cool
damp positions, but will not answer for the majority of places in the
sunny south ; such, for instance, as the northern slopes of the Thames
valley.— B. D. K.

Belle Paule. — Had Mr. Murphy explained to the readers of the
Journal in his first notes on Chrysanthemums that he had stopped the
shoots on Belle Paule, it would have been clear t > myself and others
that the plants are much dwarfed by the operation of stopping. Referring
to his notes, page 362, he says, “ This year I have grown it differently —
viz., in a highly manured border against a south wall. ... In habit and
foliage thus treated it resembles Eve and Duchess of Albany, at present
they are only 4 feet high each.” I agree with “ Chrysanthemum, Sussex,”
*' -*■ d° ntf ®ee any resemblance between Belle Paule and Eve, as Mr.
Murphy states there is.” At page 412 Mr. Murphy plainly states that his
plants were stopped, and are 4 to 5 feet high, hence the conclusion that
Belle Paule, a tall long jointed, and Eve is a close short-jointed variety.
There is little or no resemblance between the two varieties. Mr. Murphy
says on page 413, that “ I feel inclined to doubt that Mr. Owen has not
the true variety.” If my variety of Belle Paule is not the true one,
the Committee of the National Chrysanthemum Society made a grave
error when they awarded me a first-class certificate f r it as the true one.
I recommend to Mr. Murphy, Flora, as an early yellow Pompon, because I
think without doubt it is the earliest and best yellow Pompon grown.
Planted out it is only 2 feet high, and of first-class habit. The flowers are
full and of a bright canary yellow. I have been cutting from this variety
since the mid lie of July, and am still cutting (November 6th) abundance
of blooms from the same plants.

^ am relabe that during my twenty-six years of cultivation the

Chrysanthemum never performed this freak of producing hen-and-
chicken flowers. I admit not quite understanding “T. P.” until I referred
to his note a gecond time.— Robert Owen, Maidenhead.

Varieties Worth Trying. — The following varieties, which are not
generally known, were flowering in Mr. Davis’s collection at Camberwell a
lew days ago, appear to be both distinct and meritorious.

La Marguerite. — A medium-sized true Anemone- flowered variety,

not a hybrid nondescript, colour magenta violet, bold smooth cushion and
good guard florets. The bloom will doubtlessly come larger, and then be
an acquisition to a stand of choice varieties.

Roi de Japonaise. — The blooms of this variety were not fully de¬
veloped, and on strong well grown plantsjthey will probably attain a good
size. The florets are of medium width and drooping, not twisted, and the
colour very bright — reddish crimson tipped with gold. In character the
bloom somewhat resembles Etoile du Midi, but the varieties are quite
distinct.

Edouard Audiguier. — This is a Japanese variety of great promise.
The bloom is full and deep, with long fluted florets ; colour, rich amaranth
with a silvery reflex, which is visible in the short florets in the centre of
the bloom, the contrasting effect being very striking. The plant is a
strong grower with dark stems and fine foliage — a variety to be “ looked
after.”

Two older varieties worthy of mention are Temple of Solomon, a fine
yellow true reflexed variety that, used to be grown thirty years ago, but
has seldom been seen of late ; and Queen of Anemones, a beautifully
formed Pompon with a bright chestnut cushion and maroon guard florets,
distinct and good. — An Old Grower.

HARDY BRITISH FRUITS.

On Friday evening last a very interesting gathering was held at the
Queen Victoria Vegetarian Restaurant in the Strand, under the
presidency of Mr. Edmund J. Baillie, F.L.S., of Chester. After dinner
the subjects of fruit growing, reformed diet, and thrift in food weie dis¬
cussed. The Chairman, Mr. Baillie, gave an address upon fruit-growing,
and treated up m the many varied aspects of the question. He urged
upon all the necessity of making better arrangements for the sale of home¬
grown fruits, and pointed out the desirability for organisation on the part
of the producers to put their industry upon a footing of fairness. He
then spoke upon the educational aspect of the subject, and pointed out
how small a proportion of the food of the people was derived from the
gardens and the orchards in comparison to what it ought to be if habits of
health and thrift were taught and encouraged. Amongst other speakers
were Mr. G. C. F. Bartley, M.P., Professor J. E. B. Mayor, M.A. (Cam¬
bridge), Dr. Swartwont, President of Columbia University, New York,
Dr. Nicholls, Dr. Allanson, Mr. Skinner, and Mr. W. S. Manning. At the
conclusion of the meeting the Chairman invited the company to inspect
tha specimens of fruit arranged upon tables in the room. Mr. Manning
had a large and representative collection of Pears and Apples grown in his
orchards within seven miles of London ; and Messrs. F. & A. Dickson and
Sons of the Upton Nurseries, Chester, exhibited a collection of fruits
grown upon the trees in their fruit quarters unprotected in their nurseries
occupying, as Mr. Baillie explained, one of the bleakest and most exposed
situations in the county of Chester. The collection therefore included
specimens both from northern and southern di-tricts, and prominent
amongst the Cheshire fruits we observed — Apples. — Scarlet Pearmain,
King of Pippins, Cox’s Orange Pippin, Ribston, Court Pendu Plat, Sturmer
Pippin, &c. Pears. — Marie Louise, Louise Bonne of Jersey, Marie Louise
d’Uccle, Pitmaston Duchess, General Todtleben, &c.

The meeting was of a most interesting and thoroughly enthusiastic
character, and great credit is due to Mr. Manning for his excellent
organisation and for his untiring efforts in popularising the movement
with which he is connected, and towards the development of which
his energies are so constantly directed. The fruits were of splendid
quality and were arranged in the order of succession as to ripening, so
that the Company might make notes as to the kinds of fruits they should
order for certain seasons as they might be required for use. Such meet¬
ings cannot fail to do good work and are in every way commendable.

- Messrs. Wm. Paul Sc Son, Waltham Cross, writing in reply to

“ W. R.” respecting Rose Madame Barthelemy Levet, remark :—
‘‘ If your correspondent looks once again at our Rose catalogue he will
find we have no group of Roses there under the heading of Tea or Hybrid
Tea, but two groups under the heading of Tea-scented Roses and their
Hybrids.”

- Relative to La Favorite Melon, with which “ A Fore¬
man ” has been disappointed, “ T. H.” informs us that he has grown
this variety, and it set and swelled freely aid proved of good quality;
he considers it a very good Melon, and advises “ A Foreman ” to give it
another trial.

- In Messrs. Sutton Sc Sons’ trial grounds at Reading, amingst

many other attractions this season, a plant of Tropjeolum SPECIOSUM
on a north wall has flowered. The method of treatment is as fol’ows.

430

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[November 11, 1888,

The great difficulty experienced previously was the disinclination of the
young growths to make any headway. To obviate this, slates about
6 inches high standing on edge were placed on each side of the plant, thus
warding off the winds. Upon the first signs of growth small twiggy
sticks were placed for the slender shoots to twine round, a point of
importance, thus providing means of support without causing a check.
As soon as growth commenced freely water was given to the roots
copiously, and the foliage was syringed in the evening after a hot day.
These few hints upon the culture of this showy plant may be suggestive
to others placed in a similar position.

- The Ipswich Chrysanthemum Show will be held on Thurs¬
day and Friday, November 18th and 19th. Fifty-eight classes are
provided, sixteen being for Chrysanthemums and other plants in pots, £15
are for cut blooms and floral decorations, tho remainder being for fruit
and vegetables. The prizes range from two guineas to 2s. The Hon.
Sec. is the Rev. H. A. Berners, Harkstead Rectory, Ipswich.

- Gardening Appointment. — Mr. Richard Weller, recently

foreman at Balrath Burry, Kells, Co. Meath, has been appointed gardener
to Sir Croker Barrington, Bart., Glenstal Castle, Murroe, Co. Limerick.

- Mr. Joseph Witherspoon sends us what he calls a small

bunch of Grapes, accompanied by a photograph of his vinery to show
that his Red Rose boiler, which is exposed ia the house for economising
heat, does not impair the fruitfulness of the Vines nor the quality of the
Grapes. The photograph represents a very fine crop, and the sample
bunch sent is in every way satisfactory.

- “Like your correspondent, 1 Foreman,’ ” says “ T. T.,” “ I pur¬
chased a packet of La Favorite Melon Seed, the plants raised from
which I placed out injframes with other varieties — viz., Hero of Lockinge
Read’s Scarlet-flesh, and Eastnor Castle. Hero of Lockinge I consider
one of the best for frame culture, which ripened their crop at the proper
time. La Favorite sets its fruit very regularly, they swelled to a large
size and netted well, but never showed any sign of ripening. I applied
fresh lining to the frames and kept the plants dry at the root, but they
never altered in the least, and I finally had to throw them away when the
frames were wanted for other purposes.”

■ - Mr. W. Jupp sends the following note on making a Vine

Border : — “ First of all, when making a Vine border, take out the
soil to the depth of 3 feet 6 inches, then give a layer of concrete 6 inches
deep, sloping 1 inch to a foot from back to front. The drain should run
parallel along the front, then cross drains, which should run back to the
main drains about 4 to 5 feet. Place over the concrete and drain about
9 inches depth of broken brick rubbish, finishing with coarse gravel, and
above this place turves grass downwards. The compost for Vines is of
great importance ; a good friable loam from'pasture land is the best if it
has been stacked about twelve months and well exposed to the sun. The
loam must be rich and not sandy. To every eight cartloads of loam add
one of lime rubbish, charcoal, burnt clay, decayed cow manure, and about
three or four hundredweight of broken bones. Mix this well three or
four times and it will form an excellent border.”

- Noticing that the Syrian Grape is objected to by one of our

correspondents, “ G." writes: — “I wish to state that this Grape, when
well grown, is noble both in bunch and berry, and there are many of the
keeping Grapes that are worse in flavour. Of late white Grapes it cer¬
tainly is far above the others. Ripened up to a pale yellow or amber it
has a firm crackling flesh, very much appreciated by some, and the
quality is certainly surpassing that of Trebbiano and Calabrian Raisin.
Gros Colman is not to be named in the same category with the Syrian,
which is devoid of that earthy taste so characteristic of the Gros Colman,
and not entirely absent from Gros Maroc and Gros Guillaume. In large
bunches Syrian is not seen at its best, nor any Grape for that matter, but
if allowed to carry only medium sized bunches, and not overcropped, the
oval berries become very fine in size, ripen of a fine yellow or amber, and
the quality is good. The flavour is not, of course, equal to Muscats, yet
it bears comparison with any Grape classed as late, and of the thick-
skinned order. For Christmas there is no nobler white Grape than the
Syrian.”

- “ A.” desires to have the experience of growers of Roses on

the Seedling Briar as regards the production of suckers. He finds
the seedling Briar is just as prone after it gets a little aged to throw up
suckers as the veritable Dog Rose on which the standard and other Roses

are budded. “ It is the nature of the Briar to emit underground stolons
or suckers from under ground, appearing at some little distance from the
stem as separate plants, and these are little less determined than in the
case of stocks taken out of hedges or raised from cuttings. This is not
written to disparage the seedling Briar as a stock, but as showing the
value of the Manetti as a stock where suckers are not wanted, as they only
arise from the stem, a consequence of not removing the eyes at the time
of inserting the Manetti cuttings.”

- “ More than a week ago,” writes “ S. P. E. S., “ when walk¬
ing along a bye-way leading across some fields a few miles distant from
a city of the midlands, I was much struck by the beautiful effect produced
by dense masses of the golden-flowered Corn Marigold, Chrysan¬
themum SEGETUM, which were luxuriating amongst the root crops grow¬
ing in a light sandy soil. In one case they had been cleared off a portion
of the ground, and were lying in ridge-like lines, and there apparently
they had been allowed to remain for weeks, for the weeds amongst them,
which had been subjected to the same treatment, were in a state of de¬
composition, and above the decaying mass rose the erect flower stems of
the Marigold, bearing such a display of brilliant golden flowers as in many
a cultivated plant would more than repay the grower for the exercise of
no end of care and attention. I might have plucked literally loads of
them, but I contented myself with gathering a modest handful, and now
some of them present almost as fresh an appearance as when they were
placed in the vase that is before me as I write.”

- The same correspondent remarks — “ C. segetum reminds one

very much of Helenium Douglassi, which, by the way, is one of the
most beautiful of our hardy annuals, but I can find no record of it in any
book that I possess, although I have on more than one occasion endea¬
voured to hunt it up. I have known it substituted by continental seed
growers for Oxyura chrysanthemoides, another of Douglas’s Californian
introductions. The Helenium will thrive almost anywhere.”

- A correspondent, “ J.,” who has recently visited Auchen-

DRAIN, the well-known seat of Sir Peter Coats, about seven miles from
Ayr, remarks that — “ Under the practical skill and care of Mr. Currie,
who has had charge there for over twenty years, the garden has long been
known to be one of the finest in the county, and it is with a feeling of
regret that we learn that he is about to leave for America to join his
sons there in their increasing florist trade. We, as brethren in the trade
will — I am sure that all who had the pleasure of knowing him will cordi¬
ally wish him success in his new undertaking. We learn that Sir Peter
Coats has secured the services of an able successor in Mr. James Thomp¬
son, who is at present gardener to Samuel Boyd, Esq., Marchmont, Dum¬
fries, and for some years previously foreman under Mr. Murray, the able
head gardener at Culzean Castle, Maybole, and under his management
we are well assured the place will keep up its high reputation.”

- That gardeners in Scotland know how to enjoy themselves may

be gathered from the following paragraph entitled A Gardeners Ball
at Perth. The ball season was inaugurated on the 29th of October,
when the practical gardeners in the county of Perth held their third
annual assembly in the Opera House ballroom. The hall was most ar¬
tistically decorated for the occasion. A prominent feature in the decora¬
tions was the large number of appropriate mottoes which adorned the
walls, and which reflected great credit upon the gardeners and the friends
who assisted them. There were fully 100 ladies and gentlemen present,
including many from a distance, several who had recently left Perthshire
coming from other counties. Messrs. J. Macdonald and W. M. Penny
officiated as M.C.’s, and by their tact and good management contributed
very much to the pleasure of the large gathering. The music was sup¬
plied by Mr. J. H. Miller’s Quadrille Band, and as it was augmented by
the addition of several of the leading performers in Poole’s Diorama
Orchestra it was more than usually good, and the programme embraced
all the newest and most fashionable selections. The refreshments were
purveyed by Mr. W. H. Harley of the “ Bee ” Restaurant, who catered to
the assembly in a way that gave complete satisfaction. The entire pro¬
ceedings passed off with the greatest eclat, the company breaking up at an
advanced hour in the morning, with the expectation of having another
equally pleasant reunion next year.

_ At the ordinary meeting of the Royal Meteorological

Society to be held at 25, Great George Street, Westminster, on Wednes¬
day, the 17th inst., at 7 P.M., the following papers will be read “ The
Gale of October 15th-16tb, 1886, over the British Islands,” by Charles

November 11, 1880. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDERER.

431

Harding, F.R.Met.Soc. ; “ The Climate of Carlisle,” byiThomas G. Benn,
F.R.Met.Soc. ; “ Results of Hourly Readings derived from a Redier
Barograph at Geldeston, Norfolk, during the four years ending February,
1886,” by E. T. Dowson, F.R.Met.Soc. ; 11 Results of Observations taken
at Delanasau, Bua, Fiji, 1881-1885,” by R. L. Holmes, F.R.Met.Soc.

- In December of last year a plant of Stapelia gigantea was

noted as flowering in Mr. Major’s collection of curios at Cromwell House,
Croydon. The plant is now, and has been for some time, flowering again,
the flowers being produced from near the base of the Cactus-like stems.
They are remarkable alike from their singular appearance, and in attract¬
ing large carrion flies, that “ strike ” them, maggots resulting, which
seem quite at home crawling about the segments of the flowers. These
are stout, resembling in texture and appearance the skin of an animal,
being dark purplish brown in colour and thickly covered with long silky
hairs. They recurve like those of a Lilium lancifolium, and when extended
each flower is 6 inches across. The odour from the flowers, especially in
the morning, is so offensive that persons whose olfactory nerves are at alj
sensitive cannot long remain in the house in which the plant displays
its peculiar charms to its owner, his gardener, and the gadflies.

WATERTIGHT ASHPITS.

HOT v. COLD WATER.

. I AM pleased to find Mr. Bardney favouring with a detailed reply on
this question, also Mr. Taylor, “Albion,” and Mr. Muir so strongly
supporting my theory. Mr. Bardney is quite right in saying that the
system is not a new one, yet I am strongly of opinion that it is not nearly
so general in gardens as it deserves to be. In the article penned by me
on stoking nearly two years ago I stated the plan was copied by me from
large furnaces. My contribution was given the leading position in the
Journal of November 27th, 1884.

I am not surprised to find that Mr. Bardney does not lay much stress
upon his theory. From this we may tairly conclude that the cold water
at any rate has shown no very striking results. For this 1 was in some
degree prepared, for by no means could T comprehend how anything
approaching a cooling tendency could be obtained. This is confirmed by
the fact that Mr. Bardney’s large boilers are not proof against twisting,
and yet three advantages remain — better draught, no dusty ashes, and no
sulphurous fumes from the clinkers, if they be at once put in the ashpit
to stack, as in our case, but this latter practice would operate a little
against Mr. Bardney’s system, as it would raise the temperature of the
water. I have tried the flow system in order to test the lowest tem¬
perature, but unless a very considerable quantity of water is used there
seems to be no means of keeping it below 70°, and then only with open
doors. With a tap and piece of hose, as mentioned by Mr. Taylor, the
labour of refilling is very trifling indeed, and is done while the stoker is
brushing up the stokehole twice each day.

Mr. Bardney hardly, I think, draws a fair comparison in the case of
his gold medal boiler heating 1500 feet of 4-inch piping in the con¬
servatory under bis care during the last eight years. I have not had the
pleasure of visiting Norris Green, much as I have long desired to do so,
but if I am not wrongly informed some very fine and well-grown
Camellias help to grace the conservatory there. This being so, it is not
very difficult to estimate the amount of hard work it is called upon to do.
The same boiler employed to heat some other departments might have
equally as much to do in three years. The quantity of piping so wisely
liberal for a conservatory doubtless represents ease rather than hard
work.

I hope Mr. Bardney will not conclude that I have any notion that
stoking may be in fault under his care. My remarks are purely confined
to theory. On the other hand, I admit that it is quite possible a good
system of stoking with dry ashpits would go far to compensate for some
bad habits of stoking with watertight ashpits. No one, perhaps, knows
better than Mr, Bardney that it is alone the systematic carrying out
of a good scheme which means economy. Evidently the insertion of
the sentence through an oversight will prove to be a useful mistake.
Mr. Bardney invites opinions regarding the Cornish form of boilers or
the use of thinner bars, About the latter I think there can hardly be
two opinions. Thinner bars of course mean so many more openings, less
space between each for waste, and a correspondingly greater amount of
outer surface upon which the cool air or vapour may act.

It has been within my power to see many boilers for various purposes,
and have as freely used such opportunities. Some have had water beneath,
and some have not. As regards the fires belonging to locomotives and
the like, it has to be considered what a vast difference there is between a
fire running many hours during the day unattended, and, say, from 10 P.M.
to 6 a.m., during which time the clinker is forming sometimes between
the bars, and eventually cooling into a solid mass to be removed as best
it can, though we have no trouble on this point — to use the commonest
expression, they form as “ flat as pancakes.” In the case of locomotive
fires this never happens owing to constant attention whenever in motion,
nor are clinkers formed in the same proportion from good coal as from
many kinds of coke which is most generally used in gardens. With most
mill furnaces I do not think it is of very great importance whether there
be water in the ashpits or not. Anyone who may have watched the

regular care in their management, the coal rake with broad teeth being
plied once in every ten to twenty minutes, the clinkers leaving mostly in
small and roundish particles, while the fire is regulated into a rather
uniform thickness to G inches, the new fuel added close to the door, to be
pushed forward as it gets burnt through, must perceive that a strong
current of cool air passes freely among the bars, and rarely do they
become red hot more than half an inch downwards. How many gar¬
deners or stokers under the best of systems and management have needless
labour through want of taller chimneys, or an additional row or two of
piping. Probably there are more crooked bars owing to the latter than
any other fault.

Mr. Bardney seems a little curious with regard to the absorption of
the vapour by the bars. I have very carefully watched this process
several times, and have come to the conclusion that there is nothing to
expel, that no sooner is the vapour absorbed than it is, in the service of
cooling the bars, consumed. — E. Burton.

I have read the various articles which have appeared in the Journal
of Horticulture bearing on this subject, expecting to find in some of
them the results accruing from steam or water vapour passing over red
hot iron and through a charcoal fire. Excepting Mr. Taylor’s reference
to the oxygen derived from the water, none seem familiar with the
changes which occur; and although my pen is not able to do justice to
this, to all appearance important subject, it may influence those of more
experience and greater knowledge to “lend their light and leading”
towards the end in view.

Instead of cold water in the ashpits I would strongly recommend hot,
or steam, under the following reasons. As it is due to the presence of
oxygen in the atmosphere, and which forms about one-fifth of its bulk,
that all substances used for fuel are combustible, and as one-third by
volume of water is oxygen, the other two-thirds being hydrogen, it will
be seen that a greater amount of oxygen can be obtained from steam
than from equal volumes of it and atmospheric air, and thereby com¬
bustion is facilitated by mixing the two. It is of interest to know what
influence the red hot iron bars have on steam passing over them, also the
changes which take place in it passing through a charcoal fire.

A certain portion of the steam, or water vapour, which comes in
contact with the red hot iron bars is decomposed, the iron taking up the
oxygen and setting the hydrogen free. That part of the steam which
passes the red hot bars unchanged undergoes a similar decomposition in
coming in contact with the red hot charcoal, the charcoal taking up the
oxygen and forming carbonic acid gas. That portion of this carbonic
acid gas which passes through the centre of the fire takes up another atom
of carbon in the molecule, converting it into carbonic oxide, but on leaving
the fire and coming in contact with oxygen it takes up another atom of
oxygen, and is carried away by the draught in this form (carbonic acid
gas).

The free hydrogen which has been liberated by the red hot iron bars
and charcoal passes through the fire unchanged, excepting that a small
per-centage may unite with other elements eliminated by the burning fuel,
its combustion taking place on coming in contact with oxygen, the pro¬
duct being water. Now we know that the greatest heat the chemist has
ever obtained has been by the combustion of these two gases — eg., the
oxyhydrogen blow-pipe. This is the principle upon which is based the
economy of having water in ashpits. However, the oxidation of the bars
must not be overlooked, as this oxidation or rusting means their destruc¬
tion — not their preservation, as some seem to imagine — and necessitating
their frequent renewal. This rust will, to a certain extent, prevent the
clinkers taking hold of the bars, because the rusted part will give way
with the clinkers ; yet a greater draught will be occasioned by the greater
heat of the oxygen and hydrogen burning, which will have its influence
in keeping the bars cold.

To be able to utilise to the full the benefit derived from steam as a
supporter of combustion a certain quantity of air ought to be allowed to
pass in by the furnace door. I have held the opinion for some time
that a jet of steam playing under the bars of a furnace would be of
greater assistance in keeping up a temperature than either hot or cold
water in the ashpit, but have not had an opportunity of proving this. Of
course it must b« remembered that water evaporates at all temperatures,
and hot or cold will always form an auxiliary in the combustion of coke,
coal, and most substances used for fuel. Yet I do not wish it to be
inferred that steam alone will support combustion. I believe that it must
be mixed to a certain extent with air before it is of service for that pur¬
pose, and the extent to which it is advantageous to mix it will depend
upon the size of the fire.

From these statements it will be seen that the colder the water the
less the benefits derived from its presence in the ashpit so far as ecocomy
in fuel and a greater heat is concerned ; yet one is able to remove the
ashes with impunity. — J. Riddell.

INDIAN EXPERIENCES.

( Continued from, page 4 0 8.)

Interspersed amongst the Cocoanut tree are groups of Areca Palms,
the fruit of which is so extensively chewed by the natives, in conjunction
with the Betel leaf, a species of Pepper, Piper Betel. This is perhaps the
most graceful of all the Palms found in India ; stem tall, straight, and
slender, surrounded by a symmetical cluster of fronds, all forming a very
beautiful object. I think it was Sir J. Hooker who aptly described the
tree as like an arrow shot from Heaven.

Everywhere nestling amongst this belt of Palms are to be seen native

432

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAOE GARDENER.

[ November 11, 18b6.

huts, with framework of Cocoanut timber and sides and tops of Cocoa-
nut leaves. The natives of this coast have an idea that the nearer the
trees are to their homes the better will they grow and the greater will be
the yield of fruit. A few acres of these trees is, to the native possessor,
quite a fortune — say 500 to the acre, and the estimated revenue from nuts
and toddy at Rsl, or 2s. per tree, or £50 per acre. Alongside the roads
intersecting this belt of Palms are numerous fine specimens of the Jack
Fruit tree, Artocarpus integrifolia, and the Bread Fruit tree, Artocarpus
incisaefolia, the latter a very handsome tree. Many flowering trees may
also be seen, such as Poinciana, Lagerstroemia regia, &c., &c. Between
this coast line of Palms and the foot of the Western Ghauts is a compara¬
tively flat country varying from fifteen to twenty-five miles in width, and
intersected by numerous backwaters navigable for small craft from the
sea to the very foot of the hills. This tract is covered at intervals with
scrub, hardwooded timber of various kinds, large Banana plantations,
Bice fields, and Pepper gardens. The latter plant is grown in small
gardens in close proximity to the native huts and villages, and is trained
to the thorny stems of the Erythrina indica, forming high thick columns
of beautiful foliage, and in the season clustered with the Pepper fruits
like miniature bunches of Grapes, the supporting tree itself making
yearly a splendid show of scarlet heads of blossom.

A few days’ stay at Calicut gave me an excellent opportunity of in¬
specting and admiring this wonderful wealth of tropical vegetation, and
although the heat was very oppressive during the day and the mosquitoes
troublesome during the night, I yet felt regret when the time came for
me to leave the scene that had so struck my imagination.

My journey from Calicut to the foot of the Ghauts was performed in
a bullock coach, and overnight. Arriving at daybreak at the rest house
close under the foot of the mountains, I found a pony from the Coffee
Estate awaiting my arrival to take me to the top of the pass, a distance
of some nine or ten miles, through a magnificent forest the whole way.
After leaving the rest house I rode through a belt of gigantic Bamboo
clumps interspersed with handsome specimens of the Teak and other
hardwooded trees ; the canes of these clumps rising in many instances to
a height of from 60 to 70 feet, erect for about half the length, then grace¬
fully bending over like colossal sheaves of Wheat rivalling the coast belt
of Palms in gracefulness and beauty. As I began the ascent of the pass,
the Bamboos became smaller and smaller, and amongst the more stony
and arid portion of the slopes might be seen numerous examples of Cycads
rearing their splendid heads, whilst in the cool shady ravines Tree Ferns
waved their beautiful fronds. As I ascended, this vegetation gradually
gave place to the primaeval forest of the Western Ghauts, one of the
wonders of India, so dense that the leafy tops of the mighty trees com¬
pletely shut out the middav rays of the tropical sun.

I was alone in this half-darkened pass in the mountains, and all was
silent in the early morning air save the occasional sound of an invisible
mountain stream, as it sprang from rock to rock in the deep, dark ravine
below, or now and then the boom, boom, of the great Wanderoo, or black
monkey of Malabar, as it sprang from branch to branch far overhead.
The scene was weird in the extreme in this grand Cathedral of Nature,
but for me it had its charms. I had not unfrequently pictured to my
mind what a real tropical forest must be like, but the reality far exceeded
my expectations, and I felt on that — to me — memorable morning, as I
frequently paused to gaze on the scene before me.

Few signs of animal or bird life were to be seen save the monkeys
before alluded to, or a pigeon or woodpecker of splendid plumage crossing
the path, and now and then a flight of paraquets. These forests, unlike
those of more temperate climates, are evergreen, with an almost impene¬
trable undergrowth, consisting of species of Bamboo, Calamus, Ficus,
Tree Ferns, &c , &c., aad even the stems and tops of the giants of the
forests are grasped and entangled with huge rope-like climbers, making
altogether a wonderful mass of evergreen vegetation. At intervals might
be seen the stem of a huge tree clasped from root to branches by a close-
fitting network formed by a species of parasitical Ficus, which in the course
of time so retards and clogs the functions of the tree it holds in such close
embrace, as to invariably cause its death. Tois particular Fig, I have
been told, is named by the planters of Ceylon a Colombo Agent, a very
significant term ! The high bank or cutting formed in the process of
making the road through the pass in the mountains was clothed with a
mantle of Ferns, Lycopods, Mosses, Impatiens, and many other dwarf
flowering plants, leaving not an inch of ground to be seen, such is the
luxuriance of the vegetation in this region of the South-West Monsoons.
The average rainfall towards the summit of the range being about 280
inches.

Gaining the crown of the ridge — at this point about 3000 feet above
sea level — 1 found the same black forest to extend for a considerable
distance down the eastern slope, broken only at intervals by clearings
of from 100 to 300 acres in extent for the cultivation of Coffee. Pro¬
ceeding eastward, this forest gradually gives place to a perfect sea of
hardwood and Bamboo jungle — the latter predominating — and stretching
right away to the Mysore frontier, and into the Mysore country as far as
the eye can reach. Not far from the top of the Ghaut 1 rode on to the
first Coffee estate I had seen, and was most hospitably received by the
resident planter. The Coffee plant at that time of year (December) looks
its best, picking operations are in full swing, and the estates are generally
at that season free from weeds, and everything was tidy and in order. I
was charmed with my first view of a plantation, for the Coffee is un¬
questionably a very beautiful shrub, and when in full berry, as it was on
this my first acquaintance with it, I thought I had never beheld a more
beautiful plant, and a few months later, when I saw it in full flower, I
simply put it down as the queen of all evergreen shrubs.

Towards the afternoon I continued my journey, and before nightfall
arrived at another estate, in wbat is ca'led the Bamboo district, where I
stayed the night, and was treated with the greatest kindness and hospi¬
tality by the manager, a Mr. James Boosey, who had been a very success¬
ful gardener in England, and as a C flee planter in the Wynaad was still
more successful. I had the pleasure of his friendship throughout the
whole of his subsequent residence in India, and was greatly grieved when
I heard of his sudden death in England, about the year 1875, while on a
visit for the good of his health. The estate he was then managing for
a Bombay firm was about 150 acres in extent, and the Coffee trees, all in
full bearing, very healthy, and the whole plantation in excellent condi¬
tion. The estate was situated in South Wynaad, and until Mr. Boosey
set the example of systematic manuring and scientific culture, it was too
much the custom to dibble in the Coffee seedlings, heedless whether the
tap roots were turned up or not ; keep the plantation as clear of weeds as
pos-ible, prune in some instances by hacking the trees to pieces alter crop
was gathered, and in others leaving it entirely untouched, and trusting to
Providence for a yearly bumper crop. With this mode of treatment
splendid crops were undoubtedly gathered from the virgin soil of this
district for years in succession without the aid of manure, but the ex¬
hausting system invariably told in the long run, in “gappy” estates,
short crops, and at last utter decay. I can remember that Mr. Boosey’s
idea was to begin at the beginning with proper cultivation and pruning,
giving as much manure as was available after the plants yielded their
maiden crop, and the result of his mode of treatment on this particular
estate was heavy paying crops of Coffee annually for a great number of
years, the estate, in fact, being the model one of the district. It may
here be mentioned that at that period and for many years later it was the
custom of the Bombay capitalists to send anyone they could find to the
Wynaad to open and superintend estates for them, it mattered not what
profession or calling they belonged to. At the time of my arrival in the
country out of some eighty to 100 superintendents there were not more
than three professional gardeners or agriculturists ; the rest were made up
of ex-navy officers, captains of trading ships, young men from England
who had been plucked for the Civil Service, carpenters, boys fresh from
Eton and Oxford, ex-army captains and colonels, clerks from Bombay,
civil engineers, drapers, and pickle merchants from Finsbury Pavement,
&c. I by no means wish to infer from this that many of the above did
not prove good and successful planters ; on the contrary, a certain per¬
centage took to the life of planting with a keen zest, were not above
receiving and acting upon information from more experienced men, the
result being success, but in the majority of instances the reverse might
be said. I was instructed as to the proper mode of planting, pruning,
and general cultivation of the Coffee tree after I had been in the district
some twelve months by an ex-fourth officer of a P. and O. steamer, whose
term of office as superintendent of a plantation had not much exceeded
three weeks.

After a very pleasant and instructive evening spent with Mr. Boosey,
who, by the way, entertained me with the utmost hospitality, I next
morning started on my journey north on horseback. The track lay
through Bamboo jungle mostly, with occasional open glades. I had several
large rivers to cross, and the ride, a distance of nearly forty miles, took
me the whole day, and proved to be the hottest and most trying part of
the whole journey from England. — Planter.

(To be continued.)

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

November 9th.

Exhibits were not very numerous before the Fruit and Floral Com¬
mittees on the above date, but the conservatory contained a magnificent
display of Canadian Apples and Gourds, some of the latter being enormous
grotesque fruits.

Fruit Committee. — Present : T. Francis Rivers, Esq., in the chair, and
Messrs. H. J. Yeitch, J. Smith, G. Norman, J. Burnet, G. T. Miles, J. E.
Lane, J. Woodbridge, W. Warren, A. W. Sutton, R. D. Blackmore, Harrison
Weir, and Phillip Crowley.

Mr. Edward Woodall, St. Nicholas House, Scarborough, exhibited a
bunch of a seedling Grape named Mrs. Clark, which was said to have been
obtained from a cross between Black Hamburgh and Gros Colman, and was
described as ripening four weeks later than Gros Colman in the same house.
Tne Committee expressed a desire to see it again at the next meeting, and
advised that specimens of the foliage be seat to Mr. Barron at once. Mr.
Bowman, Hylands Park, Chelmsford, sent a bunch of Winter King Grape,
which has been shown before on several occasions, and they considered it
as identical with Gros Maroc. Mr. B. Gidley, Hoopern House, Exeter, sent
a Pear named Gidley, but the three fruits were over-ripe, and six good
samples are required according to the rules of the Committee. Mr. W.
Roupell contributed fine samples of Apples Cox’s Orange, Cox’s Pomona,
and Lady Henniker, for which a cultural c jmmendation was awarded. Mr.
Perkins, Thornham Hall Gardens, Eye, Suffolk, showed four fruits of Dell’s
Green-flesh Melon, which were found to be very unsatisfactory in flavour.
Messrs. Lane & Son, Berkhamsted, were awarded a cultural commendation
for sixty large and highly coloured fruits of Apple Prince Albert. Mr.
H. M. Roberts, The Brewery, Ivinghoe, Tring, showed some samples of
English dried fruits, such as Damsons, Apples, <fcc., a vote of thanks being
accorded, and the experiment was considered very interesting. From Mr.
Toogood, Peterborough, came a seedling Apple ; from Mr. H Divers, Ketton
Hall, came two dishes of Plums and samples of Apple Carlton Seedling;
and Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, exhibited fruits of Apple Prince
Bi&marck, all of which were passed without any award.

Floral Committee. — Present : G. F. Wilson, Esq., in the chair, and
Messrs. Shirley Hibberd, W. Wilks, H. Bennett, W. Bealby, G. Paul, H.

Novambcr 11, 1888. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

48S

Cannell, G. Duflield, H. Herbst, T. Baines. W. Holmes, C. Noble, H. Ballan-
tine, J. Dominy, H. M. Pollett, James O’Brien, Hugh Low, E. Hill, and
A. F. Lendy.

small narrow whitish leaves. Mr. Tautz, Hammersmith, was accorded a
vote or thanks for flowers of Cypripediums Leeanum superbum and
Lawrenc anum, a similar recognition being adjudged to Mr. Measures of

Fig. G2.— Amaryllises.— 1, Mrs. W. Lee; 2, Perloti ; 3, G. Firth. (See page 423.)

Collections of new Chrysanthemums from Messrs. J. Yi itch & Sons H.
Cannell & Sons, W. Bull, and Robert Owen formed the chief fl ral attrac¬
tions of this meeting, several of the most promising novelties being
honoured with certificates. Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons also had a pretty
miniature Panicuiu named Oplismenus albidus, and Indian sp ecies with

Camberwell for Laslia prasstans rosea with five good flowers. A bronze
medal was awarded to Mr. R. Clarke, Twickenham, for a large group of
Cyclamens in pots, healthy profusely flowered plants, the dark red varieties
predominating.

First-class certificates were awarded for the following : —

434

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER .

[ November 11, 1886.

Chrysanthemum Coquette de Castille ( W . Holmes, Hackney ) . — A J apanese
variety, with narrow fluted slightly recurving florets, of a blush tint or
delicate pink. The blooms were of fine form and substance.

Chrysanthemum gloriosum (J. Yeitch & Sons). — One of the Japanese
section, with long, slender, partly tubular, bright, clear, yellow twisted
florets.

Chrysanthemum White Ceres (J. Yeitch & Sons). — A bold Japanese
variety, with long, flat, straight, white, or faintly tinted florets, making a
fine bloom.

Chrysanthemums Phcsbus (J. Veitch & Sons), La France , Eynsford Gem,
Admiral T. Symonds, and Jane (H. Cannell & Sons). — All these have been
previously noted. The first was figured in this Journal last week, and the
rest is described in the report of the Crystal Palace Show.

Amaryllis Lady Mayoress (J. Yeitch & Sons). — One of the autumn¬
flowering group, obtained from a cross between A. reticulata and a variety
of A. Leopoldi. It is an exceedingly handsome hybrid, with large beauti¬
fully formed flowers, deeply veined and suffused with rich rosy red, and
having a broad well-defined bar in the centre of each lobe. It is one of the
best of the group.

Angrcecum aviculare (Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., M.P.). — A graceful
species, bearing racemeB of twelve or fifteen flowers, the sepals and petals
narrow, white, and reflexed, the spur 3 or 4 inches long, and curved.

Primula capitata major (G. F. Wilson, Esq.).— A variety distinguished by
the larger size of its flowers and heads.

Clerodendron nutans (W. G. Head, Crystal Palace). — An old but neglected
East Indian species, which was introduced in 1820, and is occasionally met
with in botanic gardens. It has long drooping racemes of white flowers,
with long slender white filaments, and a red-tinted calyx. The leaves are
narrow, lanceolate, and waved, and the margin, the plant being of free
growth, and succeeding well in a warm conservatory or intermediate house.

Pontederia crassipes delicata (Mr. Ross, Pendell Court Gardens). — A
variety of this curious aquatic plant, with flowers of a soft blush tint.

CHRYSANTHEMUM SHOWS.

HAY ANT.— November 3rd and 4th.

The third Show of this flourishing young Society was held on the above,
named date in the Town Hall, and was a great success. The growth of the
Chrysanthemum in this neighbourhood has made rapid strides ; so en¬
thusiastic have the local growers become that a capital exhibition can now
be held, the exhibits being contributed solely by local growers. Yery fine
were the Japanese blooms staged, but the incurved classes contained some
inferior blooms, being rough, the result of the excessively hot weather
experienced in August. Groups of Chrysanthemums Bhowed a marked
improvement on the two previous years. There were four entries, all of
which were good, each one being arranged in the four corners of the Hall
had quite an imposing appearance. In the first-prize group from Mr. A.
Payne, gardener to Mrs. E. Smith, Havant, were some splendid blooms,
mainly Japanese varieties, and being lightly arranged was much admired as
it was meritorious. The second prize went to Mr. Roberts, gardener to
E. R. Longcroft, Esq., Havant, whose group was more closely packed, nor
were the flowers of such good quality. The third prize went to Mr. J.
Agate, nurseryman, Havant, whose plants were well suited for the purpose,
being dwarf and with splendid foliage, but the flowers were rather small.
Specimen plants were well shown by Mr. C. Penford, gardener to Sir F.
Fitzwygram, Bart., Leigh Park, Havant, whose collection of eight plants
composed of half incurved and half Japanese were capital specimens 3 to
4 feet across, neatly trained and carrying from seventy to eighty flowers of
good quality. The second-prize collection was a long way behind, being
simply natural-grown plants, and these not of large size.

Cut blooms were staged in large numbers, competition in most classes
being severe. For twenty-four varieties, twelve Japanese and twelve in¬
curved, all distinct, Mr. Penford was easily first, his Japanese varieties
being very fine, Madame C. Audiguier, Comte de Germiny, Maiden’s Blush,
Margaret Marrouch, and Yal d’Andorre, all being grand ; the best incurved
were Nil Desperandum, Prince Alfred, Jeanne d’ Arc, and LordWolseley ; the
whole being fresh and solid. Mr. Payne was second ; Beauty, Thunberg,
and J. Delaux were his best. Mr. C. Ho-kins, gardener to J. Wilder,
Esq., Stansted Park, Emsworth, was third. For twelve Japanese Mr. Pen¬
ford was again first with blooms similar in character to his former stand.
Mr. Hoskins was second with a capital stand ; third Mr. Payne, in this
there were eight entries. Mr. Penford followed up his former successes by
staging the best twelve incurved flowers, his Nil Desperandum and Lady
Hardinge being especially fine. Mr. R. Woodbine, gardener to C. P. Boyd,
Esq., J.P., Havant, was second with blooms rather rough ; third, Mr.
Roberts. For six Japanese Mr. Newell, gardener to H. M. Green, Esq.,
Havant, was first, and for six incurved Mr. Moseley, gardener to J. Taplin,
Esq., was easily first. Mr. Penford once more was the winner of first prizes
by staging the best twelve reflexed varieties, and the same number of
Anemone kinds with very fine produce, his Pink Christine in the reflexed,
and Fabian de Mediana in the Anemone class being specially noteworthy. Mr.
Woodbine and Mr. Payne were second respectively. Some splendid blooms
were shown in the amateurs’ classes by the Rev. J. Wells, Havant.

Table plants, Primulas, and Solanums by Mr. Moseley, Mr. Hoskins, and
Mr. Kinchott, gardener to Mrs. Hodgkinson, Havant. Grapes, both black
and white were well staged by Mr. Penford; his Alicantes were very fine in
bunch, berry, and colour. Mr. E. Smith, gardener to Mrs. Learmouth, was
a good second with Alicante in capital condition. Mr. Fuller, gardener to
SirJ. Jervoise, Ids worth House, Horndean, staged the best four dishes of
Apples, followed by Messrs. E. Smith and Penford. Mr. Roberts had the
best four dishes of Pears, followed by Mr. Moseley.

Vegetables were a strong feature of the Show, the best eight varieties
being staged by Mr. Fuller; Brussels Sprouts, Celery, and Carrots being
especially fine. For the best collection of salading a large number of dishes
were staged, and for which a special prize was offered by Lieut.-Col. Sande-
man, Hayling Island, which caused much interest in this class. Yery
representative were the collections staged, and all were very close in merit,
Ultimately the first prize was awarded Mr. E. Smith, who had twenty-one
kinds, his Endive and Beet being especially good. Mr. Hoskins was a close

second, while Mr. Fuller was a capital third. The arrangements were in
every way satisfactory, reflecting great credit on the Committee and the
Hon. Secretaries, Messrs. Fuller and Norkitt.

STOKE NEWINGTON. — November 4th and 5th.

After holding their Shows for many years in the Defoe Road, Stoke
Newington, this Society has transferred them to the Highbury Athenaeum,
and the first one was held there on the dates above given. As is expected
of such an old pioneer Society, the Exhibition was very satisfactory, plants
and blooms being numerously and well shown. The plants are always
good at these shows, especially those from Mr. W. Monk, gardener to
W. Fowler, Esq., Leytonstone, who has so frequently won the premier
awards for trained specimens. He again repeated his former success with
nine fine even plants. Mr. K. Bass, gardener to Miss Cotton, Leytonstone,
was also a good exhibitor in the plant class. Mr. S. Gilbey, Mr. Lovegrove,
Mr. G. Saunders, and Mr. Davey were competitors in several classes, secur¬
ing second and third-rate awards. Mr. J. Wittey had the best group, a
testeful arrangement of plants and good selection of varieties. _

Incurved blooms are generally distinguished by their high finish and
symmetry at the Stoke Newington Show, and this occasion was not an ex¬
ception to the rule, for though perhaps somewhat wanting in size they were
remarkable for their cleanness and good form. One of the most successsful
competitors was Mr. Bettesworth, gardener to R. Ewing, Esq., Burton
Grange, Cheshunt, who was accorded the first prize for thirty-six handsome
blooms. Mr. W. Monk was similarly successful with twelve blooms, while
for six Mr. W. Davey, gardener to C. Paine, Esq., Stamford Hill, was the
chief prizetaker. In the class for Japanese blooms Mr. Bettesworth re¬
peated his previous success, taking first place with twenty-four varieties,
which were represented by excellent blooms. Mr. H. Smith, gardener to W. H.
Sewell, Esq., Warren Hill, Loughton, followed in that class, but was first for
twelve and six blooms, showing praiseworthy samples of the most effective
varieties. Anemones were not quite so well represented, nor were the
Pompons. Table plants, miscellaneous plants, and non-competing collec¬
tions were shown by several exhibtors, the cut flowers from Mr. T.S. Ware,
Tottenham, attracting much attention.

BRIXTON.— Nov. 4th and 5th.

Comparatively few local societies can boast a record of twenty-seven
annual exhibitions of the same merit as those held at Brixton Hill ; and
with such a long successful career it is not surprising that the Show has
gained a more than ordinary degree of fame. The hall near the congrega¬
tional church, where the Exhibition is held, is of moderate dimensions, and
consequently does not admit of an extensive display, but one remarkable
point is that it always seems to be well filled without any crowding.
Another prevailing character is the uniformity of merit distinguishing the
exhibits, a general refinement with an absence of coarseness in all classes,
that impresses a visitor very quickly. Sufficient classes for miscellaneous
plants are also introduced to impart diversity to the Show, and the Orchids,
which for several seasons have been contributed by J. Southgate, Esq.,
Selborne, Streatham, add materially to the beauty and interest of the Ex¬
hibition. Viewed from the gallery an exceedingly bright and pleasing
effect is obtained, and it is evident that the courteous Secretary, Mr. W.
Hall, utilises to the best advantage the material at his disposal.

The dhow on Thursday and Friday last was of similar merit to its long
series of predecessors, the competition being close in most of the classes.
The beautiful specimen plants formerly seen are still missed, for no one
seems to have acquired the skill in training that rendered the plants of one
or two exhibitors so famed ; the cut blooms were, however, good, the best
shown up to that date. The Japanese were particularly notable for their
fresh bright colours and good substance. With twenty-four blooms of
Japanese varieties Mr. T. Mursell, gardener to Mrs. Burton, Streatham, secured
the chief prize for a capital stand of blooms comprising the following varie¬
ties : — Back row. — La Triomphante, Val d’Andorre, Mu lie. Lacroix, Madame
de Sevin, Peter the Great, J eanne Delaux, Elaine, and Marguerite Marrouch.
Middle row. — L’ Adorable, Madame J. Laing, Jupiter, a fine deep rich red
bloom ; Sarnia, Fernand Feral, M. Astorg, Madame C. Audiguier, and
Dr. Macary. Front row. — Belle Paule, Source d’Or, Coquette de Castille,
M. Burnet, Boule d’Or, Margot, l’lncomparable, and N. D avis, very fine and
bright red colour. Mr. T. Sadler, gardener to C. Lambert, Esq., Streatham,
and Mr. C. J. Salter, gardener to J. Southgate, Esq., Strtatham, were second
and third, each showing good blooms. Eight exhibitors entered with
twelve Japanese blooms, Mr. G. Pell, gardener to A. Margetson, Esq.,
Streatham, winning the first prize with bright handsome blooms of good
substance, representing in the back row Bouquet Fait, Boule d’Or very
large, and Marguerite Marrouch; in the mid. le row, Mdlle. Lacroix,
Japonaise, Elaine, and Soleil Levant ; in the front row, J. Delaux, M.
Astorg, Criterion, and Maiden’s Blush. The second and third places were
taken by Mr. W. Howe, gardener to H. Tate, Esq., Park Hill, Streatham,
and Mr. T. Mursell.

The incurved blooms were not quite so large as they are sometimes seen,
but they were neat and in some instances exceptionally good. Mr. C. J.
Salter won triple honours, being first in each of the three classes for twenty-
four, twelve, and six blooms ; he also had the premier incurved bloom in
the Show — namely, a substantial well-formed Prince Alfred in his twenty-
four stand, two other blooms of this variety from the same exhibitor being
nearly equally fine. The varieties in the first twenty-four stand were as
follows. Back row — Prince Alfred, Mrs. Heale, St. Patrick, Jeanne d’Arc,
Jardin des Plantes, John Salter, excellent ; Princess of Wales, and Lord
Alcester. Middle row — Nil Desperandum, very fine ; Mr. Bunn, Lady
Hardinge, G. Glenny, Princess of Wales, Mrs. Dixon, Mr. Brunlees, and
Mrs. Crossfield. Front row — Reine des Blanchees, Lady Derby, Mrs. G.
Rundle, Cherub, White Globe, Refulgence, Beverley, and S.r Stafford Car y.
The other prizes were taken by Mr. T. Sadler and Mr. J. Howe, gardener
to Mrs. Bennett, Upper Tulse Hill. The prrmier twelve incurved contained
in the back row — Prince Alfred, Nil Desperandum, Mrs. Heale, and Prince
of Wales. In the middle row — Refulgence, Mr. Bunn, Mr. Brunlees, and
Jeanne d’Arc. In the front row — G. Glenny, Lady Hardinge, Beverley, and
an exceedingly beautiful bloom of Mrs. Dixon. The best six blooms were
Prince Alfred, Lord Wolseley, Jeanne d’Arc, G. Glenny, Mrs. Dixon, and
Beverley ; Messrs. J. Howe, W. Howe, and T. Sadler following in the two

November 11, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

435

classes. Mr. T. Sadler had the best stand of six reflexed blooms, followed
by Messrs. W. Howe and C. Livermore, the last-named being first with a
very pretty stand of Anemone Pompons ;1 and Mr. J. Swan, gardener to E.
Jones, Esq., Clayton Park, gained similar honours with twelve large
Anemone varieties, Messrs. Livermore and F. Fulbrook being second and
third.

In the specimen plant class for six incurved varieties Mr. E. Cherry was
adjudged first honours, his two best plants being Mrs. Dixon end Mrs. G.
Bundle, with about fifty blooms each and very neatly trained ; the others
were John Salter, Empress of India, Queen of England, and Lord Alcester.
Mr. J. Weston, gardener to D. Martineau, Esq., Clapham Park, was second
with well-flowered plants, but not so evenly trained as the others. This
exhibitor was, however, a good first with six Pompons, 3 to 4 feet in
diameter, Rosinante, Salomon, Golden Cedo Nulli, Golden Madame Marthe,
and Mrs. Forsyth being the best varieties ; Messrs. Luff and E. Cherry
following. Mr. R. Clark was first with three standard Pompons, and Mr.
Livermore with three pyramids ; Mr. E. Cherry and Luff showing well.

Of the miscellaneous plants the Orchids and Ferns were the principal
features, especially the group from Selborne bo tastefully arranged by Mr.
C. J. Salter. This included Cypripedium Spicerianum with fifteen flowers,
several good plants of Vanda coerulea, one with a raceme of nineteen
flowers and buds, another with twelve large highly coloured flowers ; Cypri¬
pedium Lawrenceanum, Cattleya Dowiana, Lycaste Skinneri, Cymbidium
giganteum, Cypripedium purpuratum, Mesospinidium vulcanicum, Masde-
vallia tovarensis, and several others. The same exhibitor was first with six
and three Orchids, showing Vanda Sanderiana, Cattleya Dowiana, Masde-
vallia chimsera Wallisi, Cattleya Skinneri, Vanda ccerulea, and Cattleya
igas ; Mr. Luff being second for three Orchids with Lycaste Skinneri,
ypripedium Spicerianum, and Oncidium tigrinum bearing a large panicle
of flowers. Mr. Guyett was first for a specimen Orchid with Phaltenopsis
grandiflora bearing eight fine blooms, Mr. Luff second with Lycaste
Skinneri rosea, and Mr. Sadi r third for Cypripedium insigne. In the fine-
foliage and other plant classes the principal exhibitors were Messrs. H.
Guyett, Luff, Livermore, Gedner, and Fulbrook ; Mr. H. Wright, gardener
to J. A. Whittard, E-q., Streatham Hill, having the best four Ferns, fine
healthy specimens of Adiantum trapeziforme, Goniophlebium subauriculatum,
Gymnogramma Laucheana giganteum, and G. schizophylla gloriosa, a
grand example of this graceful Fern.

The vegetables and fruit were staged in the gallery and a small adjoining
room. Mr. W. Howe had the premier collection of twelve sorts of vege¬
tables, Mr. A. Sandy taking similar honours for eight sorts, both these and
the other competitors having well-grown produce. A special prize for
Grapes offered by H. Tate, Esq., was won by his gardener, Mr. Howe, with
three bunches of Alicantes and three Muscat of Alexandria, both well
coloured ; Mr. C. J. Salter being adjudged a second prize for three bunches
of Gros Colman very large in berry. In the class for black Grapes Mr.
Howe was also first with handsome Alicante, Mr. A. Wing second for the
same variety, and Mr. Russell third with Black Hamburgh, Mr. Salter
leading with beautifully ripened Muscat of Alexandria. With three dishes
of dessert Apples and the same number of culinary varieties Mr. Sandy was
first, showing good fruits, Messrs. Collins, Sadler, and Guyett securing the
other prizes ; and the same exhibitors competed in the Pear class, Mr.
Guyett being first. Mr. Salter was first for Cucumbers with Selborne Rival,
and was also awarded a certificate for fruits of the same variety. Mr.
Weston had a tasteful stand of flowers for the dinner table, being awarded
the first prize, and Messrs. Guyett, Luff, and Mursell were the winners for
table plants, Mr. W. Roupell exhibiting a collection of Apples and Grapes
and a tree in a pot of Lord Derby Apple.

Mr. Walter Edmunds of Chelsea exhibited a “ new ” garden rake named
the “ easy leveller.” The iron teeth are square, tapering to a point, and
arranged so that the sharp edges are at right angles with the head, and thus
break up the soil in which they come in contact. This kind of rake, which
is now “ registered,” have been in regular use in the north of England for
considerably^ ver a quarter of a century. It was commended by the Judges.

CRYSTAL PALACE. — November 5th and 6th.

Commencing with March ‘26th this year a series of seven highly success¬
ful horticultural Bhows at the Crystal Palace, Sydenham, under the able
management of Mr. W. G. Head, terminated on Friday and Saturday last
with an admirable Chrysanthemum Exhibition, in which the prizes were
well contested by a large number of growers. The expectations recorded
some weeks ago, that incurved blooms at the early shows would be found
rather deficient in substance and quality, have been too well fulfilled,
scarcely any samples of exceptional merit having been hitherto staged. The
damp weather has caused many blooms to suffer materially, and the com¬
plaints of “reflexing” in such varieties are frequent. The Japanese, on
the other hand, have been well represented, and the increasing popularity
of this section can be reaiily understood for several reasons, the primary
one being that they are more easily grown to exhibition quality. At the
Crystal Palace this difference was clearly noticeable, for even in the large
classes, though many neat and good incurved blooms were shown, many
also were undersized or weak, while plenty of substantial handsome well-
developed Japanese could be found. Reflexed varieties were strongly re¬
presented, and very seldom have seventeen stands of a dozen blooms each
been entered in one class. Anemones and Pompons, though in smaller
numbers, were interesting for their bright or delicate colours. Specimen
plants were, with one or two exceptions, somewhat below the average, but
the handsome bright effective groups amply compensated for this defect,
and in few places could similar groups be seen to such advantage. It too
often happens at Chrysanthemum shows that collections of plants which
really constitute the most effective portion of the display are crowded into
corners in dark hall or rooms, where their beauty is greatly lessened or quite
lost.

A liberal schedule was provided, the great class being that for forty-
eight blooms, twenty-four incurved and twenty-four Japanese, not less
than eighteen varieties of each, or more than two blooms of one variety.
In this four prizes were offered — namely, £10, £7, £5, and £3, amply suffi¬
cient to encourage keen competition, as proved by the fact that twelve
collections were staged, or 576 blooms — an imposing array in one class. The
most successful exhibitor was Mr. C. Gibson, gardener to J. Wormald,

Esq., Morden Park, Mitcham, who was an easy first with a praiseworthy
collection of fresh even blooms, the incurved heavy in the back row and
medium-sized in the others, the Japanese all large and bright. The varie¬
ties included in these stands were as follows : —

Incurved. — Back row — Golden Empress, Empress of India, Golden
Queen, Princess of Wales, very fine ; Nil Desperandum, Queen of England,
Empress of India. Middle row — Jeanne d’Arc, Nil Desperandum, Barbara,
Prince Alfred, Jeanne d’Arc, Lord Wolseley, Hero of Stoke Newington,
Lord Wolseley. Front row — John Salter, Princess Teck, Refulgenoe,
Cherub, Lady Hardinge, Princess Beatrice, Golden Eagle, and Venus.

JAPANESE.—Back row — Comtesse de Beauregards, Val d’Andorre,
Thunberg, Maiden’s Blush. Japonaise, Grandiflorum, Maiden’s Blush, and
Madame C. Audiguier. Middle row — Grandiflorum, M. Burnet, J. Delaux,
Boule d’Or, Mdlle. Moulise, Baronne de Prailly, J. Delaux, and Boule
d’Or. Front row — M. Astorg, Yellow Dragon, Comte de Germinv, Elaine,
Fernand Feral, Duchess of Albany, Mdlle. Lacroix, and Marguerite ifarrouch.
Messrs. W. & G. Drover, Fareham, Hants, were second, their incurved blooms
rather smaller though neat, but the Japanese blooms were not so good. The
third place was taken by Mr. J. M’Kenzie, gardener to F. S. W. Cornwallis,
Eiq., Linton Park, Maidstone, his back row incurved blooms being very
fine. Mr. M. Sullivan, gardener to D. B. Chapman, Esq., Downshire House,
Roshampton, was fourth, all his blooms being fresh and clean, but the
Japanese were the heaviest, Val d’Andorre being capitally shown.

Incurved Blooms. — In the class for eighteen incurved varieties Messrs.
W. & G. Drover were first for medium size blooms of the following. In the
back row — Lord Alcester, Jeanne d’Arc, Queen of England, Empress of
India, Alfred Salter, and John Salter. Iu the middle row — Nil Desperandum,
Lady Hardinge, Mrs. H. Shipman, Lo d Wolseley, Prince Alfred, and
Beauty. In the front row — Prince of Wales, Mrs. Dixon, Princess of Wales,
G. Glenny, Baron Beust, and Mrs. G. Rundle. Mr. Horsefield, Heytesbury,
and Mr. J. W. Springbett, Cheshunr, were second and third with clean, neat
blooms. Eleven entries. With twelve incurved there were ten exhibitors.
Mr. J. Gore, gardener to Captain Taylor. Glenleigh, Hastings, securing first
honours with neat blooms. Mr. J. Wyatt, gardener to J. Perry, Esq.,
Braddenhurst, Caterham Valley, was second, and Mr. E. S. Cole third.
Mr. J. Wyatt had the best six blooms of one variety, neat compact
examples of Nil Desperandum. Mr. M Russell, gardener to D. C. T. Lewis,
Esq., Broomfield, Henfield, was second with Jeanne d’Arc, small ; and Mr. A.
Holmes, gardener to H. B. Hill, Esq., South Road, Clapham Park, third with
Queen of Eugland, in a class of fifteen competitors.

Japanese Varieties. — A cap tal stand of eighteen Japanese secured the
first prize for Mr. J. Munro, gardener to J. D. Paul, Esq., Cambridge House,
Twickenham. The blooms were very bright and of good substance, repre¬
senting the following varieties : — Back row — Baronne de Prailly, Bouquet
Fait, Boule d’Or, M. Ardene, Val d’Andorre, Madame C. Aud'guier. Middle
row — Fair Maid of Guernsey, Marguerite Marroucb, Madame|B. Rendatler,
Comte de Germiny, Comtesse de Beauregarde, Soleil Levant. Front row —
Criterion, Gloire de Toulouse, F. A. Davis, Fernand Feral, M. Lacroix, and
John Laing. The second place was accorded to Mr. E. Wills, gardener to
Mrs. Pearce, The Firs, Bassett, Southampton, who had Criterion and Val
d’Andorre, very large and handsome. Mr. H. W. Ward, gardener to the
Right Hon. the Earl of Radnor, Longford Castle, Salisbury, was a close
third, eleven other competitors in this class contributing creditable stands of
blooms. For twelve Japanese varieties Mr. H. Shoesmith, gardener to the
Rev. Canon Hodgson, Saltwood Rectory, Hythe, Kent, was first with a
fresh, bright collection. Mr. Fred. Moore, Blendon Hall Gardens, Baxley,
and Mr. E. S. Cole, gardener to W. Pethick, Esq., Woodside, Sneyd Park,
B istol, being second and third in a class of fifteen exhibitors. Mr. Gibson
led in the one-variety class with six handsome blooms of Grandiflorum.
Mr. A. Elphick, gardener to J. Clutton, Esq., The Orchard, Reigate, was
second with Madame C. Audiguier, and Mr. Shoesmith third with Elaine,
large, deep, pure blooms. There were nineteen stands in this class.

Reflexed Anemone and Pompon Varieties. — Seventeen competitors
entered in the class for twelve reflexed blooms, not less than eight varieties.
Mr. W. Neville, girdener to F. W. Flight, Esq., Cornstiles, Twyford, was
placed first with Madeleine Tezier, King of the Crimsons, Emperor of
China, Chevalier Domage, Dr. Sharpe, Cullingfordi, Peach Christine, and
Cloth of Gold. Mr. E. Wills was second with fine blooms, and Mr. C.
Gibson third.

Fifteen stands of twelve Anemone-flowered varieties were exhibited
Mr. M. Sullivan leading with clean even flowers of Lady Margaret, Acquisi¬
tion, Fleur de Marie, G uck, Georges Sands, Emperor, R ino des Alveoles,
Prince of Anemones, Margaret d’Anjou, and Queen Margaret. Mr. F. Moore
secured the second place, his blooms of Minnie Chafe, Fleur de Marie, and
Laing’s Anemone being excellent; and Mr. C. Penford, gardener to Sir F.
Fitzwygram, Bt , M.F., Leigh Park, Havant, was third. The fine stands of
twelve Pompon Anemones made a pretty class ; Mr. Gore winning the
premier place with Perle, Marguerite de Coi, Regulus, Antonius. Madame
Montels, Calliope, Mr. Astie, Madame Chalonge, Madame Sentir, and Firefly.
Mr. J. Howe and Mr. E Chadwick were second and third.

In the class for twelve Pompons, three blooms of each, there were nine
competitors. Mr. W. Neville gained the chief award with White and
Golden Madame Marthe, President, Mustapha, Black Douglas, La Puretd,
Marie Crouzart, Marabout, Toussaint Mauvesot, and White Trevenna.
Messrs. G. Duncan and J. Gore were second and third.

Amongst twelve stands of six J apanese Anemone blooms Mr. C. Gibson
was first with Fabian de Mediana, Madame Cabrol, Sceur Dorothce Souille,
and Madame Clos. Messrs. W. & G. Drover were second, and Mr. W. H.
Ward third. Only one stand of sing'e varieties was entered, Mr. E. Chad¬
wick being awarded the third prize fo- small flowers.

Plants. — The groups of plant- constituted an important feature in the
Exhibition, considerable taste being evinced in the disposition of the plants.
For a group arranged in a space of 100 square feet Mr. G. Edwards,
Balham Nursery, was awarded first honours, showing a very effective group
with a good proportion of light and dark varieties, chiefly Japanese, with a
margin of Pompons. Messrs. J. Laing & Co , Forest Hill, were second with
an imposing group, including many new varieties ; and Mr. N. Davis,
Camberwell, was third with a bandsome goup. For a group in a space of
50 square feet Mr. W. Webster, gardener to Mrs. Croll, Mavis Bank, Grange
Road, Upper Norwood, was first with a bright informal arrangement, the

436

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER

[ November 11, 1886.

blooms giod and the plants healthy. Mr. J. Howe, Tu’se Hill House
Gardens, took the second pk.ce with a varied arrangement. Mr. F. Ball,
gardener to H. Doulton, Esq., The Woodlands, Tooting Common, was third.
The best group of incurved varieties was from Mr. J. Townsend, Providence
Nursery, Putney, including some good quality blooms. Mr. N. Davis was
a very close second witb a fine group, the blooms of good size. Messrs.
J. Laing & Co. were third.

Mr. A. Tomalin, gardener to S. White, Esq., Oakwood, Crayford, Kent,
was deservedly awarded a first prize for six trained specimens, Japanese
varieties, standards about 4 feet high, with a semi-globular head nearly
3 feet in diameter, even and well-flowered. The varieties were Gloire de
Toulouse, Madame B. Rendatler, Dr. Macary, Elaine, Peter the Great, and
Gloire Rayonnante. In the same class Mr. C. Portway, gardener to B. B.
Portall, Esq., Daventry House, Upper Tooting, was second with dwarf-
trained plants, and this exhibitor was first with six Pompons in 12-inch
pots. For six incurved varieties Mr. E. Cherry was first with healthy neat
plants, and he was awarded an extra prize in the Pompon class for six good
plants, which, however, comprised one of La Purete, not admissible. With
four trained specimens Mr. C. Portway was first, Mr. G. Kinson second, and
Mr. W. Griffin third, the first having one standard and three dwarf plants,
and the second three standards and one dwarf. The prizes for Primulas
were won by Messrs. J. Howe, J. Radbourn, and J. Little.

Miscellaneous. — Mr. Edwards of Balham had a pretty group of Carna¬
tions, which were commended. Messrs. John Laing & Co., Forest Hill,
showed a box of T ub- rous Begonia blooms very bright and fresh. Mr.
W. F. Smith showed three Queen Pine Apples of good size, which were
highly commended. Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, exhibited stands
of new Chrysanthemums, several of which were certificated. A small
collection of Nova Scotian Apples being also shown by a firm of importers.
Certificates were awarded for the following varieties.

Mrs. J. Wright (F. W. Flight, Esq.). — A Japanese variety with pure white
partly narrow, tubular, or fluted florets, curved and twisted, of good sub¬
stance, and beautiful. It is a seedling raised by Messrs. Laing & Co., and
will no doubt become a favourite variety.

Elsie (H. Cannell & Son). — A reflexed variety, with slightly fluted
recurving delicate cream or pale primrose florets, of good form and
substance.

William Holmes (H. Cannell & Sons). — Previously certificated and
described.

Miss Cannell (H. Cannell & Sons). — A single variety with pure white
roBy florets, very neat and pretty.

Cincinatti (H. Cannell & Sons). — A large Anemone variety, with long flat
rosy florets, white tinged with purple, and short central tubular florets of
similar colour.

Jane (H. Cannell & Sons). — A single variety, with narrow fluted, twisted,
and curving pure white rosy florets, and a bright gold centre. A charming
variety.

La Marguerite (J. Laing & Co.). — A distinct Anemone-flowered variety
with deep crimson blooms, broad rosy florets, and dense centre.

Mdlle. Elise Dordan (J. Laing & Co.). — A pretty Pompon previously
described.

KINGSTON-ON-THAMES.— November 9th and 10th.

Many splendid exhibitions have been held in the capacious Volunteer
Drill Hall at Kingston, but not one more extensive and generally imposing
than this, the tenth annual display of Chrysanthemum plants and blooms
now to be noticed. The specimen plants exhibited by the chief prize¬
winners were magnificent, miscellaneous collections of plants admirably
and tastefully arranged, groups of Chrysanthemums excellent, while the
competition in the cut bloom classes was unusually keen, no less than eight
stands of forty-eight distinct varieties being staged in the hope of winning
the first chance for the fourth 25-guinea champion vase, the coveted honour
falling to Mr. Gibson, a reward as popular as it was merited. The character
of the blooms throughout the Show cannot be described as of superior
finish, but on the contrary many of the incurved examples were somewhat
rough, this being due in part, no doubt, to the season, and in part certainly
to a want of time or care in arrangement. The Japanese blooms were bright
and fresh rather than “ heavy,” still there were many splendid examples;
and a few new varieties were exhibited and certificated, one at least which
will make its mark in the future, and will almost sure to become known as
u Golden Meg.”

Cut Blooms. — The principal interest of the Exhibition centred in the
challenge vase class, in which, as already mentioned, Mr. C. Gibson, gar¬
dener to J. Wormald. Esq., Morden Park, was the most successful amongst
the eight competitors. The incurved were of moderate size, but fresh, clean,
even blooms, the Japanese being of good substance and wonderfully bright.
The varieties were as follows: — Incurved, back row: Alfred Salter, John
Salter, Golden Queen, Princess of Wales (fine), Queen of England, Golden
Empress, Nil Desperandum, and Empress of India (very handsome).
Middle row : Princess Teck, Nonpareil, Cherub, Jeanne d’Arc, Lord Wol-e-
ley, Hero of Stoke Newington, Jardin des Plantes, and Sir Stafford Carey.
Front row : Mabel Ward, Refulgence, Lady Hardinge, Golden Eagle, Prin¬
cess Beatrice (very neat), Barbara, White Venus, and Yellow Perfection.
Japanese, back row : Grandiflorum, Mdlle. Lacroix, Japonaise, Baronne de
Prailly, Maiden’s Blush, Boule d’Or (very fine), and Comte de Beauregards.
Middle row : Thunberg (exc llent), Fernand Feral, Val d’ Andorra, Golden
Dragon (large), White Dragon, Criterion, Jeanne D-laux (very fine), and
Elaine. Front row : Duchess of Albany, Meg Merrilies, Comte de Germiny,
Album Striatum, Triomphe de la Rue des Chalets, M. Astorg, M. Burnet,
and L’ Adorable. Mr. E. Coombes, gardener to W. Furze, Esq., Tedaington,
was second with an even collection of incurved and Japanese, but of mode¬
rate size. Messrs. W. & G. Drover, Fareham, were a close third, their
incurved being somewhat rougher, but with the Japanese included some
fine blooms. Mr. C. Beckett, Juniper Hill, Dorking, was a good fourth, but
his incurved blooms were too irregular.

A class was also provided for twelve incurved and twelve Japanese
blooms, distinct varieties, in which a £5 5s. silver cup was offer.d as a first
prize, open to residents within the Kingston Poor Law Union. Mr. W.
Smith, gardener to J. F. Schwann, Esq., W imbledon, won this cup with
good blooms of the following: — Incurved, back row: Emily Dale, Lord

Wolseley, Golden Empress, and Empress of India. Middle row : Prince of
Wales, Novelty, Jeanne d’Arc, and Prince Alfred. Front row : White
Venus, Lady Hardinge, Nil Desperandum. and Princess of Wales. Japanese,
hack row : Madame C. Audiguier, Fair Maid of Guernsey, M. Ardene, and
Criterion. Middle row : Marguerite Marrouch, Fernand Feral, Triomphe
du Nord, and Mdlle. Lacroix. Front row : M. ABtorg, John Laing, Japonaise,
and F. A. Davis. The Japanese were very strong in this collection. The
second place was accorded to Mr. G. King, gardener to Mrs. Few, Esher, who
followed closely with handsome blooms, and Mr. E. Coombes third with
smaller but very fresh blooms.

With twenty -four incurved Mr. E. Coombe3 was first for neat and clean
blooms of moderate size, his varieties being — In the back row : Lord
Alcester, Lord Wolseley, Queen of England, Princess of Wales, Golden
Empress, Prince Alfred, Empress of India, and Jeanne d’Arc. In the middle
row : Lady Hardinge, Mrs. Beale, Mr. Bunn, John Salter, Novelty, Jardin
des Plantes, Baron Beust, and Prince of Wales. Front row : White Beverley,
Refulgence, Cherub. Mr. G. Glenny, Golden Eagle, White Venus, Le Grand,
and Mi's. Dixon. Mr. G. Woodgate Warren House, Kingston, was second,
with rather smaller but fresh bright blooms. Mr. C. Lane, M .yfield,
Cheam, being third. For twelve incurved blooms Mr. R. Cawte, gardener
to J. P. Robinson, Esq., Esher, was first with Empress of India, Emily
Dale, Queen of ^England, Lord Alcester, Nil Desperandum, Jeanne d’Arc,
Sir Stafford Carey, Venus, Lady Carey, Mr. Bunn, Empress Eugenie, and
Barbara. Mr. J. Thorne, gardener to A. E. Flood, Esq., Walton-on-Thames,
Mr. A. Carter, gardener to Alderman Evans, Ewell, and Mr. J. Macpherson,
gardener to J. S. Page, Esq., Surbiton, were respectively second, third, and
fourth, amongst five exhibitors.

Mr. C. Slade, gardener to Lady Bowater, Richmond Park, was first with
six incurved, having Queen of England, Golden Empress, Prince Alfred,
very good; Empress of India, Lord Alcester, and Lord Wolseley. Mr. H.
Trussler, gardener to J. Shand, Esq., Old Malden, and Mr. G. Holder,
gardener to Mrs. Izod, Esher, third, in a class of seven competitors. The
best six blooms of one variety incurvrd we- e handsome examples of Golden
Empress of India from Mr. J. Munro, Cambridge House, Twickenham. Mr.
G. Carpenter, gardener to C. J. Abbott, Esq., Walton-on-Thames, was
second with small Jeanne d’Arc, and Mr. A. Carter third with the same.
Five exhibitors. In the class for six incurved blooms, open to those who
had never taken a prize, Mr. C. Lane was first, Mr. J. Thorne second, and
Mr. H. Hawkes third. Nine competitors entering.

The Japanese varieties were well represented in several classes, their
bright and varied colours contributing greatly to the beauty of the Exhibi¬
tion. Mr. G. King was awarded first honours for twenty-four Japanese
blooms, very bright, and in the back row large blooms. The tall varieties
were as follows : — Back row : Madame C. Audiguier, Criterion, Baronne de
Prailly, Bronze Dragon, Val d’Andorre, Comte de Germiny, Mdlle. Lacroix,
and Boule d’Or. Middle row : Flamme de Punch, M. Astorg, Yellow
Dragon, Meg Merrilies, Triomphe de la Rue des Chalets, F. A. Davis,
J aponaise, and M. Burnet. Front row : Elaine, Garnet, Arlequin, Marguerite
Marrouch, Balmoreau, Joseph Mahood, John Laing, and Soleil Levant.
Mr. J. Child, gardener to Mrs. Slade, Ciaygate, followed very closely with
substantial blooms, Val d’Andorre, The Daimio, Thunberg, and Boule d’Or
being extremely fine. Mr. J. Munro took the third place, and Mr. C. Lane
the fourth. Seven entries.

The stands of twelve Japanese formed an intrresting class, eight com¬
petitors entering, the majority of whom had good blooms. Mr. W. Smith
won premier honours with capital examples of M. Ardene, Val d’Andorre,
Fernand Feral, Marguerite Marrouch, John Laing, Comtesse de Beauregard,
Mdlle. Lacroix, Japonaise, Fanny Boucharlat, Thunberg, F. A. Davis, and
M. Astorg. Mr. G. Holden was a creditable second, Mr. G Duncan, Warn-
ham Court Gardens, Horsham, third, and Mr. Hunt, gardener to Sir Robert
Carden, Bart., West Moulsey, fourth. For six Japanese of one variety Mr.
G. King was first with Japonaise ; Mr. Slade second with Madame O'
Audiguier, and Mr. G. Carpenter with F. A. Davis. In the maiden class
Mr. C. Waite was first with six neat blooms, followed by Messrs. Williams
and Thorne, nine stands being entered.

Reflexed varieties were well shown by Mr. Carpenter, who had the best
twelve blooms, Messrs. E. Coombes and A. Carter following. With twelve
Japanese Anemone blooms Mr. Child took the lead for fine blooms of Fabian
de Mediana, Mdlle. Cabrol, Madame Clos, Madame B. Pigny, and Soeur
Dorothee Souille. Mr. G. Carpenter followed. Mr. C. Gibson was first for
twelve Anemone blooms with a beautiful collection, in which Fleur de
Marie, Gluck, Lady Margaret, and Mrs. Pethers were very fine. Mr. C.
Slade and Mr. G. Carpenter followed in a full class of seven entries. Mr.
W. E. Clark had the premier stand of twelve bunches of Pompons, and Mr.
E. Coombs the best twelve Anemone Pompons, both very pretty collections.
In the classes confined to amateurs who do not employ a gardener more
than one day a week some good blooms were shown, Mr. W. Minnett, Mr.
A. W. Hardy, Mr. T. Varley, Mr. W. J. Lemon, Mr. C. Hall, Mr. H. Stacey,
Mr. R. Preis, and Mr. F. Bowler were awarded premier prizes.

Groups and Plants. — The groups of miscellaneous plants and those of
Chrysanthemums are always an important feature at Kingston, and this
year they were even better than usual. For a group of plants arranged for
effect Mr. G. Fitsell, gardener to G. R. Greaves, Esq., Twickenham, was
deservedly first with a most tast-ful contribut on, light Palms, Dracaenas,
Crotons, with a few Bouvardias, Heaths, and Callas, rising from a ground¬
work of Adiantums, and a few scattered Caladium argyrites near the
margin, the pots being concealed with moss. Mr. H. Trussler was second
also with a free and effective arrangement, Dendrobiums, Cypripediums,
and flowering plants being more freely employed. Mr. R. Cawte was third
with a good group somewhat in the same style as the first, but not quite
so well finished. Mr. J. R. Martin, gardi-ner to C. H. Outram, Esq., Elm
Lodge, Surbiton Hill, was awarded a fourth prizifor a rather heavier but
bright group.

The groups of Chrysanthemums were very rich in colour, Mr. W. Smith
taking first honours with a most handsome arrangement of strong yet
dwaf and compact healthy plants well clothed with foliage, and comprising
a suitable proportion of both Japanese and incurved varieties, the blooms
large, substantial, and fresh. Mr. C. Orchard, gardener to W. Middleton
Campbell, Esq., Coombe Ridge, was an admirable second, his group being
beautifully finished and the blooms fine. Mr. H. W. Pitcher, gardener to
Mrs. Dunnage, Surbiton, and Mr. C. Lane, were third and fourth.

November 11. 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

437

The trained specimen plants formed a beautiful group at the end of the
hall, and at few shows are such tine plants seen. Mr. G. King secured the
chief award for six specimens, having grandly flowered plants 4 to 5 feet in
diameter of Mrs. Dixon, Lady Hardinge, John Salter, Mr. G. Gienny. Mrs.
Haliburton, and Prince of Wales, some with over 200 blooms each. Mr. C.
Beckett was second with more irregular plants, and Mr. Trussler third with
smaller specimens. Mr. R. Cawte had the best three specimens of large-
flowering varieties — namely, Mrs. G. Bundle, Mrs. Dixon, and Mr. G.
Gienny, each about 4 feet in diameter and beautifully flowered. The same
exhibitor was also first with three Japan' se varieties, even and handsome
specimens of Orphde, Mont Blanc, and Madame B. Rendatler; and with six
Pompons he was similarly successful, having profusely flowered bushes of
Rosinante, Adele Prissette, Marguerite de Coi, Toussaint Maurisot, Mr.
Astie, and Miss Nightingale. Mr. C. Beckett took the lead with three
standard large flowering varieti s, Mis. G. Bundle, Chinaman, and Mrs.
Dixon, the stems about 4 feet high, with conical heads over 3 feet in
diameter. For a single specimen incurved variety Mr. R. Cawte was first
with Mrs. G. Bundle, very beautiful. Mr. G. King followed with a similar
plant of the same variety, and Mr. Trussler third with Hero of Stoke
Newington, much smaller. With a specimen Japanese Mr. Cawte was
again first, showing Peter the Great 4J feet in diameter and covered with
blooms. Mr. G. King was second with La Nymphe, very neat. Mr. Beckett
had the best single Pompon — Fanny, a free untrained plant well flowered.
Messrs. Child, Elliott, and Beckett also took second prizes in other classes.

Table plants are a strong feature at Kingston, the competition being
keen. Mr. A. Carter was first with nine plants, Pandanus Yeitchi, Crotons
Nevelliae, angustifolius, Hawkeri, Chelsoni, and Warreni, Aralia Yeitchi,
Cocos Weddelliana, and Dracmna superba. Mr. W. Smith and Mr. C. Waite
were second and third with larger plants. Mr. H. Trussler had the best
six plants, Mr. H. Holden and Mr. W. Reed following. In the class for
six berried plants Mr. Holden was first with Capsicum Prince of Wales,
having large yellow fruits. Mr. C. Waite had the best basket of plants,
good specimens, hut rather crowded.

Fruit. — White Grapes were well shown by Mr. B. Dockerill, gardener
to G. W. Palmer, Esq., Reading, Mr. W. Smith, and Mr. Bates, who won the
prizes in that order with Muscat of Alexandria. For black Graf es Mr. C.
Griffin, gardener to Miss Christy, Coombe Bank, Mr. W. Smith, and Mr.
Dockerill were the prizetakers, all showing Alicant-. A vote of thanks
was accorded to Messrs. Thomson & Son, Clovenfords, for good bunches and
splendid berries of Gros Colman, Messrs. T. Jackson & Son, Kingston, having
bunches of Black Hamburgh and Kempsey Alicante.

Apples and Pears were represented by good fruits. Mr. Reed, Broad¬
water, Oatlands Park, Mr. J. Lamb, Mr. C. Orchard, Mr. Rogers, and Mr.
Waite securing the prizes. Mrs. Hardy, High Street, Dorking, was first
both with a stand of foliage and berries and one of flowers, both very
tasteful. Mr. W. Rogers being first with six bouquets. Messrs. Hooper
and Co., Twickenham, had a small group of Carnations.

First-class certificates were awarded to the following varieties : —

Mr. Ralph Brocklebank. — Exhibited by Mr. J. Winkworth, gardener to
Ralph Brocklebank, Esq., Childwell Hall, Liverpool. It is a bright prim¬
rose sport from Meg Merrilies, and a decided acquisition, the blooms equal
in size those of its prototype and possess the '.same character, while the new
colour is very pleasing.

Amy Furze. — Exhibited by Mr. E. Coombe, gardener to W. Furze, Esq.,
Teddington. It is a seedling reflexed bloom, of a pinkish flesh colour, large
in size, but a little loose and “ bristly this, however, may have been due to
some extent to age, and the new comer will find its way into stands of the
class, not too well represented, to which it belongs.

Moonlight. — Exhibited by Messrs. Jackson & Sons, Kingston, and we
believe of American origin. The florets are pure white, broad, and loosely
incurved, indeed the character of the bloom cannot be better conveyed than
by describing it as a White Peter the Great.

Among others new forms, blooms of a bronze sport from Mr. Bunn were
staged, but not in condition to be certificated ; this sport, however, must not
be lost sight of, as the florets may come longer and smoother another year.

PECKHAM RYE. — November 8th and 9th.

The Surrey Chrysanthemum Society’s annual Exhibition took place in
the Public Hall, Rye Lane, Peekham, on Monday and Tuesday last. We
understand that the Society is comparatively young, but it will require
some considerable encouragement before it can be described as flourishing,
for a balance of 12s. 8^d. is scarcely sufficient to provide for unpleasant con¬
tingencies. The Hall is a large one, and there were not enough entries in
the plant classes to give it a well-filled appearance. Several good groups
were, however, staged, and that for which Mr. Haynes was awarded the
silver cup was especially worthy of commendation. With the exception of
a few stands of Japanese, the blooms were rather small in the cut bloom
classes.

An extremely handsome group was contributed by Mr. Haynes, gardener
to John Sadler, Esq., and for which the first prize, a silver cup, was awarded.
The plants were healthy with large beautiful b'ooms, mostly Japanese, very
bright in colour. Mr. Neville, gardener to H. H. Lennard, Esq., was second
with a much smaller and rougher group. In a class specially reserved for
amateurs Mr. Tucker, Lausanne Road, won the chief place with a fine
collection. Mr. F. W. Snoad, Bellenden Road, was second ; and Mr. Finch,
Waterloo Street, third. In the nurserymen’s class for a group Mr. T. O.
St- vena, Grove Nursery, Coleman Road, won the first place for a group of
dwarf plants. Mr. T. Sadler, gardener to C. Lambert, Esq., Streatham,
showed some specimen plants, Palms, Ferns, and Orchids not for compe¬
tition. Mr. Drew, James Grove, also had a group of Chrysanthemums not
in competition. Mr. Castle, Lausanne Road, exhibited a group of fine-
foliage plants, Palms, Ferns, Pelargoniums, &c. Mr. Christmas, Grove
Dane, showed several stands of blooms not in competition.

In the cut bloom classes the Japanese were fairly good, Mr. T. Sadler
having a capital dozen blooms, which secured him the first prize. He also
had twelve fine reflexed blooms and the same number of incurved, which
secured him the premier awards in those classes. Mr. G. R. Johnson,
Tottenham, waB first with a stand of twelve excellent Pompons. In the
smaller classes Messrs. G. R. Parker, Herne Hill ; H. Clitter, Nunhead ;

C. J. B mnett, Milkwood Road; Finch, Waterloo^S treet ; and F. W. Snoad
were the prizetakers.

LAMBETH. — November 8th, 9th, and 10th.

The Society of Lambeth Amateurs, all of whom reside within 1J mile
of the Elephant and Castle at Newington, have found fresh quarters for
their Exhibition, which thiB year was held in the Bridge House Hotel,
London Bridge. The room or hall is a commodious one, and amplv large
enough for the Show, but the fact of having to climb several flights of
stairs to reach it was not likely to increase the number of visitors. It is
not often that flower shows are held in such elevated regions, but this one
was literally above the housetops. It will be interesting to learn what the
financial results of the Exhibition were, but we should think that a site
somewhat nearer the ground level would be advisable another season.

In the plant classes the groups were the principal feature, and occupied
one side of the hall. The first prize was awarded to Mr. J. A. Howett, who
had a bright and varied arrangement of well-flowered plants, incurved of
the G. Gienny and Mrs. G. Bundle types being very neat. There was also
a good proportion of Japanese with dwarf Pompons in front. Mr. Hadden
gained the second prize for a large group rather loosely arranged, chiefly
composed of Japanese ; Mr. J. Hole being third.

With six st ndards, Mr. Williams secured the first prize and silver cup
for fairly good healthy plants; Mr. Ellis taking a similar prize for six
standard Pompons neatly trained. Messrs. Davison and Williams secured
other prizes. Mr. J. A. Howitt was first with six untrained Pompons, well
flowered bushes ; Messrs. Hadden and Davison taking other prizes in the
same class. Mr. H. Ellis had the best six dwarf Pompons, and Mr. Williams
the best three standard plants.

The cut bloom classes were well filled, but most of the blooms entered
were rather small, though neat and clean. Mr. T. Hadden was first for
twelve incurved, his stand including a good Nil Desperandum, Mr. Bunn,
and Prince Alfred. Mr. J. A. Howett was second for small blooms, and Mr.
Ellis third. Mr. Childs had the best six blooms — Prince Alfred, Beverley,
Venus, Mr. Bunn, Nil Desperandum, and Mrs. G. Rundle. Mr. Davison
was second and Mr. Williams third. For six of one variety Mr. Ellis was
first with Prince of Wales, very neat ; Mr. Davison second with G. Gienny,
and Mr. Williams third with the same.

The Japanese varieties were much better represented than the incurved.
Mr. Childs had a pretty Btand of six blooms one variety Japanese, and was
awarded the first prize for good examples of La Triomphante, and he was
also first with six Japanese varieties, Val d’Andorre and Gloriosum being
his best blooms. With twelve Japanese the same exhibitor also secured
first honours, showing fresh, substantial, beautiful blooms of good varn ties,
a fine bloom of the new Edouard Audiguier being included. Messrs. Ellis,
Williams, and Haddon were awarded other prizes. An excellent stand of
twelve reflexed blooms gained Mr. Hadden the first prize, Mr. Williams
being second with twelve and first with six blooms.

Mr. Whibley contributed a group of fine-foliage plants, which formed a
bank at one end of the hall. Mr. Benjamin Field, Old Kent Road, had
samples of horticultural requisites, and there were some pretty stands of
Chrysanthemum flowers.

NATIONAL CHRYSANTHEMUM SOCIETY.— November 10th and 11th

A magnificent and extensive exhibition was opened at the Royal
Aquarium, Westminster, yesterday (Wednesday), and, admirable as the
records of this Society have been, they have this season surpassed all pre¬
vious efforts. Cut blooms, specimen plants, groups, fruit and vegetables
constituted a show of remarkable excellence, the competition in all the
classes being very keen and the quality of the contributions exceptional.
Unfortunately the brief time at our disposal after the awards were made
will only permit a brief report, hut we obtained the winners’ names in the
principal classes, and may refer more in detail next issue to some of the
chief features of the Show. The Hon. Secretary, Mr. W. Holmes, and the
Executive deserve the congratulations of Chrysanthemum growers for their
successful efforts in extending the interest in these plants.

The body of the large hall was occupied with the plants and some of the
cut bloom classes, but most of the incurved blooms with the fruit and
vegetables were arranged in St. Stephen’s Hall.

In the great class for forty- eight incurved blcoms, not less than twenty-
four varieties, there were seven competitors, Mr. C. Gibson, gardener to
J. Wormald, Esq., Morden Park, Suirey, had much the best collection, superb
blooms of good substance and finely finished. They were arranged as
follows : — Back row : Empress of India, Princess of Wales, Golden Queen,
John Salter, Golden Empress, Queen of England, Golden Empress, Prin¬
cess of Wales, Golden QueeD, Empress of India, Queen of England, Golden
Empress, Queen of England, John Salter, Princess of Wales, a magnificent
bloom, and a grand Empriss of India. Middle row: Nil Desperandum,
Golden Perfection, Empress Eugenie, Golden Queen, Cherub, Princess Teck,
Jeanne d’Arc, Nil Despe andurn, Jeanne d’Arc, Princess Teck, Golden
Eagle, H- ro of Stoke Newington, Jardin des Plantes, Hero of Stoke New¬
ington, Nil Desperandum, and Golden Queen. Front row : Lady Hardinge,
Lord Wolseley, Princess Beatrice, Refulgence, Mabel Ward, Barbara, Prin¬
cess Beatrice, Golden Eagle, Jardin des Plantes, Sir Stafford Carey, Mrs.
Dixon, Nonpareil, Princess Beatrice, Mrs. G. Rundle, Barbara, and Princess
Teck. Mr. Gibson well de-ervtd a viotory in th's class, but the stand
was disqualified for containing four Golden Queens. Messrs. W. it G.
Drover, Fareham, were first with rather looser and rougher blooms, but
including some very fine specimens. The second prize was awarded to F.
R. Wildman, Esq., Oaklands, Grove Road, Clapham Park, which were small,
but neat and fresh ; Mr. C. J. Salter, of Streatham, being third.

For twenty-four incurved blooms Mr. Wildman was first, and Mr. E.
SandersoD, Felix Villa, St. Mary’s Road, Willesd' n, was second, but the
accuracy of thes@ awards was questioned, as a number of the blooms in the
first stand wer.- small and irregular. Mr. W. R. Strong, Wellington College,
Wokingham, Berks, was third, these three being the only exhibitors. The
best eighteen incurved were entered by Mr. J. Martin, gardener to C. N.
Kidd, Esq., West Hid House, Dartford, substantial and fresh blooms of the
following : — Back row : Princess of Wales, Empress of India, Prince
Alfred, Golden Empress, Lord Woleseley, and Lord Alcester. Middle row :
Mr. W. Shipman, Cherub, Jeanne d’Arc, Mr. Brunlees, Mrs. Heale, and John

438

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Novembar 11, 1886.

Salter. Front row : Eve, Princess Beatrice, Prince of AVales, Isabella Bott,
Nil Desperandum, and Baron Beust. Mr. J. Horsefield, Heytesbury, and
Mr. J. Mitchell, gardener to Mrs. Arbuthnot, Borgden Place, Bexley, were
the other prizetakers in a class of five entries.

A handsome stand of twelve incurved gained Mr. J. Doughty, gardener
to Mrs. Tomlin, Augley Park, Cranbrook, the first prize, his blooms being
capital examples of Queen of England, Golden Empress of India, Empress
of India, Lord Alcester, Prince Alfred, Jeanne d’A''c, Alfred Salter, Princess
Teck, Lady Hardinge, Mrs. W. Shipman, Mrs. Heale, and Hero of Stoke
Newington. Mr. H. Shoesmith, gardener to Rev. Canon Hodgson, Saltwood
Rectory, Hythe, Kent, was a good second, a corner bloom of Queen of Eng¬
land, being snperb ; and Mr. J. Gore, gardener to Captain Taylor, Glen-
leigh, Hastings, was third, amongst ten exhibitors, all of whom showed very
well.

With forty-eight Japanese Mr. C. Gibson gained a decided victory, having
magnificent blooms of the following varieties : — Back row — Madame C.
Audiguier, Mdlle. Lacroix, Grandiflornm, Baronne de Frailly, Japonaise,
Comtesse de Beauregard, Boule d’Or, Maiden’s Blush, Madame C. Audiguier,
Mdlle. Lacroix, Grandiflorum, Baronne de Prailly, Japonaise, Maiden’s
Blush, Boule d’Or, and Elaine. Middle row — Thunberg, Yal d’Andorre, Mr.
Burnet, Golden Dragon, Meg Merrilies, Jeanne Delaux, Elaine, Roseum
Pictum, Thunberg, Fernand Feral, Jeanne Delaux, Gloriosum, Meg Mer¬
rilies, Criterion, Mr. Burnet, and Comtesse de Beauregard. Front row —
White Dragon, L’Adorable, Comte de Germiny, M. Astorg, Duchess of
Albany, Hiver Fleuri, Yellow Dragon, Fernand Feral, M. Astorg, Duchess
of Albany, Hiver Fleuri, Fair Maid of Guernsey, Roseum Pictum, Album
striatum, Marguerite Marrouch, and L’Adorable. This was one of the best
stands of Japanese we have seen, every bloom being good. Mr. J. Ridout
was a good second, and Mr. J. Bettesworth third, seven exhibitors staging
collections.

Reflexed blooms were fine in the class for twelve, Mr. F. Moore, gardener
to W. C. Pickersgill, Esq., Blendall Hall, Bexley, securing the chief honours
with large examples of Mrs. Forsyth, Cloth of Gold, Garibaldi, Golden
Christine, Felicity, Peach Christine, Cullingfordi, Dr. Sharpe, and Phidias.
Mr. E. Wills, gardener to Mrs. Pearce. The Firs, B issett, Southampton, was
a close second with handsome blooms; and Mr. J. Gore third. Seven good
stands were entered. Anemone Pompons were capitally shown by Mr. R.
Whibley, Bethlehem Hospital, who was first in the class. Mr. Gore had the
best twelve Pompons, gaining a similar prize. In the metropolitan classes,
Mr. Langdon won the first place for twelve incurved with neat even blooms,
and he was also first with twenty- four incurved, Mr. S. Gilbey leading with
twelve Japanese.

Grapes were admirably represented in the class for a collection of twelve
bunches, not less than three varieties, six competitors entering. Mr. J.
Harvey, gardener to J. Waters, Esq., Myskyns, Sussex, was awarded chief
honours for grand bunches of Gros Colman, Gros Guillaume, and Alicante,
the last well coloured. Mr. J. H. Goodacre, gardener to the Earl of Harring¬
ton, Elvastou Castle, Derby, was second with six varieties, his Gros Colman
being extraordinarily fine. Mr. W. Allan, gardener to Lord Suffield, Gunton
Park, Norwich, was third. For white Grapes, Mr. J. Roberts, Gunnersbury,
was first with Muscat of Alexandria very fresh and clean. Mr. J. Chalk,
gardener to G. Read, Esq., Salisbury, and Mr. A. Smith, gardener to W. H.
Sewell, Esq., Loughton, was thud, all with the same variety. Mr. J. Harvey
was again first with black Grapes, Gros Colman. Mr. A. Smith and Mr. J.
Wing, gardener to M. Shepherd, Esq., Roupell Park, Tulse Hill, was third
with Alicante in a class of nine exhibitors.

In the Apple classes, Messrs. Duncan, C. Ross, and C. Jacobs were the
prizewinners for dessert varieties. Messrs. J. McKenzie, Linton Park
Gardens, C. Ross, and A. Smith taking the similar honours for culinary
varieties. The best Pears were from Messrs. W. Allan, C. Goldsmith, and
Bettisworth.

“ Messrs. Sutton & Sons’ prizes for a collection of vegetables brought
eight exhibitors, Mr. C. J. Waite leading with clean produce; Mr. J. May
second, Mr. H. Miller was third, Mr. S. Haines fourth, and Mr. T. H. Beckett
was fifth. Messrs. Webb & Sons’ prizes for vegetables brought six com¬
petitors, the prizes heing accorded to Mr. S. Haines, gardener to the Hon.
Earl of Radnor, Coleshill House, Highworth, Mr. J. May, Northau House
Gardens, Barnet, and Mr. T. A. Beckett, Cole Hatch Farm, Amersham.
The leading Potato prizes were won by Messrs. E. S. Wiles, C. Osman, W.
Pepper, W. C. Jacobs, and E. Chadwick.

In the plant classes Mr. W. Monk, Leytonstone, was a successful ex¬
hibitor with large flowered specimens, Mr. R. E. Reeve, Hadley Green,
Barnet, being first with six Pompons ; while for groups, Mr. Edwards of
Balham, Mr. Townsend, Putney, and Mr. Stevens, Putney, were the prize
winners, having very beautiful effective collections.

Messrs. Cannell & Sons have a large and handsome collection of
Chrysanthemum blooms, Mr. R. Owen a collection of blooms, Messrs. Laing
and Co. a group of plants, and Messrs. Sutton & Sons about 150 dishes of
Potatoes.

CROYDON. — November 10th and 11th.

The annual Show of the Croydon Horticultural Society was held in the
small Public Hall, Croydon, on the above dates. The Show was an attractive
one, cut blooms and groups of Chrysanthemums being good, but unfortu¬
nately the weather was verv unfavourable on the opening day. The principal
awards were as follows : — For twenty-four incurved blooms, open, the first
prize was awarded to Mr. H. Alderman, The Gardens, Morden Hall ; the
stand was a very even one, Mrs. Heale, Blush Queen, Jardin des Plantes, and
Lady Slade being good. The second prize went to Mr. Gibson, gardener to
J. Wormald, Esq., Morden Park, Kingston-on-Thames; Empress of India,
Princess of Wales, and Golden Empress were very fine in this stand, but
many other blooms were poor. Mr. R. Ridge, gardener to Lady Ashburton,
Addiscombe Farm, Croydon, was third, one other group being shown. In
a corresponding class for Japanese the positions of Messrs. Gibson and H.
Alderman were reversed, the former winning with something to spare;
nevertheless, Mr. Alderman had an excellent stand. Mr. S. Elsey, gardener
t° R. G. Perry, Esq., Ashleigh, Addiscombe, was third. Two other stands
were shown. For a group of Chrysanthemums Mr. W. Curd, 78, George
Street, Croydon, was a very eaBy first with a well-arranged collection of
healthy well-flowered plants.

One other group was shown — namely, that of Mr. J. Cook, gardener to S.
Ezekiel, Esq., Duppas Hill, to which a third prize was given. For twelve
foliage plants in G-inch pots Mr. H. Alderman was first and Mr. J. Rodbourn,
gardener to Baroness Heath, Coombe House, second. There was but one
entrant (Mr. J. Cook) in the class- s for three trained plants of large
varieties, three Pompons, one specimen plant of a large variety, and one
specimen Pompon, he taking first prizes in all. For a collection of Apples,
not exceeding twenty varieties, there were three entri-s, an excellent col¬
lection from Mr. H. Alderman securing the first prize. Mr. Jones, gardener
to J. B. Brougham, E-q., Wallington Bridge, was a very good second ; Mr.
Rodbourn third. The following were the awards in the section for local
exhibitors. For a group of plants (one entrant) first prize to Mr. J. Cook.
For twenty-four incurved flowers (one entry) first prize to Mr, C. Evans,
gardener to S. Underhill, Esq., Chichester Road, Croydon. For twelve in¬
curved (four entries), first, Mr. Evans ; second, Mr. Rodbourn ; third,
Mr. G. Lane, gardener to Mr. Alderman Barrow, J.P., Park Hill. For six
incurved (two entries), first, Mr. Warner, Frome Cottages, Church Road;
second, Mr. J. Cook.

For twelve Japanese (three entries). — First, Mr. G. Lane; second, Mr.
C. Evans ; third, Mr. Rodbourn. For twelve large Anemone varieties (four
entries) first, Mr. J. Cook, a good stand ; second, Mr. Rodbourn ; third, Mr.
Dobson, gardener to Miss Stenning, Addiscombe Road. For twelve
Anemone Pompons (two entries). — First, Mr. Dobson ; second, Mr. Cook.
For twelve cut blooms, with foliage (six entries). — First. Mr. S. Elsey;
second, Mr. Welstead, gardener to Mrs. Lodge, Bramley Hill; third, Mr.
Lane. For six blooms, any incurved variety (five entries). — First, Mr.
Ridge (Prince Alfred) ; second, Mr. Staines, gardener to J. Newton. Esq.,
J.P., Park Hill (Mrs. Dixon) ; third Mr. Lane (Mrs. G. Rundle). In the
corresponding class for Japanese, Mr. Ridge was first with Comte de
Germiny, very fine ; Mr. Rodbourn second with Madame Audiguier and
third with Dormilion. There were five entries.

HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

Hints to Planters. — Before all things make sure of enough trees
of sorts of well-known excellence of each kind of fruit to ensure a full
successional supply both for the dest-ert and for cooking ; then add as
many choice sorts as space can be had for, but never sacrifice utility for
the sake of fancy. We know a large garden with several hundreds of fruit
trees so badly chosen as to sorts, that at the present time the display of
fruit in an exceptionally fine fruit house is meagre and altogether unsatis¬
factory. It is really a large collection obtained from all parts of this
country and the Continent, and though undoubtedly both curious and
interesting, it practically fails to meet the requirements of a large estab¬
lishment. Cordons afford special facilities for making collections of fruit.
Planted against walls, buildings, or fences 18 inches apart, trained
diagonally at an angle of 45° upon low supports, and vertically upon lofty
ones, they constitute an important feature, and we may add a very useful
one without any encroachment upon space required for pyramidal,
standard, or bush trees. In planting a wall of single cordon Pears, let
them be arranged in the order of ripening, beginning with early summer
sorts and ending with such late sorts as Olivier de Serres and Madame
Millet. Try and make the arrangement of the trees in the fruit garden
attractive ; an avenue of pyramids with an occasional archway of cordons
over the path, marginal horizontal cordons, cordons as espaliers, as well
as palmetto verriers. Then have out upon the quarters whole rows of
such indispensable sorts of fruit as Rivers’ Early Prolific Plum, Crittenden
Damson, Pearson’s Prolific Nut, Margil, Cox’s Orange Pippin, Waruer’s
King, and Small’s Admirahle Apples, and such “ sure ” Pears as Williams’
Bon Chretien, Comte de Flandre, Knight’s Monarch, and Doyennd du
Comice. At corners and other conspicuous positions have handsome
specimens of fruit remarkable for beauty of form and colour, such as Api,
Kerry Pippin, King of the Pippins, and Worcester Pearmain Apples,
Transparent and Belle Magnifique Cherries, Beurr6 Clairgeau and Louise
Bonne of Jersey Pears. Turn north walls to account not only for Morello
Cherries, but also for the choicest Plums and a few of the best early
autumn Pears, our object in doing this being to prolong the season of
favourite sorts. For example, we have Williams’ Bon Chretien, Fondante
d’Automne and Marie Louise Pears, which generally afford us excellent
late fruit from tree against a north wall. We have, too, from the same
wall a nice and very valuable successor of Green Gage, McLaughlin's
Gage, Transparent Gage, Reine Claude de Bavay, Blue Imperatrice, and
Coe’s Golden Drop Plums.

FRUIT FORCING.

VINES. — Early Farced Vines in Pots. — The house must now be ready
and the plants placed in position. If weight and quality of Grapes are
desired the apertures in the pots should bs widened and some turfy loam
placed within easy reach of the roots. It may be placed against or on
the pedestals of loose bricks, and the roots will follow the liquid given,
and the turf hold so that the roots will send up plenty of support for the
Vines. The stands or pedestals will admit of the ready turning of the
fermenting materials without disturbing the Vines. Oak or Beech leaves
are the best to afford bottom heat. They supply a genial warmth and
moisture in the early stages, and rich stimulating food towards the close.

November 11, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

439

If the canes have not been shortened to the proper length and dressed
with styptic it is best to leave the Vines their full length and disbud
after they break. For all purposes none is better than Black Hamburgh.
Royal Ascot is good, but none is more appreciated than Madresfield Court.
It requires liberal feeding up to the Grapes changing colour, and then
lessened supplies, with a dry atmosphere. Where the Muscat flavour is
wanted White Frontignan should be grown.

Early Planted out Vines. — To ensure ripe Grapes in May the house
must be closed by the middle of the month. This more particularly
applies to young and vigorous Vines that do not, as a rule, “ break ” so
quickly as Vines that have been forced for a number of years. As a fuel
economiser, and to produce a soft humid atmosphere, a good ridge of
fermenting material may be placed upon the border and turned ever at
short intervals, additions being made as the heat declines. Old Vines
will not need depressing, they may be tied up to the wires, but young
Vines will need to be brought into a horizontal position over the hot-
water pipes or fermenting material where they can be well syringed with
tepid water about 10° warmer than the house. The temperature of the
house may range 50° at night, 55° by day, and 65° on bright days.

Houses of Ripe Hamburgh*. — The atmosphere cannot be kept too dry.
A steady tempera ure of 50°, a gentle warmth in the pipes, and free venti¬
lation on dry days will best suit them until the leaves fall. This effected,
the Grapes had best be cut, bottled, and placed in late houses, Muscats or
Lady Downe’s, or in a euitable house for keeping them. The leaves
should be cleared away as they fall, and water excluded from the
house.

Late Grapes not Finishing Well. — There are three primary causes of
this — ie., too late starting, overcropping, or a bad condition of the
roots. Nothing will he gained by pushing the fires now or after the wood
is ripe, but that must be effected under any circumstances. A high
temperature will not prevent the Grapes shrivelling when the leaves
fall. The defect in finish being due to overcropping, relief should be
given the Vines by cutting a portion of the crop at the earliest convenience,
but where it can be traced to imperfect drainage or bad borders no time
should be lost in getting out the old soil, rectifying the drainage, and
relaying the roots in fresh compost.

Pines. — As growth advances in these plants they should be placed so
as to obtain all the light possible, and be enabled to make the most of
every ray of sunlight whenever it prevails. With a view to this keep the
glass clean, and let the plants be placed near to it. The beds of ferment¬
ing materials subside considerably through decomposition, and fresh made
up ones, unless well trodden down, are apt to settle rapidly. In either
case attention should be promptly given to raising the plants so that they
have the full benefit of the light, and in so doing not chilling the plants
or allowing them to become over-heated at the roots.

Assorting the Plants. — It should be a practice at this time of year, if
not done earlier, to assort the plants according to their respective require¬
ments before winter. The fruiting plants should be given the best places
for swelling off the fruits properly at a time when natural means will not
afford much assistance. The fruiting plants must under any conditions
have a night temperature of 65°, and 70° to 75° by artificial means during
the daytime. The successional plants will only require a night tempera¬
ture of 60°, and 65° by day, with an advance from sun heat, but not with¬
out air, to 70° or 75°. Other young stock, which it is not advisable to
bring forward too quickly, as they are not prepared to make much growth,
wil progress satisfactorily in a night temperature of 55° to 60°, and 60°
to 65° in the daytime, above which ventilating freely, but avoiding chills
or anything likely to cause a stunted growth. Fruiting plants will require
atmospheric moisture at all times. Sprinkling available suifaces must he
regularly attended to, and the plants will need syringing in a light house
during bright weather twice or thrice a week. Successional plants and
others will only require syringing occasionally, as they will derive con¬
siderable moisture from the fermenting beds. Keep the glass clean, as
every ray of light is of great value.

Fermenting Beds. — For these Oak and Beech leaves are much the
best. They are more durable than others, and the heat is consequently
milder and lasts longer. New beds should be made where necessary.
The best plan, where the extent of glass admits of it, is to free all the
pits of the plants, and not return thtm uuiil the beds are in proper con¬
dition. More injury arises from ihe plants being shifted about, taken
from warm beds and chilled, ana from cold quarters to warm bedB, than
many give credit for. The greater care the plants are taken of in these
respects the better they will respond to the call of the cultivator.

Strawberries in Pots. — All plants for early forcing must be in
frames, with a view to protect them from heavy rains, snow, and severe
cold ; those for late work are just as well, if not better, plunged in ashes
in a sheltered situation, having a light covering of bracken or straw in
severe weather. The practice) of wintering Strawberries for forcing in
Peach and other houses with open ventilators, where from the piercing
currents of air evaporation is constant and excessive, only wastes the
energies of the plants, and not infrequently destroys the roots at the sides
of the pots. Drought is the great bane of the Strawberry ; therefore,
those in frames or pits must not be neglected for water, the soil always
being kept moist. About the middle of this month a batch of La Grosse
Sucree, Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury, should be prepared for placing in
the early Peach house, to which fire heat will be given early in December.
The plants must have the drainage seen to, and if defective rectified, the
surface of the soil raked, the pots washed, and a surface dressing given of
fresh horse manure rubbed through a sieve. Those having the convenience
of a house for forcing Strawberries may make a start, the plants being

placed well up to the light, and the temperature 50° by day and 40° to
45° at night, admitting air freely above 50°.

Cucumbers. — Plants that have been in bearing some time will [be
invigorated by receiving a top-dressing of turfy loam, to which has been
added a sixth of charcoal, surfacing with an inch of sweetened horse
droppings. If put in fresh they will part with too much ammonia, and
probably injure the foliage. See that the soil is not too dry, but let it be
getting into that condition before any is given, then afford a thorough
soaking with water at the same temperature as the house. Ventilate
moderately whenever the weather is favourable, but avoid lowering the
temperature or admitting air in such quantity as to cause excessive
evaporation, as a check or chill from any cause is alike injurious to
plants and fruit. The temperature should be maintained at 65° at night,
and in severe weather 60°, and 70° to 75° by day from fire heat, advancing
10° to 15° with sun heat.

PLANT HOUSES.

Imantophyllums. — These plants will have completed their growth, and
those not wanted to flower for some months should have a cool airy
structure. They should also be watered with great care, giving consider¬
ably less than has been the case up to the present time. If overwatered
during the resting period the tips of their dark green foliage are certain
to turn yellow and the beautiful appearance of the plants is destroyed. If
kept on the dry side they will remain in perfectly good condition. Some
of the earliest plants are showing their flowers, and will be much brighter
in colour if they are developed in a little warmth. At this season of the
year the flowers, if allowed to expand in a cool house, are practically
colourless. Seedlings raised from good varieties will be better in a cool
than a heated house during the season of rest. This treatment results in
increased strength and vigour another year.

Amaryllises. — The whole of these plants will have made and completed
their growth ; they should now be given a cool but light position to
further ripen and harden the bulbs. The secret of flowering these plants
profusely is well- ripened bulbs, which is brought about after a good
season’s growth by withholding water gradually at this season of the
year until both bulbs and roots are thoroughly matured. If water is dis¬
continued suddenly the roots are certain to die back, but if the supply is
decreased judiciously they will remain perfectly fresh and plump. After
the plants are once put to rest they will do very well in any position,
even under the stage, but this position is not advisable if a large amount
of drip will fall upon them.

Chrysanthemums. — Some care is needed just now with plants that are
unfolding large flowers. Very large flowers, such as are grown for exhi¬
bition, are much more difficult to preserve from damp than those of a
smaller size. A close confined atmosphere is certain to result in the
petals damping, and so [quickly do they fail after they once commence
that the flower becomes rotten and useless in a few days. Where heat is
used to expand the blooms the difficulty of keeping them right is greatly
increased. A good circulation of air must be maintained if they are to
develope their beautiful large flowers without risk of the petals damping.
The first petal that displays signs of damping must be removed at once, for
others quickly rot around them. Princess of Teck and other late kinds
for flowering after Christmas may still remain outside, but they should
be near some shed or house where they can be carried in at once if stormy
bad weather sets in. It is a good plan to secure the pots so that the wind
cannot blow them about and break them, and then cover them with canvas
in case of frost, fully exposing them during the day when favourable.
By slight protection of this description we hope to keep our late plants
outside for another month, unless the weather proves very ungenial.
Chrysanthemums are later than usual this year, and this is an advantage
where the plants are required for decoration, as such large numbers will
not come in at one time, and the latest will be certain to yield a good
supply of flowers at a time when they are most needed.

Tree Carnations. — These should be in their winter quarters, and it is
an admirable plan where a good stock of plants is grown to sort them
into two or three batches. Those for spring flowering — that is, the latest,
should have a cool, light, airy position as close to the glass as possible, so
that they will not draw up weakly. They should also be stood upon
some moisture — holding material, such as gravel or ashes afford. The
earliest should have a position where the temperature can be kept from
falling below 45° or 50? at night. These will unfold their blooms and
yield flowers for cutting until Christmas if carefully watered and freely
ventilated on all favourable occasions. Air is not of vast importance if
the atmosphere of the house is kept moderately dry to prevent the blooms
damping, and the temperature not too high. Young stock that has been
raised by layering should be lifted and potted singly in 3-inch pots, and
then stood in a cold frame. Spring-struck plants are undoubtedly the
best, and start into growth more freely, but if these are well cared for they
will make extra size plants for early autumn flowering. Gloire de Nancy
and the whole of the Souvenir de la Malmaison type should be lifted and
potted at once.

sim-

a

HE BEE-KEEPER.

NOTES OF THE SEASON— SYRIAN QUEENS, BEES,

AND DRONES.

October with us has been the finest month of the year,
exceptionally so for that month, and an eventful one with the

440

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ November 11, 1888.

bees. The temperature has been uniform throughout, seldom
lower than 45° at night. One day it reached 65°, and the
two last days of the month were brilliant, with a temperature
of 60° and 58° consecutively. Sweet Peas have grown from
1 to 2 feet, and bloomed freely. Ferns have thrown up many
fresh fronds ; herbaceous plants are fresher and blooming
better than they did during the summer months. Wall¬
flowers have grown more than at any other time during the
season, while Poppies and Marigolds have flowered profusely,
keeping the garden gay and the bees at work. Colchicums
have lasted one month only, while last year they lasted two
months. Thus our undug plot has given us flowers for nine
months of the year and promises still longer. A seedling
Briar, which has beautifully coloured and fine formed petals,
is now covered with heps, appearing no way injured by the
tendrils of a perennial Pea that covered it, and bloomed for
many weeks during summer, while beneath it and adjoining
trees, there were from February till May Snowdrops in
variety, and Crocuses, Daffodils, Narcissus, Aconites,
Hyacinths in variety, the Grape Hyacinths in variety, and
other bulbs, together with different members of the Crowfoot
tribe, &c., which in their turn bloomed and kept gay the
greater part of the year what without them would have been
almost a barren spot.

Not only has October given us Roses and other flowers
that July and August denied us, but there has been scarcely
a day during the whole month that the Syrian bees have not
collected much pollen. They are, without doubt, the most
assiduous and interesting bees I know. As foretellers of the
weather they eclipse the barometer, and as collectors of honey
the propensity is so great that it is almost a fault, if the bee¬
keeper is careless enough to allow them a taste from any hive
in the apiary. So quick are they in discovering exposed
sweets and conveying the intelligence to the inmates of its
whereabouts that it surprises many. Recently I put out a little
peameal and along with it a small piece of honeycomb, for
the purpose of ascertaining the state of several hives that
were too strong to be meddled with at this season. I lifted
one bee on the comb and put it in my revolving peameal
holder, watching its return at the entrance to the hive. It had
not gone in more than six seconds when a number flew out in
search of the honey, and in not more than a minute hundreds
were upon the wing. How they convey the news is a mystery
to me.

When I commenced raising my second batch of queens
during the beginning of August, and when dividing into
nuclei, their thieving propensity was shown very strongly, and
had I not stopped it by closing them in alternately, and
setting robbers upon the strongest ones by spilling a little
syrup, the fight must have ended similarly to that of the
Kilkenny cats, so persistently did some of them continue to
rob from each other. The amusing part of it was that when
shut out of their own hive they return quite contentedly with
their ill got gains to where it was taken from, and imme¬
diately set out in quest of more from other hives where they
could force an entrance. After a while they were looked upon
by each other as strangers, and acted in defence of their
citadels. Nothing superfluous is allowed inside the Syrian or
Cyprian bees’ hive. It is because of these excellent qualities
that I recommend them.

Their spiteful nature when invading their hive I have
overcome by showering sweets upon them and a little tact in
manipulation, and I am in hopes that their tenderness during
winter will disappear after a few generations, and with a
little more care in the preparation of their hives, so that after
a little they will be no worse than other bees, but better, as
they never molest people unless when disturbed, so that
people who are annoyed by the bees attacking them when
walking in the garden are free from this molestation by
keeping the wicked and spiteful Syrians.

After all my care to preserve and perpetuate the pure
race of these bees, I had abandoned all hopes of doing so
afte: October had set in, when the drones were becoming

inactive, and were being rapidly killed, in hives, too, both well
provisioned and having unfertilised queens ; and I was sur¬
prised to find further on several that had been fertilised so late
as the 4th and 14th of October respectively. Previous to the
first date I observed that the queens flew early in the day,
while the drones did not care about flying until about 8 p.m.,
while in the other hives they had killed theirs. From this hive,
already well stored, I removed all the filled combs, and confining
the bees upon almost empty ones, fed a little, which had the
desired effect of causing the bachelor drones to make them¬
selves more conspicuous in the sunshine than they had
previously done, resulting in the mating of queens during
October. Nor is this all. Many hives swarmed this
year at the Heather during the end of August and early part
of September, and but for these late preserved drones many
hives would have been useless. The preservation of drones
till late in the season is wise.

Bees seem not only to have forethought but, to a certain
extent, foreknowledge. I have shown where with large
stores they carry on successfully the internal economy of
the hive, whereas with a paucity of these a system of waste
of eggs and queen power goes on daily ; while fit and start
and dribblet-feeding causes the bees to depose their queen at a
most inconvenient and improper time, which to remedy can
only be accomplished by preserving drones until the very
latest. To effect this there must neither be short supplies of
food nor stinted feeding. The killing of the drones is not
always an indication that the queen has been fertilised.

In every instance with these late bred queens the bees,
up till the queens were about seven weeks old, carried much
pollen, after which they abandoned it, thus again differing in
this respect from other varieties. The queens were fertilised
between the eighth and ninth week of their existence from
creeping out the cell, and the youngest drones were ten weeks
old. Seeing that fertilisation has taken place, it is possible
I may be wrong that aged drones become incapable at so
early a date, if at all. If health will permit, I will next
season take more pains in securing early fertilisation by
removing the young queens and drones to a distance. At
last I have been fortunate, but during the months of J uly
and August one disaster followed another, until but one pure
queen remained. — A Lanarkshire Bee-keeper.

THE COTTAGER’S STRAW SEEP— HOW TO GET

SECTION HONEY FROM.

Modern bee-keeping has undoubtedly placed the cottager
with his skep and straw supers at a disadvantage. Comb honey in
his “ caps ” will not sell when sections are in competition with
them, nor does their “run” honey compare favourably with the
modern bee-keeper’s extracted. This being so, it behoves him to
look about and see how he can adapt his ancient hives to altered
circumstances. He must accustom himself to the use of such modern
appliances as will place his honey on a level with tha* of his neigh¬
bours. To do this it is not necessary to abandon his straw skep, as
I have been told certain unscrupulous hive-makers keep telling the
ignorant cottagers. To assist any of your readers who are not yet
acquainted with the modern sections and how to use them the
present notes are written.

The change need not be a very difficult nor very expensive one.
The little boxes here figured (fig. G3) are so simple in construction
that anyone willing to try can make them in their leisure hours.
Timber is cheap enough, and I think the best plan is to go to the
nearest joiner’s shop and get suitable well-seasoned boards. A box to
hold ten 1 lb. sections has to be 11 inches by 10 inside measure¬
ment. For sides and bottom fittings f-inch board is strong enough ;
and for ends, tops, and bottoms, &c., 4-inch will do. Get the
boards 11 inches wide. To make one complete box it takes
25 inches of the former (§ by 1 1 inches), and of the latter 3 feet.
First cut the boards for the body of the box to the measurements
given in the accompanying sketch : — Sides, 12 inches by 4^ ; ends,
10 inches by 4 4 ; next cut out four pieces, a, a, a, 13 inches by 1J.
The fourth piece is required to fill up the spaces 6, 5, &c., when
fitted on to the box. Off the same piece of wood cut three pieces
4 inch wide, and fit them on to the other three as shown at c, c, c,
using wire nails long enough to go through and livet. These are

November 11, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

441

simply nailed on to the bottom of the box, taking care that the
middle one is exactly in the centre, the others resting against the
sides of the box inside, so that there is just 4t inches between the
dividing laths, c, c, c, for the 1 lb. sections. This done, a triangular
piece made out of the |-inch board is fitted into the end of the box
in the position shown in dotted lines at d , and nailed to the end of
the box. A similar piece is required as a wedge to keep the
sections tight together, the only difference being the cutting the
top corners off, as shown at c, and a nail driven into one end with
a piece of string attached to pull it up by when about to remove
sections. The top is shown at f, and the bottoms are made the
same, only a round hole, 3 inches in diameter, is cut out in the
centre to allow the bees to pass from the hive into the box. The
spare pieces of board are required for nailing on to the ends of top
and bottom to keep them from warping. It is quite unnecessary
to plane or dress the wood for these boxes, so that the only tools
absolutely necessary are a square, a saw, and a hammer. I think it
is necessary that, to work to advantage, two such boxes should be
provided for each hive, with only one top and bottom for the two.

attending and getting home at an early hour. Mr. Hutcheson, although
urging his proposals, did not get the support they deserved, although they
were not opposed. It is to be hoped the members will yet give it their
more serious consideration, while by so doing they are but carrying out
the object and constitution of the Society. We hope that theee meetings
will be taken up before another year passes away.

Mr. A. Sweet, a new member, put a question regarding the peculiar
but fine flavour of the far- famed Borgue honey, asking if it was owing to
the flowers peculiar to the district, such as wild Sage, Orchis, or other
flowers common near the seashore. Mr. Wm. McNally said it was
gathered from Clover. Mr. W. Thomson said that every district produced
a different flavoured honey, even although it was gathered from the same
kind of flowers. In his opinion the flavour was due to the soil the flowers
grow on, as bees did not store promiscuously different kinds of honey
together, but always separately. The form of hive was also discussed.
There was a general consensus of opinion that the Stewaiton type of hive
was the hive.

The Honorary Secretary made a few remarks at the loss of Mr. James
Anderson, Dairy, Ayrshire, a staunch friend and indefatigable worker
amongst his bees and for the good of this Society, to which all agreed,
and a letter of condolence was agreed upon to be seDt to his daughter,
who attended her father and assisted him with his bees, and who also
belongs to the fraternity, having been a prizewinner at the last Dumfries
Show. At this stage the letter of J. D, McNally in September number of
the Bee-Keeper's Record, was read to the meeting, and denied by Mr.
Thomson. Mr. McNally was allowed to bring forward his proofs for the
charges against the Judge, but failed to prove a single item, and as no
further attempt to give proof was made, the chairman closed the dis¬
cussion, especially as the Honorary Secretary, who was at Dumfries,
exonerated Mr. Thomson from the charges made, and explained how,
through the illness of an assistant, the arrangements had got out of gear,
and partly accounted for the said irregularities, which were much to be
regretted. A vote of thanks to the chairman and Honorary Secretary
closed the proceedings.

TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

JameB Yeltch <fc Sons, Royal Exotic Nursery, King’s Road, Chelsea. —
Descriptive Catalogues of Fruit Trees and Roses.

Little & Ballantyne, Carlisle. — Catalogue of Forest, Fruit Trees, Ever¬
greens, tic.

Fig. 63.

The expense per hive would be about 10d., not much more, if any
than the price of a good “ cap.” — A Cottage Bee-keeper.

CALEDONIAN APIARIAN SOCIETY.

The above Society held its annual closing meeting of the session in
M’lnnes’ Temperance Hotel on Wednesday, the 27th October, at 2 p.m.
Wm. Sword, Esq., Bonny View, presided. There was a fair attendance,
and several new members were enrolled, while those present seemed to
take a deeper interest in the welfare of the Society than usual. After the
minutes of previous meeting had been read, approved of, and signed, the
prize schedule for show to be held at Perth next summer was revised and
some alterations made from the previous y. ar. During the meeting a
telegram from Angus Cameron, E-q., Blair Athole, was handed the
Honorary Secretary, Major Bennett, apologising for his absence and
recommending more extensive prizes for the produce of bees and fewer
for hives and appliances, which I think right and have advised for long.
Mr. Wm. NcNally, GHenluce, said owing to the great work that necessarily
fell upon the Honorary Secretary, he thought an Assistant paid Secretary
should be appointed. Mr. J. S Hutcheson proposed Mr. Wm. Thomson
to that office, but he declined accepting it, on the ground that the Society
was sure to suffer if the secretaryship was removed from the long estab¬
lished and central premises of Major Bennett. Mr. Sonds was thereafter
unanimously appointed Assistant Secretary at an unnamed salary. Owing
to the untoward weather during the time of the Show at Dumfries, the
funds of the Society showed a slight deficit. The members present,
however, pledged themselves to do their best to wipe it off and relieve
Major Bennett not only of the responsibility of expenses, but of much
labour as well in the future.

Two interesting papers wore then read, one by Major Bennett the
other by Mr. Wm. McNally, Glenluce, upon the past season and doings of
the bees. Both papers were much appreciated, the authors being applauded,
and a vote of thanks were passed for their excellent papers. Mr. J. D.
Hutcheson made a sia'ement and showed where much good would result
by holding conversazones during the winter months, and reading thereat
papers on bee husbandry and kindred subjects, such meetings to be held
early in the afternoon to afford those at a distance an opportunity of

All correspondence should be directed either to “The Editor”
or to “ The Publisher.” Letters addressed to Dr. Hogg or
members of the staff often remain unopened unavoidably. We
request that no one will write privately to any of our correspon¬
dents, as doing so subjects them to unjustifiable trouble and
expense.

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions relat¬
ing to Gardening and those on Bee subjects, and should never
send more than two or three questions at once. All articles in¬
tended for insertion should be written on one side of the pjp.r
only. We cannot reply to questions through the post, and we
do not undertake to return rejected communications.

TO CONTRIBUTORS. — In consequence of the pressure on onr
columns this week the insertion of some valuable contributions have to
be postponed to future issues.

Primulas Decaying ( Hortus ). — We could not find any grubs in the soil
sent, but the most likely came of the Primulas decaying at the “ collar” is
that at some time the soil has become too dry, thus killing the roots, and
the plants have been unable to appropriate the water subsequently supplied.
This is a common cause of failure with Primulas.

Wintering Petunias (H. 0.). — We have no difficulty in preserving these
plants on a shelf in a light house in which the temperature is never forced
beyond 50° by fire heat and seldom falls to 40°. Care is necessary in water¬
ing, an excess causing the roots to decay ; while if kept too dry they shrivel.
The Ne Plus Ultra Peas from a sowing made on June 11th are very good
for either the north or south of England.

Vines Unhealty (Inquirer). — The sample of Vine root sent with fruit
for naming, indicates that the soil is very unsuitable for Vines. The roots
should be carefully lifted, cutting off decayed and cankered portions, and
placed in fresh loam containing a liberal admixture of wood ashes, also
some lime rubbish, and, if procurable, crushed bones. The uninjured roots
we should notch at intervals of 2 or 3 feet, and surround them with a
mixture of half sandy loam and half wood ashes for inciting fresh roots. A
depth of 2 feet of soil well drained will suffice. The roots should be covered
about 4 inches deep, and the surface of the border mulched 2 or 3 inches
thick with half-decayed manure. Your Vines camot flourish until active
roots are plentiful in good soil.

442

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Novembor 11, 1886.

Plants for Covering Ground under Trees (Balhim). — There is nothing
better than the common or English Ivy (Hedera Helix), or Irish (Hedera
canadensis), both of which grow quickly and soon form an acceptable green
clothing. It is best to break up the ground before planting, thoroughly
clearing it of weeds, and to insure its covering the ground soon pat in
strong plants at about a yard apart every way, and train the shoots every
way, pegging them to keep them in position. They will root into the soil
as they grow, and if watered during dry weather they will grow more freely.
Periwinkle is also good for the purpose, the plants being put in about a foot
apart. The Lesser Periwinkle is best — viz., Yinca minor.

Fir Tree Oil ( A . B.). — We are obliged by your letter, but doubt if any
public advantage would result from its public ition. We know several
excellent gardeners who use this insecticide to their satisfaction, and we
have seen plants injured by its use even when the instructions as to quan¬
tity have been carefully followed. We suspect that the nature of the water
employed in the mixing is a matter of importance, more especially since a
very intelligent gardener found the insecticide injurious to some plants
when mixed in hard water, while it did not injure the same plants when
used with rain water. We cannot imagine any gardener persistently em¬
ploying any article that failed to answer its purpose, nor on the other hand
rejecting/what he found to be safe and good beeause of its condemnation by
someone else. Plants with soft woolly foliage are more liable to be inju¬
riously affected by strong insecticides than those are which have firm
smooth leaves.

Destroying Weeds on Walks ( F . J.). — We have seen Smith’s weed killer
answer its purpose well ; but as you cannot procure it in your district you
can try the following : — A quarter of a pint of sulphuric acid mixed in a
gallon of water and immediately poured upon the path will destroy all
small weeds ; so will an ounce of crude carbolic acid in the sams quantity
of water. A waterpot with a fine rose answers best for the work. Care
must be taken not to let the acid touch the clothes or boot3, or it will burn
holes in them, and it will also kill Box or Grass edgings. Apply it in fine
weather, and you will hav; no more weeds for several months. The acid
can be had from any chemist or oil and colour dealer. We have not tried
Birkenhead’s beetle-trap for catching woodlice.

Vines Failing ( A Young Gardener). — You appear to be growing Grapes
under great disadvantages. In such a house with a flat heavy roof glazed
with small squares you cannot be expected to produce good Grapes with the
Vine3 only 2 feet apart. With a very thin disposal of the laterals and a
light roof we h ive seen good Grapes produced with the Vines 2 feet asunder,
but special and careful management was given in preventing overcrowding
and the production of good foliage. You say the growths of your Vines
were crowded, yet the leaves were large but thin. They were large because
of the efforts made to reach the light they needed, which could not reach
them, and they could not be otherwiss than thin under those circumstances.
Very different foliage must be had before good crops of satisfactory Grapes
can be produced. You had better carry out your plan of cutting out every
alternate rod, and try your proposal of taking up a young cane between
each spurred Vine and crop it on the “long rod system.” The laterals on
the spurred rods should be 18 inches apart, and each should produce six or
eight leaves, according as thero may be space for their unchecked develop¬
ment under the full and direct action of light ; then, with healthy root-
action in good soil and moderate cropping for a year, the Vines ought to
improve considerably. As soon as the leaves fall is the best time for cut¬
ting down and pruning Vines, and you may dress the wounds well with
painters’ knotting. We are pleased you find the Journal useful.

A Selection of Apples (E. Mordaunt). — We give, as you requested, two
dozen each of the varieties that were the most numerously exhibited at the
Apple Coigress at Chiswick. They are as follows : — King of the Pippins,
Cox’s Orange Pippin, Ribston Pippin, Kerry Pippin, Blenheim Pippin, Irish
Peach, Devonshire Quarreuden, Sturmer Pipoin, Scarlet Nonpareil, Court
Pendu Plat, Yellow Ingestrie, Fearn’s Pippin, Ciaygite Pearmain, Worcester
Pearmain, M argil, Wyken Pippiu, Cackle Pippin, Court of Wick, Red
Astrachan, Adams’ Pearmain, Mr. Gladstone, Golden Pippiu, Maunington’s
Pearmain, Gravenstein, Lord Suffie'.d, Dumelow’s Seedling, Keswick Codlin,
Warner’s King, Blenheim Orange, N -w or Winter Hawthornden, Cellini,
Ecklinville Seedling, Stirling Castle, Hawthornden, Manks Codlin, Golden
Noble, Cox’s Pomona, Alfriston, Emperor Alexander, Northern Greening,
Tower of Glamis, Mere de Mhnage, Beauty of Kent, Lord Derby, Yorkshire
Greening, Annie Elizabeth. Norfolk Beefing, Loddington Seedling. We
also extract from “ British Apples ” in reference to the poll in question
“These returns are valuable as showing the extmt of appreciation in which
certain varieties are held throughout the country. They cannot, however,
be altogether accepted as complete lists of the best or most desirable sorts
to cultivate in all cases. For example, many excellent varieties of Apples,
through being comparatively unknown, are plac.d much lower in the lists
than their merits otherwise entitle them ; among others, the following may
be named, Pearson’s Plate, Melon, Grenadier, Lane's Prince Albert,
Bramley’s Seedling, Frogmore Prolific, Lady Henniker, Go’den Spire, School¬
master, Ac. The most popular Apple — or that which has received the
greatest number of marks (101 of a possible 130 ) — -Is Lord Saffidd, King of
the Pippins being placed second with 98. Thi moit popular dessert Apple
in England is Cox’s Orauge Pippin ; but it is evidently not so wall known
or so well suited for the colder climate of Scotland. With this exception
the returns are singularly uniform, the varieties selected as mo3t suitable
for the north being also held in the same appreciation in the south. Thus,
the varieties of Apples that are really worthy of cultivation may be reduced
to comparatively narrow limits. It may be remarked that the Committee
consider many of the dessert Apples as too small for g meral use; since
there are now si many good ones it would seem useless to cultivate them,
such as Sam Young, Golden Harvey, Lamb Abbey Pearmain, Court of Wick,
Redleaf Russet, Guernsey Pippin, Downton Pippin, Ac. Aud in regard to
culinary Apples, since so many excellent varieties of large size, Ac., are now
in cultivation, all those under the standard of ‘ Large, i.e., 3 inches in
diameter,’ might be, with advantage, at once discarded, excepting always a
few sorts that are specially adapted to certain localities.”

Planting Florists’ Tulips (W. E. L.).— These handsome flowers will
repay for the care you propose bestowing on their cultivation. A rich soil

is necessary, yet it must not be over-rich. Procure some one-year-old
cowdung ; spread over and upon the drains a stratum of this cowdung
2 inches thick ; then mix about one-sixth of very well decomposed hotbed
dung with the loam thrown out and laid on one side on commencing the
operation of draining. If there is not enough soil to make the bed up level
as before, procure some good loam for the purpose, mixing it with the same
proportion of well decomposed dung. If the situation is low and damp, it
will be advisable to place an edging round the bed, 6 or 8 inches deep, ot
sufficient strength to bear up the soil when it is raised to that heignt. -the
best material for an edging of this kind is blue slate, and the next, slabs oi
wood nailed to strong uprights driven into the ground at proper intervals.
Mix the top surfaoe with a considerable quantity of river sand ; this will
cause the bulb3 to come out of the soil at taking-up time, clean, and oi a
bright brown colour. The best planting season is about the beginning ot
the second week in November, as near the 10th of that month as tne
weather and the state of the ground will permit. This rule applies to ail
the country north of London ; perhaps, in the milder climate of the
southern counties a week later would be better. Offsets may be planted a
little s ooner or later, as may be convenient. The tallest should be in the
centre of the bed. This renders it necessary to plant them in rows length¬
ways of the bed, and not across it. This being determined upon , let the
soil be levelled ; then with a hoe draw a drill the length of the bed, as
nearly 2 inches deep as possible. As soon as the drill is drawn, bring out
all the tall growers, and plant them 5 inches apart at the bottom of the
drill, giving each a gentle pressure. When the row is finished, thrust in
at each end a strong stick, to mark where the row of bulbs is when covered
up. Cover up the bulbs by the aid of a short-toothed rake. After that let
the soil on each side of the planted row be stirred up with a three-pronged
fork. Then set the line at the right distance from the centre (we mentioned
that the beds should be 4 feet wide, which would allow 9 inches between
each of the five rows, and 6 inches next the edging) ; the line then must be
set at such a distance from the centre that the next row of bulbs wul be
exactly 9 inches apart from the centre one. Draw the drill the same depth
as the first, and plant the next tallest flowers in it. Then, mark the row
with a stick at each end, and so proceed till the whole is finished ; the
lowest growers will then be next the paths all round the bed. Where the
collection is small, hoops, either of wood or iron, with canvas covers, or
mats to be thrown over the hoops, which ought to be high enough to
keep the covering clear of the flowers, will do. This covering should be
applied, not only when the plants are in bloom, but also to shelter them
from the late frosts after the plants make their appearance, as well as the
cutting winds during the early months of the year. Too much shelter only
coddles the plants, and makes them tender. On all favourable occasions
remove the coverings entirely, and let the Tulips have the benefit of tine
weather and gentle rains. If the spring is unusually forward and warm, so
as to bring the flowers on too early, retard them by putting on the covers
only on the side exposed to the heat of the sun. For a large collection, a
regular tent, formed of a frame of wood and covered with canvas, is
required. As soon as a Tulip has done blooming cut down the flower stem,
but do not injure the leaves. Expose these fully to the light and air. As
soon as the leaves are turned yellow take up the bulbs. If delayed some
time, and the weather should be wet, there is danger of their starting fresh
roots, which would injure the bloom next year. When taken up, expose
them to the sun a few hours every morning until they turn brown > ^nd
when perfectly dry, divide from the flowering bulbs all the offsets. They
should be kept in a cool, dry room till the planting season arrives again.

Names of Fruits. — The names and addresses of senders of fruit to be named
must in all cases be enclosed with the specimens, whether letters referring
to the fruit are sent by post or not. The names are not necessarily required
for publication, initials sufficing for that. Only six specimens can be
named at once, and surplus fruits beyond that number cannot be preserved.
(St. Michaels). — Pears: 1, Nouveau Poiteau; 2, Doyenne du Comice; 3,
Duchesse d’Orleans. Apples : 1, Longville’s Kernel ; 2, Green Balsam ;
3, Minchall Crab. (F. L.).— 1, Nouveau Poiteau; 2, Bois Napoleon; 4,
Beurre Clairgeau ; 5, Beurre Diel. (F. Jellico). — 1, Not known; 2, Beurre
Superfin ; 3, Epine du Mas; 4, Doyennti du Cornice; 5, Not known ;
6, Catillac. (Hillside). — You will find the reply in No. 1987. ( V. E. Owen).
— 1, Alfriston ; 2, Northern Greening ; 3, Golden Reinette ; 4, Cox s
Orange Pippin ; 5, Golden Winter Pearmain ; 6, Dutch Codlin. (Subscriber).
— 1 Pitmaston Duchess ; 2, Duchesse d’Angouleme ; 3; BeurrdDiel; 4, In
bad condition ; 12, General Todleben. (J. E. B.). — 1, Beurre de Jonghe ;
2, Fondante de Noel ; 4, Winter Nelis ; 5, Adele de St. Denis ; 0, Beurre
Capiaumont. (G. P.). — 1, Blenheim Pippin; 2, Golden Pearmain; 4,
Holland bury; 5, Flanders Pippin; 6, Winter Greening.

Names of Plants. — We only undertake to name species of plants, not
varieties that have originated from seed and termed florists’ flowers.
Flowering specimens are necessary of flowering plants, and Fern fronds
should bear spores. Specimens should arrive in a fresh state in farm
boxes. Slightly damp moss or soft green leaves form the best packing, dry
cotton wool the worst. Not more than six specimens can be named at once.
(/. T. Grange). — Euonymus europma. (West Country). — ^1, Oncidium
ampliatum ; 2, Oncidium tigrinum ; 3, Diplacus glutinosus. (a. 8.).— The
Orchid is Lycaste lanipes, the other plant is Panicum variegatum. (Inquirer).
— The numbers were all displaced from the specimens except 4, wmch is
Maranta zebrina. The leaf with green and white stripes is Aspidistra lurida
variegata. The two large leaves are Dieffenbachias.

C07ENT GARDEN MARKE T.— November 10th.

Trade very quiet, with good supplies. Prices unaltered.

FRUIT.

6,

d.

s.

d.

8.

d.

8.

d

Apples

6 t

4

0

Melon .

0

0

to 0

0

„

Nova Scotia and

Oranges .. ..

.. 100

6

0

12

0

Canada, per barrel 1 2

0

21

0

Peaches .

per doz .

0

0

0

0

Cherries

. £ sieve 0

0

0

0

Peirs.. .. .. .

dozen

1

0

2

0

Cobs

0

0

0

Pine Apples English., tb.

3

0

4

0

Figs

6

0

9

Plains .

£ sieve

1

0

2

0

Graoes

. tb. o

6

3

0

St. Michael Pines

. .each

4

0

6

0

Lemons

0

15

0

Strawberries . . ..

per lb.

0

0

0

0

November 11, 1836. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

443

VEGETABLES.

Artichokes ..

.. dozen

s.

1

d. s. d

0 to 0 0

Lettuce

s.

1

d.

0 to

s.

1

a

6

Asparagus

.. bundle

0

0

0

0

Mushrooms

. . punnet

0

6

1

0

Beans, Kidney

per bushel

2

0

3

0

Mustard and CresB punnet

0

a

0

0

Beet, Red

.. dozen

i

0

t

0

Ouions . . . .

0

3

0

0

Broccoli .. ..

0

0

0

0

Parsley .. dozen bunches

2

0

8

0

Brussels Sprouts

.. ^ sieve

1

6

2

0

Parsnips .. ..

1

0

2

0

Cabbage .. ..

1

6

0

0

Potatoes .. ..

4

0

5

0

Capsicums ..

100

1

6

2

0

,, Kidney

.. cwt.

4

0

5

0

Carrots .. ..

0

4

0

0

Rhubarb..

0

2

0

6

Cauliflowers , .

.. dozen

3

0

4

0

Salsafy .. ..

1

0

l

0

Celery . . , .

1

6

2

0

Scorzonera

.. bundle

1

6

0

0

Coleworts dcz. bunches

2

0

4

0

Soakale . . . .

per basket

0

0

0

0

Cucumbers . .

• • each

0

8

0

4

Shallots .. ..

0

3

0

6

Endive ..

1

0

2

0

Spinach ..

3

0

4

4

Heros . . . .

0

2

0

0

Tomatoes

0

3

0

6

Leeks .. ..

0

8

0

4

Turnips .. ..

bunch

0

4

0

0

S.

PLANTS
d. s. a.

IN POTS.

8.

d.

S.

a

Aralia Sieboldi . . dozen

9

0 to 18 0

Ficus elastica . . each

1

6 to

7

0

Arbor vitas (golden) dozen

6

0

9 0

Fuchsia . . per dozen

0

0

0

0

,i (cm-mon) dozen

6

0

12 0

Foliage Plants, var. each

2

0

10

0

Asters . . . . per dozen

0

0

0 0

Heliotrope . . per dozen

0

e

0

0

Bedding Plants, var. doz.

0

0

0 0

Hydrangea .. per dozen

0

0

0

0

Begonias .. .. dozen

4

0

9 0

Ivy Geraniums per dozen

0

0

0

0

Chrysanthemum . . dozen

6

0

12 0

Lilium anratum per doz.

0

0

0

0

Cockscombs per dozen

0

0

0 0

Lobelias . . . . per dozen

0

0

0

0

Cyperus . dozen

4

0

12 0

Marguerite Daisy dozen

6

0

9

0

Dracaena terminalis, dozen 30

0

60 0

Mignonette . . per dozen

3

0

6

0

„ viridis .. dozen 12

0

24 0

Musk .. .. per dozen

0

0

0

0

Erica, various . . dozen

9

0

12 0

Myrtles . dozen

6

0

12

0

» hyemalis per dozen 12

0

24 0

Palms, in var. . . each

2

6

21

0

„ gracilis per dozen

9

0

12 0

Pelargoniums, scarlet, doz.

3

0

6

0

Euonymus, in var. dozen

6

0

18 0

Pelargoniums per dozen

0

0

0

0

Evergreens, in var. dozen

6

0

24 0

Primula sisensis per doz.

4

0

6

0

Ferns, in variety . . dozen

4

0

18 0

Solanums per doz.

9

0

12

0

CUT FLOWERS.

s. d.

s. d.

s.

d.

8.

a.

Abntilons 12 bunches

2

0 to 4 0

Lily of the Valley, 12 spray3

0

0 to 0

0

Arum Lilies .. IS blooms

4

0

6 0

Marguerites . . 12 bunches

2

0

6

0

Asters . . . . 12 bunches

0

0

0 0

Mignonette .. 12 bunches

1

0

8

0

Azalea . . . . 12 sprays

1

0

1 6

Myosotis . . 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Bouvardias . . per bunch

0

6

1 0

Narciss, Paper-while, hunch

0

4

0

6

Camellias , . 12 blooms

2

0

4 0

Pelargoniums, per 12 trusses

0

9

1

0

Carnations . . 12 blooms

1

0

8 0

„ scarlet, 12 trusses

0

4

0

6

„ .. 12 bunches

4

0

9 0

Roses . . 12 hunches

4

0

9

0

Chrysanthemums 12 bches.

2

0

6 0

„ (indoor), per dozen

0

6

2

0

12 blooms

1

4

2 0

„ Tea . dozen

0

9

1

0

Cornflower . . 12 bunches

0

0

0 0

„ red . . . . dozen

0

0

0

0

Dahlias . . 12 bunches

2

0

4 0

Parme Violets (French)

4

0

6

0

Epiphyllnm . . doz. blooms

0

6

0 0

Primula (single) per bunch

0

6

0

9

Encharis . . per dozen

3

0

6 0

„ (double) per bunch

0

9

1

0

Gardenias .. 12 blooms

3

0

5 0

Py rethrum .. 12 bunches

3

0

6

0

Gladioli . . 12 bunches

0

0

0 0

Stephanotis .. 12 sprays

4

0

6

0

Hyacinths, Roman, 12 sprays

1

6

2 0

Stocks, various 12 hunches

0

0

0

0

Lapageria, white, 12 blooms

2

0

4 0

Tropseolum .. 12 bunches

1

6

2

0

Lapageria, red , _ 12 blooms

1

0

2 0

Tuberoses .. 12 blooms

0

6

i

0

„ longiflorum,12 hlms.

3

0

6 0

Violets . . . . 12 bunches

1

0

i

6

Lilac (white), French, bunch

6

0

8 0

„ Czar, French, per bunch

1

3

i

9

DAIRY COWS.

The request of a correspondent for our “ formula for
feeding milch cows ” is a reminder that more care is required
in the management of cows during the winter months than
at any other season of the year, and that especial care must
be taken with the dietary if we would have a sweet, whole¬
some, and palatable supply of milk, cream, and butter from
the present time till the cows have a full supply of grass once
more. Instead, therefore, of giving a brief answer, the
matter is of sufficient importance to merit at least one article
now for the assistance of our readers generally ; for although
it presents no difficulty — no complicated course of treatment,
yet, as in most other things, there is a right and a wrong
way, and it has been our experience to find that the wrong
way is that which is most frequently followed.

Advisedly have we taken dairy cows for our subject,
because the term of “ milch cows ” is too broad and compre¬
hensive for our purpose. We have shown in former papers
on this subject that the milch cows must for particular
purposes be divided into the two distinct sections of dairy
and stock herds, the first for the production of dairy produce,
the last for the breeding of beasts for the butcher. On many
a home farm the dairy herd presents itself to us in the guise

of a careful selection of pure breed, Jerseys, Guernseys,
Kerrys, or Ayrshires ; while the stock herd consists of an
equally choice strain of Herefords, Shorthorns, Sussex,
Devons, or one or other of the polled breeds. Whether the
cows of our dairy herd are pure or cross-bred animals, all
must have equal care shown to them now.

The articles of diet which may be used for them in winter
are the best meadow hay, bran, Carrots, Mangold, Cabbages,
Oats, and silage. They must not have any Turnips or cake
of any kind, whether pure linseed or the compound round
cakes. Hay forms the chief article of diet, and that is given
them either in cribs in the yard or in racks in the open
lodges. Bran is used at milking time, and for weakly
delicate cows there is an addition of crushed Oats to
strengthen and keep them in condition. Of roots Carrots
are used principally during the last three months of the year ;
this autumn grass has grown freely so late that Carrots were
not used at all in October. Mangolds come into use with
the new year, and are given sliced or minced regularly with
the bran at milking time. So bountiful is our supply of this
useful root now that it must largely exceed all possible
requirements. Cabbages should be given sparingly by way
of imparting wholesome variety to the winter dietary, and
not so freely as to impart any unpleasant flavour to the
milk. Silage, too, requires care, and so far as our experience
of it goes we should only venture to use it once daily in the
cribs or racks.

It is obvious that watchfulness, care, and sound judg¬
ment are highly necessary to cow management. The
quantity of food should be very much in proportion to the
size of the cows. A Kerry or Jersey cannot consume the
same bulk of food as a shorthorn, and small cattle require
more attention to quality and richness of food than others.
Never suffer cows to consume large quantities of uncrushed
Oats, a kibbling mill is not very expensive, and it renders
corn passed through it easy to masticate and digest. See
that the drinking water is both fresh and abundant ; to
insure this let there be pumping or other means for a fresh
supply daily. We once had a home farm with the yards of
the homestead on one side of a valley abounding in springs
of water, and we continued to convey fresh water through
pipes to an open cistern in each yard, the water passing
onwards through each cistern to the next, so that it was
impossible for the cows to have stagnant water.

The cows’ house should be lofty and commodious, the
stalls and pens so large that the cows have ample space to
lie down when the weather is so severe that they have to be
kept in. The yard should open, but so enclosed as to exclude
cold cutting wind as much as possible. This is best done
by having the cow house on one side, and deep open lodges
on the other sides. We strongly object to keeping cows in
the cow house throughout winter. They should have daily
exercise in the yard, and be accustomed to rest in the open
lodges by day, and also by night when the weather is not wet
or stormy. Divisions are useful, for we never will allow
delicate cows to be turned into a yard with stronger animals
to be bullied and knocked about. As a standing rule all
Jerseys are shut in at night in closed sheds or in the cow
house. We like to have small stacks of litter made in the
open yards, both to insure a full and regular supply of fresh
litter daily and to give the cows snug resting places on
sunny days. We never allow stable dung or any foul litter
to be thrown into the cow yard, for cows will often eat it,
and an unpleasant flavour is imparted to the milk.

WORK ON THE HOME FARM.

Hedges have sadly fallen off in condition since the agricultural
depression set in, on many a farm the annual trimming of hedges and
scouring of ditches being altogether neglected. We regard this as mis¬
taken economy, for eventually hedges outgrow due bounds, and then the
labour of cutting is a heavy matter in comparison with the light work of
an annual clipping. We have added a few fields to the home farm this
Michaelmas, and we not only found overgrown hedges but a rank growth
of perennial weeds inside them. All this had to be cut down at once

444

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDEN ER.

[ November 1!, 188*.

around fields ploughed for Wheat, so that the rubbish might be burnt
before the drilling was done. Drains both with pipes and bushes are in
hand, our object being to relieve the soil of superfluous water at once.
Pipes are indispensable where land is to be laid down to permanent
pasture, but we use bush drains extensively for corn land as a matter of
economy. Avoid very long drains ; short branches to a large main drain,
or, better still, to an open ditch, are altogether preferable. A “ blowing ”
drain, which is really a drain with a stoppage, is frequently a serious
source of mischief in summer. We had quite an acre of winter Oats
spoilt by a faulty drain this year, and it was all the more vexatious to hear
a stupid bailiff declare he knew it was a “ wet” place.

On the whole, the condition of our farms and farming stcck is satis¬
factory. We have been able to clean foul land well this autumn ; our
store of fodder and roots is so abundant that we have several stacks of
both fine meadow and Clover hay to spare. Pig yards are well filled at
all the farms, and we find a brisk and profitable sale for them as they
fatten. We have added some two hundred ewts to our breeding flock,
and we have a fine lot of old sheep in folds now, and, judging from their
condition, we ought to realise from £700 to £800 from this source alone
during the next three months, to say nothing of the good they are doing
to the land. The winter corn has gone in well ; we are fast ploughing
the other lsnd f or spring corn, and we might even venture to express
hopes of an improvement in future if only prices for corn ruled a little
higher. It is well not to overlook the fact that both straw and hay st'll
prove pro i; table, and hay can certainly be produced without an
extravagant outlay for labour.

SMALL HOLDINGS.

Your correspondent “ Inquirer ” asks for some reliable infor¬
mation regarding small holdings, or the three acres and cow,
and 1 may be able to give some hints on the subject. Yet no
scheme in detail has yet been propounded The mention of
three acres and a cow is more a by-phrase than otherwise. “ In¬
quirer ” would appear to be anticipating too much in entertaining
fear that by such undertaking considerable inconvenience would
be encountered, although it is more than probable that many
cases of disappointment through various causes would result ;
but that is so with every undertaking. If such a scheme should
sooner or later become general, it should not be supposed that
the conditions would be so favourable as to cause anything like a
scramble bv those whose surrounding circumstances were not
suitable. The idea of procuring employment on special condi¬
tions, as set forth by “ Inquirer ’’—namely, of finding a master
willing to employ a man four days per week, leaving him at
liberty the other two, may, I feel sure, be abandoned. Few
employ more men than are strictly needed every day, and a man
who works his full hours has no great inclination to further
increase his time of labour. Many, doubtless, through having a
large family might be temptsd to do so ; but that, though ap¬
parently thrifty, is in the end questionable economy from a
physical point of view, while on the other hand, those who may
have sons growing up are in good position in many instances to
reap every benefit from such scheme ; a'so others who in country
villages may be following small trades’which barely yield a liveli¬
hood might by good management be benefited. Milk produce
would not only be increased, but made much more conveniently
obtainable and no doubt cheaper. This in turn would prove a
benefit to cottagers and the working class generally, more
especially in the case of skimmed milk for large families. This
may read a little tame and homely, but if the condition of the
poorer classes is to be improved it must be by homely measures.
It should also be remembered that a great boon to the labourer
was removed when turnpike or highway grazing was abolished
nearly thirty years ago, which ought surely to have suggested
some recompense through legislation, for if universal benefits
are to be provided it must almost of necessity be done by legis¬
lation.

It has always been and no doubt will continue that owners of
property, backed naturally by the larger farmers, are loth to
subdivide their land. If, however, as appears possible, such a
departure would be beneficial to the community, by all means
let it be done on fair and equitable terms to all, and my opinion
is the owner might in the long run be a gainer. The matter of
providing separate buildings for very small holdings would be the
greatest drawback, but there is no reason why in many villages
and small towns when the bulk of property is owned by one or
two, the buildings should not be erected in blocks convenient to
the village or as the case may be, which would well suit a plan
I have now more than thirty years known to work satisfactorily
in so far as summer grazing is concerned - viz , to procure one
very large fertile pasture, or by throwing fields together as re¬
quirements suggest to graze a given number of cows in milk,
allowing, as per agreement, from one to three cows to each small
holder at fixed rental ; the land rented in proportion to his stock
elsewhere, and often less convenient, produces hay, &c. The

acreage required would oZ course depend greatly on the quality
and nature of the land. Good meadow land would, under such a
system, provide aftermath and hay sufficient to winter three
cows.

Leaving the allotment or labourer class, it is beyond my
power to suggest what might be required to provide regular and
profitable employment in order to maintain a family. Small
farmers as a rule either disappear after a trial or make every
effort to become large farmers, and that I think at once steps
outside the object our legislators have in view. At any rate, no
one should attempt to farm many acres who does not already
through experience know what is needed to stock . and furnish
such a farm. As to the price of a good cow, a visit to any fair
will most practically inform beginners, which at present average
from .£14 to £18 per head.

Implements required on something like the three acres and
cow principle would not prove a very expensive item, as the
occasional work of carting on manure would be most economi¬
cally done by hire. Some other reiders will doubtless deal with
the financial aspect.— E. Burton.

FLAX GROWERS’ ASSOCIATION.

The following appeal to British landowners and capitalists has been
sent to us for publication : —

“ The numerous inquiries received by this Association from all parts
of the country during the last two months prove conclusively that the
farmers of the United Kingdom are desirous of giving the Flax industry
a fair trial during the coming season, and it is proposed raising a fund for
the purchase of suitable Flax-scutching machinery, which will then be
hired out to such persons at a price that will ensure a fair profit to the
owners, and at the same time will not press too heavily upon the new
industry.

“ It is intended that the assistance hereby rendered shall be confined
at first to those districts where the farmers growing Flax are willing to
work up the same in partnership with their labourers on the co-operative
system, receiving a fair market value for their straw out of first profits
realised, say £3 per ton.

“ In all such cases it is believed that the local gentry and tradesmen
will assist in raising a fund sufficient for paying the expense of working
until the Flax fibre is ready for market (£1000 will be ample for Ihis at
starting) ; this Association will then supply the machinery on hire,
charging 10 per cent, yearly on the cost of the same (5 per cent, interest,
and 5 per cent, for depreciation), until such time as the Co-operative
Company is able to purchase it at a fair valuation.

“ It is believed that the extension of the Flax industry on the lines
herein laid down will prove of national benefit and imi ortance, aff cting
landlords, farmers, and labourers alike, and bringing about a closer union
between the three classes.

Messrs. Ransom, Bouverie & Co., 1, Pall Mall East, have consented
to act as bankers for this Association, and the fund, when subscribed,
will be administered by a Committee chosen by the subscribers, to whom
every assistance will be rendered by the Flax Growers’ Aseo iation.

“ For further particulars apply to — Graham Parry. Secretary Flax
Growers' Association, 57, Charing Cross, London, S. W.”

OUR LETTER BOX.

Food for Milch Cows ( H . E. G.). — You will find an article in the present
issue that will probably give the required information.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Camden Square. London.

Lat. 81° 32' 40" N.; Long. 0° 8' 0" W. ; Altitude, 111 feet.

DATE.

y A.M.

IN THE DAY.

• cr

a> m oj— .

Hygrome-

d .

o ^ .

Shade Tem-

Radiation

d

1886.

ter.

♦2 d

Q_, O

perainre.

Temperature.

BJ

October and

es

O O —

N o vember.

Dry.

Wet.

S's

s ^

Max.

Min.

sun.

grass

Inches.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

detf

deg.

deg

In.

Sunday .

31

30.096

56.4

55.7

E.

51.3

61.2

49.0

68.6

40.6

0.162-

Monday .

1

30.036

55.0

53.6

S.

52.6

58.8

52.7

78.4

50.6

0.029

Tuesday .

2

30.141

51.9

49.4

S.E.

51 8

57 6

48.2

77.3

40.3

0.010

Wednesday ..

3

30.139

45.2

43.6

s.

51.0

54.2

38.1

60.8

29.1

0.250

Thursday ....

4

29.901

43. L

41.5

w.

50.2

543

39 6

77.2

29.3

—

Friday .

5

29.545

48.1

47.0

S.E.

49.0

51.7

42 8

61.4

339

0.544

Saturday ....

6

29.948

43.1

42.0

S.

48.2

45.9

38 7

48 7

31.7

0.126

29.829

49.0

47.5

50.6

54.8

44.2

67.5

36.5

1.127

REMARKS.

31st.— Fog early ; fine morning ; cloudy afternoon ; rain in evening and night.

1st.— Dull showery morning ; fine bright afternoon ; rain at night.

2nd.— Fair as a whole, with alternate breaks of sunshine and sprinkles of rain ; fine
clear night.

3rd.— Fine and bright early ; fine morning ; wet afternoon and night.

4tli.— Fine, bright, and cold ; a little cloudy, with spots of ram in late afternoon.

5tb.— Dull all day.

6th.— Fine early ; wet day ; clear cold evening and night.

A very unsettled and rather wild and svet week, marked by great range, and sudden
I changes of pressure temperature. Temperature nearly 2C below that of the preceding
week, but about the same amount above the average.— G. J. SYMONS.

3iS2November 18, 1866. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

445

COMING EVENTS

^ a Ts/J

ilpl

18

TH

fT’toMn. Chiswick, and Hull Shows.

19

F

Sheffield Show

20

S

K. ten u -SliOW.

SI

SUN

•22nd Sunday after Trinity.

22

M

ieeda Show.

S3

TV

ivernool aud Manchester Shows.

24

W

iirmingham Show.

POTATO EXPERIMENTS AT BEADING.

S will be remembered by many of our readers,
Messrs. Sutton & Sons of Reading conducted
with great care last year some highly interesting
experiments in raising Potatoes by intercrossing
what was considered to be Solanum Maglia with
a new variety raised by Mr. E. Fenn, and now
named Sir Charles Douglas. The history of the
experiments in question is briefly this. In 1883
Lord Cathcart received from Mr" Baker of Kew
specimens of the wild form of Solanum tuberosum under the
name of S. Maglia. The produce of these tubars was sent
by his lordship in March, 1884, to Messrs. Sutton & Sons,
who raised plants from them, and the flowers being fertilised
developed three berries filled with seeds. These were sown,
and twenty-eight plants raised, the progeny of which was
inspected, and the varieties described in this Journal on
October 29th, 1885. It was also there stated that Mr.
Arthur W. Sutton had succeeded in crossing S. Maglia with
three varieties of admitted excellence — Reading Russet,
Walker’s Regent, and Paterson’s Victoria. The progeny
resulting from these crosses is now on view, together with
the increase from the tubers of the preceding year, in one of
the offices in Messrs. Sutton’s trial grounds. The collection
forms what may be fairly 'described as a remarkable
museum of Potatoes, the like of which is not to be seen else¬
where.

The species and varieties on view are quite unlike the
examples that are arranged at Potato shows, for apart from
the pea-like tubers of some of the wildings the heaps of the
seedlings take us back in imagination to a period anterior to
the outbreak of the destructive murrain upwards of forty years
ago. At that time the Potatoes generally grown in bulk for
ordinary consumptive purposes were a rougher and hardier-
looking race than now obtains. No systematic attempts at
raising new varieties were then made, and those most exten¬
sively cultivated very closely resembled the kind sent by
Lord Cathcart to Reading, and as there increased in size by
cultivation. The similarity was indeed so striking that we
had no hesitation in suggesting that the species grown at
Reading under the name of S. Maglia was the progenitor of
the present race of English Potatoes. We had before us, at
the time of writing, figures of S. tuberosum, as prepared at
Kew, and published in the Linmean Society’s Journal,
and also of Mr. Baker’s figure of S. Maglia. The latter far
more closely resembles the growth of the strong-growing
English varieties than the former does ; and, as before ob¬
served, the so-called Maglia tubers as grown at Reading, to¬
gether with some of the seedlings, bear a striking likeness to
the old rough reds of half a century ago. There appears,
however, to be a doubt as to whether the tubers sent by Lord
Cathcart to Reading were, after all, examples of the true S.
Maglia. That they were obtained by his lordship under that
name from Kew we have had sufficiently conclusive evidence,
and we are fully satisfied that the Reading experiments have
been conducted with such a zealous regard to accuracy that
No. 334. — Vol. XIII., Third Series.

no mistake has occurred there ; yet the S. Maglia that we
referred to last year as grown at Reading, and obtained from
Kew, differs from what is admitted to be S. Maglia by the
Kew authorities. This difference has been established by
striking cuttings from the true Maglia and what we will call
the “ New Maglia,” and carefully noting the results. What,
then, is this “ new” Maglia ? What can it be but S. tuber¬
osum ?

But it has been said, and doubtless with truth, that
Darwin’s Potato or Bolanum Maglia is a coast plant, pro¬
ducing medium to large-sized tubers of good quality in moist
ground, while S. tuberosum has its home on the hills, pro¬
ducing smaller tubers, described by most old authors and
travellers as bitter. But now comes the question, Would the
small tubers from the bills become larger and better through
being grown in more generous soil near the coast ? Those
sent to Reading increased in size at the least tenfold under
cultivation ; and this fact tends to support Mr. Shirley
Hibberd’s theory, that the coast and hill plants are geo¬
graphical forms of the same species — S. tuberosum. Heriot,
who was in the expedition with Raleigh when the tubers were
collected that he brought to Ireland in or about 1610, has
described them as growing in “ damp places,” and as being
“ good for food either boiled or roasted.” Assuming these to
have been of S. tuberosum, described as “bitter” on the
hills, its quality must have improved in more fertile soil.
The improvement in the two cardinal properties, size and
quality, is thus accounted for, and Mr. Baker may still be
right in his original statement as to all the varieties in culti¬
vation descending from tuberosum.

Since reports to the contrary have been widely published,
founded as they were on a basis that appeared perfectly
sound, it becomes necessary to adduce the further evidence
referred to as the outcome of the exhaustive experiments at
Reading. This does not in the least detract from the
importance of the work in question. It is going back to
nature in search of the lost vigour of the Potato as the result
of loose cultivation. So loose and careless was this previous
to the disease period that there is little wonder at the break¬
down of the plant under adverse circumstances. Plants in
nature are sounder in constitution than those are under a more
or less artificial method of cultivation. It is by going back to
nature that we find the strongest parentage. And if the impress
of parentageis evidence of innate strength, as it is, then Messrs.
Suttons are on [firm grouud, for assuredly the character of
what may be termed the wild parent is far more pronounced
in the seedlings produced than is that of the cultivated
parent 'that was chosen in the experiments. The object
sought i3 strength and hardiness of plants, combined with
excellence of tubers. There is not wanting evidence of this
being attainable. The tubers of the “ wild ” parent under culti¬
vation at Reading are good, even very good, but those of one of
the seedlings when cooked and served proved still better, indeed
excellent alike in texture and flavour. The results already
obtained are full of interest and of promise. The great
majority of the varieties have dark skins, more or less
resembling the seed parent, though several are lighter, and a
few nearly white, one being almost an exact reproduction
of the pollen parent. They incline to be oval or pebble
shaped, though some are nearly round, and all are heavy for
their size ; this, with a rough or crackled skin, being by no
means a bad indication of good quality. It should be said
that the pollen parent employed in crossing is a long kidney¬
shaped white tuber, rather rough in appearance, but chosen
because of its superior quality. Mr. Fenn regards it as the
best in that respect he has raised ; and as it was preferred by
Sir Charles Douglas to all others, it is named in commemo¬
ration of that gentleman.

The relative produce in 1885 from each grain of seed,
and of this produce planted and lifted this year, is represented
in the following table.

It will be noticed that the increase in the crop of the

No 1990 --Voi. T.XXV, Old Series.

416

JOURNAL of horticulture and cottage gardener.

[ No7ember 18, 1886.

present year n not in proportion to the weight of the tubers
planted ; further trials are therefore requisite for determining
the merits of the varieties.

MESSR?. SUTTON’S POTATO EXPERIMENTS, 1884-5-6.
RrsjLTS of Grosses in 1884 — Parentage Wild Potato of Kew
X Fenn’s Sir Charles Douglas.

Produce, Produce,

1885. 1886.

19 grains . —

6 . -

11
11

No.

1

2 .
S .
4 .

5 . 34 ozs.

6

7

8
9

10

11

12

13

14
16

17

18

19

20
21
22

23

24
26

i

4

11

14 ozs.

54 lbs.

10 lbs. 5 ozs.

24

56

1 JJ .

74 „ .

. 2 „

4

o ,, .

. 31 „

14

134 „

. 56 „

15

2 lbs. 1 oz .

. 43 „

9

1 „ 74 „ .

. 53 „

2

1 ,, 104 „ .

. 47 „

4

1 „ 54 . .

. 122 „

6

14 ozs .

. 11 „

2

2 lbs. 124 ozs .

. 83 „

6

1 0 ozs .

. 43 „

10

, ^4 . .

. 39 „

14

1 lb. 9J ozs .

. 10 „

12

11 ozs. .

. 47 „

13

Gf

...... ...a.. ...... *4 1 J

27 . 1 lb. 24 ozs.

28

34 ozs.

6

20

6

23

3

7

0

14

No.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8
9

10

11

No.

25

26
27
29

SECOND SERIES OF CROSSES MADE IN 1885.

PRODUCE OF 1886.

Parentage, Wild Potato of Kew x Reading Russet.

lbs.

lbs.

ozs.

No.

... —

2

12

...

... 6

15

13

... 3

15|

15

... 4

15

16

... 4

6

17

... —

134

18

... 2

124

19

... 1

24

20

...

... 4

14

21

...

... —

74

22

...

... 1

Hi

23

ozs.

A

. ... - Ilf
• ... - 9*
One small Tuber.

1

Wild Potato of Kew x Victoria.

lbs. ozs.
4 3

4 8

5 8*

1 13

No.

SO

31

32

3

6i

1

4

44

1*

lbs. ozs.
4 144

- H

- ii

The crop produced by crossing the wild form with
Walker’s Eegent weighed 9-J ozs.

In addition to the crosses, the result of a seed of Magnum
Bonum sown on March 12th of the present year is worthy
of record. The number of tubers is thirty-two, weight
6 lbs. 9J ozs., the two largest weighing 14^ ozs. and 15f ozs.
respectively. It may he further stated that a grain of seed
of the Red-skin Snowball sown March 12th, 1886, the plant
put out on June 9th, and the crop lifted October 25th, gave
5 lbs. 14 ozs. of good-sized white tubers.

In concluding, for the present, our remarks we can only
repeat our observations of last year — namely, that Mr.
Arthur W. Sutton is to be congratulated on what he has so
far accomplished, and W6 shall look forward with interest to
the result of the experiments that will be conducted next
year in the important work in which he is engaged.

THE NON-VENTILATING SYSTEM.

Mr. Iggulden (page 404) has tried to tread on the principal tail of
that “ wonderful coat” he credits me with “ trailing,” and it might seem
like presumption on my part to Bay he has utterly failed in the attempt,
but I will show that such is the case from his own admissions. It was
clearly evident to me from his first letter that the cause of his Cucumber
failure was due to the method of culture adopted, and not to the “ express
system,” and the admissions he makes in bis second letter prove that I
was perfectly correct in the opinions I formed on his former article.

The soil at Marston, of which we have heard so much of late, must be
of a very peculiar nature, the worst, from our friend’s account, that can
be found in this or any other country, for it appears to be the cause of
innumerable failures. I have been led to believe, however, that the soil

is of a wonderfully fertile nature, and I suspect other persons have to
work soil equally heavy. In the failure before us, neither the soil or the
express system was at fault. Mr. Iggulden admits it was due to too
much water, and if this had taken place with any other kind of soil
failure would have been equally certain. Whether plants or Cucumbers
are grown on the non-ventilating system, or on the older method of
admitting air, they cannot flourish long in soil that has become saturated.
The method of watering was at fault, which shows that Mr. Iggulden has
no grounds for his condemnation of a system that he failed to carry
properly into execution. I shall not attempt to enumerate the growers
who have carried oat the system successfully in private gardens. I know
several who have done so, some of whom now practise it for a living. If
all the private growers raised their voices or used their pens in con¬
demnation of the system very little importance would be attached to their
verdict if they had not better and more justifiable grounds for doing so
than those brought forward by Mr. Iggulden. Those who have written
against the method have failed through causes over which they had
control — viz., too much water ; or, on the other band, insufficient, as can
be proved by reference to the back numbers of this Journal.

Mr. Iggulden admits that quickly grown seedless Cucumbers are the
best for eating, and he further admits that they can be produced quicker
on the non-ventilating system than by the admission of air. Between
these two admissions he says they are no better grown by the former than
the latter plan. If he had not made the two admissions referred to I
should have dealt with this one, but as he so freely admits the point there
is no need for me to enter further into this matter.

The cause of failure is first attributable to too much water, and then to
the house in which the experiment was tried. The sort of house Mr.
Iggulden employed I know nothing about, for I have not the remotest
idea what it is like ; but I can say that Cucumbers can be grown in any
structure by this method. The houses to which “Constant Reader”
refers are known to me, and they are small three-quarter span-roofed
houses such as are generally seen in private gardens for the purpose of
Melon and Cucumber crowing. A friend who grew three or four large
span-roofed houses full for several years — the houses running north and
south — in a private garden, took another private garden, out of which he
had to make a living, and there he successfully grew Cucumbers without
using the ventilators in two small half-span houses facing south. These
two examples are only given to prove that Cucumbers can be successfully
grown on the non-ventilating principle in small houses. The houses at
Prescot are not generally on the principle Mr. Iggulden describes — viz.,
ridsie and furrow with pillars instead of walls between them ; one or two
blocks are on this principle in Mr. Whittaker’s establishment. The new
homes put up by that grower are not on this principle, they are span-
roofed structures, one being over 300 feet in length, 12 or 13 feet wide,
about 8 feet high, and runs, if my memory serves me right, nearly east
and west. This is only one house of several that stands independently of
others, but I believe the majority of the others run north and south. This
is only one grower amongst scores of others in the same vicinity, but
all are on a more limited scale, yet several have a dozen or more long
houses, others five or six, and some only one. I do not claim a monopoly
for the Presoot growers, but Mr. Iggulden cannot name any other locality
in which so many Cucumbers are grown for the market, and more espe¬
cially by men who are professors of other trades, such as joiners, watch¬
makers, See.

I should not be surprised to hear from any quarter that Cucumbers
fail on the non-ventilating system if the house in which they are grown
was in that deplorable condition for moisture which Mr. Iggulden depicts.
On a bright sunny day, if the air in the house is allowed to become drier
than the external atmosphere, how long would Cucumbers, grown on the
system under discussion, continue to do satisfactorily ? By such
treatment they would not long remain clean and healthy, even with air
admitted. The walls, floor, and staging, that are capable of absorb¬
ing moisture would do so, but there is a limit to this, and directly they
commenced absorbing heat what would become of the moisture ? Would
it not be evaporated from these substances and held in suspension in the
atmosphere of the house as it became warmed ? If Mr. Iggulden could
cool these bodies to which he has referred artificially they would con¬
dense the moisture of the atmosphere, but the reverse as they become
heated. How could this moisture escape with the ventilators closed to
such an extent as to become drier than the external atmosphere ? This
would be utterly impossible, and my contention that a greater volume of
moi-ture can be retained within the house by the non-ventilating system
cannot be disputed. When air is admitted on very dry days moisture is
drawn from the house until it becomes as dry as the external atmosphere
if fresh supplies are not constantly afforded. This is done on the airing
principle very frequently, but to keep the house thoroughly moist on the
other system it is required less often. By opening the ventilators a ready
escape is made for the moisture from the atmosphere of the house. When
they are closed escape is prevented. If the temperature of the house ex¬
ceeds that externally the air of the house becomes cooled as it comes in
contact with the glass, and the moisture it contains is condensed. What
takes place during bright weather when a stove, vinery, or any structure
is closed in the afternoon of a sunny day ? Damping available spaces
takes place, and when this is done the glass is at once covered with dew
drops. This would not be the case if the ventilators were left open. This
bears upon the point at issue, and if the true cause is not pointed out Mr.
Iggulden will have the chance of doing so. Such feeble arguments in
support of his condemnations against a system that has produced hundreds
of tons of Cucumbers scarcely bear the test of examination.

I have never in any of my writings laid claim to the non-ventilating

November 18, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDEH ER.

447

system of growing plants and Cucumbers being “new.” I saw it written
about in one of the gardening periodicals — perhaps the Journal, I am not
sure — fourteen or fifteen years or more ago. It is not new, but newer
than the method that has been so generally practised for so many years.
Whether it is new or old does not matter, but the fact is certain that the
plan is not yet generally adopted. I pointed out, and need not do so
again, that many advantages arise from a close system of treatment, but I
am certain that the immunity from labour that the system offers will ere
long commend itsslf to the majority of cultivators.

I said the closer the piants were grown the more light it was essential
to admit to them, or what amounted to the fame thing, and to these
remarks 1 adhere. I scarcely kno v the thickness of the material used
by Mr. Iggulden for shading, for I have seen several samples varying
considerably in texture termed “scrim canvas.” I use for plants that
require shade, tiffany Nos. 3 and 4, because I have not yet found the
exact thing I want. This is alluded to because I consider these are too
dense, and prevent a large amount of light from penetrating the house
that would prove beneficial to many plants. Such shading is not too
heavy for Ferns and many other plants that thrive only under dense
shade, but all plants of that description I exclude from these remarks.
Year by year I have seen for many plants that a very much lighter shade
is needed than generally employed in gardens. The best thing I have
seen in the way of shading is tbe wood strips secure 1 together and
exhibited by Messrs. Richardson & Co. of Darlington, but this at present
is too costly for general adoption. It is 60 arranged that practically only
half the roof is shaded, the shadow from each piece of wood proving
sufficient for the space between each piece. The principle is, however, by
no means new, for the Belgian horticulturists appear to adopt this method
of shading generally. The Belgians have a more sunny clime than we,
and they shade about half as heavily.

Crotons in this question have been brought to the front. Most of the
kinds named by your correspondent will colour fairly well under light
shade, and are, I do not dispute, satisfactorily. But this term needs some
explanation. What would be highly satisfactory to one would be the very
reverse with another individual. What I mean I will illustrate by the
two collections of Crotons at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Show held
at Liverpool this year. Those staged by, I think, Mr. J. Cypher of
Cheltenham, would have been considered highly satisfactory had not the
collection of Messrs. R. P. Ker & Sons been staged by their side. The
beautiful foliage of Crotons cannot be brilliantly coloured under shade,
however light. They may be termed “ satisfactory,” but will bear no
comparison by the side of those grown fully exposed to the sun.

Why is air given to the plant houses under my charge during the
summer and autumn ? is the question asked by Mr. Iggulden. Because
many of the houses contain mixed collections of plants, and it becomes
necessary to admit air to equalise the temperature so as to suit as nearly
as possible the whole of the inmates of the structure. It is done so that
the various plants grown together can have the best possible treatment
under the difficult circumstances under which they have to be arranged.
Air is admitted because some plants require more shade than others, and
while the requirements of these are being attended to, the others are
drawn up soft and weakly. This could be remedied by a greater
abundance of light, which would ensure dwarf solid growth. This
cannot be given, therefore air is admitted as a substitute. Again, air is
admitted to Ferns after the growth has been made to harden their fronds,
so that they will last longer in a out state. To other plants it is admitted
to arrest growth — for instance, Crotons, as autumn approaches, and they
are sufficiently developed and highly coloured ; further growth, by lower¬
ing the temperature, can be prevented. This prevents an autumn growth
that there is no possible chance of colouring. Air, I say, is admitted to
arrest growth, the growth of Poinsettias, Plumbagos, Euphorbias, and
such plants, and it certainly prevents a soft growth in autumn and tall
plants to i soft to flower or produce bracts. Air after the growth is made
assists in hardening and ripening, so that profusely flowered specimens
will be the result. Air is admitted to harden and prepare plants that are
to be usad for room-decoration, so that they will withstand these hardships
and last in good condition as long as possible. Air is often freely admitted
to bring plants to a standstill, so that a season of repose can be forced
upon them before they are r quired to unfold their flowers, and it may be
months before their natural flowering time. Train plants to flower out of
their season, and the period of rest so essential to plant life is in a measure
artificial, and in the majority of instances cannot be accomplished in a
closed house during August and September, or earlier. If the same plant
were started into growth at its natural season it would rest freely and
naturally in the lower temp nature that would follow in the same structure
(without air) during the winter. The other plant may have flowered and
have commenced again vigorous growth. These are a few of the reasons
why air is admitted through the ventilators to some of the plant houses
over which I have charge.

What I mean by commenced ripening is, that the fruit had reached
that stage that those who grow for market would have cut and sold
it, while those who wanted a dish as early as possible would have cut
the fruit and sent it to table. The fruit was coloured and did not improve
in this respect after. The fruit certainly became sweeter, as it naturally
will by hanging. This would have been the case had no air been ad¬
mitted. This is what I mean, and the fact remains for Mr. Iggulden and
the authorities he quotes to explain them away if they desire to do so.
The ‘‘chink ” of air admitted through the ventilators is not necessary to
colour and flavour in Grapes.

If cold air is admitted through the ventilators at night during the
months of February, March, and April, more tire heat is needed to

maintain the requisite temperature. That means more fuel, does it not ?

I am no advocate for high night temperatures, at the same time I do no
believe in starving the Vines. I believe in following Nature as nearly as
possible as regards night temperatures, being guided entirely by external
conditions. Vines required to ripen their fruit during April or early May
should never have their roots in a cold outside border. It is in these
borders that the top growth is forced out before the roots can bo brought
into activity, and not in well-drained shallow inside borders.

Lastly, I did not convey the idea that the condition of my Peach trees
was due to the non-ventilating system. I pointed out the advantage due
to the prevention of cold air reaching them, thinking that the hint which
caused the touch of mildew might be useful to others. I fully endorse
every word said about the Peach trees at Knowsley. They are cer¬
tainly in grand condition, and no trees in the country produce finer
fruit than I have had the pleasure of seeing on tho trees in question. —
Wm. Bardney.

TREES AND SHRUBS FOR LAWNS.

( Continued from page 390.)

The Arbor Vitas.— Lobb’s Arbor Vitae (Thuia Lobbi). — Free or
fast growing, but though erect has a spreading base from its long graceful
branches, the branchlets lying flat, and of a deep shining green colour.

It is very ornamental. There is a variety — viz., erecta with closer and.
more erect growth, and of a brighter green colour. Gracilis is a very
fine form.

The American Arbor Vitae (Thuia occi'.lentalis) is not named for a
lawn plant as regards the species, but to note the varieties compacta,
which is of dense growth and not large ; Ellwangeriana, which is free
and good; lutea, for its golden colour and compact growth; and Ver-
vsenana, with slender branches and spiral growth of a fine golden tint.

The Chinese Arbor Vitae (Thuia orientalis). — Of the dwarfer Conifers
this is one of the finest. Its varieties are numerous. The best are the
Golden Arbor Vitae (T. aurea), of dense compact globular form and dwarf,
forming a round bush of a few feet high, which in the young shoots is
bright gold ; elegantissima, of compact upright habit and bright golden
in its young growths. There are many other varieties. Medium space
will meet their requirements in the largest species or varieties.

The Broad-leaved Arbor Vitae (Thuiopsis dolabrata) torms a spreading
specimen in the form of a half ball or very flat cone, and is very lovely,
having a Lycopod-like appearance, the foliage being bright green above
and silvery beneath. There is a variegated form which is more vigorous
than the species. Requires space latterly. Thuiopsis Standishi is not so
dense in growth as the preceding', but is of more erect habit, indeed
forms a pyramid and promises to be very beautiful.

The Juniper. — The Chinese Juniper (Juniperus chinensis) is very
ornamental, and forms a columnar tree of great beauty, having a fine
silvery appearance. It is hardy, but does not thrive well in an exposed
situation. There is a variety (aurea) which is very beautiful and con¬
trasts well with the species. The Western Tree J uniper (J uniperus
occidentalis) columnar, erect, foliage silvery, forms a handsome tree.

It is not by any means common. It is sometimes called the Fragrant
Juniper from its branches when bruised giving off a strong scent ;
medium. The Frankincense Juniper (Juniperus thurifera) a conical
pillar, tapering from the ground upward to a sharp point, symmetrical,
and delicate-looking branches. Is one of the finest of lawn trees of its
class.

The Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) forms a dense columnar tree,
and is ornamental. Its appearance is, however, dull as compared with
the variety glauca or argentea, and to contrast with this Schotti, of a
peculiarly light green, is useful. The Green Drooping Virginian Cedar
also has green shoots, and is very ornamental, especially near water.
This (pendula viridis) is not over-hardy, nor indeed are any of the
Junipers in a deep rich moist soil ; medium.

Of the smaller forms of Juniper mention need only be made of the
Irish (Juniperus communis hibernica), which in its way is very useful, and
is of a silvery grey hue, contrasting well with darker foliage. In a light
rich soil it grows so soft as to get cut with frost, and seems to prefer a
cool bottom ; medium small.

The Japan Cypress. — Retinosporas are real gems. They do not
succeed in elevated and cold localities. The Thread -branched Japan
Cypress (Retinospora filifera) is pyramidal and singularly graceful, the
drooping spray being very beautiful ; medium or small.

Retinospora obtusa is very fine and grows freely where there is shelter.
Of this there are ssveral varieties, and all much smaller than the type-
Retinospora pisifera is a very elegant and lovely tree of pyramidal habit,
foliage reddish green above and glaucous underneath, feathery and beauti¬
ful in effect. It is one of the hardiest. Retinospora plumosa is the
very finest of the Retinosporas, it being singularly beautiful ; its fine
plume-like and slender growths are quite charming. Its reddish green
tint on the upper surface and silvery beneath is particularly pleasing.

All those named from Cupressus inclusive to Retinospora are not
suited for what may be called bleak localities. They require a good soil,
and are seen to much greater advantage when favoured with a cool than
on a hot dry gravelly bottom, and like moisture if it is not stagnant.
On a light soil they never have that density and peculiarly rich foliage as
on a cool. The Arbor Vitass and Retinosporas perhaps succeed better on a
light soil. I have omitted the Japan Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica), as it
is not hardy. Cryptomeria elegans is perhaps the hardier, and is very
pleasing from its rich bronzy hue in winter, but it dies off suddenly for n >
apparent reason. For similar reason the Evergreen Red V ood lies

448

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ November 18, 1886.

(Sequoia sempervirens) is omitted. It is no use except in very sheltered
situations, and then it does f/.irly well, but at best is very uncertain.

The Yew. — The Common Yew (Taxus baccata) is well known, and
of specimen size, 30 feet or more high and spreading. It is unique in its
sombre grandeur. I think nothing approaches the Yew in stately im¬
pressiveness.

The Upright or Fulham Yew (Taxus baccata erecta). — Smaller foliage,
forming a very massive and effective pyramid. The Flattened Yew (T.
baccata adpressa). — The foliaae closely set on the numerous branches,
stricta being its best form. The beautiful variegated (T. baccata elegan-
tissima) is a dense spreading bush, and is very effective. The variegated
Upright Yew (Taxus baccata erecta variegata) is a pleasing variety, and
contrasting in form well with the preceding one. In contrast with these
we have the Sea Green Yew (glaucal, dark green above and glaucous
beneath, quick growing and spreading; and the singular horizontal-
branched Yew (horizontalis), and the Gold-striped Yew (T. baccata
variegata), which is so frequently worked on the top of Irish Yews, and
looks so uncharming and unbeautiful. All except the pyramidal require
large space laterally.

The Florence Court or Irish Yew (Taxus baccata fastigiata). — Distinct,
stiff, bundle-like, with sombre daik foliage. It is, perhaps, more used
for the margins of terraces, walk angles, and on lawns than any
other Conifer, and for cutting up flat surfaces and lines marked
by formality is very serviceable. It is thought to give depth and colour,
which it may to statuary, and it would be well if they were kept nearer
buildings than we usually see them. I cannot but think it is much too
frequently seen, and as a specimen I would use it very sparingly. Its
variegated forms are not of much account. Taxus Washingtoni or Golden
American Yew has the whole of the foliage more or less tinted with gold.
In specimens it is beautiful, being a low spreading bush.

Yews are very accommodating. They will grow on light soil, but are
not so fine or free as on good soils, liking loams, and abhorring stiff clays.
A free moist soil, freed of lodging water, is where they revel most, and
they succeed well in shade only not too dried and impoverished by the
roots and heads of other trees. The Prumnopitys elegans partakes of the
character of the Yews, and is a very elegant dwarf tree. It is really
elegant in comparison with Yews.

The Larch. — The Larch in a plantation is not very beautiful. Grown
singly, allowed to assume its towering height of 90 to 100 feet, and spread
laterally without hindrance, clothed from base to summit with its grace¬
ful arms, and seen in spring with its drooping spray of soft green leaves,
amid which its young crimson cones glisten, or in autumn when assuming
its amber tint, I question if any in the whole trine of Conifers are as
attractive and beautiful. It is, indeed, a lawn tree of the first order, and
lights the leaden landscape with softening splendour. If there is not
coloour enough in the common Larch (Larix europaea), take the golden
L. Kaempferi, light green in spring, and golden yellow in autumn. There
is also the silver L. europaea glauca, as silvery as the Deodar, and there
is also the European and American Weeping. Larch likes good soil deep
and moist, but not from stagnant moisture, and on a knoll it will hold its
own with any of its compeers for elegance and beauty.

The Deciduous Cypress (Tax odium distichum), is very beautiful
in spiing and autumn, but u .fortunately does not succeed everywhere.
Its light graceful habit gives it a peculiar fitness for association and
contrast with dark foliage, but appears only Buited to rich open loams
where its roots can have moisture, and the climate is mild or well
sheltered. On light soils it succeeds fairly well for a time, not, however,
assuming that dense habit and freshness so characteristic of it in free
soil where the roots have access to moisture at some little distance, being
especially effective on the bank of a rivulet or lake.

The Maidenhair Tree (Salisburia adiantifolia). — A singular tree,
and very distinct as a Conifer. It does best in good soil, light in pre¬
ference to heavy, and being of conical habit does not require a large
space, about medium will meet its requirements. It is a picturesque
rather than beautiful object, and in contrast with the Larch and Deci¬
duous Cypress is very effective, its foliage being singularly and effectively
contrasting, and with a ba kground of tall dark Pines is very pleasing.
In specimens it is very effective, even when leafless. There is a variety
with cut leaves — viz , S. adiantif -lia laciniata ; the leaves are variably
lobed and irregularly dentated. It is equally ornamental, if not more
so, with the species.

Conifers are perhaps best transplanted in early autumn so soon as the
growth is complete and hardened, moist weather being chosen for the
operation, and in spring when on the point of starting into growth.
The chief point to insure success are plants grown so that they have
light and air for their due furnishing and development, and transplanted
frequently so as to insure moving with good balls. Thus attended to
periodically from the early stages, large plants are safely moved, and an
effect produced at once. For general purposes the smaller plants are
much the best if they have sufficiently developed.

The after treatment consists in pruning or regulating the growths to
insure a perfect specimen. This is a very simple, but none the less neces¬
sary matter. If the tree forms two leads or more they should ouly
remain until choice can be made of the best and the other removed ; or
if the subject lise its leader altogether then a growth most likely to
furnish one must be encouraged and given its proper position, securing it
the necessary advantages by staking or a support secured to the main
stem, and tying effectively but not too tightly, or the remedy will be
worse than the disease. In like manner irregularities must be curbed.
A gross shoot must be shortened or removed, so that a hump will not
appear on one side and a hollow on the other. The gross shoot must be

shortened or removed, so as to cause scant parts to become furnished — at
least made alike, so as to insure symmetry ; and for like reason a
straggling growth on one side must he shortened, so as to make it accord
with the side corresponding. Little attentions in these respects are
necessary. It is not much that is needed, yet the little must not be over¬
looked. Wherever there is irregularity remove it, and in spring or
during growth. It is the only way to have specimens with certainty
and if they come naturally all the better.

Those wanting to see what trees can do will trench the ground as
deeply as the good soil allows, and not be afraid of loosening the stubborn
pan beneath. To keep the roots active, surface dressings of leaf soil will
be given, or of any fresh soil that is available, not of great thickness, but
thin and frequently— say, annually or biennially, and in autumn or
winter. Trees that are getting enfeebled may have a dressing of fresh
rough loam on the surface. It will weight the roots and keep the
tree from being uprooted, and by encouraging a greater profusion of
fresh roots the tree will be recuperated and stand better, because having
better hold of the soil. — G. Abbey.

CHRYSANTHEMUM NOTES.

October blooming Japanese Chrysanthemums. — I am sure all
lovers of Chrysanthemums will feel indebted to Mr. Davis and the Com¬
mittee of the National Society for the evident pains taken to make
their catalogue complete, and not less for the disposition to receive
suggestions tending in that direction. As new editions are certain to be
called for, I would like to ask him whether he wou'd not think it an
improvement to have a separate class for those? Even with me in the
open-air, James Salter and its sport Ladv Selborne, Alexander Dufour,
Elaine, Margot, Henri Jacotot, Mons. Mousillac, and several others at
present included in the general list, when crown buds were used, were
blooming on a south wall in mid-0 rioter. — W. J. Murphy, Clonmel.

Maiden’s Blush. — This variety when more generally known will be
injvery strong demand amongst cultivators. Although classed in cata¬
logues as an exhibition variety, I venture to predict it will be extensively
grown as a decorative plant. My reason for thinking so is that I have
three dozen plants in 12, 9, and 24-inch pots ; tho habit of all of them is
exceedingly good, their average height being a little over 3 feet from the
rim of the pot with healthy bright green foliage, much after the manner
of a Chrysanthemum I have heard called Magnum Bonum, very common
here (Ipswich) as an outdoor plant. I also grew as a trial three in the
open ground. They are thicker plants, but not quite so tall as those in
pots bearing a quantity of blooms of a much deeper colour than those
under glass. With respect to the colour of Maiden’s Blush, that must be
a matter of opinion. For my part I prefer them when they have been in
bloom about three weeks, as at that time they are almost pure white,
having the appearance of lasting for a considerable time. — F. C. B.

HIGH AND DEEP PLANTING.

Although I have chosen a new heading for my remarks, it will be
found that it is nothing more nor less than a continuation of the subject
of “ Trenched v. Untienched Soil,” and as such I hope it will be met by
my rather numerous opponents.

From this time onwards the work of root-pruning, lifting, and re¬
planting of trees of all kinds will be undertaken in different places all
over the country, and many a blunder will be discovered, I am afraid, and
many another error committed. In some cases f»ultv practices arise
from a want of thought or judgment on the part of those responsible, one
great mistake being to treat all soils alike. Anyone possessing a very
slight knowledge of geology, and more especially that branch relating to
the natural formation of this country, are aware that the surface soils as
well as the underlying strata vary to a surprising extent. I may even
go further, and add that they also vary considerably, not only in one
parish, but, as in our case, in a limit of four acres of k tchen garden ; yet,
if we are to believe several correspondents of the Journal of Horticulture,
little or no heed should be paid to the peculiarity of our sods, but all alike
will be benefited by deep culture or trenching in some form or other.
They go to work on the lines that what is sauce for the goose is equally
good for the gander, as witness how few indeed that admit there is any
risk attending trenching, no matter how bad the subsoil may be. Trench¬
ing ha9 become a time-honoured custom, and nearly every votary pilots
with pride to his different quarters that were double-dug at a certain date.
As a consequence those who venture to question the propriety of the
practice are liable to be “ sat'upon,” but whether that would “ serve them
right” remains to be seen. Before any ne starts trenching ground they
should consider the matter well, and not too readily arrive at the conclu¬
sion that a deep root-action is bound to be beneficial to whatever they
intend to cultivate. Will the roots do better service on the surface or
deep down into a cold subsoil, or even the partially cultivated second
spit ? If it can be proved that they are best well bel >w, then by all
means break off and manure as deeply as possible ; but on the other hand
if it is found to be the case that the most productive fruit trees, for in¬
stance, are root ng principally near the surface, wbat motive can any¬
one have for trying to alter this satisfactory state of affairs ?

On page 335 a very practical c rrespondent states he gets his best
fruit from trees growing in the poorest shallowest parts of the garden. He
at any rate does not appear to have believed in trenching, but prefers to
feed and support the roots from the surface, an 1 if more would follow
this example there would be much less need to import the bulk of choice

November 18, 1888. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

449

Apples from America and other fruits from the Continent. On very
sandy soils, or in every ca«e where the soil is very shallow, or of much too
light a nature to hold sufficient moisture to support the roots, then I
admit every eff rt should be made to deeoen the root- run, but wherevtr
clay abounds this is naturally more retentive of moisture, whether this
be derived from the atmosphere or by capillary a'traction from below.
It follows clayey soils are of a much colder nature, the subsoil being
especially so, and being out of the reach of the sun’s power it rarely ever
reaches a temperature at all approaching that attained nearer the surface,
consequently is not a congenial medium for the roots to thrive in. It
cannot too often be repeated that long naked roots are not what are
wanted, but we must have plenty of fibres if the growth tf the plant or
tree is to be of a fruitful character. Directly the roots are out of the
reach of the warmth of the sun and the fertilising effects of the atmo¬
sphere they, as a rule, cease to form much fibre ; and although the-e
naked roots will support a tree the growth is not of a fruitful character,
hence the frequent necessity for partially or wholly lifting fruit trees. It
anyone doubts the truth of the theory that deeply buried roots are the
slowest to form fresh fibre, let him explain how it is that trees, bushes, or
plants simply “ laid in by the heels ” quickly form a mass of lively fibres,
while those perhaps planted with great care and forethought presumably
have not yet started to root afre«h.

I hav e before stated and now repeat half the trees in the country are
planted too deeply or are now too deeply buried, and I am not sure the
number given should not be put at three-fourths. In very many cases the
trees were not actually planted too deep according to the surrounding
level of the soil, but the holes having been dug two spits deep, perhaps
more, as we hear of some who trench three spits, no allowance was made
for the natural settlement of the soil, and in course of time the “ collars ”
of those trees are gradually buried. It also frequently happens that the
borders are increa-ed in depth by being added to, and this also tends to
bury the stems. It was, I believe, owing to both of these causes that the
whole of our Pear trees had to be lifted and replanted. They were planted
on double-dug ground, and when lifted we found the greater portion of
the roots were much too deep, while the stems were buried at least
6 inches below the surface. Most of us have, very probably, at some
time noticed the effecis < f deeply burying the stems of trees during the
process, it may be of levelling some part of a pleasure ground. If this
burying the roots out of all reach of sunshine or air does not quickly
eventually kill the trees it gradually reduces them to a verv poor pdght
indeed. At Wilton House near Salisbury two Chestnut tr es with their
stems partially buried indulge in strange vagaries, sometimes flowering
when all the rest of the trees are in the midst of their resting period.
This and other cases I could name that have ended fatally are extreme
cases, but the lesson they teach ought to be profited by, and I hold that
they are string witnesses on my side. Directly the roots are either driven
from or encouraged to leave the surface their decadence commences, and
we should have few fine old forest trees to be proud of if they were sub¬
jected to treatment similar to that considered good enough for fruit trees.
It is not the unkindly subsoil that has materially contributed to the for¬
mation of those gian’s, but it is the undisturbed pnsses-ion of the surface
that has to be credited with this good work. — W. Iggulden.

(To be continued.)

Presentation to Mr, J. Douglas Dick. — On Thursday last
Sir P. Cunliffe Owen, K.C.B., K.C.M.G., C.I.E., on behalf of the
staff, and in their presence, presented Mr. Dick with a very handsome
drawing-room clock, bearing the following inscription : — “ Presented to
J. Douglas Dick, superintendent of entrances, by his staff, as a mark of
respect for his kindness and courtesy during the series of Exhibitions
held at South Kensington from 1883 to 1886.— 11th November, 1886.”

- A correspondent wishes to know if any of our readers can

inform him “ What is tbe correct name of the Banana ‘ Ladies’
b ingers,’ commonly sold on board ships taking passengers to and from
the Colonies ? The variety in question is far more agreeable and in
demand than the ordinary Musa Cavendishi. Is it sufficiently dwarf in
habit to admit of its being cultivated in ordinary plant houses in this
country.”

- “With regard to the letter in last week’s Journal by Mr.

Iggulden,” writes “ J. W. L.,” “ I send you a few lines as to my expe¬
rience of the ‘ Old-fashioned Tubular Boiler.’ There has been
one here at work in a stove house for nearly seventeen years, it has never
given the slightest trouble, although here the water is very hard. As I
was making some alterations I have been obliged to remove it. I found

the boiler perfectly sound, but the pipes leading from it entirely gone. I
am so satisfied with the performance of this boiler that I have placed in a
much larger one of the same description, which will have to heat about
700 feet of piping,”

Carter s Provident Sick Fund. — The first annual meet¬
ing of the subscribers was held on Monday, the 8th instant, on one of the
spacious floors in the new warehouse of Messrs. Jime3 Carter & Co., the
Queen s Seedsmen, High Holborn, London, and was attended by about
200 members, The chair was occupied by the manager, Mr. C. H.
bharman. The report and balance-sheet for the past year was read and
adopted, and resolutions for amending existing rules were passed. During
the twelve months of the Society’s existence 268 members were enrolled,
all of whom were employed in various departments of the business. By
payment of a small weekly subscription, benefits in case of sickness
varying from 6s. to 18s. per week are secured, and it was considered
highly satisfactory that after paying fifty-one claims for’sickness and one
for death, the Society entered upon its second year with a very substan¬
tial balance in hand. After appropriating a suitable amount as a working
reserve fund, it was resolved unanimously to make a donation of £5 to
the Hospital Saturday Fund, and to distribute aDy surplus amongst the
sub-cribers. The officers and members of the committee were re-elected,
and the proceedings terminated with a hearty vote of thanks to Messrs.
James Carter & Co. for a further donation, which they had spontaneously
offered upon seeing the satisfactory results of the first working of the
Society.

- Poisonous Mushrooms. — A Sidcup correspondent says : — “ It

is stated that a very considerable quantity of injurious fungi is now finding
its way into the market as Mushrooms, and ia West Kent several cases of
serious illness caused by the consumption of what appear to be button
Mushrooms, but which are really poisonous fungi, are reported. They
have a yellowish appearance when cut, but otherwise appear exactly the
same as the edible Mushrooms.”

- The Chairman of the Comm'ttee of the Great York Gala

and Horticultural Exhibition for some years past is Mr. Alderman
Terry, who was Mayor for the present year, and who was again
unanimously re-elected to fill that distinguished position for the ensuing
year. Mr. Terry was also Mayor some few years since . This

gentleman is most popular in York, and is held in very high esteem
by the horticulturists who have for so many years been associated with
the Gala as exhibitors or judges, and the meeting of June next will be one
of the events of the jubilee year.

- The following summary of meteorological observations

at Hodsock Priory, Worksop, Notts, in October. 1886, have been received
from Mr. Joseph Mallender Mean temperature of month, 516°.

Maximum on the 4th, 711°. Minimum on the 23rd, 31T°; maximum
in the sun on the 3rd, 117-0° ; minimum on the grass on the 23rd, 27 0°.
Mean 'temperature of the air 9 A.M., 51-2°. Mean temperature of the
soil 1 foot deep, 53T°. Number of nights below 32°, in shade two, on
grass six. Total duration of sunshine in month fifty-one hours, or 16 per
cent, of possible duration. The brightest day was the 2nd. We had
eleven sunless days. Total rainfall 3’08 inches. Maximum fall in twenty-
four hours] on the 6th, 0 47 inch. Rain fell on eighteen days. Average
velocity of wind, 7 5 miles per hour. The velocity did not exceed 400
miles on any day, and fell short of 100 miles on nine days. Approximate
averages for October — Mean temperature, 48 2°. Rainfall, 2-84 inches.
Sunshine (five years) eighty-six hours. A very mild and calm month,
exceptionally dull, and of about average rainfall.

- The Liverpool Exhibition.— Messrs. W. Richardson Sc. Co.,

Darlington, have been awarded a silver medal at the Liverpool Inter¬
national Exhibition for examples of their patent system of ventilation
for horticultural buildings and other exhibits.

- Mr. Robert Owen, The Floral Nursery, Castle Hill, Maiden¬
head, sends us two beautiful bunches of his new Marguerites, and
remarks as follows on their durability : — 11 The white Cloth of Silver was
cut a fortnight since, and the yellow Cloth of Gold a week ago. The
latter has been to R.H.S. one day and night, two days and one night at
the Aquarium, one day at Reading, two nights at railway stations, and
are now not in bad condition. These are the best for lasting I ever
knew.” The blooms were very fresh, the golden vaiiety as bright as
could be wished, and the other pure white.

450

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

[ November 18, 1888.

- “J. H. W.” writes on cut-back Hybrid Perpetual Roses

as follows : — “ Oae of our leading amateur rosarians (Mr. G.) stated a
short time ago that H.P. cut-backs would not produce exhibition blooms
after they were four years o'd. This is contrary to my experience. Every
year I find that several strong shoots are thrown up from the base of the
p’ants. If these are saved and all the other wood is cut out we have
virtually a young plant, and if the shoots preserved are pruned back in
spring, leaving from two to six eyes according to the growth of the variety,
I believe that as good blooms may be had from plants seven or eight years
old as from four-year-olds. Possibly Mr. G. may mulch his plants heavily,
and by digging this in year after year cause his plants to be too deeply
embedded in the soil. In such a case I should advise lifting and replanting
in fresh soil. Your readers often complain of a dearth of Rose news in
‘our Journal.’ Would not this be an interesting subject for discussion ?”

- Gardeners’ Royal Benevolent Institution. — We are in¬
formed that Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild of Waddesden Manor,
Member of Parliament for the Aylesbury Division of Buckinghamshire,
has most kindly consented to preside at the forty-fourth anniversary
festival of this institution at the “ Albion,” Aldersgate Street, on Friday,
the 1st of July, 1887.

- The Mild Weather. — A remarkable illustration of the mild¬
ness of the season is reported from Ulcomb in Kent, where a fruit-grower
has gathered a quart of ripe Pears from midsummer blossoming, the
second crop from the same tree this year. In various parts of East Kent
Raspberries continue to be gathered, and in the neighbourhood of Ashford
Laburnum trees are in full blossom.

- Roses in November. — A northern correspondent writes: —

•“ Although the rainfall has been heavy so far this autumn, the weather
has been particularly mild for Pelargoniums, Lobelias, and many border
plants, including Dahlias, are still yielding a few fliwers in condition.
'Oa the 13th inst. I had the pleasure of seeing a box of beautiful Roses
forwarded to Mrs. Heywood from Cloverly Hall Gardens, cut from the
rosery outside on the 12th inst. During the previous week we cut a
number of blooms of La France, and that useful autumn Rose, Souvenir
de la Malmaison. To-day I have found a beautiful bloom of La France
that would be highly prized even earlier in the season, the perfume and
colour being almost perfect. A few genial days will bring out several
others, for the two kinds named are full of buds, but unfortunately it
rains every other day. It is unusual for us to cut Roses and Dahlias in
the neighbourhood of Liverpool at this date, for early frosts generally
destroy border flowers early in the season. I am more convinced than
ever that the two Roses named are worthy of being planted in quantity
together, so that they can be given cold frame protection in autumn until
they have developed their autumn flowers.”

— — The following note on Exacum affine appears in the
American Gardeners' Monthly from a correspondent at the Washington
Botanic Gardens : — “ If the individual plants of this recently introduced
annual would grow to the same size and flower at the same time, it would
be a decided acquisition to the list of bedding plants ; but it has a most
erratic habit. Plants under the same conditions, growing side by side,
differ considerably in height, breadth, and periods of flowering. Single
plant) dotted over the rockwork give most satisfaction. The colour of
the flowers is violet blue, with orange yellow stamens. The habit of the
plant resembles Ophelia corymbosa, to which it is closely allied.”

- The same publication remarks that Mr. Sturtevant’s Water

Lily Culture at Bordentown, near Philadelphia, is getting quite
famous. A considerable party of lovers of beautiful aquatics, known as
the Lotos Club, made a special railroad excursion there on the 9th of
September. The famed and deservedly admired Egyptian Lotus has been
naturalised there, and this alone is worth many miles of a journey to see
— to say nothing of the wonderful Victoria regia also in bloom at the
same time.”

- Much interest has been felt in the curious plant Shortia GALA-

'Ci FOLIA, which was found by Michaux in North Carolina and never again
un’il a few plants were seen in another place by Mr. Hyams a few years
ago. Now Prof. Sargent has discovered it on the original spot where it
grew in Michaux’s time. It is one of the plants common to Japan and to
the United States, that seem to be dying out ; and yet individual plants
seem able to hold their own. Here are plants that have been able to
ma ntam their place in one spot for over half a century.'0

NOTES ON PEACHES AND NECTARINES— SELECTING
AND PLANTING TREES.

The time has once more arrived for ordering and planting Peach and
Nectarine as well as other fruit trees ; therefore a few words as to the
most suitable varieties to plant, as well as the manner in which the process
of planting should be carried out with the object of securing the most
satisfactory results, will be opportune. A good supply of Peaches and
Nectarines is desired in all gardens. This, where glass as well as wall
aecommodat’on is provided for their culture, may be extended over a
period of nearly six months, commencing towards the end of April with
Amsden, Alexander, and Hale’s Early Peaches, and Lord Napier and
Elruge Nectarines, and finishing the supply towards the end of October
with Sea Eagle and Salwey Peaches (the latter variety in a heated house),
and Pine Apple and Stan wick Nectarines. It is not my intention to write
an exhaustive article on this subject, but to deal briefly with the matter,
confining myself to an enumeration of the names of “ select varieties ”
in preference to giving a long list of varieties in cultivation, which would
only tend to confuse amateurs and young beginners.

SELECT VARIETIES OF THE PEACH.

Amsden is a medium-sized roundish American Peach, ripening on a
south wall out of doors (to which branch of Peach culture my remarks
will be confined in this paper) about the end of June.

Alexander, medium size, juicy and brisk in flavour, ripening end of
July. Hale’s Early, medium, roundish ovate fruit, crimson next the sun
and full of flavour, ripening the beginning of August.

Dr. Hogg is a large, round, rich, sugary, and a highly coloured
Peach, ripe from the middle of August.

Grosse Mignonne, a well-known variety, the fruit being large,
roundish, well coloured, rich, and highly flavoured, ripe from the middle
to the end of August. Nobless?, ripe the end of August, fruit large,
roundish oblong, and full of juice.

Royal George ripens early in September, the fruit being large, round,
and of excellent flavour, but the leaves of this fine old variety, like the
preceding one, are more subject to the attacks of mildew than any other
varieties that I am acquainted with are, and on this account they are not
grown so much as they deserve to be, seeing that the attacks of this fungoid
can be guarded against, and should it appear, as it is likely to do in a low
and consequently damp distric’, a dusting of the affected leaves while
damp with the flowers of sulphur would soon eradicate it.

Goshawk is one of the very best midseason Peaches we have. It is an
American variety, ripening the beginning of September large fruits of
exquisite flavour.

Bellegarde produces large, round, dark, richly flavoured, and highly
coloured fruit, ripening about the middle of September ; it is a fine
exhibition Peach. Barrington, ripening about the same time, is another
excellent variety, the fruit being large, roundish ovate, and delicious
flavour.

Violette Hative, three or four trees — more or less, according to extent
of Peach walls — of this excellent, large, roundish ovate, melting and
beautifully coloured Peach should be planted in different aspects — south,
west, and east — so as to secure gatherings of it from the beginning to the
end of September.

Late Admirable ripens large, elongated, well-flavoured fruits in the end
of September, and Walburton Admirable yields fruits of a like description
early in Ootober.

Sea Eagle, large, pale, well-flavoured fruit, highly coloured on the side
exposed to the sun ; it is a good grower and a sure cropper, ripe from the
beginning to the middle of October. This year I picked my last dish of
this, the best all-round late Peach in cultivation, on the 18th inst.

Salwey is the largest and latest of all Peaches when the trees are not
overcropped and are liberally supplied with liquid manure at the roots
while swelling its fruits. But it should be grown under glass, where a
little fire heat could be had to put flavour in the fruits, which, when thus
grown, assume a rich golden hue and are full of flavour. The varieties
enumerated are all good growers and free fruiters, and are suitable al ke
for indoor and outdoor culture, except Salwey, which, if grown at all,
should be in a heated house, as indicated.

NECTARINES.

Lord Napier is the earliest Nectarine that I am acquainted with. The
fruit is large, handsome, and of excellent flavour, ripening towards the
end of August, only a few days before that well-known excellent variety
Elruge.

Rivers’ Orange comes in about the same time. This is a handsome
and finely flavoured Nectarine, as also are Balgowan and Pine Apple.
These are two of the finest September Nectarines we have ; the fruits of
both are large, highly coloured, with yellow, melting, rich, and highly
flavoured flesh.

Pitmaston Orange, Victoria, and Stanwick are good late varieties ;
and, like all the others mentioned, are good growers and free fruiters.

PLANTING.

Upon the manner in which this important operation is performed de¬
pends in a great measure the ultimate condition and producing powers of
the trees. Having determined the distance (15 feet) at which the trees
should be planted from each other against the walls, an order for the
necessary number of healthy, kindly grown, and rightly named trees
should be de-patched forthwith to any of the large nurserymen having a
reputation for supplying trees of this description ; meanwhile, having first
marked the central position of each tree on the wall with a piece of chalk

November 18, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

451

•or charcoal, excavate holes extending 2 J feet on either side the mark on
the wall, 5 feet therefrom and 4 feet deep, the outline of the hole par¬
taking of the form of a half circle. Into the bottom of each hole put
$ inches thick of brickbats, stones, or clinkers, and over these a suffi¬
cient thickness of coarse gravel should be laid to fill in the chinks, and
following this a layer of turf grass side down to secure good drainage ;
but should water be likely at any time to rise nearer to the surface than
4 feet it will, of course, be necessary to reduce the depth of the hole to
such an extent as will prevent the possibility of the roots of the trees
being at any time submerged — a circumstance which would be injurious
to their well-being. The holes having been made ready for the reception
of the soil, the latter — assuming that the character of the natural soil is
■not such as is calculated to promote and afterwards sustain satisfactory
growth in the trees — consisting of three parts calcareous loam and one of
old lime rubble and wood ashes, well mixed, should be placed into the holes
in a moderately dry state, so that it may not adhere to the feet in tread¬
ing on it. In planting the trees make due allowance for the soil sub¬
siding 5 or 6 inches within as many weeks from the time of planting.

Having placed the individual trees in position, spread the roots out in
•every direction, with a slight inclination downwards, shortening back at
the same time any straggling roots, and cutting clean away with a sharp
knife any portion of the same that may have sustained injury in the
process of lifting ; and with the object of encouraging the emission of
young feeders, make a series of incisions along the principal roots previous
to covering the lat'er with 6 inches thick of the compost indicated, and
before treading the latter gently over, take hold of the tree by the stem
and give it a few good shakes in an upward direction, so as to allow of
the soil mixing among the roots. This done, lay on 3 or 4 inches thick
•of rotten dung as a mulching. This will maintain the roots in a more
equable condition than could otherwise be secured. Trees thus planted
should be temporarily secured to the wall with nails and long shreds to
allow of them sinking with the soil. Trees so planted, providing the
after treatment be good, cannot fail to yield satisfactory results during
ordinary seasons.

TRANSPLANTING HOME-GROWN TREES.

In most large gardens young trees are, where space admits of its
being done, grown on for a year or two between the permanent trees or
■elsewhere for to take the place of any trees indicating exhaustion through
age or other cause. Where this is the case, the tree3 should be lifted
carefully with as much soil adhering to the roots as possible. To do this
a trench should be opened at about 18 inches from the stem of the tree
to be lifted (from 2 to 3 feet will be none too much for trees which have
been in their present position four or five years), working the soil from
under and around the ball of earth and roots with a five-tined fork until
the tree can be lifted bodily by two or three men, while a third man
places a mat underneath and secures it to the stem, the better to enable
the tree to be removed and transplanted with the soil adhering to the
roots, the obvious object being to prevent the tree from experiencing
only as little check as possible in the process of betng transplanted, and
also to get the tree re established in its new quarters before they shed
their leaves. This desirable object cannot be obtained with trees had
from a nurseryman, inasmuch as they are not lifted for transportation to
customers until the fall of the leaf. In due time I purpose making a few
remarks on the pruning and training of the trees. — W. W. Ward,
LongforcL Castle Gardens, Salisbury.

CHRYSANTHEMUM SHOWS.

SOUTHAMPTON. — November 9th and 10th.

The annual Exhibition of this Society was held, as usual, in the Skating
Rink, a place particu'arly well adapted for such an Exhibition, and so
numerous were the exhibits that the place, large as it is, was taxed to its
utmost capacity. The Show was, as usual, remarkable for the excellence of
the produce ; particularly does this apply to the fruit classes, a great number
of Apples and Pears being staged. In the three classes devoted to the former
fruit forty-three competitors staged, in all numbering 144 dishes of six fruits
etch. Pears, too, were shown in large numbers and of great size. Grapes
formed quite a feature m themselves. Cut blooms of Chrysanthemums were
numerous and of excellent quality in the winning stands, while some of the
others showed a slight roughness consequent upon an unfavourable season.
Specimen plants were of excellent quality, indeed it would be difficult to find
better anywhere. Groups of Chrysanthemums and miscellaneous plants
were very meritorious ; the same may be said of the vegetables generally.
The Committee, with Captain Gibbs as Chairman, and the able Secretary,
Mr. C. S. Fuidge, conducted the arrangements in a most satisfactory
manner.

For the best collection of Chrysanthemums grown in pots and arranged
in a space 8 feet by 5 feet, Mr. J. Allen, gardener to J. Bailey, Esq., Elm-
field Hill, Southampton, was easily first, his plants carrying blooms of the
best character, both Japanese and incurved, and being tastefully arranged
made an imposing display. Mr. Busby, gardener to F. Willan, Esq., Thorn¬
hill Park, Bitterne, was second, and Mr. E. Wills, gardener to Mrs. Pears,
Bassett, Southampton, third, both showing capital groups. For six plants
incurved or reflexed, distinct, Mr. W. Joy, nurseryman, Shirley, Southamp¬
ton, was first with grand specimens, 5 to 6 feet in diameter, and carrying a
large number of blooms of excellent quality ; second Mr. Wills with most
meritorious plants. Mr. Joy was again successful for the same number of
Japanese plants, which showed the same high character as was noticeable
in the former class ; his best plants were Bouquet Fait, 150 blooms ; Peter
the Great and Madame Bertie Rendatler being alike fine. Mr. Wills was
an excellent second. The best single specimen Japanese was staged by Mr.
W. Joy, and was a graud plant of Lady Selborne freely flowered, followed
by Mr. Wills with Hiver Fleuri, also in capital condition. Mr. Busby was third.

Mr. Joy was again first with Mrs. Dixon, 6 feet across, and freely flowered
For the best incurved or reflexed specimen, Mr. Wills relied upon Dr. Sharpe
as his best, which was of large size, but the blooms were pale in colour
although numerously disposed over the plant.

For twenty-four cut blooms, sixteen incurved or reflexed and eight
Japanese, there were six competitors, all staging creditably. Mr. Wild-
smith, gardener to Lord Eversley, Heckfield, Winchfield, was placed
first. His incurved specimens were large, solid, and of capital finish,
while the Japanese were bright and full, the best of which being
Madame Liing, Mdme. C. Audiguier, and Maiden’s Blush, while Golden
Empress, Queen of England, Jeanne d’Arc, Princess of Wales (very fine),
Princess Teck, and Emily Dale were the best of the incurved flowers. Mr.
Wills was a close second, his Japonaise, Val d’Andorre, M. Burnet, Mrs. W.
Shipman, Barbara, and Hero of Stoke Newington being capital in quality.
Mr. Neville, gardener to F. W. Flight, Esq., was placed third, his incurved
loeing smaller, though very neat. Among his Japanese was the new
variety Mrs. J. Wright, which received a certificate the previous week at
the Crystal Palace Show, and was also honoured on this occasion. For
twenty-four blooms, not less than eighteen varieties, Mr. J. Allen was
pi iced first with large blooms. Some of the incurved were a trifle coarse,
the best being Lord Alcester, Hero of Stoke Newington, and Queen of
England, while J. Delaux and Japonaise were his best in the Japanese
section. Mr. H. W. Ward, gardener to the Earl of Radnor, Longfora Castle,
Salisbury, was second, his best being Queen of England, Golden Empress,
and M. Burnet. Mr. Wills was third. Mr. Wildsmith repeated his previous
success by taking first honours for twelve incurved blooms with an excel¬
lent stand, clean and fresh. Messrs. Allen, Wills, and Ward secured the
remaining prizes in the order named. Mr. Ward secured first honours for
twelve blooms of Japanese, with capita! examples of Triomphe de la Rue des
Chalets, M. Burnet, and Val d’Andorre ; Mr. Allen second ; third Mr.
Wildsmith, and fourth Mr. Wills. Twelve competitors in this class. For
twelve blooms, Anemone flowered, distinct, Mr. Penford, gardener to Sir
F. Fitzwygram, Bart., Leigh Park, Havant, who put up large specimens of
Lady Margaret, Empress, and Mdme. Berthie Pigny ; second Mr. Neville,
third Mr. Wills, f jurth Mr. Ward. The competition for twelve blooms of re¬
flexed was keen, and very fine were the specimens staged in all the stands,
King of more particularly those in the first stand of Mr. J. Allen, who bad
Crimsons, Golden Christine, Cloth of Gold, in grand order of merit; Mr.
Wildsmith was second, his Cullingfordi and Phidias being fine ; Mr. Ward
was third, and Mr. Wills fourth.

Pompons were extremely fine from Mr. Neville, who easily secured first
honours ; Mr. Wills was second ; Mr. H. Guillaume, an amateur, third. A
maiden first prize class for twelve blooms in eight varieties, was won by
Mr. C. Warden, gardener to Sir F. Bathurst, Clarendon Park, Salisbury.
Second, Mr. R. West, gardener to J. R. Wigram, Esq., Northlands, "Salisbury.
Amateurs’ cut blooms were well represented by Mr. R. Carter, St. Denys.

Miscellaneous classes were devoted to Orchids, table plants, Primulas,
and Cyclamens. For the fornisr Mr. T. Osborne, gardener to J. Buchan, Esq.,
Wilton House, Southampton, was first with an effective group, composed
of choice specimens, such as Oncidium divaricatum, Cattleya maxima,
Vanda coerulea, Calanthe vestita oculata, andDendrobium formosum ; while
Mr. Molyneux was placed first for nine table plants ; Mr. Reynolds, gardener
to Col. The Hon. H. Crichton, being second. For Cyclamens Mr. Budd,
gardener to J. P.Dalgety, Esq., Lockesby Hall, Romsey, was first. A box con¬
taining a dozen varieties of single Chrysanthemums, staged in bunches,
was set up not for competition ” by Mr. E. Molyneux, girdener to W. H.
Myers, E3q., Swanmore Park, Bishop’s Waltham, which were much
admired.

Fruit. — For three distinct varieties of Grapes, one bunch each, eight
collections were staged. Mr. T. Hall, gardener ti Captain Davidson, South
Stoneham House, Southampton, was first, staging Alicante, fine in bunch,
berry, and colour; Gros Guillaume, small in berry, but of excellent finish ;
and a fine bunch of Muscat of Alexandria, perfect in form, with just the
sUght“8t trace of green at the point. Mr. Molyneux followed closely with
Gros Guillaume, 5 to 6 lbs. weight, fine berries and colour, Alicante and
Trebbiano, in good condition. Third, Mr. C. Warden, having good Muscat of
Alexandria as bis best. Mr. Molyneux led the way with three bunches of
black Grapes, staging Gros Guillaume, each bunch weighing from 5 lbs. to
6 lbs., fine in berry and colour. Mr. Hall followed with Alicante, faultless
in appearance. Third, Mr. Ward, with Mrs. Pince. Mr. J. Chalk, gardener
to G. Read, Esq., Westwood, Wilton Road, Salisbury, staged the best three
bunches of white Grapes, grand examples of Muscat of Alexandria, large
in bunch and berry, and beautifully coloured. Mr. Budd was s cond, and
Mr. Ward third, both staging the same variety in good condition. For two
bunches white Grapes Mr. Penford was first with Muscat of Alexandria.
Third, Mr. Harris, gardener to G. M. Mordaunt, Esq., Bitterne. Mr.
Penford was also first for the same number of black bunches with Alicante
in fine condition. Second, Mr. Warden. Third, Mr. J. Allen. Fourth,
heaviest bunch of any kind of Grape Mr. Ward was first with Gros
Guillaume, 8 lbs. Mr. Molyneux followed with the same vari ty, w -ighing
1 oz. less. Mr. Wildsmith was first for one Pine, followed by Mr. Richards,
gardener to the Earl of Normanton, Somerley, Ringwood. For four dishes
of Apples, distinct kinds, four fruits of each, Mr. T. Hall took fir. t
honours with fine samples of Blenheim Pippin, Wellington Pippin,
Small’s Admirable, and Bedfordshire Foundling. Second prize to Mr.
W. G. Pragnell, gardener to J D. W. Digby, Esq., Sherborne Castle, D rset,
with Peasgood’s Nonesuch, and Lady Henniker as his best. Third, Mr.
W. Sanders, gardener to J. East, Esq., Longstock House, Stockbridge.
For three dishes of dessert Apples there were eleven entries ; Mr. S. Chapman,
gardener to Colonel Knatchbull, was first, Ribston Pippin, and King of
Pippins being best ; Mr. Wildsmith was second; Mr. Fiford, Rownhams, was
third. For three dishes of kitchen Apples Mr. Hall was again first ; second
Mr. G. Linder, gardener to Sir Henry Mildmay, Dogmersfield, Winchfield ;
third, Mr. Pragnell. For four dishes of Pears, six fruits each, first Mr. tv.
Sanders, General Todtleben and Pitmaston Duchess being best; second Mr.
A. W. Rooke, gardener to W. Gascoigne Roy, Esq., Byam*, Marchwood,
third, Mr. Linder. Vegetables were numerously and well staged. For t.ie
best collection of eight varieties Mr. Sanders was first, having Suttons’
Prizetaker Leek, Carter’s Perfection Tomato, Reading Russet Potato as his
, best ; second Mr. Pragnell, who had extra good Leeks, and Green G1 >be

452

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ November 18, 1885.

Artichokes in faultless condition ; third Mr. 'JMolyneux, fourth Mr.
Busby.

READING. — November 12th.

Three Chrysanthemum Shows have now been held by this Society in
Reading, and it is pleasant to be able to reoord that the progress made has
been in a high degree satisfactory. The first Exhibition did not do full
justice to the capabilities of the local cultivators, but it was financially
encouraging, a balance of £35 resulting. The second Show was in ail
respects an improvement on the first, a balance of £83 remaining when
accounts were closed. Tne third Exhibition has advanced still further in
horticultural importance, and it is to be hoped the financial results will be
proportionately good ; in any caso, the Honor iry and Assistant Secretaries,
Mr. R. D. Catchpole and Mr. W. Smith, deserve to be congratulated. Cut
blooms, plants, and fruit wen capitally shown, the quality in all the classes
being remarkably even and the competition keen. The exhibits were arranged
in the New and Old Town Halls, the plants and groups chiefly arranged near
the walls, with the cut blooms and fruits on tables in the centre of the
halls.

The cut blooms were excellently shown in most of the classes. Six
collections of eighteen incurved blooms were staged, Messrs. W. & G.
Drover, Fareham, hading with the following varieties : — Back row — Nil
Desperandum, Golden Empress, Empress of India, Lord Alcester, Alfred
Salter, and Que n of England. Middle row — Princ* ss Teck, Mrs. W.
Shipman, Emily Dale, Beauty, Jeanne d’Arc, and Prince Alfred. Front
row — Lord Wolseley, Princess of Wales, John Salter, Hero of Stoke,
Angelina, and Baron Beust. The second place was accorded to Mr. Wild-
smith, gardener to Lord Eversley, Heckfield Place, who had a beautiful even
collection, Princess of Wales, Lady Hardinge, and Golden Empress of
India being very fine, together with a handsome white sport from Princess
Teck, named Lord Eversley. It has proved constant for four years, and the
Judges awarded a certificate for it. Mr. Neal, gardener to P. Southby, Esq.,
Bampton, was third, and Mr. Kendall, gardener to H. C. Holland, Esq., Roe-
bampton, fourth. Seven stands of twelve incurved, all containing
admirable blooms, Mr. Strong, W l’ington College ; Mr. Trinder, gardener to
Sir H. St. John Mildmay, Bart., Dogmersfield ; Sir. Bowerman, girdener to
C. Hoare, Esq. ; and Mr. Baskett, gardener to W. J. Palmer, Esq., Reading,
were the prizetakers in the order named. Japanese varieties were remark¬
ably well represented in the class for twelve blooms, distinct varieties, no
less than a dozen competitors entering. Mr. Baskett won premier honours
for handsome, full, and bright sp cimt-ns of Triomphe de la Rue d»s Cnalets,
Soleil Levant, Mr. Burnet, Madame B. Pigny, J. H. Laing, M. Delaux,
Madame C. Audiguur, Mdlle. Lacroix, Comtesse de Beauregarde, J. Delaux,
Balmoreau, and Tuunberg. R. W. Beachey, E-q., Kmg-ker well, Mr. Wild¬
smith, and Mr. Trin er secured the remaining awards. There were also nine
exhibitors of six Japanese, Mr. Jennings, gardener to J. J. Freeman, Esq ,
Farnborough, being fi st with large blooms of Fair Maid of Guernsey,
Roseum superbum, Val d’Andorre, F. A. Davis, and Mdlle. Lacroix. Mr.
W ildsmith had the b-st stand of twelve refiexed blooms in a class of eight
competitors, showing very fine examples of Golden Christine, Cullingfordi,
Mdlle. Madaleine Tezier, King of Crimsons, Madame Melainie Fabvre,
Pink Christine, Cloth of Gold, Phidias, and Chevalier Domage. Mr. Kendall
staged the best box of twelve Anemones, beautiful, well-formed blooms. A
class was provided for twelve blooms not less than eight large-flowered
varieties, as grown on not less than 4 inches of stem above the board.
Eleven entered this class, Mr. Wildsmith being an excellent first with
Maiden’s Blush, Meg Merrilies, Japonaise, Prince of AVales, L’Adorable,
Cullingfordi, Princess of WaleB, Jeanne d’Arc, and Mabel Ward, all in fine
condition, fresh, and of good substance. Mr. Wildsmith also had the best
Pompons, followed by Messrs. Kendall and Smith.

Amongst the specimen plants, Mr. Surman, gardener to C. H. Wither-
ington, Esq., Sonning, h d the best, his premier six specimens of Japanese
varieties being most creditable examples of skilful culture and neat training.
They were about 4 feet in diameter and covered with bloom, the varieties
being La Nymphe, La Charmeuse, Lady Sslborne. Red Dragon, Elaine, and
Peter the Great. Mr. Fa ey. gardener to C. Stevens, E,q., Woodley Hill,
was a close second, and Mr. R. Broker, gardener to R. Tompkins, Esq., was
thud. In other classes the *ame exhibitor secured several prizes, but with
groups Messrs. Baskett, Balchm, and Hatch were placed first, second, and
third respectively.

Fruit was shown in good numbers, especially Grapes. Mr. Bowerman,
Mr. Howe, gardener to Sir R. Sutton, Bart., Benham Park, and Mr. Wells
were the winners iu the class for two bunches of Alicante, all those shown
being well coloured; as also were the Gros Colmans fnm Mr. Moore,
gardener to Mrs. Haig. Bray Court; Mr. Elliott, gardener to J. T. Hibbert,
; and Mr. Tyler, gardener to S. Gulliver, Esq., Aylesbury,
ill. Wells had the finest samples in the any black variety class, staging
c 8 ® bearing a fine dense bloom. Twosup-rbly coloured bunches
ot Muscat of Alexandria gained Mr. Pope, gardener to the Earl of Car¬
narvon, Highclere, the first prize in its class, Mr. Bowerman following with
well-ripened specimens. Mr. Howe was first with six dishes of fruit, Mr.
lurton gaming moit of the leading prizes for Apples and Pears.

ST. NE0T8. — November 9th.

The third annual Exhibition of this Society was held in the Corn
Exchange, a commodious well-lighted building, admirably adapted for the
purpose. The President, Lord Esmb Gordon, Paxton Park, contributed a
large group of the popular autumn flower, besides other plants for the
decoi ation of the plac . These added substantially to the attractiveness of
the Exhibition, notably three specim-n plants in large pots, pyramids of
5 feet height and 6 feet through at the base ; the kinds were President,
Mrs. Forsyth, and Prince of Anemon s. S. O. Newton, Esq., Croxton Park!
also sent a number of plants for decoration, and Mrs. Cherre, Papworth
Hall, Cambs, exhibited a fine stand of cut spikes of the beautiful blue
Salvia Pitcheri, which at any time, and particularly at this time of year is
peculiarly acceptable, also a fine stand of cut blooms of Zonal Pelar¬
goniums, Ac. Mr. John Hall, Eaton Ford, had a large and tasteful collection

of Gourds, and Mr. R. Wall had some magnificent Onions. All those were
not for competition, and collectively made an interesting display.

In the open class the premier p ize for twenty-four cut blooms, twelve
incurved and twelve Japane-e, went to Mr. Redman, gardener to J. H.
Goodgames, E-q., Eynesbury, St. Neots, with a very even lot, particularly the
incurved, which comprised, back row, 1 ft to right : Prince of Wales, Novelty,
Jardin des Plantes, Lord Alcester. Middle row : Princess of Wales, Lord
WolsGey. Golden Empre-s, and Prince Alfred. Front row : Princess Beatrice,
Mr. G. Gl-nny, Venus, and Mrs. D.xon. Japanese. — Back row : Mons.
Ardene, Thunberg, Mdlle. C. Audi-uier, Album plenum. Middle row :
Soleil Levant, Belle Paule, Madame Lacroix, Comti de Germiny. Front
row : Jeanne Delaux, Peter the Great, Va d’Andorre, and Ethel — a very
creditable twenty-four. Second Mr. Tillbrook, gardener to B. Brown, Esq.,
Houghton Hill, Huntingdon, with fresh blooms, and it was not difficult to
foresee what position they would have held with the aid of the tweezers.
The blooms evidently were shown iu all their natural beauty, and exceed¬
ingly fresh and attractive, being large, deep, and full. In the back row of
incurved were Golden Queen of Eugland, Queen of England, Lord Wolseley,
Eliza Peele, a fine blus.i variety, with waxy petals, beautifully incurved.
Middle row : Mr. Howe, Jardin des Plantes, Empress of India, Refulgence.
Front row : White Venus, Prinoe Alfred, Mr. Bunn, and Princess of Wales.
Japanese. — Back row : Thunberg. Mdlle. C. AudiguLr, Fair Maid of Guernsey,
and an unnamed variety. Middle row : Jeanne Delaux, Triomphe de la
Rue des Chalets, Fulton, and Belle Paule. Front row : Mdl e. Moulise, La
Nymphe, Comte de Germiny, and Yellow Dragon. Third Mr. R. Chilman,
The Moat, Soham. Cambs, whose best flowers were Nil Desperandum, and
in Japanese Margot, Maiden’s Blush, Boule d’Or, and Marguerite Marrouch.
For twelve incurved the positions changed, B. Brown, Esq., taking first,
Eliza Peele, very fine ; Golden Quern of England, Empress of India, and
Mrs. Sharp being good. Second J. H. Goodgames, E-q. For twelve Japanese
B. Brown, Esq., was first, having Thunberg, Mdlle. C. Audiguier, Fair Maid of
Guernsey, Jeanne Delaux, Comte de Germiny, Triomphe de la Rue des
Chalets, and Sarnia, very fine. Second Mr. R. Chilman, who had Elaine,
Cry Kang, Source d’Or, Bouquet Fait, and Hiver Fleuri, good. Twelve
reflexed, first B. Brown, Esq., with grand blooms of King of Crimsons,
Golden Christine, Christine, Felicity, Cullingfordi, very bright and telling,
and Salteri. Second J. H. Goodgames, Esq. In twelve large Anemone flowered
B. Brown, Esq., took first with Emperor, fine ; Lady Margaret, Fleur de
Marie, good; George Sand, Loui- Bonamy, very fine; Soeur Dorothhe
Souille, charming ; Princess, good ; and Gluck. Second J. H. Good-
games, Esq., having Fanian de Mhdiana, fine, and Acquisition that
deserve mention. In twelve Pompons in bunches of threes the positions
were reversed, J. H. Goodgames, E-q. taking first place with good blooms of
President, Marabout, Mr. ABtie, Purity, &c. Second B. Brown, Esq. These
exhibitors had it much their own way.

Prizes were offered for baskets of Chrysanthemums, and brought out
several very effective arrangements. The first pi ize went to J. H. Good-
games, Eiq., for an effective arrangement, having Adiantum farleyense at
th ! base, and A. cuneatum interspersed with the blooms. Second B. Brown,
E-q., whose basket with handle was very tastefully arranged, relieved with
Adiantum gracillimum and A. cuneatum. Prizes were offered for bunches
of Violets. First J. H. Goodgames, Esq., second Mr. F. J. Maddison, St.
Neots, both showing Mrrie Louise, very large and good.

Only two groups of Ctirysanthemums for competition were exhibited,
the space allowed being 8 feet, by 5 feet deep. J. H. Goodgames, Esq., was
easily first with good plants, carrying large blooms, the foliage good, alto¬
gether very bright and effective. Second Mr. Williams, gardener to
G. Gower, E-q., The Shrubbery, St. Neots. These groups added much to
the eff c iveness of the Show. The principal feature of the Show, however,
was the specimen plants, particularly the adm Table examples exhibited by
J. H. Goodgames, Esq., who took first honours for six in pots not exceeding
12 inches iu diameter. The plants were models of Laining and high culture,
not exceeding 3 feet in height, pot included, being symmetrical half or
flatt ned globes, carrying blooms ot a clear, fresh, and well-formed character,
little inferior to specimen blooms. The plants were Mrs. Dixon, 6 feet
through, and very fine; Mrs. G. Rundle, same size, and finely flowered ;
G. Glenny, 6 feet, remarkably fine ; Dr. Sharpe, 4 feet ; Felicity, 4 feet ;
and Golden Christine. They were most creditable to the grower, Mr.
Redman, and deservedly adm red. Second G. G wer, Esq., with wtrl1-
bloomed much taller plants, the varieties being Mrs. Dixon, Dr. Sharps,
G. Glenny, Mrs. G. Rundle, Empress of India, and King of Crimsons. In
single specimens J. H. Goodgames, E q., was first, with a magnificent example
of Mrs. G. Rundle, fully 6 feet iu diameter, and loaded with fine bloom-.
Second G. Bowes, Esq., with Mrs. Forsyth.

Prizes in the open class were off red for fruit, which only brought out
two collections. First B. Brown, Esq., who had two bunches of Muscat of
Alexandria Grapes, finely finished, the berries large and of a beautiful
amber colour ; two bunches of Gros Maroc Grapes, large and very oval in
berry, jet black, with a faultless bloom, very line examples indeed of
superior cultivation and high finish, doing Mr. Tillb'ook much credit. The
collection included a Lord Beacousfield Melon, Beurre Clairgeau, high
coloured ; Marie Louise, very russetty ; Napoleon, fine ; Passe Crassane,
Josephine de Malines, and Beurib dAnjou Pears : App’es, Cox’s Orange
Pippn, good; King of the Pippins, bright and high coloured; Ribston
Pippin, Winter Peach, Sam Young, good ; and Court of Wick, with Walnuts ;
altogether a very creditable and high class collection. Second G. Bowes,
Esq., who had an extensive collection, but the whole, excepting the Grapes,
unnnamed, which is regretable, as the Apples were large and good, also the
Pears, and as this would serve to indicate the varieties Buited to the locality.
This collection had a dish of very well-preserved Red Currants and
Filberts.

In the amateur class there was simp’y no competition The gard ns
about St. Neots are really lovely with Chrysanthemums, but no one seemed
to care to compete for the priz-s offere 1, wbich must have a depressing effect
on the indefatigable Secretary, Mr. Ratchelous, and the Committee. Notable
examples to the contrary of this were Mr. Plum, St. Neots, who took first for
three specimens in pots, and also first for a single specimen; and Mr. J.
Hall, Cross Hall, St. Neo s, who was second. The day was wet, but it is to
be hoped the guarantors will have recouped their out'ay, which their
energetic efforts amply deserve. — G. Abbey.

November 18, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

458

GUERNSEY. — November 10th and 11th.

The annual autumn Chrysanthemum Show of the Guernsey Royal Agri¬
cultural and Horticultural Society was held on the 10th and 11th November,
in the Market Halls of St, Peter Port. The displav of Chrysanthemum
plants was magnificent and the cut blooms remarkably fine. The training
of the specimens was very clever, and in all the classes the competition was
very keen. W. Nottridge gained the cud offered for most first prizes in the
plant classes, and Major Carey carried off first prizes almost throughout the
cut blooms, a box of twelve Empress of India exciting great admiration.
A new seedling (Japanese), raised by Major Carey, and n-imed Governor of
Guernsey, was much admired for its colour and form and the full centre.
In the winning boxes Empress of India, Mrs. Shipman, Lord Wolseley,
Barbara, Henri Jacotot, Peter the Great, William Robinson, J. Delaux,
Japon Fleuri, and Belle Paule were all remarkable for size, colour, and
substance.

Reflexed and Anemones were also well shown. In the former class
Chevalier Domage, King of the Crimsons, Cullingfordi, Ur. Forsyth, and
Peach Christine were much admired ; and among the Anemones, Souvenir
de 1’Ardene, Madame Cabrol, Gluck, and Madame Godereau were in full
perfection.

Fruit was also abundant, and roots were enormous and of every possible
description. The weather was particularly fine, and the band of the Gordon
Highlanders was in attendance both days of the Show. The halls were
visited by the Lieut. Governor General Elkington and his Staff, by Sir Edgar
McCulloch, Chief Magistrate, and by the Bishop of Nassau and his
Chaplain, who complimented the Secretaries on the grand Show, which
entirely filled the four large Jialls.

BATH— November 10th and 11th.

After three successful Exhibitions of Chrysanthemums, the Bath Society
has again suffered a severe disappointment in regard to the weather, and
this following upon an equally unfortunate autumn Show is a matter for
sincere regret. As far as the Show was concerned there was nothing left to
be desired, as, undoubtedly, it was one of the best all round displays of the
season, and deserved much better patronage. Mr. Pearson and the other
gentlemen associated managed everything in their usual able and courteous
manner, this adding materially to the pleasure exhibitors have in assisting
at these shows.

Chrysanthemum Plants. — Five highly creditable collections of six flatly
trained plants of largo flowered varieties were shown, Mr. C. Silcox, gardener
to W. Yowles, Esq., Brislington, taking first prize with fresh and good
examples of Mrs. Dixon, Mrs. Rundle, Guernsey Nugget, John Salter, Mrs.
Fc syth, and Sunset. Mr. G. Tucker, gardener to Major Clarke, Trowbridge,
was second, and Mr. F. W. Fisher, gardener to R. B. Cater, Esq., Bath, third,
both having highly creditable specimens. In the next class for four plants
Mr. A. Hawkins, gardener to T. Jolly, Esq., Bath, was first ; Mr. J. Weston,
gardener to the Rev. C. C. Layard, second; and Mr. J. Benson, gardener
to Mrs. Walker third. The trained plants of Japanese varieties were very
handsome. Mr. G. Tucker was first for six varieties, having Madame de
Sevin, Bertie Rendatler, Mrs. Starling, La Frisure, Hiver Fleuri, and Soleil
Levant. Mr. W. Taylor, gardener to S. P. Budd, Esq., Bath, was second
with very freely grown plants, and Mr. S. Kerslake, gardener to the Rev.
E. Handley, Bath, third. Mr. Tucker had the best three pyramidal
Pompons, and Mr. A. Hawkins was a good second. Mr. Silcox was easily
first for a sinel» pyramid of an incurved variety, having Mrs. Rundle fresh
and good. Mr. W. J. Brown was first for a flatly trained plant, showing
Mrs. Rundle fully 5 feet across and well flowered. Mr. W. Taylor was a
good second with a fine plant of Mrs. Dixon, 'and Mr. Hawkins third, also
showing a fine Mrs. Rundle. Mr. F. W. Fisher and Mr. Taylor both staged
good pyramids of Japanese Peter the Great, and received the prizes in the
order named. Mr. Tucker was first for three standard incurved and very
formally trained members of the Rundle family. Mr. J. Durbin, gardener
to S. Tredwell, Esq., was second, and Mr. Hawkins third. Mr. Durbin had
an equal first for three standard Japanese, Rosea Superba and Bertie
Rendatler being especially good. Mr. Taylor, who was placed equal, had
Margot and L’lle des Plaisirs very good. Conservatory plants of incurved
sorts were rather formally trained, but the flowers were good. Mr. Silcox was
first, Mr. T. W. Fisher second, and Mr. A. W. Southard third. In a
corresponding class for Japanese varieties Mr. J. Durbin was first, Mr.
Taylor second, and Mr. J. Benson third. Four groups of miscellaneous
plants were shown, and on the whole they may be classed as fairly good.
Mr. W. Taylor was easily first, having a good selection, and among the
blooms were many extra good ones ; Mr. A. A. Walters, Bath, was a good
second, and Mr. J. Southard third.

Miscellaneous Plants. — Two good stands of six Orchids were shown,
the best b ing staged by Mr. G. Pymm, gardener to Mrs. Goldsmith, and
included a good form of Phalsenopsis grandiflora, Oncidium crispum,
Odont glossum Alexandra;, Oncidium varicosum, and Cypripedium iusigne.
Mr. T. W. Fisher was second, his best being Oncidium varicosum, Oncidium
tigrinum, and Laelia autumnalis. There were several good Jots of Primulas,
Mr. W. Marchant, gardener to Jerome Murch, Esq., Bath, b ing first for
twelve rdants ; Mr. C. J. Fisher, Bath, second, and Mr. J. Benson third;
and with four plants Mr. S. Brown was first, Mr. E. Reeves second, and Mr.
G. Tucker third. Mr. J. Durbin was the only exhibitor of Foinsettias, and
was deservedly awarded the first prize. Mr. W. C. Drummond was first,
and Mr. Marchant second, for six fine-foliaged plants ; and there were
several other prizewinners in the smaller class. Messrs. G. Cooling & Son
had the best six Bouvardias, these consisting of dwarf well-bloomed plants
of Pricy Beauty. Lon giflorum album, and Dazzler. Mr. G. W. Shelton, gar¬
dener to W. R. Wait, Esq., Bristol, was a good second, and Mr. J. Durbin
third. Mr. A. A. W altera was the only exhibitor of Cyclamens, and was
awarded the first prize. Six good lots of table plants were shown, Mr. B.
Hopkins, gardener to John Baily, Esq., Frome, being first with a pretty
even lot, including Crotons nobilis and Warreni, Cocos Weddelliana, and
Pandanus V itebi. Mr. G. W. Shelton was a close second with smaller but
very pretty plants, and Messrs. G. Cooling & Son third. Only two groups
of plants were arranged. Messrs. Cooling & Son were well first, their group
Buffeting from an over-plenitude of choice plants. Mr. W. C. Drummond
was second, and his group also included a good assortment.

Cut Blooms. — These were not nearly so numerous as they were at the

last Chrysanthemum show, and unless better prizes are offered there is a
danger of still fewer being shown. Only one clacs is provided for Japanese
varieties, and in these the highest prize should have been trebled. Three
competitors entered in the class for twenty-four large-flowered sorts. Mr.
E. Miller, gardener to F. Tagaart, Esq., being easily first. His best were
Empress of India, Jeanne d’Arc, John Salter, Mrs. Shipman, Barbara,
Princess of Wales, Princess of Teck, and Cullingfordi, the last-mentioned
being very fine. Mr. John Baylis was a good Becond, and Messrs. Clibran
and Sons, Altrincham, third, both having very creditable collections. There
was much better competition with twelve incurved varieties, Mr. W.
Iggulden, Marstou House, Frome, being first with a good lot, which included
fine blooms of Golden Empress of India, Princess of Wales, Lord Wolseley,
Prince Alfred, Princess of Teck, Isabella Bott, and Barbara. Equal seconds
were awarded to Mr. E. S. Cole, gardener to W. Pethick, Esq , Bath ; and
Mr. G. Tucker, both having very oraiseworthy exhibits. With six incurved
varieties Mr. B. Hopkins was easily first, having Isabella Bott, Lord Wolse¬
ley, John Salter, Golden Empress, and Nil Desperandum in good condition.
Mr. Taylor was second, and Mr. R. Richards third. Anemone-flowered
sorts were well represented, the first p ize lot shown by Mr. E. S. Cole being
particularly good. Among these the best were Gluck, Ratapoil, Madame
Bertha Pigny, Lady Margaret, and Fabian de Medians. Messrs. Clibran
and Son were second, and Mr. Baylis third. Mr. E. S. Cole was well first
with twelve Japanese varieties, these including grand blooms of Madame
Lacroix, Fimbriatum, Japonaise, Belle Paule, Fanny Boucharlat, Gloriosa,
Jeanne Delaux, Comte de Germiny, Fair Maid of Guernsey, and Yal d’An-
dorre. Mr. Iggulden was a good second, and Mr. E. Mdler third. The first
prize for eighteen blooms shown with foliage was won by Mr. E. S. Cole,
the second going to Mr. J. Hobbs ; and the prizewinners with twelve
incurved in four colours were Messrs. J. Baylis, E. S. Cole, and Clibran.
Near the Chrysanthemum blooms Messrs. Cooling A Son had a surprisingly
good lot of Roses cut from outside plants, and also a showy stand, of Zonal
Pelargonium blooms. Spikes of cut blooms of Mignonette White Perfec¬
tion were shown by Mr. W. Bannister, and this distinct seedless variety is
worthy of general culture.

Fruit. — There were five good collections of six dishes of fruit shown,
Mr. Ellicott, gardener to H. W. Tugwell, Esq., Bath, taking first prize with
fine Lady Downe’sand Muscat of Alexandria Grapes, Victory of Bath Melon,
Beurre Diel Pear, Blenheim Orange Apples, nd Red Currants. Mr. W.
Nash, gardener to the Duke of Beaufort, Badminton, was a good second,
his over-ripe Melon spoiling his chance for first place, and Mr. Iggulden was
a creditable third. Several collections of four bunches of Grapes in not less
than two varieties were shown. Mr. W. Taylor, gardener to Alderman
Chaffin, Bath, was first, having fine bunches of Gros Colman and Alicante
somewhat disfigured by dust. Mr. Nash was second with good Alicante and
Muscat of Alexandria, and Mr. Iggulden third, ttie latter having good
Alicante and Gros Colman. In a large class for three bunches of any black
Grape Mr. Iggulden was easily first, staging time fine bunches of Alicante,
weighing in the aggregate about 12 lbs. and well finished. Mr. Nash was a
good second with the same variety, and Mr. T. Adlum, gardener to Mr. E. G.
Peacock, was third, also with Alicante. Mr. Ellicott was easily first with
three fine bunches of Muscat of Alexandria, and Mr. W. Bannister, gardener
to H. St. Vincent Ames, Esq., Bristol, second. Pears were extensively
shown as usual and included many fine fruits. Mr. Bannister had the best
six varieties, these consisting of fine examples of Beurre Diel, Duchesse
d’Angouleme, Doyenne Boussouch, Pitmaston Duchess, Beurrd Clairgeau,
and Huyshe’s Princess of Wales ; Mr. H. Lord, Bath, was second, and Mr.
D. Williams, gardener to Lord Wimborne, third. Mr. G. Pymm had the
best four varieties, these consisting of handsome examples of Duchesse
d’Angouleme, Van Mons, Prince Imperial, and Pitmaston Duchess ; Messrs.
D. Evrry & Son were second and Mr. A. Cole, gardener to F. W. Dunn, Esq.,
third. One dish of Pears was a popular class. Mr. J. Pollard was first and
Mr. Iggulden second, both with good Marie Louise, and Mr. W. Marsh third
with verv fine Prince Imperial. Mr. E. Hall was first with six varieties ;
second Mr. J. Southard, and third Mr. W. Bannister, the last mentioned
having the prettiest lot. Cox’s Orange Pippin, King of the Pippins, Ribston
Pippin, Blenheim Orange, and Cornish Gilnflowi-r were the best represented
sorts. Mr. E. Thomas, Bristol, was first for four varieties ; Mr. J. Long,
Bath, Becond, and Mr. T. Evrey third. Culinary varieties were also well
shown. Pound Pippin, Blenheim Orange, Royal Kentish Pippin, Reinette du
Canada, Newtown Pippin, and Warner’s King being very fine. Mr. E. Thomas
was first for four varieties; Mr. J. Weston second, and Mr. E. Hall third,
Mr. Williams, Canford Manor, exhibited a rema-kably fine fruit of Apple
Mere de Manage weighing 20 ozs., and Messrs. R. Smith & Co., Worcester,
had a very fine assortment of about sixty varieties of Apples and Pears,
these comprising most of the best sorts in cultivation. Vegetables were
also well shown by Messrs. E. Fisher, T. Evrey, and W. Burridge, gardener
to S. Butler, Esq.

PORTSMOUTH.— November 11th and 12th.

Until visiting this famous seaport we had regarded the Drill Hall at
Kingston as one of the largest and most convenient structures for the purpose
of a Chrysanthemum show, but the new Drill Hall at Portsmouth would
hold three such buildings as the one at Kingston, and it is not easy to con¬
ceive any edifice better adapted for the purpose to which it was devoted on
the occasion in question. So large is it that there was ample room between
the five rows of tabling, and the groups round the sid s of the hall, for
vans to drive “ all over the place ” and convey the plants to their allotted
positions. But capacious as the building is, it was not too large, for the
directorate make a point of compelling the multitude to come in by fixing
the charge for admission at a penny after a c rt.tin hour on the second day.
Last year 6000 persons were in the hall at one time, £20 being received in
pennies, which were taken away in barrowloads. Tins is ihe most complete
example of popularising a flower show that has come under our notice. A
spirited as well as a liberal policy also obtains here. The £25 challenge
cup and the money prizes appended represent the greatest value that has
ever been offered in one class for Chrysanthemums. The seven collections
staged in this class farmed a show in tbem-eives. Mr. E. Molyneux was
in full force and in his old form. His employer being one of the “ county
famili' s,” and withal generous and good, it was appropriate that his products
should be represented. Mr. Molyneux not only won the cup “ in a canter,”

454

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ November 18, 1883.

but was first in every class in which he exhibited, except one, and in that
the shade of inferiority, if it existed, was so misty that it must have been
difficult to find. Mr. Molyneux also won the prizes offered for the best
incurved and best Japanese blooms in the Show with magnificent examples
of Empress of India and Thunberg, both in the “ cup ” stands, his blooms
throughout being characterised by the good size and high finish for which
the exhibitor is famed.

Cut blooms were well represented, about 1G00 beiDg staged. Seven
competitors staged blooms in the cup class, making in all an imposing dis¬
play. Mr. E. Molyneux, gardener to W. H. Myers, Esq , Swanmore Park,
Bishops Waltham, was an easy first. His flowers throughout were not of
extra iarge size, but were characterised by being full, fresh, of good colour,
and admirably staged. The incurved were deep and solid, while the “ finish ”
left nothing to be desired; the Japanese stand contained flowers of the
same character, being bright and fresh, and the flowers full and true in
character. The names were, commencing at the left of each row — Madame
C. Audigu'er, full; Boule d’Or, rich, a fine flower; Yal d’Andorre, deep;
Comtesse de Beauregard, Thunberg, very fine; Meg Merrilies, large. Second
row — Fair Maid of Guernsey, M. Delaux, Mdlle. Lacroix, Marguerite Marrouch,
rich ; Maiden’s Blush, and L ’Adorable, a deep flower of a beautiful shade of
colour. Front row— Grandiflorum, M. J. M. Pigny, Martha Harding. Peter
the Great, Japonaise, deep, and M. Burnet. Incurved. — Back row — Golden
Empress, rich ; Princess of Wales, beautiful in form ; Emily Dale, Queen of
England, deep ; Lord Alcester, fine ; Empress of India, grand. Middle row
— Alfred Salter, Lord Wolseley, Jeanne d’Arc, Prince Alfred, Princess Teck
(neat), Mrs. Howe. Front row — Princess Beatrice, Lady Hardinge, Baron Beust,
Nonpareil, Mr. Brunlees, fine ; Hero of Stoke Newington. Mr. W. Russell,
gardener to Dr. C. F. Lecois, Lindfield, was second; his flowers throughout
were much smaller, but neat and fresh, his best being Madame C.
Audiguier, Mdlle. Lacroix, Marguerite Marrouch, Princess of Wales,
and Jeanne d’Arc. Messrs. W. & J. Drover, nurserymen, Fareham,
were third, having good Japanese, but the incurved were stale; fourth,
Mr. C. Penford, gardener to Sir F. Fitzwygram, Bart, Leigh Park,
Havant, good Japanese, but the incurved were small. For twelve Japanese,
distinct, Mr. Molyneux was again first, staging flowers similar in character
to the cup class, th» best being Boule d’Or, Meg Merrilies, Japonaise, and
Maiden’s Blush. Mr. R. Woodgine, gardener to Captain Boyd, Havant, was
second, showing Triomphe de la Rue des Chalets in capital condition,
Baronne de Prailly rich in colour, and Dr. Masters. Third, Mr. C. Hoskins,
gardener to J . Wilder, Esq., Stansted Park, Emsworth, staging fresh flowers,
but smaller in size. The best twelve incurved were also from Mr. Molyneux.
Mr. Woodgine was second with large but rough specimens. Third, Mr.
Hawkins, gardener to L. Reynolds, Esq. Mr. Woodgine with twelve re¬
flexed in eight varieties was placed first after a long consideration by the
Judges. He had enormous blooms of Golden and Pink Christine, Cloth of
Gold, and very fine Cullingfordi. Mr. Molyneux had smaller but even
flowers. Third, Mr. Russell. Twelve Anemone blooms, Japanese
varieties not admissible, were very finely staged by Mr. Penford, Lady
Margaret, Gluck, and Empress being best. Second, Mr. Hoskins. Third,
Mr. W. Roberts, gardener to E. R. Longcroft, Esq., Havant. Mr. Molyneux
was first for six Japanese Anemones with deep full blooms of Fabian de
Medians, Mdlle. Cabrol, and Souvenir de l’Ardenne. Messrs. Drover
Bros, second, third Mr. Hoskins. Mr. Russell had the best Pomoons, Mara¬
bout and President being fine. Second Mr. H. Snook, third Mr. Hoskins.
Amateurs showed some capital stands both in the Japanese, incurved, and
reflexed classes, the Rev. S. Wells, Havant, taking the lead in the former,
while Mr. J. Leng proved superior in the latter class. Cottagers showed
some wonderful flowers, too, considering the difficulties to contend with in
a busy town. For the most elegant glass stand or epergne dressed with
Chrysanthemums and other flowers (ladies only), Mrs. Penford was
awarded the first prize with a bright yet light arrangement. Second, Mrs. F.
Bishop.

The best group of Chrysanthemums in a space of 50 square feet was
arranged by Mr. G. Kimher, gardener to the Portsmouth Asylum Committee.
The plants were ra'her too tall for the purpose, but fine blooms were staged,
making by far the best group amongst thirteen competitors, which is some¬
thing considerable. These arranged around the sides of the hall had quite an
imposing effect. Second, Mr. H. Gale, gardener to W. H. Frye, Esq. The
plants in this coll ction were also too tall, still fine blooms were staged.
Third, Mr. C. H. Kingswell, gardener to Admiral Hopkins. The best specimen
plants were staged by Mr. 0. Penford. consisting of incurved, Japanese, and
reflexed variet es. 3 to 4 feet over, freely flowered. Second, W. G. Lambert,
Esq., who put up much smaller specimens. Pompons were staged in a
natural manner and were freely bloomed. Amateurs came in strong force
in this section likewise. Mr. W. Moseley, gardener to J. Taplin, Esq.,
Havant, had the best table plants in a large competition ; Mr. Hoskins the
best Primulas double and single mixed.

Mr. Penford had the best black Grapes amongst eight competitors,
staging Alicante, fine in bunch and berry and grandly coloured. Second,
Mr. E. Smith, gardener to Mrs. Learmouth, Havant. Third, Mr. Hoskins.
Mr. Chalk, gardener to J. Read, Esq., had the best white Grapes, very fine
bunches, w- 11 coloured, of Muscat of Alexandria, followed by Mr. Penford.
Mr. Robeits stiged the best Pears, while Mr. E. Smith put up the best
Apples. The best collection of vegetables in eight distinct varieties was
staged by Mr. Hoskins, he having fine Leeks, Tomatoes, and Cauliflowers.
Second, Mr. E. Smith.

Mr. F. Power, the courteous Hon. Secretary, fully merited praise by
the able, energetic manner in which he managed the affair, assisted by
the members of the Committee.

BURY ST. EDMUNDS — November 11th and 12th.

The Chrysanthemum Show in connection with the Bury and West
Suffolk Horticultural Society, which was last year substituted for the
usual autumn Show, now bids fair to become an annual event. The second
Exhibition held at the Corn Exchange on Thursday and Friday was very
satisfactory. In almo-t every class a considerable improvement is se^n in
the quality of the exhibits, the number of which is also in excess of the first
Show. This improvement was particularly noticeable in the cottagers’
classes. The arrangements of the Show were admirably carried out by the
Co remittee, and the indefatigable Secretary, Mr. Peter Grieve, and the
rse ult of’their efforts^was a most attractive exhibition.

The principal prizes were awarded to the following exhibitors : — Fruit
classes : Mr. Bird, gardener to the Rev. H. S. Hawkins, Beyton ; Mr. Tuck,
gardener to Lady Gage, Hengrave ; Mr. Bishop, gardener to R. Burrell,
Esq., E. J. Oliver, Esq., Mr. Smith, Culford : and Mr. Fish. With Chrysan¬
themums Messrs. Bishop, Noble, Andrews, Manning, Bird, and Pettitt were
the most successful competitors.

WALTON AND WEYBRIDGE.-Novembeb 11th.

The twelfth annual Exhibition of the above Society, held at the Town
Hall, Walton, was in every way a great success, the Hall being filled to
overflowing with fine specimen plants and cut blooms of high merit. The
dwarf-trained specimens were arranged and formed two grand banks at
each end of the hall, backed up by the trained pyramids, which made a
very imposing effect on entering, the sides being filled with small groups,
standards, and other specimen plants. >. ... 3>

In the class for six trained specimens, for which a silver watch was
offered for the first prize, Mr. Reed, gardener to E. Pettitt, Esq., Oaklands
Park, won with a collection remarkable for the high finish and ex¬
cellent quality of examples of the following varieties : — Prince
of Wales, Mr. Corbay, Chevalier Domage, Christine, Golden Christine, and
Dr. Sharp. Mr. Plowman, gardener to C. L. Lavers-Smith, Esq., was
second with an excellent collection ; and Mr. Reeves, gardener to W.
Hewitt, Esq., Oaklands, third with smaller but well grown plants. For
four standards Mr. Cawte, gardener to D. Brand, Esq., Walton, was first
with good, well trained, and remarkably well furnished plants. Mr. Millican,
gardener to H. Cobbett, Esq., Walton, was second with plants with good
heads of blooms trained somewhat freer but rather too loose. Mr. Plow¬
man was third in a good class. For two trained pyramids the prizes were
awarded to Messrs. Plowman, Millican, and Cawte in the order of their
names for very effective plants. Mr. Cawte was first for a single specimen,
dwarf trained, with Mrs. Dixon, Mr. Reed second with Chevalier Domage,
and Mr. Millican third with George Glenny.

In the class for four dwarf-trained Pompons Mr. Plowman was first
with good well-flowered plants, Mr. Reed second, and Mr. Millican third ;
and in the corresponding class for four standards Mr. Plowman was first
and Mr. Millican second with excellent plant1. In the cla-s for two
pyramids the prizes were awarded to Messrs. Plowman, Millican, and
Reed in the order of their names. For a single dwarf specimen Mr. Plow¬
man was first with an effective plant of a small Anemone, Mr. Reed se¬
cond with a good plant of Golden Mdlle. Marthe, and Mr. Millican third.
The class for grafted plants has always bean a feature at Walton Show,
but this year there was only one exhibitor, Mr. Millican showing two plants
worked with three varieties, and gaining the first prize. The prizes for
small groups of untrained plants were awarded to Messrs. Reeves, Hopkins,
and Reed for groups of good quality and effectively arranged. All the
other minor classes for plants were well filled, and the competition very
keen.

Cut Blooms. — In the open class for twenty-four incurved cut blooms,
distinct, Mr. Carpenter, gardener to C. J. Abbott, Esq., Walton, put up a
good stand of solid well-finished blooms, and was awarded the first prize.
Mr. Plowman was second, and Mr. Gardener, gardener to R. H. Turner,
Esq., Walton, third, both showing well considering the bad season. In the
corresponding class for twenty-four incurved confined to the locality the
prizewinners were reversed, Mr. Plowman taking first place, Mr. Carpenter
second; the third prize being awarded to Mr. Harvey. In the class for
twelve incurved Mr. Thorne, gardener to A. B. Flood, Esq., was placed
first; Mr. Doyle, second; and Mr. Quartermaine, third. The prizes in the
reflexed class were well contested, some remarkably fine blooms being-
staged, Mr. Carpenter gaining the first place ; Mr. Plowman, second ; and
Mr. Millican, third.

As is usual at most exhibitions the competition was strong in the
J apanese classes. In the large class for twenty-four, distinct, Mr. Carpenter
was first ; Mr. Plowman, second ; and Mr. Harvey, third. In the smaller
class for twelve the stands were very close, the prizes falling to Mr. Reeves,
first; Mr. Quartermaine, second; and Mr. Turner, third. For twelve
Anemones Mr. Carpenter was first, Mr. Plowman second, and Mr. Millican
third. For twelve varieties of Pompons, triples, disbudded blooms, Mr.
Plowman was first ; Mr. Millican, second ; and Mr. Reed, third ; and in the
class for twelve Anemone Pompous Mr. Plowman was first, Mr. Millican
second, and Mr. Doyle third, both the classes being remarkably good.
The classes for six of one variety, incurved and Jap mese re-pectively, were
well filled, the prizes being shared by the exhibitors already named. The
arrangement of such a large number of exhibits in the some what limited space
was no small task, and reflected great credit on Mr. Masters, the energetic
Secretary, and the gentlemen of the staging Committee for the effect pro¬
duced, the general opinion being that the present one is the finest exhi¬
bition they have ever had. The Judges were Mr. Woodgate, Kingston,
Mr. Foster, Esher, and— C. Orchard.

RICHMOND. — November 11th and 12th.

Though somewhat smaller than the preceding shows held in the Castle
Hotel at Richmond, the quality of the exhibits was admirable, and the
competition in the principal cut-bloom classes very satisfactory. The
Honorary Secretary, Mr. J. H. Ford, is aided by a very practical Committee,
the success of the Society being largely due to their united labours. The
Show was opened by Princess Mary Duchess of Teck, and though the
weather proved most unfavourable, there was a fair attendance of visitors.

The principal class for cut blooms was that for thirty-six distinct
varieties, eighteen incurved and eighteen Japanese, the prizes being £6,
£4, and £2, but there were only three competitors. Mr. E. Coombs,
gardener to W. Furze, Esq , Roselands, Broom Road, Teddington,
had medium-sized blooms, fresh and bright, of the following varieties : —
Incurved, back row : Golden Empress of India, Lord Alcester, Queen of
England, Lord Wolseley, Empress of India, and Emily Dale. Middle row :
Prince of Wales, Princess of Wales, John Salter, Jeanne d’Arc, Jardin des
Plantes, and Prince of Wales. Front row : Mr. Bunn, Lady Slade, White
Beverley, Boron Beust, Cherub, and White Venus. Japanese, back row :
Madame C. Audiguier, Val d’Andorre, Mdlle. Lac oix, Sudan, La Triooi-
phaute, and Baronne de Prailly. Middle row : L’Ebouriffe, Meg Merri ies,
M. Delaux, Japonaise, Flamme de Punch, and Curiosity. Front row : M

November 18, 18S6. 3

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

455

Burnet, Duchess of Albany, Boule d’Or, Madame J. Laing, Mdlle. Moulise,
and M. Tarin. Mr. Sullivan, gardener to D. B. Chapman, Esq., Downshire
House, Iloehampton, was second, his Japanese being extremely fine; and

varieties, in which Mr. E. Coombs took the premier position for compact
blooms of the following arranged in this order — Back ro v : Golden Empress
of India, Queen of England, Empress of India, LordJWolseley, Empress of

Fig. .64— Kingston Chrysanthemum Show. (See page 460.)

Mr. W. Bates, gardener to Mrs. Meek, Poulett Lodge, Twickenham, was
third for a bright, clean collection.

A class was provided for twenty-four incurved, not less than eighteen

India, Princess of Wales, Lord Wolseley, and Golien Empress of India.
Middle row : Princess of Wales, Prince Alfred, Jar lin des Plantt s, Jeanne
d’Arc, Prince Alfred, Lord Alcester, Queen of England, ani John Salter.

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[November 18, 1888.

4 6

Front row : Baron Benst, Novelty, Lady Hardinge, Prince of Wales. Mr.
Bunn, Cherub, Refulgence, and Pink Venus. Mr. M. Sullivan and Mr. J.
Carter, gardener to H. J. Parry, Esq.. Heathside, Wimbledon Common,
followed in the order named. Mr. G-. King had the best twelve incurved,
beautiful blooms, a corner specimen of Lord Alcester being remarkably
fine. Mr. Munro, gardener to E. D. Paul, E--q., Cambridge House, Twicken¬
ham, was second with smaller blooms. For six incurved Mr. Benson was
first, Mr. C. Slade second, and Mr. J. Carter third.

The entries in the class for twenty-four Japanese, not less than eighteen
varieties, included some very fine blooms, especially those from Mr. G. King,
which were awarded the first prize. In this stand the following varieties
were represented by large highly coloured blooms. Back row — Madams

C. Audiguier, Soleil Levant, Val d’Andorre, Boule d’Or, Madame C. Audiguier,
Criterion, Baronne Prailly,, and Comte de Germiny. Middle row — Bronze
Dragon, Meg Merrilies, Japonaise, Baronne de Prailly, Flamme de Punch,
M. Astorg, Yellow Dragon, and M. Burnet. Front row — M. Burnet,
Triomphe de la Rue des Chalets, F. A. Davis, Joseph Mahood, Elaine, Garnet,
Arlequin, and Japonaise. Mr. J. Munro was a close second with large
but rather looser blooms, and Mr. J. Child, gardener to Mrs. Slade, Claygate,
Esher, third for a handsome collection. Mr. C. J. Waite had a good stand
of twelve Japanese, fresh young blooms of good substance ; Val d’Andorre
was wonderfully fine in this stand. Mr. J. Munro was second with large
but rather looser blooms, and Mr. Benson third. Mr. G. King led with six
Japanese, Mr. J. Carter being second, and Mr. Slade third.

Mr. J. Child was accorded the chief place for twelve Anemone-flowered
varieties, having excellent blooms of Fabian de Mediana, Madame Berthie
Pigny, Madame Clos, Madame Cabrol, Sceur Dorothbe Souille, and Minnie
Chate. Mr. J. Woodgate, gardener to Lord Wolverston, Warren House,
Kingston, was a very close second, his blooms of Empress, Gluck, Lady
Margaret, and Souvenir de l’Araene being handsome. Mr. C. Slade was
third also with good blooms. In other classes Messrs. A. Nagle, Wallace,
Minett, and G. Walker took prizes. Mr. G. King had the best six blooms
of one Japanese variety, fine examples of Japonaise ; Mr. Munro being first
in the corresponding class for incurved with Golden Empress of India of
capital size and substance. Mr. C. Slade and Mr. T. A. Benson were
successful competitors in other special classes.

The groups of Chrysanthemums were good, but not quite so numerous
as usual. Mr. J. Rorke, gardener to J. 8. Hilditch, Esq., Asgill House, took
the lead with a very even, bright, and effective arrangement, the front plants
dwarf, and all bearing large handsome blooms. Mr. J. Walche, gardener to
J. Bigwood, Esq., The Lawn, Twickenham, was second with much dwarfer
plants, but remarkable for the size of the blooms. A front plant of Val
d’Andorre had three grand blooms. Mr. W. Campin, gardener to J. Cave,
Esq., Queensberry House, was third ; Mr. J. Cooper, gardener to T. Cart¬
wright, Esq., The Wilderness, being fourth. Six superb specimens gained
Mr. G. King, gardener to Mrs. Fen, Wolsey Grange, Esher, the first prize in
their class, the plants being 5 feet in diameter and well flowered ; the varie¬
ties were Mrs. G. Rundle, Prince of Wales, Mrs. Haliburton, John Salter,
Lady Hardinge, and Mrs. Dixon. Mr. H. Elliott, gardener to Mrs. L.
Harrison, Leyden House, Mortlake, was first for three standards, well-trained
exampl s of Mrs. Dixon, Mrs. G. Rundle, and Mr. G. Glenny.

Sir J. Whittaker Ellis, Bart, M.P. offered prizes for a group of plants
arranged for effect, which brought several beautiful contributions. Mr. S.
Osborn, gardener to the Earl of Fife, East Sheen, was first with a tasteful
group, the base of Adiantums and margin of Selaginella, with Palms. Crotons,
Oncidiums ampliatum and ornithorhynchum, Cypripediums, Calanthes,
Bouvardias, and Primulas interspersed. Mr. Fitsell, gardener to G. R.
Geaves, Esq., Hatfield House, Cambridge Park, was second with a group
similar to that with which he was first at Kingston.

The special prize offered by J. Field, Esq., for a basket of plants was won
by Messrs. Hooper & Co., who had an extremely graceful arrangement. The
central plant was a fine Cocos Weddelliana surrounded by Asparagus plumo-
sus. Plumbago rosea, Oncidium ampliatum, Gesueras, Anthuriums, Crotons,
and White Carnations in a base of Bouvardias, Ferns, Panicums, and
Isolepis. Mr. Bates was a good second, Plumbago rosea and Dendrobium
nobile being freely used. Messrs. Hooper & Co., Twickenham, were first
with six table plants, showing neat plants of Croton Lord Derby,
Thrinax elegans, Odontoglossum Alexandra, Aralia Veitchi gracillima,
Croton Evansianus, and Kentia Belmoreana. Mr. Sullivan, gardener to

D. B. Chapman, Esq., Downshire House, Roehampton, was second with
larger plants, and Mr. J. R. Chard, Brunswick Nursery, Stoke Newington,
third. Berried plants were shown by Mr. H. Elliott, Mr. G. King, and Mr.
A. Newell. A pretty group of Orchids was shown by H. Little, Esq., The
Barons, Twickenham, comprising a superb variety of Lycaste Skinm-ri
with intensely deep crimson petals and a white margined lip. Lselia Perrini
was very fine, also Lycaste Smeeana, Cypripedium Spicerianum, Lselia
elegans, Oncidium macranthum hastiferum, Cypripedium Haynaldianum
and Oncidium Papilio majus.

Mr. J. R. Chard, Stoke Newington, won the Duchess of Teck’s prize for
three vases of flowers tastefully adorned with a few Chrysanthemums at
the base, Begonias, Bouvardias, and Primulas at the upper portion, with
Lygodium scandens twining round the stem. Mrs. Bagot’s prize for a vase
of Chrysanthemums and Ferns was won by Mr. W. Bowell, gardener to
Lady Parker, Stawell House, with a very effective stand. Miss Fanny
Bowell had the best stand of Ferns, grasses, and berries ; Miss Rachel
Bowell being second. Miss C. R. Little was first for six buttonhole bouquets,
Tuberoses and Violets, one Odontoglossum Alexandras, Roses, and Oncidium;
Miss E. Rydson was second and Miss R. Bowell third. Miss C. R. Little was
also first for vase of flowers and foliage. Mr. J. R. Chard won first nonours
for a hand bouquet (Messrs. J. & G. Pearce’s prize), showing a light and
graceful combination of white and pink Camellias, Tuberoses, white Bou¬
vardias, Roman Hyacinths, and white Lapagerias with Ferns.

In the fruit classes Mr. Bates was first with six dishes, his Grapes,
Apples, and Pears being all good. Messrs. Campin and E. Coombs
followed. Mr. Bates also won Lady Parker’s prize for the same numb-r of
dishes, including a well grown Pine Apple; Mr. W. Davies being second.
With black Grapes Messrs. F. Barnes, O. Hiehle, gardener to W. Cunard,
E-q., Orleans House, Twickenham, and W. Campin were prizewinners, the
best white Grapes coming from Mtssrs. 0. Hiehle, W. Bates, and W.

Campin. Mr. J. R. Laing, Twickenham, had a stand of Chrysanthemums,
and Mr. Coombs a collection of Pompon Anemones.

Vegetables were represented by several clean collections, Mr. C. J. Waite
being first with six varieties, comprising Cauliflowers, Leeks, Potatoes
Onions, Wroxton Sprouts, and Carrots. Mr. C. Garrod and J. Coombs were
second and third with neat collections. Mr. O. Hiehle had the best dish of
Tomatoes Ne Plus Ultra, large heavy fruits, Mr. W. Bowell being second
with a variety nam d The King, a flat round even and highly coloured,
variety. Mrs. H. B. Smith, Ealing, contributed some very choice bouquets,
wreaths, crosses, and baskets of flowers, which were much admired.

SALISBURY.— November 11th and 1‘2th.

As a result of letters written to the local papers by Dr. F. W. Coates
and Mr. H. W. Ward, the middle of last month, a most successful Chrysan¬
themum and Fruit Show was held in the Council Chamber by permission of
the Mayor (Mr. F. Griffin) on the da'e3 given above. It was the first Show
of the kind held in the Cathedral City of Wiltshire, and the Committee and
its indefatigable Hon. Secretary (Mr. W. H. Williams, of the firm of Keynes,
Williams <fc Co.) are to be congratulated upon the sucoess of their efforts to
establish a Chrysanthemum and Fruit Show in connection with the Wilts
Horticultural Society in Salisbury. Altnough the weather was very
unfavourable on both days the attendance was good, and great interest was
evinced by those present. Two classes were provided in the schedule for
groups, one (to consist chiefly of Chrysanthemums) to occupy a space not
exceeding 10 feet by ii feet, andtheother (of miscellaneous plants) arranged
for effect in a half-circle, space not to exceed 8 feet by 5 feet. These,
fifteen in all, were tastefully arrang d iu the large banqueting-room, in
which Messrs. Brittain & Son, of the Waterloo Nursery, Salisbury, had two
effective groups, not for competition; whilst Messrs. Keynes, Williams and
Co.’s contribution of well-flowered plants mtde a grand display in the
entrance nail. Dr. F. W. Coaces was first for a group of Chrysanthemums;
the plants were well flowered and the blooms large and fresh ; Mr. James
Chalk, gardener to Mr. G. Read, Salis >ury, and Mr. A. Curtis, gardener to
Mr. C. H. Radcliffe, being equal second ; and Mr. Fred Smith, gardener to
the Lord Bishop of Salisbury, and Mr. J. W. Lovibond, were awarded equal
third prizes, all for tasteful groups. Iu the corresponding class for groups
of miscellaneous plants Mr. E. L. Brown, Portland Place, S ilisbury, was a
good first. His group contained well-flowered Oallas intermixed with
Chrysanthemums and tall Ferns in the background, iu which was a fresh
well-flowe ed plant of Epiphyllum trunca1 um violaceum, Pelargoniums,
Cypripedium insigne, «.tc., fringed wi.h Maidenhair Fern. Mr. Curry,
gardener to Colonel Pepper, Elm Grove, Salisbury, was a good second
with similar plants, but being placed too closely together the arrangement
was heavy. Mr. Thornton, gardener to Mrs. Greenwood, Harnham, was
third. Five classes were provided for plants, ranging from two to four,
but these call for no special mention.

Cut Blooms. — Seven classes were proviled for these, the first being for
twenty-four blooms, not less than nine incurved and nine Japanese, dis¬
tinct varieties. First Mr. H. W. Ward, gardener to the Right Hon the Earl
of Radnor, Longford Castle, with good, even, fresh blooms, the best being
Triomphe de la Rue des Chalets, Mdlle. Lacroix, M. B uoet, Thunberg. Boule
d’Or, Fair Maid of Guernsey, Comte de G-rminy, and Comtesse de Beaure¬
gard (Japanese); and of incu- ved varieties Empress of India, Nil Desper-
andum, Mr. Bunn, Lord Alcester, J ante d'Are, Prince Alfred, and
Mr. Brunl-es. Mr. Charles Warden, garden r to Sir F. H. Bathurst,
Bart., Clar ndon Park, was a good second, his Boule d’Or b ring very fine,
Mr. Fred. Thomp-on. Norman Courc, Dean, being awarded a certificate
of merit. Mr. iVard was 'he only exhibitor of twelve incu-ved varieties,
and he secured first prize for a good stand, as he also did in the class for six
iucurv d blooms, Mr. Marlow, gadener to Mrs. Paxton, Cholderton,
Salisbury, being second. Mr. Ward was again first with twelve blooms of
Japanese, not less than nine varieties ; Mr. C. J. Witcomb, Elm Grove, was
second, and Mr. Warden third, Mr. Ward and Mr. Marlow being first and
second respectively for six Japanese. Mr. Ward was again first in the two
classes for reflexed and Anemone-flowered vane ries, showing iu every class
good blooms of the leading varieties.

The prizes in the ladies’ clas-es wer ■ well contested. Miss Kate
Lovibond, Salisbury ; M ss E. Bu't, Manor Hou-e Wint-rbourne Dauntsey ;
and Miss M. Brown, Portland Place, S li-bury, w r - respectively first,
second, and third f ir hind bouqu-ts wit i goo I arrau 'emeuts. Miss Lovi¬
bond was again tithe front for a basket of flowers fo'iage, berries, <fcc., Mrs.
S. R. Atkins, E m Grove, bring second, and M ss E. Burt third. Miss M.
Brown, Miss E Burt, and Mi-s L. Lovibond w.-re first, second, and third in
that ord r for rlire gentlemen’s bu touhol-s, a bud of Niphet'S Rose being
very much admired iu the centre one of the fir t-pr ze trio. Miss E. Burt
was the only exhibitor of a lady’s spray, for wnich she was deservedly
awarded first prize.

Fruit. — Fruit was well shown and of good quality in the seven classes
devot-d to it. Mr. Ward was the only exhibitor ot a collection of six
kinds, and was awarded first position for good fruits, consisting of Queen
Pine, Muscat of Alexandria, and Mrs. Pinee’s Black Muscat Grapes, a
highly coiour-ri and prettily netted Melon (Longford Perfection), Chau-
montel Pears, and highly coloured fru ts of Cox's Pomona Apple. Grapes :
There were four c asses provided in the schedule for these. Mr. Warden
was a good first out of three competitors for two bunches of Alicante,
showing compact, well finished, and heavily bloomed bunches. Second,
Mr. W. Marlow, Castle Street, Salisbury, and Mr. E. L. Brown was third.
Mr. Warden was also first out of a like number of competi ors for two
bunch- s of Muscat of Alexandria, showing good bunches of laige, clean,
and well-cohmred berri s. Second, Mr. E. L. Brown, and Mr. James Chalk
was third. Mr. Warden was again to the front for any other black Grape
than Alicante, showing fine examples of Gros Marne. Second, Mr. Ward,
with large compact bunches of Gros Guillaume, but slightly rubbed; and
Mr. E. L. Brown was third, showing small, but well-coloured (especially
one bunch) of Gros Column. Mr. Ward waB an easy first for any other
white than Muscat of Alexandria, with fine highly ooloured bunches of
Tiebbiano. Mr. Wa-d staged, not for competition, three large bunches of
Mrs. Pince’s Black Muscat, a like number of bunches of Gros Guillaume,
including one over 8 lbs., shown in a glass case, and a couple of bunches of
Muscat of Alexandria. Mr. Warden also staged four good bunches of

November 18, 1888. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

457

Muscats, Alicante and Gros Colman, not for competition. Apples and
Pears were well shown. Mr. C. W. Gater, Oakley, Milford, had the best
three dishes of dessert Apples in Blenheim Pippin, Lemon Pippin, and
Ribston Pippin. Mr. Hinksman, gardener to EL G. Gregory, E-q., was
second best, and Mr. Ward third. Mr. Fred Smith was first for three
varieties of cooking Apples, showing fine specimens of Cox’s Pomona,
Bedfordshire Foundling, and Blenheim Pippin. Mr. F. Thompson was first
for three dishes of Pears, showing fine examples of Marie Louise, Pitmaston
Duchess, and Duchesse d’Angouleme. Mr. Ward showed several dishes of
Apples, Medlars, and Pears, not for competition, nine fruits of Uvedale’s
St. Germains Pear weighing nearly 11 lbs. The fruit and cut flowers were
staged in the Grand Jury room, and made quite a good display : but next
year, if a more liberal prize schedule be provided, we may expect to see
better competition in the cut bloom classes.

LINDFIELD, SUSSEX. — November 11th and 12th.

The annual Chrysanthemum Show was held on Thursday and Friday,
when, notwithstanding th very unfavourable weather, there was a good
attendance. The Show was managed by a committee of gardeners, &c., of
which Mr. A. J. Brown is Chairman, and Mr. Larter Hon. Sec. The cut
flowers and groups were exceptionally good ; special prizes were given by
Messrs. Sutton & Son for vegetables, Messrs. Cheal & Son for Pears, M 'ssrs.
Laing & Co. for Apples, Mr. Davis for best bloom of Chrysanthemum, and Mr.
Balchin for Grapes. The thanks of the Committee are due to the above-
mentioned nurseryman.

The principal competitors were Mr. J. Hodges, gardener to S. C. Gibbons,
Esq., Halstead House ; Mr. T. Venn, gardener to W. Sturdy, Esq., Paxhill
Park ; Mr. A. J. Brown, gardener to W. Savill, Esq., Finches, Lindfield ; Mr.
Horscroft, gardener to Mr. Potter. Ardingley, «fcc., &c. The prizes were
awarded as follows : — Group arranged for effect in a space not exceeding
45 square feet. Mr. Hodges was placed first, having some good blooms.
Mr. Brown was a very close second, having much more flower and a more
formal group, but not quite so large. Third Mr. Braysher, fourth Mr.
Horscroft, fifth Mr. Kemp. Group for single-handed gardeners and
amateurs : — First Mr. R. Durrant, second Mr. Brookes. Two best plants
Japanese : — First Mr. Scutt, second Mr. Horscroft, third Mr. Brown. In¬
curved : — First Mr. Scutt. Best trained plants: — First Mr. Scutt, second
Mr. Brookes, third Mr. Kent.

Twenty-four cut blooms — twelve Japanese, twelve incurved. — First Mr.
Gibbins, gardener to Mr. Evans, The Chalet ; second Mr. Hodges, third
Mr. Venn. Twelve Japan se. — First Mr. Gibbins. second Mr. Hodges, third
Mr. T. Venn. Twelv- incurved.— First Mr. Hodges, second Mr. Horscroft,
third Mr. T. Venn. Twelve blooms — 3ix Anemone, six reflexed. — First M'\
T. Venn. Second Mr. Gibbins. Twelve Pompons. — Second Mr. Brown.
For best bloom incurved. — First Mr. S. Horscroft, second Mr. T.
Venn. Best Japanese. — Frst, Mr. Gibbins, second Mr. T. Venn.
Table plants. — First Mr. Hodges, second Mr. Brown, third Mr. T. Venn.
Six best berried plants. — First Mr. Venn, second Mr. Brown, third Mr.
Brookes. Grapes. — Mr. Venn, Mr. Hodges, Mr. Horscroft. Apples in order
named, six dishes. — Mr. Hodges, Mr. Venn, Mr. E. C. Kent, Mr. Brooke,
Mr. Deane, Mr. E. Durrant, Mr. T. Venn, C. Kent. The cottagers’ and the
other exhibits, especially those for vegetables shown by gardeners and
cottagers, were very creditable. The Show was the best ever held in the
neighbourhood.

EXETER. — November 12th.

It would be impossible to find a much more suitable room for holding an
exhibition than the Victoria Hall, Exeter, and it must be admitted the fruit
and plant growers in the neighbourhood were very successful in their
efforts to arrange a good Bhow. Mr. C. T. K. Roberts is the Honorary
Secretary, and with him are joined a practical hard-working Committee,
whose arrangements leave nothing to be desired.

No trained plants were shown, but there were two classes for groups, and
three growers competed in each. The best large group was arranged by Mr.
W. Rowland, gardener to W. Brock, Esq., who went to work in the same
style as so well carried out at Kingston and other shows near London, and
certainly succeeded admirably. The plants were dwarf, carried good foliage
and blooms, and were tastefully grouped. Mr. W. Counter, gardener to
M. Farrant, Esq., also had a very excellent group and took the second prize,
the third prize going to Mr. Hugh Mollen, gardener to Mrs. Pouget. Toe
last named was first for a group in which quality of bloom was of primary
importance, but it was a long way behind the first prize lot in the other
classes for general effect. Mr. V. Rowland was a very creditable second,
better style in the grouping being very apparent. Mr. Rowland was placed
first for six table plants, these including neat plants of Cocos Weddelliana,
Croton angustifolium, Pandanus Veitchi, and Tenax Victoria;. Mr. G.
Lock, gardener to B. W. Cleave, Esq., took the second prize for a choice
pretty lot of plants, and there were other good collections shown. Mr. Row¬
land was easily first for Bouvardias and Mr. A. C. Williams second. The
prizewinners with Primulas were Messrs. Mollen and A. C. Williams, both
having good plants.

Cut blooms were considered of marked superiority to those previously
shown at Exeter, and they certainly were the feature of the Exhibition.
The best thirty-six incurved blooms in not less than twenty-four vari dies
were staged by Mr. F. Geeson, who had Lord Alcester, Golden Empress,
White Venus, Empress of India, Prince Alfred, Mrs. Rundle, Refu gence,
Pink Venus, Mrs. Glenny, Mr. Bunn, Jeanne d’Arc, J. Salt r, and other well
known sorts fresh and good. Mr. W. Rowland was second, his best being
Alfred Saltjr, Golden Empress, Queen of England, John Salter, and
Princess of Wales. Mr. J. Aplin, gardener to W. M. Baker. Esq., was third.
Lady Hirdinge, Lord Wo'seley, Empress of India, Mrs. W. Shipman, and
Hero of S'oke Newington being his best.

Mr. F. Geeson was the only exhibitor of twenty-four incurved varieties,
all being remarkable more for th--ir fr shness than good form, and the same
may be said of the first prize eighteen vari-ties staged by Mr. W. Rowland.
Mr. W. Wild, gardener to Mrs. Wild, was first for twelve varieties ; Mr. F.
Delve, gardener to F. W. Grant, Esq , second, and a third went to Mr.
Rowland. Mr. Aplin won the first prize for six blooms of any incurved
variety with very fine Queen of England, Mr. W. Dolling, gardener to Mrs.

Wild, the second with Jeanne d’Arc, very good ; and the third went to Mr.
Bowland for good Golden Empress Mr. W. Dolling was first for six re¬
flexed, and Mr. F. Delve second ; ani for six Anemone-flowered Mr. Aplin
was a good first and Mr. W. Dolling second. A very fine lot of Japanese
sorts were shown. Mr. F. Geeson waa well first for thirty-six blooms, among
th-m being Meg Merrilies, Marguerite Mamuch, J De'aux, L’ Adorable,
Mons. As’org, Album plenum, M’S. Marsham, B ironne de Prailly, Mons'.
Burnet, Mr. Freeman, Belle Paule, and Roseum superbum. Mr. W. Rowland
was a good second and Mr W. Iggulden third, each having a good lot of
blooms. Mr. F. Geeson was also first for twenty-four varieties, among
which were very good examples of B ironne de Prailly, Mons. Astorg,
Criterion, Japonaisq and L’ Adorable. Mr. W. Dolling was a c'ose second
having goad examples of well known sorts. With twelv ■ blooms Mr. W.
Dolling was w-ll first, his Meg Merrilies, L’Adorable, Peter the Great,'
Duches . of Albany, and Souvenir d i Haarlem being very fresh and good.
Mr. F. Delve was awarded a first prize for eighteen varieties, and Mr. W.
Rowland second, the blooms being good in each instance. For six blooms
in one variety Mr. J. Aplin was first with Madame C. Audiguier in fine
condition, Mr. F. Delve being second with very good Fair Maid of
Guernsey.

Grapes were not extensively shown, but they included several good
stands. Mr. G. Teed was the only exhibitor of Muscats, and took a second
prze for a rather inferior lot. The first prize for Lady Downe’s was
awarded to Mr. J. Langworthy, gardener to G. P. Benmore, Esq., and Mr.
Lock was second, both having well-finished bunches. Mr. W. Iggulden,
Marston House, Frome, was easily first for three bunches of Gros Colman,
having good-sized bunches and berries creditably finished, and Mr. Lock
was deservedly awarded the second prize. Mr. Iggulden was also well first
for Alicante, which were much admired, and M’\ R. Pike, gardener to the
Rev. EL Clerk, was a good i-econd. Mr. Lock was the only exhibitor of a
Pine Apple, and was awarded the first prize for a grand fruit of Smooth
Cayenne weighing 7f lbs.

Pears were both numerous and good, classes being provided for most of
the best sorts as well as collections. Mr. W. Street, gardener to Col. Wal-
rond, M.P., was first for Chaumontel, and Mr. A. C. Williams, gardener
to W. C. Sim, Esq., second. Winter Nelis was very fine ; Mr. Lock was first
and Mr. J. Blackmore, gardener to C. T. D. Aciand, Esq., M.P., second with
these. Pitmaston Duchess was shown of great size, but presented a very
bruised appeaance. Mr. A. C. Williams was first, and Mr. J. Garland,
gardener to Sir T. D. Aciand, Bart., was second. Duchesse d’Angouleme
were also large, and some were more coloured than usual. Mr. T. Gillard,
gardener to R. N. G. Baker, Esq., Heavitree, was first, and Mr. A. C.
Williams Becond. Mr. Garland was first for Glou Morceau and Mr, A. C.
Williams second ; with Beurre Diel Mr. Williams was first, and Mr. A. Truman
second, both having fine clean fruit. The best Doyenne du Comice were
staged by Mr. A. C. Williams ; and Mr. Woodley, gardener to W. J. Battis-
biU, Esq., was a good second. Mr. Street had the best collection of culinary
Pears, and Mr. A. C. Williams was a good second. The first prize for a
collection of nine dessert Pears was well won by Mr. J. Garland, and Mr.
A. C. Williams was a good second, and the same posiiions were occupied by
these exhibitors in the class for six varieties, the exhibits being most meri¬
torious throughout. Mr. R. Staddon, gardener to Col. Courtenay, was first
for four varieties, and Mr. G. Lock second. The best dish of Peirs judged
by flivour was the Marie Louise staged by Mr. Iggulden, Mr. Garland
following wi h Doyennh du Cornice.

A wonderfully good d splay of Apples was provided, and afforded strong
proof that tbe county of Devonshire is mo3t highly favoured. Dumelow’s
Seedling wai a strong class. Mr. A, Truman was first, and Mr. T. Gillard
second. Tbe popular Cox’s Change Pippin was very well shown by nume¬
rous growers. Mr. T. Gil ard was first and Mr. E. Drake second. Mr.
Wi liams was first for Adams’ P armain, and Mr. W. Street second ; and
the last-named was first with Cornish Gilliflower, the second prize going to
Mr. W. R. Baker. King of the Pippins were very handsome, and with
these Mr. Igguluen was first and Mr. W. Street second. Tbe best Ribston
Pippm came from Mr. J. Eustone, gardener to Sir J. Duckworth, Bart.;
and Mr. Street was second. A few good Braddick’s Nonpareil were shown.
Mr. Enston was first and Mr. Garland seconf. Mr. Iggulden was first for
Margil, and Mr. W. Street secoud ; and with Gravenstein Mr. Garland was
fir-t and Mr. J. Hayman second. Mere de Menage were fine and very
highly c- loured. Mr. G. Lock was first and Mr G. Garland second.
Golden Noble were very handsome, and with these Mr. Street was first and
Mr. A. Truman second. Several good lots of Blenheim Orange wire shown,
Mr. J. Aplin being first for h-avy examples, and Mr. R. Staddon second.
Mr J. Hayman, gardener to Mr-*. Pinder, was well first for six varieties ot
dessert Apples, and Mr. A. C. Williams second, several others having very
go >d collections. In the corresponding class for culinary varieties Mr. J.
Aplin was first, among these being fine examples of Roval Russet., Flower
of Kent, W aite Flanders, and Han well Souring. Mr. J. Hayman was a good
second. The best twelve variet es were staged by Mr. G. Lock, who had the
very showy Devonshire Qu*-en, Beauty of Wilts, Ribston Pippin, Bhnheim
Orange, and other serviceable sorts in excellent condition. Special prizes
were uffLred by Messrs. R. V itch & Son for a collection of twenty-four
varieties, and for these the competition was very keen. Mr. A. Truman
was first, Mr. Sls.de second, ai d Mr. J. Garland third. Among the nume¬
rous sores shown the most noteworthy were Wa'nir’s King, Emperor Alex¬
ander, Golden Noble, Tibbet’s Pearmain, Royal Somerset, Cornish Gilli¬
flower, Red ribbed Greening, Dumelow’s Seedling, Brabant Bellefleur,
Alfriston, Cox’s Pomona, Gravensrein, Alexandra Russet, Cox’s Orange
Pipp n, White Nonpareil, and Ross Nonpareil.

M sirs. R. Veitch & Son ariauged an attractive group of flowering and
fine foliaged plants, including a lot of good Bouvardias, perpetual-flowering
Ca nations, Orchids, and Chrysanthemums. They also had a good stand of
cut blooms of the latter, and a large and well-s -lected collection of Apples
and Pears. On the opposite side of the hall Messrs. Lucombe, Pince and
Co. had a grand group of well-grown Chrysanthemums, well backed up by
tall Palms aud Cordylines, and margined by numerous Orch’ds, Crotons,
Palms, and other choice plants, as well as a large co lection of Apples and
Pears. Mr. G. G. Sclater, Divon Nurs ries, also had a grand exhibition of
Apples, among which we parti ularly noied Hoary Morning, Annie E izabeth,
Dr. Harvey, Cox’s Pomona, Beauty of Wilts, Peasgood’s Nonesuch, Warnei’s

458

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Novamber 18, 1886.

King, Lady Henniker, and Lane’s Prince Albert. Altogether the Show was
a most successful one, and well attended by appreciative visitors.

WESTON-SUPER-MARE. — November 12th.

The second Exhibition of this Society was a considerable improvement
on the first attempt, more especially in the classes for cut blooms. Chrys¬
anthemums would appear to have become rapidly popular in the neigh¬
bourhood, and it is a pleasing duty to note that all classes of society take an
active interest in the promotion of a good display. Mr. W. Pain is Hon¬
orary Secretary, and with the assistance of a good working Committee
arranged everything most satisfactorily. All the classes were open to all
comers, and a further addition in the amount of money offered in prizes
should lead to still more spirited competition. Mr. W. Brooks wag easily
first with six specimen plants of large-flowered varieties, staging very
creditable examples of Mrs. Rundle, Mrs. Dixon, and Mr. G. Glenny, and
• Thatcher, gardener to A. G. Andrews, E-q., Wells, was second with
ordinarily trained and much over-staked plants. The prizewinners with
feur specimens were Mr. C. Holland, gardener to W. Ash, Esq , who had
fairly good plants, and was easily first ; second Mr. W. Lewis, gardener to
J. E. Cole, Esq. ; and Mr. J. Thorne was third. Mr. W. Brooks waB well
first with trained Japanese plants, his best being Hiver Pleuri, Source d’Or,
Margot, James Salter, Bertie Rendatler, and Fair Maid of Guernsey. Mr.
C. Holland was a very good second, and Mr. Thatcher third. Mr. W. Lewis,
gardener to J. E. Cole, Esq., was well first for four plants of Japanese varie¬
ties, Margot and Bertie Rendatler being very prettily shown. The best
single specimen of incurved variety was staged by Mr. Brooks, and Mr.
Horstman had a prize for a freely bloomed plant of Japanese Elaine. Mr.
W. Hughes, gardener to H. Pethick, Esq., took a first pr zi for a handsome
pyramid of Mrs. Rundle, and Mr. Brooks was second with the same variety ;
a ^ a P0rresP0Dding class for Japanese varieties Mr. Holland was first,
and Mr. B ooks second. Three collections of six stove and greenhouse plants
}*lere ®b°wn> Brooks taking first prize, Mr. C. Holland the second, and
Mr. vv . Lewis the third ; and with six Ferns the prizewinners were Messrs,
vv . Brooks, C . Holland, and W. Lewis, all having good plants of well known
varieties. There were three very pretty groups of miscellaneous plants
arranged for effect, Mr. W. Hughes being well first, displaying excellent
taste m the grouping of choice materials ; Mr. Brooks was second, and Mr.
W. Lewis third. The first prize for a group of Chrysanthemums was
, *° ^r' Brooks, Mr. VV. Lewis being a good second, and Mr.
J. Matthews, gardener to Mr. Knyfton, third.

iiA V£V,'y1jilir c°bection °f cut blooms gained Mr. C. Lucas, gardener to
J. Marshall, Esq., Taunton, the premier prize for twenty-four large-flowered
varieties. These included perfect examples of Lord Alcester, Qaem of
England Empress of India, Jeanne d’Arc, Lady Hardings, White Venus,
Lord Wolseley, Emily Dale, Mrs. G. Rundle, and Pink Venus. Mr. Brooks
' ari1^ r- J- Thatcher third. Mr. E. S. Cole, gardener to W.
Pethick, Esq., unfortunately included two blooms of the Japanese Salteri
n* j ii,8 v ’ and b b * ? sP°Bt his chance for the second prize. Mr. W. Hughes
had the best twelve incurved blooms, the most noteworthy being Hero of
btoke Newington, Lord Alcester, Bendigo, Mrs. Rundle, and Empress
Eugenie. Mr. R. Richards, Bristol, was second, and Mr. C. Holland third.
Mr. W. Thomas, gardener to W. T. Marshall, Esq., had the first prize for six
blooms, these consisting of perfect examples of Prince Alfred, Princess of
Lord ^ Wolseley, Snowball, and Lady Hardinge. Mr. Segar, gardener to
W. Wilcox Esq., Weston-super-Mare, was second, and Mr. J. Hall, Wells, third.
\r @ n t 3 ™r twenty-four blooms of Japanese varieties was a very good one.

L‘ L“cas was well first, his best being Soleil Levant, Madame Ferral, Fair
Maid of Guernsey, Thunberg, Japonaise, Comte de Germiny, Grandiflorum,
Triomphe de la rue des Chalets, Bertie Rendatler, and J. Delaux. Mr. E. S,
Lole was a close second, his best being Soleil Levant, Fair Maid of Guernsey,
Madame Feral, J. Delaux, and Criterion. Mr. J. Thatcher was a creditable
tnira. Mr. VV . Thomas was easily first for twelve varieties, having grand
j ooms of Madame Feral, Soleil Levant, Fair Maid of Guernsey, Japonaise,
Madame C. Audiguier, Triomphe de la rue des Chalets, Comtesse de Beaure-

6’ 6 ®astiBe, L’AdorabL, Comte de Germiny, J. Delaux, Boule

d Ur. Mr. VV. Hughes was a good second, and Mr. Richards third. Mr. C.
Holland was first fo- six varieties. Several good stands of Anemone-flowered
were shown. Mr. Thomas was well first, Mr. E. S. Cole was second, and equal
thirds were awarded to Messrs. W. Hughes and R. Richards. Mr. W.
second W4S w'^b a handsome bouquet, and Miss Poynter, Taunton,

In the class for any black variety of Grapes, Mr. W. Duff urn, gardener to
Mrs. Walker Weston-super-Mare, was easily first with good Alicante, and
he also staged handsome bunches of Gros Guillaume. Mr. W. Hughes was
well first for four dishes of Pear3, these consisting of Beurre Diel, Marie
Louise, Beurre Bose, and Urbaniste of goodsize and colour. Mr. W. Duflfurn
was a good seconl, and there were several other creditable lots shown. In
the single disn class Mr. W. Lewis was first with good Duchesse d’Angou-
terne, and the Rev. Mr. Bartlett second with Beurre Diel. A pretty lot of
Apples were shown, Mr. Jordan winning the first prize for four dish-s, Mr.
M.r. W. Hughes being a good second. Mr. J. Thorne had the best culinary
. a.,let'?3’ aild,for a Slnffle dish Mr. G. Burgess was first. Vegetables were
ffond £ LBiland good, Mr. J. Tilley, gardener to Col. Coigrave, was a
goon first ror four varieties, the remaining prizes going to Messrs. JordaD,

CANTERBURY. — November 12th and 13th.

hmI™Tthkanni!i!llSllOW, of Chrysanthemums, <fcc., was held at Canti
-„T0ll;he ab,;ye date, and was a great success. The Chrysanthemums,
couise, occupy the chief place, but fruit and vegetables were w. 11 show
and also groups of miscellaneous plants. The Snow was held in t

ofBie vef °trevf|terSi Han ’ ther6 W8S n0t r00m f°r a11 the exhibits i ma'
worst ve°etable®! *c , Lad to be staged in a spacious marquee. Cut bloot
' ^Presented in large numbers and of good quality, and in many class
b°tvfn,-r Wt3 VSry Cl°se’ bllt tbe honour3 of tQe day certainly fell 1 1 11
carH^d ah'hft ^ein^r to.^‘ P’' ^v^LLam, Esq., Hall Place, Harbledown, w:
Slv lwt. b f hl?’ 1 hlS b,ooma being of very high quality and exceptio
fi iamete? ’ T?7 of them iu the back rows measuring 6 and 7 inches
oiameter, and of coiresponding depth, and those in the middle and front rot

measuring 4 and 5 inches by 3J. Fruit was well shown, especially Grapes,
by Mr. Woodcock, and the collection of fruit by W. Knight and E. Dines.
Vegetables were a strong feature in the Show, and competition very keen
in all classes.

The chief prize for cut blooms was for twenty-four varieties, twelve
incurved and twelve Japanese, open to the county of Kent. Mr. Marlin was
easily first with a box of grand blooms, as under : — Back row, Golden
Empress, Empress of India, Emily Dale, Queen of England, Triomphe de
la Rue des Chalets (very fine), Mdlle. Lacroix, Japonaise (good), and
Meg Merrilies. Middle row : John Salter, Guernsey Nugget, Princess of
Wales (very good), Prince of Wales, Prince Alfred, Boule d’Or, F. A. Davis
(good), Fair Maid of Guernsey, and Duchess of Albany. Front row : Mrs.
Heale (good), Lord Wolseley, Lady Hardinge, Cherub (very good), Madame
C. Audiguier, Grandiflorum, Comte de Germiny, and Garnet. Mr. Hawkes,
nurseryman, Newington, was second ; and Mr. Woodcock, gardener to
F. Flint, Esq., third, Mdlle. Lacroix and Triomphe de la Rue des Chalets
being very fine in the last-named stmd. For twenty-four varieties, in¬
curved and reflexed, open to the Society, Mr. E. Martin was again first
with a stand nearly if not quite equal to his box in the open class, his
varieties being as under: — Back row: Emily Dale, Queen of England,
Guernsey Nugget, Empress of India, John Salter, Golden Empress, Alfred
Salter, Lord Alcester. Middle row : Lord Wolseley, Jardin des Plantes,
Novelty, Christine, Mrs. Heale, Golden Christine, Princ -ss of Wales (a
grand bloom, which obtained the National Society’s medal for the best
incurved bloom in the Show), and Prince Alfred. Front row : Princess of
Teck, Nil Desperandum, Mrs. W. Shipman, Jeanne d’Arc (good), Barbara
(very good), Mrs. Forsyth, Hero of Stoke Newington, and Lady Hardinge.
Mr. j. Woodcock was a good second with fresh, well-shaped, but smaller
blooms, the best being Princess Teck, Empress of India, Emily Dale,
Golden Empress, &c. ; Mr. E. Hazleden, gardener to Mr. Drury, taking third
honours. In the class for twelve incurved and reflexed (exhibitors in the
preceding class being excluded) Mr. Kennett, nurseryman, Fordwich, was
first with Cullingfordi, Lord Alcester, Enamel, Cloth of Gold, Princess
Teck, Prince Alfred, Golden Queen of England, Nil Desperandum, Mr.
Gladstone, Dr. Sharpe, and White Christine ; Messrs. A. Elvey, gardener to
Major Plummer, being second ; Hickman third, and Dines fourth. In the
class for twelve Japanese Mr.E. Martin was again first, but was very closely
pressed by Mr. J. Woodcock, both stands being of such high quality that I
have given the names in both. Mr. Martin had Meg Merrilies, Triomphe
de la Rue des Chalets, Mdlle. Lacroix, Japonaise, Comte de Germiny,
Madame C. Audiguier, Boule d’Or, Madame Bertie Rendatler, Garnet,
Album Striatum, Fernand Feral, and Grand florum ; while Mr. Woodcock
had Japonais°, Meg Merrilies, M. Tarin, Fair Maid of Guernsey, Mdlle.
Lacroix, Madame C. Audiguier, Madame Bertie Rendatler, Roseum
Superbum, M. Delaux, M. Astorg, and F. A. Davis ; Mr. E. Hazleden taking
the third prize. In the class for six Japan1 se (exhibitors in the preceding
class b ing excluded) Mr. A. Elvey was first with a box containing Madame
C. Audiguier (which bloom also obtained the National Society’s medal for
the best Japanese bloom in the Show), M. Barne, Fair Maid of Guernsey,
Comte de Germiny, Chinaman, and Elaine ; Mr. E. Kennett being second.
In the class for six Anemones Mr. E. Martin was first with Fleur de Marie,
Gluck, Georges Sands, Lady Margaret, Miss Margaret, and Minnie Cnate ;
Mr. J. Woodcock being a good second; Messrs. Kennett and Elvey being
third and fourth. In the class for six triplets of Pompons Mr. E. Martin
was again first with a box of grand blooms — indeed, in some respects it was
the best box in the Show, the blooms being of such high quality and size ;
Mr. J. Woodcock taking second prize, and Mr. Hickman third.

In class B, for amateurs only, Mr. Noble was first for twelve incurved,
his best blooms being Prince Alfred, Golden Empress, Lord Wolseley, and
Jeanne d’Arc ; Mr. A. Nash taking second prize. In the class for six
incuivedMr. W. Featherstone was well ahead with Prince Alfred (which
also obtained the medal of the National Society for best incurved bloom in
the amateur class), Novelty, Lord Wolseley, Beethoven, Cloth of Gold,
and Lady Talford ; Messrs. Kennett and Bligh taking the second and third
prizes. In the class for twelve Japanese (amateurs) Mr. W. Featherstone
was again first with a good box containing Mons. Delaux, Mdlle. Lacroix,
Thunberg, Madame Clemence Audiguier, M. Mousillac, Triomphe du Nord,
Gloire du Toulouse, Mons. N. Jacotot, Madame B. Rendatler, Roseum
Pictum, Mons. Deveille, and Hiver Fleuri. Mr. Noble was second, his best
blooms being Madame Lacroix, Album Plenum (which also obtained the
National Society’s certificate for be«t Japanese bloom in amateurs’ cl iss),
Triomphe de la Rue des Chalets, and F. A. Davis. In the special prize for
twelve Japanese, open to all members, Mr. E. Martin was first with Mdme.
Lacroix, Japonaise, Meg Merrilies, Triomphe de la Rue des Chalets, Golden
Dragon, Duchess of Albany, Madame C. Audiguier, Fair Maid of Guernsey,
Album Striatum, Grandiflorum, Garnet, Comte de Germiny ; Messrs.
Woodcock, Elvey, and Noble taking the remaining prizes in the order
named. In the class for six incurved blooms Messrs. Elvey, Woodcock, and
Dines took the prizes in the order. In the class for six reflexed Mr. Martin
was first, Mr. Woodcock second, and Mr. Hickman third.

In the classes for trained plants Mr. Martin carrie J all before him, taking
first prize in each class, some of his plants having as many as eighty
blooms almost large enough for exhibition ; the r maining prizes being
taken by Messrs. Woodcock and Sargeaunt. There were five groups of Chry¬
santhemums staged for effect, first prize going to Mr. Featherst me, second
to Mr. A. Sargeaunt, gardener to M. Kingsford, Esq. ; third Mr. A. Elvey; and
fourth to Mr. W. Elvey, gardener to the Dean of Canterbury. For a group
of miscellaneous plants arranged for effect Mr. E. Martin was first, Mr. J.
Woodcock second, and Mr. A. Sargeaunt third. Class for three foliage
plants Mr. J. Woodcock was first, Mr. E. Martin second, and Mr. A. Elvey
third.

Fiuit was well shown, but we have not time or space to give many of
the awards. In the collection of fruit Mr. Knight was first, Mr. Dims
second, and Mr. Woodcock third. For three bunches of Grapes Mr. J.
Woodcock was first with good bunches. Vegetables were very well shown,
and the competition very keen, Mr. E. Dines, gardener to the Rev. H G.
Rolt, being first for a collection of vegetables ; Mr. J. Woodcock second,
Mr. A. Sargeaunt third. Both fruit and vegetables were well staged and of
high quality by both amateurs and cottagers. The weather on the first day
was very wet, but there was a very good attendance, which speaks well for
the future of the Society.

November 18, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER ,

459

HUDDERSFIELD. — November 12th and 13th.

The third annual Exhibition of the Huddersfield Chrysanthemum
Society was held in the very handsome Town Hall on the dates named. It
was a very fine Show, the spacious hall being quite filled with effective
groups and excellent blooms. These latter constituted the strong point of
the Show, the competition in the chief class forming one of the best dis¬
plays of the season.

In the class for a group of Chrysanthemums arranged for effect in a
space of 64 square feet there were six competitive groups, several of them
being very similar to those shown at Kingston and Surbiton, but not equal
to them. The first prize was awarded to Mr. F. Carter, gardener to F. P.
Savory, Esq., for a very bright and fresh arrangement of strong, healthy
dwarf plants, containing fine flowers and good healthy foliage. The second
was won by Mr. J. Bubb, gardener to J. W. Taylor, Esq , with a very
representative group, all the sections being included and plants and blooms
good and fresh, but somewhat too thinly arranged. The third was awarded
to Mr. F. Hatch, gardener to F. T. Brigg, Esq. This group, which was
overpacked, consisted of very vigorous plants, carrying an abundance of
large flowers, but that many of the blooms lacked freshness through beinga
week or more too old. Had the fading plants been excluded the arrange¬
ment might have been rendered sufficiently effective to have won first
honours, especia'ly if care had been taken to have masked the wood blocks
employed in elevating the plants. These were obtrusive and marred the
effect of the arrangement, a neat and well-finished front being a chief
essential in all groups of this nature.

The weakest point in the Show was that formed by the classes for speci¬
men plants. The Huddersfield gardeners appear not yet to have adopted
the mode of growing them as dwarf-trained specimen*, but instead grow
them as free bushes 4 to 6 feet in height, and with from one to two dozen
blooms on each. The first prize for three incurved was taken by Mr. J.
Bubb, second Mr. M. Chambers. Three Japanese. — First Mr. F. Hatch,
gardener to J. F. Brigg, Esq., second Mr. M. Chambers. Single specimen,
(incurves). — First Mr. M. Chambers, second Mr. F. Stokes. Single specimens
(Japanese).— First Mr. F. Hatch, second Mr. J. Bubb, third Mr. M.
Chambers. Pompons (three plants).— Firrt Mr. M. Chambers. Single
specimens. — First Mr. M. Chambers, second Mr. J. Bubb, third Mr. F.
Hatch.

Cut Blooms. — In the class of forty-eight blooms, twenty-four incurved
and twenty-four Japanese, not les3 than eighteen varieties each, the £10
prize was awarded to Mr. A. J. Cox, gardener to W. H. Watts, Esq., Liver¬
pool, with a very fine lot of blooms, both incurved and Japanese, the former
being very large, b it some of them a week too old. The varieties, were in¬
curved, back row. — Lori Alcestrr, Empress of India, Golden Empress,
Jeanne d’Arc, Lord Wolse'ey, and Queen of England. Second row. —
Prince Alfred, Golden Empress, Nil Desperandum, Princ;ss of Wales, Mr.
Bunn, Jeanne d’Arc, Priuc ss of Wales, and Prince Alfred. Front row. —
Mrs. Dixon, Mrs Shipman, Mrs. Heale, Refulgence, Princess Teck, Lady
Hardinge, Beverley, and Cherub. Japanese. — Back row. — Mons. Tarin,
Fair Maid of Guernsey, Mons. Tarin, Comte de Germiny, Madame C.
Audiguier, Boule d’Or, Triomphe de la Rue des Chalets, and Fair Maid
of Guernsey. Second row.— Peter the Great, Fernmd Feral, Mons.
Astorg, Belle Paule, Jeanne Delaux, Mons. Astorg, Duchess of Albany,
Balmoreau. Front row. — Yal d’Andorre, Mdlle. Lacroix, Triomphe de
la Rue des Chalets, Madame C. Audiguier, Elaine, Marguerite Marrouch,
Peter the Great, and Criterion. The second prize fell to Mr. M.
Mason, gardener to H. Mason, Esq., Bingley, and third to Mr. T. B. Morton,
Darlington, both staging well. Four other collections were staged, and in
justice to Mr. H. West, gardener to E. Wright, Esq., Alston, Oswestry, it
must be stated that if this exhibitor had not inadventently placed seven
duplicates in his incurved stand he would have been adjudged the chief
prize. He afterwards showed that he had the requisite number of varieties
in his possession, but made a mistake in arranging his stand. The schedule
was so explicit that the Judges had no option in withholding the prize, but
we were glad to hear the expression of a disposition on the part of the
officials to grant some recompense to Mr.' West, who staged wonderfully
large fresh and bright blooms. He made no mistake, however, in the open
class for twenty-four distinct varieties, twelve incurved and twelve
Japanese, except in naming a Princess of Wales, White Yenus. This acci¬
dent, however, seeing the requisite number of varieties were present did not
invalidate, and he was adjudge J th; chief prize with the following, all in
excellent condition. Incurved. — Back row— Alfred Salter, Que n of
England, John Salter, and Golden Empress, Middle row — Prince Alfred,
Jeanne d’Arc, Empress of India, and Lord Wolseley. — Front row —
Jardin des Plantes, Refulgence, Princess of Wales, and Lady Hardinge.
Japanese. — Back row — Belle Paule, Jeanne Delaux, Boule d'Or, and Madame
C. Audigui.- r. Middle row — Soleil Levant, Baron de Prailly, Val d’Andorre,
and Mrs. Mahood. Front row — La Nymphe, John Laing, Mr. Freeman,
and L’Adorable. Mr. A. J. Cox was an excellent second, but some of his
blooms lacked freshness ; and Mr. J. P. Leadbetter, Hull, third, also with
good examples of culture, five collections being staged.

The class for twelve large-flowered Anemones in not less than eight
varieties brought five competitors, Mr. W. Daniels, gardener to F. Hayne,
Esq., Croft, being first, his varieties being — back row — Gluck, Soeur Dorothea
Souille, Minnie Chate, and Tisiphone. Middle row — Prince of Anemones,
Georges Sands, Madame Goderaux, and Acquisition. Front row — Louis
Bonamy, Soeur Dor jthbe Souille, Empress, and Prince of Anemones. Second
prize Mr. T. B. Morton, third prize Mr. W. Jackson, both staging well.
There were four competitors in the class for twelve reflexed. First Mr.
T. B. Morton, with Cullingford (two), King of Crimsons (two), Chevalier
Domage (two), Madame Madeline Tezier (two), Dr. Sharp, Phidias, Peach
Christine, and Jewess. We failed to obtain the names of the other prize¬
winners, but all the stands were good.

There was excellent compet tion in the district classes, M ssrs. Daniels,
Stokes, Chambers, Smith, Senior, Walker, and Sharp dividing the prizes, the
lion’s Bhare falling to the first-named exhibitors. Table plants were well
shown by Messrs. Chambers, Stokes, and Morton, who were awarded the
prizes in the order named; and Mr. Bubb worthily won the first position
with remarkably fine Bouvardias. Bouquets of Chrysanthemums were far
above the average, the fir3t-prize one of Messrs. Daniels being the best we
have seen, and there was a charming display of flowers arranged for “ ladies’

wear ” — a very popular class, worthy of extension. W e did not obtain the
prizewinners, but the competition was excellent.

Very good Grapes were shown, the prizes being taken by Messrs.
Stevenson, Nelson, Liversidge, and Godfrey ; and beautiful wreaths,
bouquets, &o., were exhibited by Messrs. Armitage & Sons, Huddersfield,
and J. T. Sharp, Almondbury. The Show altogether was an excellent one,
and nothing could exceed the courtesy of the Secretary and officials.

LEWISHAM AND DISTRICT FLORAL SOCIETY.

November 12th and 13th.

This promising young Society held its first Exhibition of Chrysanthemums
at the Ladywell Public Baths on the above dates, with results satisfactory
alike to visitors, exhibitors, and Committee. The latter provided a schedule
which induced plenty of both amateurs and professional competitors in the
various classes. Two-thirds of these were devoted to amateur members and
amateur non-members, and the number of entries was large and the quality
of the flowers highly creditable in both divisions, considering that most of
the exhibitors are engaged during the greater part of the day in town and
have little time to attend to the plants. There was brisk competition in the
classes open to nurserymen and ga -doners. Two notable exhibitors, Mr. F.
Moore of Bexley and Mr. H. Shoesmith of Hythe, were present with splendid
blooms. Those exhibited by the latter were remarkably fine and a source
of great attraction to the visitors. In th* few days intervening between the
Aquarium and the present Exhibition Mr. Sboesmith’s blooms developed,
thus enabling him to show here in much better form. In addition to the
groups shown for competition there were two splendid ones contributed by
Messrs. J. Laing & Co., Forest Hill, and H. J. Jones, florist, Lewisham. A
sample of patent galvanised iron staging for greenhouses and conservatories
was shown by Mr. W. Berry, the inventor, a member of the Committee.
This invention promises to be a useful one, and has already been largely
adopted in various parts of the couni ry. The supports are made of angle T
iron braced with bolts and the table formed of corrugated iron. It can be
readily taken to pieces at any time and stored away until wanted, and is a
light but strong stage, capable of being used for any kind of plants. A
large and interesting collection of Apple* were exhibited by Messrs. Bunyard
of Maidstone, horticultural sundries by Mr. Benjamin Field, and a collection
of valuable china on which Orchids and Chrysanthemums were beautifully
handpainted was shown by G. Stroud, E*q. The whole of the exhibits were
displayed to excellent advantage in the spacious swimming baths, and the
industrious Secretary, Mr. H. Drake, assisted by an excellent Committee,
spared no pains to render the Exhibition a success.

Amateur Members’ Pot Plants. — In the class for a group in which
quality and effect were the leading features, Mr. W. E. Jupp, Brockley.won
the silver medal, and M ’. G. Stroud, Lewisham, the bronze medal, M-ssrs.
Lock, Bryant, and Harvey being highly commended. For three trained
specimens Mr. W. Berry, Lewisham, was first (bronze medal), and Mr.
Walter Smith, Catford, second. The last-named secured first for a single
specimen, and Mr. H. Shorten, Forest Hill, socond. Mr. W. J. Upton was
first and Mr. H. M. Brown second for twelve plants, and Mr. W. Smith the
winner of the bronze medal for three standards.

Cut Flowers. — Some fine hlooms were shown in the class for twelve
Japanese, Mr. J. Wickham Jones, South Norwood, being awarded a first for
splendid blooms of Criterion, Marguerite Marrouch, and Comte de Germiny,
Mr. J. W. Upton second, and Mr. J. W. Banniber third. The first p ize in
the class for six Japanese also went to Mr. J. W. Jones, and the second to
Mr. E. S. Addison. Thornton Heath. For tw-lve incurved Mr. Banniber
was first, Mr. J. W. Jones second, and Mr. W. J. Upton third. Six incurved
first. Mr. W. J. Banniber ; second, Mr. W. J. Upton. Six reflexed, Mr.
J. W. Jones first, and Mr. H. Drake second, Six incurved, one variety, Mr.

F. S. Shepley, first with Mrs. Dixon ; Mr. S. S. Bryant second with Mrs.

G. Rundle. Six Japanese Anemones, Mr. J. W. Upton was first with
Mdlle. Cabrol and Madame Berthie Pigny; and Mr. J. J. Hillier second.
Six large-flowered Anemones, Mr. J. J. Hillier first, and Mr. J. W. Jones
second. Six Anemone Pompons, Mr. J. J. Hillier first, and Mr. W. Berry
second. Six Pompons, Mr. J. J. Hillier again first.

Amateurs’ Open Classes. — For twelve Japanese, distinct, Mr. J. W.
Jones was first, showing capital blooms of Comte de Germiny, Daimio, and
Peter the Great ; and Mr. S. S. Addison was second. For twelve incurved
Mr. J. J. Hillier was first, and Mr. G. F. Coxhead second ; and the former
was first for six Japanese Anemones.

All Comers. — As previously intimated, some exceptionally fine examples
were shown in the class for forty-eight blooms (twenty-four Japanese and
twenty-four incurved, distinct) by Mr. F. Moore, gardener to W. C. Pickers-
gill, Esq., Blenden Hall, Bexley, who easily carried off the first prize, Soleil
Levant, Comte de Germiny, Jeanne Delaux, Meg Merrilies, Duchess of
Albany, Fair Maid of Guernsey, Thunberg, Princess of Wa'es, Baron
Beust. Mrs. Shipman, Golden Queen of England, Prince Alfred. John Salter,
and Whiti Yenus being excellent. For twelve Japanese, distinct, Mr. H.
Shoesmith, gardener to the Rev. Canon Hodgson, Saltwood R-ctory, Hythe,
was placed first, very large, finely-formei blooms of Meg Merrilies,
Galathde, Boule d’Or, Mdlle. Lacroix, Marguerite Marrouch, Jeanne Delaux
being shown. Mr. T. Sadler, gardener to C. Lambert, Esq., Streatham, was
second, and Mr. J. Rhoden, gardener to General Harrison, Blackheath, was
third. Mr. Shoesmith was first again in the class for twelve incurved, dis¬
tinct, showing magnificent booms of Queen of England, John Salter,
Princess of Wales, Princess Teek, and Hero of Stoke Newington. Mr. T.
Couldrey, gardener to J. Levy, Esq., Grove Park, Lee, wa3 second, and Mr.
J. J. Hillier third. Japanese Anemones were shown in good form in the class
for twelve by Mr. James Huld, gardener to F. W. Prior, Esq., Gordon House,
Blackheath, Minnie Chate, Georges Sands, and Lady Margaret being very
good. Mr. J. J. Hillier was second, and Mr. H. J. Jones third. Mr. J. J.
Hillier secured the first prize for twelve Pompons, distinct, with good blooms
of Mdlle. Elise Durdon, Black Douglas, and Madame Marthe. Mr. Homes,
gardener to Mrs. Fletcher Bennett, Tulse Hill, was second ; and Mr. E.
Kinson, gardener to L. Linden, Esq., West Dulwich, third. The first prize
for a hand bouquet, a silver medil, was deservedly awarded to Mr. H. J.
Jones for a light and phasing arrangement, the second going to Mr. Thos.
Butcher, Norwood, and Mr. Wickham Jones was third.

Gentlemen’s Gardeners Only. — Mr. A. Shoesmith was first for twelve
Japanese, distinct. Mr. T. Sadler first, Mr. Shoesmith second, and Mr.

460

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ November 18, 1886.

Couldrey third in the class for twelve incurved ; and Mr. Skoesmith first
and Mr. J. Hudd second for six r flexed. In the class for a group, the spice
not to exceed 50 square feet, the fir-t award, a silver medal, was won by Mr.
Jas. Hudd with a handsome group of well grown and flowered plants ; and
Mr. C. Nunn, gardener to J. Soames, Esq., the second prize — a bronze medal.
Mr. G. Kinson was first for three trained specimens, and Mr. H. W. Cox
second.

Lady Members’ Classes. — These were well contested by the ladies, there
being as many as ten entries in one class. For a hand bouquet M s. Berry
was first, Mrs. Wickham Jone< second, and Miss Hoyton third. For a
basket of cut blooms, Mrs. Child was first and Mrs. Wickham Jones second.
For an epergne or vase Mrs. Birdseye and Mrs. Jupp took the prize.

Miscellaneous Classes. — A first prize was awarded to Mr. C. Nunn for
a well-arranged group of plants, not Chrysanthemums, and a second to Mr.
E. Kinson. For the best floral table decoration Mrs. Jupp was first, Miss
Edith Brookes second, and Mrs. Berry third.

LEICESTER. — November 13th.

This may not inaptly be described as a Chrysanthemum Show in
fetters. It was held in two considerable sized rooms of the Freeman Hotel,
but they were altogether inadequate for the occasion. No sooner was the
judging completed than the rooms were crowded, and when the Mayor in an
appropriate speech declared the Show open the rooms were so densely
packed that it was impossible for the exhibits to be inspected with any
degree of comfort. This was satisfactory in one respect only — namely,
that the well-to-do public of Leicester appreciate flowers, and the crowd at
the very commencement of the Exhibition suggests that, given a large hall
and liberal prizes to attract the leading growers from different parts of the
country, a great and successful exhibition would be assured.

The Show under notice was not a large one, but very attractive, much
taste having been exercised in the decorations of the rooms ; and excellent
stands of blooms were staged, notably by the Rev. John Bird of Walton
Rectory, who is the active President of the Society, and is evidently held
in great esteem in the town and neighbourhood. This gentleman was easily
first in the open class of eighteen incurved blooms, his stands containing
some fine examples of culture, though a few were too old. The varieties were
Lord Alcester, Lord Wolseley, Empress of India, of great depth ; Alfred
Salter, fine; Queen of Easland, Lady Slade, extra good ; Princess of Wales,
excellent : Princess of Wales, Venus, Prince Alfred, Jeanne d’Arc, good ;
John Salter, Mrs. Shipman, very deep ; Jardin des Plantes, St. Patrick,
Mrs. G. Rundle, and Bronze Jardin des Plantes. Second, Mr. John Smith.
Dei by Road Nurseries, Loughborough, Niobe, Mrs. Heales, Venus, and
Princess of Wales being remarkably neat. Third, Mr. W. G. Bilton,
gardener to W. Billson, Esq., Barkby, several of the blooms being flat and
open, though some were large and eight out of the number neat. It was
apparent that the Judges attached more importance to size than to quality,
which is not usually the case at the best exhibitions. Five collections were
staged in the class for twelve blooms. Mr. Bird arain out-distanced other
competitors with an admirable stand, all the blooms except two being
decidedly meritorious. Second, Mr. W. S Button, but the stand of Messrs.
J. & H. Hickling contained much neater and better finished blooms, if
smaller.

Very good stands indeed were placed in competition in the open class of
twelve Japanese blooms, Mr. Bolton, we think, securing the leading position
with good sized fresh examples of Balmoreau, Soleil Levant, M. Castel,
Album Plenum, Mdm°. C. Audiguier, Cry Kang, Mons. Desbrieux, Soliel
Levant, Dr. Macary, Fair Maid of Guernsey, Bouquet Fait (very fine), and
Mrs. Townshend ; second, Rev. John Bur, Fair Maid of Guernsey being
exceptionally good ; third honours falling to Messrs. J. and H. Hickling.

There was great competition in some of the small local classes, and the
blooms, as a rule, were freRh and neat ; but immediately the awards were
made the stands were besieged with admirers, and it was hopeless attempt¬
ing to transcribe either the names of the exhibitors or the varieties. Mr. S.
Collett, however, appeared to be one of the most successful competitors.
Only a few plants were on view, and these fortunately were small and
correspondingly inferior, for it would have been a pity for well-grown
examples to be submitted to such a crush. The feature of the Show was
the enthusiasm of the visitors, and it seems nothing less than extraordinary
that a Chrysanthemum show in a town of 150,000 inhabitants should be so
“cribbed, cabined, and confined” as this was, and visitors bo seriously
incommoded in getting a momentary glance at the products they were
longing and labouring to admire. Everything was done that could be done
by the courteous officials of the Society to contribute to the success of the
Exhibition, and amongst them we had the pleasure to meet a ci-devant
Chiswick student, Mr. Alex. Angus, as the prosperous proprietor of the
excellent commercial and family hotel, the Carlton ; but the old love is so
strong that he has been impelled to provide himself with a garden of two
acres, so that he can indulge in the luxury of digging and having a supply
of vegetables and flowers of his own growing for the demands of his
considerable establishment.

PUTNEY. — November 16th and 17th.

By far the best Show we have ever seen in Putney was held on the dates
named. Mr. Knowles’s first prize group was remarkable for magnificent
blooms, but the pots too obtrusive; hence Mr. Newell was a close second,
followed by Mr. Batten. The last-named exhibitor was first with twenty-four
incurved blooms ; for twelve blooms the honours falling to Messrs. Bentley,
Sullivan, and Smith; and for six blooms Mfssrs. Knowles, Bentley, and
Carter. Mr. Sullivan was first with twenty-four blooms of Japanese, twelve
of Anemones, and six table plants. Mr. Stevens was the first with reflexed
blooms and bouquets. Messrs. Woodhams, Moore, and Smollett had the
prizes for Pompons. The prizes for plants were chiefly won by Messrs.
Bentley, Metbven, and Burn-tt, and IVoodhams.

Messrs. Mahood ani Moore had excellent wreaths, for which they
obtained prizes. Messrs. Batten, Coombes, Methven, and Tugwell staged
splendid collections of vegetables, and Messrs. Smith, Knowles, and Batten
very good Grapes. This is all we are able to say of a truly admirable Show
that merits further notice. It is a pleasure to note that Mr. G. H. Pitt
remains the active Honorary Treasurer of the Society, and Mr. J. Moore the
courteous Secretary,

WINCHESTER. — November IGth and 17th.

Favoured by exc piional y fine sp ing-1 k1 weather th' fourth annual
Exhibition ot Chrysanthemums was opened at W nchester on Tuesday last,
and proved in all rt spec s much the beet of th - ser es held by the Horticul¬
tural Society in that d s r ct. The spac ous and hard om • Gu ldhall waB
devoted to the exhibits, which comprised sp cimen plants, groups, table
plants, cut blooms, table decorations, fru t and vegetables of remarkably
even quality. The competition was very keen in so ne cla sei, notably in
those for cut blooms, Appl s, and veg-table5, over a dozen staging in several
cases, and the total number of entries w is about 180. Th • contributions
were arranged as effectively as possible by the Hon. Secs., Messrs. R.
Porter and John B. Colson, and assisted by se eral members of the Com¬
mittee, notably by Mr. F. W. Flight, who also gained a well-merited share
of the honours accorded to the exhibitors.

The most imposing p ant o’ ass was that for a group of Chrysanthemums
in pots arranged for effect, quality also to be consid red. In this there
were five entries, Miss Butler, St. Thomas Strteb Winchester, li ading with
well grown plants, bearing fine b'ooms, both of incurved and Japan se.
The other prizes were adjudged ti Mr. T. Lowns, gardener ti F. C. Birch,
Esq., Clovelly Mr. T. Munt, gardener to Mrs. Warner, Northlands, and Mr.
G. Milden, gardener to Mrs. Turnor, Kingsworthy, the groups differing
chiefly in the quality of the blooms, but the last named had his front plants
too tall, while a very pretty group of Pompons had to be passed. Mr. Joy,
Shirley, was fii st with six specimen single stems, the varieties b ing Fair
Maid of Guernsey, Mrs. Sharpe, Dr. Sharpe, Mrs. Forsythe, Golden Chris¬
tine, and Peter the Great, all very even and well flowered. Mr. E. Wills,
gardener to Mrs. Pearce, The Firs, Bassett, Southampton, followed in this
class, but was first with six J ipanese, excellent plants, especially M. Astorg.
Mr. Joy had the premier single specimen Japanese, Bertie Rendatler, 5 feet
in diameter ; also the bast incurved or reflexed a similarly large G. Glenny,
Mr. Wills being second in each class with Fair Maid of Guernsey and Dr.
Sharpe. With a misodlanous group of p'ants Mr. J. E. Axford, garden r to
C. M. Shipley, Esq.. Twyford, was first, showing a graceful a-rangement of
Palms, Dractenas, Crotons, Poinsettias, Coleuses, Primulas, and Chrvsan-
themums, with a margin of Panicum. Mr. Neville, |gardener to F. W.
Flight, Esq., Cornstiles, Twyford, was a very close second, Cocos,
Bouvardias, and Zonal Pelargoniums b ing freely and tastefully employed.
Mr. T. Munt was third. Table plants were well shown by Messrs. Moly-
neux, Wills, and Warebam, who were awarded the prizes in that order, Mr.
Flight having six good double Primulas for the premier prize.

Cut. blooms were admirably represented, Mr. Molyneux gardener to
W. H. Myers, Esq., Swanmore Park, Bishops Waltham, winning the premier
honours in all the principal classes with both incurved and Japanese in
excellent condition, quite up to his high standard. He was first in two
classes for twenty-four incurved and Japanes-, with twelve Japanese,
twelve Anemones, and twelve reflexed, in most cases with plenty of points
to spare. Mr. Flight also exhibited well, taking the second place in Class 8
for twenty-f uir blooms (sixteen incurved or reflexed and eight Japanese)
with twelve refl xed, running Mr. Molyneux more closely than in any other
class, and third with twelve Japan se. Mr. Bowerman, Hackwood Park
Gardens, and Mr. Wills also competed in th-se c'asses. Mr. Flight had a
beautiful stand oftwelve Pompons, easily winning the first prize, al-o having
the leading twelve blooms in the amateurs’ class. Mr. Trinder, gardener to
Sir H. Mildmay, Bart., Dogmerofield Park, had some fine incurved blooms
in his p emier collection of twelve, his Japanese also bring of good sub¬
stance. In the classes for table decorations and vases of hardy shrubs,
Ferns, and Grasses, Miss Flight war the most successful exhibitor, showing
in both cases charmingly tast du! atraugemems, single p nk and w-iite Chrys¬
anthemums being freely and effectively used in the first named. Miss M.
W ells, Miss Bird, and Miss Brown secured other awards with graceful con¬
tributions. # \ '

Grap s were shown in capital condition, mostly well ripened and
coloured. For three varietie- Mr. T. Weaver, gardener to W. O. B. Beach,
E-q„ Oakley Hall, Basingstoke, was first, showing Lady Downe’s, Muscat of
Alexandria, and Alicante, all even, clean bunches, the last named superbly
coloured. Mr. Molyneux was second with Gros Guilla me, Trebbimo, and
Alicante, very large handsome buncbe3 ; Mr. C. Warden, gardener to Sir
J. F. Bathurst, Clarendon Paik. Salisbury, being third. Mr. Molyneux led
in the black variety class with two grand bunch-s of Gros Gui laume. Mr.
BoW' rman followed with Alicante, and was first in the white Grape class
with beautifully rip ned Mu-cat of Alexandria, Me sra. Weaver and Chalk
b“ing Becond and third with large clean b inches not quite so well coloured.
Mr. Molyneux had the heaviest bunch of G ap' s, G os Guillaume, weighing
7 lbs. 12 ozs. of good colour. Toe priucipa winners with Apples were
Messrs. Trinder, Ashri ige, Weaver, and Kneller, Mr. Trinder staging the
best Pears. Vegetables were excellent, seven very even collections being
staged. Mr. J. Dauncey. garde i r to J. Scane, E-q, Basingstoke, was a
cap tal first with b -autiful clean samples, c osely followed by Mr. R. Lye
gardener to W. H. Kmgsmill, Esq., Sydmonton, Newbury, and Mr. Kneller
all their collections being most creditable.

THE KINGSTON CHRYSANTHEMUM SHOW.

As anjexample of the method of arrangement adopted at one of the
most popular and successful autumn shows, we give an illustration
(page 455) of the Volunteer Drill Hall at Kingston-on-Thames, where the
annual Exhibition of Chrysanthemums was held last week. It is im¬
possible in shows of this kind to avoid some f irmality in the disposition
of the exhibits ; every effort is made to relieve this as much as possible,
and the result in this case is more than ordinarily satisfactory. Next to
the walls of the building were placed the groups of miscellaneous plants
and Chrysanthemums together, with specimens of the latter in several
classes. The principal of these were, however, arranged at the end of
the hall at the base of a small stage, as shown in the centre of our
illustration, and in that Jpcs'.ti in they bad a most telling appearanoe.

November 18. 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

461

The most important amongst them were the very handsome plants from
Mr. Gr. King, gardener to Mrs. Few, Esher, his half dozen specimens each
4 or 5 feet in diameter, and bearing hundreds of blooms, being worthily
awarded the premier prize.

The centre of the hall was devoted to the cut blooms, three tables
extending nearly the whole length of the building, and upon a third one,
across near the entrance, were arranged the collections of fruit — Apples
and^ Pears. In the centres of the tables, between the rows of cut bloom
boxes, were lines of table plants, “berried ” plants, Primulas, & c., the
first-named being especially useful for relieving the rather flat appearance
of this part of the Show.

WOKK jofiTHE WEEK i

34

sfiii

Q

KITCHEN GARDEN.

Sowing Peas. — The practice of sowing Peas in autumn has many
advocates, and there are some who do not agree with it, but if properly
done autumn sowing has many advantages, and one of the greatest of
those is, that when the plants get well up and are not too severely checked
afterwards they will blossom, pod, and be ready for use earlier in the
spring than any which can be Bown in the first months of the year.
Many rows which look well at the new year have almost disappeared by
March ; but this is no fault of the system, and failure often occurs from
neglect. Sometimes the seed is sown early in November and the plants
are upwards of 6 inches high by January, but these early plants suffer
most, and we would rather have our Peas 2 inches high on New Year's
Day than double that height. As dwarf stubby plants are not easily
injured by frost or wind and the present is quite early enough to sow the
seed ; it should be placed into good soil in the most sheltered and sunny
part of the garden. A south border is a good position for them, as the
sun has always much influence here in April and May. Only very early
sorts should be sowd. Open the drill s to a depth of 5 inches, sow the
seed rather thickly, cover with the soil, tread it over the seed and finish
with a layer of ashes. When the plants push through the ashes few snails
will trouble them, as they cannot travel over a sharp rough surface.

Broad Beans. — A sowing of these should be made at the same time
as the Peas. They will succeed in heavier soil than them, but the position
should be equally sunny, as it is in the spring time, when they are coming
nto bloom, that they require all the warmth possible. They delight in
rich s >il, and the ashes must be placed over them too, as the ,y are very
apt to be eateD, and a sharp look out must be kept that the ps.' ce do not
destroy the seed, as we have known them clear whole rows in a remarkably
short time.

Aspaeagus. — This is one of the most favoured of all vegetables.
Those who undertake its culture can never have it too fine, and many
complain that they cannot have it good enough, but liberal cultivation
will do wonders for it, and the beds or plantations must not be neglected
in winter. The growths have now withered, and they should all be cut
over a few inches above the level of the soil. We allow the ends lo pro¬
ject (hat it may be seen where the roots are. After cutting the rough
weeds and refuse are cleaned off, and a quantity of soot and salt are
mixed together, and a handful of this is sprinkled round each crown. A
little short manure is then spread on the surface of the soil, and they are
safe for the winter. Where the manure is scarce a forkful may be placed
to each crown, but where p'entiful the whole surface may be covered.
Where the soil is heavy sand mu*t be substituted for the manure, and if
seaweed can be obtained it should be used in preference.

Stoeed Potatoes. — All Potatoes will have been stored for some weeks
now, and it is just after they have been stored about the length of time
indicated that they are liable r > decay m< st. In fact, after this time
there is little or no loss, and the whole of the stored tubers should be
turned over, and all the bad ones removed. They should then be placed
back and covered again, whe i they will be safe for the winter.

Endive. — It is now this useful salad is Vecoming fully valued. There
is nothing better for winter salads than a good supply of Endive. When
blanched and crisp the inner leaves are excellent, being very tender and
possessing a distinct and pleasing flavour. For appearance the green or
moss-curled is perhaps the most ornamental, but our favourite for useful¬
ness is the Broad-leaved Batavian. It is the hardiest, and it is large and
excellent. It will bear much severe weather, but excessive frost and
damp are apt to make them decay, and the best way is to protect the
plants for midwinter and spring use. If lifted and placed into any
rough frame with a glass over them they will be safe. They should be
lifted with good balls of earth, and be placed in merely to touch each
other. This should be done before frost injures them, and those for im¬
mediate use must be blanched before cutting. We have tried various
ways of doiDg this, but consider the best to be that of tyiog the leaves
firmly together at the top. This keeps the interior dark and dry, and
produces excellent hearts.

Paesley. — Keep the plants free from dead leaves. Bend some sticks
over the bed hoop fashion, and throw some protection over these in the

time of frost or snow. Where there is any danger of the plants being
injured by severe weather, lift a quantity of them with large balls of soil
attached, and plant them carefully in a frame. Water immediately after¬
wards, and do not put the lights on until frost comes. Parsley is so
valuable in winter and spring that it must be secured, no matter at what
trouble.

Cabbage Plants. — These may soon have to bear severe weather,
and as it is always an advantage when they suffer as little as possible
from it. The whole of them should be well earthed up, as they suffer much
less when the soil is drawn close up to the stems than when these are ex¬
posed. A slight sprinkling of soot or lime thrown over them is also
beneficial.

White Tuenips. — Where these are nearly of full size the frost will
injure them quickly, and they should be lifted and stored. Those only
half grown or in a small state suffer less, and may be left in the
ground.

plant,;houses.

Bouvardias. — Where these have been kept cool up to the present time
they should be removed at once to a light structure where the temperature
will not fall below 50° at night. The flowers do not open well and freely
under cool treatment, but by the aid of gentle warmth they yield a long
supply of useful flowers for cutting. The latest of the stock may be kept
where the temperature will not fall below 45° for the purpose of forming
a succession.

Primulas. — If extra sized plants are required for flowering in the
spring select from the general stock as they are removed from cold frames
a number of dwarf sturdy plants that have not shown flowers. If these
are transferred from 5 to 7-inch pots they will continue growing, and in
the spring will repay the trouble of potting and a little extra care during
the winter. After potting give them a light position close to the glass and
water them carefully.

Freesias. — Imported bulbs of these are much cheaper than formerly,
and they deserve to be more generally grown, for they are very useful for
cutting, especially F. refracta alba. The bulbs can now be obtained, and
should be potted up at once. About six bulbs should be placed in each
4-inch pot in a compost of good loam, to which is added one-third of leaf
mould and a liberal dash of coarse sand. The bulbs should be first
covered with soil and the pots plunged in a cold frame, covering the sur¬
face of the soil with a little cocoa-nut fibre refuse. They should remain
in this position until they commence growing, when the material covering
the surface of the pots should be removed, the pots remaining plunged.
Cool airy treatment should be continued, merely protecting them from
frost, fur heat or a close confined atmosphere is certain to ruin them, and
has been the cause of innumerable failures in the past.

Vallota purpurea. — These may be stored away for the winter, but
they must not be dried off, for they are evergreen. Many mistakes are
made by keeping these plants too dry during the short days of winter.
They should occupy some position where they will enjoy an average
amount of light and where water can be supplied to them in sufficient
quantities to keep their foliage fresh. A vinery or Peach house at rest,
or a shady corner in the greenhouse, will suit them admirably — in fact,
any position where frost can be kept from them.

Zonal Pelargoniums. — The atmosphere must be kept comparatively
dry in which these are flowering, for a few days’ sunless weather and a
moist atmospere will cause the pips to damp. The plants should be ex¬
amined every morning and supplied with water if they need it, and then
a little extra heat turned on to evaporate up the damp. This will not be
needed on bright sunny days. Old and decaying pips must be removed
at once, or they quickly destroy the whole truss at this season of the
year. The whole of the plants flowering now will have their pots full of
roots, and will be much benefited by an application of artificial manure
applied to the surface of the soil. Young stock, whether singles or doubles,
and now in 3-inch pots, should have their shoots pinched if they have
extended beyond 3 or 4 inches in length. These, if kept close to the
glass in a temperature that does not fall below 45° at night, will be in
good condition for placing in larger pots in six weeks or two months
time. No attempt should be made to push these into growth, and no
more water should be given them than sufficient to keep their roots and
foliage in a healthy condition. This treatment will insure these plants
remaining in good condition until they are repotted and the days com¬
mence lengthening, when they will grow vigorously.

French and Fancies. — Plants intended for early flowering in 5-inch
pots may have any shoots that are taking the lead pinched for the last
time. These will break again into growth by the time they are ready for
the size pots named if they are not already in them. This is entirely a
question of space, and where this is limited the plants will be in 3-inch
pots, and if their shoots are pinched without delay they will have started
again into growth by the end of the year, and may then be potted and
encouraged to lengthen their shoots for flowering. Water these and later
batches with care, for if they are kept too wet at their roots s ft growth
will be made, and their foliage become spotted. No more water should
be given than is just sufficient to keep them growing.

Heliotropes — In order to keep these flowering through the whole or
greater portion of the winter they should occupy some structure where the
temperature at night will range from 55° to 60°. It they are to continue
flowering the plants must be kept growing slowly, or else they will sonn
fail. Where these temperatures cannot be maintained, and the plants
fail to bloom, they should not be thrown away, but kept in a temperature
of 50°, and they will commence fresh growth early in the year, and flower
again profusely. When reserved for this purpose they should not be

462

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ November 18, 1886.

pruned back ; the trusses of bloom will not be so large as from young
■vigorous plants, but they will be of moderate size and numerous, and
therefore equally effective for various decorative purposes. For autumn,
winter, and spring flower no variety surpasses White Lady. Young
plants in 3-inch pots should have their shoots pinched at once, or as soon
as they are ready, and must occupy a light position where a temperature
of 50° can be maintained.

Mignonette. — Some of the most forward plants that are showing
flowers must be allowed to develops to form a succession to those already
in full beauty. The remainder, that are trained either as standards or
pyramids, should be tied to the trellis from time to time and all flowers
removed as they appear. A little artificial manure applied to the surface
of the soil will keep their roots active and assist in the production of
dwarf sturdy growth. These plants must not be kept in a close confined
atmosphere, or fine spikes of bloom cannot be secured, for they will grow
too quickly, and the shoots will be weak and incapable of producing such
spikes as are desired. Plenty of air must be admitted to successional
plant*, and the whole watered carefully, at the same time never allowing
the plants to suffer by an insufficient supply.

Tea Roses. — Those in pots that had broken into new growth and were
housed towards the close of September should now be yielding a bountiful
supply of delicate buds. Up to the present time these have been kept
cool, if previous directions have been attended to, but from the present
time keep the ventilators closed to prevent the admission of cold draughts.
These, if allowed to strike upon their tender foliage, will quickly result
in an attack of mildew. The temperature from the present time should
also be prevented from falling below 60° at night ; it may safely rise 5°
higher on all mild occasions. This will keep the plants steadily growing
and producing buds. These plants will yield a welcome supply until
Christmas, when they should enjoy a short rest, and they will flower
freely enough in spring. Other plants may be seleoted that have made
1 or 2 inches of new growth. These, if brought on steadily, will continue
the supply of blooms into the spring. Those planted out for yielding a
supply of flowers will be on the move if the house in which they are
growing has been kept moderately close during the past fortnight. If
the blooms from these are wanted by Christmas, beep the house perfectly
close and maintain the same temperature as advised above. Syringe the
plants well during the morning of fine days with a weak solution of
softsoap. None of the plants, whether planted out or grown in pots,
should be allowed to suffer by the want of water at their roots. On the
other hand they must not be overwatered, and that applied must be of
the same temperature as the house, or a few degrees warmer. If aphides
appsar fumigate lightly at once with tobacco, or syringe the plants with
a weak solution of Fir tree oil.

Hybrid Perpetuals intended for very early flowering may now be
pruned back and sheltered in a cold frame or in a Peach house or vinery
at rest. The remainder of the stock may Btill be kept outside.

Greenhouse Rhododendrons. — These must not be stood upon dry
shelves or staging, for such treatment is detrimental to the well-being
of these plants. They should be kept perfectly cool, and stood upon some
moisture-holding material, or they will be certain to lose a good per¬
centage of foliage, and probably attacked with thrips, which quickly
injures them. They must also be kept in a moderately moist state at
their roots, for it is contrary to their nature to be kept dry. Dryness at
their roots will soon result in the ruin of the plants, for their fine silk-like
roots soon wither and die. The soil should be kept in an intermediate
state for moisture as near as possible.

Helleborus niger. — Good clumps may now be lifted and placed in pots
or boxes and sheltered in a cool house for a few weeks before pushing
them into bloom. This is rather a ruinous system, for Hellebores do not
like disturbing, and those lifted and forced will take two or three years
before they are thoroughly recovered. The best plan is to cover the
clumps where they are growing with handlights or a frame. The first
system has been given up, and this adopted for some years with much
better results. After the plants are covered the frame or handlights are
not ventilated ; in fact the lights are only opened to gather the flowers.
Good clumps yield a supply of pure white blooms with good stems for a
long period. After the whole of the blooms are gathered the lights are
tilted and left in this condition until genial weather in spring, when the
frames or handlights are removed.

THE FLOWER GARDEN AND PLEASURE GROUNDS.

Breaking up the Beds. — It is not often that the summer occupants of
the flower beds have of necessity to be removed before they are dis¬
figured by frosts ; yet this is what we are doiog this season, ia order that
the beds may be replanted for the winter. If delayed any longer the
chances are very wet or very cold weather may seriously impede the work ;
and besides, the Wallflowers, Forget-me-nots, Silenes, and other biennials
intended for the spring display are growing much too strongly and trans¬
planting will check this, thereby rendering them hardier. If it can
possibly be avoided the work of preparing and replanting the beds should
not be d"ne in wet weather, and on no account ought they to be dug long
before they are replanted, as one heavy rain would completely saturate the
newly loosened soil, aud plants do not thrive when puddled in. We
rarely dig our beds, but simply clear over the surface and replant at once.
Thus treated the beds are warmer, because drier, and the frost a are less
likely to heave the plants out of the ground. Spring-flowering plants are
bad exhausters of the soil, but in few cases is it advisable to attempt
manuring tte beds at the present time, as this can be done mote cleanly
and effectually just prior to putting out the summer bedding plants.

Replanting the Beds. — In many gardens much more is seen by the
propiietors and their friends of the winter bedding than of the summer,

and for this reason alone extra pains should be taken to complete it in as
effective a manner as materials at hand will permit. Various nurserymen
supply nearly or quite everything that is suitable, but if we except bulbs,
the bulk of the plants used are best prepared on the spot, drawing on the
nurseryman for what may be required to make good deficiencies. Masses
of Wallflowers in one colour only, edged with Myosotis, Silenes, Daisies,
or Violas, are very effective, and for the smaller beds two distinct kinds of
plants, such as Alyssum saxatile in the centre, with an edging of Silene
compacta; Saponaria calabrica edged with Arabia mollis; Collinsia
bicolor edged with Silenes ; Limnanthes Douglassi edged with red
Daisies ; Myosotis dissitiflora edged with common Primroses ; blue
Violas edged with white Daisies ; and Silene pendula edged with
Golden Pyrethrum. Various other combinations will suggest themselves
to intelligent planters, but the more simple the arrangements the more
showy and effective are the beds when in flower. None of the plants
makes much progress after being placed out, and for this reason they
ought to be disposed rather thickly, the beds being really covered without
actual crowding. They ought also to be planted firmly, especially if the
state of the ground is at all loose and dry. Where various hardy plants
are included with the summer bedding plants these need not be disturbed,
the beds being planted to harmonise with these. Carpet beds having a
groundwork of hardy trailing plants may have the figures filled in with
other hardy plants, such as Golden Pyrethrum, Ajuga reptans, small
selected Beet, Silene compacta, red and white Daisies, and Primroses ;
neat little Conifers, such as Cupressus erecta viridis, C. Lawsoniana alba
spica nana, Biota aurea, Retinospora obtusa nana aurea, R. plumosa
argentea and aurea, Thuia occidentalis aurea, as well as neat plants of
Yucca filamentosa and recurva, and clumps of Iris foetidissima variegata,
akming good ‘‘ dot ” plants.

HINTS TO BEE-KEEPERS.

Whether bees consume more food in a low temperature or
a high one during winter is a subject that has engaged the
attention of bee -keepers for a long time, but without any
satisfactory result. The subject is one of importance, but
for the present I do not intend to discuss it at much length.
I simply wish to impress bee-keepers with the fact that, owing
to the very mild October, bees were continually on the wing
during the daytime, consequently much food was con¬
sumed, and at the present moment many hives of bees that
were considered to be of sufficient weight to stand the winter
during September are almost in want, and unless fed now
will assuredly succumb before the new year. It will there¬
fore be wise for bee-keepers to see to the state of their hives
before it is too late. During the whole of my bee-keeping
life I have never before known so much food to be consumed
during October as this year, especially where the bees were
numerous. In one strong hive of Syrians I had occasion to
manipulate the other day, there was not more than three
pounds of honey, yet it had in it during August not less than
forty pounds, while all other strong hives are reduced in pro¬
portion, and the nows is the same from every quarter. If
bees could be kept quiet at a temperature of 55°, less food
would be consumed ; but it is the activity of the bees during-
mild weather that causes them to consume so much or more
than when quiet at a low temperature, when in reality it is
then that most food is required to sustain life.

Syrian bees have been engaging my attention a good deal
during the past week. Their eagerness to work together,
with their peculiar habits, are both alike interesting to me.
Some years ago I joined some bees of a different breed to a
handful of Cyprians ; the latter at once attacked the others
and killed every one, but not until three weeks had elapsed
did they accomplish their murderous design.

Owing to a number of queens being unfertilised I was-
under the necessity of joining the surplus bees to the best
advantage I could. The first one was a hive of Syrians of
full strength, which, after the usual precautions, except
scenting, which, owing to its queenless state, I did not deem
advisable, I joined to a fair quantity of Carniolians — success¬
fully I thought — and for two days no disturbance took place.
After that time the Syrians attacked the Carniolians in a
deliberate manner, killing them slowly but surely. It is now
a week since they were joined, and they are still killing. A

November 18, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

463

Becond one I attempted, but the Carniolians in this case made
the attack, and I could not induce the Syrians to remain in¬
side along with their antagonists. A third one, both Syrians,
joined peaceably, and remain so. A fourth one is similar, but
a striking peculiarity with these bees is that, although they
sometimes return to their old site, the moment they find
their old hive closed agamst them they return at once to their
new hive, and do not cluster at the entrance as other varieties
do. This peculiarity in the Syrians is exemplified and
amusing when they are engaged in a robbing expedition. If
shut out of their own hive they immediately return with their
booty to the hive it was taken from, thereafter start a
marauding expedition 'on some other hive, but shortly after
their own hive is opened they fly back to it with their
spoil.

Moving bees short distances is sometimes necessary, but
this should never be attempted unless on a fine day when
the bees are abroad, and they should not be moved forward,
but always backward. The reason for this is, that when
moved forward the bees fly over the hive, but when moved
backward the bees flying to the old site, and their heads being
directed towards their hive, soon discover it. When the hive
is not in position to allow the proper shift to be made, turn
the hive round gradually on fine days before moving.

Outside cases would be unfinished without a corner bead
or square block of wood chamfered on the outer corner,
which should be as thick as the two lining boards. When
the boards are accurately cut, and the corner piece nailed
firmly, it gives a complete finish and fine appearance tc the
whole. The above was omitted in my description of an
outside case in the number for October 28th. Amongst
my outside cases I have one with hive, minus stand of
iron for roof (the latter may be had from 6d. to 9d.), and
fromes, made from two old soap boxes which cost me only
4d., and about Id. for nails. To those who have a hanker¬
ing after old boxes to make hives, in addition to these
soap boxes, some Orange boxes answer the purpose
well.

Feeders, too, may be had both cheap and serviceable.
A good underfeeder may be had for a few pence. The tray
or trough to be pushed in beneath the perforated zinc may
be of any length or width to suit the hive and fancy of the
bee-keeper, but not more than three-eighths of an inch deep.
To support this tray a little bracket is nailed inside, and at
the back of the stand, as it is best to feed where the bees
do not annoy you, and to support it outside a piece of tin
or zinc is so bent as to form another bracket to be suspended
at the back underneath the tray ; two round holes are punched
in the back, and running upward from them oblong holes, so
that the round holes admit the heads of screws nearly flush
with the wood, then when the bracket is pushed over these
it slides down, and is held in its place by screw-heads.

To complete this feeder an old mustard or other tin or
bottle answers the purpose well. To make it, pierce a hole
in the lid so that a fair sized marble will go nearly through
without doing so, then solder on two pieces of tin crosswise
and U shaped to form a cage to keep the marble in its place,
and of sufficient depth to let it fall out of the way when the tin
is being filled, after which solder all tight. Now a little ring
of tin, one-eighth of an inch]deep, must be soldered round the
orifice, or the tin must be let down the same distance, so that
the outlet will be below the upper edge of the tray and prevent
the syrup overflowing. The tin must be so placed that none
of the syrup is exposed; there are different ways of doing
that which will suggest itself to the bee-keeper. If a bottle
is used, put a bung of wood in the mouth, having a hole on
the same principle as tin, and two wires crosswise will keep
the marble or ball in its place ; now take a block of wood,
having a hole sufficient in size to let the bottle neck pass
one eighth of an inch beyond the level, place this block
upon the projecting part of the tray, fill your bottle, and let
down ; the moment the marble touches the bottom the syrup
flows. — A Lanakkshire Bee keeper.

THE COTTAGER’S STRAW SKEP— HOW TO GET
HONEY FROM IT.

The next question is that of sections. These are now very cheap,
some firms advertising them as low as 25s. per 1000. They, of course,
are a little more than that in smaller quantities ; but when there are two
or three cottagers who can lay their heads together and get a 500 case or
a 1000 case between them it is worth doing so, even if they do not
require them all in one season. They will keep. Those who are members
of county bee-keepers’ associations will find the means of getting them
in small quantities through that medium with advantage. And tbe same
may be said of comb-foundation, the use of which is a necessary part of
the system. Having got sections and foundation, the next thing is to
fold them and fix the foundation in them. There are various ways of
accomplishing this, but the following simple plan will answer the cottager’s
purpose : — Take a piece of 1-inch deal, 3i inches wide, and cut it into

3J-inch lengths, cutting them perfectly square. The upper side should
be dressed quite smooth and one of the corners chamfered off, as shown
at a, fig. G5. Nail these — there should be two or three of them — on to
two narrow pieces of wood, as shown, leaving about three-quarters of an
inch distance between them.

Comb-foundation is made in sheets 12 inches by 8 inches. Sometimes
these sheets will come to hand cut into two, lengthwise. Cut these down
the centre again, using a straight-edge and a sharp-pointed knife, the
latter to be pressed very lightly. Next cut these into triangle-shaped
pieces about 2 inches wide at the base, and put them on a plate ready for
use. Place the poker in the fire and get hot; arrange your sections,
comb-foundation, and boxes conveniently. Take the sections, gently
bind each corner and fit the dovetail ends together, and press them home
with the thumbs. Place each on the blocks as it is done, with the dove¬
tail corners all one way, as at b. Take the hot poker from the fire, prop it
up in a convenient position, place your thumb of the left hand on the
top side of the section at c, grasp the lath under the block and hold it
in a slanting direction ; take a piece of foundation between the forefinger
and thumb of the right hand, just touch the hot poker with it, and at
once place it in position as at d, pressing it against the section. By the
time the last one is thus fixed the first will be ready to lift off and be
placed in the boxes, as shown at fig. 66, with a tin separator (a, fig. 66),

about 3£ inches wide between each. Having put in the last two place in
front of them a piece of glass (5 fig. 66) of a similar size, wedge all up
tight, and it is ready for placing on the hive. This getting boxes and
sections ready should be a winter’s job ; it should not be left till they are
wanted, and if I had written these notes when I was myself busy with
them they would, perhaps, be more in season. However, there is still a
few weeks in which to make preparation. Some advise sections to be
filled with comb-foundation. I do not approve of that. No doubt it is
a saving to the bees and trade for the makers, but it is not an acquisition
when placed on the breakfast table. A knife does not cut it so freely as
it does the comb, and consequently the lower side of the honey gets all
crushed ; the honey runs out into the dish, giving it anything but an
attractive appearance, and the pieces of foundation stick in your teeth,
which most people do not like. — A Cottage Bee-keeper.

ABOVE OR UNDER?— WHERE TO PLACE THE

EMPTY SUPER.

There are two distinct methods of “ tiering up ” supers. Each
may be used occasionally with more advantage than the other, but
it requires no superficial knowledge of localities, the usual length
of the honey flow, and the time of its occurrence, on the part of

464

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ November 18. 1886

the individual bee-keeper to determine which is the more profitable
course for him to follow. The main object with which the honey
is produced must first be ascertained, and the course will then be
clear. If Clover honey is desired it will be wiser to tier up by
placing the empty supers beneath the partially filled ones, while if
fruit honey is preferred the empty supers must be placed above
and not beljw those already on the hive. These are my conclu¬
sions ; and in order that there may be no misapprehension I will
briefly point out why the method of tiering depends upon the kind
of honey it is desired to obtain more than upon anything else.

The object of tiering is twofold — 1 , To give sufficient room to
prevent swarming ; 2, To have empty combs sufficient to hold all
the honey likely to be collected in a ten-days honey flow. With
the first of these reasons I have already dealt in other issues, and
it is to the consideration of the second only that I now desire to
call the attention of all who desire to adopt either plan. It is urged
by bee-keepers of great reputation that by placing an empty super
beneath the one already in a state approaching completion, the
latter is not only retarded, but is occasionally partly emptied in
order to supply honey for wax-production ; this wax to be used
in building comb to fill up the vacuum, which bees always detest,
between the brood nest and the top super. That this is the case
I am not prepared to say ; but if it was so, I should be more than
ever in love with this method of placing the additional supers.

The great value of tiering up in this manner can only be
realised by those who have bees strong enough to enter supers in
the last days of April or early in May. It is with reference to
localities in which fruit of all kinds, Sycamore, Beans, Clover, and
Lime yield honey when the weather is favourable until the middle
of July, that these arguments are specially adduced. Those who
have to sell honey, either extracted or in the comb, generally find
that “ dark ” honey, unless from Heather, is less readily saleable,
and realises a lower price than the Clover, which to my taste lacks
the exquisite flavour of honey gathered from Gooseberries or the
Sycamore. But if the honey is for sale, the taste of the purchaser
must be the great consideration. If, then, the dark honey is used
by the bees to make comb to contain the light honey, the advan¬
tage is on our side ; for the bees are kept busily at work comb¬
building until the Clover begins to yield, when nearly every worker
is set free to collect the nectar waiting to be stored for the use of
man. If on the 26th of April a sectional super is placed on a strong
stock, and fine weather intervenes, by the early days of May good
progress will have been made, and a second rack may be placed
beneath the first, and so every few days. As the bees get well to
work in each new placed super, another must be put beneath it
until the Clover comes into bloom. Few of these sections will
contain much honey, but the comb will be all built out. Some
hundred sections ready filled with comb await the honey flow. Fine
weather is alone needed to ensui e success ; if wet weather set in at
this critical time the harvest is lost, but a grand set of pure white
virgin comb is on hand to assist in a future year.

The weather being propitious, the result of this system is that
nearly all the honey is from white Ciover, and readily saleable at a
good price. The quantity is great, because the bees, instead of
being compelled in the midst of the honey flow to stay within and
build combs, are free to go forth in unusual numbers and bring in
the nectar ; the dark unsaleable honey has been utilised for the
providing of such combs, which are therefore cheaper than those
formed when the bees ought to be engaged in the fields gathering
the high-priced Clover honey.

Again, if the empty supers are placed above those already
partially filled, the bees do not so eagerly strive to fill the empty
one with comb, but bestow more attention on the first-placed super,
which will therefore be the sooner completed, and the bees are
more likely to swarm. To be sure we make certain of one super,
but at a loss of several. When once the great harvest is over,
super room must be gradually decreased, and the whole attention
of the bees concentrated on sealing the cells already filled, or in
finishing those not quite full ; but in the early season the bees
must be led by every possible means to build comb at the expense
of completed supers until the time comes when the most saleable
honey can be gathered, and then the bees are welcome to complete
their unfinished labour by filling and sealing the cells. These are
the reasons which urge me to advise all who desire to obtain white
honey of fine quality in the comb to adopt the plan of placing the
empty super beneath, unless at exceptional times, when they may
with advantage be placed above.

Many will continue to hold a contrary opinion to the one here
expressed, but they may be persuaded to try a single hive upon the
strict lines here given, never allowing the bees to suffer in the
slightest degree by want of room, but inducing them to build
comb until the time arrives when the supers must be completed.
It is better to give too much room than too little when once the
bees have set to work in earnest, and honey is coming in even in

moderate quantities ; comb ready built is filled in a surprisingly
short space of time, and when there are so many empty cells that
there is no delay caused by the bees having to wait until the honey
is fit for sealing, a great addition is made to the harvest, and the
bees are not compelled by enforced idleness to seek more room by
throwing off their surplus population in order to afford relief to
the remainder, who prefer to stay in the old home under the
sovereignty of a new monarch. — Felix.

Petroleum for Insects ( J . B.). — The correct method of preparing petro
leum has been giv-n twice during the present autumn. See page 216
September 2nd, 1886.

Lime for Fruit Border ( F . J.). — Not only can lime at the rate of ten
cartloads to the acre be safely applied to a border in which Btone fruits are
growing, hut twice the quantity will be much better if there is little or no
lime in the soil ; and then the dressing will be a very light one.

Watercresses (C. M. B.). — Mr. Shirley Hibberd’s admirable little work
■will probably suit you if still in print. We think it is published by Messrs.
Groombridge & Son. We are not able to answer your second question; all
are good that have been advertised in our columns.

Herniaria glabra (E. M., Wimbledon ). — This plant is quite hardy, and
succeeds in almost any position and soil, spreading quickly, and forming
a dense mass of growth close on the surface of the ground. It can be
readily propagated by division of the roots either now or early in the
spring.

Preserving Walnuts ( G . B. //.). — If you have no cellars at your com¬
mand we should place the nuts in large earthenware pipkins, or failing
these in la'ge flower pots, and bury them in a cool posit on in the garden.
We have kept nuts successfully by this simple method. In some of the
pots we have mixed sand with the nuts, others sawdust, and in other
pots the nuts have been placed without either sand or sawdust, and there
was little or no difference in the results. Walnuts may be kept for a
considerable time in an ordinary shed if they are placed in pots with
moderately moist sawdust, but not that from Fir trees, which contains
turpentine.

Marechal Niel Rose (C. H. 3.). — If you desire a number of blooms next
year you had better limit the pruning to the removal of any growths that
may be requisite to prevent overcrowding, and removing the soft ends from
those retained. These may be 6 or 8 inches apart, and may be cut back to
good buds on the stems after flowering, so as to encourage free growth for
flowering on another year. If you cut back some of the shoots now as
suggested strong shoots will push from these, and, kept clean during the
summer, will be in fine condition for flowering in 1888.

The Osage Orange ( G . B. '1 .). — The Osage Orange (Maclura aurantiaca)
is a tree growing from 20 to 60 feet high, and a native of North America.
The fruit is about the size of a large Orange, and consists of radiating
and somewhat woody fibres, with a tuberculated surface of a golden
colour, and is filled with a fetid, yellow, milky juice, with which the native
Indians smear their faces when going to war. This fruit is eatable, and
a few years ago it was attempted to cultivate the tree for the fruit in
this country, but fortunately without success, as it does not appear ever to
have been used anywhere as an article of human food. Both in this coun¬
try and America ihe tree forms excellent fences, and is now cultivated for
that purpose. The wood is bright yellow, very fine grained, and elastic ;
the Indians between the Mississippi and the Rocky Mountains use it for
making their bows, and hence the tree is called in America Bow-wood ; it
also yields colouring matter, and might possibly be as well adapted for
the purposes of dyeing as that of fustic.

Back Wall of Vinery (G. H.) — If the roof of your house is to be thickly
covered with Vines you must not expect any very profitable return of fruit
of any kind from the back wall, and it will be of little or no use your
planting either Peaches or Nectarines, as they would give little fruit, but
might produce excellent crops of red spider. We have seen a fairly good
crop of Alicante Grapes on the back wall of a vinery, also of Brown Turkey
Figs ; but if no sun can reach the foliage of Vines or fruit trees they
cannot be productive. You may grow goo.1 crops of Tomatoes for a year
or two, but these will not bear freely when the shade becomes dense.
Camellias are good for covering the back walls of vineries.

Winter Pears (72. S.).— Winter N61is is the only Pear that succeeds as
a standard, and it does not succeed well in cold localities, in which it
requires a wall. Ztepbirin Gr6goire, Iris Grdgoire, andBergamotteEsperen,
however, do fairly well, and are about equ >1 in hardiness to Winter Nblis.
The best late or winter Pear we have had from trees in the open was
Jean de Witte, and it bears freely as a standard.- For bush or pyramid
you could not have a better than Josephine de Malines. Winter Nelis,
Monarch, Iris Grcgoire, Bergamotte Esperen, Marie Benoist, Easter
Beurrd, Beurre Ranee, Ne Plus Meuris, and Olivier de Serres succeed in
favourable localities, and though not so large or fine-looking, keep better
and longer, and are finer as regards quality than from trees against a
wall We have had Jargonelle, Williams’ Bon Chretien, and some other
of the late summer and autumn P ars fairly good from a north wall, but
we do not advise tnem. North walls are best used for culinary Plums
or Morello Cherries, Currants, &c. For a south-east aspect, Jargonelle,
Clapp’s Favourite, Williams’ Bon Caret’en, Beurre Superfin, Louise Bonne
of Jersey, Ma ie Louis’, Conseill r de lr Cour, Beurrd Bose, Brockworth

November 18, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER ,

465

Park, Van Mons L5on Leclerc, Glon Morceau, Pitmaston Duchess,
Doyennd du Comice, General Todleben, Durondeau, Marie Louise d’Ucclp,
Beurrd Bachelier, Beur e d’Anjou, Beurrd d’Aremberg, Winter Nelis, Jose¬
phine de Malines, Marie Benois-, Napoleon, Nouvelle Fnlvie, and Beurre
Ranee may be chosen. They are named in the order of their ripening.
Cordons should be on the Quince stock, but all kinds do not succeed on
that stock, and such are double grafted, an extra charge being made for
them by the nurserymen.

Pruning Filberts (W. J. B.). — February is a good time for this, as
then the blossoms are usually apparent. The fruit is produced principally
on the former year’s wood, and generally from compact side shoots, the pro¬
duce of leaders of a short-jointed and mature appearance. Such lateral
fruit-bearing branches may be inducod in greater abundance by shortening
back strong shoots of this character. Thinning out. however, is one of the
principal matters ; for, unless this be duly attended to, the bush will become
crowded with worse than useless spray ; it will also obstruct the light from
the bearing portions as well as hinder the circulation of air. A great deal
of small spray will be produced on the inner portions of the branches ; and
this, although of the character of bearing wood, is generally unfruitful, and
must therefore be mostly pruned away. Anyone who observes the habit of
the Nut closely will soon perceive that the shrubs are most disposed to bear
at the extremities of the branches, thus evincing their partiality to plenty
of light and air. These, then, are the portions of the tree where the eye
must be directed as to fruit-bearing properties. The leaders, however, must
not be encouraged so thickly as to cross each other ; and, in order to pre¬
vent the lower portion of the head from becoming naked, a good strong
well-placed shoot may be occasionally encouraged, heading it back in due
time, in order to keep it producing side branches. After duly thinning
away superfluous shoots the principal leaders should be all shortened. As
a general rule, we should say, remove about a quarter of the length ; this
will cause the tree to produce abundance of side spray, from which in the
future spring the fruiting shoots may be selected.

Uvedale's St. Germain Pear ( C . M.). — The following particulars con¬
cerning the history of this Pear are given in “The Fruit Manual:” —
“ This appears to be an English Pear, and to have been raised by Dr.
Uvedale, who was a scboolmisrer, and lived at Eltham, in Kent, in 1690.
He appears to have removed to Enfield, where he continued his school.
Miller, in the first edition of his Dictionary, in 1724, speaks of him as Dr.
Udal, of Enfield, ‘A curious collector and introducer of many rare exoticks,
plants, and flowers.’ Bradley, in 1733, speaks of the Pear as ‘ Dr. Udale's
great Pear, called by some the Union Pear, whose fruit is about that length
one may allow 8 inches.’ I have ascertained by the old books of the
Brompton Park Nursery that it was grown there in 1752, under the name
of ‘Udale’s St. Jarmaine.’ Although doubts have been expressed by some
pomologists on the subject, I am quite satisfied that this is Belle Ange-
vine of the French; any pers n who has seen the two fruits could have
no doubt on the subject. But in M. Leroy’s Dictionary he makes it a
synonyme of Tonneau, a fruit to which it has no resemblance. One of
the reasons given in the ‘ Dictionnaire de Pomologie ’ for supposing it is
distinct from Belle Anvevine is, because in a French edition of ‘ Miller’s
Gardener’s Dictionary,’ Uvedale’s St. Germain is described as ‘ rond et verte
foned,’ but in all the English editions it is correctly described as ‘ a very
large long Pear, of deep green colour.’ The trouble M. Leroy has taken to
investigate the history of this Pear is very considerable, and he has de¬
voted a good deal of atten'ion to the subject He tells us that it received
the name of Belle Angevine from M. Audusson, a nurseryman at Angers,
who received it from the Garden of the Luxembourg, under the name of
Inconnue a Compote, in 1821. Beyond this M. Leroy cannot trace it. It
is very probable that by some means it was transported from England
to Paris, for it had already, before that time, been grown in our gardens
for upwards of a century.”

Names of Fruits. — The names and addresses of senders of fruit to be named
must in all cases be enclosed with the specimens, whether letters referring
to the fruit are sent by post or not. The names are not necessarily required
for publication, initials sufficing for that. Only six specimens can be
named at once, and surplus fruits beyond that number cannot be preserved.
{J. B.). — 1, Cornish Gilliflower ; 2, Franklin’s Golden Pippin ; 3, Hanwell
Souring; 4, Small’s Admirable ; 5. Bmrrd d’Amanlis ; 6, Moccas. (W. H.
Ashioin). — Large Apple, Kentish Fillbasket. Smaller, Hollandbury. Pear,
not known. (TV. K.). — No. 1 is perfectly rotten ; 2, Blenheim Pippin.
(G. S., Kent). — 1, Colmar d’Aremb'erg ; 3, Nouveau Poiteau ; 4. Beurrb
Diel ; 5, Beurre Capiaumont ; 6, Nouveau Poiteau. ( W. Jones, Birkenhead).
— 1, Gil-o-gil ; 2, Dumelow’s Seedling; 3, Duchesse d’Angou'eme; 4,
Gansel’s Bergamot ; 5, Brown Beurre; 6, Red Doyenne. (A. Dunkley). —
3, Herefordshire Pearmain. All the others had lost their number from
being packed so loosely, the large red one is Cox’s Pomona, and the two
small ones are Fearn’s Pippin. (A Constant Reader) — 1, Uvedale’s St.
Germain ; 2, Easter Beurre ; 3, Hacons Incomparable ; 4, Cobham. (A. B.).
— 1, Lewis; 2, Colmar; 3, Napoleon; 4, Beurre d’Aremberg; Apple not
known. (G. Mildon). — l,Cati)lac; 2, Gansel’s Bergamot; 3, Comtesse de
Flandres ; 4, Beurrb Superfin ; 5, M Tie Louise ; 6, Beurrd Louise ; 6, Beurrd
Bose ; Apple Ribston Pippin. (W. F. G. G.). — 1, Gravenstein; 2, Lewis’ In¬
comparable ; 3, Fearn’s Pippin; 4, Eyewood; 5, not known; 6, Yicar of
Winkfield. (Ar. H. P.). — Brown Beurre.

Names of Plants. — We only undertake to name species of plants, not
varieties that have originated from seed and termed florists’ flowers.
Flowering specimens are necessary of flowering plants, and Fern fronds
should bear spores. Specimens should arrive in a fresh state in firm
boxes. Slightly damp mo3s or soft green leaves form the best packing, dry
cotton wool the worst. Not more than six specimens can be named at once.

W. K.). — 1, Nertera depressa ; 2, Monocbastum Humboldtianum.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET. — November 17th.

Large supplies of St. Michael’s Pines to han^, causing home-grown
fruit to be much depressed. Grapes still in heavy supply, consisting mainly
of such late sorts as Gros Colman, Alicantes, and Lady Downe’s. Business
quiet,

FRUIT.

3.

d

8.

d.

s.

d.

9.

d

Apples .. ..

l

6

to 4

0

Melon .

0

0 to 0

0

i» Nova Scotia and

Oranges ..

6

0

13

0

Canada

, per barrel 12

0

21

0

Peaohes .

. perdoz.

0

0

0

0

Cherries . . . .

0

0

0

0

Pears .

1

0

2

0

Cobs . . . .

60

0

70

0

Pine Apples English., tb.

1

6

g

0

Figs .

. dozen

0

6

0

9

Plums .

. 4 sieve

1

0

2

0

Grices .

0

6

3

9

St. Michael Pine3

. .each

4

0

6

0

Lemons .

0

15

0

Strawberries ..

. per lb.

0

0

0

0

VEGETABLES.

8.

d.

9.

d

fl.

d.

8

d

Artichokes

.. dozen

l

0 to 0

0

Lettuce .. ..

1

0 to 1

6

Asparagus

.. bundle

0

0

0

0

Mushrooms

.. uunnet

0

6

i

0

Beans, Kidney

per bushel

2

0

3

0

Mustard and Cress punnet

0

3

0

0

Beet, Red

.. dozen

i

0

3

0

Ouions .. ..

0

3

0

0

Broccoli .. ..

.. bundle

0

0

0

0

Parsley .. dozen bunches

2

0

3

0

Brussels Sprouts

.. J sieve

1

6

a

0

Parsnips.. ..

1

0

2

0

Cabbage .. . .

1

6

0

0

Potatoes.. ..

4

0

5

0

Capsicums

.. 100

I

6

3

0

, , Kidney

.. cwt.

4

e

5

0

Carrots . . , .

0

4

0

0

Khubarb . .

0

3

0

6

Cauliflowers ..

.. dozen

3

0

4

0

Salsafy .. ..

1

0

1

0

Celery . . . .

1

6

2

0

Scorzonera ..

.. bundle

1

6

0

0

Coleworts doz. bunches

a

0

4

0

Soakale .. ..

per basket

0

0

0

0

Cucumbers . .

. . each

0

3

0

4

Shallots .. ..

0

3

0

6

Endive .. ..

i

0

2

0

Spinach .. ..

8

0

4

4

Heros . . . .

0

a

0

0

Tomatoes ..

0

2

0

6

Leeks . . . .

0

8

0

4

Turnips ., ..

bunch

0

4

0

0

PLANTS IN POTS.

8.

a.

s.

a.

8.

d.

8.

dO

Aralia Sieboldi .. dozen

9

0 to 18

0

Ficus elastica

. . each

i

6 to

7

0

Arbor vitm (golden) dozen

6

0

9

0

Fuchsia

per dozen

0

0

0

0

„ (common) dozen

6

0

12

0

Foliage Plants, var. each

2

0

10

0

Asters . . . . per dozen

0

0

0

0

Heliotrope

por dozen

0

9

0

0

BeddiDg Plants, var. doz.

0

0

0

0

Hydrangea ..

per dozen

0

0

0

0

Begonias . . . . dozen

4

0

9

0

Ivy Geraniums

per dozen

0

0

0

0

Chrysanthemum . . dozen

6

0

12

0

Lilium auratum

per doz.

0

0

0

0

Cockscombs per dozen

0

0

0

0

Lobelias . . . .

per dozen

0

0

0

0

Cyperus . dozen

4

0

12

0

Marguerite Daisy dozen

6

0

9

0

Dractena terminalis, dozen 30

0

60

0

Mignonette . .

per dozen

3

0

6

0

viridis .. dozen 12

0

24

0

Musk . . . .

per dozea

0

0

0

0

Erica, various . . dozen

9

0

12

0

Myrtles . . . .

6

0

12

0

„ hyemalis per dozen 12

0

24

0

Palms, in var.

. . each

2

6

21

0

„ gracilis per dozen

9

0

13

0

Pelargoniums, scarlet, doz.

3

0

6

0

Euonymus, in var. dozen

6

0

18

0

Pelargoniums

per dozen

0

0

0

Evergreens, in var. dozen

6

0

24

0

Primula sisensis

per doz.

4

0

6

0

Ferns, in variety . . dozen

4

0

18

0

Solanums

per doz.

9

0

12

0

CUT

FLOWERS.

s.

a.

s.

a.

s.

d.

8.

d.

Abntiions .. 12 bunches

8

0 to 4

0

Lily of the Valley, 12 sprays

0

0 to 0

0

Arum Lilies .. 12 blooms

4

0

6

0

Marguerites . .

12 bunches

2

0

6

0

Asters . . . . 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Mignonette ..

12 bunches

1

0

3

0

Azalea .. . . 12 sprays

1

0

1

6

Nareiss. Paper-white, bunch

0

4

0

0

Bouvardias .. per bunch

0

6

X

0

„ White English, bunch

1

3

1

6

Camellias .. 12 blooms

3

0

4

0

Pelargoniums, per 12 trusses

0

9

X

6

Carnations . . 12 blooms

1

0

8

0

„ scarlet, 12 trusses

0

4

0

0

„ .. 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Roses

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Chrysanthemums 12 bches.

2

0

6

0

„ (indoor),

per dozen

0

6

2

0

„ 12 blooms

Cornflower .. 12 bunches

0

6

3

0

„ Tea.. ..

0

9

3

0

0

0

0

0

,, red

. . dozen

1

0

2

0

Dahlias . . 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Parme Violets (French)

4

0

5

9

Epiphyllum.. doz. blooms

0

6

0

0

Primula (single)

per bunch

0

6

0

0

Eucharis . . per dozen

8

0

6

0

„ (double)

per bunch

0

9

1

0

Gardenias .. 12 blooms

3

0

5

0

Py rethrum . .

12 bunches

3

0

6

0

Gladioli . . 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Stephanotis , .

12 sprays

4

0

6

0

Hyacinths, Roman, 12 sprays

1

6

2

0

Stocks, various

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Lapageria, white, 12 blooms

2

0

4

0

Tropseolum ..

12 bunches

i

6

2

0

Lapageria, red . 12 blooms

1

0

2

0

Tuberoses

12 blooms

0

6

1

0

,, lougiflorum, 12 blms.

6

0

8

0

Violets . . . .

12 bunches

1

0

i

6

Lilac (white), French, bunch

6

0

8

0

„ Czar, French, per bunch

1

3

i

9

DAIRY COWS.

Since writing our last paper we have had to inspect the
farmhouse and outbuildings of one of our tenants. The cow
sheds were sufficiently snug and commodious, but the yard
was not well littered, and there was much foul litter in it.
When we came to the dairy some pats of butter were handed
to us with the remark, “ We are rather proud of our butter.”
The dairywoman had doubtless done her best, and the butter
was of a rich colour and attractive appearance, but it had
an offensive odour that told us unmistakeably it was not
good. We must be careful here to explain that nothing
wrong was perceptible about the butter till we held it up and
smelt it closely : then, and not till then, did we detect that
faint subtle taint which so unmistakeably tells us that from
some cause or other the butter will prove offensive to the
palate of a connoisseur. This simple process of testing
butter by the sense of smelling tells us at once if it will prove
acrid to the palate or not. If it does so the fault may arise

466

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDER Eh.

[ November 18, 1886.

from a variety of causes. We have already shown how im¬
portant it is to have a special dietary for dairy cows, to have
also a full supply of pure water, and to take care that they
cannot get at horse dung or other foul litter. In addition
to such precautions we must have perfect cleanliness, not
only of the dairy itself and of every vessel and utensil used
in it, but also of the atmosphere of the dairy. It must be
clearly known that butter may be spoilt by exposure to foul
odours, as well as by improper food having been given to the
cows. Two things go far to insure a supply of good butter
at this season of the year — a dietary of bran, the best meadow
hay, carrots and crushed oats, and the milk of a cow that
has just calved. It is for this reason that we try to have a
cow or two to calve at intervals of two or three weeks through¬
out the winter. It was the plea of “ stale” cows by dairy-
women as an excuse for bad butter in winter that caused us
first of all to recognise the importance of having a few cows
to calve at intervals from autumn till spring. The home
farm manager must, however, after giving due heed to diet
and cleanliness, also be on the alert to see that the whole of
his orders are carried out. If h9 does not do so it is quite
possible that some morning “the squire” or “my lord”
may send for him, and, handing him a pat of the butter that
is made daily for table use, request him to “ smell that.”
Compliance with such a request is not unaccompanied by a
sense of humiliation as well as of vexation ; and in order to
avoid undergoing such an ordeal we are bound to see for
ourselves that every detail of cow and dairy management has
close and full attention.

Quantity as well as quality of food must also have intel¬
ligent attention. We give no statement of weight or measure,
but rather recommend thoughtful judicious treatment. Feed
each cow according to its size, strength, and constitution.
A little watchfulness and care here will soon enable us to
feed the cows so as to keep up a healthy condition without
waste. It is obvious that the huge frame of a shorthorn
requires more sustenance than that of the smaller Jersey or
Kerry. This mention of some of the different breeds of cows
brings us to the important question of which are the best
cows for dairy purposes. For a large home farm where
distinct dairy and stock herds are kept Jerseys generally have
preference, but for a small farm a cross-bred animal from
a carefully selected Guernsey cow and a shorthorn bull bred
from a deep milking cow is best, because in such an animal
we have the best possible combination of an abundant yield
of rich milk with that tendency to lay on flesh which enables
us to turn a barren or otherwise faulty cow to best account
by fattening it for the butcher.

Avoid turning dairy cows out upon grass land during
winter ; they can derive no good from bare pastures, and
when once settled in yard and sheds it does harm to disturb
them. If they are turned out to roam over the grass occa¬
sionally they are never so quiet as they ought to be in the
yards, and are always in a restless condition when let out of
the cow house in the morning. We have found it answer
best to give them the bran with minced Carrots or Mangold
during milking. After milking they have hay in the racks
and cribs in the yards, and while the hay is being eaten there
is always more or less of bullying. Like boys at a public
school, cows in a yard soon find their level, and keep it too ;
for which reason we always keep small or weak cows apart
from the others, and any very pugnacious cow has brass
knobs screwed upon the tips of the horns. It may appear
to experienced farmers that we needlessly enter upon trivial
details. We must ask their forbearance for the sake of those
beginners who, we always strive to remember, require every
little matter to be made clear for their guidance.

WORK ON THE HOME FARM.

We have just removed the 'ewe flock at the home farm from turnip
folds to grass. While the weather continued fine we gladly turned this
flock to account for folding upon white Turnips with a strong growth of
green tops ; but the first sharp frost made us anxious about them, and
when heavy rain followed we gave the shepherd strict orders that if cold
wet weather continued Turnip folding must cease for all pregnant ewes.

To allow them to consume large quantities of such food in unfavourable
weather is to risk a serious loss of lambs, for the mass of cold watery food
causes a chill to the body, the daily repetition of which is most dangerous.
Much harm is also done when ewes are kept in a very muddy fold, for
there is much straining, as the feet — or. to be correct, we ought to say the
legs — are lifted with difficulty out of the mud. We are so fond of sheep
folding that we have kept both our ewe flocks out upon the arable land as
long as was safe. Hoggets and crones will continue in folds almost
without exception till they are ripe for market. When walking through
an eleven-acre field of Rye upon the home farm a few days ago, we came
upon a striking example of the value of sheep folding. About half the
field was under Winter Tares in spring, and they were folded off by the
ewes and lambs, well fed with corn and lamb food. The other half had
a catch crop of Oats after Swedes, and now the Rye shows where the
folding was done to an inch, the growth on that part of the field being
twice as strong as it i3 on the other part. The lesson is to us mo e than
usually important, from the fact that after the folding of the Tares was
finished we were unable to have the land ploughed at once, as the hay¬
making was upon us ; so it was left untouched for several weeks fully
exposed to a parching sun, and we feared there must be a consequent loss
of fertility. If there was any such loss it was of so trifling a nature
that it is not now perceptible, and we are bound to conclude that the
fertilising constituents of the sheep manure, especially that of the urine,
was absorbed and retained by the soil. As the tups are withdrawn from
the ewes they will be fattened for the butcher, to whom they will, of
course, be sold at a less price than we gave for them ; but when they have
served our turn for breeding purposes we always dispose of them, as we
prefer lamb tups to older animals.

SMALL HOLDINGS.

It may be of interest to many of the readers of the Journal of Horti¬
culture to know that a Society has been formed under the auspices of the
Earl of Onslow, the Earl of Egmont, the Right Hon. Henry Chaplin, M.P.,
and other large landowners, the object of which is to provide every in¬
dustrious labourer, not with three acres and a cow, but with one acre and
a cottage. There is no doubt this latter can be done, and well within
the means of an agricultural labourer, and there is also no doubt that a
man with an acre of at all decent land at the back of his bouse deserves
to starve if he cannot feed himself and his family off it by working in
his spare time. I look upon the “ three acres and a cow ” as an absurdity.
As a general principle it is remunerative to grow what you want for the
consumption of your own family, but if you have to market your produce,
as is the case in cow-keeping, profit disappears, and your labour goes to
pay railway charges and the expenses of brokers and other middlemen.
I believe the price of fresh milk in most country parishes is 3d. a quart,
and of good skim milk Id. Introduce into those parishes as many more
cows as there are now, and it will pay nobody to keep them. On the
other hand, a labourer comfortably housed, and tilling an acre of land
adjoining his house, can grow enough corn to feed his family, and thus
save his baker’s bill. He can also have a garden large enough to grow
vegetables — Potatoes, Peas, Beans, &c. — for his own use and for fattening
a couple of pigs, to say nothing of the poultry he could keep in condition,
and feed on the produce of his land. In fact, sugar, tea, and clothing need
he his only sources of outlay. The economical aspect of the question —
viz., how can these things be provided on sound financial principles ?
has been considered and solved satisfactorily, and the Society will be in
full work in less than a month _ W. M.

OUR LETTER BOX.

Storing Mangold Wurtzels ( Lankhitts ). — If the ground is perfectly
drained they may be stored in a pit as iu your first sketch ; if there is any
fear of water accumulating in the pit, store on the level and dig a trench
right round, covering the heap with the earth excavated.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Camden Square, London.

Lat. 51° 32' 40" N.; Long. 0° 8' 0" W. ; Altitude, 111 feet.

DATE.

9 A.M.

in the Day.

p

c!

K

1886.

November.

Barome¬
ter at 32«
and Sea
Level

Hygrome¬

ter.

Direction
of Wind.

| Temp, of
Boil at

1 1 foot.

Shade Tem¬
perature.

Radiation

Temperature.

Dry.

Wet.

Max.

Min.

In

Bun.

Oa

gras-

Inches.

dear.

deg.

deg.

deer.

dee

dee

dee

In.

Sunday .

7

29.546

39.5

37.7

N.

47.1

48 1

36 8

72.3

26.8

—

Monday .

8

29.786

33.9

33.7

S.E.

46.2

479

31. 1

78.2

22.3

—

Tuesday .

9

29.308

45.1

43.3

N.E.

44.8

4 ..9

33 2

50.6

27.6

0.238,

Wednesday ..

10

29.314

44.7

44.6

N.E.

44 8

472

39.4

50 8

28 7

0.508

Thursday ....

11

29.509

44.2

44.2

N.

45.0

46.7

40.8

49.4

32 0

0.367

Friday .

12

29. ’36

43.1

41.7

S.W.

4 L3

48.4

40 7

48.4

36 8

0.083

Saturday ....

13

29.486

42.7

41.4

8.

45.4

49 6

39.2

75.1

3J.8

0.022

29.502

4L.9

40.9

1

1 £

47.7

37.3

60.7

29.6

1.218-

REMARKS.

7th.— Fine bright cold morning, cloudy in afternoon, fine bright night.
8th.— Fog early, bright cold day.

9th. -Dull, with -pots of rain in morning; wet afternoon and evening,
loi h.— Very wet day, clear bright night,
llth. — Wet from early morning till midnight.

I2ih. — Overcast morning, damp afternoon, wet evening.

13th.— Fine and pleasant, with some sunshine.

A cold week with a considerable lull of rain.— G. J. SYMONS.

November 25, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDEN ER.

4G7

COMING EVENTS

25

26

27

28

29

80

1

TH

F

8

fUH

M

TU

W

Birmingham Chrysanthemum Show (second day).

Sale o f Orchids in the Cheapside Rooms.

1st Sunday in Advent.

S.ile of Bulbs at Mr. Stevens's Rooms.

EPIPHYLLUMS.

^NLY a few years ago these were popular plants
for winter decoration, but fashion and the
demand for abundance of flowers suitable for
cutting has left them practically unrecognised.
This is to be regretted, for no more effective
plant than the Epiphyllum when profusely flowered
can be grown. In private establishments their
attractions have not generally been seen to ad¬
vantage, they have been kept too long until their
heads or branches have become heavy, and they need
liberal support to prevent breaking. The beauty of such
specimens is destroyed, for they cannot be used in any arrange¬
ment or group when the object is to present a telling effect.
Epiphyllums can, however, be grown to present a very
pleasing and picturesque appearance when grouped suitably
with other plants. To accomplish this result old plants that
require much support must be discarded, and young ones
grown for the purpose. It may not perhaps b9 known that
they can be grown in about twelve months with heads 1 foot
to 18 inches across as easily as a Croton, Poinsettia, Plum¬
bago, or a Primula. To keep on hand a creditable stock of Epi¬
phyllums most suitable for decorative purposes, they should not
be retained more than three years, two years being better for
the purpose in view ; for if they are retained longer the heads
become large and heavy, the pots are too large for many
purposes, and if the roots are confined they have a checked,
stunted appearance. One great objection to keeping large
or old plants is the amount of room they occupy the whole
year, which is not the case with young ones grown on
annually or every second year. The well-grown shapely
specimens produced by the trade to meet the demand a few
years ago are very similar to the plants, perhaps scarcely bo
large, that I advise to be grown as the most suitable for the
various forms of decoration.

The first matter of importance in raising a quantity of
these plants is the stock upon which they are worked. The
one used is Pereskia aculeata, but for plants with tall stems
P. Bleo is said to be the most suitable on account of its
stronger growth. Epiphyllums with tall stems are not, as a
rule, so ornamental as those about 9 inches or 1 foot above the
surfaco of the soil ; a few tall plants can occasionally be
utilised in grouping with admirable effect, but on the whole
they are less serviceable than those on shorter stems. Many
strike the cuttings of Pereskia, and then grow them on in
pots until they are strong enough for grafting ; but the best
system in the preparation of Btocks is to plant a vigorous
young Pereskia in the corner of a warm house, where the
night temperature will not fall below 60°. It will grow in
any ordinary soil, and just to show that it is not particular
in this respect, it may be stated that our stock plant is
growing amongst cocoa nut fibre refuse. "When planted out
it should be trained upright until it reaches a wire, and then
under the roof of the house until it attains some yards in
length, which it will do in a very short time after it is once
established. The greater the length the growth is allowed to
the thicker will be the stem. As the plant grows all
No. 335. — Vol. XIII., Third Series.

side shoots should be carefully removed. When it has
extended about 14 feet it will make a dozen stout stocks that
will be 9 inches above the surface of the soil, these and others
1 foot in length are of a very useful size. This shoot should
be cut into lengths according to the length of stock required,
allowing from 2 to 8 inches for inserting into the soil. When
cut into lengths every eye from the axil of the leaves should
be carefully removed, and the cuttings inserted in sandy soil
in 8-inch pots. Let the leaves remain upon these stocks or cut¬
tings. Split the top of the stock down the centre, and insert
the scion at once, the scion consisting of a strong piece of
Epiphyllum that will branch three ways if possible ; small
pieces with one or two joints should not be used. Bemove
the bark on each side of the scion, just the width of the stock,
and then carefully insert it, making the two secure with
matting. If the scion have a tendency to slip out when
tying it, place a small pin through it and the stock ; with care
they can be tied without. A good watering should be given,
and the pots stood or plunged in a close propagating frame.
If shaded from the sun in a close moist frame the stock will
be thoroughly rooted, and the scion and stock united in three
w<eks, when they may be gradually exposed in any warm
house.

The best time for grafting is early in the spring or
autumn ; if done during the former season the plants, if
grown on rapidly, will now average 1 foot across the heads.
These plants will have to be well ripened after October, and
will be later coming into flower than those worked in early
autumn. Those grafted during the latter season will have
filled the 3-inch pots with roots by spring, ready for placing
in others 2 or 3 inches larger. In these fine heads 18 inches
in diameter will be developed, and by Not ember the following
year they will be studded with flower buds. If two dozen
plants are raised annually half the number should be grafted
in autumn, and the others in spring. This will insure two
sizes, and the plants will come into bloom at different
times, thus naturally forming a succession. The Pereskia
when once established and cut down in autumn for stocks
will start again vigorously into growth, and produce equally
good wood for stocks in the spring.

When plants with large stems are required, the best plan
perhaps is to strike cuttings and then grow them singly
in pots. Be-pot the stocks from time to time as they
require root room until they are sufficiently strong for
grafting at the desired height. The top portion can be cut
into lengths for shorter stems.

Epiphyllums are very beautiful in baskets, and the best
method of producing them is to insert four strong cuttings
in a 5-inch pot, grafting them when inserted the same as
advised for those placed into 3 inch pots. The length of these
cuttings will entirely depend upon the size of baskets
employed. The tallest should be in the centre, and the three
lower ones at equal distances round the sides of the pots.
Those at the side should be sufficiently long to reach the
edge of the basket, so that the stock can be secured to it.
One plant will fill a basket, but four fill it in much less
time ; in fact, in one season it will be well furnished by this
method.

After the plants are worked keep them until the spring
in a night temperature of 60°, in which progress will be slow,
but in spring they will commence active growth with increased
heat and moisture. During the growing season they delight
in a warm close atmosphere, where they can be shaded from
strong sun. Our plants grew particularly well last year in a
house that never had the ventilators open. They must also
be liberally supplied with water at their roots during the
growing season. When the soil is kept moist about the
roots they extend with great rapidity, but when allowed to
become dry their fine silk-like roots quickly perish.

A general practice is to pot Epiphyllums with a certain
amount of lime rubbish in the soil ; in fact, many failures
have arisen from the poor soil given to the plants. Lime

No. 1991 --Vol. LXXV., Cld Series.

468

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDEN ER.

[ November 25, 1886

rubbish is not needed, and the better the soil the more satis¬
factorily will they grow. A very suitable compost in which
these plants do well is rich fibry loam, one-fourth leaf mould,
one-seventh of cow manure, and a liberal dash of coarse sand.
A little charcoal in the soil proves beneficial if the loam is
inclined to be heavy. When the pots are full of roots manure
applied to the surface of the soil will keep the roots in
activity and assist the plants wonderfully. Directly growth
has been completed the stems should be ripened by gradual
exposure to light and a cooler atmosphere. This is essential
if they are to flower profusely ; they will not flower on
growths that are soft and unripened. The advance of these
plants can be prevented at almost any time after a good
growth has been developed — that is, say towards the middle
or end of September, or even earlier, by the treatment
advised. By following this method the plants can be
brought into bloom successionally, but if left in the same
structure, and subjected to heat and moisture, they soon start
again.

Fatal results often attend the resting of Epiphyllums,
which are due to the want of knowledge of their cultural
requirements. The plants must not be removed from a close
warm house to a cold one, or they suffer severely. They
should be placed in a house 10° lower than the one in which
they have been growing, less moisture should be given
and more light. This is sufficient to bring growth to a
standstill and ripen it thoroughly. Failure results very often
during the ripening or resting period from subjecting the
plants to a roasting system of culture. How many may
have been ruined through being kept so dry at their roots
until their branches and growth shrivel ! This treatment
destroys the whole of the roots, and the greater portion of the
moisture stored in their fleshy growth is evaporated. They
require a drier atmosphere than the ordinary stove, and a
temperature of 50°, with just sufficient water at their roots
to keep the branches in a fresh plump condition. After they
are once hardened and ripened they will bear cooler treat¬
ment for a time, and may be safely kept in a cool house. If
♦ he soil is wet about the roots while the plants are in a cold
house they are certain to fail.

To display Epiphyllums to advantage when they are in
bloom they should be arranged with Adiantum cuneatum or
other dwarf Ferns that will form a pleasing groundwork.
Profusely flowered heads are shown to great advantage when
they rise above the groundwork of green foliage. They can,
however, be tastefully arranged amongst other flowering
plants, but care should be taken to elevate them well above
surrounding objects. Neat well-grown examples are strikingly
beautiful for dinner-table decoration ; they are also very
ornamental in rooms standing singly in vases. Several
other methods of utilising these charming plants are also
detailed in Mr. L. Castle’s treatise on Cactaceous plants.

The varieties E. Russellianum and E. truncatum are
rather numerous, and all that I have yet seen are worthy of
cultivation. — V Northerner.

FRUIT JOTTINGS FROM KENT.

We often notice early in the season (when too soon to make
certain) glowing accounts of the large quantities of many sorts
of fruits, which are supposed to be grown in various localities;
but this is praising the pudding before eating it. Now, however,
the case is very different, as we have used and marketed (I am
sorry to say the latter not at all profitably) the various earlier
kinds in their season, and stored away for successional use the
more lasting varieties of Apples and Pears, together with Cobs
an 1 Chestnuts, for all of which this part of the country is so
widely famed. Consequently we can write now with more satis-
fact'on from past experience than from any speculative anticipa¬
tions. Our experience is as fol'ows, of successes and failures.
With early forced Strawberries, Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury
and Sir .T. Paxton both did well, but a third and later batch
(Sir C. Napier) were attacked by mildew, which was conveyed to
several of the best bunches of Black Hamburgh and Golden
Queen Grapes in the house. This, however, was quickly eradi¬
cated by the timely application of milk and sulphur to the pipes

that were then sharply heated. Out of doors Strawberries were
generally a failure in this neighbourhood. Our Grapes, through
being s'ightly overcropped, were a tririe deficient in bloom, and
refused to keep so well as in former years. Peaches have been
abundant indoors and out. We find Ivy an excellent protection
in the spring, when the trees on the open wall are in bloom, if
allowed to grow up a north wall where a wood adjoins (and no
better use could be made of the wall), then to project over the
wall to the south side above foot. Our wall, about 400 feet in
length, is so furnished and we have not failed in a crop for two
years in succession Melons bore well in pits after early Pota¬
toes, with fresh leaves added and mounds of good turfy loam and
chopped up cow manure mixed. I prefer Hero of Lockinge for
its handsome appearance and other good points.

Pears have done well with us, better than last year, and it is
unusual to have too good seasons in succession. Of course, out
of about 100 varieties there are, according to the seasons, many
inferior sorts which will as time affords be removed and succeeded
by more approved sorts. Apples have been but a scanty crop
genera'ly for such a favoured county. Of Plums and Damsons
we had a superabundance. They were not marketable, and we
do not wish to see so many again. Gooseberries were a complete
glut at home and in the market. Black and Red Currants a
heavy crop ; the consequence, unusually low prices. Cherries
the same. Nuts a very partial crop, but prices more than four
times in advance of last year, when the supply was in excess of
the demand. Through the uncertainty of the Apricot, both trees
and fruit, I can give no favourable report. A word about outdoor
Grapes. Three years ago we planted a Black Hamburgh, which
had been forced in an 11 -inch pot and produced a heavy crop
against a partly east and south wall. This season it has borne
heavily, one bunch in particular weighing within tj oz. of 2 lbs.,
sweet and good to eat, although not carrying a perfect bloom.
I believe with Mr. Harrison Weir that much could be effected in
the improvement of the quantity and quality of several varieties
of Grapes grown on favourable aspects in the open air even by
cottagers, if more skill and energy were applied in their cultiva¬
tion. — Wm. Chisholm, Ocon Heath Gardens, Tunbridge.

SHOW AND FANCY DAHLIAS AT THE NATIONAL
DAHLIA SHOWS.

Having now before me the results of the last four years, I am able
to give in the following analysis the relative positions of the different
varieties according to the average number of times they have been staged
at these four exhibitions, instead of merely the totals as in previous years.
As regards the newer Dahlias, I have given in the case of those sent out
in 1883 the average of the la-t three shows only ; for those distributed in
1884 their two-years average ; and for the 1885 flowers the number of
times they were shown at this year’s exhibition.

The most remarkable point brought out by this analysis is the sudden
way in which Mrs. Gladstone, sent out for the first time only two years
ago, has by a few rapid strides reached the premier position among Show
Dahlias. And not only so, but if it is allowable to form our opinion of its
merits by its position at the National Exhibition of the present year this
flower stands far ahead of all competitors, being staged no less than forty
times, while the second place was taken by Goldfinder with only twenty-
three, followed closely by that old favourite James Cocker with twenty-
two. Among the 1883 varieties taking good positions Imperial and
Harrison Weir may be named, the former having risen eleven places, and
the latter nineteen since last year. Mrs. Langtry (1885), in my opinion
the finest of all the edged Show D tblias, already stands well in this
division, and will no doubt occupy even a higher position when more
generally known. Mrs. F. Foreman (1884), Earl of Ravensworth (1883),
and Arthur Blick (1884) appear in this list for the first time, taking the
places of older kinds which have been pushed out of it by these new comers.
Among the Fancies Lotty Eckford seems the best of the 1884 varieties,
while General Gordon takes the lead of those sent out last year. For a
Fancy Dahlia distributed only this year Pelican occupies a most promising
position.

The only changes worth recording in the positions of the more
established shows are as follows — Prince of Denmark, J. W. Lord,
Constancy, and Miss Cannell have all risen from four to six places,
while on the other hand, Herbert Turner has fallen eleven, and Alexander
Cramond as many as twenty places. As regards the Fancy Dahlias,
Mrs. N. Halls and Rebecca have gained respectively five and eight places,
whereas Egyptian Prince, Florence Stark, and Edward Peck have each
7 etreated six places.

The following are the totals for the last four National Dahlia Shows,
the grand totals representing the data upon which the following tables
have been based : —

1883 .

1884 .

. 754

425 „

1885 .

. 837

355 „

1886 .

. 840

387 „

3123

1436

November 25, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

469

SHOW DAHLIAS.

a .

’■* X

a f.
o

CO £

Average Dumber
of times showD.

Name.

Date.

Raiser's

N^me.

Colour.

t

32-0

Mrs. Gladstone .

1884

Hurst .

Pale b'ush.

2

21-7

Hon. Mrs. P. Windham

1881

Keynes & Co. . .

Yellow and rose.

3

20 0

Henry Wa ton .

1873

Keynes .

Yellow and tcarlet.

3

20-0

James Cocker .

1871

Keynes .

Purple.

4

17 2

Goldtinder .

1881

Feilowe8 .

Yellow and red.

6

16 0

William Rawlings .

1881

Rawlings .

Crimson purple.

5

16 0

Mr?. Harris .

1873

Harris .

White and lilac.

5

16-0

Mrs. Lmgtry .

1885

Keynes & Co. . .

Cream and crimson.

6

150

Prince of Denmark ...

1881

Fellowes .

Dark maroon.

7

14-7

Ethel Britton .

1880

Keynes & Co. . .

White and purple.

7

147

Joseph Ashby .

1879

Turner .

Shaded orange.

8

140

Prince Bismarck .

1879

Fellowes .

Puce.

9

13-5

James Vick .

1881

Keynes & Co. . .

Purplish maroon.

9

13-5

Shirk y Hibbcrd .

1881

Rawlings ....

Dark crimson.

10

130

Vice-President .

1868

Keynes .

Orange.

n

11-2

Burgundy .

1877

Turner .

Dark puc’.

n

11-2

Flng of Truce .

1»GS

Wheeler .

White and lilac.

n

11-2

Mrs Dodds .

1881

Key nes & f'o. . .

Blush and lilac.

12

10 6

Imperial .

1883

Keynes & Co. . .

Purp e shaded lilac.

13

10-0

George Rawlings .

1882

Rawlings .

Dark maroon.

14

9 6

Harrison Weir .

1883

Rawiings .

Yellow.

15

9-5

John N. Keynes .

1871

Keynes .

Yellow.

16

9 2

John W. Lord ....

1877

Keyne3 .

Orange buff.

17

9 0

Clara .

1879

Rawlings ....

Rosy peach.

18

8*5

John Bennett .

1375

Rawlings ....

Ytllow and soarlet.

19

8-2

Julia Wyatt .

1869

Keynes .

Creamy white

19

8-2

Mr. Karris .

1-581

19

8-2

Mrs. Shirley Hiober.l . .

1877

Rawlings .

Cream and pink.

20

8 0

Royal Qaeen .

1875

Eckford .

Cream and crimson.

21

7-2

Constancy .

1878

H arris .

Yellow and lake.

21

7-2

James Service .

1878

Kevnes .

Dark cr.mson.

21

7-2

Thomas Goodwin .

1878

Goodwin .

Dark marcon.

22

7-0

J tmes Stephen .

1381

Keynes & Co. . .

‘ “range scarlet.

22

7*0

John Wyatt .

1877

Keynes .

Crimson scarltt.

22

7 0

Mrs. F. Foreman .

1884

Keynes & Co. . .

Lilac.

22

7-0

Lord Chtlmsford . .

-880

Keynes & Co. . .

Maroon.

2 2

7-0

Ond .

1874

23

6 7

Miss Cannell .

1881

Eckford .

Cream and crimson.

23

6*7

Rlv. J. Good ?ay .

1879

Rawlings ....

Maroon shaded purple.

24

6'5

Earl of Ravensworth . .

1883

Harkne3s & Son

Lilac.

21

6-5

Sunbeam .

1881

Buff.

24

6 5

Wwlter H. Williams . . .

1881

Keyaes & Co. . .

B ight > c r'.et.

25

6 2

Emily Edwards ....

1879

Keynes .

Blush white.

26

6 2

Herbert Turner .

.873

Turner .

French white.

27

6-2

H. W. Ward .

1831

Keynes & Co . .

Yellow and crimson.

28

6*0

Alexander Cramond. . .

187 1

Keynes .

Shaded maroon.

28

6 0

John Stanlish .

1872

Turner .

Crimson.

55

Chimpion Rollo ....

1831

Key nes & Co. . .

Orauge.

*9

5'5

Criterion .

30

50

Atthur Blick .

1834

Rawlings .

Crimson.

1

FANCY" DAHLIAS.

d .

■H V.

g *
•2 ^

u .

11

2.3

>

«Ji o

Name.

Date

Ra; ser’s
Name.

Colour.

i

18-2

Gaiety .

1879

Keynes .

Yellow, red, and white.

2

170

Mrs. Bauuders .

»87*2

Turner .

3

13 0

Rev. J. B. V. Camm . .

1873

Key nes .

Yellow and red.

4

12 7

Funny Stuit .

1868

Pope .

Red and white.

5

122

Cli irister .

1881

Keynes & Co. . .

Pawn and crimson.

6

1 1*0

Flora Wvatt .

1871

Keynes .

Orange and red.

7

10-0

George Barnes .

1878

Key nes .

Lilac Rnd crimson.

H

9*7

Job a Forbes .

1882

Keynes & Co. . .

Maroon.

9

9*5

Professor Fawcett .

1881

Keynes & Co. . .

Lilac and brown.

10

9 2

Henry Glasscock .

1875

Keynes .

Buff and crimsoD.

10

9 2

Mrs. N. Halls .

1881

Rawlings .

Scirlet and white.

11

9 0

Hugh Au tin .

1881

Keynes & Co. . .

Orange and red.

1 1

9-0

Miss Browning .

1880

Kevnes .

Yellow and white.

11

90

Mi s Lily Large .

1876

K-ynes .

Yellow and crimson.

11

9 0

Peacock . ,

1877

Turner .

Maroon and white.

12

87

Hercules .

1877

Keynes .

Yellow aDd crimson.

13

8 0

Lotty Eckford .

1834

Eckford .

White and purple.

14

77

Egyptian Prince .

1873

Keynes .

Orange and red.

14

7 7

•Toon Lamont .

1H75

Keynes .

Marooo and black.

15

7*5

Rebecca .

18«3

Keyn»s & Co. . .

1 ilac and crimson.

In

67

Oracle .

1877

17

6*0

General Gordon ....

1885

Keynes & Ho. . .

Yellow and scarlet.

17

6*0

Pelicin .

1886

Key nes A Co. . .

White and purple.

IS

5*7

Junes O’Brien .

1881

Keynes & Co. . .

Yellow and crimson.

'8

5 *7

Jessie McIntosh .

1880

Keynes & Co. . .

Red and white.

18

5*7

Pol y Sandell .

1882

Key n 3s & Co. ..

Yellow and white.

19

20

5-2

4-7

Florence Stark .

Wizard .

1879

1878

Kp ynes .

White and pnrple.

21

4 5

Edward Peck .

1881

Keynes & Co. . .

Lilac and maroon.

22

b*7

Maid of Athens .

1878

Keynes .

Maroon, red and white.

The Dahlias in my own garden, although planted out in good time,
were this year very late, in coming into flower : in fact, on the day of the
National I could not have cut a dozen blooms of any kind. Later on
the flowers were very fine, but sorely infested by earwigs. The usuhl
inverted flower pots and beanstalks having proved ineffectual, these

means of destruction were supplemented by a diligent search every night
with a hand lantern and a jug of boiling water, but even then I was only
able to retain a very few altogether uninjured blooms. At last the injury
from these pests became so great that I had to resort to the extreme
expedient of tying up all the good flowers in muslin bags. With me Mrs.
Gladstone did not do so well this year as most other varieties, while
Julia. Wyatt never once yielded a decent bloom. The plants continued
growing and flowering freely until the 3rd of the present month, when
they were nearly killed by the six degrees of frost which occurred on
that night, and yet in the middle of September with 5° of frost they had
remained altogether uninjured. But then the air and foliage were com¬
paratively dry on the Dight during which the first frost took place, whereas
that which so severely crippled these Dahlias came at a time when the
leaves were damp with a heavy dew and the air saturated with moisture.
For some years past 1 have noted down the date on which my Dahlias
have been entirely destroyed. Taking the last ten years (1877-86), I
find the average date in the neighbourhood of London to have been
November 8th, and the extreme dates, October 17th in 1881, and
November 29th in 1878. The mean minimum temperature registered by
a thermometer exposed on the surface of the lawn near the plants has
been 20°, thus indicating 12° of frost, while the least cold which has killed
them outright has been 8° of frost. This year they succumbed to 12° of
frost on the 18th of this month, or ten days later than usual.

My best thanks are due to Mr. T. W. Girdlestone for having again so
kindly assAted me in taking down the names at the Show, also to Messrs.
Keynes, Williams & Co., and Messrs. Rawlings Bros, for supplying the
few dates and raisers’ names necessary to render the tables complete. —
E. M,, Jierkhaimted.

WINTER PINE APPLES.

Pine Apples do not hold the prominent position in British-
gardens that they occupied twenty years ago, but the fruit is as
noble as it was then, and good home-grown specimens are still
appreciated by many persons beyond any fruit. Where gentlemen’s
gardens have unfortunately been converted into market gardens, as
many of them have during the last ten years, it was soon discovered
that Pine-growing would not pay so well as some other crops and
they were consequently expelled ; but in gardens where the market
business has not yet become the first consideration, Pines find a
genial home in many cases, and in such instances winter fruits are
always most valued, as other fruits are scarce then, and the Pines
give a decidedly aristocratic appearance to the dessert ; but Queen
Pines which turn out so well when cut in summer are generally
black in the centre and always flavourless in winter, and if any are
being supplied with Queen Pines now and find them only third or
fourth rate in quality they must not condemn the home-grown
fruit, as this is natural to the variety.

There are other sorts, however, that are superb in winter, and
it is these that should always be grown for use fr_>m November
until April. Amongst these the Black Jamaica stands high. It is
not a large-fruiting variety, the produce not weighing, as a rule,
more than 3 lbs., and the crown is apt to become rather large, but
the flavour is excellent. Next to this I place the Smooth-leaved
Cayenne with an average weight of 5 lbs., a compact crown, firm
flesh, and of a first-rats flavour. It is altogether a good winter
Pine. The third variety is the Charlotte Rothschild, and it is
much of the same character as the preceding, only the leaves are
prickly, and if anything is slightly coarser, but it swells freely
during the short days, and the flavour is excellent. I find Pines,
will often swell in summer with little or no bottom heat, but if
submitted to this condition now they would not move ; and to have
them large, juicy, and well flavoured the bottom heat must not
be less than 80°, or exceed 95°. Where hot water cannot be used
to raise it to the above temperature fermenting material should be
employed. They do not require so much water now as in summer,
but with a bottom heat of the kind indicated there is no danger
of their being over- watered, as it is only when much water is given
without bottom heat that they become yellow in the foliage and
suffer. — J. Muir, Margam.

COMMON FLOWERS FOR CUTTING.

Michaelmas Daisies. — These are very useful, especially late
in autumn, and where large quantities of flowers are in constant
requisition. One of the best is Aster Amellus, which comes into
flower in early autumn and continues until November. The flowers
are of a shade which harmonises well with white and yellow, and
are equally good for vase-filling and table decoration. A. carnosa
is also a very good sort, of a soft lilac-blue shade, suitable for the
finer kinds of decoration. Long-stalked heads of this one employed
as the chief flower in large vases, sufficiently loosely arranged to
avoid all crowding, with a few Dahlias, Gladiolus, Madame
Desgranges Chrysanthemums, and a spike or two of Hyacinthus
candicans, makes a massive and charming arrangement. A. versi¬
color is also one of the best, and moderately early. A. ericoides is

470

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Novemb r 25, 1886.

a remarkably graceful and pretty sort with white flowers. A.
elegans, A. simplex, and A. multiflorus are small-flowered sorts
with long spikes, very useful for mixed decorations. A. dumosus
and horizontalis, very much alike, are both of value. A. novac-
angliae, A. novae-belgii, and A. 1;e vis are perhaps the finest of all,
but they are late in flowering.

The two hardy single Chrysanthemums, C. uliginosum and
C. maximum, are both extra good. The latter is rather late in
flowering, but it is a charming flower, a bunch or two enlivening
an otherwise dullish arrangement most wonderfully. The former,
however, is perhaps the most useful of the two, as it comes early
into flower in autumn, and continues as late as the other. We use
it for table work, bedroom glasses, and the smaller glasses as a rule.
Both are easily increased by division, and require good culture.
The common Ox-eye Daisy, it may be noted here, may be intro¬
duced to cultivation as a flower-producer with good results.
Selected varieties, large and broad-petalled, may be had in flower
for many months, always provided good soil is given them, and no
seeds allowed to be produced.

Dahlias. — Like the herbaceous Asters, Dahlias are of the very
greatest use late in autumn. They are doubtless somewhat uncer¬
tain to grow, owing to their liability to be damaged by early frosts,
but in situations where the damage from this cause is of slight
extent they amply repay for all trouble. I employ all Dahlias for
cutting, and each class is so markedly distinct that it would be a
positive loss were we to discard one. Perhaps the finest Dahlia
for decorative purposes is Juarezi. With us it has shown only one
fault, and that a grievous one — it is a remarkably shy flowerer.
Mr. Tait is also somewhat shy, but nothing like Juarezi, and we
are always able to secure a good supply of this the finest of white
Dahlias. The best white, taking all points into consideration, is
the very old Alba floribunda. Under good cultivation this comes
very fine, and yields a most abundant supply of flowers. Like Mr.
Tait, in order to secure a long stem, a good number of buds are
sacrificed ; but from a decorative point of view this is not a disad¬
vantage, buds, flowers, and foliage being all alike valuable for
furnishing. Mont Blanc we have for the first time, but the plants
have been extremely shy of bloom, and we must reserve our
opinion of its merits for another season. It is, however, a very
pure white. Mrs. Haskins is indispensable with some, others would
not tolerate it ; Constance is, of course, valuable. Glare of the
Garden is fairly useful ; the crimson form we cannot tolerate. The
fault of both is the shade of colour and the short time the flowers
last when cut. Of the common double Dahlias varieties like Julia
Wyatt, Miss Browning, and good scarlets are best. Double Dahlias
are condemned for “ lumpiness.” I quite agree when that term is
applied to floral globes shown on green boards ; but when grown
for cut flowers and arranged in large vases on long stalks with buds
and foliage attached the expression does not apply. Taking all
sections together they do not yield — or rather, it should be said,
there is not so many used for decorative purposes as the Show and
Fancy varieties by themselves. Then for church decorations they
are simply invaluable, and I think I do not overstate the case when
I say that where other flowers, such as Gladiolus, Chrysanthemums,
Arums, &c., are sent by the dozen for this purpose double Dahlias
are sent by the hundred. Of the Pompons not many are used ;
they are very pretty, but we have much better flowers in quantity
for small glasses, while for large vases the double and single varie¬
ties are more suitable. A word or two as to cultivation. All of
the Cactus section are propagated by root-division, as by this means
it is found that more plants are produced. Many of the other sorts
are propagated in the same way. Started late and established in
boxes in cold frames we find all these do very well so. Moreover,
these have a great advantage over strongly grown plants from cut¬
tings, inasmuch as the tubers keep so much better through the
winter, for it is our experience that the poorer the soil D ihlias are
grown in the smaller and harder is the growth of the tubers, and
the less liable are they to damp oft: during winter.

The Gladiolus. — Perhaps this can hardly be termed a
“common” flower, but there is no reason why it should not become
so. The species generally are not of much value. The white
form of Colvilli is fine, but requires a light soil in our climate to
winter in the ground safely. G. gandavensis is very good for large
vases, and fully worth the trouble of lifting in autumn and re¬
planting in spring. The same remark applies to aureo-purpuratus.
Then there is brenchleyensis, than which there is none more
useful, coming into flower as it does with the earliest of the
gandavensis section, and continuing to supply spikes until stopped
by frost ; moreover, the shade of scarlet which it is possessed of
it one that is perfectly manageable, and can be used along with
almost any flower. It has further the great merit of cheapness to
recommend it, and above all it is easy to grow, and increases from
year to year The hybrids of gandavensis are among our very

finest flowers for cutting. They are not common-looking, in
character they are quite distinct from other flowers, they last long
— about three months — and they are easy to grow. Expensiveness
is the one drawback against them. No doubt there are plenty of
cheap sorts, but when we have been used to the better varieties we
do not take very kindly to these. We arrange the best of our
spikes in long narrow vases, six or seven spikes being a sufficient
number. Either Gladiolus foliage is set among them or the leaves of
the smaller Irises, which answer capitally. Spikes are also used in
mixed arrangements in large vases, and the flowers are sometimes
stripped off singly as used for table decoration or for very small
glasses, but this way of utilising the flowers I do not recommend.
If the water is changed, say twice a week, and the withered flowers
removed, and occasionally shortening the stems, a good spike lasts
for a very long time, the unopened buds opening to the very
last one.

As to the best varieties to grow, any good sorts will do. Although
1 am myself now buying only early varieties. Shakespeare* for
instance, is as early as any. It increases in numbers year by year,
always form large and good corms, and although it is so early, yet
with a sufficient number of plants it produces spike3 — and good
ones — -as late as is possible out of doors. Celamene is also a most
useful variety for the same reasons. Other good early flowering
varieties a e to be found in A. Brongniart, Carnation, Archduchess
Marie Christine, Caprice, Dalila, Daubenton, Diamant, Dumont
d’ Urville, Horace Yernet, Jupiter, Mabel, Ondine, Omphale, Orpheus,
Panorama, M. Parmentier, Psyche, Rayon d’Or, Bicolore, Sylvie,
Teresita, and Victor Jacqueminot. In our northern climate good
varieties, such as Meyerbeer, Andre Leroy, Brennus, and Duchess
of Edinburgh are too late. Brennus represents a class which will
flower, but only finishes a small corm, and can only be grown
successfully by buying an annual supply. For ordinary purposes
we plant in the beginning of April, and lift beginning of November,
and endeavour to secure a ball of soil round the roots. The plants
are kept in a cool house until the foliage yellows, and the corms
are thereafter placed in pots, or laid out on shelves, according
to the quantity of each variety, and in spring the roots are
dressed and the spawn taken off and sown in rows. We are trying
the new Aureo-purpurata hybrids, but as yet these do not compete
with the above. They seem much less tender. — B.

ON MUSCAT GRAPES SHRIVELLING.

As one of many who have been troubled, with Muscat Grapes
shrivelling this year, I wish to offer a few remarks on the subject with
the view of eliciting results of the observation and experience of others
on the cultivation of this the best of Grapes, so rarely seen in good form.
We are certainly very much indebted to the writer of your leader (page
379) for his lucid exposition of the causes which lead to the shrivelling
of this and other Grapes. We all knew the primary cause — viz., the
supply of sap or moisture not being equal to the demand, but it has been
a matter of difference whether the evil was in the soil or the atmosphere,
the result of the unripened wood, or the want of some particular element
necessary to sustain the complete development of the berry. As this is
a subject of interest to many gardeners depending on the Muscat for a late
supply, it would be a great benefit to have the real cause in each case found
so as to be able to apply a remedy. For this purpose I state what I con¬
sider one cause, if not the chief one, as it has come under my own observa¬
tion. In one vinery here we have six varieties — Muscat of Alexandria, Black
Hamburgh, Alicante, Gros Colman, Madre-field Court, and Foster’s
Seedling. The latter being much subject to cracking, to find the cause I
determined to keep the interior of the house as dry as possible after colour¬
ing commenced, about the middle of July. Previous to this the border
had been well watered, the roots being both inside and out. The border
then from sun heat and heat from the pipes became particularly dry on
the surface. The Muscats began to shrink about the end of August.
Doubtful as to lack of moisture in the inside border, they received two
good waterings without any effect, the process going on gradually as
before, resulting in partial loss of the Muscats and saving Foster’s Seed¬
ling. To my mind this proved that Grap s liable to split can be pre¬
vented by a perfectly dry atm sphere when ripening, also the impossibility
of growing satisfactorily Muscats and other Grapes in the same
house.

The Grapes of the other varieties, excepting Black Hamburgh and
Madre.sfield Court, are stiff on the Vines as fresh and plump as anyone
could wish. Perhaps some of your correspondents may be able to exp’ain
the cause of the difference between the two growing side by side on Vmet
similar in health and strength.

Oue of vour correspondents can t ace shrivelling to immature wood,
but this certainly is not the case with me, as the wood was ripe to the
point as soon as the Grapes. This leads me to inquire bov the laterals
on some Vines are long in ripening after the fruit has commenced to
colour, while others of the same sort (Black Hamburgh) a~e quite hard
and brown even beyond the bunch bef ire the change takes place in the
berry. The reply I received to the same question from an old gardener
some time ago, was the want cf water in the case of the early ripened
wood. Possibly it was something else retarding the. ripening of the truit.

November 25, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

471

Allusion has been made by “ Experientia docet ” to the Mount
Melville Grapes to prove the necessity of shade for colouring and pre¬
serving Muscats. To prevent misconception as to the use of the paper shades
I may explain the reason why they were there at all. My friend, the late
gardener, in writing to me, expressed doubts as to his Muscats being up
in time for the contest alluded to. In reply, I suggested clearing away
the leaves to admit plenty of light, which was rather overdone, hence the
use of the shade during the hottest part of the day only. Your corre¬
spondent has made a slight mistake legarding the awards for Grapes at
the Show referred to, which I conclude was the last international in
Edinburgh. The only first prize awarded to Mount Melville was for the
collection of four varieties. The Muscat not being of high colour, although
having fine berries, were scarcely ripe ; this was accounted for by the
fact of being started in the beginning of March— rather late to insure
thorough ripeness in the first or second week of September without hard
forcing.

Diverse measures are applied to secure perfect colouring, and are
not generally attended with very great success. Experienced growers
advise exposing the bunches to the sun from the time of setting ; others
keep them moderately shaded ; a third allows the sun free access at the
last stage of finishing. The Vine will endure singular treatment, and
Grapes may be fairly well coloured either in sun or shade, all other things
being favourable. Although like your correspondent (p. 380) I have dune
nothing wonderful, I may venture an opinion on Muscat colouring. The
fruit should receive as much light as it is possible to give them, and as
much of the direct rays of the sun as they can bear, which I should say
in the north would be from early morning till ten o’clock, from three to
four in the afternoon till sundown.

I find the best colour in the west end of the house, where they get the
full effect of the sun after three o’clock. I have also had them fully
exposed in the middle of the day, getting fair colour, but also slight
shrinking and discoloration. The finest finished Muscats tve have seen in
the north for many years were exhibited at Edinburgh this year by Mr.
M'Kelvie of Broxmouth Park. The bunches were somewhat small, but
perfect in colour. It would be interesting and instructive to many of us
to have the treatment pursued by him sketched out, more especially this
year.

1 trust that through the columns of the Journal opinions in connection
with this subject may be freely advanced and discussed ; perhaps
resulting in fine Muscats being the rule instead of the exception. —

W. Williamson.

LIFTING AND STORING ROOTS.

Where not already done this operation should be brought to a close
forthwith, except in the case of Jerusalem Artichokes and Parsnips, as
both of these esteemed roots are just as well left in the ground until the
approach of spring, unless the ground which they occupy be required for
other purposes, taking up enough of the former at one time to serve a
week or two, and as much with a view to preventing the ground from
becoming frostbound, thereby perhaps injuring the tubers, as manuring
the soil, lay on a surface-dressing of short dung to the thickness of
3 inches. On the approach of frost a breadth of the ground containing
the Parsnips should be covered with long dung or fern in order to prevent
the ground and roots being locked in the firm grip of King Frost, thereby
cutting off the supply of that root for the time being. Beetroot should
be taken up carefully so as to preserve the roots entire, otherwise they
would bleed, and this would be injurious to them. In order to preserve
their freshness the roots should be packed in damp material, which will
not tend to absorb the moisture from them, and for this purpose the most
effectual, as well as simple method, is to open a trench about 15 inches
deep in a dry border under a south or west wall, and then pack the roots
therein closely together in rows, burying the crowns about 1 inch under
the soil excavated in forming each succeeding trench. The leaves should
not be removed from the roots. They will afford sufficient protection to
the latter from several degrees of frost, but in the event of its being
severe a protection of dry litter or fern will be necessary. Carrots, with
the exception of cutting off the top to within an inch or so of the crown
at the time of taking them up, may be treated in the same way as Beet¬
root. If wintered in this way there need be no apprehension of fer¬
mentation ensuing, as is sometimes the case where a quantity of them has
been put together. Salsafy and Scorzonera may be wintered also in the
same way, and will, like the Beetroot and Carrots, be found superior in
flavour and appearance to those which have been wintered on the dry
shed and sand principle. — H. W. Ward.

FORCING RHUBARB.

A GOOD supply of forced Rhubarb during the winter months is of
great importance in most gardens, and it will be more so this year in some
localities, on account of the shortness of the Apple crop. There are
various ways of forcing Rhubarb. Those who have a Mushroom house
may lift the large roots and pack some soil round them on the floor of his
Mushroom house, which will be about the right temperature. But
everyone has not the convenience of a Mushroom house, and their Rhubarb
has to be forced out of doors. Fortunately, Rhubarb can easily be had
without the aid of fire heat and forcing houses. All that is necessary is a
good supply of leaves and a little stable litter to mix with them. About

one-third of the latter will be enough, so that the heat does not become
too strong. It should be mixed and thrown up in a heap till it heats, and
if turned over once or twice before putting it on the plants so much the
better.

Rhubarb is generally planted in rows from 3 to 4 feet apart,
Where a large quantity is wanted to come in for use at one time this is
convenient enough. The pots are placed on three or four rows, and the
whole space round the pots filled in with dung and leaves to a depth of
3 feet. When only a small quantity is wanted at one time this plan does
not answer so well. If only one row is covered up the ridge is so narrow
that the heat in it is soon gone, and if two rows are taken — which is better
— the rows on each side are very apt to be trodden on by careless feet,
and the crowns materially injured. I think it is better to have a row or
rows set apart for forcing clear of the ordinary plantation, so that a trench
about 18 inches wide can be dug out on each side of the row, and the soil
packed up on each side and round the pots as shown in the accompanying
section, or the whole of it on each side, having a greater body of manure
in the centre. The soil so placed helps to retain the heat of the bed, and
the trenches allow the heat to reach the roots more quickly, and with a
less degree of heat than would be necessary if the material was placed on
the surface. The leaves when properly prepared should be trodden in
firmly to prevent it heating violently, as only a mild heat is wanted.
When the pots are first opened out, instead of covering them again with
dung, it is a good plan to make up a round bundle cf clean straw, so that
it will fill the hole made in the heap and can be pulled out again when
necessary. This saves a little trouble and some breakage in “ feeling
amongst the manure with a fork each time, and it affords a little ventila¬
tion in the pots. Two feet apart will be far enough to place the crowns.
Those grown on each side of the row can of course be cropped with any

Fig 67.

ordinary summer crop that can be cleared off the ground again by the end
of October or early in November. It should only be forced once in two
years. — A Working Gardener.

APHIDES.

[Substance of a paper read at the meeting of the Horticultural Club, Tuesday, Nov. 9 th

by the Hon. Sec,]

In taking up this subject I have not attempted to do so in a scientific
point of view. 1 have no pretensions to be a man of science. I have
never dissected the stomach of an aphis, nor made a microscopic pre¬
paration of its big toe, and I can assure you I am not a commission agent
for any of the numerous insecticides, which, if we were to believe their
vendors, ought quickly to exterminate the whole race of these interesting
little enemies of all mankind, at least of gardening mankind. I have
something to say to them practically. I have read a great deal about
them, and my hope is that by combining these two together l may be able
to start a discussion which may give us a profitable evening.

I do not think that there is the slightest necessity to describe what, an
aphis is, for I feel convinced that all of you have had practical acquaint¬
ance with it, for whether it be the window plant of the cottager, or the
grand conservatory of the nobleman, it is sure to make itself at borne,
make the most persistent efforts to maintain its footing when once it has
got a hold ; and if I refer to it in its ordinary form, it is simply to give
me a sort of introduction to the more particular species of it to which to

direct your attention. . ,, , . .«

I would more esoecially speak of those which are usually designated
as woolly aphides, and particularly those which have attacked the Auricula,

the Apple, and the Vine. . , _ . • s

Some years ago I was startled on repotting my Auriculas by an insect
which, although I had cultivated them for forty years, I had never seen
before. At the same time mv friend, Mr. Llewelyn, had discovered it on
his plants. Mr. Horner had' heard of it. Mr. Murray described it as
Trama Auricula:, and I believe all Auricula growers were pretty consider¬
ably frightened at it. I must confess to having been so. I could not
believe that a mass of insects clustering about the roots of a plant cou d
be anything but injurious to it. None of us could tell whence it came or
how it was that it appeared almost simultaneously in various parts of the
country. It had a suspicious appearance of kinship to the _ American
blight, and knowing what a pest that is, we were therefore anxious to e
rid^of it ; and now, looking back on those worrying years, I am persuaded

472

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ November 25, 1888.

that many plants were injured by the application of remedies rather than
by the insects. My belief now is that it does not do harm unless it fastens
itself round the collars of the plants. I tried all kinds of washes, and
insecticides without number, each of which was pronounced infallible —
infallible they were in failing to effect any good, while the discovery of a
very similar “ beastie ” on the roots of Lettuces and Sowthistles made
one despair of ever getting rid of it. I confess to never having got quite
rid of it, but perhaps since I found out that it was not harmful, as 1 had
once thought, I have not been so careful about it.

Each plant may probably be said to have its own peculiar aphis, but
there are, however, two other species of woolly aphis which, by the
destruction they have wrought, are worthy of special note— I mean the
American blight, Schizoneura lanigera, and the Vine blight, Phylloxera
vastator ; the former of these is probably known to those present who
have seen in their own or in other gardens this woolly-looking substance.
I remember once going into a nobleman’s garden in the north of England,
where all the Apple trees were in a hopeless state of decay, and the
branches thickly studded with the woolly substance. Of course, this
ought not to have been, and was simply the result of long neglect,
although it is not by any means so easy to eradicate as some might
imagine. It gets into the cracks and under the bark ; for some years the
injury done to the tree is not apparent, but then the canker is developed
and the tree is rendered useless. It must be borne in mind as showing
the difficulty of eradication, and that besides the fact of their hiding
under the bark they descend as winter approaches to the root of the tree,
where they are sheltered during the severe weather, and on the return of
spring ascend to their former habitation. There are, however, remedies
proposed for this pest, some or all of which may be tried ; but I believe
experience has proved that nothing succeeds so well as pure paraffin
applied with a painter’s brush and rubbed carefully into the branches
and bark of the tree.

I now come to that species before which all other members of the
family must pale, and on comparison with which they are hut innocent
babies. We remember, indeed, that a late distinguished horticulturist,
when people were at their wit’s end as to the cause of the Potato disease,
attributed it to a member of the family which he designated Aphis vas¬
tator. This theory, however, did not meet with much favour, and has
been for years utterly exploded, the species which well deserves the
destructive epithet appended to it is the Phylloxera vastatrix.

This is an entirely new pest, and we owe it, amongst other nuisances, to
America, where it was first observed on the leaves of the Vine in 1854,
and was first observed in France on the roots of the Vine in 1868, although
its identity with that discovered in America was not then determined.
In 1869 Mr. Westwood wrote on a disease of the Vine which he had
found at Hammersmith, and which he attributed to some species of aphis.
■Since then it has, as we know, travelled with fearful rapidity, as I shall
presently show, but before doing so would like to give a history of it in as
simple a way as I can, quoting from an article in the Edinburgh Review.
The winged phylloxera pierces the upper part of a young leaf and deposits
three or four eggs, around which a Pear-shaped gall forms on the back of
the leaf. From these eggs are hatched male and female insects, which hare
neither trunks, mouth, nor internal digestive organs, their whole structure
being devoted to the formation and fertilisation of a single egg in each
female, which exhausts the life of the mother, who is reduced to a shell
on the exclusion of the egg. From these, the winter or true egg, issues
about the end of March the first of a series of agamous insect larvae,
which in its turn produces a series of generations resembling each in all
respects, except in the increased sterility of each descent. The number
of succeeding agamous generations is probably to some extent dependent
on the weather.”

Many exaggerated statements have been made as to the rapidity cf
increase, but taken at its most moderate estimate it is evident that they
increase far too rapidly, and I now give a few very startling statistics
as to the ravages it has effected in France alone, adding at the same
time that it has appeared in Italy, Germany, Spain, the Cape, Australia,
and, indeed, in all wine-growing counties. The question has been debated
whether the loss of the Vine is to be attributed to their being worn out
after a period of from 1500 to 2000 years culture, and so afforded a suit¬
able prey for the insect, or whether the insect itself caused the diseased
condition of the Vine. I think the latter must be assumed to be the
case. Twenty or thirty years in so long a period can hardly have made
much difference, and if the Vines were worn out they must surely have
been so before 1854. Just in the same way the Potato disease was said
"to have arisen from the degeneracy of the roots ; but here again we
must ask, Must not this have taken place before 1846 ? If it took place
then the degeneration could not have been so rapid. It has been stated
in the French report to the Phylloxera Commission that the total destruc¬
tion of vineyards in France by the phylloxera has amounted to 1,000,000
acres, and the loss to France has been estimated at three milliards of
francs. Wbat this is it is hard to imagine, but when we recollect that
the sum paid to Germany after the third invasion of France was two
milliards it may readily be seen.

It may be asked, Has anything been done or can be done to stop its
ravages ? In answer to this I may say tbat in 1874 a sum of 300,000
francs was allotted as a premium for the invention of some efficacious way
of dealing with this pest. Up to last year this had not been claimed, so
that here is a little gauze-winged fly which you can crush with your
finger defying all the science and intelligence of the world to extirpate
it. Various experiments have been tried, such as flooding the vineyard
and so destroying the larva at the roots ; the use of sulphide of carbon
and sulpho-caTbonate of potassium had been recommended, but they

have not been of very real use, and nothing hut stamping it out, destroying
the Vines, and not cultivating them again as vineyards for a period of from
five to eight years is what has been generally adopted, and for this to
mako up the losses of the Vine growers large sums have been each year
added to the French budget. The idea of planting American Vines has
been discountenanced by the Commission.

I would now conclude in the words of a writer in the Edinburgh
Review, to which I am indebted for many of the facts about the phyl¬
loxera : — “ In contemplating the insect world the most accomplished
naturalist is soon taught how narrow is the limit of human knowledge,
and how delicate is the balance of the productive forces of Nature. The
self-satisfied empiric who is confiient that he has explained away the old-
fashioned ideas of creative power and wonders by his theories of self-
guided evolution is struck dumb by the relics of a, butterfly treasured up
for the loDg ages that have elapsed since the deposit of the carboniferous
strata. The theory of natural situation proves a ridiculous failure when
its advocates are asked to explain the transformation of the winged
insect. The most accepted laws as to animal reproduction are laughed to
scorn by the fusion of the individual, which is carried to so remarkable
an extent in the voracious and prolific race of the aphides.

“ We are, indeed, forcibly reminded of what well became the brilliant
genius of Newton when we see broad provinces struck with poverty by
the gauzy wing of an almost microscopic fly, and an economic loss
to more than one hundred and twenty millions sterling occasioned by the
importation of a few eggs, perhaps a single egg, of the American phyl¬
loxera.”

Royal Horticultural Society. — The following are the dates
of the meetings of ihe Council, and of the Scientific, Fruit, and Floral
Commit’ees in 1887 : — Councd. — January 11th, February 8th, March 8th,
March 22nd, April 12th, April 26th, May 10th, May 24th, June 14th,
June 28th, July 12th, July 26th, October 11th, November 8th, and
December 13th. Scientific Committee. — January 11th, February 8th,
March 8th and 22od, April 12th and 26th, May 10th and 24th, June 14th
and 28th, July 12th and 26th, November 8tb, and December 13th. Fru’t
and Floral Committees. — January 11th, February 8th, March 8th, March
22nd, April 12th, April 26th, May 10th, May 24th, June 14th, June 28tb,
July 12 tb , July 26th, August 9th, August 23rd, September 13th, Sep¬
tember 27th, October 11th, October 25th, November 8th, and December
13th, all the meeting days being Tuesdays.

- We regret to have to announce the death of M. Constantin

Bernard, which took place at Ixelles on the 13th inst. after a short and
painful illness. The deceased gentleman, who was one of the most
respected of Belgian horticulturists, was the director to the Ministry of
Agriculture, Industry, and Public Works, and President of the Royal
Linnaean Society, and held several distinguished orders.

- “ J. S. B.” sends the following note on the Culture on

Peristeria elata : — “ Few Orchids succeed better with us than the
Dove Plant ; three plants have been flowering for weeks past. It is quite
at home in the stove, and does not seem difficult to suit as to position ;
the three largest plants are growing on a wooden stage over a water tank(
a good distance from the glass, while several smaller ones are growing on
a front stage, the foliage nearly touching the glass, all doing equally well,
often making two and sometimes three growths from a pseudo-bulb. In
potting we use about two-thirds rough fibrous loam, one-third peat, and a
few lumps of charcoal, a layer of sphagnum being placed over the
drainage, with which the pots should be about two-thirds filled. This is
an Orchid we do not see every day, nor is it to be seen in every collection.
Why, it is hard to say, for besides being easily grown, it is very free
flowering. Our largest plant has borne about 130 flowers on four spikes,
while two smaller ones have borne three dozen each on a single spike,
their pretty white flowers quite filling the house with their sweet scent.”

- The annual meeting of the Leek Auricula Society was

held on the 16th inst. at Leek, where, after the appointment of the usual
officers, with H. W. Nixon as Hon. Sac., the f dlowing resolution was
unanimously passed : — That the second Exhibition shall be held April
30th, 1887, and the whole of the proceeds, after paying expenses, shall be
devoted to the funds of the Leek Cottage Hospital.”

- October-Blooming Chrysanthemums.— Mr. A. Young re-

November 25, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

473

aiarks : — “ I am sure there are many readers of the Journal besides my¬
self would feel grateful to Mr. Murphy, Mr. Molyneux, Mr. Davis, or any
•other experts if they would give a select list of good dark October-bloom¬
ing Chrysanthemums which would be as useful as Madame Desgrange,
Lady Selborne, Elaine, and other early white-flowering varieties. We have
a good selection of white varieties, but have no dark ones to be compared
to those named. Will the new Japanese William Holmes be a suitable
variety f"

- The second edition of Mr. L. Castle’s treatise on Orchids

having been exhausted, a third issue is being prepared and will be pub¬
lished in a few days.

- Referring to High and Deep Planting, “ W.” observes : —

The majority of gardeners will agree with Mr. Iggulden that shallow
planting for fruit trees is to be preferred to deep planting, but I do not
think that merely covering the roots of old forest trees is the principal
reason of their not thriving afterwards, but to the decaying of the bark
when buried beneath the soil. We had occasion lately to remove a Beech
tree which had been buried to the depth of 2 feet about the stem, and
which was almost decayed, and probably if it had been allowed to remain
another season it would have died. I know of cases where of necessity
soil had to be levelled about old forest trees, but immediately about the
stem it was bricked round and the trees continued in health.”

- A correspondent informs us of the death ot Mr. D. McFar-

IAne, who for some years was gardener at Knowsley Cottage, and lately in
business for himself at Olive Mount, Wavertree. Deceased left his house
in good health and spirits on Saturday last at 1 o’clock P.M., November
20th inst, and was shortly afterwards found dead in the stokehole
adjoining his dwelling. He was interred at Knowsley churchyard on
the 23rd inst. He leaves a wife and five children to mourn his los°.
Mr. McFarlane was an excellent gardener, and a man that was highly
respected amongst the gardeners in the vicinity of Liverpool.

- Mr. G. Colville, Linethwaite, St. Bees, replying to a corre¬
spondent’s question in last week’s Journal observes : — “ Musa Caven-
DISHI is the most valuable Banana for fruiting in a small size in an
ordinary plant house. Musa sapientum, I think, is the one he refers to.
It requires a much higher temperature than M. Cavendishi — namely, 70°
to 90° in summer and 60° to 70° in winter. The soil must be exceedingly
rich and by no means adhesive, rather of a light character, and well
drained, in order that copious supplies of water may be given. Suckers
will fruit within the year if shifted from pot to pot and thence into
tubs. The produce of one plant, if well grown, will weigh from 15 to
30 lbs.”

11 Hortus ” writes : — “ At page 447 Mr. Bardney speaks of the
superiority of Parisian Blinds, and also says that they do not obstruct
the light like other blinds. I should like some who have used these
blinds to give their opinions, as from experience I cannot speak favourably
of them, for they certainly obstruct the light to a greater extent than
ordinary scrim. The working is anything but easy unless the roof is very
steep. The waste of time in rolling them up and down as compared to
the ordinary blinds with rollers and pulleys is a very serious matter
especially where labour is short and two or three houses want attending
to at the same time. We have over £100 worth in use, so I think I can
speak from experience.”

- At the recent Exhibition of Chrysanthemums and Fruit

held at Bath Messrs. R. Smith & Co., the well-known Worcester
nurserymen, staged a very fine collection of Apples and Pears, and these,
though not for competition, were rightly deemed worthy of high commen¬
dation by the Judges. Nearly all the best sorts in cultivation were repre¬
sented, and very correctly labelled, while a great number of both Apples
and Pears exhibited by private growers in the various classes provided for
them were wrongly named. Particularly fine were Pears Glou Morqeau,
Easter BeunA, BauriA Diel, DoyemA du Comice, General Todleben, Pit-
maston Duchess, and Marie Louise ; while the best Apples were Nelson’s
Glory, Cox’s Pomona, Welford Park Nonesuch, Peasgood’s Nonesuch,
Alfriston, Ecldinville, Wellington, Golden Noble, Waltham Abbey Seed¬
ling, Prince Albert, Tower of Glamis, Worcester Pearmain, Lord Derby,
and Warner’s King,

. Mr- e- r- Cutler informs us that at a meeting of the Com¬
mittee of the Gardeners’ Royal Benevolent Institution, held on
the 18th inst., Harry J. Veitch, Esq., of Chelsea, was unanimously elected

Treasurer of this Institution in the room of Edward Tidswell, Esq., who
has resigned that office on account of serious ill health ; and at the same
meeting it was determined to make an addition of ten pensioners to the
list in January next, six of whom will be admitted without election under
Rule 6, they or their husbands having been subscribers for fifteen clear
years. An election will take place for four pensioners out of a body of
seventeen selected and approved candidates. The voting papers will be
issued on or about the 16th December.

- Gros Maroc Grape Grafted on Black Hamburgh : — Mr.

G. Abbey writes, “ Mr. Tilbrook, the respected and able gardener to B.
Brown, Esq., Houghton Hill, Huntingdon, is very successful with Gros
Maroc Grape. A finer example of this really handsome fruit could not be
wished than that shown at the recent St. Neots Chrysanthemum Show.
The Grape was large in bunch, quite large enough for any purpose,
though it may only be half that of Gros Colman, and the berries were not
only laige, but of a very decided oval shape, almost as much so as ia the
Muscat of Alexandria. The finish was perfect, the bloom so dense as to
resemble hoar frost, through which the intense black or purple of the skin
shone in a remarkable manner. There was not the slightest trace of a
blemish, and it was deservedly much admired. Mr. Tilbrook attributes
the whole of his success to the Gros Maroc being grafted on Black Ham¬
burgh. There is no comparison between the Gros Maroc on its own roots
and the Gros Maroc on the Black Hamburgh ; the fruit on the latter is finer
in every respect, not omitting quality. The Black Hamburgh as a stock
enhances the value of all coarse Grapes, and so does Muscat of Alexandria
at least such is my experience — the appearance is better and the quality
improved ; but the Black Hamburgh and Muscat of Alexandria are de¬
teriorated in quality by being worked on coarse varieties.”

CARNIVOROUS PLANTS.

At the fortnightly meeting of the Birmingham Gardeners’
Society, November 3rd, Mr. W. B. Latham, Curator of the Bir¬
mingham Botanical Gardens, read a most interesting paper on
“ Carnivorous Plants,” illustrating his subject with a large
assortment of these plants, and the following is a slightly con¬
densed report of his remarks : —

The subject itself is one of great interest to scientific men,
and has attracted much attention at various times. A paper
was read by Sir Joseph Hooker at the meeting of the British
Association at Belfast in 1874, in which these plants were
brought very prominently before the notice of naturalists. In
consequence of the practical nature of Sir Joseph’s — then Dr.
Hooker— remarks, and the interesting facts placed before his
audience, many scientific men who had not hitherto devoted
much attentiou to the subject began thinking and investigating.
Much had been previously written on the subject, and 1 am not
aware that anything new was to be found in Dr. Hooker’s paper
if we except a description of the inner surface of some species
of Sarracenias of peculiar interest, and which I shall hereafter
refer to. But the Doctor's paper, although really the revival of
an old subject, was evidently written for the purpose of suggest¬
ing a most interesting field for investigation to the botanist and
others.

We had at our Botanical Gardens just then many inquiries
about these plants, and several expressed surprise that insect¬
eating plants existed. Many years ago that most zealous horti¬
culturist, Mr. Andrew Knight, experimented on some plants of
Dionsea, and placed them in such a position that no insect could
get at them, and some of these he supplied with bits of raw beef,
and they flourished much better than others kept without animal
or insect food, and he found it difficult to keep them alive. Mr.
F. Darwin a few years since experimented on a plant of Drosera
rotundifolia, and the results entirely substantiated the experiment
made by Mr. Knight, and found that plants fed with animal matter
were far more vigorous and flourishing than those which were
not fed, and the seed from the fed plants showed a large increase
in weight over the seed from the plants which were not fed.

The Venus’s Flytrap (Dionsea muscipula) is the most remark¬
able of the insectivorous plants, and is, in fact, one of the most
wonderful in its organisation in the vegetable kingdom. We
are often told that “there is nothing new under the sun,” and
the mechanical action of this plant is almost enough to make
one wonder whether the inventor of our common rat or rabbit
trap did not take a lesson from this vegetable wonder. One
thing is certain, they both act on the same principle, closing
with rapidity upon their prey. This plant is a native of the
eastern part of North Carolina, and found growing in swamps,
and it has therefore a limited geographical range. Specimens of

474

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ November 23, 1888.

this plant appear to have been sent to this country about 1765,
and living plants in 1768, and at that time it had not suggested
itself to botanists tint the object of these traps was to procure
a supply of food to the plants. Linnreus affirmed that when the
insect ceased to struggle that the leaf opened and permitted it
to escape, but Linnaeus evidently had not seen living plants and
their action, and recorded his opinion from dried specimens. It
must now be evident to every cultivator of this plant how it
grips and devours its prey.

Some fifty or sixty years ago Dr M. A. Curtis, an American
botanist, made some practical observations on theDionaea in the
midst of its native district, and he stated that the little prisoners
are not suddenly crushed and destroyed as sometimes supposed,
for he often liberated the captive flies and spiders, and he also
observed that those not released were made subservient to the
nourishment of the plants. Dr. Curtis also noticed that some¬
times the insects were enveloped in a fluid of mucilaginous con¬
sistency, which seemed to act as a solvent, the insect being more
or less consumed in it. These investigations by Curtis led to
further examinations by Mr. Cranby, who found that the fluid
is always p' snt around the captive insect in due time, provided
the leaf is rood condition and the prey suitable ; that this
fluid exudes m the leaf itself, and not from the decomposing
insect. He a^o noticed that bits of raw beef, although some¬
times rejected, were generally acted upon in the same manner,
the leaf closing tightly upon the beef, surrounding it with the
fluid, and then dissolving and absorbing it. This fluid may
therefore be assumed to be analogous to the gastric juices of
animals, dissolving the food and rendering it fit for absorption
by the leaf. The hi- lily sensitive trap attached to the leaf of
the Dionasa is truly a deadly snare, keeping closely shut until
the insect is dead and absorbed into the plant. Until this
is accomplished it does not open again.

y In the report of the British Association for 1873 there is a
most interesting piper by Dr. Burdon Sanderson on the elec¬
trical phenomena which accompanies the contraction of the leaf
of the Dioniea muscipula, observes — “ Strange as it may seem,
the question whether these contractile movements are accom¬
plished by the same electrical changes as those which occur in
the contraction of a muscle and in the functional excitation of
nerve has never yet been investigated by vegetable physiolo¬
gists.” By these experiments Dr. Sanderson has shown that
these currents are subject in all respects, so far as yet investi¬
gated, to the same law as that which governs the action of muscle
and nerve.

Nepenthes, Sarracenias, Cephalotus, and Darlingtonias do
not close the foliage on their prey as do the Dionsea, and an
interesting question is opened up. What power is at work to
keep the insects in the pitcher-like formation of these leaves of
these plants? Intoxication has been suggested, and however
strange and unlikely this theory may at first sight appear, it is
evident from experiments which have been made that the host
supplies its guest with something stronger than water to drink.
Dr. Mellichamp, another American botanist, in directing his
attention to the inebriating or narcotic properties of these plants,
drained a quantity of the pitchers of Sarracenias of the few
drops of juice contained in them, and so collected about half an
ounce of the secretion in a phial, and with this made careful
experiments in ascertaining its intoxicating effects upon insects,
chiefly house flies. From a half to a whole drachm of this secre¬
tion was placed in a small receptacle, and the flies thrown in
occasionally, the iquid not being deep enough for immersion,
and enabling them to walk about without swimming and the
risk of being drowned. In this way some twenty flies were ex¬
perimented upon with this result. At first the fly makes an
effort to escape, though apparently never using his wings in
trying to do so ; the fluid, though not apparently very tenacious,
seems quickly to saturate the fly, clinging to it, and clogging
its action, rendering flight impossible. A fly when thrown into
water manages generally to escape, and the water soon dries
from its wings, but none escaped from the bath of Sarracenia
secretion, and in their efforts to escape they soon got unsteady
in their movements, often turn I ling on their backs, and recover¬
ing, make frantic efforts to escape, but quickly stupor overtakes
them, and profound anaesthesia or death seizes them. Dr.
Mellichamp goes on to say, “I had no doubt, from the complete
cessation of all motion, and from their soaked and saturated
condition, that they were dead, and like dead men they were laid
out as they succumbed to the powerful liquor, but to my great
surprise, after a longer or shorter interval, from half an hour
to an hour or more, they indicated signs of returning life by
slight motions of the wings, legs, or body, their recovery
being gradual, and eventua ly when they crawled away they
seemed to be badly crippled and worsted by their bath. After <

contact with the secretion the flies first thrown in become still,
seemingly dead, in about half a minute, but I notice that either
from exposure to the air, or its strength exhausted by its action
upon the victims first thrown in it, the effects were not so in¬
toxicating on the last insects exposed to its influence. Anaesthesia
or intoxication certainly did not occur so quickly, taking from
three to five minutes generally to produce effect, and one re-
be’lious subject held out for ten minutes. A cockroach thrown
in succumbed almost immediately, as did also a srnafl moth, and
a common house spider much more slowly.” Without doubt,
therefore, the secretion found in the tubes of the Sarracenia is
an intoxicant and a narcotic.

(To be continued.)

ROYAL METEOROLOGICAL SOCIETY.

The first meeting of th's Society for the present session was held on
Wednesday evening, the 17th iust., at the Institution of Civil Engineers, 25,
Great George Street, Mr. W. Ellis, F.R.A.S., President, in the chair.

The following gentlemen were elected Fellows — viz., Mr. B. A. Dobson,
Mr. T. Gordon, Mr. H. Mantle, Rev. J. Watson, and Mr. F. Wright.

The papers read were : —

1, “ The Gale of October 15th-16th, 1886, over the British Islands,” by
Mr. C. Harding, F.R.Met.Soc. The storm was of very exceptional strength
in the west, south-west, and south of the British Islands, but the principal
violence of the wind was limited to these parts, although the force of a gale
was experienced generally over the whole kingdom. By the aid of ships’
observations the storm has been tracked a long distance out in the Atlantic.
It app ars to have been formed about 250 miles to the south-east of New¬
foundland on the 12th, and was experienced by many ocenn steamers on the
13th. When the first indication of approaching bad weather was shown by
the barometer and wind at our western outposts the storm was. about 500
miles to the west-south-west of the Irish coast, and was advancing at the
rate of nearly fifty miles an hour. The centre of the disturbance struck
the coast of Ireland at about 1 a.m. on the 15th, and by 8 a.m. was central
over Ireland. The storm travjrsed the Irish Sea, and turned to the south¬
east over the western midlands and the southern counties of England, and
its centre remained over the Brit sh Isles about thirty-four hours havingg
traversed about 500 miles. Tbe storm afterwards crossed the Eig i, h
Channel into France, and subsequently agiin took a course to the no t -
eastwards, and finally broke up over Ho land. In the centre of the storm
the barometer fell to 28'5 ius. ; but as far as the action of the barometer was
concerned, the principal feature of importance was the length of time that
the readings remained low. At Galdeston, not far from .Lowestoft, the
mercury was below 29 ins. for fifty hours, and at Greenwich it was similarly
low for forty hours. The highest recorded hourly velocity of the wind was
seventy-eight miles from north-west at Scilly on the morning of the 16th,
but on due allowance being made for the squally character of the gale, it is
estimated that in the squalls the velocity reached for a minute or so the
hourly rate of about 120 miles, which is equivalent to a pressure of about
70 lbs. on the square foot. On the mainland the wind attained a velocity of
about sixty miles an hour for a considerable time, but without question this
velocity would be greatly exceeded in the squalls. In the eastern parts of
England the velocity scarcely amounted to thirty miles in the hour. The
force of the gale was very prolonged. At Scilly the velocity was above
thirty miles an hour for sixty-one hours, and it was. above sixty miles for
nineteen hours, whilst at Falmouth it was above thirty mileB an hour for
fifty-two hours. Tbe erratic course of the storm and its slow rate of travel
whilst over the British Islands was attributed to the presence of a barrier
of high barometer readings over northern Europe, and also to the attraction
in a westerly direction owing to the great condensation and heavy rain in
the rear of the storm. The rainfall in Ireland, Wales, and the south-west
of England was exceptionally heavy. In the neighborhood of Aberystwitli
the fall on the 15th was 3'83 ins., and at several stations the amount exceeded
2 ins. Serious floods occurred in many parts of the country. A most
terrific Bea was also experienced on the western coasts and in the Euglish
Channel, and the number of vessels to which casualties occurred on the
British coasts during the gale tell their own tale of its violence. The total
number of casualties to sailing vessels and steamships was 158, and among
these were five sailing and one steamship abandoned, five sailing and one
steamship foundered, and forty-two sailing and two steamships stranded.
During the gale the life boats of the Royal National Life Boat Institution
were launched fourteen time3 and were instrumental m saving thirty-six

UVe2S,' “ The Climate of Carlisle,” by Mr. T. G. Penn, F R.Met.Soc. This is
a discussion of the observations made at the Carlisle Cemetery. The mean
temperature for the twenty-three years (1863-85) was 47-5°, the absolute
highest was 95 0° on July 22nd, 1873, and the lowest — 5-5* on January 16th,
1881 The mean annual rainfall was 29'80 ins., the greatest monthly fall was
7-84 ins. in July, 1884, and the least 0’30 in. in January, 1881. The average

number of rainy days was 174. . , , ^ _ , ,

3 “ Results of Hourly Readings Derived from a Redier Barograph at

Geld’eston, Norfolk, during the four years ending February, 1886,” by Mr.
E. T. Dowson, F.R.M-t.Soc. ... .

4 “ Results of Observations taken at Delanasan, Bua, Fiji, during the
five years ending December 31st, 1885, with a Summary of Results for ten
years previous,” by Mr. R. L. Holmes, F .R.Met.Soc.

HIGH AND DEEP PLANTING.

( Continued from page 449.)

Instead of a fruit or any other tree or shrub being planted on a level
with the ordinary ground line, they ought always to be considerably above
it especially when the soil is of a close cold nature. I like to see the
collar, or that portion of the stem where the topmost roots sta.t frem

November 25, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

475

just above the surface, and thus treated the exposed portion of the roots
soon become of a more woody nature and clothed with bark similar to
the stems. Ido not wish it to bethought that this high planting will
prevent injuriously deep root-action, but I do assert they are much less
liable to strike down, and even if they do they can be brought nearer the
surface and the trees’ health restored without actually lifting the trees.
This style of planting is particularly to be recommended in the case of
choice transplanted trees. Net unfrequently the ball of roots and soil
previously well on the surface are buried deeply in a fresh site, too often
in holes double dug it is true, and for that reason little better than drainage
k°^e,i/0r 8Prrounding subsoil. In every case a newly transplanted
tree should be given a better position than it previously occupied, or the
chances are it will be a long time in recoveiing from the check unavoidably
given it, and the less the roots come into contact with a cold subsoil the
better. Some of the finest transplanted Conifers, including several Cedars
of Lebanon, are to be seen in the grounds surrounding Elvaston Castle
near Derby. They were in many instances very large when transplanted,
individually taking many men and horses several days to move them to
their present site. They were not buried deeply, but deposited nearly on
the surface, the old balls being still plainly discernible. Failures in
transplanting were unknown, and in spite of the cold indifferently drained
sites those trees have grown splendidly. Buried balls are apt to get too
dry at times, and are not easily moistened again, whereas near the surface
they are more under observation, more easily moistened when necessary,
and newly transplanted trees must have much water during the first
spring and summer following their removal, while shallow culture and
shallow planting is one of the means of keeping the roots within reach of
the air and any food that may be given them from the surface.

The advocates of deep culture attach much importance to giving trees
and plants a deep root run, this being especially advantageous during a
dry season. For a time this may be the case, and short-lived vegetables
do sometimes appear to delight in it. So also do trees frequently grow
more stroncly on newly trenched ground, and while the vegetable matter
introduced into the bottom spit are sufficiently durable to keep the soil
divided to such an extent as to admit the air to the roots, fibre is formed
and food transmitted upwards. Later on the subsoil becomes more or
lecs impervious to the air, the fibres perish, and the food supply is cut off.
Even if the fibres continued to be formed at any depth below 12 inches.
I ask how long they are enabled to find any fertilising matter? In very
many cases not a dav longer than the decaying vegetable matter dug in
lasts. We may top-dress with manure or give plentiful supplies of liquid
manure to deeply rooted trees or vegetables, but not a tenth part of it
ever reaches them. Light sandy soils do not retain, while heavy soils
filter it, whereas when planted on the surface of ordinary dug ground,
and encouraged by mulchings to root near the surface, they have easy
access to everything that is offered them. There is no comparison
between the growth and fruitfulness of trees rooting deeply and those on
the surface and attended to. In the former case very unnatural and very
severe remedies have very frequently to be applied before fruitfulness
results, but a healthy surface-rooting tree has only to be “ severely let
alone,” and it soon produces good crops of the best fruit, as in the case
above cited. It is generally understood that the ground about Rasp¬
berries, Strawberries, Gooseberries, and Currants ought not to be dug, a
destruction of surface roots militating against fruitfulness. These are
mulched with manure, and well repay for the treatment. On the opposite
side of the walk perhaps are growing various wall trees, or the borders
adjoining are occupied with pyramid or bush Apple, Pear, and Plum
trees, and these, one would suppose, merited similar or even better treat¬
ment. Not so, they must be driven to root, principally in the subsoil,
and the surface be frequently dug and cropped with Cabbages, Violets,
Parslev, and other gross-feeding crops. Whit sense is there in this ?

Many a good crop of vegetables, I admit, has and will be obtained
from trenched ground, but do not too hastily give all the credit to the
efficacy of the spade. Is it not a fact that much vegetable matter in an
almos' or qn;te fresh state is worked in during the process of trenching,
while the ordinary dug ground only gets a dressing of thoroughly rotten
manure from the frame ground ? The former has lost none of its fertilising
properties, but they gradually become available, while tho mass of humus,
erroneously called manure, is, when buried, say, 9 inches deep, of no real
assistance to a plant. The humus derives such fertilising agencies as
carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen from the air and not from the soil, hence
the necessity of forking it into the surface, as well as its value as a
mulch. Given thorough good manure, such as market gardeners use, or
plenty of artificials, in conjunction with humus, and I will on this soil
and with sufficient labour undertake to gr >w as good vegetables in great
abundance as any that are sent to a gentleman’s table.

On heavy land vegetables as well as fruit trees thrive best when
rooting on the surface, and the old-fashioned plan of forming ridges and
raised beds for various crops has yet much to recommend it. Not only
do BeaDS, Lettuces, and Cabbages succeed remarkably well on the ridges
between the Celery rows, but there is no better site for late Peas. I
remember one instance where good dishes of Ne Plus Ultra Peas were
gathered from rows on tbe Celery ridges as late as November 1 9 ' h, or
long after all others had failed, no matter how treated, in the same neigh¬
bourhood. Mounds and ridges are warmer than the soil on the level, and
yet being more exposed to the moist air are not so quickly affected by
drought as one might expect. If we wish to grow fine “ sticks ” of H >rse-
radish quickly there is no plan to equal that of planting long thin roots
almost flatty on slightly raised beds, and raised Asparagus beds are yet
the most profitable on heavy land. The heaviest piece of garden ground
we have has this season produced heavy crops of Potatoes, first-class as

regards quality.’giThe sets were placed on the surface and moulded over,
and anyone else can grow good Potatoes in the same way. No one
thinks of forming a Vine border on the level with a mass of cold soil, and
all are very anxious to keep the roots out of the unkindly subsoil. Even
plants do better in pots than in boxes, the former beiDg more perous, and,
all things considered, am I not justified in arguing at length against
absurd practices still thought to be the “ right thing ” by so many
gardeners ? — W. Iggulden.

INDIAN EXPERIENCES.

( Continued from page 43 2 .)

Before proceeding further with my journey northwards I may
mention that before leaving South Wynaad I had the rare opportunity of
seeing extensive tracts of the large Bamboo (Bambusa arundinacea) in
flower and seed, which, from subsequent inquiries, I found does not
happen more often than once in fifty years. Although the Bamboo, in
both the northern and routhern divisions of the Wynaad and the province
of Coerg, seemed to be very much of the same age, yet it did not flower
and seed at the same time, and it is a rather curious fact that this flower¬
ing began as far south as the jungles of Travencore some time about the
year 1858 or 1859, travelling southwards, till in the year 1861 nearly all
ths Bamboo jungles in the province of Coorg flowered and died out. In
the district in which I settled in the northern division of the Wynaad the
plant flowered in the year 1863, I had consequently every opportunity of
seeing and noting the phenomenon. My estimate of fifty years’ growth
before the plant seeds is founded upon information derived both from
Europeans long resident in Malahar and from natives born and resident
in the Bamboo jungles all their lives.

Scatteied at intervals over the whole of the Bamboo jungles of
Wynaad were small communities of a certain caste of natives called Jain
Coorumbers, or Honey Coorumbers — that is, men, part at least of whose
occupation was to climb the high trees and rocks and collect the honey¬
combs f ir their own use and for sale. This they effected without the use
of veil or gloves, and indeed with hardly anything to cover their naked
bodies. The work was always done at night, but even then, how the men
escaped beiog stung to death by the huge swarms of bees hanging from
4 to 5 feet from the branches, was always a puzzle to me. Some huge
trees contain as many as from ten to twelve swarms of these bees of the
above length, and from 2 to 3 feet in diameter, the individual insects each
two or three times larger than the English bee. These people, although
frequently assisting at the religious ceremonies of other native castes, had,
so far as I could ascestain, absolutely no religion, and were sunk in the
deepest degradation and ignorance, but exceedingly lively and good-
natured, and in appreciation of fun and humour exceeded any other
caste of natives I met in India. These people were exceedingly simple
and unsophisticated in their natures, and consequently the victims, in
many ways, of their more cunning f dlow countrymen, who were never
over-scrupulous as to the extent to which they levied black mail in the
shape of the produce of their small grain clearings, honey, and forced
labour.

These communities had no fixed residence, but kept moving from place
to place in the jungle periodically, and rebuilding their villages, consisting
of low huts constructed of branches of trees and roofed wiih large leaves
sewn together with strips of the inner bark of jungle saplings. Their
food consisted chiefly of the grain produced on their small armual clearings,
wild fruits, wild yams, dug from the jungle with pointed sticks, and which
they roasted over wood fires ; and the produce of the chase, there being
always plenty of dogs in each village, and a gun or two, of very primitive
workmanship certainly, but used with deadly effect on deer and wild pig,
with which the jungles at that time abounded. After the advent of the
speculative English planters in the district this timid race of Coorumbers
began gradually to approach the clearings, and eventually to do a little
work, and as time went on and confidence was established they would
come in large gangs and do all the felling, clearing, and building work of
an estate in a much quicker and superior style to the nat've of Mysore,
which composed the bnlk of the labour employed on the Coffee estates.
It was surprising to see how quickly they would cut their way up the
formidable and thorny clumps of Bamboo, knife in hand, lop off the great
canes a third of the way up, trm, cut, and dress the pieces, and woik
them into the framework of the 1 net of huts being built for the accommo¬
dation of the Mysore coolies, who resided on the plantations during the
wojking and crop seasons. They did this kind of work admirably, and
yet in their own villages, with such abundance of material close at hand,
they never attempted to build comfortable houses.

The outer rkin, smooth and polished, and the wood of the Bamboo
contains, I believe, some 50 per cent, of silica, and is very diffiiult to cut
in consequence, especially in a dry state. Knives of the very best tempir
are required in dealing with the Bamboo. Native knives of this description
were always brought by the Coorumbers for their own use, they declining
altogether to work with those imported from England, which almost
invariably proved useless in comparison with those of native make. It
was from an old man, from one of these villages, of over sixty years, who
used to act for me as superintendent of a gang of meu, that I had what
I considered the trustworthy information that he remembered when a boy
the Bamboo flowering and seeding all over the country, and that he was
employed for weeks collecting the seed for the purpose of f rod, and from
that time until the time I write of, the plants that had sprung up fr mi
the seed then shed had not flowered till the time of which I am writing. The
plant sheds its leaves annually, so that at the time of seeding it was qu t3

476

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ November 25 , rfWff

destitute of foliage, the huge masses of grain hanging heavily from the
tops of the canes, and bending them down towards the earth, giving the
clumps a most remarkable appearance. When the seed, which is not
unlike small oats in appearance, falls, these jungle men gather and store
it in large quantities for use as food. It is ground into meal between two
stones, and baked into cakes, but I was told, when much eaten, it produced
dysentery and diarrhoea. A curious belief obtains amongst the natives in
general in this district of Malabar, that the canes if cut during the wane
of the moon will soon decay, so that, when wanted for building purposes,
they are always careful to cut them during the increase of the lunar orb,
a superstition which prevailed in some parts of England with regard to
timber trees not so many years ago. The canes are also frequently left to
soak in pools of water and rivers for several weeks previous to use, as a
preventive of decay. With the flowering and death of the Bamboo
vanishes all the grace and beauty of the jungle ; nothing but the dried
and blackened clumps of dead canes are left, which for fifty years had
obeyed the summons of Nature and hastened to renew their mantle of
delicate green with the first showers of each returning spring.

The roots of these giant clumps having a deep and firm hold on
mother earth, and the comparative indestructible nature of the canes was
the cause of their remaining for some years exactly in the position in
which they died, yielding but slowly, and with seeming reluctance, to the
attacks of that wonderful insect the white ant, and jungle fires, fed by
dry grass and fallen leave5, creeping their stealthy way annually through
the forest, leaving nothing but a charred and blackened track behind.
After the seeding of the Bamboo in my neighbourhood in 1863, and on
seeing the fires of the ensuing dry season seemingly scorching up every¬
thing in their path, I could not help exclaiming, “ Here is an end to the
beautiful Bamboo jungle for ever, at least in this neighbourhood but in
this I was mistaken, for, by the end of the following south-west monsoon
clumps of young seedlings were seen springing up in all directions, giving
fair promise that in the course of years the forest would return to its
original beauty ; and this promise was duly fulfilled, for by the year I left
India, 1877, these clumps of seedlings had attained a size nearly, if not
quite, equal to the parent plants. But how the seed in the first place,
and the tender seedlings in the second, escaped the ordeal of these annual
fires I am at a loss to say, unless it was through the agency of a special
and secret provision of Nature.

Aft-r this long digression I must attempt a description of my journey
from South Wynaad to the locality in which I was to reside and work for
the following three years. As I have already stated, the journey occupied
the whole day and proved to be a very trying one. The track liy far
from any Coffee plantations, so that I had no opportunity for rest or
refreshment. The pony I rode was not of the strongest description, and
soon showed symptoms of fatigue. My first halt must be at the Planters’
Club House at Maoantoddy, the capital town or village of the northern
district, and distant some thirty miles from my starting point. The
road, or rather track, was in no way good and frequently puzzling, and
as, of course, I knew not a word cf any native language, I had, in asking
my way of the natives I happened to meet, to fall back on the “ universal
language of all nations,” signs, and to the utterance of the one word,
Manantoddy, at the same time pointing in the direction in which I
supposed the town to be situated. These natives, one and all, seemed to
at once grasp my difficulty and hastened, also by words and signs, to
assure me I was on the right path ; the consequence was that I “ made ”
the village without taking a fdse turn. I can well remember, when not
far distant from the Club House, I met a well dressed native, and on
accostiug him, in the same manner as related above, I had the pleasure of
receiving for answer in excellent English, “ Yes, Sir, you are close to
Manantoddy, keep straight on, and you will soon be at the Club House.”
On the way I passed thiough some very pretty undulating land covered
with s^ort bright green grass and comparatively open, studded only by
a few trees and widely detached Bamboo clumps, looking like extensive
and well kept pleasure grounds, and exquisitely beautiful. The eastern
slopes cf the Western Ghauts were also in view all the way, covered with
black forest, broken at intervals by the clearings of the ruthless Coffee
planter, and looking cool and magnificent in the clear atmosphere. The
highest peak of the range — leaving out the Neilgherry Hills — occurs here,
and is named Balesore. It is a magnificent mountain peak rising to a
height of a little over 7000 feet above sea level, and heavily wooded till
within a short distance of its summit, which is crowned with long grass
and low shrubs. I have often gazed at this same mountain just before
sunset, and although I had often, when a boy, looked in wonder on the
summer evenings on the strange and beautiful blue colour of the hills in
the western Highlands of Scotland, yet never had I experienced Buch
enchantment, nor gazed on such azure hue as lobed this glorious
Balesore mountain. The rivers, which during the rains were all but
impassable, were at this season easily fordable even for a small pony, so
they presented no difficulty.

One or two groups of natives I passed rather startled me. These
men were all armed with bows made of seasoned Bamboo, and rpear-
shaped arrows. Their hair was close shaven in front, with back hair lied
up in a knot on the top of their heads ; their clothing consisted of a single
narrow strip of white calico each, and they were accompanied by a large
pack of pariah dogs. They had a very wild and warlike appearance, and
as I approached ihem they ranged themselves in Bingle file on either side
of the road with the apparent desire of allowing me to pass ; but, to be
candid, they looked far too much like the pictures of the North American
Indians I had seen to please me, and I felt more comfortable when a little
distance divided us. I found afterwards that this particular tribe were
called Groochers and lived in villages in close proximity to the extensive

Rice fields, gaining a livelihood by working for the rich proprietors of the
Rice fields, and by hunting. They never use the gun in their hunting
txpeditions, but only the bow and arrow, and such a deadly weapon is it
in their hands that all sorts of game is brought down, from the hare and
jungle-fowl to the panther, leopard, and bear. I have often seen them
shooting at a mark with wonderful correctness of aim. Their ranging
themselves on each side of the road on this occasion was no menace,, but
simply a mark of respect to the white man ; at the same time their wild
and somewhat savage appearance did not altogether belie their nature, for
their previous history, up to the time of the English taking complete pos¬
session of the country, and sending officials and police there for its better
government, was one of rapine and murder. Indeed not a few murders
and robberies were committed by these men during my residence in the
district, the weapon of slaughter being always the spear-headed arrow-.
I reached the village in due course, tired, hot and hungry, and, as may be
supposed, not without the loss of a considerable area of bark, not having;
had great previous expereience in riding I At the Planters’ Club I rested,
for a short time and had refreshments, then renewed my journey a dis¬
tance of ten miles more. I had not met a siDgle white face, either on my
journey from the south or at the Club House, so was much pleased on
resuming my journey to meet with an Englishman, who proved to be the
resident doctor of the district. He evidently saw at once that I was a,
fredi impoitation, spoke very kindly to me, and directed me my way. In
the dusk of the evening I arrived at the bungalow of my future master
or superintendent, a gentleman with a foreign name, who managed several
Coffee estates both for himself and for the gentleman who had brought
me out from England. An account of the kind of reception I received
from this person on my arrival, after a journey of nearly 8000 miles, I
will reserve for my next paper. — Planter.

(To be continued.)

FRUIT AND PLANT HOUSE.

The best examples of what can be accomplished in growing plants-
and Vines in the same house are usually seen near towns, and at The
Shrubbery, St. Neots, the residence of G. Bower, Esq., I found a remark¬
able instance of success. There is a house (fig. 68) 67 feet long and
28 feet wide, span-roofed, with the ends east and west. The site is
enclosed by the mansion to the east, westward by the church school,
northerly by high buildings, being open to the south only, and even there
we have a wall separating the churchyard from the site, the beautiful,
church of St. Neots being within 100 yards to the south of the house,
which though so surrounded is nevertheless detached on every side, with,
the buildings named in close proximity. It is a very substantial house,
with side lights, and provision is made for rouf ventilation on both sides
of the ridge, opening by crank and lever movement. The Vines are
planted inside, and trained to the roof at the usual distance, or about
15 inches from the glass. On the north side of the house the Vines are as fol¬
lows, commencing at the east end. Gros Colman, which ripens and colours
well, and is considered good in flavour ; it is trained with two rods, and
is considered a very desirable varitty, from its large berries and generally
noble appearance. Alicante is only allowed one rod, being that form of
Alicante which is noted for small berries, though it ripens well ; Black
Hamburgh is allowed three rods ; Buckland Sweetwater is allowed two
rods, and it fruits and finishes capitally ; Alicante is only allowed one rod,
but this is the better form, and finishes capital examples of large bunches
and berries ; Black Hamburgh is allowed two rods ; and Dutch Ham¬
burgh one, which gives very large berries, that are liable to crack. Lady
Downe’s sets well, and is in every respect satisfactory, not beiog liable to-
scald, which may be due to being grown on the north side of the bouse.
Royal Muscadine is only given one rod, and is characterised by its usual
excellence ; West’s St. Peter’s is trained with one rod, gives compact
bunches of Grapes that colour well, and is one of the best late Grapes.
Gros Colman is allowed two rods; and Madreefield Court one rod (this is
considered one of the finest Grapes, doing very well, and not cracking,
which may be a consequence of its being on Ihe north side of the house.

The south side of the house contains, commencing from the west end.
Black Hamburgh, three rods ; Frankenthal, two rods, which, though
fruiting freely and having large berries, does not colour nearly so well
as Black Hamburgh ; this defect is common (to (this Grape. Buckland
Sweetwater, two rods; Madresfield Court, one rod, doing capitally on
this as well as the north side ; Foster’s Seedling, two rods, giving the
heaviest crops, and a Grape that is held in high repute ; Black Hamburgh,
two rods ; Buckland Sweetwater, one rod ; Black Hamburgh, one rod ;
Foster’s Seedling, two rods ; Lady Downe’s, ODe rod ; Black Hamburgh,
one rod, replacing Grizzly Frontignan, which were not found to do well ;
and Mill Hill Hamburgh, three rods, and which is here considered the
finest of the Hamburghs. It will be seen that the Grapes that are most
esteemed have most rods, being free fruiters, and as such do not require
so great a run of foliage as the late sorts, the latter not being so amenable
to close stopping as the earlier-ripening varieties. From this house
800 bunches of fine useful Grapes are had annually. The results, with
the different varieties, were kindly furnished by Mr. Williams, the able
and persevering gardener. There is an abundant crop this season, yet
more than half the bunches were removed in disbudding.

The plants are grown beneath the Vines on side stages or shelves
along both sides the house, and in the interior of the house stood on the
floor, it being disposed in conservatory- like order, there being side paths
for convenience of inspection and attending to the plants in watering, &c.,
and a wide ce ntral path with a recessed space in the centre fitted with

November 25 I816 J

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

41 7

Feats. As showing the miscellaneous charac'er of the plants, I noticel
Azaleas in many varieties and colours, double and single, some of them
being of large size and smothered with (lowers, notably A. alba plena in
pyramid form, 7 feet 6 inches high and 4 feet through at base; the same
variety in bush form, eloie on C feet through ; Oytisus racemosus, both
pyramids and bushes, 6 feet high and 4 feet through, covered with their
fragrant golden racemes of bloom ; Habrothamnus elegans, 8 feet high, in
the shape of pyramids ; OraDge trees in quantity and variety, both in
standard and pyramid form, full of flower-bud, and which in forward
examples loaded the air with fragrance ; Kichardia sethiopica, both in large
and small pots, were plentiful, some of them having as many as thirty
spithes expanded, which with the ample fdiage were splendid in effect
and usefulness, the great profusion of white in the Azaleas, Richardias,
Spiraeas, Deutzias, and Lily of the Valley being no doubt made in anticipa¬
tion of the Easter decorations. Miles’ Spiral Mignonette in 6-inch pots,
with its long spikes of sweetness ; it is one of the best for pots.

very beautiful Asparagus plumosus nanuq which was making very vigo¬
rous growth, it being a very fiae variety of this lovely plant.

In the Peach house, a lean-to structure 66 feet long and 15 feet wide,
with front lights about 4 feet high, there is a similar miscellaneous collec¬
tion of fruits and plants. The trees are standards, planted inside, and the
growths trained to the roof only, the front or upright part being kept
clear, the trellis about 12 inches from the glass. The trees are planted
inside, and consist of Dutilly’s (Due de Telliers) Nectarine, which appears
to fruit freely ; Downton Nectarine, which also affords plenty of finer
large, highly coloured fruits ; Acton Scott Peach, the fruit of which
attains to a good size, and is considered excellent ; Teton de Venus, not
considered a good bearer, but the fruit has been grown here to 12£ ozs.
weight; Elruge Nectarine, very much liked, as it is everywhere; and
Prince of Wales Peach, which appears to be doing well, it not being as a.
rule a healthy grower, at least not ou!doore, but it answers under glass,
at least here ; there being promise of a heavy crop, the fruit attaining a

Fig. 68. — The Vinery at the Shrubbery, St. Neots.

Primulas, Pelargoniums, Zonal and Ivy-leaved, and sweet-scented leaved ;
Heliotropes, Roses, large plants of Camellias, both in double and single
varieties, also small plants of these in quantity ; Dielytra spectabilis,
Azalea mollis vars., Diplacuses, Cinerarias, the large-flowered Covent
Garden s rain ; plants in tubs of Metrosideros floribunda in bush form,
6 to 8 feet high and as much through; Cyclamen, Lachenalia tricolor,
Sedem Sieboldi, Begonias, shrubby and Tuberous ; Rochea falcata ;
Ntriums, including that floe variety Madonna ; Begonia fuchsioides
clothing pillars, Mesembryanihemums, Vallotas, Fuchsias in variety,
Lucy Finnis being a favourite; large plants of Agapanthus, Cactus,
Acacias, and many others. Foliage plants were represented by Palms, as
Cory pha australis in large plants, also Phoenix dactylifera, &c., and the
indispensable Cocos Weddelliana, Draciena rubra, Ficus elastica, large
examples of Variegated Aloe (Agave americana variegata), Cyperus
laxus variegata, Japanese Euonymuses, Variegated Lily of the
Valley, which is as fine by its striped foliage as lovely by sweet
flowers ; the very lovely Isolepis gracilis, &c. ; and there is a
great variety of Ferns, amongst others Asplenium bulbiferum, Pteris
umbrosa, P. Ecaberula, Blechnum corcovadense, Harefoot (Davallia
canariensis), Asplenium nitidum, Maidenhair (Adiantum), Platycerium
alcicorne with stagshorn-like fronds over 4 feet through, and these were
grouped together in an effective manner, with pots of the blueish metallic
lustred Lycopod (Selaginella caesium), &c, Finer in its division were the

large size, some having been grown to 11 ozj., and excellent in quality,,
which is more than can be said of the large fine-looking late Peaches
generally. The trees are only four years planted, and have a spread of
head of about 15 feet by 9 feet. Beneath the fruit trees on the front
stage are Pelargoniums, Fuchsias, Heliotrope, Auriculas in flower,
Cyclamen seedlings in pans from autumn sowing. Tree Carnations,.
Salvias, Scented Verbena, Vallotas, Cape Pelargoniums, Roses, Statices,
Zonal Pelargoniums, Diosmas, &c. ; and at the back are large Orange
trees in pots or tubs, standards of 4 to 6 feet Ftem and fine rounded
heads, Shaddocks, &e. These are used for outdoor decoration in summer,
and make quite a fine effect. Some of the plants are kept in a coach¬
house in winter, dry and safe from frost, where they lose their leaves,
and being introduced to the Peach house in spring they break very freely -r
some so treated are now (April 13th) pushing growth very much bettertban.
those that have been treated as evergreens and kept moist. The process
seems a singular and novel mode of renovation, but it answers perfectly.
Myrtles 8 feet high, both broad-leaved and narrow, Plumbago capensis,
Coronilla glauca, Brugmansias, Rhododendron Purity, &c., with many
other plants, besides bedding Pelargoniums, &o., that having been wintered
here are now in frames. In this house are the pyramid Fuchsias, 7 to
8 feet high and 3 feet through, that are seen with honours annually at
St. Neots Flower Show. There is also a large plant in a tub of the
seldom seen Musk Tree, the leaves of which when touched emit an odour

478

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER ,

[ November 25, 1836.

of Musk. There are also Tomatoes in a forward state, Vegetable Marrow
plants potted off, Celery in boxes pricked off, French Beans in boxes, and
quite a novelty in the shape of Scarlet Runners running up strings
against the back wall, which I understand is the first season ; but as
French Beans do well enough, why not Scarlet Runners ? In pots are a
quantity of Ashleaf Potatoes. Two sets are put in a 12-inch pot about
the middle of January, and by the middle of April there are Potatoes fit
to lift, and these have a ripeness frame ones as a rule do not have so
early. When I saw them (April 13th) they were large, in tubers, and so
ripe as to evidence good cooking quality. The indispensable Mint was
present in quantity, but to enumerate everything would only be a reitera¬
tion of many plants that are well known. Some of the common white
Lilium (L. cand dum) were over a yard high, showing buds plentifully.
Of the many good plants in the grounds and garden I must for want of
space omit mention, but there are some fine pyramid Apples that promise
well, Ribston Pippins very fertile, without a trace of canker, Plum trees
on low walls, all bloom from bottom to extremity, and there is a fine
piece of lawn without a speck of Daisy or other weed to mar its close
deep green velvety surface, and gives evidence of great care being taken
to make and keep it in that order so necessary for enjoying the popular
game of tennis. It is the firest piece of lawn I have seen, so level, so
close and firm, as to merit especial praise — G. Abbey.

CHRYSANTHEMUM SHOWS.

HULL. — November 18th and 19th.

Though the Hull Chrysanthemum Society has only been established a
little over two years, it already occupies a leading position in the country.
The gentlemen constituting its directorate combine enthusiasm with quick
business aptitude, and they appear to know how to gain the support that is
requisite for carrying out their object — the encouragement and promotion
of the cultivation of the Chrysanthemum in the district. To effect this
object a considerable number of open clas363 are wisely provided, and liberal
prizes offered to bring the best products that can be obtained from other
districts. The superiority of those products over what may be raised in
any given district directly stimulates local growers to aim at a higher
standard of excellence, and they are impelled to strive to equal or surpass
the achievements that arouse general admirati >n. This is a far better
policy and more certain to accomplish what is desired than simply collect¬
ing money and distributing it over a number of local classes to be divined
amongst local men, while the products remain at the same old and it maybe
low standand that prevails in the district. We have seen wonderful im¬
provement follow brisk and splendid competition in an open class, not at
Hull only, but in other places. Nowhere, however, do we remember of a
greater advance being made in ajshorter time than at the show under notice.
When the character of the Chrysanthemum blooms generally that were
staged two years ago are remembered and compared with those of last week,
we are bouud to regard the improvement as simply marvellous. Much the
same progress has been made in the effect groups, that are now quite equal
to the best in the kingdom. A marked improvement in plants is also
apparent; but as yet the district growers have given scarcely any attention
to trained specimens. This year, however, a good specimen was obtained
by the Secretary as an “object lesson,” and we may expect to see some
better locally grown plants iD the future. As regards the character of the
floral decorations, we found excellent taste displayed in the dressing of
dinner tables ; but not so in the arrangement of bouquets, which were, as a
rule, too large, smooth, and crowded. The Show now to be noticed wa3
arranged in the very extensive Artillery Barracks, and proved worthy of
the excellent attendance of visitors from the opening till the close of the
Exhibition.

Cut Blooms. — The chief point of interest naturally centred in the
challenge vase competition. The vase, value fifteen guineas with the first
money prize of £10, is generously provided by the Chairman of the Society,
George Bohn, Esq., the remaining prizes in the class being £8, £5, and
£2. Last year there were four competitors, and the vase was won by Mr.
D. Lindsay, gardener to Sir T. Edwardes Moss, Bart-., Otterspool, Liver¬
pool, Mr. W. Mease, Liverpool, pressing him closely; he, however,
accepted his defeat manfully, resolving to try again. This year, though
there was the same number of entries as last, only the above named exhibitors
kept their engagements. Both arranged heavy stands of blooms, Mr.
Lindsay’s at tne first glance appearing to take the lead ; but after a care¬
fully examina'ion of every one of the ninety-eight blooms and recording the
merits of each Mr. Mease was found to lead by about the same small
number of points that his rival led with last y ar. The vase therefore
changes hands. The superiority of the incurved of Mr. Mease gave him
the advantage (the Japanese being practically equal). Mr. Lindsay had a very
grand back row which pointed decidedly higher than the corresponding
line in the other stand, but Mr. Mease gained twice as many points in the
other two rows that he lost in the back one ; in fact finer front row blooms
were perhaps never seen than in this collection. The class was for “twenty-
four incurved blooms in not le-s than eighteen varieties and twenty four
Japane-e blooms in not less than eight en varieties.” Mr. Mease’s blooms
were arranged as follows : — Incurved: — Back row — Lord Alcester, John
Salter, Queen of England, Alfred Salter, Empress of India, John Salter,
Lord Alcester, and Queen of England; full, fresh, solid, smooth, and
bright, hu-, not of great size. Second row— Prince Alfred, Empress of
India, Golden Empre's, Lord Wolseley, Golden Empress, Jeanne d’Arc,
Jardin des Plan'e", and Alfred Salter ; the Golden Empress rather small
here lost som ■ points, but the others wore excellant. Front row — Princess
of Wales, Mr. Bunn, Hero 'of Stoke Newington, Mrs. Heale, Refulgence
Cherub, Lady Hardings, and Princess of Teck— a fine row, Refulgence
being splendidly renre-ent/d. Japanese: — Back row. — Boule d’Or, Mar¬
guerite Marrouch, Fair Maid of Guernsey, Madame 0. Atidiguier, Yal
d’Andorra, Boule d’Or, Baronne de Prailly, and Elaine. Second row. —
Madame de Savin, Triompbe de la Rue des Chalets, Mens. Tarin, Comte
de Germiny, Meg Merrilies,1 J. Delaux, Belle Paule, and Japonaise. Front
row. Val d’ Andorra, Meg Merrilies, Criterion, Belle Paule, Golden Dragon,

J ohn Laing, Soleil Levant, and Madame C. Audiguier. Mr. Lindsay staged
many magnificent Japanese blooms, especially in the front row ; but taking
the stands throughout, and notably the incurved, Mr. Mease’s blooms were
decidedly the fresher, some of Mr. Lindsay’s being very stale and at least
a week too old.

The result appeared to take the loser by surprise, and we believe he
eitered a written protest against the awards in this and another class that
were against him, but not againBt those where he was placed in the leading
position. Tne decision of the Judges was upheld. We have in our posses¬
sion the record of the Judges’ point, those of two other fir3t-rate growers
an I judges, and the total points determined with great care by a member of
the Committee; and as they were all taken independently — that is, the
Ju iges and scrutineers being quite in ignorance as to conclusions of each
other, tha comparison is a little remarkable, for in one case there is a total
of one point above the official Judges’ numbers, and in the other one point
below them; therefore there is, so to say, a triple verdict in favour of Mr.
M -ase, who won well, and received the more congratulations became of the
peculiar circumstances attending the competition.

In the open class for twenty-four blooms in not less than nine varieties
each of incurved and Japanese, Mr. Lindsay won the chief prize (£5) with
splendid examples, but some a little scale, Mr. Mease closely following with
fresh but smaller blooms, and entered no protest. He was placed first with
twelve incurved varieties, distinct, with b autifully fresh and broad petalled
ex amples of Empress of India, Emily Dale, Alfred Salter, Golden Empress,
Prince Alfred, John Salter, Lord Aleester, Refulgence, Princess of Wales,
Mrs Hea e, Jardin des Plantes, and Hero of Stoke Newington. Mr. Lind¬
say followed with larger blooms, but several of them too stale and loose to
merit a higher position. Mr. Usher, gardener to E. Hargit Johnson, Esq.,
Thorgumbald, was adjudged tne third priz > for neat examples.

In the corresp mding cla^s for Japanese Mr. Lindsay secured the premier
position with magnificent blooms of the following varieties: — Fair Maid of
Guernsey, M >ns. Desbrieux, Mdme. Lacroix, Val d’Andorre, Japonaise,
Criterion, J. D laux, Soleil Levant', Mons. Tarin, Boule d’Or, Belle Paule,
and M g Merrilies. Mr. M ase was an excellent second with a fresh fine
stand.

F. W. Jameson, Esq., Est Ella, was first in the open class for twelve
Anemone blooms in not lessthan six varieties, with excellent pale and clean
exa mples of F abian de Mediana, Mdme. Oabrol, Lady Margaret, Dorothde de
Souibe, Emperor, Bertbe Pigny, Marguerite Solleville, and Acquisition,
f ollowed by Mr. E. Mason, gardener to George Bohn, Esq , and Mr. H.
Berkmar, gardener to David Wilson, Esq., Park House, Cottingham, both
arranging good stands. The same exhibitors occupied similar positions
with twelve reflexed blooms, of which six coll ctions were staged, those
w-nuing the prizes being excellent and very close in point of merit. In the
class for six bloo ns of any variety, Mr. Mease was first with Lord Alcester,
Mr. Lindsay second with J. Delaux, and Mr. F. W. Jame.son third with
Mons. Tarin. M ssrs. Mease an i Lind-iay were respectively first and second
with six bl >omi of Cullingfordi and Mr. Bohn third, all having rich fine
blooms. The class for new Japanese varieties was not a success, the blooms
staged bflng very small. Mr. E. P. Dixon’s prize for twenty-four blooms,
twelve incurved and twelve Japanese, was won by Mr J. P. Leadbetter,
gardener to Arthur Wilson, Esq., Tranby C oft, with fresh and excellent
specimens, Mr. F. W. Jameson being an extremely close second with
heavier but o der blooms, and Mr. Harland, Th ■ Sycamores, Cottingham, a
creditable third. Mr. Leadbetter was the leading p izewinner in the class
for twelve incurved blooms, also with twelve blooms of incurved and
Japanese, M s-rs. F. A Thompson, gardener to J. Fish-r, Esq., Manor House,
Wilier by, F. W. Jameson, Esq., Harland, and J. Dalby, gardener to J. H.
Horsley, Esq., Southfield, Cottingham, being successful exhibitors in those
classes.

All the classes above referred to were open. In the amateurs' classes
there was excellent competition, Messrs. A. W. Stanley, E. Goddard, G.
Kidson, and W. Roper being the prizewinners, all contributing well to the
quality of the Show. The two amateurs’ challenge cups for twelve incurved
and twe ve Japanese blooms respectively were won by Mr. Stanley with
very large but rather stale blooms, Mr. Goddard closely following with neat
fresh exampl s, but several only half developed.

The premier blooms in the amateurs’ classes were Boule d'Or and Golden
Empress, both exhibited by Mr. Stanley, the premier blooms of the Exhi¬
bition being Lord Alcester in one of Mr. Lindsay’s stands, and a magnificent
Boule d’Or in Mr. Mease’s vas -winning stand. Mr. J Winkworth, gardener
to R alph Brocklebank, Esq., Coildwell Hall, Liverpool, was awarded a first-
class cer ificate for a yellow sport from Meg Merrilies named Mr. Ralph
Biocklebank, which has been previously certificated at Kingston. Mr. Owen
of Maidenhead also had blooms of his Improved Cora Marigolds, which
were highly commended.

Groups and Specimen Plants. — Seven imposing groups were arranged
in competition for the ten-guinea challenge cup and £5 in money, the space
accorded to each being 100 square feet. The stipulation was for “ A group
of Curyeanthemums interspersed with foliage plants,” hut the latter were
sparingly employed throughout. A graceful Palm or Fern in most cases
forma d the top or central plant, and a fringe <f Ferns and other suitable
plants quite mask d the pots and stems of the Chrysanthemums, imparting
a most agreeable finish to the arrangements. The Judges had not much
difficulty in selecting the first group of Mr. J. S. Graham, gardener to George
Lawson, Esq., Newland Grove, Hull, for premier honours. It was an ellip¬
tical rather than a semicircular arrangement, the top, or highest point next
the wall, being about 9 feet from the ground, the Chrysanthemum plants
all bearing fine fresh blooms sloping down, but not in a flat formal way, to
2 feet from the floor, the margin consisting of a tasteful association of Ferns,
Selaginella ■, and ornamental foliage plants, a few of the latter, such as
Palms, being interspersed at int rvals of 2 or 3 feet with the Chrysanthe¬
mums, not hi ling them but formin ? a foil t > the handsome blooms : these
we- e indeed very fine as was the foliage This group was not in the leasq
cr iwled, nor wat it thin, while every plant was fresh, and not a pot was
visible. It w.X3 in every way meritorious, and the most attractive group
we have yet seen at an autumn show. Tn - second prize was adjudged to
Mr. J. P. Leidbet’er for a tasteful, free, and bright coll action. The blooms
of the majority of the Chrys mthemums were lacking in size, but the
pleasing freedom of the arrangement could not be overlooked. Mr. Henry

November 25, 1888. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

479

Bulmer was placed third, his group being imposing by the great mass of
colour, but the plants were decidedly too closely packed to be effective.
Mr. Wm. Mason, gardener to Lieut-Col. Brooshooft was the remaining
prizewinner with a free arrangement, but a trifle lacking in brightness.
The 50 feet groups in the amateurs’ classes were very good, and would hive
been better if the flowerstilks employed had been Uss obtrusive. The
prizes were won by Messrs. Stanley, Hornsey, and Higham in the ordt r
named.

Though there was a decided improvement in the plant classes over la t
year there is room for a further advance, especially in respect to trained
plants. A few were much too flat, a few standards only being of the right
stamp. Some of the bush grown plants were good for cons-rcatory decora¬
tion, but the majority would have been improved by disbudding and its
corollary better blooms. Messrs. La wsod, Stamper, Mason, and Raby were
the chief prizewinners in these classes.

Valuable contributions to the Exhibition were very fine collections of
fruit from Messrs. Richard Smith dz Co., Worcester, and Mr. E. P. D;xon,
Hull. A fine assortment of Potatoes from Messrs. E. Webb & Co., Words-
ley ; new Chrysanthemums from Mr. Robert Owen, Maidenhead, and a
great, diversified, and in every way very excellent miscdlaneous collection
of plants from Mr. E. P. Dixon.

The Show was admirably arranged by the industrious Secretary, Mr. R.
Fa’coner Jameson, and his willing coadjutors, and was altog ther a great
success, a total of nearly 10,000 persons being admitted on the two days.

BRISTOL.— November 17th and 18th.

The twenty-third Exhibition of thi3 Society was held at the Drill Hall>
Clifton, and this new departure was attended with excellent results. There
have been several better shows held this season in other districts as far as
Chrysanthemums are concerned, but as an all-round display of flowers,
fruits, and vegetables it may fairly claim to be one of the best in the
country. The Committee are all practical gardeners, and with the assist¬
ance of Mr. A. Polkinghorn, the very courteous and hard-working Secretary,
everything was arranged in good style. We are informed that the attend¬
ance of visitors was highly satisfactory, thus proving that a long familiarity
with Chrysanthemum shows has not yet militated against their popularity.

Chrysanthemum Plants. — The premier prize for six specimens of large-
flowering varieties was awarded to Mr. C. Silcox, gardener to W. Vowles,
Esq., who had very good examples of John Salter, Mrs. Dixon, Jardin des
Plantes, Prince Alfred, Mrs. G. Ruudle, and Sunset. He was closely fol¬
lowed by Mr. A. Ambrose, gardener to K. Robinson, Esq. ; and Mr. J. Lee,
gardener to T. M. Miller, Esq., was a good third. With three varieties Mr. J.
Lee was first, Mr. Silcox second, and Mr. C. Good third, all staging well
grown plants of popular sorts. Mr. Lee was first with four Pompons ;
Mr. J. Loosemore, gardener to W. Cooper, Esq , second; and Mr. H. Lewis,
gardener to Boddam Castle, Esq., third, all having pretty plants. Japanese
varieties were fairly well represented. Mr. Ambrose was first for four
varieties, and Mr. E. T. Hill second. Mr. A. Porter had the best flatly
trained Ja-^anesi sort, a fine plant of Bouquet Fait ; Mr. Lee being second,
and Mr. Loosimore third. Mr. J. Lee was awarded a first prize and also
certificate of National Chrysanthemum Society for a very fine flatly trained
Mrs. Rundle, the second prize in this class going to Mr. A. Porter. Several
good pyramids were to be seen, Mrs. Rundle being the most popular variety.
Mr. Silcox was first, Mr. A. Ambrose second, and Mr. E T. Hill third.
Several large groups were arranged, but they were only of average merit.
Mr. A. Ambrose was a good first, Mr. John Ayres second, and Mr. J. Cole
third. The last to be noticed were the standard-trained plants, and which
hardly received the position they merited. Mr. W. Bannister was easily
first for three specimens, having capital examples of Prince Alfred, Jardin
des Plantes, and Mrs. Forsyth, and the remaining prizes were taken by
Messrs. A. Porter and D. Thatcher in the order named.

Miscellaneous Plants. — Groups arranged on a space 10 feet by 7 feet, of
which there four put up, added much to the general eff ;et, and were highly
creditable to the exhibitors. Thr Judges had no hesitation in awarding the
first prize to Mr. W. Rye, gardener to J. Derham, Esq., this competitor far
excelling any of his previous attempts. HL collection included well-
flowered Lselia Perrini, Zygopetalum Mackayi, Calanthes and Cypripediums
in variety, Ixoras, Crotons, and various other choice plants. Mr. F. Perry,
gardener to H. Cruger Miles, Esq., was a good second, his most conspicuous
plants being a well flowered Yanda caerulea and an ugly Echeveria retusa.
Mr. J. Ayres was placed third, and he also had numerous good plants and
some very common ones. Mr. Rye staged the best six fine foliaged plants,
these including fine Crotons undulatum and pictum and a la- ge Latania
borbonica. Mr. R. Morse, gardener to S. Budgett, Esq., was second, and
Mr. J. Lee third. With four varieties, Mr. Rye was again a good first, the
Clifton Zoological Society second, and Mr. J. Lee third. Mr. Shelton, gar¬
dener to W. K. Waite, Esq., was first for Bouvardias, and Mrs. King second.
Mr. T. Gibson and Mr. Rve were the prizewinners with Poinsettias, and
Messrs. W. Bannister and W. Rye were respectively first and second for well
grown groups of Ferns. Table plants are invariably shown in good style
at Clifton, and with these the prizewinners were Messrs. R. Morse, W. Ban¬
nister, and G. W. Shelton. Mr. Bannister had the best Primulas, and Mr.
H. Lewis was a good second. Mrs. Oldland took the first prize for a speci¬
men Orchid, having a well flowered Cypripedium insigne ; and Mr. R. Morse
was second with Calanthe vt stita.

Cut Flowers. — The cut blooms of Chrysanthemums were shown in greater
numbers than heretofore but owing to the lateness of the fixture only the
Japanese varieties were up to the usual excellence. Mr. Runnaclea was
awarded the first prize for twenty-four large-flowering varieties, but he
certainly had the best of the luck. Several very inferior blooms were in¬
cluded, while the best were Princess of Teck, Cherub, Barbara, Princess of
Wales, Princess Beatrice, Yenus, Queen of England, White Beverley. Mr.
J. Aplin, gardener to W. M. Baker, Esq., was placed second for a prettier
lot, among which the finest were Empress of India, Golden Empress, Lord
Alcester, Angelina, and Mr. W. Shipman. Mr. E. Miller, gardener to
F. Tagart, Esq., was a good third, Cullingfordi, Mabel Ward, Empress of
India, and Barbara being the best in his collection. With twelve blooms
Mr. Miller was first, no less than three Empress of Indias being included in
this lot. Mr. J. Aplin was second with a fresher and good lot ; and Mr.
E. S. Cole, gardener to W. Pethick, Esq., third. The last named was easily

first for twelve blooms of Anemone-flowered sorts, Fabias de Maderanaz,
Empress, Lady Margaret, Madame Bertha Pigny, Sosur Dorothee Souille,
Margaret of Norway, and Gluck, all being in excellent condition. Mr.
E. .Miller was second, and Mr. T. Hobbs third. The class for incurved
varieties in two colours wa3 a good one, and included some really fine blooms.
Mr. J. Aplin was first, having Empress of India and Golden Empress of
India, and a bloom of the former was also adjudged the best in the Show.
Mr. Miller was second, and Mr. J. Baylis third. Only one class for Japanese
sorts, unless we include a special for new sorts, was provided, and only two
prizes offered, this being surely a great oversight on the part of the framers
of the schedule. With twelve blooms, Mr. E. S. Cole was well first, having
Belle Paule, J. DJaux, Gloriosum, Fair Maid of Guernsey, Mdlle. Lacroix*,
Madame C. Audiguier, M. Burnet, Fanny Boucharlet, Duchess of Albany,
and Japonais, all extra good. Mr. Miller was second, and there were seven
other creditable lots shown. Hand bouquets, inclusive and exclu-ive oE
Orchids, were well shown by Mr. C. Winstone, who well deserved the two
firsts awarded him. In both classes Mr. M. Hookings was a good second.
Mr. E. S. Cole was first for a tastefully arranged vase of cut flowers, Mr.
W. Dobson second, and Mr. E. T. Hill third.

Fbdit and Vegetables.— Three good collections of six varieties oE
fruit were shown. Mr. Ellicott, gardener to H. W. Tugwell, Esq., Bath,
was first with fine Muscat of Alexandriajand large bunches of Lady Downe’s
Grapes, good Victory of Bath Melon, Beurre Diel Pears, Blenheim Orange
App'es, and Red and White Currants. Mr. W. Iggulden, gardener to the
Earl of Cork, Frome, was a very close second, losing only in having Gros
Colrnan instead of Muscat Grapes ; and Mr. W. Bmnister was a most
creditable third. No priz, s were offered for collections of Grapes, but
inetead of these classes wei'6 provided for all the best sorts in season.
Muscat of Alexandria was well shown by several growers. Mr. Ellicott
took the first prize for extra fine bunches, though we should have preferred
the second prize lot staged by Mr. J. Gibson, gardener to the Earl Cowley.
Mr. W. Jones was first for well-kept Black Hamburgh, Mr. J. Loosemore
being second, and Mr. Bannister third. Alicante was most exten.-ivtly
shown, but Mr. Iggulden was easily first for good-sized well finished
bunches ; Mr. A. Young being a good sicond ; and Mr. Haines, gardeier to
the Earl of Radnor, also had excellent examples. Mr. Gibson was first fur
Lady Downe’s, having two very pretty bunches ; Mr. Iggulden was a good
second, and Mr. G. Webley third. Gros Colrnan was not so well shown as
might have been expected. Mr. Iggulden had rather small bunches, but
they were Wtll finished, and Wrre placed first; Mr. Young being second,
and Mr. W. Sweeting third. Mr. Iggulden was also first for Mrs. Pince,
and Mr. Sweeting second. In the class for any other black variety Mr.
Iggulden led with Alnwick Seedling in a creditable condition, Mr. Bannister
following with Gros Maroc, and Mr. Sweeting was third with Gros Gu.l-
laume. In the corresponding class for white varieties Mr. W. Rye was first
for Syrian of extra good flavour, Mr. Iggulden folio wing with Golden Queen,
and Mr. A. Young was third with well-kept Buckland Sweetwater. The
Banksian medal of the Royal Horticultural Society offered for the best col¬
lection of Apples was won by Mr. \V. Bannister, who had a really good lot
of fruit. Mr. J. H. Virgo was first for six varieties of dessert Apples, these
consisting of highly coloured Golden Reinette, Blenheim Orange, Ribston
Pippin, Fearn’s Pippin, King of Pippins, and Cox’s Orange Pippin. Mr.
Runnacles was second; and Mr. J. Pearce, gardener to H. Derham, E q.,
third. Cox’s Orange Pippin was the favourite in the tingle dish class. Mr.
Aplin was first, Mr. E. Hall second, and Mr. J. Prestige third. With six
culinary varieties Mr. Runnacles was a good first, winning with fine fruit of
Peasgood’s Nonesuch, Golden Ducat, Alfriston, Warner’s King, Me-e de
Mdnage, and Lady Henniker. Mr. Aplin was second, and Mr. E. T. Hill
third. Mr. Aplin was first for one variety, Btaging a very fine dish of Blen¬
heim Orange. Pears were very abundant and good. Mr. Jones had the
best six varieties, these consisting of Doyenne du Comice, Josephine de
Malines, Beurrb Diel, Beurrd Bachelier, General Todtleben, aDd Duchesse
d’Angou'eme. Mr. Rye was second, and Mr. Hall third. Wiih four varie¬
ties Mr. J. Saunders, gardener to Captain Allcock, was first, Mr. Bannister
second, and Mr. E. Hall third; while for a single dish Mr. Rye was first
with Doyenne du Comice. Mr. Rye had the best brace of Cucumbers, the
second prize going to Mr. Haines. Six really good collections of vegetabl s
were shown, the Judges having no easy matter to separate them. They
eventually awarded the first prize to Mr. S. Haines, who had New Inter¬
mediate Carrots, Snowball Turnips, The Wroxton Onion, Brussels Sprouts,
Reading Perfection Tomatoes, Autumn Giant Cauliflower, Leicester R d
Celery, and Red Cabbage, all his well-known excellent condition. Mr.
J. H. Virgo was a good second, and Mr. E. T. Hill third.

Not for Competition. — Messrs. Garraway of the Durdham Downs
Nursery, Clifton, sent a considerable number of hardy shrubs and Conifers,
as well as various choice plants, also a very complete collection of cut
blooms of Chrysanthemums. The latter comprised nearly or quite all the
best sorts in cultivation, and these came in for a good share of attention.
Mr. J. Aplin, Harsfield Court, Gloucester, contributed a very good collection
of Potatoes in about thirty-six varieties ; and Mr Pathebridge, Nailsea, also
had a number of American and English Potatoes.

LINCOLN.— November 16th and 17th.

The fourth annual Exhibition was held in the Corn Exchange on the
above dates, and was well attended. The room in which it is held is one
of the best in the kingdom for the purpose, and the Committee, benefiting
from past experience, made the very best use of the space and o f the material
at their disposal. A marked advance in general appearance and in general
quality of all exhibits except Grapes — which at such an exhibition are of
minor importance — was at once apparent, and great credit is due to the
courteous Secretary (Dr. Lowe), the Assistant Secretary (Mr. Pennell, jun.),
and to the Acting Committee for the great success achieved by their efforts.
Groups of miscellaneous, stove, a d greenhouse plants, arranged on one
side of the hall, and of Chrysanthemums and green-fohaged plants on the
other, formed one of the chief features ; and so excellent was their general
quality that the Judges had considerable difficulty in making the awards ;
and two splendid groups of plants not for competition contributed respec¬
tively by Messrs. Pennell aid N. Clayton, Esq. (gardener, Mr. Wipf j ma¬
terial y aided in making the Exhibition a complete floral success. Spe j in n
Chrysanthemums were much better than in past years, Mr. Brailsford, an

480

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER ,

[ November 25, 1886.

amateur'who is said not to possess a square yard of garden, leading the way
in capital style, and completely outdistancing his opponents, who were
professional gardeners. His single specimen of Mrs. Rundle was a large
healthy plant bearing a great quantity of very fine flowers.

Cut blooms of Chrysanthemums were above tbe average in all tbe sec¬
tions, Messrs. Bugg, Herring, Mitchell, and Brown being the principal
prizetakers. A judicious a rangement of Palms, Cycad’, Tree Ferns, &c.,
placed in various parts of the room, although in competition —produced a
very pleasing effect by drawing tbe eye from tbe masses of colour, and by
presenting a greater and more satisfactory variety of outline.

A table was set apart for vases and dinner-table decorations and bou¬
quets, the most striking of the two former being contributed by Miss
Hamilton Holmes, who displayed true artistic taste in her arrangements of
•colours and of “green,” and also in approximating the “ weight ” of her
•material to the size of the vase and epergne at h°r disposal, both of which
were too large, thus causing the premier awards to be made to Miss Pennell,
who had smaller glasses, and lighter and very tasteful arrangements that
did not obstruct the view across the table. Mr. Mitchell, gardene r to W. J.
Warrener, Esq., exhibited the best collections of Apples an l Pear3, but
who, like several other exhibitors this season, lost the first prize for dessert
Apples through disqualification, having inadvertently placed a “ Blenheim
Orange ” in a dish of “ Cox’s.” Dr. Lowe took premier honours with exotic
Ferns ; and Mr. Marfleet had a splendid specimen of Cypripedium insigne,
bearing fifty fully expanded flowers.

The chief prizes were awarded as follows : — Group of Chrysanthemums
and other plants arranged for effect. First H. Greenham, Esq. (gardener,
Mr. Foster) : second W. J. Warrener, Esq. (gardener, Mr. Mitchell) ; third,
B. Lowe, Esq. (gardener, Mr. Herring, jun.). Group of Chrysanthemums
and green-foliaged plants arranged for effect. — First, J. C. Bourne, Esq.
(gardener, Mr. Brown); second, T. Lowe, Esq.; third, W. J. Warrener,
Esq. Best three stove or greenhouse Ferns. — First, Dr. Lowe ; second, H.
Greenham, Esq.

Cut blooms (thirty-six Chrysanthemums, eighteen Japanese and eigh¬
teen incurved, distinct). — Firsr, W. Ashley, Esq. (gardener, Mr. Bugg)
whose best flowers were Lord Wolseley, Jeanne d’Arc, Empress of India,
•Queen of England, Comtesse de Beuregard, Soleil Levant, Elaine, &c. Second,
J . Warrener, Esq. (gardener, Mr. Mitchell ; third, Mr. Brailsford. Twenty-
four incurved in eight en distinct varieties. — First, W. Ashley, Esq. ; se¬
cond, T. Lowe, Esq. Twenty-four Japanese, eighteen distinct. — First, W.
Asbley, Esq. ; second, W. J. Warrener, Esq. Eighteen consisting of six
Incurved, six Japanese, and six reflexed, distinct. — First, Mr. Oldham (gar¬
dener, Mr. Gill). Second, T. C. Bourne, Esq. Twelve reflexed in not less
than nine varieties. — First, W. J. Warrener, Esq. Second, W. Ashley,
Esq. Twelve Pompons distinct. — First, W. J. Warrener, Esq. Second,
S. Lowe, Esq. Twelve incurved, distinct. — First, J. C. Bourne, E-q. Se¬
cond, Mr. Brailsford. Twelve Japanese, distinct. — First, J. C. Bourne, Esq.
Second, S. Lowe, Esq. Specimen plants, three Chrysanthemums (large-
flowering, Japanese excluded). — First, Mr. Brailsford : second, W. Ashley,
Esq. (gardener, Mr. Bugg). Three specimen Japanese, distinct. — F.rsr,
Mr. Brailsford. Three specimen Pompons. — First, Mr. Brailsford ; second,
W. Ashley, Esq. Single specimen (large flowering). — First, Mr. Brailsford.
Stand or vase for table decoration. — First. Miss Pennfll ; second, H. Green¬
ham, E’q. (gardener, Mr. Foster) ; third, Miss Hamilton Holmes. Best
arrangement of flowers for dinner-table decoration. — First, Miss Pennell ;
Second, Miss Hamilton Holm’s.

Fruit. — G apes were not up to tbe usual standard, and it is a great pity
that some growers still fail to understand that when committees of flower
shows offer prizes for “ Black ” G'apes they mean “Black” or “Purple”
Grape’, and not “ Hybrids ” of “ Green and Red ” Several creditable bunches
of Muscat of Alexandria, Alicante, and Trebbiano were exhibited. The
Muscats exhibited by Mr. Hare, gardener to R. H. Nevil, Esq., were of
superior finish, and were deservedly awarded first prize in the class for
white Grapes, Mr. Greenford, gardener to Col. Sharpe, being second with
larger, but not so well-tinisbed bunches. For four bunches distinct
varieties, Mr. Hare was again first ; the second prize stand containing a
good example of Trebbiano and a badly coloured bunch of Gros Colman.

Mr. Marfleet was first for a single specimen Orchid with a splendid
plant of Cypripedium insigne bearing fifty flowers, and one of the best
examples of its kind ever exhibited. The Committee is to be congratulated
on having had one of the most pleasing floral exhibitions in the kingdom,
and it is to be hoped it will prove as great a success financially.

SHEFFIELD. — November 19th and 20th.

The second annual Show of this Society was held in the New Corn
Exchange on the above dates, and was in every respect a very great advance
upon that held a year ago ; the competition in the open class’s being very
keen, the entries numeroup, and in the cut flower classes the quality was
superb. In tbe principal of these classes — viz., that for twenty-four
incurved and that for twenty-four Japanese, there were five competitors.
Mr. John Edwards, gardener to H. Tate, Esq., Allerton, Beeches, Liverpool,
secured the first prize of £5 for the twenty-four incurved, with exceedingly
large and generally well finished blooms of the following: — Back row:
Lord Alcester, Emily Dale, Empress of India, Golden Empress, Queen of
England, Lord Alcester, Que n of England, and Empress of India. Middle
row : Princess of Wales, Golden Empress, Bronze Jardin, Jeanne d’Arc,
John Salter, Princess of Wales, Bronze Jardin, and Lady Hardinge. Front
row : Lord Wolseley, Mrs. Shipman, Mr. Bunn, Sir Stafford Carey, Cherub,
Mrs. Halliburton, Barbara, and White Beverley. Second honours in this
class was obtained by Mr. E. Grem, gardener to Jno. Wool wright, Esq,
The Hollies, Mossley Hall, Live-pool, who ran Mr. Edwards very closely.
Mr. Green’s back row flowers were wonderfully fine, his corner bloom
Queen of England being the largest incurved bloom in the Show; he had
also Barbara especially fine in his front row. Mr. J. Lambert, gardener to
Col. Wingfield, Onslow Hall, Shrewsbury, was third. In the corresponding
class for twenty -four Japanese Mr. Lambert changed places with Mr.
Edwards, Mr. Lambert being placed first. Mr. E. Green second, and Mr. J.
Edwards third ; the blooms sho wn by each were very large and fine. Mr.
Lambert’s first prize twenty-four were as follows : — Back row : Mad.
Audiguie -, Fair Maid of Guernsey, Thunberg, M. Burnet, Mad. Audiguier,
Boule d’Or, J. Deliux, and F.dr Maid of Guernsey. Middle row : Madame

Moulise, Japonaise (2), J. Delaux, Album Plenum (2), Criterion, and Mons.
Ardene. Front row : Hiver Fleuri, Yal d’Andorre, Peter the Great, M.
Astorg, Triomphe de la Rue des Chalets, Mrs. Mshood, and Mdlle. Lacroix.
In classes 8 and 9, for six flowers each of incurved and Japamse, not more
than two varieties, the same exhibitors competed, together with Mr. G.
Kirtm, gardener to J. Allen, Esq., Oldfield Hall, Altrincham, who secured
the first prize in each class ; his three blooms of Boule d’Or were greatly
admired, and were amongst the finest blooms exhibited.

In the district class for growers residing within seven miles of Sheffield
Parish Church, Mr. W. K. Woodcock, gardener to Mrs. Mark Firtb, Oak-
brook, Sheffield, was a very easy first with twenty-four fine blooms (twelve
incurved and twelve Japanese), the incurved varieties being especially fine,
Mr. W. Wainwright, gardener to H. Le Tall, Esq., Woodhouse, was second,
and Mr. E Pidsley, gardener to Mrs. H. Wilson, Westbrook, was third.
Mr. Woodcock’s blooms were as follows: — Incurved, back row — Queen of
England, Golden Empress, Lord Alcester, and Empress of India; middle
row. Golden Quuen of England, John Salter, Jeanne d’Arc, and Lord
Wolesley ; front row, Princess B-atrice, Angelina, Princess of Wales, and
Lidy Hardinge. Japanese, back row — Mad. Audiguier, Criterion, Baronne de
Prailly, and Meg Merrilies ; middle row, M. Astorg, M. Larin, Mdlle.
Lacroix, and Belle Paule; front row, J. Delaux, Mrs. Robinson, Julius
Scharff, and Mad. Rendatler. The same exhibitor was also well first for
six incurves and six Japanese in the same classes.

In the amateurs’ and cottagers’ classes the first prize for twelve incurves
and twelve Japanese was awarded to Mr. H. Bromhead, who had wonder¬
fully neat and smooth blooms. The National Society’s certificate for the
premier bloom in the Show was awarded to a very highly finished bloom of
PrincesB Teck on this stand. The entries in these classes were very
numerous, especially in the sixes and threes. The quality of the flo wers
in these classes was remarkably fine, considering that they were exclusively
the production of cottagers — grinders, cutlerB, filecutter’, ifec. — in their
spare hours. Their flowers do not attain the size and depth of those grown
and shown in the gardeners’ classes, but are as a rule superior in point of
smoothness and finish. The names of the principal exhibitors in these
classes, in addition to Mr. H. Bromhead, were Mr. Jas. Harrison, Mr. J. H.
Moore, Mr. G. S. Stocks, Mr. Thos. Mallinson, H. Carnell, A. Bush,
W. Grubb, A. Ledger, A. Muscroft, and Jas. Baines.

A good number of groups arranged for effect were shown both of Chrys¬
anthemums and of miscellaneous foliage and flowering plants. In those
for Chrysanthemums Mr. Jas. Harrison was first, Mr. Woodcock second,
and E. Pidsley third. In miscellaneous plants, E. Pidsley first, Mr.
Collier second, and Mr. W oodcock third. The Judges’ decision in this last class
was certainly open to criticism. In the cottagers’ classes some very pretty
groups were staged. Mr. J. S. Roberts first, Mr. G. S. S ocks second, and
Mr. J. Harrison third. In trained specimen plants there was little com¬
petition, this being the weakest point in the Show, Mr. J. Walker, gardener
to B. P. Broomhead, Esq., securing all first prizes, as well as the National
Society’s certificate for the premier plant in the Exhibition. Primulas
were well Bliown, especially so by cottagers, amongst whom Mr. G. S.
Stocks had some wonderfully fine p’ants. There was a fine display of
Ferns, both British and exotic, but especially of the former, in which, as is
usually the case, Mr. John Eaden was easily first with a valuable collection,
Mr. Hy. Davy be:ng second, Mr. J. G. Newsham third ; in exotic^Ferns Mr.
Woodcock was placed first, Mr. Collier second, and Mr. Newsham third.
Table plants, Roman Hyacinths, bouquets for the hand, and coat bouquets
were all numerously and well shown.

Of fruit there was only a moderate display for competition. Mr. D.
Gilmour, jun., exhibited two fine bunch’s of Gros Guillaume Grapes ; also,
not for competition, a very fine p'ant, well bloomed, of Cypripedium insigne.
Mr. Jas. Udale, gardener to H. L. Paget, Esq., Elford Hall, Tamworth, sent
a splendid collection of hardy fruits, not for competition, which elicited
much admiration. Mr. Pid-ley also exhibited, not for competition, a huge,
vigorous specimen of Asparagus plumosus nanus. Messrs. Fisher, Son,
and Sibray, Mr. Hiram Shaw, and Mr. Seagrave each exhibited very choice
groups of plants, not for competition, which were deservingly much admired.
A ereat many people visited the Show, and the takings at the door more
than double those of last year. The Show as a whole was a very fine one,
very far indeed in advance of any similar Show previously held in Sheffield.

IPSWICH.

The Chrysanthemum Show of the Ipswich and East of England Horti¬
cultural Society was opened at the Corn Exchange, Ipswich, last Thursday.
A capital prize list had been arranged, the special contributors being His
Grace the Duke of Hamilton and Brandon, K.T., Rev. H. A. B rners, Mr.
Frederick Fish, Mess-s. Footman, Pretty, ard Nicholson, Mr. F. H. Fosd'ck,
Messrs. Gurney A Alexanders, Lord John Hervey, Mr. J. R. Jefferiep, Mr.
C. E. H. Kontright, Mr. John Limmer, Mr. R. M. Miller, Mr. R. Porter, Mr.
J. E. Ransome, Mr. F. C. Barker, Mr. T. E. Mayhew. The President is Sir
G. N. Broke-Middleton, and the Committee as follows : — Lord John Hervey,
E. Packard, Esq., J. E. Ransome, Esq , F. H. Fosdick, Esq., Richa-d Porter,
Esq.. H E. Archer, Esq , Mr. W. F. Cresswell, Mr. T. Blair, Mr. J. Gilbert,
and Mr. G. Berry. The Rev. H. A. Berners of Harkstead Rectory is the
hard-working Hon. Secretary, and, as usual, he carried out his duties with
wonderful success. The office of Secretary was ably discharged by Mr.
T. E. Mayhew. The Show is the largest of the kind that has ever been held
in the town. There was a large number of entries, and the average quality
was higher. The Chrysanthemums in pots were arranged round tne sides of
the hall, and the effect as seen from either end was very fine. Th-re were
mor ! groups shown than at last year’s Exhibition, and as a ru’e they were
better trained and better grown, but a great advance might be made in this
direction. The plants were too tall. Instead of presenting the appearance
of an open umbrella the stems are allowed to shoot upwarls until, seen frim
below, the effect is that of a hedge of sticks. We misled from the Chrysanthe¬
mum classes the name of Mr. G. B. Skinner of the Chant y, who has always
been a very successful exhibitor.

For the best collection of not more than twenty-five plants, Mr. R. M.
Miller was easily first, surpassing the Rev. C. F. Norman both in the fine¬
ness of his blooms and the setting up of his ’plants. In the amateur c'a-s
for six trained Chrysanthemums, Mr. D. H. Booth, who was a large prize¬
winner all through, wa9 first. Amongst his plants we noticed a grod

November 25, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

481

Guernsey Nugget and a well-grown Lord Wolseley. The spec'men plants,
though well bloomed, are not equal to those of last year in the matter of
training. Mr. Booth took three firsts, Mr. J. D. Cobbold and the Rev. C. F.
Norman one each. In the competition for groups of plants arranged for
effect Mr. Cobbold came out the winner, his gardener, Mr. J. Leaver,
having made a wonderfully good selection for colour and variety, and his
plants were very well set up. Mr. Hammond, Mr. Grimwade’s gardener,
has got a good lot of plants. The prize for the best collection of Chrysan¬
themums (persons residing in the borough whose rent does not exceed £12
per annum) was taken by Mr. G. James, a member of the Borough Police
Force. A special prize was given by Messrs. Colchester for the best six
Chrysanthemums grown with their patent ichthemic guano was won by
Mr. H. D. Booth with some fine specimens.

The cut flowers made a remarkably fine display. We noticed in the
collection of twenty-four (twelve Japanese and twelve incurved) a new
competitor in Lord Brooke of Dunmow (gardener Mr. H. Lister), who
carried away the first prize from the well-known grower, Mr. Springbett of
Cheshunt. Colonel Lowe of Halstead, who took third in this class, is
another new exhibitor, and with ordinary opponents he would undoubtedly
nave secured the first pla^e. The Rev. H. A. Berners carried off the
honours both for Japanese and incurved in the amateurs’ class with some
splendid blooms. The rest of the distinctions were divided between Mr.
Springbett, Mr. Lister, Colon°l Lowe, and Mr. F. C. Barker of Ipswich.
Messrs. Gilbert & Son, as usual, were first in the competitions for both ball¬
room and bridal bouquetB.

The display of fruit and vegetables was very fine indeed, the collections
of the latter more noticeable. Amongst the fruit the Apples and the
Grapes especially deserved attention, Mr. Hargreaves’ black variety and
Mr. May’s Alicante and Muscat Grapes being some of the best we have
seen. This is the fourth year, we believe, that Mr. May has car ied off the
honours for Alicante Grapes. The “gardeners’ subscription prize,” for the
best collection containing ten varieties of vegetables, was deservedly won
hy Mr- Cresswell, gardener to Mr. Charters of Stoke Park. His display
would have won distinction at any show in the kingdom.

STREET. — November 19th and 20th.

This, the second Exhibition of Chrysanthemums, was generally con¬
sidered a very great improvement on its predecessor, and it certainly
compares most favourably with other more pretentious meetings in the
west of England. No better site for a show of this kind than Crispin Hall,
Street, could well be had, and very great credit is due to Mr. F. J. Clark and
Mr. A. D. Porter for the way in which they arranged the various exhibits in
competition.

The principal class was for groups of Chrysanthemums occupying a space
8 feet by 4 feet, and of these there were five arranged, all being very
creditable to the exhibitor. The first prize was awarded to G. Chislett,
gardener to Mrs. Rees Mogg, Glastonbury, but he was very closely pressed
by P. Edwards, gardener to Mr. J. Clark, Street, both having a number of
well-grown plants in good variety, the former arrangements, however, being
formal. Mr. G. Stevens, gardener to Sir A. Hood, was a good third,
and Mr. F. J. Clarke was highly commended. The silver medal of the
National Chrysanthemum Societ) , offered for six plants of incurved varieties,
was won by Mr. Chislett, who had creditable examples of Lady Hardinge,
Mrs. Dixon, Mrs. Rundle, and other well-known sorts. J. Potter, gardener
to Mr. A. Colson, was placed second, and A. Andrews, gardener to Mr. W. J.
Clark, took the third prize. Mr. Chislett was also first for six Japanese
varieties, these including really handsome plants of Nuit d’Hiver, Peter the
Great, Mons. Moussillac, and Meg Merrilies. Mr. G. Potter obtained the
second prize. Primulas, table, and window plants were also well shown by
several competitors. Among the cud blooms were some of the finest we
have seen this season. The principal class was for twelve each of incurved
and Japanse varieties, and the first prize was easily won by W. Payne,
gardener to the Bishop of Bath and Wells, Wells Palace, who had very fine
Lord Alcester, Empress of India, Princess of Wales, Princess of Teck,
Barbara, Mrs. Heale, Eve, Novelty, and Cherub j and equally good Japanese,
Fair Maid of Guernsey, Japonaise, Grandiflorum, Balmoreau, Belle Paule,
Baron de Prailly, Meg Merrilies, Madame Lacroix. W. Baskett, gardener
to Mr. W. J. Palmer, Reading, took the second prize, and G. Chislett the
third, both staging creditably. Mr. Payne also obtained the bronze medals
of the National Chrysanthemum Society for both twelve incurved and
twelve Japanese varieties. Among the former were very massive fresh
blooms of Golden Empress of India, Princess of Wales, Jeanne d’Arc, Lord
Alcester, Mrs. Heales, Jardin des Plantes, Lady Slade, Cherub, and Barbara.
G. Thatcher, gardener to Mr. A. G. Andrews, was awarded the second prize,
and G. Chislett ths third. Among Mr. Payne’s twelve Japanese sorts the
best were Boule d’Or, Mons. Astorg, Baron de Prailly, Triomphe de Chalet,
Roseum superbum, Grandiflorum, and Madame Lacroix. The second prize
was taken by J. Potter, and Mr. G. Tatchell was third, each having several
good blooms. Vases filled with Chrysanthemums and Fern, bouquets of the
same, and baskets of autumn foliage and berries were fairly well shown, but
there is much room for improvement in this department. Classes were also
provided for amateurs, and a competitor in these, a working man, was
remarkably successful, his group and cut blooms being exceptionally good.

Mr. F. J. Clarke had quite an interesting display of Orchids, and these
fully deserved the certificate of merit awarded by the Judge. Among these
the best were Laelia autumnalis, Oncidium Forbesii, Odontoglossum Alex¬
andras, Odontoglossum vexillarium, Odontoglossum Dayana, Oncidium
•oruithorhynchum, and Odontoglossum grande.

HITCH1N, Nov. 18th.

The recently formed Chrysanthemum Society at Hitchin, Herts, held its
first Exhibition at the Corn Exchange on Thursday, Nov. 18th. We are
pleased to be able to record that, as a first essay, the Show was a success.
Tne date was rather late for first-class blooms in the district ; still there
were some very fine blooms exhibited. Among the successful competitors
special mention ntay be made of Mr. J. H. Tuke. In the class for twenty-four
Japinese a bloom of a Meg Merrilies attricted special notice, all Mr. Tuke’s
blooms being of remarkable excellence, for which his gardemr, Mr. Spring-
ham, deserves great credit. The flowers shown by Mr. Kipling from the
Knebworth Gardens were but litt’e inferior in merit, conspicuous among

them being a fine specimen of Madame B. Rendatler. Half a dozen splen¬
did blooms of Roseum Superhum (not for competition) came from Mrs.
Wilson’s garden, Newlands, Hiichin (gardener, Mr. Hartless), twelve
Japanese incuived from the same garden taking the first prize in th-ir class.
Twelve beautiful blooms, Japanese, from the garden of Mr. S. Lucas,
Hitchin, had they been better set up, would have shown to greater advan¬
tage, and might perhaps have taken a higher than third. The exhibits also
from the gardens of Mr. F. Lucas and Mr. F. Delme, Radcliffe, in the classes
for trained dwarf and standard plants were of superior merit and gracefully
arranged. In the classes for cottagers, Mr. Jasper Holton, Mr. G. Saunders,
and others showed some very fair flowers, and should be encouraged by
their successes in the prize-list to persevere in the growth of this beautiful
flower.

Groups of flowers for decorative purposes were sent by Mr. G. Perkins,
Mr. Tuke, and Mr. S. Lucas. Another group sent by Miss Juliet Lucas re¬
ceived sp cial commendation from the Judges. Ferns and foliage plants
kindly sent by Mr. W. T. Lucas, Foxhole, Hitchin, were well arranged
down the centra of the room. A string band, conducted by Mr. Bucking¬
ham, played during the evening, and greatly added to the enjoyment of the
visitors. The Show may in short be said to have pleased everyone, both
the visitors and officials, on whom the responsibility of the arrangements
rested, and not the least the Treasurer, who reports the probability of a
satisfactory balance towards promoting the still greater success of the new
Society next year, and we hope for many years to come. The best thanks
are due to the Judges, Mr. Norman, gardener to the Marquis of Salisbury at
Hatfield House, and Mr. J. Burrell of How House Nurseries, Cambridge ;
and we must not forget specially to thank Mr. P. T. Harris for his most
efficient performance of the duties of Assistant S.cretary.

The prizes were awarded as follows : —

Division A. — Three trained standard specimens in pots. — First, Mr.
Beale, gardener to Mr. F. Delme, Radcliffe. Six dwarf-trained sp cimens
in pots, single stems. — First, J. Upchurch, gardener to Mr. F. Lucas, Hitchin ;
second, Mr. D. Shepherd, gardener to Mr. W. T. Lucas Foxholes. Hitchin.
Three dwarf-trained specimens, single stems, in pots. — First, Mr. W. Spring-
ham, garden r to Mr. J. H. Tuke, Hitchin ; second, Mr. E Orsman, gardener
to Mr. S. Lucas, Hitchin ; third, Mr. W. Ranson, Fairfield, Hitchin. Extra,
Mr. D. Shepherd. Twenty-four incurved, distinct, sing'e blooms. — First,
Mr. W. SpriDgham ; second, Mr. A. Cannon, gardener to Mr. H. Blundell,
Moulton Lodge, Luton, Beds. Twenty-four Japanese, distinct, single
blooms. — First, Mr. W. Springham, gardener to Mr. J. H. Tuke ; second,
Mr. J. Kipling, gardener to Earl Lytton, Knebworth ; third, Mr. A. Cannon.
Twelve incurved, distinct, single blooms. — First, Mr. F. J. Hartless, gar¬
dener to Mrs. Wilson, Newlands, Hitchin ; second, Mr. E. Orsman ; third,
Mr. D. Shepheri ; extra, Mr. H. L. Sell, Luton. Six Anemone (large) single
blooms. — First, Mr. T. J. Hartless ; stcond, Mr. W. Springham ; third, Mr.
E. Orsman.

Division B. — Amateur members of the Soci:ty. — Nine incurved, distinct,
single blooms. — First, Mr. E. Cotton, Trevor Road, Hitchin. Six incurved,
distinct, single blooms. — First, Mr. E. Snow Fordham, Elbrook House, Ash-
well. Three Japanese. — First, Mrs. F. A. Wright. Six specimens, not less
than three varieties in pots. — First, Dr. O. Foster, Hitchin.

Division C. (Cottagers). — Thr e specimens in pots. — First, G. Norris,
Benslow, Hitchin ; second, G. Saunders, St. Michael’s Mount, Hitchin. One
specimen in pot. — First, G. Norris ; second, G. Saunders. Six cut blooms,
not less than three varieties. — First, Jasper Holton ; second, G. Norris.
Three cut blooms. — First, G. Saunders ; second, Jasper Holton.

ASCOT AND SUNNINGHILL.— November 17th and 18th.

The third annual Exhibition was held in the precincts of the Grand
Stand at Ascot, by the kind permission of the Royal Ascot Grand Stand
Trustees. The Exhibition was in every sense a full one, and especially
strong in groups of plants and Japanese cut blooms. The incurved was well
represented, and some first-class flowers were shown ; but some of the Queen
type were about two or three days past their best, and consequently open in
the centre. The prizes for groups of Chrysanthemums, 50 feet, were won
by Mr. Hughes, gardener to H. F. De Paravicini, E^q., Mr. Lane, gardener
to Miss Durring-Smith, Mr. Read, gardener to A. Magniac, Esq., and Mr.
Savage, gardener to Baron Huddleston, in the order of their names. Mis¬
cellaneous groups by Mr. F. Paul, gardener to J. C. Bowring, Esq. (Orchids
and Palms), Mr. Sinclair, gardener to the Marchioness of Downshire, and
Mr. Wells, gardener to R. Ravenhill, Esq., who were first, second, and third
respectively. Specimen plants were fairly represented and some nicely
finished, the chief prizewinners being Messrs. Lane, Read, Savage. Smee,
Hughes, and Nichols. The chief prize for cut blooms was a silver cup, pre¬
sented by the Hon. Mrs. Ashley Ponsonby, for eighteen incurved and
eighteen Japanese, distinct, and this was won by Mr. Tomlin, gardener lo
J. A-hby, Esq., with two good stands of fine and fresh flowers ; Mr. Page,
gard-ner to A. Louthard, Esq., was second with good Japanese, and Mr.
Lowe a close third. For eighteen incurved Mr. Strong, Wellington College*
was first with a fine and nicely finished stand of blooms of the leading
varieties, with Mr. Hughes seoond, Mr. Page third, and Mr. Paul third. In
the corresponding class for eighteen Japanese some remarkably fine stands
were shown, the first going to Mr. Page, the second to Mr. G. Cole, gardener
to C. W. Hamilton, Esq., the third to Mr. Popple, gardener to the Hon. Lady
Stepney. For twelve Japanese Mr. Lane first, Mr. Tomlin second, and Mr.
Savage third. For twelve incurved Mr. Lane was again first. Mr. Tomlin
second, with Mr. Sinclair third. The prizes for six incurved, distinct, Mr.
Cole was first, Mr. Read second, and Mr. Godfrey third, and for six Japanese,
distinct, Mr. Read first, Mr. Hibbins, gardener to General Thornhill,
second, and Mr. Saunders, gardener to the Honourable Ashley Ponsonby,
third. The class for six of one variety was well represented, especially in
the Japanese. For six incurved Mr. G. Cole was first with fine blooms of
Qu-enof England, second Mr. Tomlin with Lord Alcester, and third Mr.
Lane with the same variety, all three stands large in size and fine in the
petal. Mr. Lane was first in the Japanese class with six very fine flowers
of Belle Paule, Mr. Page second with Japonaise, and a grand stand of J
Delaux was third.

The classes for table plants, berried Solanums, and Primulas were all
very attractive, and fruit was represented by black and white Grapes
Apples, and Pears in good condition. Messrs. John Standish & Co. put up

482

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ November 25, 1886.

a fine bank of Chrysanthemums, fringed with Palms and Ferns, not for
competition, and Messrs. Sutton & Sons showed sixty-five dishes of Potatoes
in their well-known style. The same firm offered special prizes for a collec¬
tion of vegetables, which brought out a strong competition. Mr. R. Watkins
was the courteous Secretary, and Messrs. Hay and Read Staging Committee.
All had their energies taxed to their utmost to get the exhibits arranged,
which was not done in time to allow the Judges to get through their duties
until long after the public were admitted. Some allowance no doubt was
to be made for the very wet morning and the distance some of the
exhibitors had to come — two reasons that probably caused the delay in
this otherwise well-managed and flourishing Society.

CHORLET. — November 19th and 20th.

This Society’s third annual Show of Chrysanthemums, plants, fruit, and
vegetables on the above dates proved a remarkable success. The spacious
Town Hall was filled with highly meritorious exhibits, the open and gentle¬
men’s classes bringing exhibitors from a considerable distance, and the
amateurs’ well-filled classes proved their interest and skill in Chrysanthe¬
mum growing.

Groups were a leading feature in the open class. For a group of Chrys¬
anthemums arranged for effect Mr. J. Mollison, gardener to J. Eckersley,
Esq., Brent House, Adlington, was conspicuously to the fore, having in fine
condition plants of Princess of Teck, Soleil Levant, Madame C. Audiguier,
Criterion, Empre-s of India, Queen of England, Fleur de Marie, L’lncom-
parable, ifcc. Second and third places were taken by Mr. G. Smith, gardener,
Ellerbeck Hall, and Mr. G. Parks, gardener to Lieut -Col. Farington, re¬
spectively with fine banks. With a group of Ferns arranged for effect Mr.
Drinkwater, gardener to Mrs. Baines, Prospect House, Wheelton, was first,
and Mr. J. Smith, gardener to R. Shackleton, Esq., Wittenell House,
second, whose plants were decidedly better than the first, as also were those
placed third (Mr. Mollison), but more closely and flatly arranged. A fourth
group received a special p ize. The prizes for a group of miscellaneous
plants for effect brought but two competitors, Mr. G. Parks being first with
a tasteful arrangement, which included well-grown Croton*, Dracaenas,
Pandanus, all brightly coloured, a well-flowered plant of Clerodendron
Balfourianum, &c. Mr. J. Harrison, nurseryman, Chorley, was second with
a group of mostly small decorative plants. Messrs. Morley & Co. of
Preston were first with Carnations and Bouvardias ; Mr. Mollison first with
Primulas, Mr. G. Smith second, and Mr. G. Parks third. Mr. G. Smith was
first with Cinerarias, and Mr. Chappie, gardener to E. Jackson, Esq , second.
Roman Hyacinths (six pots). — First. Mr. G. Parks ; second, Mr. J. Harrison,
who was placed first for six pots of Cyclamr n. There were seve al good lots
of table plants. Mr. Jones, gardener to Mrs. Shaw, Bolton, took first prize
for a good six, and was closely followed by Messrs. Mollison and Thrupp
gardener to H. J. Walmesley, Esq., Wigan.

Competition in the classes fir pot plants was very keen. For six plants,
three incurved and three Japanese, Mr. Chappie was well first, his best
being Queen of England, Couutess of Granville, La Nymphe, and R. Ba'lan-
tiue. Second, Mr. G. Smith, with Lord Wo'seley, Princess of Wales,
Comte de Germiny, Jardin des Plantes, L’lncomparable, and F. A. Davis.
Third, Mr. Dickinson, gardener to J. B. Cardwell, Esq., Whittle Springs,
who had F. A. Davis and Guernsey Nugget very good. For three plants
Japanese, reflexed, and incurved, Mr. F. Smith came first with Comte de
Germiny, Cullingfordi, and Mrs. G. Rundle. Second, Mr. Chappie with
Elaine (exceedingly good), Emperor of China, and Empress of India.
Third, Mr. G. Parks. Three Pompons, Mr. Chappie first with Cedo Nulli,
White and Lilac, and Golden Mdlle. Marthe ; Mr. G. Smith second, and Mr.
Dickinson, whose plants were very stiffly trained, third. For single speci¬
men, Pompon excluded, Mr. Chappie was a capital first with a magnificent
plant of La Nymphe ; Mr. G. Smith second with Mrs. Forsyth, and Mr. J.
Smith third. Specimen Pompon : first, Mr. Mollison, wilh a very fine
specimen of Soeur Melanie, which perhaps is disputable as a Pompon
second, Mr. G. Smith with Rosmante, very good ; Mr. Chappie being third,
but was first for specimen standard incurved, Mr. G. Parks being second.

The stands of cut blooms were numerous and exceedingly good. Mr.
Chappie was awarded first for eighteen, nine Japanese and nine incurved.
His best blooms were Lord Wolseley, Princess of Wales, Nil Desperandum,
Soleil Levant, L’Adorable, and Elaine ; Mr. Jones being a very close second
with splendid blooms of Golden Empress of India, Princess Teck, Criteaon,
Comte de Gummy, Peter the Great, &c. Third, Mr. G. Parks, who had
Boule d’Or, Fair Maid of Guernsey, Jeanne d’Arc, and Lord Alce.W-r, very
good. Mr. Jones took first for twelve blooms, having Chevalier Domage,
Cullingfordi, Dr. Sharpe, Empress, and Golden Empress of India, fine. Mr.
G. Parks second ; amons his best were White Beverley, Jeanne d’Arc, King
of Crimsons, and Lidy Margaret. Third, Mr. J. Smith. Six cut blooms:
First, Mr. Chappie ; eecond, Mr. Dickinson ; third, Mr. Mollison.

Hand and bridal bouqueis were shown, the prizetakers for both were
Messrs. Mosslev, Jones, and Harrison respectively.

Fruit though not abundant was very fine. For black Grapes, two bunches,
Mr. Mollison was first with Black Alicante, Mr. G. Parks second. Mr. W.
Smith, Duxbury Hall, was awarded a special for scarcely less meritorious
bunches ; third Mr. Thrupp. Mr. W. Smith was well first for two bunches,
white, with Muscat of Alexandria ; Mr. Thrupp followed with Golden
Queen, and Mr. Pask third with smaller bunches of Muscat of Alexandria.

Mr. W. Smith had an excellent tray of vegetables, which won him first
honours ; Messrs. Mollison and Drinkwater, with capital collections, being
second and third respectively. A special class was provided for farmers,
which brought out very spirited competition in vegetables. Among many
other plants not for competition was a very fine Lemon loaded with ripe or
nearly ripe fruit, sent by Mr. G. Parkinson, gardener to H. Rawcliffe, Esq.,
Gillibrand Hall.

LEEDS. — Novembeb 22nd and 23bd.

Seveeal years ago Chrysanthemum shows were held in Leeds, but not
such exhibitions as are now provided in various towns and dist icts. The
last shows lapsed, and the present one is the first of what is hoped will
prove the forerunner of a brilliant series to follow in future years. Last
autumn the active Chairman of the Committee of the Leeds Horticultural
Society, Mr. R. Featherstone, visited a number of Chrysanthemum shows
both in the south and north of England, and in a paper which he subse¬

quently read on the subject arrived at the conclusion that a good exhibition
might be held in Leeds. But active steps to this end were only commenced
a month or two ago, these arising mainly out of a liberal offer made by the
directors of the Coliseum, which the Committee of the Society felt justified
in accepting. An excellent and well arranged schedule was forthwith
prepared, and a surprisingly good show resulted. The Coliseum is a
splendid buildiug, and the show that was effectively arranged was seen to
great advantage under the electric light. Excellent provision was wisely
made for groups of plants, and of these not less than thirteen were arranged,
and these, with the orchestral decorations by Mr. Featherstone, presented
an imposing appearance. With a group of miscellaneous plants, orna¬
mental foliage interspersed with Chrysanthemums, iu 200 square feet, first
Mr. R. Featherstone, St. Ann’s Nursery, Kirkstall, bold, free, and effective.
In the class arranged in 150 feet Mr. Featherstone was again first with a
splendid group. Second Mr. J. Sunley, gardener to Rev. B. Hemsworth,
Monk Fryston Hall, South Milford, a creditable arrangement, but a little too
flat and smooth. Group of Chrysanthemums, in 50 square feet, first Mr.
Grix, gardener to Sir James Kitson, Bart., a free, good, bright, and bold
assortment. Second R. Boston, Esq., The Mount, Bewley, free aud pleasing.
Third Mr. J. Sunley. In the group occupying 100 square feet, first Mr. W.
Townsend, gardener to Hon. R. T. Parsons, Birr House, Gledhow, with a
very imposing and excellent arrangement of healthy plants.

Cut Blooms. — The chief prize in the class for thirty-six incurved and the
same number of Japanese was won by Mr. Midgley, gardener to H. Mason,
Esq., Bankfield, Bingley, with truly admirable stands. Incurved blooms
Jeanne d’Arc, Emily Dale, Queen of England, Alfred Salter, Hero of Stoke
Newington, Mrs. Heale, Princess of Wales, Beauty, Barbara, Mrs. Bunn,
Princess Teck, Fingal, Golden Empress, Empress of India, Lord Wolesley,
Jardin des Plantes, and Nil Desperandum. Japanese — The Khedive, Belle
Paule, Boule d’Or, Madame C. Audiguier, Fernand Ferral, Album Plenum,
John Laing, La Nymphe, R. Ballantyne, Hiver Fleuri,Fair Maid of Guernsey,
Baronne de Prailly, Mons. Lacroix, J. Delaux, Japonaise, Meg Merrilies,
Mons. Burnet, and Duchess of Albany. Mr. T. R. Morton, Darlington, was a
good second, and Mr. J. T. Sharp, Almondbury, Huddersfield, a rather close
third. In the class for twelve incurved blooms Mr. Midgley was first with
fine examples, Mr. Holmes, Summer Hill, second, Mr. Ramsden third. Ex¬
cellent stands of twelve Japanese blooms were staged, Mr. Midgley being
again in the premier position with fresh heavy blooms ; Mr. Ramsden
second, Mr. T. B. Morton third, an extra award being made to Mr. J. T.
Sharp.

Messrs. Black & Duggleby, Malton, were first in the class for twelve
blooms of incurved and twelve Japanese with neat fresh examples ; second
Mr. Grix, very close ; third Mr. J. Sunley. There was excellent competition
in stands of twelve blooms, including three each of incurved, Japanese,
reflexed, and large Anemones ; Mr. Midgley being first, Mr. Ramsden
second, and Mr. Holmes third, all staging well. Very good stands of six
reflexed blooms were staged, the prizes falling to Messrs. Morton, Black,
and Featherstone in the order named ; and for six Anemones Messrs. Grix,
Sharp, and Featherstone, all with neat stands of blooms. Mr. Featherstone
staged the best Anemones and single Chrysanthemums, and Mr. Sharp the
best Pompons. Mr. Featherstone exhibited the first-prize group of table
plants, very healthy and neat examples of suitable kinds. Tne last-named
exhibitor, too, achieved a great triumph in the classes for bouquets, being
first for a ball bouquet ; also for bride’s bouquet, and a bouquet of Chrys¬
anthemums, with arrangements far above the average as seen at exhibitions.
Time did not permit our taking a more complete report of the Show, which
as a first exhibition was the finest we have seen. It was well managed by
Messrs. Featherstone, Lazenby, and Hemming, with Mr. J. H. Cark, the
experienced Secretary. The Exhibition was opened by the Mayor, and
with good public patronage there is no valid reason why Leeds should not
provide Chrysanthemum Shows ranking with the best in the kingdom.

WIMBLEDON. — November 18th.

A highly satisfactory Exhibition was held in the Drill Hall at Wimbledon
last Thursday, one of the best of the local shows around the metropolis.
The hall is of convenient size for the purpose, but it was well filled, the
groups and plants being tastefully arranged near the walls, with the cut
blooms on tables in the centre. One of the principal features of the Show
was a charming group from Mr. Lynes, gardener to — Schlusser, Esq., Belve¬
dere House, Wimbledon, comprising the freely grown Pompons for which the
exhibitor is so famed, with Palms, Ferns, Crotons, Bouvardias, Lilies, and a
margin of Panicum. Considerable taste was displayed in the arrangement
of this group, all the plants being exceedingly fresh and healthy. In the
class for a group of miscellaneous plants Mr. J. Law, The Priory Gardens,
Wimbledon, was first, having a most graceful combination of Bouvardias,
Ferns, and Pelargoniums, margined with Selaginella. Mr. Smith, gardener
to J. F. Schwann, Esq , Oakfield, Wimbledon, was second with a group not
quite so light as the first, but he won the premier position with a group of
Cfirysanthemums, having admirable dwarf plants, chiefly incurved, bearing
fine blooms. Mr. Hunt, gardener to C. Boyle, Esq., was a good second with
compact freely flowered plants.

Cut blooms were excellent, especially in the class for twenty-four blooms
(twelve Japanese and twelve incurved) in which Mr. H. Alderman, Morden
Hall, Mitcham, took the lead with large and beautiful specimens. Mr.
G. King, gardener to Mrs. Few, Wolsey Grange, Esher, was a very success¬
ful exhibitor, staging the best twelve incurved, twelve Japanese, and six
Japanese, all capital blooms. Messrs. Alderman, Smith, and J. Bentley,
gardener to Sir T. Gabriel, Edgcumbe, won the other prizes. The amateurs’
classes were well filled, R. Nagle, Esq., Bijou Cottage, Queen’s Road,
Kempton, being the most successiul exhibitor.

Non-competing contributions were furnished by several exhibitors.
Messrs. D. S. Thomson & Son had a large group, Mr. Gibson some handsome
cut blooms, Mr. W. Smith a stand of Pompons, and Mr. Methven a collec¬
tion of vegetables. Messrs. Alderman and Smith were the chief exhibitors
of fruit and table plants.

TAVISTOCK. — November 17th.

The Cottage Garden Society at the above-named town held a Chrysan¬
themum and Fruit Exhibition this year, but as it was an experiment no
prizes were offered. The Show took place in the Town Hall on Wednes-

November 25. 1888.]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

483

day, the 17th inst., and was considered by all a very great success. The
principal gentlemen of the district sent collections of plants and flowers,
and such a splendid collection of fruit, principally Apples and Pears, has
not been seen in the West of England for many years. Messrs. T. Rivers
and Son, Sawbridgeworth, sent between fifty and sixty dishes of fruit, and
Messrs. G. Bunyard & Co., Maidstone, sent twenty-four dishes of Apples.
These two collections were admired by all, while the collection of forty
dishes sent by W. H. Chichester, Esq. (Mr. F. Yole. gardener), of Grenofen,
was qu'te equal to those from the nurserymen. Excellent fruit was also
shown by F. Bradshaw, Esq., Lifton Park (Mr. G. H. Mounsden, gardener) ;
R. Kelly, Esq., of Kelly (Mr. Gullock, gxrdener) ; R.B. E. Gill, Esq., Beck¬
ham Park (Mr. Davey, gardener) ; Earl Fortescue, Castle Hill (Mr. R.
Nicholas, gardener). Other exhibitors were : — Mr. R.Polgren, St. Germans ;
Messrs. J. Dingle & Son, Sa'tash ; Piers Edgcumbe, Esq., Edgcumbe ;
W. O. Ward, E3q., Tavistock; Mr. H. Skinner, Tavistock; Mr. T. Cole,
Tavistock ; Mr. Stephens, Calstock ; Mr. Bailey, Calstock ; Mr. Martin,
Calstock; Mr. Beale, Stoke; and Mr. Eldy, Tavistock. The hall was
lighted by the Thomson-Houston Electric Light in the evening, and the
effect on the flowers and fruit was most charming.

CHISWICK. — November 18th.

A pretty show of Chrysanthemums, fruit, and vegetables was held in
the Yestry Hall, Chiswick, on Thursday last, and though the prizes were of
moderate amounts, the competition was good in the majority of the thirty-
two classes.

The cut blooms, though not of remarkable size, were distinguished by a
very satisfacto y neatness and symmetry. For twenty-four blooms, twelve
incurved and twelve Japanese, Mr. C.J. Waite, gardener to Col. the Hon.
W. P. Talbot, Gienhurst, Esher, gained the premier place in a close com¬
petition with five other exhibitors, his blooms being fresh and compact.
Mr. H. Collyer, gardener to Mrs. Murrell, The Elms, Ealing, was a close
second, his incurved blooms being larger, but the Japinese were smaller.
Mr. C. Long, gardener to E. B. Ridges, Esq., Orchard Dene, Ealing, and
Mr. E. Chadwick, gardener to E. M. Nelson, Esq., Hanger Hill House,
Ealing, fol owed, each showing well. With twelve incurved, Mr. CoUyer
took the lead with medium siz9 but pretty blooms; Mr. A. Wright, gar¬
dener to E. H. Watts, Esq., Devonhurst, Chiswick, securing the second
place. Mr. Waite had ths best twelve J ipanese, very bright samples of
Thunberg, Baronne de Prailly, Japonaise, and Triomphe de la rue des
Chalets ; Mr. G. Fulford, gardener to J. Boosey, Esq., Hill House, Acton,
and Mr. R. Woods, gardener to Mrs. SanderBon, Duke’s Avenue, Chiswick,
securing the other awa ds. Pompons were capitally shown by Mr. Collyer,
as also were his reflexed blooms, with both of which he gained first
honours.

A handsome group of Chrysanthemums was staged by Messrs. W,
Fromow ifc Sons,|Sutton Court Nursery, who were placed first in the class,
their plants being dwarf, healthy, and profusely flowered specimens. Mr.
A. Wright was second with taller and less compact plants. A beautiful
group, not in competition, was contributed by Mr. J. Roberts, Gunnersbury
Park Gardens, and Mr. May, gardener to the Marquis of Bute, had a similarly
large and attractive group of Chrysanthemums. The prizes offered by
E. G. Tautz, Esq., for a single specimen stove or greenhouse plant in flower
brought several competitors, Mr. A. Wright taking the first prize for a good
specimen of Cypripedium insigne with fourteen flowers.

Fruit comprised some good Apples and Pears from Messrs. Hudson,
Chadwick, and Waite and Coombs. Mr. Hudson also had the best black
and white Grapes, Alicante and Muscat of Alexandria respectively. Messrs.
Davis, Chadwick, and Wright followed. Messrs. Sutton & Sons, R >ading,
offered prizes for a collection of vegetables, which were won by Messrs.
Waite, Coombs, and Chadwick amongst six exhibitors. Mr. J. Smith, 29,
Montgomery Road, Acton Green, was first with a bouquet of Chrysanthe¬
mums composed of bronze, yellow, and white blooms. Mr. Gardener,
Queen’s Road, Bays water, had some tasteful wreaths and crosses, and Messrs.
Hooper & Co. a group of Carnations in pots.

LUTON. — November 17th.

The third annual Chrysanthemum Show of the above Society was held
in the Plat Hall, Luton, a fine building, most suitable for exhibitions of this
description. This Society is anxious to increase the taste of horticulture,
and a good response was made to the liberal prizes they offer, especially in
the plants, cut flower, and vegetable classes. Great praise is due to the
Secretary and the Committee for the able manner in which they manage
the affairs of the Society.

Plants were shown in quantity, the groups being the principal feature of
i he Show. So evenly matched were the two best groups, that the Judges
awarded them equal firsts, Mr. E. Coupier and Mr. Kershaw. Both of
these groups contained some first-rate flowers. Second, W. Phillips, Esq.,
The Laurels. Third C. Mies, Esq. The specimen plants wore from the first
being awarded to Mr. Kershaw.

Cut flowers, especially the incurved, were considerably below par ; the
Japinese were far better. For twelve incurved, Mr. Jarvis, gardener to
Baron Dimsdale, was first, Mr. Kershaw second. For twelve Japanese these
two exhibitors were again to the fore, but the order was the reverse. For
t. venty-four large flowering blooms, any sort, Messrs. Hogg and Gibbin were
to the front.

Fruit on the whole was poor, the Grapes especially so, and there was only
one entry for the collection, and that was only awarded the second prize.
Apples and Pears were fairly represented, the first in both for collections of
e ich Mr. Garrard obtained, gardener to G. Tilbury, Esq.

Vegetables were shown in great quantity and made a good show, such as
Potatoes, Onions, Parsnips, Carrots, Cauliflowers, Celery, &c., were fairly
represented. The first for collection of vegetables, Mr. Jones of Harpenden
secured, while that for a collection of Potatoes Mr. Eliug of Luton took.
The amateurs’ and cottagers’ classes were well filled, the competition being
very close in many classes. An interesting feature was the competition for
collections of wild fruit and berries, for which there were five entries. The
first prize was secured by Master J. Bloomfi Id, who showed over four
dxzen varieties, legibly named. The entries for baskets and bouquets of
C irysanthemums were numerous, and made a good display. The special
prize offered for the best epergne was also well contested.

BRAD FORD- ON- AVON. — November 18th.

This busy little Wiltshire town now has its annual Exhibition o
Chrysanthemums, fruit, and vegetables, and considering the difficulties
the Committee have to contend with, they are to be congratulated upon the
successful termination of their labours. The Honorary Secretaries, Messrs.
C. J. Jones and W. E. Taylor, with whom are associated a number of
enthusiastic gentlemen in the neighbourhood, all worked hard to collect and
arrange a good show, and on the whole the result must have proved satis¬
factory to them. Very few trained plants were shown, and in comparatively
small shows they can be very well dispensed with. There were a few classes
open to all comers, and in these Mr. G. Tucker, gardener to Major Tucker,
Trowbridge, was most successful, his cut blooms of incurved, Japanese,
and Anemone-flowered sorts being most praiseworthy. Mr. B. Hopkins, gar¬
dener to John Baily, Esq., Frome, also showed good cut blooms, and was
awarded two p izes. Special prizes were offered by Messrs. Cooling & Son,
Bath, for a group of miscellaneous plants from which Chrysanthemums were
excluded, and for these there were two entries. The first prize was rightly
awarded to Mr. John Baily, who had a very tastefully arranged group,
composed largely of Dracienas, Arums, Calanthes, and Poinsettias. Mr. J.
Gay, gardener to M. Palmer, Esq., took the second, his more formal arrange¬
ment of choice plants including several good Crotons and Poinsettias.

Among the local exhibitors of plants the most successful were Messrs.
J. Weston, gardener to the Rev. C. C. Layard, J. Gay, J. Gibbs, gardener to
Mr. F. Applegate, W. Rawlings, gardener to Lady Swinburne, W. Mattock,
gardener to Mr. J. G. Foley, C. J. Jones, and A. Gishford. Several
of the same names occurred in the list of prizewinners with cut flowers,
fruit, an! vegetables, of which there were a creditable lot in competition;
and in addition, Mr. J. Morgan, gardener to Mr. J. F. Hayward, Miss E. Gibbs,
Mrs. G. Farrington, Mr. E. Burbidge, and Miss Wassell were also successful.
Amateurs not employing a Tegular gardener exhibited surprisingly well in
the various classes set apart for them, and the exhibits of Messrs. C. J.
Jones, W. E. Taylor, H. Wilkins, and Dr. Highmore were worthy of special
mention. In addition to the capital vegetables and fruit shown by
amateurs, there were also considerable quantities of vegetables shown by
cottagers, including some of the best Schoolmaster Potato we have seen
this season.

HAWKHURST.— November IGth and 17th.

Not a large but a very good display was the general verdict passed upon
the fourth annual Exhibition of this Kentish Society. It was held as usual
in the Lecture Hall, and to Messrs. Cook, G. M. Newman, and Arnold
belongs most of the credit for originating and maintaining the Society in a
flourishing state.

The best three specimen plants of incurved varieties were staged by Mr.
J. Gilmour, gardener to the Right Hon. G. J. Goschen, these consisting of
Mrs. Rundle, Mrs. Dixon, and Venus in excellent, condition. Mr. J. Knapp,
gardener to H. Maynard, Etq., was second, and Mr. L. Barnes, gardener to
Lieut.-Col. Herschell, third, both having very creditable exhibits. In the
class for three Japanese varieties Mr. Knapp staged very finely flowered
specimens of The Cossack, Hiver Fleuri, and La Frisure, and was rightly
awarded the first prize, Mr. Barnes being a good second, and Mr. Gilmour
third. With reflexed varieties Mr. Gilmour was weH first, staging good
specimens of Cullingfordi, Dr. Sharp, and Emperor of China. Mr. Gilmour
was also first for bo h Anemone-flowered and Pompxn varieties, the second
prize in each instance being awarded to Mr. Knapp. Three highly credit¬
able groups of plants were arranged, Mr. Kntpp taking the first prize, Mr.
Gilmour the second, and Mr. H. Bailey, gardener to Mrs. Springett, the
third. Amateurs and cottagers also made a good sho w in the classes pro¬
vided for their products, the exhibits ot Mr. J. Fuller and Mr. A. Corps
being most noteworthy.

Cut bloom3 were not so numerous as anticipated, espec:ally seeing what
a number of well-kept private gardens there are in the neighbourhood. Mr.
Gilmour was the only exhibitor in the classes for twenty-four incurved and
twenty-four Japanese varieties, and was deservedly awarded the first prize
in both instances. His best incurved were Lord Alcester, Empress of
India, Mrs. W. Shipman, Barbara, and Golden Empress of India; while
among the Japanese were good blooms of Comte de Germiny, Thunberg,
Golden Dragon, Madame C. Audiguier, and Curiosity. With twelve incurved
varieti s Mr. Hickmott of Cranbrook was a good first, his best being Golden
Empress of India, George Glenny, Guernsey Nugget, and Lord Alcester.
Mr. Barnes was second, the posi ions being reversed in the class for twelve
Japanese varieties. In Mr. Barnes's first-prize stand were good blooms of
Madame C. Audiguier, Source d’Or, Bouquet Fait, and Fair Maid of
Guernsey. The best large Anemone-flowered were staged by Mr. Gilmour
Mr. Knapp taking the second prize. j

Apples and Pears are usually abundant and good at the Hawkhurst
Shows, and on this occasion the local gardeners fully maintained their repu¬
tation. Mr. Gilmour had the best six dishes of dessert Apples, the second
prize being awarded to Mr. H. Curtis, gardener to the Hon. J. S. Gathorne
Hardy, and the third to Mr. Lewis Barnes. Messrs. Gilmour and Curtis
were also respectively second and third for one variety of dessert Apples.
In the class for six varieties of kitchen Apples Mr. Gilmour staged very
fine dishes of Warners King, Lord Derby, Blenheim Orange, Waltham
Abbey Seedling, Striped Beefin, and Rymer, and was awarded the first
prize. Mr. R. Titley, gardener to J. Thomson, Esq., was a good second,
and Mr. L. Bariies third. With four varieties of Pears Mr. Curtis was first,
having capital dishes of Beurrd d’Anjou, Doyennd du Comice, Duchesse
d’Angouleme, and BeurrdDiffi. Mr. J. Iggulden, gardener to the Rev Canon
Jeffreys, was second, ana Mr. Barnes third, both having clean handsome
fruit of good varieties. Mr. Curtis was first and Mr. J. Iggulden second for
a single dish, and Messrs. Gilmour and Iggulden were the prizewinners
with stewine Pears. Mr. Curtis was awarded the first prize for good
bunches of Muscat of Alexandra Grape, and Mr. Barnes was a creditable
second.

Several ladies and gentlemen, as well as gardeners, contributed various
interesting exhibits not for competition, and everything that could be
thought of was done to make the Show a great success. Probably if rather
more liberal pr'zes were offered exhibitors from a distance might be tempted
to compete; this experiment wherever tri d invariably improving the
attractions as well as the posi ion of the Society.

481

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ N ovembsr 25, 1886.

GRAVE SEND AND NORTH KENT. — November 16th and 17th.

The thirteenth annual Exhibition of this flourishing Society was held in
the Drill Hal], Gravesend, on Tuesday and Wednesday, November 16, h
and 17th. The exhibits were both numerous and good, and the arrange¬
ments were very creditable to the Secretary, Hr. Faire and the able Com¬
mittee that assisted him. The competition in the c'asses for cut blooms
was very close. In Class 29, for twenty-four incurved blooms, Mr. Phillips,
gardener to Dr. Barber, Meopham, was first with grand blooms of Bronze
Queen of England. Alfred Salter, Golden Queen, Lord Alcester, Golden
Empress, Jeanne d’Arc, Empress of India, Lord Wolseley, Prince Alfred, Mrs.
W. Sh'ptnan, White Venus, (tc. Mr. Stephens, gardener to A. Tolhurst,
Esq., Northfle;t, second. In Class 30, for twelve incurved, Mr. Richardson,
gardener to Sir James Ferguson, Singlewell, was first with good blooms of
Prince of Wales, Duchess of Teck, Lord Alcester, Golden Empress, Eve,
Jeanne d’Arc, Queen of England, Lord Wolselev, ifcc. In Class 33, for
twenty -four Japanese, Mr. Phillips was first with extra fine blooms of
Belle Paule, Val d’Andorre, Carmen, Fair Maid of Guernsey, Jupiter, M.
C. Audiguier, Meg Merrilies, .Mdlle. Lacroix, and Coquette de Castille.
Mr. Stephens being a good second. In the class for twelve large Anemone
Mr. Phillips was again first with fine blooms. For twelve reflexed, Mr.
Stevens was first with fine blooms of Cloth of Gold, King of Crimsons,
Beautd du Nord, Cullingfordi, Dr. Sharp, Mrs. Forsyth, die.

In the class s for trained plants, for which this Show is famous, about
eighty plants were staged. In Class 1, for four dwarf-trained plants, Mr. J.
Hodman was first. In Class 3, for four trained standards, Mr. Pope, gar¬
dener to John Russell, Esq., was first, and in other classes the priz-taker.s
were Messrs. Kitcbingham, Nicholson, and Pope. With a single pyramid
Mr. Ki chingham was also first with Caliope, a grand plant that has been
shown for the last eight years, and has carried off seven first prizes. Mr.
Carpenter was first in the class for trained Pompons, his plants being the
best in ihe Show.

In Class 52, collection of vegetables, twelve varieties, Mr. Phillips was
first, Mr. Stevens, second. In the classes for Grapes Mr. Phillips was first,
Mr. Kitcbingham, second.

The miscellaneous exhibits included a splendid collection of cut blooms
from Mr. W. Etherington, Swanscombe, which included fine examples of
Belle Paule, Japonaise, Val d’Andorre, Mdlle. Lacroix, Mr. J. H. Laing,
Jupit-r, Fair Maid of Guernsey, Carmen, Pc. : and among the new varieties
impored this year were Lady Mathiesou, Anna Clark. William Clark,
Mdlle. Paul Dutour, M. le Marquis de Munn, Madame Maria Clop, Paul
and Son, M. Meuke, fils, Mr. H. Elliott, J. D. Hillier, Madame Charlotte de
Montcabrier. Altogether thirty-six new varieties were staged. This col¬
lection proved a great attraction, and many of them will make splendid
exhibition flowers.

The Exhibition was opened by the Mayor of Gravesend, R. Fletcher,
Esq., and there was a crowded attendance on both days.

COLNBROOK AND DISTRICT. — November 17th and 18th.

The fourth Show of this enterprising Society was held in the Public
Rooms of the old-fashioned little town of Colnbrook, some four miles from
Slough, on the Great Bath Road, on the above date, and in all respects
proved a successful one, although the first day was very wet. Much inter-
e-t is evinct d by the local gentry, Dr. Meadows of Poyle Manor and Mrs.
Meeking of Richings Park contributing largely to the success of the Show.
Trained plants were a strong feature, comparing most favourably with
those seen at metropolitan i xhibitions, especially those exhibited by Mr.
Gates, gardener to Dr. Meadows, who took all the first prizes. In class 2,
for three large-flowered (not Japanese) Mr. Gat-s’ best plant was a finely
flowered Lord Derby ; second Mr. Aitken, Ricbings Park. For a similar
number of Japan se, first Mr. Gates ; his Mons. C. Hubert and William
Robinson were grandly flowered plants. Second Mr. Aitken; third Mr.
Francis. For a single specimen Mr. Gates was again first with a large and
fine plant of Hiver Fleuri. The best group of plants came from Mr. Aitken,
although closely pressed by Mr. Gates ; third Mr. Francis.

Cut blooms in eighteen distinct varieties (not Japanese).— First Mr.
Aitken with good Mr. Brunlees, Lord Alcester, Empress Eugenie, .fee. Mr.
Gates was a very close second ; Mr. Fletcher third. For twelve Japanese
(distinctl Mr. Gates was a good first, his stand including very fine blooms of
Boule d’Or, Triomphe de la Rue des Chalets, Soleil Levant, Madame J.
Laing. and Thunberg. Second Mr. Aitken : third Mr. Hancock. With six
of any variety Mr. Gates scored another first with a fine stand of Soleil
Levant. Classes were also provided for amateurs, the chief prizetaker
being Mr. Stribling of Colnbrook, who showed a very pretty group, also
nicely trained plants. The same exhibitor secured the principal prizes for
cut blooms in this division with highly creditable examples. Classes for
Grapes, Apples, Pears, and miscellaneous plants brought good competition,
and helped to make a very interesting Show.

DEVIZES. — November 16th.

This fixture bids fair to soon become one of the most popular in the
neighbourhood, and every year a marked improvement in every respect is
very apparent. Mr. Thomas King, the experienced gardener at Devizes
Castle, superintends all the arrangements, and otherwise affords much
assist mce to the Honorary Secretary, Mr. C. N. May. Good prizes are
offered for both plants and cut flowers, and in addition a valuable challenge
cup is adjudged to the winner of the greatest number of points in the
various classes. This was well won by Mr. Hale, gardener to C. May, E<q.,
Devizes, who was very successful in the plant classes. Mr. Tucker,
gardener to Major W. P. Clarke, Trowbridge, W. Stancombe, Esq ,Potterne,
the Rev. C. E. B. Barnwell, Devizes, and Major Colston, also exhibited
well and successfully in the different plant classes.

The silver cup, value five guineas, offered for the best twenty-four
blooms, half to be incurved and half Japanese, was well won by Mr. W.
Wild smith, gardener to Lord Eversl-y, Heckfield, who had really fine
examples of well known sorts. Mr. Tucker was second, his Japanese
varieties being much inferior to those in the third prize lot staged by Mr.
E. S. Cole, gardener to W. Pethick, Esq., Sneyd Pa' k, Bristol, but he had
slightly the advantage with incurve 1 varieties. Mr. Hale and also Mr.
Miller, gardener to F. Tagart, Esq., Old Sneyd Park, Bristol, were commended
for their exhibits in this class. Messrs. Wildsmith, E. S. Cole, G, Tucker, and

E. Miller were the principii prizewinners in the other classes for cut blooms,
and Mr. Walter King was the most successful competitor with a vase of cut
flowers and also a basket jof autumn .foliage and berries. Tne Exhibition
was very well attended.

YORK.

The Ancient Society of York Floriits held their sixth annual Show of
Chrysanthemums and other flowers in the large and central halls of the
Yorkshire Fine Art and Industrial Exhibition, and it would be difficult to
imagine a better place for the purpose. The Show was, upon the whole, the
best the Society has had, and year by year a marked improvement is notice¬
able in the quality of the exhibits.

Prizes were offered for groups of m’scellaneous plants, groups of Chrys
anthemums interspersed with foliage plants, and groups of Chrysanthemums
only, and in these the competition was very keen, and the same may be said
of the classes of Chrysanthemums, some very fine plants being exhibited,
hut ihe York growers have not hitherto trained and staged their plants to
the best advantage, and another year we hope to see an improvement in this-
respect.

Cut flowers were shown in great quantities and of very fair quality. The
principal prizetakers in the plant and cut flower department were J. T.
Hingston, Esq. (gardener, Mr. Macintosh), Mrs. Gutch (gardener, Mr.
Evrrard), Dr. Baker (gardener, Mr. Diwe), Mr. T. Smith, Miss Steward
(gardener, Mr. Vear), T S. Brogden, Eiq. (gardener, Mr. Lister), Messrs. A-
Simpson i Son, W. B. Richardson, Esq. (gardener, Mr. Folkard), Earl of
Harrington (gardener, Mr. Goodacre', Rev. B. Hemsworth (gardener, Mr.
Sun ey), C. H. Simpson, Esq. (gardener, Mr. Kitchell), A. Pease, Esq.
(gardener, Mr. Short), and others.

Grapes were splendid. In the class for six bunches in three varieties
there were eight competitors. The first prize, a silver cup or £5, was
deservedly awarded to Mr. Goodacre, Elvaston Castle, for superb examples
of Gros Colman, Mrs. Pearson, and Muscat of Alexandria ; Mr. Mclndoe,
gardener to Sir J. W. Pease, Bart., M.P., was a good second with good
bunches of Gros Guillaume, Trebbiano, and Lady Downe’s Seedling; the
third and fourth prizes were awarded to the Rev. W. Sneyd, Keele Hall,
Staffs (gardener, Mr. Wallis), and the Earl of Feversham (gardener, Mr.
Riddell) in the order named. B. Cochraue, E-iq., Durham (gardener, Mr.
Jenkins), was first for two bunches of black Grapes, staging Alicante in
faultless condition ; Mr. Riddell was second, and Mr. Clayton, gardener to
J. Fielden, Esq., Grimston Park, was third. Mr. Clayton was first for two
bunches of white Grapes, the Hon. R. C. Parsons (gardener, Mr. Townsend)
second, and Mr. Riddell third.

Apples and Pears were well shown, and the vegetables wore excellent,
mostly from local growers. Mr. A. Deverill, Banbury, exhibi ed some of his
prize Onions, Brussels Sprouts, &e., and these were greatly admired.

LIVERPOOL. — November 23rd and 24th.

A magnificent show, in a magnificent building. This is, in brief, the
character of the Liverpool Chrysanthemum Show. So far as we have seen,
no such exhibition has been held this year. The cut blooms of Chrysan¬
themums were simply splendid, the plants of Pompons models, and ths
fruit of a superior character.

Cut Blooms. — In the class for twenty-four incurved and the same
numb r of Japanese (thirty-six distinct varieties, no more than two varie¬
ties of a kind) for a silver cup given by Messrs. J. Williams & Co., Mr. F.
R aberts, gardener to W. D. Hole, Esq., West Derby, was well to the front
with excellent blooms. The collection took the lead, not only in the in¬
curved but was slightly ahead in the Japanese. The back row comprised
two blooms of Queen of England, two of Golden Empress, two of Empress
of India, Alfred Salter, Emily Dale. Second row : John Silter, Mr. Bunn,
Jeanne d’Arc, Lord Alcester, Lord Wolseley, Princess of Wales, and John
Salter. Front row : Mrs. Heale, Mrs. W. Shipman, Hero of Stoke Newing¬
ton, Princess of Wales, Jardin des Plmtes, and Princess of Teck. The
Japanese were particuLrly fine, including grand flowers of Belle Paule,
Marguerite Marrouch, Japonaise, M. Astorg, Soleil Levant, Belmoreau,
Triomphe de la Rue des Chalets, Meg Merrilies, M. C. Audiguier, Sarnia, R.
Balantine, Fair Maid of Guernsey, Golden Dragon, H. Jacotot, Comte de
Germiny, F. A. Davies, Mdlle. Lacroix. Mr. J. Jellico, gardener to

F. H. Gossage, Esq., Camp Hill, Woolton, was a very good second, and
third Mr. T. Leadbetter, gardeuer to R. N. Dale, Esq., Bromborough Hill,
Cheshire, who also showed well, being rather weaker in the incurved than
the other two competitors. In the class for twenty-four incurved there
were only two entries. Mr. Jellico took the lead with a capital collection
of fresh, well-developed flowers. Mr. Playfair, gardener to H. Nicholson,
Esq., Spital, second with smaller and flatter blooms.

For eight en incurved Mr. John Wilson, gardener to J. E. Reynolds,
Esq , West Derby, was well to the fore with very fresh highly coloured
flowers, most of the b’ooms in the first and second row fiom the front being
pirticularly fine. Mr. A. R. Cox, gardener to W. H. Watts, Esq., Elm Hall,
Wavertree, second with fresh but smaller intermediate flowers. Third Mr.
A. Eaton, gardener to H. J. Robinson, Esq , Woolton. In the class for six
blooms of incurved and six Japanese, offered for those who had never won a
prize, brought out no less than fouiteen competitors, and the blooms
throughout were of wonderful quality. Perhaps this proved the most in¬
teresting class at this or any other exhibition held this year, for the blooms
staged were amongst the finest in the Exhibition. Mr. J. McGarth, gardener
to R. R. Heap, Esq., West Derby, was placed first with grand blooms. Mr.
T. D. Heavy, gardener to H. G. Schintz, Esq., Moss'ey H 11, second, and Mr.
J. Harrison, gardener to W. G. Bateson, Esq., New HeyB, Allerton, third.

In the class for (ighteen Japanese, first Mr. A. Eaton, gardener to H. J.
Robinson, Esq., Woolton, with Meg Merrilies. Ma-guerite Marrouch, Belle
Paule, Sultan, Apollo, Fair Maid of Guernsey, Triomphe de Chalets, Soleil
Levant, J. Delaux. Criterion, M. Astorg, Baronne dePrailly, Mdlle. Lacroix,
Madame C. Audiguier, Comte de Germiny, Madame Laing, Belmoreau, and
Boule d’Or. Second, Mr. W. Wilson, gardener to H. Cunningham, Esq.,
Gateacre ; third, Mr. R. Cox, gardener to W. H. Watts, Esq., Wavertree ;
all with splendid stands. Twelve Japanese, first Mr. J. Wilson, with mag¬
nificent examples ; second, Mr. F Rooerts, also splendid. In another class
for twelve Japanese Mr. A. Eaton was first ; Mr. W. Wilson second; third,
Mr. G. Bowden, gardener to G. Cockburn, Esq., Oxton, with truly magni-

November 25, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

485

ficent examples. In these classes the competition was eo close that only
one po;nt decided the relative merits of the collections.

We regret very much that time and pressure upon our pages this week
prevent us giving a more detailed report of such a beautiful show. We
hop^, however, to be able to refer to the fruit and other portions of the
Exhibition more fully in our next issue.

EASTBOURNE. — November 22nd and 23rd.

Chiefly through the energetic action of Mr. Jupp, Hon. Sec. to the
Eastbourne Gardeners’ Society, a very good display, considering the late
■date and the time they had to prepare for it, was made in the Town Hall
lecently opened. Most of the classes were well filled, and in some the com¬
petition was keen ; both the cut blooms and the plants were surprisingly
tresh for the late date. In the open class for a group of Chrysanthemums
arranged for effect Mr. Helmsley, gardener to J. Dore, Esq., Arundel Terrace,
was first with a viry bright and effective arrangement. Mr. Morley,
gardener to Miss Brodie, The Gore, second; and Mr. Wise, gardener to
Major-General Holrojd, The Meads, third. For the group of Chrysan-
ihemums and any ofli“r plants Mr. Fuller, gardener to — Wbatmore, Esq.,
was first, and Mr. Morley second, both showing very good groups. Mr.
Helcnsley was again first for group in the class limiteu to members of the
Society ; Mr. Phillips, gardener to Dr. Jeffrey, being second, and Mr Eden,
gardener to C. D. Gilbert, Esq, Manor House, third. Mr. Helmsley ar.d
Mr. Fuller we-e also prizetakers for foliage plants and Ferns. Cut blooms
were well shown. In the open class for twenty-four incurved Mr. Gore,
gardener to Capt. Taylor, Glenleigh, was first with good fresh blooms, the best
being Lord Alcester, Empress of India, Cherub, Mabel Ward, Golden Queen,
and Queen of England. Mr. Russell, gardener to Dr. Lewis, Henfield,
being second, and Mr. Simmons, gardener to the Rev. H. Hales, Henfield,
third. For twelve incurved Mr. Winchester, gardener to W. A. Taylor
Esq., Hailsham, was first, Mrs. Heale, and Lord Alcester, being viry good.,
Mr. Russell and Mr. Simmons following very closely. For twenty-four
Japmese Mr. Gore was fiist, Thunberg, Sarnia, and Madame Audiguier
being good. Mr. Russell was second, and Mr. Jupp, gardener to G. Boulton,
Esq., Torfield, third. Mr. Winchester was first fjr twelve Japanese, fol¬
lowed by Mr. Russell and Mr. Jupp. Anemones and reflexed were very
good, Mr. Gore being first in both classes, also in the two classes of Pompons.
Messrs. Jupp and Russell taking the seconds and thirds in the reflexed and
Anemones. In the Society classes Mr. Emery, gardener to R. W. Tweedie,
Esq , Avoca, was very successful, taking first for tw lve incurved, twelve
Japanese, and twelve of any sort, followed in each class by Rev. H. Short-
lands, Upperton. Fruit was very good, Mr. Clarke, Polegate, being first for
Grapes. Mr. Gilmour, Hawkhurst, and Miss Brodie taking the chief prizes
for Apples and Pears.

Sfo WORK

m

HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

Very favourable has the weather been for the planting, and where
the work was well done either late in October or early in the present
month the trees are now settled in the soil, and root-action has begun.
Let us take care that tender young rootlets, which the warm moist soil
has induced the roots to put f 'rth during the last two or three weeks, do
not suffer from exposure to the severities of hard frost when it sets in.
To guard against this we apply a surface dressing to the soil about the
trees as we plant them, and we never put off doing so. Each tree as it is
planted has any portion of damaged root cut off, each branch is shortened
to the bud which we wish to afford us a vigorous Bhoot next spring, the
soil is pa-ked carefully about the roots, and pressed gently but firmly
upon them. A surface dressing of half-decayed stable manure is given,
the tree made so fast to wall, fence, or stake that it cannot be swayed by
wind, a label bearing its name put either upon or close to it — then, and
not till then, should we proceed to the planting of another tree. Every
detail must have full attention at once, the name of the tree should also
be entered iu the garden fruit book, and its position shown upon the
garden plan. Take care also that no injury is done to the bark of the
trees, and if string or wire is used to fasten the tree see that some soft
■substance is put between it and the bark. It is precisely by close atten¬
tion to careful and early planting that we are able to ensure free robust
growth n»xt spring and summer. Our object in shortening the branches
■of trees as we plant them is to ensure growth next season, which will form
the basis of a healthy well shaped tree. Each tree must be examined
closely, and the pruning be specially adapted to its condition as it conics
to our hands from the nursery. The fine flourishing young pyramids
which we perhaps selected ourselves at the nursery last August may, when
they are sent to us, have a stem 5 or 6 feet in height bristling with
lateral growth from the top downwards to within about a couple of feet
of the bottom. If so much of the bottom of the stem is bare we never
hesitate to sacrifice the upper part, but cut it clean off right down to the
bare part of the stem. It requires some courage to do this, but then we
know from experience that from those bare stumps will spring a plentiful
crop of stout shoots, one of them to form a new loading shoot, and the
others to afford us a choice of basal branches, which will thus have so
good a start that they will not eventually be robbed of vigour by the
upper ones.

FRUIT FORCING.

Peaches and Nectarines. — Earliest-forced Trees— The trees in
the earliest house having been started, they must have sufficient water at

the roots, and if, after examination, it is doubtful whether the soil be moist
enough, give a thorough supply slightly in advance of the temperature of
the house, and if the trees aie weakly employ tepid liquid manure. A
bed of fermenting materials formed on the borders will give off an
invig* rating heat, whilst the moisture will be more regular and conducive
to the buds swelling thin frequently syringing the trees. Fire heat
should only be employed at night to exclude frost, and by day to insure a
temperature of 50°, above which ventilate freely. Avoid as much as
possible a close vitiated atmosphere after the buds begin swelling, syringe
the trees and house in the morning and early afternoon of bright days
until the buds or blossoms begin showing colour ; then discontinue the
syringing, but maintain a suitable moisture in the air by damping the
paths, &c., on bright days in the morning and early afternoon, and ven¬
tilate constantly. The object should be to bring the trees on gradually, to
secure large, well expanded blossoms, and to have the stamens strong,
with anthers well laden with pollen, and the pistils stout and perfect.

Second Early- forced Trees. — The trees to be started early in the year
f r affording fruit in May must now be kept as cool as possible. The
lights having been removed may be left off until the weather sets in very
rainy or the snow falls, when, if there is danger of the soil becoming too
wet and reduied in temperature by the cold, snow, or frost, replace them
after they have been thoroughly cleaned, repaired, and, if necessary,
painted. Toe trees may be dressed with an insecticide, the woodwork
having been cleansed with soapy water and the glass with clear water,
both ins:de and outside, and the walls washed with hot lime. The trees
will have to be pruned — a very trifling affair if the proper attention has
been given to disbudding, reserving only the wood needful for extension
and next year’s crops, and cutting out that on which fruit has been borne
this year. This will leave very little work for the knife at this season,
and the less the better, only it must be used to cut out wood not required,
to rectify anything that has been overlooked during the summer. The
trees having been infested with scale, nothing clears them so well as
syringing with water at a temperature between 140Q and ICO0, but it
must not be used by a careless person ; indeed, extreme measures must
never be taken except under the eye of the chief. Frost has a very
decided effect on scale, but its removal is best effected by washing with a
s iapy solution, 8 ozs. softsoap to a gallon of water, and being careful
not to disturb the buds. The solution properly applied is fatal to all
insects or eggs. In bad cases it is well to go over the trees a second time
before they are tied to the trellis. Plenty of space must be left in the ties
for the swelling of the branches. Mulch the border and remove any
loose inert surface soil, supplying fresh loam 2 or 3 inches deep at most,
and to which has been added about a quart of bonemeal to every bushel,
and a similar proportion of wood ashes, the loam chopped moderately
small if turfy, and the whole well incorporated. Mulching with short
manure may be deferred until the trees are somewhat in growth. Keep
the house as cord as possible, ventilating to the fullest extent except
when the weather is frosty.

Third House. — The trees in this will be started early in February to
ripen the fruit late in June or early in July, and they should now be sub¬
jected to the same treatment as advised for the trees in the second early
house. It is a bad practice to leave houses and trees unattended after the
leaves fall until the necessity arises for closing the houses. The trees can
never be handled so safely, either for the needful cleaning, pruning, &c.,
as when the buds are least active, which is as soon as the leaves have
fallen, and the insects (if any) are best caught before they are obliged by
cold to make their retreat to safe quarte s. It is a common practice to
use houses of this kind for plants, especially Chrysanthemums. It is a
practice that would be much better discarded, as it is fatal to that rest so
essential to the success of the Peach trees, and a primary cause of the
buds subsequently falling.

Fourth House. — This can hardly be called a forcing house, yet there
should be means of affording a genial heat when the trees are in blossom,
and for accelerating the ripening as may be necessary ; also for ripening the
wood in cool districts. The house being closed early in March, the trees
will ripen their fruit early in August and September if kept cool. It may
be analogous to a Peach-case or covered wall planted with midseason
varieties — the choicest Peaches and Nectarines. The trees in this house
are leafless. They should undergo the process advised for the early
house in every particular, only the hot-water pipes must be emptied and
the house never closed, but be thrown open to the fullest extent in all
but when frost prevails. It will not hurt the trees in the least to remove
the lights and leave them off until the blossom begins showing colour.

Tate House. — No attempt should be made to force the leaves off the
trees. Cut out all the wood that has borne fruit if not otherwise required.
The soil must not be allowed to become very dry, but if necessary give
a thorough soaking of water. If the wood does not ripen well turn on
the heat by day with moderate ventilation, and turn it off in the after¬
noon, so as to have the pipes cool before night, and then open all the
ventilators. When trees do not ripen the wood up to the point of the
shoots it is a good plan to make a trench at some distance from the stem
and have the roots cut, which will check the tendency t > growth and
induce ripening. After remaining open ten days or a fortnight the
trenches may be closed, the soil being well firmed and a good watering
given. The house must otherwise be kept cool by free ventilation, and
the leaves cleared away as they fall. If any of the trees grow too luxu¬
riantly root-pruning and lifting mu-t be attended to whilst the leaves are
on the trees. The value of late Peaches is not so much recognised as
they deserve. They are noble in appearance, and when well done good
in quality.

Unheated Houses.— The leaves in these are off in all except where

486

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDE NEk.

[ November 25, 1886.

the trees are unsatisfactory, and such should be lifted and the roots laid
in fresh compost nearer the surface. With careful lifting the crop for
next year will not be prejudiced — in fact, trees carefully lifted usually set
well, stone satisfactorily, and furnish good crops of fruit. Care is, of
course, necessary in lifting the trees, so as not to give a severe check by
too great manipulation of the roots, and not to practise it before the
wood becomes firm, otherwise the soft parts of the wood will shrivel. If
the drainage is defective it should be rectified, and soil of an unsuitable
nature removed. Instead of patching up bad borders it would often be
much more satisfactory to make new ones. A 3-inch tile drain should be
at the base, with proper fall and outlet to carry off superfluous water.
There must be a foot of drainage above the drain — brickbats or rubble,
and if covered with a layer of old mortar rubbish it will be an advan¬
tage. Twenty-four inches of soil is ample, but it should be 30 inches
deep in the fir.-t instance to allow for settling, and be placed together
rather firmly ; the top 3 to 6 inches of a pasture where the soil is of a
medium loam, inclined to be heavy rather than light, and where the sub¬
soil is limestone is the most suitable. Add to this a sixth part of mail
which has been dried and chopped small, and a similar proportion of old
mortar rubbish, incorporating well together. This soil usually induces
a stout short-jointed growth. The border need not be wider than a foot
beyond the extension of the roots in the first instance, aiding to it as the
roots extend ; but a narrow border is in many respects superior to a wide
one. The only difference is that the narrow border requires more fr< quent
supplies of water and liquid manure with surface mulching, and then
the results are better than in the wide, as the trees are more under control.
The sooner 'if ting at d the teplanting of Peach trees under glass is effected
the more likely are 'hey to return good fruit another season. The house
should be kept as cool as possible ; in fact, the lights are best off the
trees until the buds show colour. In a Peach case fruit can be had over
a very extended peril d by a proper selection of varieties, Alexander and
Waterloo ripen early in July, followed by Hale’s Early, Early Alfred,
Dr. Hogg, Crimson Galande, Royal George or Stirling Cabtle, Grosse
Mignonne, Alexandra Noblesse, Goshawk, Beilegarde, Barrington, Late
Admirable, Princess of Wales, and Sea Eagle, a di ztn varieties of first-
class quality, continuing the succession into October. Suitable Nectarines
are Advance, Lord Napier, Rivers’ White, Elruge, Improved Downton,
Pine Apple, and Victoria.

i?rr /-r

r-TT - -3—1 - | | | , ■ , - ; - ; - - - ; - ; - , - - - , - ; - - - ; - ; - i - 1 -

St

Ip

IE BEE-KEEPER.

b) ^

FEEDING BEES AND COVERING HIVES.

Although November commenced with her “ surly blasts,”
they did not continue long, and up till the 20th we experi¬
enced exceedingly mild weather, spring-like, with bright
sunshine and a temperature sometimes during the day of 55°,
the lowest temperature during the night being 80°, conse¬
quently bees were often on the wing and carried pollen freely
up till the 16th. The temperature being lower than it was
during October, the bees were quieter, and probably con¬
sumed less, the extra mildness of the month enabling
them to fly must be conducive to their well-being during the
next two months, when winter will be likely to come in earnest
— at least we hope so. Although I advise bees not to be inter¬
fered with nor fed after September, still I am not apprehen¬
sive of much danger from feeding during winter if necessity
for that should arise. Some time since “Felix” stated that
he had maintained and kept bees alive and healthy by feed¬
ing tbem the whole winter. This is what I have often done,
and what I am doing with several hives I did not intend
keeping, and I am hopeful of success. The hives are con¬
structed and covered so that damp will not remain inside
them — the whole secret of successful bee-keepiDg, provided
that all the young are hatched and have flown before winter
sets in, and that breeding does not commence sooner than
the end of December or the beginning of January.

Scarcely a week passes but someone writes me in praise
of the ventilating floor, which doubtless guards from many
evils, but covering hives is also important. During mild
winters it is of less importance to have them covered
thoroughly, but it is better to be fully prepared for the worst.
Covering hives with a proper porous material at all times
acts beneficially, and never otherwise unless when the cover¬
ing and the surroundings affect the interior of the hive so as
to induce the bees out into a temperature they cannot bear.
Thus if a hive is placed near a flue or other artificial heat, or
if the coverings are of a nature that produces heat, the same
effects will follow, and the bees are sure to suffer. When

hives are covered on the sides with about 2 inches of straw
and from 3 to 5 inches of meadow hay on the top, and kept
dry, having a current of air all round, the hive so arranged
is perfection, and cannot be made better to withstand the
severest winter and keep the bees healthy during the whole
year. This preparation applies to hives whether in the open
or under cases or in bee-houses. It is a mistake to suppose
that hives located in cases or bee-houses require no external
covering. When hives are not cared for with proper cover¬
ings on the outside, the vitiated air, instead of being carried
off from the hive, becomes condensed on the inside, the
combs and the bees, and as damp destroys bees quickly
during winter the moment they come in contact with it,
every means should be employed by the bee-keeper to guard
against it.

The house I live in was a thatched one until lately, and
bees have been kept in this place by the proprietors for a
century past, and from that time up till some thirty years
ago the hives were lifted from their outside stands and
placed in the loft underneath the thatch and close to it at
the bottom of the roof. The air played round the hives
freely in a tempered form had a beneficial effect on the bees,
apparently because they remained quiet during the two
months of their confinement, and when taken out the first
fine day after the storm were always healthy and flew
briskly. Under the thatch was but a similar treatment to
that I advise in the foregoing lines, and bee-keepers should,
if looking to their interests, follow the example. Your
readers have already been favoured with the “ Dumfries¬
shire Bee-keeper’s ” account of employing dried peat under¬
neath the ventilating floor. It is an idea in the right
direction in bee -husbandry, and I am confident that cover¬
ing hives with “ benty turves,” as are often employed by
some bee-keepers in certain districts (and to great advan¬
tage, too, so far as the bees are concerned), is also a plan
that might be adopted with advantage by bee-keepers in
general. Certainly it is a losing concern to keep hives in
an uncovered state during the temperate part of the year,
and it is a great deal more so if entirely neglected during
winter. — A Lanarkshire Bee-keeper.

°0° All correspondence should be directed either to “The Editor ”
or to “ The Publisher.” Letters addressed to Dr. Hogg or
members of the staff often remain unopened unavoidably. We
request that no one will write privately to any of our correspon¬
dents, as doing so subjects them to unjustifiable trouble and
expense.

Books (Columbia). — The two treatises published at this office — Wright’s
“ Mushrooms for the Million ” and Iggulden’s “ Tomatoes ” will suit you as
regards those subjects, and you will find full information on the others in
Thomson’s “ Fruit Culture Under Glass ” ( Blackwood ife Sons), and Barron’s
“ Yines and Vine Cu ture,” published at this office.

Chrysanthemums (J. C., Selkirk). — The information you require shall
be given next week. Many thanks for your good wishes.

Bellicide (R. D.). — We shall be glad to test the qualities of the substance
named if samples are sent to us.

Selling Grapes (Black Hambro). — Gi apes ought to fetch more towards
Christmas than they do in autumn, both on account of the grea‘ er con¬
sumption at that season and of the additional expense required to keep
them in good condition. At the same time we would rot advise you to
send yours to any of the London markets. Half-pound bunches stand
little chance against the large handsome bunches that are to be met with
there.

Early Peach for Cool House ( W . Dry).— The largest and test early
Peach for a cold house is Alexand r, but some prefer Waterloo on account of
its slightly higher colour. They are the largest of the ta-ly Peaches, and
ripen in a cool house early in July, or about tbe same time as Early Beatrice,
which is much smaller, though an excellent Peach. A'exander is fully
three weeks in advance of Hale’s Eariy, and the next b-.st Peach to succeed

November 25, 1886. ]

JJURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

487

is Dr. Hogg. Oar choice is Alexander, as we have proved it longest, finding
it juicy and brisk in flavour. AVaterloo is a clingstone, but a fine Peach,
large, and very bright in colour.

Propagating Leucophyton Browni (0. Turner). — Cuttings strike
freely at almost any time, but preferably in August, the cuttings, after
trimming off the lower leaves, being laid aside for a few hours to allow the
wounds to dry. They should be inserted in sandy soil, the pots siufaced
with sand, and care taken not to give too much water, keeping the soil
moist, and placing them in a cold frame. Spring is also a good time to
insert the cuttings, and at that time of year they are the better for a gentle
heat, in which they root more quickly and sooner make plants of a size
suitable for placing out. The chief thing is to guard against damp.
The cuttings should bo firm, as when soft they are more liable to suffer
from damp.

Begonia Corms Eaten by Grubs (P. L.). — The grubs are likely to prove
troublesome to the Tulips. The only thing we can suggest is to make
holes with a blnnt dibber to about the same depth as the Tulips, and in
these insert some baits of Carrots with a pointed stick thrust into them,
and long enough to reach outside the ground after the holes are closed, as
they should with loose soil. The Carrots will most likely attract the grubs,
and withdrawing the baits each morning the p°sts will be easily destroyed.
The baits are to be replaced when necessary. Persistence in this course is
a certain remedy, there being few grubs that can resist a bait of sweet
succulent Carrot. Potato baits are good, but not equal to the Carrot.

Lily of the Valley not Flowering (J. F. W., Deal). — Your previous
question did not reach us. The plants have become too crowded and so
enfeebled as not to form well-developed flower buds. The only remedy is
to thin the plants well, filling the holes with rich soil, and giving a surface¬
dressing of thoroughly decayed manure about an inch deep. This should
be done now, and the p'ants removed may be formed into fresh beds, the
soil having been well manured and as deeply dug or trenched as the good
soil allows. They may be planted in rows 3 inches apart and the crowns
1 inch asunder in the rows, and so deeply that the top of the crown is level
with the surface of the soil. The roots should be spread out carefully, and
the soil made rather firm about them. Mulch the beds with well-decayed
manure or le if soil. During growth copious supplies of water should be
given, or liquid manure in dry weather, as the stronger the plants the finer
will be the flowers.

Gardeners’ Examinations (P. (?.). — The Royal Horticultural Soci“ty
and the Society of Arts at one time held examinations in horticulture, but
these have been discontinued. The Science and Art Department at South
Kensington have examinations in botany, and you can obtain all particulars
on application to the Secretary addressed as above.

Potatoes Eaten by Slugs ( Old Subscriber). — The tubers you sent are in
brd condition, and nothing would do your land so much good as a
dressing of quicklime. AVe should give it now at the rate of 6 tons per
acre, and before digging the ground. The best agent, however, to use
against slugs is nitrate of soda, but it should not be used until spring, or in
late March or early April before putting in the crops, and at the rate of
1 lb. per rod (30J square yards). The quantity of lime per square rod is a
little more than a bushel, but that quantity is a fair dressing. As the
quality of the Potatoes is bad we should not give anv manure. The nitrate
of soda is beneficial to most vegetable crops. AVe should certainly not
think the slugs would be more likely to appear again if the old eets — i.e.,
sets of the slug-eaten crops, 'are used, but often much good results from a
change of se d.

Training Vines Down Back Wall {F. J.). — If you train the canes down
the back wall and allow them to fruit it is certain you would gain some
bunches of Grapes next year, but would also have very much weaker leads
than if the canes were cut back to the curve, and a strong shoot taken from
each in the ensuing season. The growth should not be taken down the wall
but along the back and well up to the light, so as to insure a thoroughly
solidified growth, and sufficiently long to reach down the wall and admit of
being layered in the border to the extent of a foot or 18 inches, being secur’d
with pegs a couple or not more than 3 inches beneath the surface. The
eyes should be removed from the part layered, and the layering must not be
done until the wood is ripe. By this plan yon will have the Vines with two
sets of roots, and they can be fruited their whole length the following year,
the objectionable Vines being cut out.

Pruning Hydrangea paniculata (X Y.). — It is best to thin out the weak
wood, and then cut back the strong shoots to firm ripe wood, so as to form
a symmetrical or compact plant. AVe have cut back to a couple of joints
of the base, but base buds do not always give such large heads of bloom as
the terminal ones. Irregularities are best pinched during growth, and the
weak growth should be removed early, resorting to disbudding. If the
wood is strong and well ripened you are sure to have plenty of flowers.

Distance of Trellis from Hot-water Pipes in Cucumber House {Idem).
— The pipes ought to be at least a foot from the trellis or plants, and are
better more, as the pipes dry the atmosphere in their immediate locality and
increase the evaporation from the foliage, causing attacks of red spider. If
you mean the bot-water pipes are for bottom heat, then they surely ar ■ more
than 4 inches from the trellis. You will need the pipes surrounded with
and covrred by G inches of rubble, over this a layer of turves grass side
downwards, and then 10 inches or a foot of soil, and the plants ought to
have some stem. The trellises are, we think, intended for border or bed
support, and if 4 inches below those they are not far wrong. Manure is a
good material, but is better mixed with leaves. Three parts Oak or Beech
leaves with one part stable litter make a suitable bed and give a mild and
durable bottom heat. Tb°y foster no fungi that is injurious to Cucumbers.
Tan is unquestionably the best of all materials for bottom heat, but it is far
more subject to fungi than manure.

Fairy Rings on Lawn {An Old Subscriber). — The cause of fairy rings
is the spread of fungus spawn or mycelium, which results in the production
of Toadstools. They are for the most part nitrogenous, and their decay
gives the deep green colour to the grass. It is a clear indication of poverty,
as the fairy rings never appear on healthy vigorous plots of grass. AVe
only know of one remedy, and that is manure of a nitrogenous character.
Potash is also useful. AVe should make holes with a crowbar where the

rings are, and into these drop some wood ashes, the holes being about
3 inches deep and about 6 inches apart. They may have a pinch between
the finger and thumb put in each, and afterwards be filled with fine soil. If
this be objected to rake the ground well and apply wood ashes at the rate
of a peck per rod (30J square yards). This may be lightly raked in. If
the ground is poor — i.e., the grass thin and growing weakly — give a dress¬
ing of well decayed manure now, and in February or March give a surface
dressing of soil mixed with a fourth of quicklime in autumn, and turned over
twice. Two bushels of compost per square rod is not too much. Rake well
in and sow with fine grass seeds during moist weather in April, and roll
well. This will insure a good growth of grass, and the fairy rings will dis¬
appear. If the grass grows freely omit the manure. Avoid artificial
manures containing superphosphate of lime and sulphates of soda and
magnesia. Soot and wood ashes mixed together in equal proportions is
good for lawns. A surface-dressing in moist weath°r in spring before the
grass grows effects wonders, and is good against moss. A peck per rod is
a proper dressing.

Names of Fruits.— The names and addresses of senders of fruit to be named
must in all cases be enclosed with the specimens, whether letters referring
to the fruit are sent by post or not. The names are not necessarily required
for publication, initials sufficing for that. Only six specimens can be
named at once, and surplus fruits beyond that number cannot be preserved.
{Brentford). — Somersetshire Pomeroy. (W. H. Divers). — 1, Thompson’s.
2, Zephirin Gregoire. 3, Besi Goubault. Apples :1, Golden Noble. 2, Not
known.

Names of Plants. — AVe only undertake to name species of plants, not
varieties that have originated from seed and termed florists’ flowers.
Flowering specimens are necessary of flowering plants, and Fern fronds
should bear spores. Specimens should arrive in a fresh state in firm
boxes. Slightly damp moss or soft green leaves form the best packing, dry
cotton wool the worst. Not more than six specimens can be named at once.
(C. B.). — AVe do not undertake to name varieties of florists’ flowers.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— November 24th.
Prices remain the same. Grapes firmer. Trade quiet.

FRUIT.

s.

d.

8.

d.

s.

d.

s.

d

Apples .

ft sieve

i

6 to 4

0

Melon . . . .

0

0 to 0

0

Nova Scotia and

Oranges . .

6

0

12

0

Canada

per barrel 12

0

21

0

Peaches .

. perdoz.

0

0

0

0

Cherries .

. £ sieve

0

0

0

0

Pears .

1

0

3

0

Gobs .

. ioo lb.

60

0

70

0

Pine Apples English.. It).

X

6

2

0

Figs .

dozen

0

6

0

9

Pluma .

. J sieve

1

0

2

0

Grapes .

0

6

3

9

St. Michael Pines

..each

4

0

6

0

Lemons .

10

0

15

0

Strawberries ..

. per lb.

0

0

0

0

VEGETABLES.

8.

d.

s.

d

S.

d.

S

d

Artichokes

.. dozen

l

0 to 0

0

Lettuce .. ..

i

0

to 1

6

Asparagus

.. bundle

0

0

0

0

Mushrooms ..

.. punnet

0

8

1

0

Beans, Kidney

. . per lb

0

6

0

0

Mustard and Cress punnet

Or

2

0

0

Beet, Red

.. dozen

1

0

2

0

Onions .. ..

0

s

0

0

Broccoli .. ..

0

0

0

0

Parsley .. dozen bunches

2

0

s

0

Brussels Sprouts

. . 1 sieve

1

6

2

0

Parsnips .. ..

i

0

3

0

Cabbage .. ..

X

6

0

0

Potatoes.. ..

4

0

5

0

Capsicums

100

1

6

2

0

,, Kidney

.. cwt.

4

8

5

0

Carrots . . . .

0

4

0

0

Rhubarb . . . .

0

2

0

6

Cauliflowers ..

. , dozen

3

0

4

0

Salsafy .. ..

1

0

1

u

Celery . . . .

1

6

2

0

Scorzonera

.. bundle

1

6

0

0

Coleworts dcz. bunches

a

0

4

0

Soakale .. ..

per basket

1

6

2

0

Cucumbers

. . each

0

8

0

4

Shallots . . ..

0

3

0

6

Endive ..

l

0

2

0

Spinach .. ..

8

0

4

4

Heros . . . .

0

2

0

0

Tomatoes

0

6

1

0

Leeks . . . .

0

8

0

4

Turnips .. ..

0

4

0

0

PLANTS IN POTS.

s. d. b. a. 8. d. 8. d.

Aralia Sieboldi . . dozen

9

0

to 18

0

Ficus elastica

. . each

i

6 to

7

0

Arbor vitas (golden) dozen

6

0

9

0

Fnchsia

per dozen

0

0

0

0

„ (common) dozen

6

0

12

0

Foliage Plants, var. each

2

0

10

0

Asters . . . . per dozen

0

0

0

0

Heliotrope

per dozen

0

9

0

0

Bedding Plants, var. doz.

0

0

0

0

Hydrangea . .

per dozen

0

0

0

0

Begonias . . . . dozen

4

0

9

0

Ivy Geraniums

per dozen

0

0

0

0

Chrysanthemum . . dozen

6

0

12

0

Lilium auratum

per doz.

0

0

0

0

Cockscombs per dozen

0

0

0

0

Lobelias . .

per dozen

0

0

0

0

Cyperu3 . dozen

4

0

12

0

Marguerite Daisy dozen

6

0

9

0

Dracaena terminalis, dozen

30

0

60

0

Mignonette . .

per dozen

3

0

6

0

„ viridis .. dozen

12

0

24

0

Musk . . . .

per dozen

0

0

0

0

Erica, various . . dozen

9

0

12

0

Myrtles . . . .

6

0

12

0

„ hyemalis per dozen

12

0

24

0

Palms, in var.

. . eaoh

2

6

21

0

„ gracilis per dozen

9

0

13

0

Pelargoniums, scarlet, doz.

6

0

9

0

Euonymus, in var. dozen

6

0

18

0

Pelargoniums

per dozen

0

0

0

0

Evergreens, in var. dozen

6

0

24

0

Primula sisensis

per doz.

4

0

6

0

Ferns, in variety . . dozen

4

0

18

0

Solanums

per doz.

9

0

12

0

CUT

FLOWERS.

s.

d.

8.

d.

8.

d.

B.

d.

Abutilons

12 bunches

2

0 to 4

0

Lily of the Valley, 12 spray3

0

0

to 0

0

Arum Lilies .

12 blooms

4

0

6

0

Marguerites ..

12 bunches

2

0

6

0

Asters

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Mignonette . .

12 bunches

1

0

3

0

Azalea

12 sprays

i

0

1

6

Narciss, Paper-white, bunch

0

4

0

6

Bouvarclias . .

per bunch

0

6

1

0

„ White. English, bunch

1

8

1

6

Camellias

12 blooms

2

0

4

0

Pelargoniums, per 12 trusses

0

9

X

6

Carnations . .

12 blooms

1

0

8

0

„ scarlet, 12 trusses

0

4

0

6

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Roses

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Chrysanthemums 12 bohes.

2

0

6

0

„ (indoor),

per dozen

0

8

3

0

12 blooms

0

6

2

0

„ Tea.. ..

0

9

8

0

Cornflower . .

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

„ red

. . dozen

1

0

2

0

Dahlias

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Parme Violets (French)

4

0

c

9

Epiphyllum . .

doz. blooms

0

6

0

0

Primula (single)

per bunch

0

6

0

0

Eucharis

per dozen

4

0

8

0

„ (double)

per bunch

0

9

1

0

Gardenias

12 blooms

4

0

6

0

P^rethrum . .

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Gladioli

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Stephanotis ..

12 sprays

6

0

8

0

Hyacinths, Roman, 12 sprays

1

0

1

6

Stocks, various

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Lapageria, white, 12 blooms

2

0

4

0

Tropseolum ..

12 bunches

1

6

2

0

Lapageria, red

.12 blooms

1

0

2

0

Tuberoses

12 blooms

1

0

i

6

„ lougiflorum,12 blms.

6

0

8

0

Violets .. ..

12 bunches

1

0

i

6

Lilac (white), French, bunch

6

0

8

0

„ Czar, French, per bunch

1

s

i

9

488

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ No ember 25, 1886.

THE STOCK HERD.

At many home farms the difference between the dairy
herd and stock herd is clearly defined by distinct breeds of
cows being kept for each herd, the first being solely for dairy
produce, the other for rearing beasts for the butcher. If
home farmers in the enjoyment of such advantages only
turn them to full account, the stock herd can be made
to answer, or, in other words, pay its way, and afford some¬
thing more than the stock yard manure for profit. If, how¬
ever, the margin of profit is wide enough to cover the entire
expense of making and applying the manure to the land, the
process may be regarded as entirely satisfactory, and farm¬
yard manure may certainly be used under such conditions
advantageously. Ia order to bring about so desirable a
result we must have a herd specially selected for the purpose.
Early maturity before all things is required in such cattle ; to
ensure this they must not only be well bred, but well fed and
cared for from the birth till sale. Each calf should run with
its mother and have the whole of the milk. Shelter and clean¬
liness are also indispensable. Dry, comfortable sheds, with
sound roofs, well enclosed, with small open yards on the
south side, afford excellent shelter for cows and calves, and
when the cows are withdrawn no better place can be found
for the young stock, which are not turned oat upon pasture
at all during the first year, but are kept in altogether, and so
saved from the annoyance of flies. For a beast to realise
such a handsome sum as £28 in twenty months from the
birth, it cannot have been let out to “ cut its own green
meat,” but must have been kept warm, clean, quiet, and
upon a fall dietary of wholesome nourishing food throughout
the short period of its existence. No interregnum of semi¬
starvation has been suffered to mar the progress of such an
animal, its “calf-lyre” is never lost, but its lusty full-
fleshed condition keeps pace with growth always.

No special method of treatment can be laid down for every
farm, for on many, or rather on most farms, grazing is found
to answer well, especially in the second year, the average
animal being finished for the butcher at from twenty-two to
twenty-four months. Grazing upon rich pasture with a
moderate allowance of cake and crashed corn in the second
summer generally answers, if the beasts are withdrawn to
the yards early in autumn. The quantity of cake is then
increased ; untrimmed Turnips in moderate quantity at first,
with a plentiful supply of Oat or Barley straw answers best,
and as they get settled in yard or stall they have more roots
with a mixture of crushed cake, Beans, with Oats or Barley,
and as much straw as they can consume.

There is a feeling of certainty as to results in the treat¬
ment of home-bred beasts, which is altogether wanting with
the rough Irish cattle which continue to pour into our
markets and fairs in such large numbers. Occasionally a
few animals of promise may be met with among them, but
most of them are of the ordinary type, in poor condition,
stunted in growth, and the reverse of profitable to purchase,
even at the low price at which they may now be had. That
such cattle should continue to fill the greater portion of our
stock markets is a standing reproach to the British farmer.
These are the animals that cost so much to fatten, that one
of our tenants declared his beasts cost him from Is. 6d. to
2s. per lb. to fatten last winter, and another tenant assures
us that he lost full £200 upon his beasts last year. We can
accord them no sympathy, for we have repeatedly shown how
under such conditions the manufacture of farmyard manure
is a most costly and extravagant process. We cannot but
wonder at the reckless infatuation with which farmers con¬

tinue wasting their means upon that which involves so.
certain a loss. Precious are the lessons of adversity, if only
we receive them aright. To the teachable intelligent mind the
lesson here is not hard to learn, and we doubt not that
eventually it will be grasped by farmers generally.

Again, we may usefully explain that a ton of farmyard
manure contains 9 to 15 lbs. of nitrogen, the same quantity
of potash, and 4 to 9 lbs. of phosphoric acid. The difference
in quantity arises from the difference in the age of the
animals and of the quality of the food given them. We
know, therefore, with sufficient certainty the actual quantify
of each manurial constituent so applied to the soil. We
know also the important fact that we can obtain the whole
of such fertilisers separately in a portable form, easy to mix,
easy of application, certain in effect, at a cost infinitely less
than that of farmyard manure. Knowing all this, and yet
not turning such knowledge to account, how can we reason¬
ably expect help in our need when we do not help ourselves ?
Frequently do we hear of meetings to pass resolutions for
protection, free trade in money, and other forms of State
aid, but how seldom do we hear anything about the possi¬
bility of relief from within by means of improved practice in
farming.

WORK ON THE HOME FARM.

Much good work is now being done in draining land upon several
farms. Without close supervision we can hardly hope to have such work
really well done, and to avoid risk of faulty work the trenches are opened
and the whole of the pipes laid before any of them are covered. If, up01*
careful inspection, the work proves faultless, then, and not till then,
should the trenches be filled. To allow men who are draining land by
the rod to cover pipes without inspection, involves much risk of faulty
work — so laulty that the drains may prove useless. We came recently
upon a glaring example of downright dishonesty which strongly confirmed;
our views of this matter. Upon a farm which came recently upon our
hands, two small fields had been thrown into one by the common process-
of grubbing and filling an intersecting hedge and ditch. Pipes had been
supplied by the landlord to make a drain along the bottom of the ditcb,
but the drain seemed to have a stoppage, as very little water ran from it.
Upon opening a trench about midway in the drain the pipes were found
to have been thrown into the trench and covered without any attemptat
connection, some lying across the trench and some standing on end. We
had previously met with instances of pipes having been badly laid, but
nothing like this piece of rascality in drain work had we ever seen before.
We are having special pains taken with some heavy land which we intend
laying down in permanent pasture next spiing, the drains in some parts
beiDg only 15 feet apart. Such close drainage is only applied where the
soil is very adhesive in texture, other drains being from 20 to 30 feet
apart, according to the condition of the soil. If possible before laying
clay land down we like to turn enough of it to afford a sufficient dressing
to plough in and insure porosity, and thus render the pasture sound and
dry. While cutting down expenses as much as we can, we are still
liberal in our expenditure upon drains, for we are quite sure the invest¬
ment will afford a handsome per-centage of interest next year. Once get
the land well drained, and then apply manure freely at the proper season.
Such practice is sound and is to be regarded as the basis of all good
farming. Without drainage, either natural or artificial, manure cannot
have its due effect upon the soil, the crops will languish, growth will be
stunted, the final results will be unsatisfactory, no matter how genial the
weather may prove.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.

Camden Square, London.

Lat. 51° 32' 40" N.; Long. 0° 8' 0" W. ; Altitude, 111 feet.

DATE.

9 A.M.

IN THE DAY.

a

fid

1886.

November.

Barome¬
ter at 828
and Sea
Level

Hygrome¬

ter.

Direction
of Wind.

| Temp, of
| Soil at

1 1 foot.

Shade Tem¬
perature.

Radiation

Temperature

Dry.

Wet.

Max

Min.

In

son.

On

gras>

Inches.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg

deg.

deg

In.

Sunday .

14

29.547

45.5

44.0

W.

45.6

53.0

42 7

82.1

36 8

—

Monday .

15

29.582

48.7

47.6

8.

4 1.0

54.8

4.5.2

61.4

36.1

0.130

Tuesday .

16

29. >75

46.4

44.2

N.W.

47.2

50.7

46.3

8L.6

43.9

0.310

Wednesday ..

17

29.390

47.0

46.7

s.

4 1.8

54 7

38 4

76.4

28.7

0.042

Thursday ....

18

29.942

41,4

39.5

W.

4 U3

489

37.5

77.8

29.4

—

Friday .

19

30.245

35.6

35.6

N.

43.8

52 7

3L.3

61.6

24-8

—

Saturday ....

20

30.356

50.1

49.0

S.E.

416

532

35.1

58.4

31.2

29.805

45.0

43.9

45.5

52.6

39.4

71.8

33.0

0.482:

REMARKS.

14th.— Fair throughout, but not bright.

lGt.h.— Generally cloudv, but witli glimpses of sun, shower at 6 P.M.

16th. — Rain early, fine bright clay, clear cold night.

17th. — Wet and foggy from 6 to 10 a.M., then, fine and generally bright, showers in after¬
noon, night fine.

18th.— Bright fine day. clear cold night.

19th— Foggy till il A M., otherwise fine bright morning, fair afternoon.

20th— Cloudy with slight fog early, clear at night.

Rather warmer and finer than the previous week— on the w rune, fair average weather
or the season.— G. J. Symons.

December 2 1836 ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

489

1 0

COMING EVENTS

2

S

4

5

6

7

8

Th

F

S

SUN

u

TU

W

Potato Exhibition at Westminster Aquarium (three Says).

2nd Sunday in Advent.

Royal Hort. Society, Fruit and Floral Committees at 11 A.M.
National Chrysanthexum Society, Floral Meeting at 3 P.M.

WATERING PLANTS IN WINTER.

PROBABLY the art of watering plants will never
be learned by a vast number of persons who are
engaged or interested in their culture. The
subject has been written about time after time,
and rules of guidance laid down as explicitly as
the somewhat complex matter permits ; but the
instructions given appear to be misapprehended
by some and soon forgotten by others, so that
the necessity for further teaching is always with
us ; and the more surely is this so from the fact that young
gardeners and new amateurs are ever joining the ranks of
the great community of cultivators. We welcome all of
them, because the more active personal interest that is taken
in the work which it is our duty and pleasure to foster the
better will it be for the horticultural industry, and for those
who take delight in the healthy and agreeable pursuit of
gardening, and who educate themselves to practise success¬
fully in whatever branch they may engage as a source of
pleasure or as a means of livelihood. Nothing is so encourag¬
ing to amateurs as steady progressive improvement, and
nothing so conducive to the future well-being of gardeners as
the acquirement of sound knowledge on the various details
that have to be mastered before competence can be assured.
One of these is the apparently simple, yet highly important
and not easily learned, duty of watering plants both in
summer and winter.

It has never been the policy of the conductors of this
Journal to neglect what may b9 termed the simplicities of the
calling in which its readers are engaged, nor to ignore the
wants of the most inexperienced who desire assistance on any
point on which they lack information. We exist to aid those
who need assistance, and should regret if any searcher for
knowledge should hesitate to appeal to us from a lurking
fear that he is thereby betraying his incapacity. Everyone
must be incapable at some time, and we have the greatest
hope of those who do not hesitate to ask what they wish to
know, however rudimentary the matter of their inquiries
may be.

We have been led into these remarks from the manner
in whioh requests for information have reached us this week,
three of which are on the same subject, namely — watering
plants in winter so as to avoid damping, a subject that can¬
not be considered apart from that of ventilation. One of
our friends is in trouble about his Primulas, which he says
will “go off leaf by leaf till there are only a few flower
spikes gauntly rising from a potful of soil, and the less water
he gives them the more quickly they appear to decay.”
Another gave himself the trouble to call at our office, because,
as he said, he “ did not like to trouble us with a letter on
such a plain matter as to how often he ought to water
some continental Camellias he had obtained in 5-inch pots,
the plants well set with buds which he was fearful would fall
as heretofore.” This sensitive gentleman thought he could
get the information from one of the clerks over the counter
without the Editors becoming aware of his personalty. But

as clerks are not Camellia growers, the appeal had to be
made to higher quarters. Such pride is pardonable, and not
the slightest reproach is applied to our subscriber under the
circumstances.

A third request is from a gentleman, the employer, to
quote his words, of “ a most careful gardener, but so afraid
of damp that he waters his plants every day, only giving
just a little.” The owner thinks there is some danger of the
soil, while moist on the surface, being too dry below, and
requests advice on the subject. This letter is marked “ pri¬
vate ” or it would have been published, with comments
thereon, that might possibly have been of service to the
writer of it, and suggestive to others. The diffidence of our
friends is respected, and such help as can be given to them,
and others similarly situated, is readily accorded.

Our first observation on the question of plants “damp¬
ing ” in frames and greenhouses in the winter will possibly
take some persons by surprise, but its truth will be admitted
by others of wider experience. It is this. Numbers of
plants are ruined by the decay of their stems and the base of
their leafstalks in winter through being kept too dry at the
roots. The very fear of giving water, and the manner and
time of giving it, create the evil that it is desired to avert.
Applying just sufficient water to moisten the surface of the
soil daily, and no more, is the worst practice that can be
adopted, and the evil is aggravated if the water is given
towards the close of the day.

To begin with, the whole of the plants in a collection
never require water at the same time, and to give it to those
that do not need it is to do them distinct and decided injury.
This is an old story, but it is true, and it is better and more
useful to tell it once again, and with emphasis, than to
search for some novelty to express and record nonsense.
Again, to give an uniform quantity of water to all plants,
regardless of their differing conditions, can no more be de¬
fended than could the unheard of practice of making a weak
and helpless child drink as much a3 a strong man engaged
in exhaustive work. This method of giving support to plants
and individuals is alike unreasonable, yet while it is often
adopted in the case of the former, common sense rises in
rebellion at the very suggestion of its application to the
latter. Let the same common sense be exercised in giving
support to plants, increasing or diminishing it according to
the measure of their activity and exertions, and very different
results will follow than from those accruing from an indul-
gence in the free and easy policy of treating all alike ; for by
this plan most or all must suffer sooner or later, some
through being overgorged, others from starvation.

But to the question of damping from drought at the roots.
It is in this wise. Give light daily sprinklings, and what is
the result ? The soil is wet where there are few or no roots
to imbibe the moisture, while down below, where the most
active roots are established, there is no moisture to imbibe.
What follows ? Simply this, the plants will not die without
a struggle, hence attempt to absorb through the stems what
is denied them at the roots, and perish in their effort to pro¬
long life, damping off through the decay of the cuticle. This
occurs the more quickly if water is given towards evening
and the night temperature is very low, for dry roots and a
cold moist atmosphere is a fatal combination. There are
numbers of Primulas, Cinerarias, Pelargoniums, and other
succulent-stemmed plants in jeopardy of destruction at this
moment through the conditions indicated. The remedy is
obviously to reverse those conditions.

Plants in a growing state, no matter what they are,
should no more be allowed to suffer from drought at the
roots in winter than in summer. In nature plants and trees
are not as dry as dust in winter, yet they do not damp off in
well-drained soil from which water passes freely ; but they
enjoy the counteracting influences of a free circulation of air
that periodically conveys the moisture from the surface,
leaving the earth moist below. Moisture there does no harm

No. 336.— Yol. XIII., Third Series.

No. 1992. — Yol. LXXV., Old Series.

490

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ December 2. 1886

provided it is not stagnant ; nor will moisture in the soil in
flower pots. Let the roots have what they need and not
more than they need, while the surface is comparatively dry,
and with a buoyant atmosphere and genial temperature there
will be little or no danger of the decay of the stems or leaves
near the surface of the soil.

“Yes.” the puzzled novice may observe, “that sounds
right enough, but how can we give water to plants without
making the soil wet on the surface in our desire to keep the
roots moist below ?” It is not a question of momentary
wetness of the surface, for that does no harm if water is
given when plants need it, and only then, on the morning
of a prospectively fine day, or when the air can be warmed
artificially and the top ventilators slightly opened for the
dispersion of moisture. Sharp currents of air should be
avoided through the front sashes, these causing a chill to the
plants by arresting the transit of sap. Anyone may have a
conclusive example of this who may happen to have Vines
in full leaf in frosty weather in March, the roots being in an
outside border and the stems encased in liaybands, for he
has only to remove a portion of the covering and expose a few
inches of the stem of one of them to the frost and the leaves will
speedily flag, no matter what the temperature of the house
may be. Permit, then, no sharp wind to drive through the
ventilators directly against plants in greenhouses in the
winter. The air in a plant structure can be speedily changed
through the top ventilators alone, the cold outside air sinking
by its weight into the house and displacing the lighter,
because warmer, air inside. Admitting air without a draught
or sensible inrush of cold is the secret of successful venti¬
lation.

To return to watering plants in greenhouses in winter.
They should be examined every morning, and water as warm
as the house given to those that are more or less dry on the
surface, and those alone, passing all others, even if they
remain wet for a week. But in this matter thought must be
exercised, always remembering that a great mass of soil con¬
taining few roots may get drier with impunity, and even with
benefit to the plant, than can a lesser bulk of soil containing
many roots ; or in other words, a large plant well rooted in a
small pot will take, and must have, more water than should
be given to a small plant not well rooted in a large pot. If
water is applied to plants when the soil is in a state to re¬
quire it, crumbling more or less when rubbed, it is very soon
drier on the surface than it is below, provided sufficient be
given to pass to the drainage ; and it must be given to that
extent or the work will not be well done. It is well if not
more than that is applied, especially in damp houses, for a
stream passing through the soil indicates excess, rendering
the air of the house moister than is desirable under the cir¬
cumstances. Water should be used, not wasted. It should
be given sufficiently, but not in excess, to plants that need
it, and withheld entirely from those that do not require any.
There must be no half waterings, no dabblings or dribblings,
no spilling on stages or floors, and any that accidentally falls
where it can do no good, but may do harm, should be
promptly dried up. That is, so far as our experience goes,
the way to water plants in greenhouses in the winter. They
must not suffer through drought then any more than at any
other periods, but at the same time there is great danger in
forcing water on them when the soil already contains suffi¬
cient for their support during the twenty-four hours next
ensuing.

A word on imported Camellias. Healthy-looking plants,
set with buds, in small pots, have generally been grown in
damp frames or moist pits, and the pots are usually filled
with roots. If these plants are arranged on dry open stages
in dry houses there is great danger in letting the soil get too
dry before giving water. As a rule they are best stood on a
close base, and damp rather than otherwise, for if dry air
rises upwards, such as from hot-water pipes, and acts
directly on the under sides of the leaves, the moisture is
extracted from them too rapidly, the leaves curl and the

buds fall. It is better to syringe them occasionally on dry
days than to permit extreme transpiration ; and on no
account must the soil get so dry at any time as to shrink,
even slightly, from the sides of the pots, or there will be no
flowers. It is safer to err in slightly overwatering instead of
underwatering these root-bound Camellias, but an opposite
course will be safer in the case of plants with a limited
extent of active roots in large pots.

We trust these plain remarks on a plain yet not unim¬
portant subject, will be of some service to inexperienced
readers other than those who have sought the information
we have endeavoured to impart.

HARDY SHRUBS AND PLANTS FOR FORCING.

The species and varieties of these that are useful for forcing
form some of the most charming plants for yielding flowers daring
the winter and early spring months. Many of them being sweetly
scented are all the more acceptable on that account. Another
point in their favour is that they do not occupy valuable space
under glass for many weeks in the year, because after they have
flowered they can be gradually hardened till the weather permits
of their being planted in the open air, where they should be
allowed to remain throughout the following winter, and be lifted
during the next autumn. This gives them time to make good
growth, and be in the healthy vigorous condition necessary to
enable them to withstand the weakening influence of forcing,
and by having a good stock of plants and lifting half each
season this can be easily done. Where not already done, those
that are intended for this season’s forcing should be lifted, at
once, and after being potted those that are not wanted for placing
under glass at once can be plunged over the rim of the pots in
the open air, and be taken into heat as required to keep up a
succession of flowers. We always like to see the deciduous
plants subjected to a few sharp frosts before being taken under
Mass, as they do not appear to force well till the leaves have
fallen.

Deutzia gracilis is perhaps the first in point of merit to
claim our attention, the pure whiteness of its pretty bell-shaped
flowers, and, as its name implies, their graceful appearance,
renders them general favourites. To have them in flower in
November and December it is necessary to keep a stock of plants
in pots, because when planted out they do not ripen their wood
early enough to flower satisfactorily till after Christmas, the
flowers often coming small and refusing to open properly. After
flowering those that are to be kept in pots should be allowed to
complete their growth in some structure that is kept at a mode¬
rately warm temperature. An early vinery suits them admir¬
ably. When they have made growth about an inch long, some
of the shoots should be taken off with a heel, inserted in pots,
and placed under a handlight, where they will qurckly root, and
can then be shifted on as required, eventually planting them in
the open air, as it is a good plan to always have young plants
coming on which can be used in 5 and 6-inch pots The plants
from which the cuttings have been taken should, when they have
completed their growth, be gradually hardened and plunged in
ashes during the summer months, when they can have the full
benefit of bright sunshine and be well attended to in the matter
of watering. In this way the growth becomes thoroughly
ripened, and by the middle of October will be in capital condition
for forcing, and may be had in flower from five to six weeks after
they are taken into heat. D. scabra and the variety flore pleno
will also succeed under similar treatment, but are very much taller
growers than gracilis.

Staphylea co'chica is also a useful shrub for floweringin pots,
but it must not be subjected to hard forcing. It is not so much
grown as Deutzias although it is superior to them in one respect,
as it possesses a delicious perfume. The Gue'der Rose (Viburnum
Opulus) are also much prized by some, and most effective they
look with their white globular flower heads. Lilacs are very
useful when scented flowers are in demand, but before lifting see
that they have a fair number of flower buds, or disappointment
will be the result. The old double Prunus is pretty on account
of the pure whiteness of its flowers, but one great drawback is
they are so short-lived, but for making wreaths and crowns,
which are often not required to stand so more than a day, they
are excellent.

American Azaleas, which include the numerous varieties of
A. mollis, bear forcing remarkably well, and if grown in suffi¬
cient quantities make quite an exhibition in themselves, which
for the great variety of those soft and pleasing shades of colour
which are now so much sought after, cannot be surpassed by any

December 2, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

491

other class of plants during the winter months. A few plants
should be taken into a house with a temperature ranging between
i>0 and 70° as soon as the leaves have fallen in the autumn, and
at regular intervals be supplemented by others to keep up a suc¬
cession. When they have flowered they should be kept under
glass till they have completed their growth, after which they can
be planted in the open air. It is generally necessary to prepare
soil consisting principally of peat to plant them in, for although
I have, seen them flourish wonderfully well in a stiff clay, so
capricious are they in regard to soil that it is never safe to plant
them in ordinary garden soil till it has been clearly ascertained
that they will thrive in it.

Rhododendrons in variety and Kalmia rosea andcuneata are
two of the best hardy evergreen shrubs for forcing purposes,
and succeed well under similar treatment to that given to the
Azaleas, with the exception that they should not be forced quite
so early. Weigela rosea, when grown into nice bushy plants,
lifted and brought on gradually, are beautiful objects when in
flower, and I have seen some lovely wreaths made with its delicate
flowers and a green ground of Maidenhair Fern. Lastly, but
. , J n<? means least, that good old border plant Dielytra specta-
bilis is one of the very best of all hardy plants for pots, but it
will not bear hard forcing. Pot early and bring on gradually,
and those who have not given it a trial before will be both sur¬
prised and delighted with its sterling qualities for arranging with
other plants when in flower. I have not included the well-known
Spmea japonica in this selection, as I intend offering a few
remarks concerning their treatment on some future occasion.—
H. Dunkin.

FORCING RHUBARB.

I AM surprised your correspondent, “ A Working Gardener,” has not
found a better method of forcing Rhubarb than that described at
page 471. Here is a plan that will not take up a tithe of the labour,
and prove more reliable. If instead of conveying cartloads of fermenting
material to the Rhubarb ground, take up the required number of roots
and place them on a bed of fermenting material in the manure yard or
framing ground, and cover them with tubs or pots. The bed may be com¬
posed of dung and leaves, or the latter only, with sufficient litter to
support them to a height of about 2 feet in severe weather and for early
work; at other times half that height will do. The width of the bed
need not exceed the diameter of the tubs more than a foot, and after the
roots are placed on it they may be covered with soil, decayed manure, or
spent Mushroom dung, and to support this round the roots the sides of
the bed must be continued until they are as high, if not higher, than the
crowns, in order to allow as much head space as possible in the tubs or
pots. Forcing is done by placing the fermenting material as a lining
round up to the level of the crowns at first, 1 1 be afterwards increased if
necessary . When I have adopted this plan there was no time spent in
preparing the fermenting material by turning it sundry times, but it was
wheeled direct from the stables, and placed, a barrowload thick, round
the bed without any further arrangement ; and, as we selected the
manure yard for our operations, most of the labour was done by the
stablemen, and we had only to watch the trial sticks inside the tubs, and
if too warm draw the material from the sides. In cold weather the
longest litter was also thrown over the tubs to confine the heat and protect
the tender sticks.

On several occasions we have levelled a part of the manure heap and
placed the roots on that, which reduced the labour of Rhubarb-forcing to
that of taking up the roots and planting the same number of fresh ones.
There is no preparation of fermenting material, no wheeling it to some
distant part of the garden to the Rhubarb beds, and probably back again
after forcing is over, and there will be no scalded crowns nor disappoint¬
ment at the produce not being ready at the right time, as the heat can be
regulated with the same precision as if in a structure heated by hot water.
I have found the crowns very obstinate in starting at this time of the
year, even in well-heated places, but they readily respond if supplied
with slight bottom heat. Stools of Rhubarb lifted in the spring, and
placed on the ground level and packed round with half-decayed manure
or litter, will be a fortnight in advance of those left in the ground, simply
because their roots are acted upon by the heat of the sud, or, in
other words, they are in a warmer medium than those in the ground. —

CARNIVOROUS PLANTS.

(Mr. Latham’s Lecture. — Continued from page 474.)

In an interesting paper read by Dr. James Macbride before
the Linnasan Society in 1815, remarked upon some observations
made by him in 1810 and 1811 in America on some species of
Sarracenias. from which the following is an extract — “In the
month of May, June, or July, when the leaves of these plants
perform their extraordinary functions in the greatest perfection,
if some of them be removed to a house and fixed in an erect
position, it will soon be perceived that flies are attracted to them.
These insects approach the pitchers, and leaning over their

edges appearto sip with eagerness something from their internal
surfaces, and in this position they linger; but allured seemingly
by the pleasure of taste, they enter the tubes, and the fly which
has thus changed its position will be seen to stand unsteady,
totters for a few seconds, then slips and falls to the bottom of
the tube, when it is either drowned or attempts in vain to ascend
against the points of the hairs. In a house much infested with
flies this entrapment goes on so rapidly that a tube is filled in
a few hours. The inability of insects to crawl over the points
of the hairs I have often tested in the most satisfactory manner,
while spiders descend into these tubes to prey on the entrapped
insects, and ascend with impunity, but this is performed by the
assistance of their threads.”

I have quoted these interesting experiments rather fully,
firstly as showing that insectivorous plants had attracted the
attention of scientific men as early as the latter part of the last
century and commencement of the present. Secondly, because
it explains the peculiar properties of the secretion in some of
these plants, and the stupefying power it has upon insects, and
the power must indeed be a strong one when such a powerful
insect as the cockroach is often found a victim in the pitchers.
In speaking of Sarracenias at Belfast, Dr Hooker remarked —
“ The tissues of the internal surfaces of the pitchers are
singularly beautiful. They have been described in one species
only, S. purpurea, by Dr. A. Vogl, but from this all other species
which I have examined differ materially. Beginning from the
upper part of the pitcher there are four surfaces characterised
by different tissues, which I shall name and define as follows —
1, An attractive surface, occupying the inner surface of the lid,
which is covered with an epideimis stomata, and, in common
with the mouth of the pitcher, with minute honey secreting
glands. It is often more highly coloured than any other part
of the pitcher in order to attract insects to the honey. 2, A
conducting surface, which is opaque, formed of glassy cells,
which are produced into deflexed short conical spinous processes,
overlapping like the tiles on the roof of a house, and forms a
surface down which the insect slips, affording no foothold to
any insect attempting to crawl up again. 3, A glandular
surface, as seen in Sarracenia purpurea, which occupies a con¬
siderable portion of the cavity of the pitcher below the con¬
ducting surface, and is formed of a layer of epidermis with
sinuous cells, and studded with glands, and, being smooth and
polished, these also afford a foothold for escaping insects.
4, A detentive surface, which occupies the lower portion of the
pitcher in some caces for nearly its whole length. It possesses
no cuticle, and is studded with deflexed rigid glass like needle-
formed hairs, which further converge towards the axis of the
diminishing cavity, so that an insect once amongst them, is
effectually detained, and its struggles have no other result
than to wedge it lower and more firmly in the pitcher.”

As will be seen by my remarks, Dr. Hooker speaks of the
insect getting wedged into the pitcher, Dr Mellichamp of the
house spider falling a victim to the fluid, Dr Macbride of the
spider descending into the tube to prey on the entrapped insect,
and ascending with impunity by the assistance of their threads.
These statements at first sight appear to be contradictory, but
in reality they are not so, each investigator having experimented
on different species of Sarracenias. In S. purpurea its trap is
formed so as to fill with rain, and always contains liquid, and
insects are thereby rendered helpless.

The white Sarracenia Drummondi, S. flava, and Darlingtonia
californica have a most perfect hood-like protection against rain,
and their tubes or pitchers contain no liquid, and are always drj’,
and insects are in these species entrapped by the process of
wedging as described by Dr. Hooker, and it is almost impossible
to imagine mere complete insect traps than tht se. Dr. Hooker
observes further that “ The fact that insects normally decom¬
pose in the fluid of all would suggest the probability that
they all feed on the products of decomposition, but as yet we are
absolutely ignrrant whether the glands within the pitchers are
secretive or absorptive, or both; if secretive whether they secrete-
water or a solvent; and if absorptive whether they absorb
animal matter or the products of decomposition.” That insects
are attractive in large numbers is very evident, and it is only-
necessary to examine some of the tubes of Sarracenias, the
pitchers of Nepenthes, the traps of Dionaea, or the leaves of
Drostras to find them in large quantities. I have often found
in these traps a quantity of the remains of such insects as cock¬
roaches, flies, ants, Ac., when these insects have been somewhat
plentiful, and all in a state of decomposition. The colouring
matter previously referred to found in the pitchers of some of
the plants 1 have named, as well as in the traps of the Dionsea
and the leaves of Droseras, is very beautiful when the plants are
in vigorous growth and good condition. The colour in most of

492

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER .

[ December 2, 1883.

these is very similar, a rich purple, excepting the Darlingtonia, in
which the colour is of a rich crimson when the plant is in active
growth.

The Drosera is the most widely distributed of all the Fly¬
catchers. Species are found in every quarter of the globe, Australia
and the Cape of Good Hope being their head-quarters. Some of
the exotic species are very beautiful, but most difficult to obtain,
and are therefore seldom seen in cultivation, and seeds do not
germinate after they have been kept any length of time. We
have some good represen 'atives of the genus in our British Flora,
and where is there a more lovely little plant than Drosera rotun-
difolia found in nearly all our boggy districts P 1 well remember
the delight I experienced one sunny morning when first seeing
this plant growing in its native habitat. Some of the Australian
and Cape species are very beautiful plants, having those singu¬
lar red-coloured glandulous hairs as in our own native species,
and discharging from the ends globules of viscid acrid juice.
These hairs are said by some to be irritable and contract when
touched. There is no doubt about their catching insects, for
hundreds of gnats may be found in any of the species during the
growing season. These hair-like glands of Drosera contain
spiral vessels, and are admirably adapted to the work these
glands have to perform, and cause the irritability of these hairs.
An insect when it gets entangled amongst these viscid glands
struggles to obtain its liberty, and in doing so draws the glands
in close contact to it, and is in fact caught very much like a fly
in a spider’s web, without the least chance of escape. The
Drosera rotundifolia will catch a common house fly in its trap
and close on it in the same way as the Dionsea, and after
securing its prey will turn over its leaf or trap, the underside
portion thus becoming the uppermost, evidently for the purpose
of a thorough cleansing from insect matter by rain. The late
Mr. Charles Darwin, in his book on insectivorous plants, pub¬
lished in 1875, after devoting 261 pages to his investigations of
Drosera rotundifolia and twenty-two pages to his “ Recapitula¬
tion of the Chief Observations of Drosera rotundifolia,” in
speaking of the capture of insects, writes : — “ This is effected by
drops of extremely viscid fluid surrounding the glands and by
the inward movement of the tentacles. As the plants gain most
of their nutriment by this means their roots are very poorly de¬
veloped, and they often grow in places where hardly any other
plants but Mosses can exist.”

(To be continued.)

ON MUSCAT GRAPES SHRIVELLING.

In reference to Mr. Williamson’s communication at page 470 of your
-Journal, I should much like to ascertain the true cause of shanking and
shrivelling. The successful treatment in one locality does not answer in
another. I have Muscat of Alexandria, Madresfield Court (the prince of
Grapes), Lady Downe’s, Gros Colman, and Foster’s Seedling in one house,
which faces south, for about seven seasons. The Muscat only shanks or
shrivels, the others never. This year only a few bunches have been
affected. I attribute my improvement to giving more water, air at the
top and in front, heat always on. I allow the shoots to grow from four to
six leaves beyond the bunch before stopping, like Mr. Hunter of Lambton
Castle used to do. My wood is always well ripened. I cut the last of my
Muscats February 1st, 1886. I never gather leaves to expose fruit to the
sun. Madresfield Court are truly delicious, never crack, but do not colour
as I could wish ; why or wherefore I cannot make out. — Lankhills,
Winchester.

THE NON- VENTILATING SYSTEM.

Perhaps I am wrong in too often alluding to the nature of the soil
we have to deal with, hut I may reasonably retort on Mr. Bardney that he,
like myself, is not famous for brevity, however practical he may be. I
hold that in all cases and in all practices so much does or should depend
upon circumstances, and the more I travel in other districts the more con¬
vinced am I that it is impossible to lay down any hard and last lines,
such, for instance, as Mr. Bardney is trying to do in the matter of non¬
ventilation for Cucumber and fruit culture. Speaking of the relative
quality of the Cucumbers grown without air and those grown with, may I
ask w’nat is the difference in their respective growing periods, say from
the time the flowers are open ? and also if the gain in favour of the former
has such a marked effect upon the quality ? I made no “ admissions ” in
favour of the “ express system,” and re-assert that those grown quickly
with a little air are fully equal in quality to those grown without, and it is
very certain the plants will much longer remain in full bearing when not
tubjected to such very high temperatures. Has Mr. Bardney tried the
non-ventilating system for Cucumbers one whole season ? and will other
private growers who have succeeded or failed give their experience?
Mere generalisations are not admitted as arguments (I have tried them,
but they will not do when our “ thinking ” friends take the matter up),
and we want all the facts of the case even down to the nature of the soil.
W hat “ A Constant Reader ” (page 405) states is only very slightly cor¬
roborative of Mr. Bardney’s theories, and what I ask for are bona fide

cases of private growers having kept Cucumbers in healthy growth and
full bearing from April till late in September, no air being admitted at
any time during that period. If these are forthcoming, with details, brief
or otherwise, they will do more to convince me I am wrong than all Mr.
Bardney’s pages of argument.

Mr. Bardney laboriously demonstrates that non-ventilated houses are
naturally most highly charged with moisture, a state of affairs conducive
to vigour and fertility in Cucumbers, but altogether unsuited to the proper
development of various flowering plants. The chink of air “ arrests
growth,” “prevents a soft growth,” and in various other ways benefits the
flowering and other decorative plants. Here he is on firm ground, and he
appears equally anxious to recover himself with regard to the chink of
air for fruit trees. He defies all the “ authorities ” in very good style,
but after all it is only during February, March, and April that he appears
to think it advisable to dispense with ventilation. None of the “ authori¬
ties ” will take the trouble to argue upon the matter, for the very simple
reason that none of them open their houses to any material extent much
before Mr. Bardney does. I shall not yet admit that we have to thank
him for a practical suggestion in the matter of saving fuel.

Mr. Bardney at the outset proves too much. If he had stopped
short at Cucumber culture it would have been more difficult to controvert
his arguments, but according to his own showing it is necessary to admit
air to check softness of growth, and the merest tyro in Grape culture must
know that soft or pithy badly ripened growth in Vines or any other fruit
tree is altogether a misfortune. Everv experienced fruitgrower prides
himself on having stout healthy foliage and wood as “ hard as Oak,” andjl
ask how in how many instances would this most desirable result be achieved
without a good circulation of air from the time the leaves commence to
fulfil their proper functions ? Mr. Bardney may colour his Grapes suffi¬
ciently for market purposes if it were necessary in his case to sell them ;
bat appearance is everything with market produce, whereas for a private
table good quality is also usually essential. Air, not necessarily in large
quantities, is necessary both to ripen the growth and the fruit, and unless
the wood is firm in its earlier stages and well ripened at the finish it will
not be long that the Viues will last in a profitable state. The exclusion
of cold air may have prevented mildew, but it is not to this but
rather to the annual lifting and generally good treatment of the trees I
attribute Mr. Bardney’s comparative immunity from that sometimes very
troublesome pest.

With regard to the shading we employ, I should term it extremely
light in comparison with the shading of wood strips Mr. Bardney is in love
with. According to his description “ practically only half the roof is
shaded, the shadow from each piece of wood proving sufficient for the
space between each space.” Exactly so, and with a vengeance, or I am
no judge either of Mr. Bardney’s logic or ef a heavy shading when
I pass under it. Does he mean to infer that any thing in the shape of
clear light or sunshine passes through to the house beneath ? and if not
what becomes of his arguments in favour of admitting plenty of light ? I
maintain that those wood blinds afford a more dense shade, and no other
construction can be put upon his description of them, We are perfectly
satisfied with ihe’result of our summer treatment of various stove plant’,
but must let that portion of my subject alone at present, — W. iGGUJTiDEN.

BOILERS v. WATER —PRACTICAL, NOT THEORETICAL.

Under the head of “ Boilers v. Water ” I detailed in your pages of
September 29th, 1881, my experience of a boiler here as to cleansing,
patching, &o. This gave rise to a certain amount of discussion in the
following numbers, also comment by the Editors. Among the critics was
one who came forward under the nom de plume, “ Practical, not Theore¬
tical ” (see November 10th, 1881), This correspondent ventured to say,
“ We had better not just now say much about Mr, Ollerhead’s boiler with
the patch upon its side. Let the invalid work through the winter, and
then — but we must not anticipate, but be — Practical, not Theoretical.”

Now, Mr. Editor, will you kindly allow me the opportunity of inform¬
ing that individual in particular and your readers in general that the
invalid has been daily at work ever since and never shed a tear until this
autumn, when I considered it wise to remove the old patches and refix
them, and it is now again doing duty as well as ever. I think I may
say with all fairness the test of five years’ work ought to convince the
greatest sceptic of the wisdom of cleansing and patching a boiler in a
common-sense way. Were this a small boiler doing a little work there
would be every reason to question the wisdom of patching it, but as it
and the other alongside of it heats over two miles of piping whenever
called upon, I think your readers will agree with me it has now stood a
good test. I should be exceedingly pleased if Mr. “ Practical ” will
honour us with a visit, so that he may see for himself, but I hope he will
not bring Mr. “ Theoretical ” with him, as I do not believe in him. He
is a kid-gloved man, and does not like work. — J. Ollerhead, The
Gardens, Wimbledon House, S. W.

TRENCHED v. UNTRENCHED SOIL.

Having under another heading occupied considerable space in ex¬
pressing my views upon the subject of the necessity for much judgment
being required in the matter ot trenching, I ought to be content. As a
favour, however, I must ask to make a few brief replies to my friendly
opponent, “ A Kentish Gardener.” He is really altogether premature in
the conclusion he has arrived at — viz., that I have “ worked myself into
a corner.” I am far from being cornered, but, on the contrary, am daily
gaining ground — trenched and otherwise — or in other words, am receiving

December 2, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

498

valuable support in my theories. A “Kentish Gardener’s” imagination
“runs riot.” lie sets up views, presumably mine, and knocks them
down again as only Kentish men can do it. Our stokehole drain, to
which he alludes on page 411, is certainly 10 feet deep at the stokehole,
but he was not supposed to know that we are on a sharp declivity, and
bef ore our drain has travelled 20 yards it was only 2 feet from the surface.
It was a fair test of both the value of trenching and subsoil drainage,
and as such I was justified in quoting it. If “ A Kentish Gardener ” can
open a drain quickly without some of the subsoil mixing with the surface,
he is a clever man. In our case, what appears to be a solid wall of clay
dissolves, and assumes more the consistency of birdlime in a very short
time after it is exposed to the atmosphere. The sides of a deep drain
collapse in a surprising manner, and such wretched stuff near the surface
is simply unmanageable.

Our friend writes — “If I mistake not, Mr. William Taylor had, when
in charge of the gardens at Longleat, almost, if not nearly, the same soil
to contend with as Mr. Iggulden, yet he did not practise the surface¬
tickling system, but deep cultivation by trenching and burning of the sub¬
soil, and all to excellent effect.” Luckily he adds he is open to correc'ion,
or he would feel rather small in the matter. Whatever Mr. Taylor might
have done at the commencement of his honourable career at Longleat, I
have his authority for asserting he did nothing so foolish after he had
some experience with the garden. Nor does his practical successor, Mr.
W. Pratt, go in for trenching, yet there is no mistaking the excellent
effects of their good surface culture. Some of the best crops of vegetables
I have yet seen were raised at Wilton House, near Salisbury, and pro¬
bably there are few, if any, more intelligent gardeners than Mr. Challis.
On the same day I asked Mr. Taylor about his Longleat experiences, I
also incidentally questioned Mr, Challis as to his system of culture, and
was delighted to find that he, too, found it would not pay to meddle
with the chalk subsoil at Wilton. With such important testimony before
me, am I so very unreasonable in again questioning the wisdom of deep
culture in all and every case ? — W. Iggulden.

Me. Iggulden, at page 448, concludes from a remark I had made in
an article published a few weeks previously, that I do not appear to
believe in trenching. I am afraid he has based that conclusion on too
slight a foundation, though I may perhaps have to take some blame for
not employing a more definite expression than I used. “ The poorest and
shallowest part of the garden ” is a comparative statement, and at this
moment does not bear, to my mind, the same idea, when applied to the
ground in question, that it would have done a dozen years ago. But in
that time, in addition to two heavy dressings of manure, there has been
at least 9 to 12 inches in depth of material incorporated with the soil,
and in fact the paragraph from which the above expression was taken
clearly shows that it was the recommendation of a particular material too
commonly wasted as a valuable agent in securing fruitfulness that was in
the writer’s mind, and no question as to deep or shallow cultivation,
though the tone of the article showed to which side he leaned ; most
certainly not to that of Mr. Iggulden.

I have not followed closely the discussion on trenching, and cannot
therefore enter on it here. However, I would desire to say that, to my
mind, the whole matter may be summed up in a very small compass. On
one side the practical bearing is, that the deeper the body of fertile soil,
so much the more valuable is a particular space of ground ; on the other
side, given a minimum depth of soil, and whatever goes beyond that
depth is not only unnecessary, but may become detrimental to good
culture, and therefore lessens the value of the ground. — B.

MUSCAT GRAPES AT MOUNT MELVILLE.

Me. W. Williamson, on page 471, observes “ Your correspondent
(meaning myself) has made a slight mistake regarding the award for
Grapes at the Show referred to, which I conclude was the last interna-
national in Edinburgh.” It is Mr. Williamson who is wrong in his
conclusions. It is some few years since I saw the beautiful Muscats at
Mount Melville with paper shades over them. Though I doubt not your
correspondent is correct in his statement respecting Mr. Dickson’s object
in using those shades, yet there was at least one exception to their being
used on “ hot days only,” for the day on which I had the pleasure of
inspecting the Grapes was cold, dull, and showery. Still it is possible
that a sudden outburst of sun might have been expected, and it is these
sudden gleams at midday that are often injurious. However that may
be, the Grapes were shaded, and this did not impair their colour and
finish, nor prevent their winning the high honour indicated at the show, at
which I was not surprised to see them awarded the “first prize.” —
Expebientia docet.

CUT-BACK DWARF H.P. ROSES.

I QUITE agree with “ J. H. W.” that good blooms can be cut from
dwarf H.P.’s that have been grown in one position without transplanting
longer than four years, as we cut and exhibited successfully last season
blooms from a bed planted more than twelve years ago. We have lifted
the plants this autumn, though not without certain doubts whether they
will not be missed next season, but it was a case of necessity, there being
so many varieties that twelve years ago were in the first twenty-four, but
will hardly rank in a seventy-two now, so great has the improvement been
of the “ queen of flowers.” We have plants in another bed just com¬
mencing their ninth year, and showing no signs of age at present. I
think, writing from my experience, that an eight-years average for beds is

preferable to four, but much depends on the way the ground is prepared .
I think deeply planted dwarfs throw up stronger wood and so better
blooms than those shallow planted. I have often noticed we have better
blooms when they have rooted well above th9 collar than otherwise.

Standards require transplanting more frequently, as from mulchings
and digging they are apt to be buried too deeply, and so will not thrive.
This is an interesting subject, and I should like to read the opinion of
more able and experienced Rose-growers than— H. E. M.

STERNBERGIA LUTEA.

A HAEDY bulbous plant that has long been a favourite in many
gardens is Sternbergia lutea (fig. 69), or, as it is sometimes named,
Amaryllis or Oporanthus luteus. In warm, well-dra:ned soils this plant

Fig. 69. — Sternbergia lutea.

and several other closely related species are very pleasing in the autumn,
producing their flowers freely, something like Crocuses or Colchicums.
Sternbergia lutea is a native of Southern Europe, and has been in cultiva¬
tion for nearly 300 years, yet it is seldom grown in pots for the green¬
house or conservatory. Beautiful as it is in the borders, its bright golden
flowers are much clearer and finer under glass, and a few potfuls are most
welcome for late autumn or early winter in any cool house. A light
compost of sandy loam and leaf soil is all that it requires, and it is not
difficult to obtain a succession of flowers during several weeks by potting
the bulbs at different times.

A form of the above, named angustifolia, also has fine flowers, though
the leaves, as indicated in the title, are more narrow. S. colchiciflora is

494

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Decomber 2, 1886.

a dwarf species, with smaller flowers, very abundant in “ the fields of the
CrimGa about the Bosphorus,” where it is said the fragrant Jasmine-
scented flowers are produced in such numbers during September and
Oc'ober as to perfume the air for a great distance.

The annual general meeting of the National Auricula and
National Carnation and Picotee Societies will be held, by per¬
mission of the Council of the Royal Horticultural Society, in the East
Crush Room of the Royal Albert Hall, South Kensington, as soon after
12 o’clock as possible, on Tuesday, December 7th, 1886. The business of
the meeting will be the election of officeis and Committee, receiving the
Secretary’s and Treasurer’s report, the election of Judges for the en-
suing year, and any other necessary business that may pertain to the
annual general meeting.

- In reference to the Goshawk Peach, Mr. T. Francis Rivers

writes : “ Mr. Ward in his 1 Notes on Peaches and Nectarines,’ ascribes an
Americin origin to this Peach. As it is a captive of my own bow and
spear, I must ask you to correct this statement. I raised it from an
American Peach, the Cooledge’s Favourite, impregnated with the pollen
of the Stanwick Nectarine, of which it possesses the flavour in a slight
degree. I have always considered that this Peach, when known, would
supersede some of the older midseason sorts, and the character given
of it by Mr. Ward justifies my selection.”

Mr. William Little, Moncrieffe Gardens, Perth, N.B., sends
us good fresh samples of Peas Veitch’s Perfection and Bruce
Findlay, remarking that “ Relative to the mildness of the season in this
locality I may say we gathered Peas in the open garden on the 20th
November. Although a little hard they are wonderfully good Peas for
this season.”

It has been decided by the Committee appointed for the
purpose that the testimonial to Mr. William Holmes, Honorary
Secretary of the National Chrysanthemum Society, shall take the form
of an illustrated address and a silver centrepiece, and two side tazzas
for the table. The presentation will probably be made at the annual
dinner of the Society.

Three lectures on the Diseases of Plants in special
reference to agriculture and forestry will be delivered by T. L. W.
Ikudichum, M.D., before the Society of Arts on January 24th and 31st
and February 7th.

The date of the next Exhibition of the Kingston and Sur.
biton Chrysanthemum Society is fixed for Tuesday and Wednesday"
November 8th and 9th, 1887. The annual dinner of this Society was
held last week in the Sun Hotel, the company present numbering about
fifty. The Mayor, who is President of the Society, occupied the chair,
and amongst those present were : Aid. J. Mirsh, J.P., Councillors Hide
and Gray, Mr. J no. Drewett (Treasurer of the Society), Mr. T. Jackson
(Hon. Sec.), Messrs. T. Jones, Piper, Walker, Mineit, Benson, Slade,
Howard, Orchard, Gulliver, sen., Woodgate, King, Woolnough, Hardy,
Buss, Smith, Gibson, Bates, Lyne, Puttock, Child, Shephard, E. J. and
C. H. Parham, W. A. Drewett, Coombs, Davis, Cornhill, Neave, Stevens,
Gordon, Alderman, Clarke, and others.

^NE °* ^est known Ghent horticulturists, M. Auguste
Van Geert, died rather suddenly on November 24th, aged sixty-eight.
M. Van Geert commenced his horticultural career very early, by serving
in Messrs. Knight & Perry’s nursery in Chelsea, and during his stay in
England became acquainted with the leading English nurserymen and
ot er horticulturists. Returning to Belgium, he has until recently been
engaged as a nurseryman, but a few years ago resigned his business
to his son, M. Auguste Van Geert, who has since conducted it, and
will continue to do so. The deceased gentleman had a good private col-
ec ion of Orchids, to which he had given much attention in late years.
His remains were interred on Friday, the 26th ult., in the parish cemetery

at Ghent, in the presence of large numbers of people. Toe Horticultural
Societies to which the deceased gentleman belonged were represented by
deputations. Many beautiful wreaths of natural flowers were deposited
oq the coffin. M.\f. Auguste Van Geert, fils, and Pynaert Van Geert
were the chief mourners. A troop of infantry rendered military honours
on the occasion, M. Van Geert being a Chevalier of the Order of Leo¬
pold. A funeral oration was pronounced by M. le Comte de Kerchove de
Denterghem, President of the Royal Botanical and Agricultural Society
of Ghent.

- Mr. Charles Toope of Stepney brought for our inspection

last week the most beautiful small Conservatory Heater we have
seen. It was specially made for a gentleman in the west end of London,
who desired it to occupy a prominent position in the conservatory attached
to his mansion. The design is the same as the Champion Heater, but the
whole, including the hot- water pipes, made of brass and highly polished.
It is named the Royal Kensington, and while effecting its purpose it will
prove an ornament to the building in which it is placed.

- A fungologist of considerable reputation, Mr. C. E. Broome

died in London on November 15th, at the age of seventy-four. Mr.
Br ome was associated with the Rev. M. J. Berkeley in some studies on
Fungi over thirty years ago, and has since then, until quite recently,
continued his researches, having paid especial attention to underground
Fungi.

- We learn with regret the death of a well known horticulturist,

Mr. Charles Green, formerly gardener to Sir George Macleay, Bart.,
at Pendell Court, Bletchingley. Mr. Green was previously in charge of
Mr. Wilson Saunders’ garden at Reigate, and had a good knowledge of
plants, excelling in the culture of ininy diffiiult rarities.

- Mr. John R. Box, until recently partner with Mr. John Laing at

Forest Hill, has taken a business at Croydon, known as the East Surrey
Seed Warehouse, formerly carried on by the late Mr. Archibald
Henderson, also the Balham Hill and Tooting Park Nurseries, for many
years occupied by Mr. Charles Young.

- “B." fiads “Tom Welsh Pink a most Auriferous variety. It

is in the way of Newmarket, but in all respects an improvement on that
variety, the flowers being larger and more freely produced, while the habit
of growth is sturdier.”

- “ Has anyone,” writes a correspondent, “ tried grouping

colours in masses when arranging Chrysanthemums for effect?”
Nothing perhaps is finer than a large houseful of white or white and
yellow intermixed; but in mixe 1 collections, by massing lilacs, browns,
reds, yellows, whites, Ac., the effect is very good.”

- Roses in Tasmania — Mr. D. Gilmour, jun., writes : “ A Tas

manian correspondent sends me the following : — ‘ The Cloth of Gold Rose
is the Gloire de Dijon of Tasmania, just as rampant and just as full of
flowers everywhere. It is an exquisite Rose, paler than Marfichal Niel.’

I well remember this lovely Rose when in Tasmania. There was an old
tree hung over a wall near Hobart. We used to often pass by it. It was
weighed down with hundreds of beautiful blooms. What struck me even
more than the Cloth oE Gold were the Banksian Roses, white and yellow.
An old building by the roadside, a deserted stable apparently, was entirely
hidden from view, and on every side hung down long slender branches
loaded with thousands of the most bewitching blossoms, the whole form¬
ing a sight I shall not soon forget.”

- Gardening Appointments.— Mr. C. Haycock, who has been

for some years gardener at Barham Court, Maidstone, has been appointed
gardener to R. Smith, Esq., Goldings, Hertford, and is succeeded at
Barham Court by Mr. Woodward.

- The Weather. — The first snowstorm of the season burst over

North Wales last Tuesday, the weather having undergone a severe change
for some weeks past. The weather has been abnormally fine and mild,
Primroses and other wild flowers and fruits being gathered in the Welsh
valleys. To-Iay extreme cold prevails, and the sky is overcast, indicating
a further downfall. The lofty peaks are all capped with snow. In the
neighbourhood of Loudon the weather has become much colder, 7° of frost
being registered on Wednesday morning.

- The annual dinner of members and friends of the National

Chrysanthemum Society will be held at the “ Old Four Swans,” 84,
Bishopsgate S'.reet Within, on Monday evening, December 13th. Chair

December 2, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

495

will be taken by the President, E. Sanlerson, Esq., at six o’ch ck pr ¬
ecisely. Tickets 3s. each. The prizes awarded at the recent Exhibition
at the Royal Aquarium, Westminster, will be distributed on the occasion.

- We are requested to publish the following note : — “ The

general annual meeting of the Leek Rose Society was held at
■the “Swan Hotel” on Monday evening, the 29th November, Mr. A-
Holden in the chair. The annual report and balance-sheet, which was
submitted to the members, showed that the Society was in a very flourish¬
ing condition, that many lovers of the queen of flowers had commenced
to grow them, and others had increased their collection considerably, and
the Committee congratulated the subscribers upon being able last year to
pay the prize money in full two days after the Show was held. This will
give a direct contradiction to the statement made some few months ago by
■“ D., Deal," in the columns of the Journal of Horticulture, “ That the
Leek Rose Society had died out through inanition,” and that he had no
authority from its members for making the assertion. The following were
then elected upon the Committee for the ensuing year : — Messrs. W.
Capewell, J. Garner, A. Holden: C. Kemp, M. Mellor, J. Shallcross, J.
Broster, J. Gilman, and J. Knowles. Mr. H. W. Nixon was again elected
Hon. Sec. and Treasurer. After the usual vote of thanks to the officers
the meeting then terminated.”

- Me. Thos. H. Sykes, Cringle House, Cheadle, Cheshire, sends

a list of plants in flower OUT OF dooes, and remarks : — “ It may
be interesting apropos of the mildness of the season to tell you that in
this humid climate of Cheshire I connted last Sunday, 21st November,
more than sixty different kinds of flowers in my herbaceous garden in the
open. I enclose a list. There were several others, the names of which
I could not remember. Fuchsia, Japanese Anemone, Ericas, Phloxes,
Geum coccineum, blue Cornflowers, single and double Dahlias, Viola,
Gladiolus, Sweet Pea, double and miniature Sunfbwers, Iberis, Pansy,
Sweet William, Dianthus (various), Common and French Marigolds, Car¬
nations, Lupin, Feverfew, Violet, Erigeron, Michaelmas Daisy, Holly¬
hock, Myosotis, Saponaria, Tropse flutns, Campanulas, Periwinkle, Lobelia,
Coreopsis lanceolata, Chrysanthemum, Hydrangea, Lilium auratum,
yellow Marguerite, single and double red Daisies, Ox-eye, Polyanthus, Corn
Marigold, Scabious, Pentatemon, Papaver orient ale, Gaillardia, Strawberry,
Onopardum oeinthemum, Clematis, Primrose, Stock, Rudbeckia, Saxi-
fraga, Roses, Doronicum hybridum, Agrostemma, CatanancheJ]coerulea,
Aubrietia purpurea, and Rhododendrons.”

- A correspondent, “ J. A.,” desires to know what plant is

referred to in the following lines : —

“ Only one little sight, one plant,

Woods have in May, that starts up green,

Save a sole streak which, so to speak,

Is spring’s blood, spilt its leaves between.”

ORCHIDS AT CHELSEA.

Scarcely are the Chrysanthemums past their best when Orchids
again begin to attract attention, and though the numbers of those in
flower at ihis time of year are not very great, it is surprising what a pro¬
fusion of blooms can be maintained from now onwards to the new year.
In the neighbourhood of London the dense fogs recently experienced have
seriously affected all the more delicate Orchids in flower, such as the
Phalaenopses, which invariably suffer severely in the typical November
weather, but there are some that apparently defy even sulphurous fogs,
and amongst these happily constituted plants the Cypripediums have a
prominent place. Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons have in their Chelsea
Nursery an excellent representative display of these Orchids just now,
and with novelties, varieties, and select varieties in other genera there is
much to interest an orchid ist.

First to be noticed is the useful and pretty Cypripedium Sedeni, which
has taken a position amongst the best of garden Orchids owing to its
good habit, floriferousness, and pleasing delicate colour. For general
utility it would stand at the head of the hybrid Cypripediums with the
more recent less well-known C. calurum. In some respects, perhaps, the
latter is preferable ; the flowers are larger, bolder in appearance, and
rather richer in colour, the plant being of stronger habit. They are
equally free and easily grown, and both show a peculiar character in
regard to the action of light on the colours of the flowers. It has been
observed that in dull dark weather the rose or crimson tints become
much deeper and richer, while in bright sunny weather they fade again,
often becoming very pale, quite the reverse of what takes place in many
other Orchids, notably in the Calanthes. The same change is noticed in
all the forms of the C. Sedeni type, and it points to the necessity for a shaded
position if the colours are to be fully developed, 0. Sedeni candidulum
is a ch irmiDg member of the same family, with beautifully formed flowers
of almost delicate tint, the palest rose fading to white, a pretty companion
for i s darker and older relatives.

Sjatteied through the numerous houses are many other Cypripediums,
but one of the divisions is specially reserved for them, and there we find
a capital display of flowers of about twenty species and hybrids. Very
remarkable amongst these is C. Arthurianum, a distinct and beautiful
hybrid that when first flowered was not appreciated so highly as it de¬
served, but has since developed characters that entitle it to attention. It
resulted from a cross made between C. Fairrieanum and C. insigne in a
private garden, but the seeds so obtained were sent to Mews. Veitch and
Sons and germinated in their nursery. It partakes greatly of the Fair¬
rieanum character in the shape of the flowers, the curiously deflexed
petals imparting a very distinct appearance. The long dorsal sepal and
purplish tint is so evenly disposed in spots or streaks that the blooms are
extremely neat and symmetrical. C. oeuanthum and the greatly superior
C. oenanthum superbum, the latter having a very dark flower with a
shining surface as though it had been varnished. Near these is one of
the parents of both hybrids, a good well-constitutioned plant — namely,
C. Harrisianum, and an intensely dark variety, appropriately termed
nigrum, is also flowering. C. Haynaldianum is remarkable for its long
and clearly spotted petals ; C. Veitchi (superbiens) for its large dorsal
sepal, with beautifully regular greenish streaks; C. Crossianum, one of
the Melchet Court hybrids (venustum x insigne) has neat pretty flowers,
the lip and petals purplish and the dorsal sepal veined with green.
C. Dauthieri, from C. villosum and C. barbatum, has large bold flowers,
the dorsal sepai broad and of a dark crimson shade. C. conchifernm, of
the C. caricinum and C. Roezli type, though not imposing is pleasing,
having long petals ; C. marmorophyllum has a deep purplish lip ; the
well-known C. Dominii, with its remarkably long drooping petals is
flo vering ; C. Barteti, a cross between barbatum and Chantini ; the small
pink-flowered C. Schlimmi; a host of the useful C. Spicerianum and the
handsome C. Leeanum superbum ; the white C. niveum, C. Warneri,
with C. Chantini, and several other forms of C. insigne. It may be inter¬
esting to note that one of the Chelsea hybrids which has gained much
favour on the Continent is C. tessellatum porphyreum (barbatum x con-
color), and under the bright skies of Belgium and France it has assumed
such a bright colour that a very experienced orchidist has not hesitated
to term it “ the best hybrid Cypripedium yet raised.”

The cool house contains some handsome varieties of OJontoglossum
crispum and O. Ro;si. Oncidium incurvum, which has been in flower for
three months, has numerous graceful panicles of small purplish flowers.
Plants of O. macranthum are also showing well, their strong spikes being
of surprising length. In the porch Odontoglossum grande is now nearly
past its best, but has been very handsome for many weeks. 0. Insleayi
is still attractive, the pure white Lycaste Skinneri alba has some beautiful
massive blooms, brightly coloured varieties of Sophronitis grandiflora are
included with the others, Oncidiums Forbesi aud Jonesianum flowering
freely. In the warmer houses Odontoglossum Roezli is noteworthy,
Ccelogyne Massangeana has numerous long drooping racemes, Vanda
Sanderiana is represented by a healthy plant and fine variety. There is
a group of Denarobium bigibbum in one of the houses, comprising a
number of healthy plants flowering admirably ; the white D. Deari has
three good racemes, Vanda coerulea, and Dendrobium formosum giganteum,
with the yellowish D. luteolum flowering abundantly. A very interesting
hybrid that was certificated recently merits notice, though it is now out
of flower. This was named Zygopetalum leopardinum, and was raised
from a cross between Colax jugosus and Zygopetalum maxillare, being
very strangely intermediate between the two species, thus forming
another instance of bigeneric crossing.

CHRYSANTHEMUM NOTES.

Chrysanthemums at Leeds.— Teat the inhabitants of this great
and busy town are lovers of flowers is apparent on passsing through the
fine covered market on a Saturday night and seeing the enormous pro¬
vision of bouquets, especially of dainty arrangements for coat and dress
decoration. Thousands of these are tastefully and temptingly disposed by
Messrs. Sbaw, now Walker Brothers, and other floral caterers; and plants
of various sizes are also in great demand. Chrysanthemums are evidently
great favourites, probably because they combine beauty with cheapness.
Several establishments are necessary for maintaining the supply of flowers
for the town and district, and one of those visited was St. Ann’s Nursery,
Kirkstall. Mr. Featherstone has made great progress here, and his re¬
sources are rapidly growing. Five extensive span-roof houses have just
been added to the other fiye structures. Toe new erections are portable,
the sides, ends, and sashes being of pitch pine, and some of them contain
the finest collection of late Chrysanthemums we have yet seen, The
plants were simply planted in beds, the growths kept in position by a few
pea sticks affixed amongst them here and there, and the houses have been
erected over the beds. Hot-water pipes are arranged round them, one
next the roof at the foot of the lights, the other a little lower, this arrange¬
ment being better for dissipating damp than the ordinary plan of having
the pipes on or near the ground. The varieties mainly grown for pro¬
ducing blooms from Christmas onwards are Princess of Teck, Meg Merri-
liee, Miss Marechaux, and Snowdrop. It is a remarkable sight to see
thousands of flowering stems, quite a forest of them, in the condition that
Chrysanthemums are usually seen towards the end of September or early in
October — that is, with buds ranging in size from small pea9 to large
Marrowfats, fresh, plump, and with ev,ry prospect of opening kindly just
when the blooms will be particularly acceptable. The plants appear to be
flowering in quite a natural way, no special treatment having been
accorded to retard them, The north would appear to possess advantages
for producing Chrysanthemums at Christmas by and for the million, an 1

496

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ December 2, 1886.

Mr. Featlierstone has already turned them to account in an excellent
manner. His display of plants now flowering is very extensive and
imposing, huge naturally grown bushes being laden with a profusion of
blooms that produce a magnificent efiect. The Camellia houses are also
something to be proud of, great luxuriant trees studded with thousands of
buds just showing the purity of their petals. One large house is entirely
filled with white varieties from the ground to the roof, and the flowers
must be a little fortune to the possessor. Other houses are filled with
splendid Palms and other plants employed in public and private decora¬
tions, in the carrying out of which Mr. Featherstone is extensively suc¬
cessfully engaged.

Chrysanthemums at Chilwell.— One of the most extensive,
varied, and imposing displays of Chrysanthemums to be seen in any public
or private establishment may be inspected in the nurseries of Messrs.
J. R. Pearson & Sons at Chilwell, Notts. The nurseries, which contain
some of the finest glass structures to be found in trade establishments,
are within a mile from Beeston station, this being about five oi six
minutes by rail from Nottingham. The chief display is in a light, lofty,
span-roofed house 100 feet by 30 feet, the plants being arranged in
gardenesque style, a twisting path being formed through the centre, and
another right around the house. The plants are grown in pots ranging
in size from 8 to 18 inches, the latter containing three plants, and as they
have been generously grown such huge floral bushes are produced that
are not usually seen. Some of the plants have been disbudded and
developed handsome blooms, but the majority are flowered in the natural
style, and as tastefully arranged produced a splendid efiect. A ten-
minutes visit did not permit an enumeration of varieties, but two or three
stamped themselves on the memory by their freedom of flowering, rich¬
ness, or other quality that arrested attention. The bloom of the show
at the time of inspection was a Japanese with the very familiar, homely,
English name of Grandpapa, a fine full flower, with drooping florets of
the brightest orange red imaginable. Mr. Pearson did not appear to have
a clear idea of the origin of the variety, which was distinct from others in
the collection, and the nearest approach to a true scarlet of any. ft
should be tried in many gardens for testing its constancy. Very bright
also and excellent for conservatory decoration, and affording armfuls of
flowers for cutting, was Source d'Or. It is one of the freest and brightest,
showing to a great advantage under artificial light. A number of plants
not disbudded were bearing thousands of flowers. Similarly profuse was
Alex. Dufour, purplish magenta, and the most useful of its colour for
general decoration. William Clark was bearing soft chestnut-coloured
blooms of immense size, and ought to prove gcod for exhibition. Two
other nearly equally, large houses are also filled with Chrysanthemums,
one containing all the best of the single varieties ; indeed, the collection
of all types appears very complete, and the great display is attracting
crowds of visitors. Chilwell, it will be remembered, is the home of the
best Zonal Pelargoniums in cultivation, and these are now in fine condi¬
tion. — J. W.

National Chrysanthemum Society. — A meeting of the Floral
Committee of this Society took place at the Royal Aquarium on Wednes¬
day, the 24th inst., E. Sanderson, Esq., President, in the chair, and a good
attendance of the members being present. A very large number of
flowers were staged, the sitting of the Committee being a protracted one.
The following awards were made : — First-class certificate of merit to Mr
Wirksworth, Child wall Hall Gardens, Liverpool, for Sir R. Brocklebank,
a very fine yellow sport from the Japanese Meg Merrilies, regarded as one
of the very best sports of the year. To Mr. M. Sullivan, The Gardens,
Downshire House, Roehampton, for Japanese D. B. Chapman, magenta
rose, large, full, and handsome flower, an extra fine late variety.
To Mr. W. E. Boyce, nurseryman, Highgate Archway, for Pompon Rubra
perfects, rich bright chestnut, like s small Cullingfordi, regarded as inter¬
mediate between Cullingfordi and Bob, singularly bright in colour. To
Mr. E. Mizen, Mitcham, for incurved Mr. Norman Davis, a very fine
broad-petalled and handsomely incurved flower, a yellow sport from Prince;s
Teck, and like that a late variety. To Mr. Robert Owen, nurseryman,
Maidenhead, for Pompon Osiris, dark amber flushed with rose towards
the base, a charming flower of excellent form. To Messrs. Henry
Cannell & Sons, nurserymen, Swanley, for single Japanese Marigold,
bright red with slight flakes of white and golden centre, fine and distinct,
for Japanese L’Or du Japon, roiy crimson base with deep gold and paler
centre, a fine flower of great substance and distinct character ; and for
large Anemone-flowered Mrs. William Holmes, a very pretty blush variety
of excellent form and good size, in the way of but paler in colour than
Prince of Anemones. To Mr. Kendall, The Gardens, Templeton House,
Roehampton, for Japanese Moonlight, a pure white variety of the form
and build of Madame C. Audiguier, and an excellent addition to the ex¬
hibition flowers.

The following were commended Japanese Syringe, an incurved pale
pink variety, large, full, and promising from Mr. Martin, Deptford.
Charles Hall, a hybrid, large-flowered variety, clear pink in colour, tubular
florets, likely to prove a good decorative Chrysanthemum ; and Iona, an
incurved large-flowering type, a little rough as shown, the petals hand¬
somely fimbriated, and commended on this account, both from Mr. T. S.
Ware, Tottenham. Chrysanthemum coronarium Cloth of Gold, with well
formed deep yellow single flowers, from Mr. E. Owen, Maidenhead.

October Chrysanthemums. — Mr. A. Young will find William
Holmes, Roi des Pr6coces, and Simon Delaux capital crimson varieties of
October flowering Chrysanthemums, and make good companions to

Madame Desgranges and G. Wermig. It may be serviceable to many
readers if I give a list of those varieties that I consider would make a
good collection for blooming from the middle of September to the end of
October. It must be unperstood that I am writing upon free-flowering
decorative varieties, and do not touch upon the numerous list of Japanese
Chrysanthemums that are forced into bloom in October merely by being
strongly grown in exhibition style; nor does the list include varieties
that naturally bloom earlier than the dates mentioned. It must also be
borne in mind that I speak from my experience as a southern grower,,
but at the same time think that the list might be suitable for more
northern parts if the cuttings are struck in November or December,
instead of in February, which time I find the best for all ordinary decora¬
tive Chrysanthemums.

In the following list those marked with f are for pot culture only,
those with an * are best suited for the open ground, but all can be grown
in pots: — * Alexandre Dufour (Japanese), purple ; *Alice Butcher (Pom¬
pon), orange red; fA. Villatte des Prugnes (Japanese), rosy pink;
f Blanc Prdcoce (Japanese), white; *Blushing Bride (Pompon), lilac-
blush; fBouquet Estival (Japanese), light purple; fDame Blanche
(Japanese), white ; fE. G. Henderson et Son (Japanese), orange ; Elame
(Japanese), white ; Et6 Fleuri (Japanese), light amaranth ; Fleur d’Etd
(Japanese), light purple; *Plora (Pompon), yellow; *G. Wermig
(Japanese), yellow ; Isidore Feral (Japanese), rose lilac ; f Lady Selborne
(Japanese), white; Lakmd (Japanese), orange; *La Vierge (Reflexed),
white ; *Lyon (Pompon), purple ; Margot (Japanese), salmon rose p
fMandarin (Japanese), rose and cream; fMaitha Harding (Japanese),
orange; * Madame C. Desgrange (Japanese), white; Mrs. Cullingford
(Pompon), white ; Mdlle. Elise Durdans (Pompon), rose pink; fMdlle.
Lacroix (Japanese), white; Mens. E. Pynaert Van Geert (Japanese),
orange; Mons. H. Jacotot (Japanese), crimson; *Pid:ocitd (Delaux)
(Pompon), crimson; *Roi des Prdcoces (Japanese), crimson ; fRosa
Mundi (Japanese), rose purple; Simon Delaux (Japanese), crimson p
Soeur Melanie (Pompon), white ; f Vierge Japon aise (Japanese), white. —
N. Davis, Camberwell.

Chrysanthemums at Old Warden Park. — Chrysanthemums are
now becoming very popular, and deservedly so, for what plants give more
pleasure at this dull season of the year ? It was my good fortune to call
at O.d Warden Park this week, and it wa3 a great pleasure to me to see
a fine display of plants in full beauty. There were upwards of 500 pot
plants arranged for effect. They were arranged in the early vinery and
Peach house, forming a bank upwards of 70 feet long by 10 feet wide,
with plants from 6 to 7 feet high at the back, and sloping down to from
2 to 3 feet at the front, and edged with the red-berried S danum, which
made a fine finish. It was at once patent to the practised eye that con¬
siderable pains had been taken in arranging the colours, which were ex¬
ceedingly bright and well blended. The individual blooms were not what
may be termed exhibition blooms, because they had not been grown for
that purpose, but simply for decoration ; but we noticed some very fine
blooms of some of the popular varieties which would have been no disgrace
to an exhibition. I am in the habit of visiting some of the best Chrys¬
anthemum shows in the kingdom, but I must confess that I have not seen
such a bright and well arranged display in any private establishment or
in aDy public exhibition this season, and they do great credit to Mr.
Allis and his able foreman, Mr. Charles Turner. — VISITOR.

LAWN PLANTS.

Evergreen trees and shrubs play an important part in the embellish¬
ment of grass plots. A very fine effect indeed may be produced by a
judicious selection and arrangement of the varieties with a view to afford¬
ing by varied hues of foliage that interest so essential to enjoyment.

In ornamental gardening no evergreen is at all comparable to the
Holly. It has a peculiar fitness for geometrical arrangements from its
submitting to be cut and kept to almost any form and size required.
Hollies like good soil, preferably light, but will grow in any soils free
from stagnant water. They do well in towns and on mountain slopes,
and are suitable for growing in sunshine or in shade. Those character¬
istics are as marked in the varieties as in the species. The best gold
varieties are Regina (Golden Queen) and Waterer’s; in silver, argentea
(Silver Queen) and argentea variegata, which have bold foliage, and to
which must be added latifolia aurea marginata. Of the small-leaved
variegated angustifolia aurea is the best. In curious sorts Milkmaid
(album plenum) and variegated Hedgehog (ferox foliis argenteis) are sin¬
gular and beautiful. The erect-growing elegantissima stricta is also very-
fine, especially so for geometrical gardens. Of the broad -leaved Hodginsi,
madeirensis, latifolia are the best. There are many both green and
variegated forms which are more suitable for shrubberies than lawns.

The Strawberry Trees (Arbutus) are very effective, but they are not to
be recommended except for sheltered situations, and except in such are
best omitted. Similar remarks apply to Laurustinus, they not being
hardy except in sheltered situations. Aucubas may be named as useful,
especially for towns, in which they succeed admirably. There is none
finer than A. japonica, and in neat bushes of 3 or 4 feet in height is very
beautiful, especially when covered with berries. _ .

Box forms close symmetrical heads, best as pyramids, in which form
they are useful in formal arrangements, but are not recommended for
lawns. The best are Buxus sempeivirens and Handswoith broad-leaved,
and (variegated) Variegated Tree and elegantissima. Box likes light
soils. Double Gorse, as a lawn plant allowed to have its own way and

December 2, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

497

cut its figure on the grass, none is more beautiful. It does best on light '
soils and on peaty formations, but is not at all fastidious. Laurels may
be passed over, only the Colchic Laurel makes a noble pyramid, and the
Portugal is suitable for forming into a bush, half balls not being despic¬
able, pyramids being truly handsome, and standards are not bad substi¬
tutes for Orange trees. They in aDy form are best adapted for formal
gardens.

Of Evergreen Oaks the best is Quercus austriaca sempervirens, and it
does best in a deep loam, but well drained. It is, of course, a large tree.
Yuccas are decidedly bold and highly ornamental. Of these, Y. recurva
is far the best. Y. gloriosa is certainly noble, and its variety pendula
has grace as well as nobleness. The Yuccas fit in with any style of gar¬
dening, but are more suited to the formal. They like a deep light soil.
In sheltered spots few plants are finer than Aralia Sieboldi, with large
Fig-like leaves. A rich, light, and rather moist soil is most suitable, but
it must not have the moisture stagnant. In cold localities it should be
afforded protection in severe weather.

Rhododendrons, whether as bushes or standards, are suitable. They
thrive in nearly all soils, except hot siliceous soil and those thin soils
over gravel. They do not as a rule thrive on the oolite and limestone
formations. They require a cool and moisture-holding soil. Peat is
necessary to their successful culture in soil of an adverse nature, and
then they are very beautiful from their flowers in early summer, and the
deep green foliage at other seasons. The seed vessels should be removed
as soon as the flowering is over.

DECIDUOUS TREES AND SHRUBS.

These are almost excluded from lawns conceived upon modern ideas.
True, we see them in shrubberies where they have no chance to attain
their characteristics, or show themselves in the beauty of foliage and
flowers which constitute their charms in contrast with evergreens.

Ball Acacia (Acacia inermis). — The flue globular heads of this are
very effective, but it is more suited to formal gardening than anything
else. It has a peculiar fitness for striking the angles of walks and for
screening the windows, &c., in town gardens. It likes a light soil, and is
very beautiful and very accommodating, as its head can be kept very com¬
pact by pruning during the spring.

Beech. — Of all coloured-leaved trees there is none that can equal the
Purple Beech. It is only, of course, suitable for a large lawn. The
Fern-leaved makes a fine tree, and is very beautiful. Beeches do best in
light soil, sandy or chalky.

Tulip Tree (Liriodendron Tulipifera).— Very beautiful, forming a large
tree, the foliage being large and distinct, flowers not very conspicuous.

Maple. — The Acers are more suited to parks than pleasure grounds,
but the Eagle’s Claw (A. laciniatum) is remarkable, and A. Negundo
variegatum is the most beautiful of all variegated trees. In contrast witha
dark green background it is simply unique. Unfortunately it is not very
hardy. It thrives best on well drained soils, and then ripens the wood
well, and is considerably hardier on that account, being hardy as far north
as York.

Horse Chestnut (AH sculus). — Relegating the large trees to the park
ground, we have the beautiful scarlet Whitleyi, the yellow (glabra paliida)
and the golden netted-leaved Memmingeri, and the dwarf forms, macro-
stachva and rubicunda nana. The Fern- leaved (heterophylla laciniata) is
very distinct and graceful.

Cherry (Cerasus). — The double-blossomed are simply superb in spring,
especially the double Weeping, Cherries like a light or calcareous
soil.

Birch. — Lovely, whether it be the Silver Weeping, Fern-leaved
Weeping, or new Weeping. They like [moist soil, and have a peculiar
fitness for association with water. The Purple-leaved is as beautiful in
its way as the Purple Beech.

Elms. — These are mentioned mainly through their standing smoke
well. Berardi is a cut-leaved sort of upright growth. Ulmus campestris
aurea has golden foliage, elegantissima weeps and has silver-edged
foliage ; but the best of the weeping Elms is the Camperdown. Efms
like damp ground.

Laburnums are fine for town and suburban gardens, Parksi being pro¬
bably the beet, but Scotch is superb. There is not a finer pictorial
small tree than the Golden Laburnum, its foliage being very telling.
Light soil is most suitable, but the Laburnums do well in any free
soil.

Snowy Mespilus (Amelanchier Botryapium). — I doubt if any white¬
flowering tree can compare with this in spring for effective beauty, and
it will grow anywhere.

Thorns (Crataegus). — The Thorns are town trees. They thrive in
smoke, and their blossoms are beautiful, especially the Double Scarlet,
Double Pink, and Double White. Crus-galli, coccinea, and splendens
grandiflora with its large white flowers, altaica, Royal variegated, nigra,
Douglasi, tenacetifolia, glandulosa, and others are superb.

All the deciduous sorts named so far are standards. They in that form,
except weeping trees, admit of being mown under. We have only to
add Willows for planting on the margin of ponds, than which none are
finer than Salix babylonica, but Kilmarnock, Salomon, and Wolseyana
are hardier and very fine. The stiff formal American is good, but does not
accord with water so well as the whip-liko sprays of the others.

Magnolia acuminata is very beautiful, forming a large pyramidal tree,
and is the noblest tree of the family. Trees 45 feet high in May or June
in flower are not soon forgotten. M. auriculata pyramidalis is dwarfer
more pyramidal, and flowers earlier. M. conspicua and its vars., the
very fine Soulangeana amongst them, are unrivalled f nr their white

blossoms in spring. They must, however, have warm or sheltered situa¬
tions. M. tripetala flowering later needs not protection, nor indeed do
the others, only they are better so as to save the flowers from frost, and
on that account are given shelter.

Liquidamber styTaoiflua forms a compact tree with miniature Plane¬
like leaves, and the leaves change to a beautiful purple in autumn. It
likes a light or well drained land.

Parrotia persica is another of the small trees or shrnbs that is very
beautiful in autumn from the rich leaf-markings, and requires a light soil
and shelter.

Tree Paeonies do splendidly as lawn shrubs in sheltered positions, their
large flowers having a noble and most effective appearance. They are
truly grand, and amply repay any encouragement and protection ia
spring.

Sumach. — If there is anything finer in late summer than a good bush
of Rhus cotinus I should like to know it. It seems to do best in light
soil.

The list might be considerably extended, and those finding a tree
or shrub doing well in a border forming a good specimen may safely give
it place on grass with a certainty that it will do much better with light
from all points than in a cramped border.

HERBACEOUS PLANTS.

Boeconia cordata. — The fine bold foliage, and its terminal panicles of
peculiar brownish flowers render this very suitable where a plant growing
6 feet or more high is desired. Its foliage is light or glaucous.

Cimioifuga racemosa is very showy, its large biternate leaves deeply
cut into segments being graceful, and garnished with its drooping
racemes of feathery white flowers is very effective.

Eryngium pandanifolium is a very striking plant, after the style of
a Pandanus, having long spiny leaves, the plant attaining to a height of
about 3 feet, from which the flower stem rises to a height of 6 to 10 feet,
and is a striking object in late summer. It does best in a rich light soil,
and in such is quite hardy.

Fuchsias. — On a light soil the Fuchsias form lovely objects, their
flowers being simply charming in their emerald setting. Riccartoni,
Carolina, gracilis, and virginalis are superb varieties. They like a light
soil, or any well drained soil and deep will grow them perfectly ; only in
dry weather they like copious supplies of water or liquid manure, and in
winter should have some leaf soil or other protective material over the
stools.

Guonera scabra. — Very noble in appearance when it does well, as it
only appears to do in moist rich soil, and then is one very effective. Its
large leaves 4 feet in diameter, borne on stout petioles, are very beautiful
in bold feature. It is most suitable for planting near water ; indeed, a
moist soil seems indispensable, and does best when near running water.
It is best with protection over the crown and some distance around in
severe weather similar to Rhubarb. Mentioning Rhubarb reminds me of
the stateliness of Rheum officinale, it also doing grandly in rich deep
moist soil, but is hardly suitable for a dressed lawn.

Symphytum officinale variegatum is very attractive from its large
foliage, variegated with yellow. It requires a deep rich moist soil, but
will grow in almost any kind of land.

Tritomas are superb for sheltered situations, as they really do not
stand wind well. Their grass-like leaves and long spikes of scarlet aod
yellow flowers are very effective. T. nobilis is the finest of the genus,
and flowers early and continuously. T. Uvaria glaucescens is of dwarf
habit.

Arundinaria Falconeri is of free and very graceful growth, and attains
to large proportions. There are few plants more ornamental, and it does
well on almost any soil, but best on damp or where its roots are moist in
hot weather. It is particularly beautiful in a sheltered position near
water. A. spathulata is also very graceful, but it does not seem to be
quite so hardy. That, however, may be due to its having been coddled,
as new plants mostly are.

Arundo conspicua forms dense tufts far more compact and rigid than
Pampas Grass, the foliage being broader, the spikes of inflorescence being
smaller, earlier, and not silvery.

Gynerium argenteum is well known and deservedly popular. S. ar-
genteum pumilum is dwarfer, and on that account is suitable for sm 11
lawns.

In planting specimens on lawns the thing is to make proper provi¬
sion, not being afraid of making a hole, stirring the soil well r.nl as
deep as the good soil allows, loosening that at the bottom of the hole,
and if shallow taking out some of the bad soil, and refill with fresh.
The turf should be replaced to within a short distance of the plant all
round, lawn plants always appearing best in this way, and are prefer¬
ably slightly raised above the surrounding leyel. — G Abbey.

STORING TUBEROUS PLANTS IN WINTER.

The successful wintering of plants often gives garden managers,
especially those in a small way, much concern, as where glass is limited
it is a hard matter to find accommodation for all the plants which are
liable to suffer from frost and damp during the winter ; but tubers possess
a great advantage over plants in this respect, as the foliage of the majority
of them die in winter, and the roots can be stored away and preserved in a
very small space. In fact, many of them can be wintered wiihout any
glass, and while a fine display of flowers or foliage is secured from them
in summer, the expense of keeping them in winter is reduced almost to
nothing, and they are not one-quarter the trouble and expense of common

498

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Decamber 2, 1S86.

Pelargoniums. As a rule tubers are rather liable to suffer from damp iu
winter, and this is the first thing to guard against. Some are in the
habit of watering them after the foliage is quite gone, but this is a mistake,
as the roots are not at work then, and moisture causes them to decay. As
soon as the foliage is dead watering must cease in all cases, and a dry
atmosphere and a dry soil should be their surroundings then and after¬
wards.

Gloxinias when in full leaf and bloom appear as if any drying off
would kill them, but few plants enjoy complete rest in winter more, and
they should always be dried off. They need not be kept in the pots in
which they have been growing unless there is plenty of space for them,
and then do not allow them to stand up in the usual way, but lay them on
their sides under a stage or in a shed, and keep them in this position with¬
out water until February or March. So long as frost and damp is kept
from them there is no danger of failure, but the most economical way of
treating them is to turn them all out of the pots and pack them in shallow
boxes for the winter. Any kind of box will do. A few leaves may be
spread on the bottom, then a layer of sand, after which the tubers should
be laid in as close as they can to each other, and then cover with more
sand. Two or three dozen pots may be placed into one or two boxes in
this way, and the tubers will keep well in them. It does not matter very
much where they are placed so long as they are not frosted or excited
into growth prematurely by heat.

Few plants are more showy in summer than Caladiums. A dozen
or two of them will fill the glass houses or embellish the rooms in a very
pleasing manner from May until October, and yet they might all be
kept in a hat box from November until March ; but Caladium tubers are
very apt to perish in winter, and we have known many failures with
them at this season, but that was mainly caused by the soil in which
they were growing being watered too freely after the leaves had died.
Watering should decrease as the leaves fide, and by the time the
last of them have died the soil should be dust dry, then there is little
danger of failure. It will never do, however, to allow the plants
the chance of their being watered by accident or in any way during
the winter months, and as soon as the foliage is gone they should be
laid on their sides, not to be lifted again until it is time to restart them
into growth. They will not keep well in a low temperature, and it is
not safe to put them anywhere where the heat is less than 55° or 60°.
Some may think this would soon induce them to grow again, bat it will
not so long as they are kept dry at the root. We have kept them fre¬
quently all winter in the pots, and to economise space we have often
turned them out of the pots, shaken every particle of soil from the tubers,
and stored in sand, and they all remained plump and healthy until
the following spring. There is not any better way of treating them
than this, and we recommend it above all others. They may be put one
on the top of another, but this is not such a good way as placing them in
a single layer with the crowns facing up, and covered with about 2 inches
of sand.

Tuberous Begonias now form an extensive collection in many
gardens, and it would be a difficult matter to find room for them all in
winter if they were in pots, but they succeed admirably plunged in sand.
Choice named varieties may be put in a single layer in a shallow box,
but those which have been growing in the flower beds may be stored
in casks like American Apples, only they must have some dry sind
between them, and care must be taken that damp does not reach them
when stored in quantity in this way.

Achimenes have curious little roots, and never fail to keep well plunged
in dry sand.

The Calanthes may also be included amongst these plant?, and when
the flower spikes have been cut from these the pseudo-bulbs should be
kept perfectly dry until March. They may be kept in the pots by laying
them down on their sides in a dry place, or the pseudo- bulbs may be
drawn up, the soil shaken from the roots, and placed together in a box or
basket without any covering over. They may then be kept like Onions or
Apples, and a case of perishing amongst them will be very rare. The
Gesneras may be treated like the Gloxinias, and lhey are benefited by a
long and complete rest. — J. Muir, Mar gam.

FLOWERS IN WINTER.

There are two methods of treating winter-flowering plants,
one of which may he said to be good and the other better. In
addition to these there is also a bad system too much in vogue
during the duller months of the year. I shall have something to
say as to each of these, and will take first the good method. It
may be called the system of conservation — the conservation of
winter gardening. Thus we find a group of Richardias standing
in some cool structure in waiting to be forced into flower at some
particular date, under the mistaken idea that a few spathes at
one set time is all the plants are capable of producing in the
course of the twelvemonth. Then there are cultivators who turn
out winter Pelargoniums when these have produced one set of
trusses, the sole treatment of the plant while in bloom being one
of conservation. As they bring on Bouvardias and Carnations
in batches pinch the trusses out of double Primulas till a given
time arrives when they are allowed to throw up their flowers.
And in respect of temperatures, keep these at the lowest possible
degree, while watering is pursued on the plan of giving just as
much as will keep the plants in good condition.

The second and better method may be called that of pro¬
gression. Instead of keeping to the minimum heat, sufficient is
allowed, not only to conserve flowers, but also to keep the plant®
in vigorous growth, so that a continued succession of flowers is
to be had from the same plants. This treatment necessitates the
further difference of allowing the plants sufficient water in order
to produce a continued succession of healthy roots to meet the
demands made by new growth and flowers Then it will be
further found that a regular supply of manurial dressings will be
an absolute necessity to keep the plants in vigorous health.
Possibly those who see clearly the necessity of increasing the
supply of water, and occasional doses of manure, will demur to
that part of the treatment which renders these necessary — viz., a
higher temperature than the plants will keep healthy under.
But it may be pointed out that plants grown under glass, espe-
cally when it is impossible to give them fresh air, require
aisomewhat greater average of heat artificially in order to pro-
d uce such results as are here stated. Of course very much de¬
pends on the kind of structure in which plants are grown. Those
which are light will do with less artificial heat ; but even under
the best conditions there is a great drawback in the matter of de¬
flected light. As bearing on this point, moat people who have to
do with these matters must have noticed how well plants grown
out of doors succeed as compared with those under glass. As in¬
stances of what is here meant it may be said that we repeatedly
have Pelargoniums producing trusses out of doors in November,
when at the same time a semi-stove treatment is required for the
same class of plants flowering in pots. Chrysanthemums, a&
another instance, will be found to come on more rapidly out of
doors than they will under glass, referring to late-flowering
plants here. The same remark applies to Richardias, Eupa-
toriums, &c., which so long as they are kept from frost will come
on as well out of doors as they will under greenhouse treatment-
But in carrying out a progressive system, so that a continued
supply of fresh flowers is produced on softwooded plants, it is
necessary to cut the flowers as they become fully open. This is
an absolute necessity. Proof of the flower-producing tendency
induced by cutting all newly developed flowers may be found in
the case of hardy herbaceous plants, many of which if left to
themselves bear only one crop of bloom, whereas if cut they con¬
tinue right on as long as the weather permits, throwing up fresh
crops of flowers.

The bad system consists of extremes. Too much artificial
heat in relation to light will induce growth alone without flower,
and that is a wasteful method. On the other hand, it too often
occurs, owing to a policy of shortsighted money-saving, that
plants are treated to the very lowest temperature they will stand
during the winter months. Thus we find bedding Pelargoniums
and other plants which stand the treatment even worse kept in a
condition of absolute stagnation. Primulas, decorative Pelar¬
goniums, young Chrysanthemums, Mignonette, &c., are kept
much too cool. It is only possible to do justice to all of these by
keeping them in a suitable temperature. The difference in the
temperature need not be much, nor is the expense perhaps of any
great account, while the result is all in favour of a growing
condition

A word of caution may be added as to wintering hardy plants,
for in the case of these it occurs that much mischief may be done
by keeping them too closely shut up in weather when they would
be much better in the open air. Thus Violas, Carnations,
Auriculas, &c., should be grown entirely in the open, using the
sashes merely to keep out frost and wet. Calceolarias which
may be rooted should have the same treatment, but if not
rooted they are much better kept close until roots are formed in
early spring. — B.

JESCHYNANTHUSES.

Gesneriaceous plants are some of the most brilliant ornaments of
our stoves, the majority of them producing very gaily coloured flowers in
abundance, and these seem even more attractive in comparison with the
rich diversity of foliage which Palms, Crotons, Dra-seoas, Alocasits, and
innumerable others present. Gesneiias, Tydteas, Gloxinias, Achimenes,
and Streptocarpus include many handsome plants of great value not only
for the stove but for cooler houses also, though the majority are more at
home in a rather high temperature.

Tim genus ASscbyDanthus, to which especial attention is now called,
similarly comprises several species of much beauty, part cularly as basket
plants, for which their epiphytal and peniulous habit well fils them, and
in gardens where they are carefully grown no better plants tor that
purpose could be desired. The rich scarlet and orange shades distinguish-
ing their flowers are unrivalled, and the blooms, bein' produced in laige
trusses or clustered closely along the stems, have a very imposing appear-
snee when pendulous from elegant baskets near the path of a stove. They
are not more difficult cf management than many other epiphytal plants;
tut it is no use attempting their culture in any hcu-:e where a high acd

Deoember 2, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTIAGE GARDENER.

490

moist temperature cannot be maintained with regularity, and perhaps
most failures that occur in the growth of these plants is due to a misap¬
prehension of their requirements in this respect. The baskets should be
prepared in the ordinary way with a layer of large potsherds and some
pieces of charcoal, over which a layer of rough moss or peat can be placed,
upon which the plant should rest, with good fibrous peat in lumps placed
firmly round the roots. Water must be liberally but judiciously supplied ;
and if at any time the temperature becomes unduly reduced the amount of
water given must be proportionately limited, or the plants will soon be¬
come extremely unhealthy, and when once they get into that state it is
very difficult to insure their recovery.

A few of the species are adapted for culture in pots, the best of these
being the one represented in the engraving, as it is of more erect and

Fig. 70.— .Shchjnanthus tricolor.

sturdy growth than the majority, and the large trusses of flowers being
borne at the apex of the stems in an erect manner, and are seen to much
better advantage in that way than when in baskets. Some cultivators
prefer peat alone for this specie* under pot culture, with thorough drain¬
age, but a little turfy loam incorporated with the peat is beneficial. But
in that case sand should be also used, unless the pot contains a large pro¬
portion. Both the baskets and pot plants must have a warm position in
the stove, and then little d fficulty will be experienced with them.

JE. speciosu8 is one of the most haudsome, its largo scarlet and orange
flowers being produced in trusses of sixt eu to twenty, and with several
of these on a plant of moderate size in a 48 or 32-size pot the effect is
most striking. Another valuable quality it possesses is the remarkable
durability of the flowers, which last in good condition for some weeks.
Like several others of this genus, we are indebted to Messrs. Yeitch and
Sons for the introduction of this plant, which was found by Mr. Thomas
Lobb growing upon trees in damp woods on Mount Asapan in Java at an
elevation of 2000 feet. JE. fulgens was also collected by Mr. T. Lobb in
Houlmein. It approaches the above in habit, but is more drooping. The
leaves are large and ovate, the flowers being 3 inches or more long, scarlet
streaked with yellow in front, and are borne in large heads.

2E. cordifolius, obtained by the same collector, is a native of Borneo,
with leaves and flowers of moderate size, the latter about 2 inches long,

deep scarlet streaked with black in the throat, and produced in pairs or
triplets in the axils of the leaves. This is well suited for a basket, as also
ts its near relative _ZE. tricolor (fig. 70), both being of slender habit. The
last-named is similarly a native of Borneo, whence it was obtained by
Messrs. Low of Clapton. It has small ovate leaves, the flower being ab ut
1J inch or 2 inches long, scarlet streaked with orange and black.

-L. javanicus is a showy form, with deep scarlet flowers streaked with
yellow, and borne in the axils of the leaves near the point of the stems ;
while jE. Lobbianus ought to be included in every collection, its rich
scarlet corollas contrasting so well with the deep purple calyx. All these
succeed best in baskets. This plant is especially useful owing to its free
growth and flowering, requiring rather less care than the others, and the
flowers last for a great time. — L. C.

CHRYSANTHEMUM SHOWS.

LIVERPOOL.

The heavy pressure upon our [pages last week prevented us giving a

I critical and detailed account of the best autumn exhibition ever seen in
Liverpool, or perhaps in this country. Competent judges, who have visited
all the leading shows for the past twenty years, declared the one under
notice to be far in advance of any they had seen. Throughout nearly alt
the classes provided in the schedule the competition was keen, and the
whole of the exhibits were of the highest quality, and, therefore, reflected
the greatest credit upon the exhibitors. The losers have no cause to be
ashamed of being beaten, for many worse stands of blooms and dishes of
fruit have, throughout the country, been placed in Lading positions. If
there is one fault connected with this magnificent Exhibition it was that even
St. George’s Hall was inadequate for the products without crowding. Every
available position was filled with exhibits, and fresh tables had to be
provided for many of the cut blooms. Thos; who are familiar with the
size of the Grand Hall will form some idea of the display and number of
exhibits, when it is stated there were suffisimt to have filled the hall if it
had been half as large again.

Cut Blooms.— The schedule comprised fourteen classes for cut blooms,
and no less than 1400 were staged for the forty-three prizes off wed. Taking
the blooms as a whole they were unquestionably the finest ever exhibited.
The Japanese were large, fresh and highly coloured, while the incurved
were generally of superior quality, and considerably above the average as
seen this year. Everybody seemed particularly pleased that Mr. F. Roberts
carried off the ten-guinea silver vase in addition to a money prize of £3.
He well deserved it, for he has fought year after year for the chief position,
and always received his defeat cheerfully with the determination to try
again. Patience and perseverance have rewarded him with the premier
position this year. Both his opponents have gained the cup on previous
occasions. Mr. Roberts took the lead principally with his incurved, which
were superb, being only two or three points ahead of Mr. Jellico with the
Japanese. Mr. T. Leadbetter, the other competitor, was much behind the
first stand, many of his incurved flowers being past their best. Other parti¬
culars and the varieties are given on page 484. The two classes for twelve
incurved blooms, exhibitors in the one class being excluded from the other,
deserves special notice. The competition was remarkably keen in both
classes, some seven or eight stands in each case were staged. Mr. F.
Roberts, gardener to W. D. Holt, Esq., took the lead with very fresh large
blooms of Lord Alcester, Alfred Salter, Empress of India, Queen of England,
John Salter, Princess of Wales, Emily Dale, Mr. Bunn. Princess of Peck,
Jardin des Plantes, Mrs. Heale, and Jeanne d’ Arc. Mr. G. Burden, gardener
to G. Gockburn, Esq., Lingdale Lodge, Oxton, was placed second with
grand flowers. Mr. W. Playfair, gardener to H. H. N'cholson, Esq., Spital
Hall, was a capital third. In the corresponding class Mr. W. Wilson,
gardener to H. Cunningham, Esq., Gorsey Cop, Gateacre, was deservedly
first with very similar blooms to those nam'd aHove. Mr. T. Foster,
gardener to J. Brancker, Esq., second ; and Mr. J. Wilson, gardener to J. E.
Reynolds, Esq , Sandsfield Park, third. For six blooms Mr. F. Tobin was
placed first. For six Anemone-flowered varieties Mr. W. Wilson was to the
front with a capital stand of blooms, while Mr. Jellico took the lead for six
reflexed flowers. For twelve Pompons Mr. A. Collins, gardener to S.
Smith, Esq., M.P., Princess Park, was placed first.

The piizes offered for the premier incurved and premier Japanese bloom
of the Show were won by Mr. J. Wilson with grand examples of Laid
Alcester and Boule d’Or.

Fruit. — The display of fruit was an exhibition in itself, for never has
fruit been staged in St. George’s Hall in such quan'ity or in such admirable
condition. For twelve dishes, distinct, Mr. J. H. Goodacre, gardener to the
Earl of Harrington, EGaston Castle, Derby, was well first with Gros
Colman, Mrs. Pearson, Muscat of Alexandria, and Mrs. Piece Grapes. These
were all in superb condition, being wtll coloured, large, and even in the
berry, while the bunches were of good size. The large-sized berries of the
first mentioned elicited the admiration of all ; they were very even, and the
majority nearly ljinch in diameter. King of the Pippins Apple highly
coloured ; Pears, Marie Louise and Pitmaston Duchess ; a dish of Golden
Drop Plums, one of Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury Strawberry, a good fruit
of H ro of Lockinge Melon, and two fine Pines were the other dishes in
this collection. Mr. W. B. Upjohn, gardener to the Earl of Ellesmere,
Worsley Hall, Manchester, was second, having very large Pears and a nice
fruit of Gough’s Melon. Third Mr. Hannagan, gardener to R. C. Naylor,
Esq., Hooton Hall, who also staged very fine Pears and fair Alicante and
Gros Colman Grapes. Five collections were entered in this class. In the
corresponding class for six dish s no less than seven collections W're con¬
tributed. The same ■ xbibitor again took the lead, having Gros Colman in
the same magnificent condition ; the other dishes a Melon of the same
variety as before ; Cos’s late Red Plums ; Marie Louise Pears, large ; Lord
Lennox Apples, highly coloured ; and a good bunch of Muscat of Alexandria
Grapes. Mr. T. Elsworthy, gardener to A. R. Gladstone, Esq., Court Hey,
was a close second with capital Muscat of Alexandria and Alicante Grapes,
and a fresh fruit of William Tillery Melon ; Mr. W. Hannagan again taking
the third position, Pears Doyenne du Comice and Duchesse d’Angouleme

500

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER

[ Decembir 2, 1888

were particularly fine. The display of Pears was large, and the fruit
throughout of first quality. For eight dishes the Rev. L. Garnett, Christleton
Rectory, Cheshire, staged grand examples, and was accorded the premier
position ; Mr. Goodacre and Mr. W. Hannagm followed, both showing well.
For four dishes Mr. W. H. Jones, gardener to C. Bamford, E-q., was to the
fore. For one dish Mr. R. Pennington, gardener to Edward Banner, Esq.,
was placed first. In the corresponding class Mr. M’Kenzie, gardener to
F. S. W. Cornwallis, Esq. For six dishes of dessert Apples the last exhibitor
was again first with excellent examples, and Rev. L. Garnett was successful
for one dish. For eight dishes of culinary Apples Mr. M’Kenzie again took
the lead, followed by the Rev. H. Arkwright, Mr. Goodacre, and Mr.
Hannagan, the last named being awarded an extra prize. For four dishes
Mr. R. Pennington obtained the premier position, and the Rev. H. Ark¬
wright for one dish. The Apples were of large size and very highly
coloured, and the competition in every instance was very keen. The names
of the leading dishes of these and the Pears are not given because they
were similar to what have been repeatedly enumerated this season in our
pages.

Grapes.— Six classes were provided, and 110 bunches were staged, being
six, seven, eight, and ten collections in each class. In none of the classes
was there less than six competitors. Throughout the fruit was large in
the bunch and berry, and the colour may be said to be good in every
instance. For two bunches of Muscats, Mr. D. Lindsay, gardener to Sir
Edwardes-Moss, Bart., OtWspool, was well first with large bunches, highly
coloured, with fine large even berries. Mr. J. Parker, gardener to J. T.
Raynes, Esq., Rock Ferry, being a good second, and Mr. A. Crosbie, gar¬
dener to the Duke of Montrose, Buchanan Castle, Stirling, third with large
bunches and large berries, well coloured, but the bunches were rather loose.
For two bunches of white Grapes, any other variety, Mr. A. Collins was
first with Bplendid clean examples of Golden Queen ; Mr. Goodacre was
second with good bunches, smaller in the berry, but not so well coloured ;
Mr. D. Lindsay was third. For two bunches of black Grapes (Alicantes),
Mr. W. Wilson was first amongst ten competitors, with superb examples
carrying a very dense bloom. Mr. T. Elsworthy was a good second, but the
bunches had not been thinned sufficiently. Mr. J. Downham, gardener to
E. H. Harrison, Esq., third with grand examples. To the remaining seven
competitors in this class the same description applies. For two bunches,
black, with Muscat flavour, Mr. J. Hollingworth took the lead with good
Mrs. Pince, the only fault being they were a little short of colour. Mr. J.
Barker followed with good Madresfield Court, and Mr. J. Wallis, gardener
to Rev. Walter Sneyd, Keele Hall, Staffordshire, with Mrs. Pince. For two
bunches any other variety, Mr. Goodacre was well first with Gros Colman in
the same excellent condition as those previously described in the collection
of fruit. Mr. T. Ferguson, gardener to Mrs. Patterson, Rock Ferry, was
second with large bunches, highly coloured, of Gros Guillaume; Mr. A.
Collins being third with larger bunches of the same variety, but slightly
less in the berry, and not quite so well coloured. For four bunches, Mr. j.
Hollingworth, gardener to J. T. Campbell, Esq., Woodseat, LTttoxeter,
gained first honours with an excellent collection, consisting of Lady Downe’s,
Trebbiano, Alicante, and Golden Queen. Second Mr. W. Elphinstone, gar¬
dener to A. Munday, Esq., Shipley Hall, with Mrs. Pince, good ; Gros
Colman, very fine ; a fair bunch of Muscat of Alexandria, and a rather weak
Golden Queen. Mr. T. Elsworthy was a good third.

OkchidS. — These were not shown in large numbers, but those staged
were in first-rate condition. For three plants Mr. J. Edwards, gardener to
H. Tate, Esq., Allerton, was first with Oncidium Rogersi with two large
spikes, very fine ; L»lia elegans with three flowers ; and Phalsenopsis
grandiflora aurea with three flowers. Mr. T. North, gardener to Enoch
Harvey, Esq., second. For one plant Mr. M. Clary, gardener to Rd. Hobson,
Esq., Bromborough, with Odontoglossum grande, with eight or nine spikes
of bloom ; Mr. J. Edwards second with Oncidium tigrinum, and Mr. A. R.
Cox third with Cattleya superba splendens. Mr. J. Hurst, gardener to
W. B. Bowering, Esq., took the lead for one Cypripedium, and Mr. J. Wilson
for Calanthes.

Table Plants. — These were in the same excellent condition as generally
seen at the Liverpool Shows. Mr. T. Fleetwood, gardener to F. Harrison,
Esq., was awarded the first position for six plants, consisting of Croton
aigburthensis, C. Chelsoni, Dracaena gracilis, Aralia Chabrieri, Pandanus
Veitchi, and Geonoma gracilis. Mr. J. Agnew, gardener to Mrs. Watts,
Aigburth, second with a neat collection of plant’, and Mr. J. Hurst third.

Fef.ns, Palms, and Other Plants. — For four Ferns Mr. A. R. Cox was
well first with splendid plants. Mr. T. Gowan second with smaller, but very
healthy specimens. For three Palms the same exhibitor was again first,
followed by Mr. A. Crosbie and Mr. T. Jones. Roman Hyacinths were good.
Mr. C. Wearing, gardener to J. Aitkin, Esq., was successful, and Mr.
W. H. Jones for Primulas, which were only fair. For four Poinsettias, Mr.
J. McGrath, gardener to R. R. Heap, Esq., West Derby, was first, and Mr.
T. Fleetwood for Cyclamens.

Miscellaneous Exhibits. — The most telling group of plants in the
Exhibition was contributed by Messrs R. P. Ker & Sons, and consisted of
a groundwork of Roman Hyacinths, dark coloured Cyclamen, and Adiantum
cuneatum, with Cocos Weddelliana rising above them, and Adiantum farley-
ense in very small pots stood on the top of the pots of Cocos. The arrange¬
ment was novel and highly attractive. The Horticultural Company (John
Cowan) contributed a collection of stove and greenhouse flowering and
foliage plants, also a collection of Chrysanthemums in 5-inch pots varying
from 1 to 3 feet in height. These were well grown and highly interesting,
and of a very useful size for decoration. Messrs. F. and A. Dickson & Sons
contributed a collection of well- grown Carnation (tree) in bloom, and Messrs.
W. Cuthush & Sons, Highgate, London, a collection of mixed plants,
amongst them small Oranges laden with fruit and Pernettyas in 5-inch pots
covered with berries. Some eight varieties were staged, P. macrocarpa
being one of the best ; P. purpurea gigantea is also very striking. Bouvardia
Dazzler was also exhibited, and has very bright red flowers. The Horticul¬
tural Company contributed wreaths and bouquets, Messrs. Fishlock Bros,
a very similar exhibit, which was highly praiseworthy. Mr. C. Rylanc1,
Ormskirk, staged a large collection of dessert and kitchen Apples. Mr.
H. Middlehurst, seedsman, Manchester Street, exhibited his “ Filbert ”
Brussels Sprouts, which were very fine, being closely studded with hard,
compact, moderate-sized sprouts. Mr. Kipps, Walton Lea Gardens, War¬

rington, exhibited a pot of Strawberries lifted from the open ground on
November 2nd, and since grown under glass ; the specimen was very good,
and showed unmistakeably the mildness of the season. It was bearing
upwards of a hundred fruit between twenty and thirty of them coloured and
nearly ripe.

BIRMINGHAM. — November 24th and 25th.

The Town Hall was filled with the exhibits of the Society holding their
twenty-sixth Show. It was considered to be in ail respects the best of the
series yet held, and reflected great credit on the executive. Cut blooms
were staged in large numbers and generally of capital quality if we except a
few of the incurved section, which were rather rough. Plants of Chrysan¬
themums were * xcellent, bouquets and Primulas were staged in large
numbers. Miscellaneous non-competing groups of plants were a great
attraction, Grapes and Apples were staged in large numbers and of the best
quality. For nine large-flowering Chrysanthemums, Japanese excluded,
Mr. Brasi r, gardener to T. Martineau, Esq., was first with plants 4 feet
across, evenly trained, freely flowered and fresh; the best was Jardin des
Plantes, particularly rich in colour. Mr. H. Dyer, gardener to Mrs.
Marigold, Edgbaston, also with good specimens, the best being Lady Slade.
Mr. J. Crook, girdener to W. Millward, E’q , Edgbaston, was first for six
plants with well trained plants of the leading varieties. Mr. E. Cooper,
gardener to J. Chamberlain, Esq., M.P., staged the best single specimen
incurved, a very fine plant of White Yenus, 4 to 5 feet across, and having
remarkably fine blooms ; while Mr. Brasier occupied the same position in
the Japanese class with a profusely flowered specimen of Bouquet Fait.
Mr. Brasier also took leading honours for six specim ns of Pompons, having
large bushes not too stiffly trained, freely flowered Mdlle. Marthe and white
Cedo Nulli being the best. Second in this class was Mr. Dyer, also with
good plants not disbudded, loosely trained.

Cut blooms were staged in large numbers, as many as 1420 in all classes,
and as may be supposed, made an imposing array in the gallery. In the
great class for forty-eight blooms, twenty-four incurved and twenty-four
Japanese, distinct varieties, there were eleven competitors. This class was
remarkable for the successful debut of Mr. R. Parker, gardener to J. Corbett,
Esq., Impney Hall, Droitwich, who was an easy first, staging magnificent
blooms of Japanese and incurved varieties, solid and fresh, and of capital
finish, Triomphe de la Rue des Chalets, M. Astorg, Belle Paule, Flamme
de Punch, Fair Maid of Guernsey, Baronne de Prailly, Thunberg, Madame
C. Audiguier, Madame Laing, very fine; Japonaise being the best of the
Japanese, while the mo9t noteworthy in the incurved section were Jeanne
d’Arc, Queen of England, Prince Alfred, John Salter, Lord Alcester very
large, Princess Teck, Empress of India, Princess of Wales, and Pink Yenus.
Mr. W. Comfort, gardener to G. A. Everett, Esq., was second, staging fine
Japanese, also large iucurved, but these were rather old. He had good
blooms of J. Delaux, Boule d’Or, Comte de Germiny, Belle Paule, Thunberg,
and Comtesse de Beauregard. Mr. J. Lambert, gardener to Col. Wingfield,
Shrewsbury, was third with smaller but neat blooms; Mr. C. Raffill, gar¬
dener to H. Lovatt, Esq., Wolverhampton, was fourth with fine Japanese,
but the incurved were stale. For twenty- four blooms, twelve to be incurved,
and the same number Japanese, all distinct, there were twelve competed,
the best coming from Mr. Barker, gardener to Lord Hindlip, Hindlip Hall,
the Japanese being very fine, while the incurved were extra large, though
rather wanting in finish. The best were Alfred Salter, Golden Empress,
Jeanne d’Arc, Princess of Wales, Empress Eugenie, and Barbara, fine;
M. Burnet, Japonaise, and Thunberg the best Japanese. Second Mr. R.
Parker, with rather smaller, but otherwise good blooms. Third Mr. W.
Comfort, smaller, but very neat specimens.

For eighteen incurved blooms, distinct varieties, there were ten com¬
petitors ; the best stand was that from Mr. Barker, but he unfortunately
staged duplicate a bloom of Princess of Wales under the name of Mrs.
Heale, which led to his disqualification. Mr. W. Comfort was first with
neat flowers of Princess of Wales, Queen of England, Bendigo, Lord
Alcester, and Pink Venus. Mr. Dyer was second. Mr. Barker had the best
stand of Japanese in twelve vanities amongst the same number of com¬
petitors with large even bright blooms, Triomphe de la Rue d=s Chalets,
M. Burnet, Criterion, Sarnia, and Japonaise were the best. Mr. R. Parker
was an exceedingly close second, losing only by a couple of points. Mr. F.
Styles, gardener to Mr. A. Healing, Tewkesbury, was third, staging the best
varieties ; this was an excellent class all through. Mr. Barker was again to
the front amongst seven others in the class for twelve Anemone blooms, not
less than six varieties ; very good were his Mdlle. Cabrol, Fabian de Medians,
and Gluck ; very close came Mr. A. Johnson, gardener to R. Ramsden, Esq.,
Knowle, for second place : while Mr. Comfort was a good third t both
exhibitors staging fine blooms. Mr. R. Johnson was first prizewinner in
the class for twenty-four varieties distinct, half to be Japanese and the
remainder to be incurved, to be grown within twelve mil s of Stephenson
Place, and very handsome they were. Mr. H. Dyer was second with six
blooms of reflexed varieties, the same conditions to apply as in the former
class ; Mr. Comfort was an easy first, followed by Mr. L. Fawkes, gardener
to H. Weiss, Esq., E gbaston.

For twelve Chinese Primulas, single varieties, any colour, Messrs.
Thomson, Spark Hill Nurseries, Birmingham, was placed first for capital
plants, dwarf in habit, fine foliage, and freely bloomed. Second, Messrs.
Pope, nuiserymen, King’s Norton, with plants not so even in Bize, but
having capital flowers. Cut blooms of Camellias were well shown by
Messrs. Perkins & Sons, Coventry ; while the best bouquet for the hand,
confined to nurserymen only, the same firm won chief honours with a
choice arrangement of the best flowers, each being freely and lightly dis¬
posed. Second, Hans Niemand, Royal Nurseries, Harborne Road, Edgbas¬
ton ; third, Mr. G. H. Fawkes, Selby Oak. The best bouquet, open to
gentlemen’s gardeners only, Mr. H. James, gardener to W. C. B. Cave, Esq.,
Harborne, was first; second, Mr. L. Fawkes; third, Mr. G. Newell. The
best mi-cellaneous co’lection of nine plants in or out of bloom, Chrysan¬
themums excluded, were staged by Mr. Brasier, consisting of Croton Veitchi,
finely coloured ; Cycas revoluta. healthy ; Eupatorium odoratum, large bush ;
and Callicarpa purpurea, an effective berry-biaring plant. Second, Mr. H.
Dyer, Callicarpa purpurea, fine, as his be-t plaut. The best group of
Ohrysanthemums in pots was arranged by Mr. J. H. Horton, gardener to
R. Chamberlain, Esq , M.P., Edgbaston, composed of capital plants having
> fine blooms of both Japanese and incurved, neatly arranged if we except

December 2, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

501

the front row, which was spoilt by using badly adapted plants of Pompons,
otherwise this was a fine group.

Fruit, as before st»ted, was staged in large quantity, the Apples particu¬
larly being fine, as many as 450 dishes placed for competition. For a col¬
lection of fruit, six dishes distinct varieti-s, Mr. E. Gilman, gardener to
the Earl of Shrewsbury and Talbot, Ingestre Hall, was first, having excel¬
lent Alicante and Muscat of Alexandria Grapes, good Charlotte Rothschild
Pine Apple, Beurrd d’Anjou Pears, and Hero of Lockinge Melon. M>.
Parker was second ; he had the same kind of Grapes in good order and
capital Beurre Diel Pears. Mr. W. H. Bannister, gardener to H. H. V.
Ames, Esq., Bristol, was third. Mr. W. J. Thornton, gardener to W. Bassano,
Esq., Old Hill, was placed first with Alicante, large in bunch, berry, and
good in colour, in the three-bunch class for black Grapes. Second, A. J.
Pass, Esq. Mr. Parker was third with Gros Guillaume, fine in bunch and
berry, but slightly wanting in colour. An extra prize was awarded to Mr.
W. Comfort for same variety. With very fine bunches of Trebbiano, Mr.
Gilmour took leading honours in the two-bunch class, Muscats excluded.
Second, Mr. Lambert ; third, Mr. W. J. Thornton. Mr. J. Pass staged Alicante,
very fine, for the leading prize for one bunch black Grapes. For the best
twelve dishes of Apples, six dessert and six culinary, Mr. W. H. Bannister
was first, staging very fine fruits of Yorkshire Greening, Peasgood’s None¬
such, Brabant Bellefleur, Ribston Pippin, and King of the Pippins1
Second, Mr. H. Mason, gardener to J. Watkins, Esq., Hereford ; third,
Mr. Parker, both showing fine dishes ; nine competitors.

Mr. Mason was also first prizewinner for six dishes, half culinary and
remainder dessert, with produce similar to his in the larger class ; second,
Mr. H. Lyney, gardener to Col. Pau’et, Warwick ; third, Rev. J. A. Williams,
Stratford-on-Avon. For twelve dishes of Pears, distinct varieties, Mr.
Barker occupied the leading position ; Mr. Parker second, and Mr. Bannister
third. Yery fine collections of Apples came from Messrs. R. Smith & Co.,
Worcester, and Mr. George Bunyard, Maidstone, Kent, consisting of about
100 dishes in each collection of the finest varieties, highly coloured; to these
were awarded certificates of merit. Miscellaneous groups of plants, most
effectively arranged one in each corner of the hall at the orchestra end,
came from Mr. T. B. Thompson, consisting of Palms, Crotons, Dracsenas,
Heaths, and Tulips all in uood condition ; and Mr. Hans Niemand, Royal
Nurseries, Harborne Road, Edgbaston, had a grotto arrangement of richly
coloured Crotons, finely grown Palms, and Arum Lilies, on a groundwork
of Ferns and Panicums, and other choice plants, along with Roman Hya¬
cinths. These two groups evoked general admiration. A certificate of
merit was also awarded to Messrs. Pope for a handsome bank of Pelar¬
goniums, having large trusses of blooms, about 100 plants in 48-sized pots.
The new semi-double variety Le Bruant was one of the most note¬
worthy. Choice wreaths and crosses from the same firm were much
admired. Mt-ssrs. H. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, Kent, had a choice collec¬
tion of cut Pelargonium blooms and Chrysanthemums arranged in their
usual fine style. Certificates were awarded for Mons. Freeman, a fine lilac
variety having twisted petals of the Japanese section, to Catherine Wheel,
a pure white Anemone well adapted for decorative pnrposes, and to the
single yellow variety Helianthus. Mr. T. Winkworth, gardener to Mr.
Ralph Brocklebank, ChildwaHHall, Liverpool, showed blooms of his golden
sport from Meg Merrilies, which was certificated and much praised.

CUCKFIELD. — November 25th and 26th.

The third annual Show of Chrysanthemums was held at Cuckfield in
the “ Talbot Hotel ” Assembly Rooms on the 25th and 26th inst. As on
former occasions (the Committee not being in a position to guarantee a
prize list), was dependent upon exhibits kindly sent by the neighbouring
gentry. Their exertions were amply rewarded in the excellent display of
Chrysanthemums, fruit, and vegetables brought together. Eight groups of
Chrysanthemums were staged, and, considering the lateness of the date,
they were a very fine lot of plants, some of them being remarkably fresh
and bright. There was also placed on the tables 130 dishes of fruit, chiefly
Apples and Pears, besides trays, and collections of vegetables of high class
quality.

Some of the largest flowers were in the group sent by T. W. Best, Esq.
(Mr. Lingly, gardener), but they were considerably past their best, some of
them assuming a second beauty in “autumn tints.” E. Huth, Esq., Hazel-
dean (Mr. G. Newnham, gardener) sent large well bloomed plants, not well
suited for grouping. T. W. Erie, Esq., Millhall (Mr. H. Scutt, gardener) a
group of plants remarkable alike for their dwarfness and the freshness and
quality of the flowers. These plants had evidently been cut down at the
end of May, while others seemed to be July-struck plants, and they fur¬
nished a striking example of the superiority of Buch plants for grouping.
The same gentleman also showed some good fruit and vegetables.

The group sent by F. M Huth, Esq., Henmead (Mr. FroBt, gardener),
was composed of compact natural-grown plants, undisbudded, fresh, and
profusely bloomed. M. Turner, Esq., Butler’s Green (Mr. A. Scutt,
gardener), also staged a good group, and the standards from the same
gentleman were handsome well-grown plants, and would have stood well
forward in a strong competition. C. L. Peel, E-q., Woodcroft (Mr. E. Tickle,
gardener), sent a smaller group suitably surrounded with fine Maidenhair
Fern and foliage Begonias. The next group was sent by R. A. Bevan,
Esq. (Mr. G. Str'nger, gardener), chiefly Japanese, and was edged with
Fern, amongst which were mixed Poinsettias and Dracsenas, which looked
very bright. This gentleman also showed a large collection of Apples and
Pears, amongst which were placed some beautiful plants of Cyclamen of
an excellent strain. Mrs. Maberly Myttens (Mr. J. Mitchell, gardener) also
contributed an excellent group, and a fine collection of fruit.

Mr. Manton, gardener to Mrs. Clifford Bo rer, Pickwell Lodge, who is a
local champion in vegetables, staged some fine specimens of his skill, and
would have been well to the fore in a contest with his Apples, which were
very fine. Mr. G. Warren, gardener to Mrs. Hankey, Belcome Place, showed
twenty-four dishes of fruit, remarkable for the last week of November,
were fine fresh samples of Coa’s Late Red Plum. Miss Margesson (Mr.
H. Parsons, gardener), Major Sergeson, Cuckfield Park, and the Rev. F. J.
Mount, the Yicarage (Mr. C. Thompsett, gardener), also contributed collec¬
tions of fruit, the latter being artistically arranged on moss and leaves,
with plants and cut Sowers interspersed. Mr. J. Tugwell acted as Hon.
Secretary. It is to be hoped the ladies and gentlemen of the neighbour¬

hood will next year give these gardeners such an amount of support as to
insure a prize list for 1887.

WELLS. — November 24th.

This, the first Exhibition of the Wells Society, was highly successful in
every respect, and must have been very encouraging to the body of gentle¬
men and gardeners who originated it. With the addition of a few open
classes and prizes of increased value no difficulty will be experienced in
attracting a still better show next autumn, and this has already been
decided upon. The fixture was at least one week too late for any season,
but in spite of this a considerable number of good plants and cut blooms
were staged, and these were certainly as fresh in appearance as the majority
of exhibits at earlier shows. The Hon. Secretary, Mr. A. G. Andrews, and
the Hon. Treasurer, Mr. Robert Isgar, both worked very hard, and with the
help of a good working Committee succeeded in arranging an attractive
display in good style, and the judging was completed and the doors opened
by the time advertised — an achievement not always attainable by much
older societies.

Some of the best prizes were offered for groups composed principally of
Chrysanthemums, aDd of these there were five in competition. Mr. W. A.
McKenzie, gardener to W. Belgrave, Esq., took the first prize for a very
effective arrangement of well-grown plants, among which Cullingfordi,
Princess of Teck, Mrs. Dixon, Peter the Great, Hero of Stoke Newington,
and Ethel were conspicuously good. Mr. J. B. Payne, gardener to the
Bishop of Bath and Wells, was a creditable second, being closely fol¬
lowed by Mr. T. Wilkinson, gardener to C. C. Tudway, .Esq. ; and
an extra prize was awarded to Mr. G. Humphries, all having abund¬
ance of well-bloomed plants. The best six specimens of incurved varie¬
ties were staged by Mr. W. Potter, gardener to A. Colston, E-q., who
had neatly trained examples of Mrs. Rundle, Empress of India, Mrs.
Dixon, and other popular varieties. Mr. J. B. Payne had the second
prize for ordinarily staked plants, carrying very fine blooms, Princess of
Teck, Lord Alcester, and Jardin des Plantes being very good. Mr. Potter
was also first for six Japanese varieties, Peter the Great, Mons. (Henri
Jacotot, and Mons. C. Hubert being the best represented sorts. The second
prize was awarded to Mr. G. Tatchell, gardener to A. G. Andrews, Esq.., he
also having several good freely bloomed plants. In a class for mixed
varieties Mr. J. Payne was placed first, showing Mrs. Rundle, Mrs. Dixon,
Mons. C. Hubert, Soeur Melanie, and Rose of Castille in very good condi¬
tion, and he was closely followed by Mr. Tatchell, who took the second
prize.

There were several exhibitors of two fine-foliaged plants, Mr. A. Moore,
gardener to Sir R. Paget, Cranmore, leading with good specimens of Pan-
danus Yeitchi and Alocasia metallica. the second prize going to Mr. T.
Wilkinson, who had two Palms. Mr. Wilkinson was also first for two table
plants, having pretty examples of Pandanus Yeitchi and Dracteoa Cooperi.
Mr. J. B. Payne was a good second. There were several lots of six
Primulas in competition, Mr. Payne taking the first prize for rather small
but well-formed and richly coloured varieties, Mr. Tatchell taking the
second prize for freely bloomed plants. There were several non-compi-titive
exhibits of plants, the most noteworthy being a very pretty group of Orchids
sent by F. J. Clarke, Esq., Street, most of which were noticed in our report
of the late Street Show.

Cut blooms staged in fairly large quantities proved most attractive, the
greater portion of the visitors not having previously seen fully developed
flowers. The premier prize for twenty-four blooms, to consist of equal
numbers of incurved and Japanese varieties, was easily won by Mr. Payne,
who had very fine examples of incurved Golden Empress of India, Princess
of Wales, Princess of Teck, Lady Slade, Cherub; and Japanese Meg Merri¬
lies, Japonaise, Balmoreau, Grandiflorum, Mdlle. Lacroix, Ethel, and
Roseum Superbum. Mr. W. A. McKenzie had smaller but well-set-up
blooms, and was second, the third going to Mr. G. Tatchell. With
twelve incurved varieties Mr. Payne was first, having good blooms of
popular varieties, Mr. McKenzie being second, and Mr. Tatchell, third,
similar positions being held by these exhibitors with twelve Japanese
sorts. Both vases filled with Chrysanthemums and foliage, and hand
bouquets similarly composed, were extensively and well shown. In the
former class Mr. A. Moore took the lead with an imposing arrangement
the second going to Mr. Wilkinson for a very lightly filled epergne. Tlie’
others were much too heavy in style, and the same may be said of t.h
unplaced bouquets. The best bouquet was shown by Mr. Wilkinson, Mre
Moore being a good second, and Mr. J. Summerhayes third.

A creditable lot of Grapes were shown in the class for any black variety.
Mr. Moore staged well-finished Alicante, and was easily first, the second
prize going to Mr. Payne, and the third to Mr. Wilkinson, both haying
Alicante fresh and good. Mr. Moore was also first with a white variety,
staging well-grown Muscat of Alexandria, and Mr. McKenzie was third with
Syrian. Numerous dishes of Pears were shown, Mr. Moore leading with
good Marie Louise ; and Mr. Wilkinson was second with very fine fruit of
Duchesse d’AngoulSme. Mr. Hall had the best culinary Apples in three
varieties, and Messrs. Payne, Wilkinson, and others also showed well in the
Apple classes. Mr. Payne was first for Tomatoes, and Mr. McKenzie
second ; and with Mushrooms the prizewinners were Messrs. Moore, Wilkin¬
son, and Tatchell.

Among the fruit exhibited, not for competition, the most noteworthy
was an extensive collection of Apples and Pears staged by Messrs. W. E.
Browne & Sons, nurserymen, etc., Wells, included being clean good exampl s
of Pears Doyenne du Cornice. Beurre Langelier, and Marie Louise ; and
Apples Lord Clyde, Peasgood’s Nonesuch, Alexander, Warner’s King, lom
Putt, Rymer, and Small’s Admirable. Mr. Moore had a very interesting
collection of Gourds, Medlars, Quinces, and Cape Gooseberries, and also a
very fine dish of Yicomtesse Hericart de Thury Strawberry.

COLCHESTER.— November 25th.

As is well known, the ancient town of Colchester is famous for its Roses,
the veteran grower, Mr. B. R. Cant, having won many a victory in the niost
formidable contests of the day ; and Mr. Frank Cant has well sustained t he
reputation of the neighbourhood by the exc Hence of his blooms, which
have occupied a foremost place at leading exhibitions. It is evident that
Chrysanthemums are also favoured at Colchester. The old churchyard was

502

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ December 2, 1886.

a veritable flower garden, these flowers growing apparently in wild profu¬
sion among the tombs, producing a mas3 and mixture of colour such as is
seldom seen in such positions. The plants were chiefly Pompons, and it
must be said that th y exceeded in vigour, floriferousness, and size of
blooms any of the same type in the E shibition. But the churchyard blossoms
were fading, not a few being far advanced in decay — conclusive proof that
the date of the Show wa3 fixed at the least ten days too late, and it was a
matter of surprise how fresh the exhibitors had kept the plants and blooms
that were placed in competition. They must, however, have lost many, and
considering all the circumstances of the case they, on the whole, showed
wonderfully well.

The Exhibition was (held in the new Corn Exchange, a very large and
well-lighted building admirably adapted for the purpose, and as the collec¬
tions were effectively disposed under the superintendence of Mr. J. C.
<~>uilt°r, the able Secretary of the Soc:ety, the hall had a well-furnished and
remarkably bright appearance. The groups of Chrysanthemums formed
the most striking feature of the Exhibition. These were not composed of
an unlimited number of plants on single stems carrying from three to six
very large blooms ; but the stipulation was for thirty plants shown as grown
arranged in a space not exceeding 50 square feet. In this class, which was
open to all, there was great competition, the plants as a rule being such as
are commonly grown for the embellishment of conservatories, several of
them not having been disbudded, or very slightly, only a few being
encouraged to develope fine individual blooms. In this class the premier
prize was well won by Mr. F. Kettle, gardener to Mrs. Egerton Green,
King’s Ford, Stanway — a free, bold, fresh, and effective group ; the plants
carrying from twelve to fifty blooms each, not a few of them being very good.
The second prize was awarded to Mr. C. Gall, gardener to F. A. Cole, Esq.,
Colchester, with a bright and not closely packed group, the plants bearing
from twelve to twenty good blooms each. Mr. H. Spooner, gardener to
Rev. F. Norman, Mistley, was third with bright moderately dwarf plants,
but too crowded ; Mr. C. Unwin, gardener to Rev. R. C. Hales, Lawford.
being adjudged the remaining prize with the dwarfest plant s of all, but so
closely arranged as to form a smooth surface of colour. A fewer number of
finer blooms and more freedom and relief in arrangement would have
rendered this and some other groups more pleasing and effective. Mr. B. R.
Cant arranged a very imposing group of plants, bearing several good
blooms, not for competition.

Classes were provided for six plants of Chrysanthemums, excluding
Japanese varieties, and for six plants of Japanese ; also for three plants of
each respectively, and the same number of Pompons. Mr. Kettle secured
the first position in all these classes except one, in which Mr. Gale was
successful, the remaining prizetakers being Mr. W. Dance, gardener to Col.
Lowe, Gosfield Hall, Halstead ; and Messrs. Unwin, Rolfe, Drew, Gall, and
Brook J. Several of the plants were of large size and very gay, but fe w were
dwarf trained.

Cut blooms were not staged in great numbers, hut several of the stands
contained remarkably neat and, considering the date, fresh examples. Mr.
H. Lister, gardener to Lord Brooke, Easton Lodge, Dunmow, won the silver
epergne given by the Mayor and Corporation of Colchester for twenty-four
varieties, twelve incurved and twelve Japanese, with highly creditable and
well-finished exarnpl s of Empress of India, Golden Empress, Queen of
England, Lord Alcester, Mr. Brunle s, Princess of Teck, Hero of Stoke
Newington, Princess of Wales, Angelina, Lady Slade, and Mr. Bott.
Japanese: Madame C. Audiguier, Marguerite Marrouch, Soleil Levant, J.
Delaux, Madame Lacroix, Triomphe de la Rue des Chalets, Japonaise, Peter
the Great, Meg Merrilies, all in surprisingly good condition. Mr. Dance
was a good second with extremely neat incurved blooms, and frjsh and
bright Japanese the remaining prize going to Mr. E. Hotson, gardener to
C. B. Skiuner, Esq., The Chantry, Ipswich, for larger blooms, but less fresh
and well finished. In the class for eighteen varieties the prizes fell to the
same exhibitors in the same order. Mr. W. Brooke was first in the two
classes for twelve blooms, Mr. Kettle being the most successful competitor
in the smaller classes.

Excellent collections of Apples, Pears, Vegetables, and Potatoes, were
staged, but we have not space for enumerating the varieties and prize¬
winners in these classes. A beautiful ballroom bouquet exhibited by Mrs,
Kerry is highly worthy of mention by its artistic arrangement and richness ;
it was composed of golden bronze Japanese Chrysanthemums, with a lace
border to match, and commanded general admiration.

MANCHESTER. — November 24th.

We are informed by a gentleman who visited this Show that it was of
more than ordinary extent and excellence. What may be termed conserva¬
tory plants are always well exhibited at Manchester. These are plants
remarkable for their dwarf habit, robust growth, luxuriant foliage, and
handsome blooms. The stems are not bent or twis ted to make round formal
specimens, but the cutting down system is practised ; hence the sturdiness
of the plants. This method, we believe, originated in the Manchester
district and gradually spread southwards, and is now followed by all the
most successful exhibitors of Chrysanthemums arranged for effect. At
Manchester Mr. Bles, B oughton Park, was the premier exhibitor of plants
for conservato ry decoration, with splendid examples, followed by Messis.
J. Wild, Whitefield, and W. Holland, Higher Broughton. In the class for
nine specimen plants Mr. J. Fletcher, Kersley Vale House, distanced all
•competitors with admirable examples, notably of King of Crimsons and
Princess Teck, the remaining priz s falling to Messrs. A. Heine, Fallow-
field, W. Holland, and S. Reddaway, all exhibiting well. Pompons were
very good indeed, the awards going to Messrs. Wild, Brennand, and Heine
in the order named ; and for Japanese, which were highly effective, to
Messrs. Brennand, Hunter, and Agnew.

Cut blooms were very fresh, and many of them fine; indeed, a better
collection has not b. en arranged in the Town Hall. In the class for twenty-
four incurved varieties, and that for the same number of Japanese, Mr. E. G.
Wrigley, Dunkinfield, was the leading exhibitor, followed in the former
class by Messrs. D. Maclure, Heaton Mersey, and Mr. Goodacre, Elvaston
Castle; and in the latter by Messrs, J. Walker, Stockport, and Mr. Good-
acre. Mr. Walker won the chief prizes in the two corresponding classes for
twelve blooms, Mr. Wrigley occupying a similar position in the class for
thirty-six miscellaneous blooms. Hand bouquets formed an attractive fea¬

ture of the Exhibition, those shown by Mr. Heine being exquisite in arrange¬
ment and variety. Three pans of Sonerila shown by Mr. Joseph Broome
were grea'ly admired. An extra prize was awarded to Mr. John He, wood
for black aud white Grapes. Very fine collections of plants were shown,
not for comp tition, by Messrs. Dickson & Robinson, and Dickson, Brown,
and Ta:t, of Manchester, and the Liverpool Horticultural Company, all of
these exhibits receiviug first-class commendation. In the co: ridor there
was an exhibition of Apples and Pears, fifty varieties being shown by
Me.-srs. R. Smith & Co., of Worcester. Mr. S. Barlow, of Stakehill, showed
a collection gathered from trees planted only two years ago. Mr.
Goodacre was also a successful exhibitor of fruit. The Show was excellently
arranged, and admired by crowds of visitors.

CLONMEL.— -Nov 24th.

This very successful Show was never excelled in Clonmel ; and as re¬
gards the quality of some of the exhibits, was superior to anything ever staged
in Dublin. The weather — the great arbiter of success or failure as regards
flower shows — more resembled a balmy bright day in June than the
customary Novemb r, enabling the ladies to don bright costumes, in keep¬
ing with the floral beauty and brilliantly Ht up the large Assembly Room
of the Courthouse, where the Show was held. As to the number present,
notwithstanding the space of this fine room, the crush at times was con¬
siderable, especially during the day. At night the price of admission was
reduced to the popular sixpence, and the place was well filled, rendering a
promenade at times no easy matter.

The members of the Committee present, and superintending the
arrangements, were chiefly H. S. Boyd, Esq., Suit- Mount ; Frederick Clibbon,
Esq., Anner House ; and Thomas Pnelan, Esq., Spring Garden, the courteous
and energetic Hon. Secretary, on whom much of the preliminary arrange¬
ments devolved. These gentlemen were also contributors to the decora¬
tions of the ball room, with plants and flowers for exhibition only, especially
Mr. Clibborn, who sent for the central tables numerous Palms, hardy
Orch ds, and Maidenhair Ferns, and several decorative Chrysanthemums in
pots. Among others who sent contributions for the same purpose were Mrs.
B-igwell, coll etion of rare Ferns from Marlfield ; Mrs. Gough, fine speci¬
mens of foliage Begonias from Rithronan Manor ; Mrs. Fayle, ornamental
Gourds from Merlin ; Mrs. Crean, decorative Chrysanthemums, from Cool-
greany ; Miss Fanny Carruthers, a basket of Chrysanthemum cut blooms,
tastefully arranged for effect, and grown by herself. Two other contribu¬
tions deserv • special no.ic- — namely, the collection of fruit and flowers
from the residence of the Hon. Dudley and Lady Cameha Fortescue at
Summerville, Dunmore East. Lady Fortescue (head gardener, Mr. J. A.
Calthorpe) kindly sent two dozen cut blooms of decorative Chrysanthe¬
mums, not grown for exhibition. The magnificent cut blooms that out¬
distanced all competitors at th ; recent Royal Hordcu'tural Society’s Show,
Dublin, a week ago, were exhibited by F. Clibborn, Esq., Anner House ; a
collec ion of Apples and Pears, and some stove plants, including some
beautiful sprays of Bougainvillea glabra, very fine for the time of the year.
As to Mr. Clibborn’s cut blooms of Chrysanthemums that won the
Marchioness of Headfort’s special p'ize in Dublin against all Ireland, they
were arranged on gr en moss at one end of the room, not for competition,
and looked even now wonderfully fine aud fresh, though cut ten days.

With plants and groups there were six entries — From Mrs. Malcomson,
Minella (gardener, Mr. John Crehan), F. Clibborn, Esq. (gardener, Mr.
Crowley), Mr. Thomas O’Shea, Thomas Phelan, Esq. (gardener, Mr.
Hatpin), Mrs. Bagwell (gardener, Mr. Oleary), and Mrs. Gough, Rathronan
(gardener, Mr. Mulcahy). The first and second prizes, and commended,
went in the order named. Mr. Crehan had three well-trained specimens of
Julie Lagravere, Mr. A tie, and the Japapese la Frisure, that would get a
prize at any show. He had also Duchess of Manchester, Jardin des Plantes,
and Guernsey Nugg t.

The incurved bioom3 indicated the progress made since last year. The
schedule was for twenty-four blooms, of not less than twelve varieties. The
first prize went to Mr. Frederick Clibborn, second to Mr. Thomas Phelan ;
the former were of great size, depth, and finish, the second were very fresh
and bright. The most notable of the winning blooms, in the order stated,
commencing with the top row, were Queen of England, Alfred Salter,
Empress of India, Golden Empress, Lord Wolseley, Golden Queen of
England, Bronze Jardin des Plantes, Blush Queen, Jeanne d’Arc, Jardin des
Plantes, Prin e of Wales, and George Glenny ; not repeating duplicates.
Mr. Phelan’s were more varied, and included Nil Desperandum, Hero of
Stoke Newington, John Salter, Bronze Jardin des Plantes, Prince Alfred,
Jardin des Plantes, Princess Teck, Refulgence, Lord Wolseley, Lady
Harding, Princess of Wales, Mrs. Shipman, Cherub, Empress Eug-nie,
Barbara, Lady Slade, and Golden Beverley. The next class was for twelve
incurved, at least six varieties, and though there were five competitors, Mr.
Crehan, for Mrs. Malcomson, was many points ahead of the second, Mr.
O’Shea, who was succeeded by Miss Jellico, Cahir, Mrs. Bagwell, R. W.
Smith, Esq , C.hir, and Miss Grubb, Glenam. The winning box contained
some admirable blooms of Blush Queen, Empress of India, very fine ;
Jeanne d’Arc, Empress Eugenie, Guernsey Nugget, Alcester, Pink Venus,
Duchess, and Jardin, which shows Mr. Crehan could easily have competed
in the last section. Mr. O’Shea had Inner Temple well done ; Golden
Que n, Empress of India, and Jardin des Plantes, bronze and yellow.

The first prize for twenty-four Japanese blooms, at least twelve varieties,
went, after a close contest, to Mr. Phelan, the Becond to Mr. F. Clibborn.
The varieties were : — Top row : Jean Delaux, Fernand Ferral, Mons.
Astorg, F. Ferral, Criterion, Belle Paule, Japonaise, and Madame Clemence
Audiguier. Second row : Marguerite Marrouch, Val Andorre, M. Plan-
cheron, Marguerite Marrouch, Jeanne Delaux, M. Plancheron, Count Germiny,
and Marguerite Marrouch. Front row : Peter the Great, Madame 0.
Audiguier, J. Delaux, Comte Germiny, Peter the Great, Henri Jacotot, and
John Laing, very fine. As to the second prize twenty-four, Mr. Clibborn’s
wondrous blooms lost marks for freshness, as some of them were the blooms
he won with in Dublin a week previously. We give the several varieties in
full: Fair Maid of Guernsey, Madame C. Audiguier, La Traviata, Boule
d’Or, Belle Paule, Criterion, Mdlle. Lacroix, Source d’Or, Madame de Sev n,
Comte Germiny, Coquette de Castile, Mons. Freeman, F. A. Davis, Mons.
Astorg, Beautb de Jardin, and Jupiter ; the remainder being duplicates.

The next class was for twelve Japanese, and for which there were six

December 2, 1888. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

503

entries, almost all of which were a distinct adv me! on last year. First prize
went by a few marks to H. S. Boyd, Esq., S nirmount (gardener Mr. Keating),
second prize to Mrs. Malcomson (Mr. Crehan) ; commended, R. W. Smith,
Esq., Cahir ; Mrs. Bagwell, Mr. Clibborn, and Miss Jellico. In Mr. Boyd’s
stand was the first Chrysanthemum at the Show, really bright, large and
beautiful, two blooms of Belle Paule, fresher, but not larger than Mr. Clib-
born’s. Messrs. Phelan and Clibborn were the winners with reflexed blooom-1,
and for Anemones Messrs. H. S. Boyd, Clibborn, Phelan, and Crehan.

Fruit was well represented, Grapes, Apples, and Pears being shown in
good condition by Mrs. Malcomson, Mrs. Crehan, Coolgreany (Mr. Burke,
gardener), and Mrs. Bagwell.

NEW YORK.

The Exhibition of Chrysanthemums by the New York Horticultural
Society, beginning November 2, and ending the following Sabbath evening,
was the finest show ever made by this organisation, all things considered.
The first day or two of the Exhibit'on some of the flowers had not fully
panded (on account of the backward condition of bloom in this locality,
which was about four days later than last season), and many persons
expressed disappointment, but every day the flowers opened wider, and the
Show was handsomer, and everyone was delighted who came to criticise the
queen of autumn.

The majority of plants entered were of the bush form ; these were from
3 to 5 feet high, and about the same in diameter. The Japanese and
Chinese types were about equil in nnmber. There was a fine show of the
Anemone-flowered, which appears in all types, and the Pompons held their
own in the display, and received an ample share of admiration. As many
as 1200 flowers were co anted upon several of the plants. The standards
were from 6 to 9 feet high, and their heads of bloom towered over the lower
plants with fine effect. These were plants trained as fans, which were
admirable for a growing design in this plant. These fans were about 8 feet
high, and were most gracefully spread out with flowers like an open fan at
the top of the tall stem.

The arrangement of the Cnrysanthemum plants with backgrounds of
crimson-tinted Oak trees, Hemlocks, Spruce, and Irish Junipers, was
•extremely tasteful, suitable, and effective. From the balconies of Cosmo¬
politan Hall to the floor these forest trees were spread out in a trellis, and
at intervals platforms were raised, on which the bush plants were placed,
those of the Chinese type one side the hall, and the Japanese opposite.
Through the centre of the building were large oval parterres of plants,
with specimen Palms and other decorative foliage massed in a large bed
near the west end of the building wlitre the Japanese garden was laid out.

As viewed from the balcony above, all the effects in the hall were
irregular and informal; there were no straight paths, but it seemed a maze
of the fleecy blossoms — a zig-zag of patterns — a crazy quilt of colour and
confused devices. One of the best features of the Exhibition was the entire
transformation of the hall by the changing about of the plants. A re¬
arrangement of the foliage plants was the first move made. They were
taken from their mas-ings and placed singly among the Chrysanthemums,
or in small groups ; the effect was to heighten and add a fantastic grace.
When the Judges had made their decisions and there was no longer a need
for keeping the classes of plants together, the competitive arrangement was
changed to a grand ornamental display. All the golden Chrysanthemums
were massed in the centre of the hall. The amaranth-tinted ones were put
together, and so were the whites, the crimsons, and the red-and-yellow
variegated lot that looked like burning bushes, so flame-tipped were the
petals. The electric lights were lowered, so they rested like meteors among
the plants ; an exquisite effect was made with a Dracaena Draco lifted above
white flowers, with a ball of light which seemed tossed up from its fountain¬
like leaves. The blooms of the Mrs. Grover Cleveland seedling, which
were extraordinarily b autiful, were flooded with light, rising as these did
in the centre of the hall.

The stages which were erected so that the plants placed upon them
presented inclined planes of bloom, were defined by the needle-like Irish
Junipers, which, as they pierced the field of flowers, were sharply effective,
(fount de Germiny in bush ana standard, President Cleveland, Gloriosum,
Gluck, Belle Paule, Gloire Rayonnante, Eugene Lanjaulet, Pink of Per¬
fection, Madame Croisette, John Thorpe, jun., Fair Marguerite, Fleur de
Marie, Salamon, Lord Wolseley. Incarnation, and many other plants and
blossoms, excited the admiration of the crowds that passed the plants or
leaned over the tables where the cut flowers were placed. The Pompons,
Othello, Lucretia, and Mrs. Hazlet were prominent in their type, and old
“ Bob ” never looked more brilliant. Among the maroon flowers Etienne
Celli, Black Doug'as, Rob rt Wolcott, and Hon. John Welsh received a
large share of praise. George Sand, in the Anemone-flowered type, was
conspicuously beautiful.

The choicest standard plants and the new Japanese seedlings were
arranged in the Japane-e garden, where there were two bamboo summer
houses profusely hung with curios— fans, parasols, umbrellas, scrolls, and
panels. Blooming plants were twined in and out of these structures, and
each side of them were quantities of cut flowers, baskets richly filled with
•bloom, and pots of growth on which but one flower had been brought out.
The latter flowers were of enormous size and remarkable shapes and colours.
Most of them were named after Japanese celebrities. A native Japanese
sat in each summerhouse, where he painted fans and screens, which were
sold at reasonable prices.

A “ grandmother's garden ” was one of the features of the Exhibition,
and served as a centre where the contrast between a tangle of neglected
growth, such as was usually the rule in the old-fashioned garden, and the
wealth of carefully trained specimens, could be considered. The variety of
plants iu the little nook devoted i o Artemisias and Dianthus were extremely
limited ; but the spraw ing, unkempt growth was enticing, as are all the
loose, grassy arrangements of eith r plantsman or florist.

There were but few entries of designs in response to the prizes offered
by the wholesale florist. Tbree screens and one, I believe, “ table ” design
— whatever the latter was intended for. It was a complication of go'den
flowers and golden fish, at which I must draw the line of all criticism.
There were two screens, one of four, and the other with three panels. These
were very elaborat ly woven into patterns of Greek designs and landscapes
of Japanese scenes with great e'everuess and finish. In relief upon them
were oaken boughs and flocking birds, and fern tie figures most effectively

applied. This work was done by A. Le Moult, always a man of ideas. He
took the grand and special prize, while C. Thorley received the second
prize for a screen that was ingeniously scattered over wiih Vines blooming
with Chrysanthemums, the stems of which here and there were plunged in
antique pitchers fastened to the panels by sashes of satin.

The pitcher prize, a silver cup, was awarded to Richard Brett, who also
took prize A, “ by a Member.” B, the W. S. Allen prize, to A. Le Moult
first, and J. E. Thorley second. D, combination prize, to A. Le Moult.

In the entries for seedlings the following were awarded certificates of
me it : — Jas. R. Pitcher for seedling, John Thorpe; E. M. Allen for Mrs.
Ackers Allen; Hallock aud Thorpe for Japanese seedlings, Count Zbrowski,
Mrs. Grover Cleveland, Prince Komisky, and Success.

The exhibitors were Hallock & Tnorpe, Queens, L. I.; Julius Scharff,
Floral Park, Queens, L. I. ; Walter Coles, Claymont, Del. ; Richard Brett,
Short Hills, N. J. ; Geo. Matthews, G eat Neck, L. I. ; Peier Henderson, 35,
Cortlandt Street, N. Y. ; E. M. Allen, 356, Pearl Street, N. Y. ; Thos. H.
Spaulding, Orange, N. J. ; John Dallas, Fairfield, Conn.; W. C. Wilson,
Astoria, L. I. ; A. Le Moult. 174, Broadway, N. Y. ; J. E. Thorley, 343,
Broadway, N.Y. — ( The American Florist.)

PLANTING ROSES.

Roses often fail to do satisfactorily because planting is delayed until
ate in the season, and the trying weather and cutting winds of March tell
upon them to such an extent that puny growth in some cases, and death
in others, result. The season for planting has now arrived, and it may
be well to draw attention at this period tr the importance of early
planting if good growth and fairly fine flowers are to be produced next
summer.

Planting in early autumn is sometimes delayed by over-pressure of
work in other departments, but more generally perhaps through pro¬
crastination. When time is lost early in the season ungenial weather
stops the preparation of the ground, or heavy rains render it unsuitable
for planting. Frost often delays the operation, and the plants if received,
which is frequently the case, are laid in for weeks, and it may be for
months. This is no advantage to the Roses, and to get them in they are
planted when the ground is in an unfit state. It is much better to allow
them to remain heeled in than to plant them wflien the soil is saturated.

1 am more than ever convinced that planting, say in the early part of
November, is preferable to planting during any other month of the
season. 1 do not say that Roses planted during the following month will
not do well, for I have proved the contrary, if they could be got in when
the soil was in a suitable condition. But delays are dangerous. I re¬
member a few years ago that Roses arrived in November, and the ground
not being ready could not be planted before the end of January or some
time during that month, and then the soil was not in good condition,
and the Roses were never satisfactory until they were lifted and
replanted.

Some may think it too early to prepare the ground for this purpose,
but such is not the case, and those who practise it will soon discover that
the work usually done during the winter has been wonderfully advanced
by having the ground made ready early in the season. Planting one
hundred or even a thousand Roses does not occupy very much time, but
the preparation of the ground for them is a more serious matter.

The position selected f r Roses should be as open as possible, so that
every ray of sunlight will be able to reach the plants, and where abundance
of air will play freely amongst their branches. In order to provide shelter
for Roses many grave mistakes have been made, and the beds or Rose
garden made too near large trees, the roots of which have entered the soil
provided for the Roses and quickly robbed it of its fertility. . Roses should
not he planted in the vicinity of large forest trees, for their roots travel
often further than many suppose, and in a season or two result in the
Roses doing unsatisfactorily. It is much better to plant Roses in an
exposed position than select such places for them, for they can endure
wind and exposure much better than poverty of soil. This is not all, for
such shelter robs the plants of air, which is essential to their well-being.
Shelter is certainly advantageous if it can be provided without excluding
air and sunshine, or robbing the plants of food by the extension of the
roots of trees. Evergreens, the roots of which do not extend far, are
preferable to trees for providing shelter. _

The site selected should also be well drarned, so that superfluous
water will pass away, for although Roses should never be dry at their
roots they cannot endure to have them in soil that is too wet during the
greater part of the year. Drainage not only renders the soil drier but
warmer and more fertile than land that has not been drained. All soils
do not need artificial drainage, for the subsoil is often of a porous nature.
On a formation of sandstone or gravel drainage is an evil. Excessive
draining must be avoided, for during a spell of dry weather the plants
suffer at their roots and soon become a prey to mildew. It is only a
waste of time on heavy soils to dig out the beds or borders for the purpose
of placing in brickbats for drainage. Such hcl .8 prove only to be recep-
tacles for water, unless pipes are laid to carry the superabundance of
water tbat may be collected to some outlet. I remember once lifting
some Roses tbat had been planted two or three years before on this
principle, and the drainage was full of water. .

Roses dislike a shallow soil, and seldom grow with luxuriance. dney
grow and do much better on shallow tenacious soils than they do on light
sandy or gravelly ones. However, on heavy soils the root run should be
as deep as possible. On light soils, when of a shal ow nature, some of the
subsoil may with advantage be removed to a depth of 18 inches, or even

2 feet, and filled with fertile soil of a suitable nature. When this is done
there is much greater prospect of the plants doing satisfactorily than if
they were planted in the shallow soil. Those who have practised only on

504

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ December 2, 1886.

a deep fertile soil have no conception of the difficulties of others who have
to deal with soils only a few inches deep. Probably in more than half
the gardens here devoted to pleasure grounds the depth of fertile soil
does not exceed 6 inches, yet Roses may be said to do well, but the soil
has been deepened by the removal of the red and black hungry sand that
underlies the surface, fresh soil being added.

When the soil is light and poor very heavy dressings of decayed manure
must be added. On such soils Roses require a much greater quantity of
manure than many people suppose. Heavy tenacious land may be
rendered sour by the addition of too much manure, but light soils will
stand almost any quantity. To very poor land nearly one-third of
manure may be added without doing harm, but the reverse, but on mode¬
rately fertile loams about one-seventh will prove ample. Upon the former
very liberal applications of manure will be needed to grow Brussels
Sprouts to perfection, and if the amount for them can be estimated no less
should be used for Roses, but rather more. Soils vary so much in fertility
and texture that it would be impossible to lay down any hard-and-fast
rules for applying manure. Rather, however, than incorporate a third of
manure with the natural soil I should prefer to mix it with equal
quantities of fibry loam if it could be obtained in the neighbourhood,
selecting the heaviest I could procure. To this would be added bonemeal
and half-inch bones at the rate of a 6-inch potful to each barrowful of
soil, and about one-seventh of manure. However, if this could not be
done, rather than employ too much manure in the soil when preparing
the beds, to be washed away by autumn and winter rains into the sub¬
soil beyond the reach of the roots, I should prefer to use the bones, a fair
quantity of manure, and make up the deficiency by mulching in early
spring with moderately fresh cow manure. To render poor shallow soils
thoroughly fertile without a certain amount of waste in early autumn is
more diffi ,'ult than is the case with land of a heavier nature. In light
soils much of the manure will be washed away before the roots have a
chance of taking possession of them. I do not like digging in manure on
light land in autumn, because the loss is great, and how to avoid this I
have failed to discover when preparing it early for Roses. The Iobs can
only be made up by heavy mulchings on the surface in spring.

After the ground has once been rendered fertile manure can be applied
in spring to the surface in the form of a mulching, and then no waste
will be occasioned ; but, in spite of the little apparent waste that may
follow the preparation of the beds at this season, it is more than counter¬
balanced by the luxuriant growth of the plants the following season than
would be the case if the beds and bordeis were made ready later in the
Season, and planting delayed in consequence.— W. B.

POTATO TERCENTENARY EXHIBITION AND CONGRESS

December 1st to 4th.

To celebrate the third centenary of the introduction of the Potato it
was proposed early in the present year that the International Show hitherto
held at the Crystal Palace should be extended, and departments be devoted
to the literature of Potato historv. Owing to the collapse of the Interna¬
tional Show the proposition was for some time in abeyance, but was subse¬
quently revived by Mr. W. E. Wood, and a competitive exhibition of Pota¬
toes, together with an exhibition of books, engravings, &c,, connected with
the subject, and a conference on interesting topics relative to this important
tuber was organised to be held in St. Stephen’s Hall, Westminster. No
money prizes were offered, and there was only one class, gold, silver, and
bronze medals constituting the prizes. Each exhibit was to comprise not
less than six nor more than twelve varieties of Potatoes, and with these
there were about thirty competitors, the majority showing twelve
varieties, two dishes of each. The gold medal was awarded to Mr. E. Chop¬
ping, Periwinkle Mills, Milton, Sittingbourne, who had even, clean, hand¬
some tubers of White Elephant, Chancellor, Reading Russet, Reading Ruby,
Village Blacksmith, Rufus, Sutton’s Abundance, Purple Perfection, The
Belle, The Colonel, Adirondack, and Schoolmaster. The silver medal was
obtained by Mr. Joseph H. Diver, Pitshill, Petworth, for good specimens of
Washington Hero, International, Mr. Bresee, Vicar of Laleham, White
Elephant, Snowflake, The Dean, Reading Giant, Adirondack, School¬
master, Purple Edgcote, Reading Russet. The bronze medal was adjudged
to Mr. W. Kerr, Dargavel, Dumfries, N.B., for tubers very close in merit to
the preceding, and representing White Elephant, Village Blacksmith,
Eclipse, Adirondack, Chancellor, Queen of the Valley, Schoolmaster, Mr.
Bresee, Snowdrop, Vicar of Laleham, and International. Two collections
from Mr. J. Hughes, Eydon Hall, Byfield, and one from Mr. E. S. Wiles,
Edgcote, Banbury, were highly commended. Non-competing collections
are contributed by M-sers. Hooper & Co., Covent Garden, who also have an
Irish Potato spade and a photograph of Ralegh’s house at Youghall, County
Cork. MM. Vilmorin & Cie., Paris, show a collection of Potatoes, and Mr.
John Watkins, Pomona Farm, Hereford, has numerous varieties of
Potatoes.

The literature department comprises a number of the old Herbals and
works on geography or the travels of the early navigators, including refer¬
ences to the Potai o as it was first observed in America. Old maps, plans,
photographs, die., are also included, many of a highly interesting character.
It is announced that papers will be read on various subjects connected with
the history and culture of the Potato on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday,
to be followed on each occasion by a discussion, that on Friday night being
specially reserved for a consideration of the railway charges in the convey¬
ance of Potatoes to market towns.

ROSE GLOIRE DE DIJON.

The majority of your readers know this Rose well, and I need say
little in introducing it, but I would like to ask many of them if they

think they grow it in sufficient quantity. I am inclined to think if its
many excellent qualities are taken into consideration the reply will be in
the negative, and the present is a good time to consider the matter with
the view of introducing more. As a long and constant bloomer the
“ Gloire ” is unique. Its first blossoms open almost as soon in the open
as they do in a greenhouse. Here on a south wall it begins to bloom early
in April, and never ceases until November, the large huff blooms being
both showy and delightfully fragrant. In the latter respect they are not
surpassed by any other Rose, and it is impossible to have too many of
them. They are suitable for all kinds of choice decoration, and perhaps
they are never more pleasing than when a quantity of them are arranged
by themselves in a dish or glass. In this way they are peculiarly artistic,
and in drawing rooms or cottage windows, or indeed anywhere, they are
most attractive. They are never out of place, and a dinner table
decorated with “ Gloire ” blossoms and leaves and nothing else is
delightful.

It is impossible to make a mistake in planting them, as they grow
freely as climbers on walls, arbours, hedges, against churches, mansions,
cottages, and in short everywhere, and never fail to make a great deal of
wood and flower profusely. They succeed, too, as bushes in borders and
beds, but not so well as they do climbing; and in localities where soil and
climate are unfavourable to the growth of Roses the “ Gloire ” is the one
above all others to plant, as it has a fine constitution. The present is a
good time to plant it, and with a deep rich soil to work in, it will grow
away freely next spring and bloom throughout the whole summer. Some
Roses will only grow on a certain stock, and others will barely succeed on
anything, but my experience of the one in question leads me to say it
will succeed on any or every kind of stock on which Roses have been
tried. — J. M.

KITCHEN GARDEN.

Forcing Vegetables.— The Rhubarb we recommended to be covered
up four weeks ago has now produced many fine growths that are now
be so much valued as in seasons when the Apples are scarce, but for all
ready for use. As Apples are plentiful with us the Rhubarb may not
that Rhubarb tarts and Rhubarb cream are delicacies in December. Some
more roots should be covered. Two or three may be enough to cover at
once in most cases. A small quantity of hot material will soon ihduce
growth, and if the heat is decliuing in the manure that was placed on
some time ago, take it off, mix with a quantity of fresh material, and
place it back against the box or cask which covers the Rhubarb. The
first batch of Asparagus is also ready for cutting, and as the roots will
only give a supply for about a fortnight, others should be put in for
cutting at Christmas. A bottom heat of 70° or 75° will soon induce
strong growth. The Seakale does not move so fast as the above two roots,
and it will be some weeks before the first heads are ready for cutting, but
as other vegetables are still plentiful we are in no hurry to cut Seakale.
Sow Mustard and Cress weekly in small quantities. Keep a temperature
of 70° for French Beans, but they are most difficult to grow at this season,
and since we f rnnd that Runner Beans salted in September give so much
satisfaction in December and January, we have almost ceased to force
Beans in those months.

Mushrooms. — For some weeks past we have been gathering quantities
daily from beds in cool sheds. Our first idea of this system was gained
from Wright’s “ Mushrooms for the Million,” and the plan has answered
soadmirably that we now practise no other in the winter months. The
Mushrooms invariably appear within six weeks of the time of spawn¬
ing. The beds bear an uncommonly long time, as they are neither
excited with intense heat nor checked by severe cold, and the quality of
the Mushrooms is first-rate, as they grow in quite a natural way. Bsds
may still be formed in any shed or outhouse ; indeed they may be made
up in succession from now until March. Little beds 4 or 5 feet in length
and 3 feet in width furnish many dishes, and a succession of small beds
will be found more satisfactory than a large one, or two formed at long
intervals. As the weather becomes colder, increase the covering of hay
on the surface, and during severe frost this may be about 1 foot in
thickness. Those who grow their Mushrooms in special houses should
see that a succession is kept up, and the temperature should not exceed
65°. A very dry atmosphere is not favourable to the growth of
Mushrooms, and moisture must always be kept in the air in a moderate
degree. Steam is injurious to them, and should never be created. When
the beds become so dry on the surface that the Mushrooms cease to
appear, a watering on the suiface will generally bring a new crop. As
the water does not penetrate freely, the surface must be sprinkled every
half hour until it has become quite wet for a few inches down, and the
water be heated to 85° or 90°. Where woodhee or any other vermin are
troublesome place down saucers of treacle to trap them. Many cooks are
particularly fond of “ button ” Mushrooms. This is the term applied t >
them when quite small and before they have opened, but we do not agree
with the use of buttons to any great extent, as the Mushrooms become so

Deoember 2, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

505

much more bulky when left until they are three parts developed, and
when cut small and young they do not possess that distinet flavour so
conspicuous and valuable in good Mushrooms.

Hotreds. — These are most valuable to the vegetable grower, and in
the early spring months it is almost impossible to get on without them.
They are excellent for raising all early vegetables, and care should be
taken that a quantity of material for their formation is always provided.
The best materials for making them are stable manure in a littery state,
and the leaves of trees and old vegetables. It may be a little too early
yet to make the beds, but it is not too soon to collect the material, and a
quantity should be placed in a heap ready for use. It may be mixed and
turned twice weekly during the next fortnight or three weeks.

Cauliflower Plants.— Since the very early Cauliflowers were
introduced we have not been quite so particular about having a large
quantity of autumn plants, as those raised in spring are ready for use
almost as soon as any that are kept over the winter. Yet the old plan of
Bowing in autumn and keeping the plants in frames or under handlights
in winter is a good one, and we would not like to give it up altogether.
Those planted in the frames some time ago are now growing freely, and
may be very freely ventilated day and night when the weather is mild.
The tops may be taken off the handlights during the day when the plants
have become established, and on no account should they be kept close, as
this will soon make them so tender that many of them will perish before
the winter is over. Late plants may still be lifted and placed under
cover, and any which are left out should be protected during frost or
snow.

Winter Protectors.— Now that December is here, and the shortest
days are at had, frost, snow, and cold weather generally may be expected,
and everything should be ready to protect crops which will not bear ex¬
posure. Hoops, mats, straw, hay, fern, and any material of this sort will
all be found most useful for covering Celery, Lettuce, Endive, Parsley,
roots, &c., and the secret of successful protecting is not to put it on until
it is wanted, keep it on as long as necessary, and move it immediately it
is no longer required.

Veitch’s Self-protecting Broccoli. — This is a gem in December.
It is now coming in as freely as Cauliflowers in July ; the heads are
medium in size, compact, excellent in quality, and always acceptable in
the kitchen. It should be grown by everyone who uses vegetables in
December. Turn the leaves down over the small heads to protect them
from frost, and cut them all as soon as they are 5 inches or 6 inches
across. If trimmed and the end of the stem be put in damp sand in a
cool place they will keep fresh for three or four weeks.

Savoys. — -These are indispensable vegetables at this season. They
are extremely hardy, and never fail to prove useful where the soil is rich
enough to grow them. The Drumhead is a large variety, and finds
favour with some on this account, but it is very coarse and unfit for a
good dinner-table. In this respect we find the small ones always in
demand, and amongst these Webb’s Little Wonder merits special mention.
It may be grown 15 inches apart each way, when the firm heads will
almost touch each other, and when sent to the table they form such a
delicious dish that they will be accepted freely when the larger-growing
varieties and others of inferior quality would be rejected.

FRUIT FORCING!.

Figs. — Earliest Trees in Pots. — A commencement should be made
without delay to insure ripe fruit at the end of April or early in May.
The trees, if not started, must be again dressed with an insecticide, care
being taken not to rub off the young fruit. Place the trees in a mild
bottom heat, the pots being on pillars of loose brickwork, so that they
will not settle with the fermenting material. The beat about the pots
must not exceed 65° until the trees are fairly in growth, whilst the top
heat may be 50° to 55° at night, and 65° by day, the trees and house
being damped in the morning of fine days and again early in the after¬
noon ; but it must be done sufficiently early to allow of the trees getting
fairly dry before night. Water must be given at the roots to keep the
soil thoroughly moist, and not less in temperature than that of the fer¬
menting material about the pots.

Planted-out Trees. — When the foliage has fallen the trees should be
pruned. Shoots which have attained the limit of the trellis must be cut
back to where the succeeding shoots Btart, in order that they may occupy
their places in the ensuing season. Cut away entirely all elongated spurs,
reserving, however, as may be desirable, a few of those which are short-
j anted and fruitful. The trees after pruning should be loosened from
the trellis ; and after thoroughly cleansing the woodwork with soap and
water, the glass with Clearwater, an l the walls limewashed, adding a
little sulphur, wash the trees with soapy water with a brush and after¬
wards with some insecticide, avoiding pigments that leave a thick deposit
upon the shoots, and when this is completed tie the trees to the trellis,
not t io tightly. If the trees have not been lifted lightly point the border
over, the loose material being removed, and a top-dressing about 3 inches
thick given of short partially decayed manure. The houses can hardly
be too freely ventilated, only when frost prevails they must be closed.

Peaches and Nectarines.— Earliest House. — Since the introduc¬
tion of very early Peaches forcing has been considerably facilitated.
Alexander and Waterlo >, both of good size and high colour, ripen fully
four and not unf requently six weeks in advance of Royal George, the
surest and most extensive forced kind, the two first being also consider¬
ably in advance of Gale’s Early, which had to some extent superseded
Royal George for esrly forcing, in fact is planted in the same house so as
to have a succession. Early Beatrice precedes Hale’s Early in ripening a
foitnight or three weeks, and is about equal with Alexander and Waterloo

in respect of earliness, but is very much smaller, but bright in colour, and
forces remarkably well. Early Louise and Early Rivers are liable to
crack at the stone and be worthless. This is considered to be due to
imperfect impregnation, and pollen is advised to be taken from other
varieties and applied to the stigmas of Early Louise and Early Rivers,
which necessitates growing varieties in the same house that do not ripen
simultaneously. All except Early Louise and Royal George have large
flowers, the pistils being considerably longer than the stamens, and it
is considered on this account that Early Rivers splits at the stone, and the
others do not set satisfactorily when subjected to early forcing. In the
face of this we have to place Early Beatrice and Hale’s Early, both with
large flowers that set freely, though neither is remarkably prolific of
pollen. Early York, which clearly is of the Royal George race in part
and Grosse Mignonne of the other, is also subject to over-development of
the buds, and we are driven to the conclusion that no Peaches of the
Noblesse or paler coloured fruit of the Grosse Mignonne race are suitable
for very early forcing. By forcing the buds are perfected in the dog
days, and are hurried, whereas our experience points to their requiring
time, and no lack of aliment, and as such are not suitable for early forcing
in houses having fixed roofs. When the roof lights are moveable, so that
the trees can be exposed after the fruit is ripe and the trees hardened,
there is less danger of over-development of the buds ; in fact, they retain
the buds and develope perfect blossoms. Apart from those considerations
our experience justifies our not advising the starting of any Peaches with
large flowers and a pale coloured skia before January, and then bring
them foiward very gradually.

The introduction of the very early Peaches has completely revolutionised
forcing. Such varieties as Early Beatrice ripen in advance of Hale’s
Early by a fortnight or three weeks, and four to six weeks ahead of Royal
George. Instead of commencing forcing operations in early December
where the houses are planted with such kinds as Hale’s Early and
Royal George to have ripe fruit in May and early June, houses
planted with Alexander and Waterloo need not be started until
the new year to have fruit ripe at the same time. There is a
clear gain of a month. With the early house planted with such varieties
as Early Beatrice, Alexander, and Waterloo, forcing commenced early in
December will afford ripe fruit at the end of April ; with Hale's Early
and Royal George the fruit will not be ripe before the middle of May and
after. We are aware that Alexander and Early Beatrice have been
ripened at the end of April from the new year as a starting point. If
fruit is wanted in April or early May with certainty, commence forcing
with the very earliest varieties in early December; if later varieties obtain
(and they are superior in quality to the very early sorts), for fruit to be
ripe in May, forcing must commence at the same time, so that we must be
ruled by that we have to work.

The earliest house having been closed as advised, fire heat should now
be applied. The night temperature should not exceed 50° in the mildest
weather without free ventilation and not from fire heat, only using it to
afford a night temperature of 40° to 45°, 50° by day in sharp weather, and
55° in mild, with 65° from sun, the best results being obtained by gentle
excitement in the early stages. Admit air at 50°, and increase it with the
sun heat, having it full at 65°. Syringe the trees and every available
surface morning and afternoon until the bloom buds are showing colour,
after which syringing the trees must be discontinued, but the sprinkling
of the bouse, walls, and paths continued as before. Avoid a close atmo¬
sphere, admitting a little air at the top of the house to prevent moisture
beiog condensed by the glass. The inside borders will require to be
watered with water slightly warmer than the mean of the house, making
sure that every part of the soil is properly moistened. Outside borders
will be benefited by lights or shutters to throw off heavy rains and snow
in addition to a covering of bracken or litter.

Cucumbers. — Most failures with winter-fruiting Cucumbers is
attributable to a deficiency of heating surface. Cold weather necessitates
sharp firing, which where there is little piping dries the atmosphere more
than is good for the foliage, the fruits becoming stunted and swelling
indifferently, and where the pipes are in close proximity to the roots the
soil is dried too much for healthy growth. One of the greatest evils in
all houses requiring to be kept at a high temperature is too little heating
surface, the water in the pipes requiring to be kept up to near boiling
point, which is very inimical to vegetation and highly wasteful of fuel.
Be careful in giving air, affording it, however, whenever a favourable
opportunity offers, but excluding it when the external air is sharp and cold.
In bright but cold weather turn off the top heat when the sun is powerful
and likely to raise the temperature beyond 80° ; in such weather damp the
house morning and afternoon, closing early. Care must be exercised in
damping so as not to wet the embryo fruit, or they will damp off. Water
will be required at the roots about twice a week. A temperature of 60°
to 65° at night is suitable, and 70° to 75° by day.

The winter fruiters or plants from the August sowing, and planted out
in September, will have grown to the extent of the trellis, or nearly so
Unless there is undue vigour in the plants they should not be allowed to.
fruit for a few weeks. Attend frequently to stopping and thinning, also
tying the shoots, avoiding overcrowding and overcropping as the two
greatest evils. Subdue canker with quicklime rubbed well into the
affected parts. R-move decayed and bad leaves promptly. If mildew
appears dust with flowers of sulphur. Aphides are best overcome by
moderate fumigation on consecutive evenings.

THE FLOWER GARDEN AND PLEASURE GROUNDS.

Roses on their own Roots.— These, unf rtunately cannot be bough1,
or otherwise we shrnld plant no worked Roses on our heavy land. If

506

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ December 2, 1888.

well-ripened lengths of this season’s growth are available these ought to
be at once made into cuttings, and with very little trouble will in mo-t
instances strike root readily. We make and dibble out the outtings much
the same as we would Currants or Gooseberry cuttings. Preference is
given to medium-sized shoots, which are cut into 1-fojt lengths, cutting
clean across below a joint, and trimming off thorns and buds from the
lower half. Directly they are made, or before they have become dry and
shrivelled (this being fatal), they are dibbled in firmly to half their depth
in a good open position. The rows may be about 18 inches apart, and
the cuttings 9 inches asunder in the row. Many dispose th-m much
more thickly ; but they are not wise in so doing, as the majority are almost
certain to root, and during the summer crowd and spoil each other,
whereas if given plenty of room they will frequently form strong flower¬
ing plants the same season, and may be transplanted much better later
on. We find they do better when some old Mushroom-bed manure and
road grit is mixed in the surface soil, and they also lift more readily
from ground thus treated. A mulching of short manure, cocoanut fibre,
or ashes serves to protect the cuttings during the winter, and prevents
upheaval by frost. Some seasons the strong well-ripened shoots obtained
from pot p ants strike more surely, but there ought to be no difficulty
experienced this year in procuring plenty of suitable cuttings from those
in the open ground. Own-root Roses usually grow more strongly and
last much longer than do those worked on either the Manetti or Briar
stocks. But all the varieties worth cultivating are not easily struck, the
worst in this respect being those with most thorns. Such comparatively
thornless varieties as Countess of Oxford and John H pper strike like
weeds, and there are many more nearly as accommodating in habit.

Lifting and, Storing Flower Roots. — At the present time (November
3rd) Dahlias are uninjured by frost and are still quite gay. Any night,
however, may see them cut down ; and before a very severe frost is expe¬
rienced, and which we may have at any time, they ought to be cut down
to within 9 inches of their roots, lifted, dried, and stored in a dry cool
shed or room where they can be protected from severe frost. A little
light nearly dry material disposed about the roots serves to keep them
from shrivelling, but there is not much need for this unless they are
necessarily stored in a rather airy or dry place. The tuberous Salvia
patens is best stored in boxes of moderately moist soil, and placed in a pot¬
ting shed or other not too dry position out of reach of frost. The favourite
place with many for storing tuberous or bulbous plants is under a
greenhouse staging ; but here the drip frequently rots a good many of
them, and those that survive are apt to start into growth too early in the
year. Even the strong clumps of Cannas are best stoTed in a cool dry
cellar, or a well protected outhouse. Sufficient soil may be left about the
roots to prevent dry rot. Tuberous Begonias must also be lifted directly
their tops are damaged (at present they are still blooming freely), all
damaged portions and part of the stems being cut away, and may then
be packed closely in boxes of light moderately dry soil. A little soil
should be left on each root, and this will serve to keep them plump. The
boxes may be stored in a dry shed, or anywhere out of drip, care being
taken to protect them from severe frosts. The old stems and the long
fleshy roots of Verbena venosa, every little piece of which can be grown
into a plant next spring, may be packed closely in boxes of moist soil,
and be wintered in frames or fruit houses. They are nearly or quite
hardy, but as they must in most cases be lifted from the flower beds it
is advisable to be certain of as many as are wanted. We also prefer to
lift a good many strong clumps of the herbaceous Lobelias, and these
stored in boxes and wintered in cold frames are handy for division in the
spring. They are very effective in masses among the bedding plants as
well as in the borders. Choice Hollyhocks ought not to be left in the
open ground, or the stock may easily be lost. Besides, young plants are
always best, and if the old stools are lifted, packed in boxes of good soil,
and wintered in frame0, they may be placed in gentle heat early in the
year, and will then afford a number of cuttings. These may easily be
rooted in bottom heat, making strong flowering plants the same season.
The commoner sorts of Gladioli are frequently best left in the open
ground, a slight mulching of litter, leaf soil, or ashes serving to protect
them from Bevere frosts. As a rule, all are best lifted early iu November,
and after being dried store in sand or dry soil, or wrap singly in paper.
The tiny offsets formed round the old corms must be mixed with fine
soil, or they will perish before planting time. All should be wintered in
a cool dry position, care being taken to shelter them from severe frosts.

fpf' --jjp

8>N b kpfcf

HE BEE-KEEPER.

.

MANIPULATING STOCKS.

There are certain times when it is absolutely necessary to mani¬
pulate stocks in order to obtain the best results ; and although the
tendency of the age is to increase the labour attendant upon keeping
bees by continued and unnecessary interference at all seasons of the
year, it may be well to point out briefly, for the benefit of those who
have in the past experienced difficulty in subduing and handling bees,
how they may in the future with tolerable certainty avoid the mis-
tjkes they have made in the past, and so insure success in the coming
year. Before, however, doing so it is necessary to consider whether
smoke or carbolic acid is the most preferable agent to use for bring¬
ing a stock into subjection, and so enabling the bee-keeper not only to

handle the bees with pleasure and comparative immunity from stings,
but also whether smoke or carbolic acid is more transient in its effects
on the bees themselves.

The value of carbolic acid has long been recognised by apiarians,
for we find a description of a fumigator — to all intents and purposes
identical with a “ new one ” just invented — so early as 1869, and
possibly it may have existed for Borne years previous to the date
of the article in the Journal of Horticulture for September 2nd, 1869,
page 188, from which the following extract is culled — “ I do not
know,” says the writer, “ of a more useful auxiliary in the apiary
than carbolic acid. It is cheap, costing only 6d. a phial, and it is
one of the best disinfectants. As ingeniously used by ‘ Apicola’ on
a piece of sponge inserted in a fumigator and blown through with
the breath or pair of bellows, it answers nearly all the purposes of
smoke.” In the same year carbolic acid had been applied with success
for the prevention of robbing. In the article from which the above
extract is taken it is also written — “ Early in the morning, or as soon
as the Corsair bees are on the raid, dip a feather in carbolic acid and
wet the entrance of the assailed hives all round, pouring at the same
time a few drops on the landing. Repeat the dose during the day as
the odour passes off. If properly managed the inmates will remain
at home ventilating, whilst not a single robber dare cross the threshold.
It is even desirable that some of the robber bees Bhould wet their feet
in the acid, that on returning to their own hives they may spread
consternation at home. If robbers are in possession of the hive, lift
it up and pour a little of the acid on the middle of the floorboard,
and then replace the hive, and the robbers will decamp.” It is, how¬
ever, very bad management to allow a particle of the acid to touch
the bees themselves, and any7 careless application of the acid within
the hives may be attended with serious ill consequences, and the
whole stock may by the nauseous fumes arising be compelled to-
decamp in order to escape from the effects of the ill-judged use of a
powerful aid to the bee-keeper, especially in the management of
vicious stocks.

For clearing sections and sectional supers, as pointed out in a
former issue by “A Lanarkshire Bee-keeper,” the acid is wonder¬
fully effective, and should be used by all who desire to do the work
of the apiary with all speed and with as little inconvenience to the
bees themselves as possible. Here is, I believe, one great point in
favour of using carbolic acid instead of smoke, for the effect of the
former passes away almost immediately, while the smoke hangs about
to the great discomfort of the bees for a very considerable time.

There is a danger of using so strong an agent far too free'y ; it
must be used with caution and common sense. It is impossible to give
any very detailed advice as to the quantity required and of the
strength which must be used, but experience will show each indi¬
vidual far better than I can tell him how much of the vapour arising
from the acid is necessary for bringing a stock into a peaceable
frame of mind. It is wiser to err on the safe side, and to use too
little rather than too much.

A fumigator is not at all necessary, but it may be useful, and
those who wish to do so may easily convert their smoker into one of
the so-called “ new ” fumigators. I do not advise them to do so, for
they will find cases occasionally in which smoke will be of greater
use than the acid. Strips of paper soaked in carbolic and allowed to-
dry are alone necessary for clearing supers, and they may be used
with success in many other operations in the apiary. Perhaps the
greatest advantage that carbolic has over smoke is, that it is always
ready and does not need a constant refilling, while there is no trouble
in lighting it as in the ordinary fumigator. Bees are in most cases
cowed by it, but some colonies having more than usual determination
will no more be subdued by the acid than by smoke. I will now,
after this somewhat long discussion of the varied advantages of the
two different agents at present in use in our apiaries, very briefly
refer to a passage in the first part of Mr. Cheshire’s second volume of
“ Bees and Bee-keeping,” in which he says, after quoting the general
idea, that “ A honey bee, when filled with honey, never volunteers an
attack, but acts solely on the defensive that “ Bees, when terror-
struck, rush to fill themselves at their stores, and are then harmless,
not because they are filled, but because terror-struck. Their gorging
is the result of their submission, not the converse.”

Now it is with some diffidence that I express an opinion to the
contrary of what Mr. Cheshire, who is one or our greatest authorities-
on the scientific aspect of bees and bee-keeping, but I do not think
that this is a statement of fact, for if a hive without any stores is
first smoked and then manipulated, the result is, as far as my experi¬
ence goes, very contrary to what might have been expected in view
of the above statement. I am inclined to believe that Mr. Cheshire,
in manipulating a stock when no stores are in reach of the bees,
might experience a wry real and practical result by reason of the
bees not having the means to gorge. If the bees are smoked into-
stupidity, well and good ; but given two stocks of bees of identical
temperament — the one with stores, the other with none — and the

Dtceoi' e.- 2, 188 3. ]

507

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDER ER.

same quantity of smoke made use of, the relation of cause and effect
will soon be made sufficiently clear to take away any reasonable
doubts as to whether it is the smoke which terrifies the bees into sub¬
mission, or whether the smoke, by terrifying the bees and causing
them to gorge, makes them not only lees able, because they cannot
move so freely, but also lees ready— although at all times perfectly
capable — to use their sting to resent the unwelcome intrusion of the
manipulator. We mhy now pass on, after having considered the
means of subduing a stock, to consider the method of applying these
means to effect the purpose for which they are required ; and I may
say at once that whenever the word “smoke ” occurs “carbolic acid”
may be substituted by those who prefer to U6e the latter in their
manipulations rather than the former.

Most bee-keepers have at one time or another experienced some
little difficulty in handling their bees. Some possibly even now are
not fully competent to manipulate a hive, and to these perhaps the
few hints here given may be acceptable, so that on a future attempt
being made a more successful result will follow their operations. A
very common fault is to give so much smoke as almost to suffocate
the bees. Now this is really far from humane, and it is not only most
injurious to the bees themselves, but naturally lessens the labour done
in the next few days, and as a result the profit Sufficient smoke
must be used to cause the bees to fill themselves, but no more. Every
puff of smoke injected after the bees are busily engaged in gorging
is not only useless but actually injurious. During every manipula¬
tion the smoker must be kept lighted, and if necessary, and the
manipulation is a lengthy one, a little more smoke must occasionally
be used to keep the bees in a due state of subjection. How much
smoke is required can only be learnt by experience, but too little had
better be used rather than too much. Some stocks are much more
difficult to subdue than others apparently the same in every respect,
so that no hard-and-fast rule can possibly be laid down. The only
sure guide is to listen, and when the song of content is heard the end
has been achieved, and the bee-keeper may proceed to perform any
operation that it may be necessary for him to effect. It is not un¬
common to hear of volumes of smoke being injected into a hive, and
the bees still rushing out in fury against the operator. This rarely
happens in a stock with honey or syrup in store, but in any case it
may be caused by ignorance, for in many instances much less smoke
would have been sufficient to completely subdue the stock had tim9
been allowed to elapse before any attempt to manipulate was made.
Let the bees gorge, then manipulate.

In taking out and replacing frames much depends upon the
accuracy of the measurements of the hive. The regularity of the
combs, and the frames being of exactly the right size — all hives
should have at least one division board — one at each end is better
still— for by this convenience operations are much facilitated, because
the division board being first removed a space is left, and the frame
next to such space may be very easily moved ; sufficient room being
given, ana there being no danger of crushing bees or breaking any
comb, which sometimes ensues when frames are packed and no space
is allowed for a lateral movement. Each frame may be carefully
lifted out and examined, and if the combs are not very heavy and
not newly built, the bees may be dislodged by a quick movement, and
so shaken into the hive ; they may also in all cases be brushed from
the combs with a feather or wing, but care must be taken to brush
from the top of the comb to the bottom, otherwise the bees will be
much enraged and attack the operator. If the queen is to be removed
or fo be discovered, very little smoke must be used, and each comb be
eearched in turn, when she may generally be found ; if she is not on
the combs the corners of the hive are often the place to which she
flies for refuge. The less the bees are disturbed in opening the
hive the better the chanee of finding the queen without difficulty'. If
frame hives are badly made there will be much propolisation and
consequent difficulty in handling frames ; but if measurements are
accurate all manipulations may be performed with ease, and it must
always be remembered that if any operation is performed with com¬
fort ^ to the bees, it will also be attended with comfort to the
manipulator.

'the bees of to-day are not so good-tempered as those of days
gone by ; the change has possibly been wrought by the intermingling
of our home bees with foreign races, or by the constant and often
ill-judged manipulations to which they are subjected in the more
advanced apiaries of this country. Be the reason what it may, the
fact remains that, as a rule, bees in the old skeps left to their
own devices are generally quiet and not inclined to sting, while those
in apiaries managed on a more modern principle are inclined to
think that their home is in danger of attack even if the owner ap¬
proach the hive. In some cases this is due to intermixture of blood,
in others to rough handling; but when bees do sting it is either
because their hives are actually in danger of being invaded, or because
they imagine a danger which does not really exist. By whichever of
these causes they are actuated, the result remains the same. The only

remedy seems to be to change the queens, or by quiet gentle handling
to give confidence to the bees that man’s efforts are for their benefit
as well as his own, the two objects being in truth so inextricably
bound up together that it is impossible to separate the one from the
other. — Felix.

FEEDING BEES— FOREIGN v. ENGLISH RACES OF BEES
Seeing “ Lanarkshire Bee-keeper’s ” account of his bees having
eaten nearly 40 lbs. of honey since August gave me some concern about
my own, but on looking into them I find that they all have stores sufficient
to last until April, unless several Italian stocks run short, and of these I
am doubtful, although all had as nearly the same quantity of ford in
August as it was possible to give without weighing, like“L. B. K’s”
stocks, about 40 lbs. each. This strengthens the doubt I have entertained
for some time as to the wisdom of supplanting our bees of Britain by
foreigners. A little foreign blood does good I believe, but is there not a
point, to go past which we may be damaging instead of improving 1 We
want bees that will gather plenty of honey and still keep their strength
of numbers up ; and is it not possible by breeding from our best queens
only as they stand to get such a strain of bees ? I have been doing this
for some years, and find that the strain of English bees I have been
testing are far superior to any foreigners I can hear of. My stocks of
this strain have this year yielded close on £100 each, while all the
foreigners in my neighbourhood want all they have gathered to winter ou
and in some cases help in addition. — Notts Bee-keeper.

NOTES.

Up till the 26th November the weather has been open and fine. The
bees carried pollen up till that date, when the winter’s fog commenced.
Some hives have inc eased in number of bees greatly during the month.
The calm sunny weather, permitting the bees to fly and the young ones to
clear themselves of all incumbrances as late as the 25th, will counteract
other evils which, had the weather been untoward, were sure to have fol¬
lowed so much late breeding. The temperature of the month has not
only been mild but remarkable for the equality of the day and night
temperature. For some nights and days together there were only 4° dif¬
ference in the day and night temperature.

Our snail and slug traps (little heaps of rubbish placed in convenient
places) have been frequently inspected, and many of these pests have
been killed if not actually exterminated in places near borders containing
favourite flowers, so that by these bimple but effective contrivances we
not only get rid of many pests, but save our flowers as well. — A Lanark¬
shire Bee-keeper.

TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

N. Davis, Lilford Road Nurseries, Camberwell. — Catalogue of Choice
New and Old Chrysanthemums , 18*6-1 (Illustrated).

Caldwell & Sons, Knutsford, Cheshire. — Trade List of Nursery Stock,
1886-7.

Alexander E. Campbell, Cove Gardens, Gourock, N.B. — Descriptive
Catalogue of Choice Hybrid Gladioli for 1886-7.

Cranston's Nursery and Seed Company, King’s Acre, Hereford. — Short
List of Hoses.

Richard Dean, Ranelagh Road, Ealing. — Special L:st of Seeds. Potatoes,
cf-c.

Crompton & Fawkes, Anchor Works, Chelmsford. — Catalogue of Plans
of Horticultural Buildings.

C'<E® All correspondence should be directed either to “ The Editor ”
or to “ The Publisher.” Letters addressed to Dr. Hogg or
members of the staff often remain unopened unavoidably. We
request that no one will write privately to any of our correspon¬
dents, as doing so subjects them to unjustifiable trouble and
expense.

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions relat¬
ing to Gardening and those on Bee subjects, and should never
send more than two or three questions at once. All articles in¬
tended for insertion should be written on one side of the paper
only. We cannot reply to questions through the post, and we
do not undertake to return rejected communications.

Books (Aspiro). — A small work on “British Ferns and Mosses,” is
published by Ward it Lock, price Is. A fuller treatise is Stark’s “British
Mojses,'’ published by Routlelge, price 5s., or Hobkirk’a “Synopsis of
British Mosses ” (R^eve), price 7s. 6d.

503

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

[ December 2, 1886.

Watering Plants ( B . T. H. and Others). — Inquiries under this head are
fully treated in the leading article of this issue, to which our correspon¬
dents are referred for the desired information.

Preparing Tobacco (IF. B.). — It is not easy to prepare such a small
number of leaves so as to be of good quality for smoking. The leaves should
hang till they become dry and crisp. The first damp weather after this
they become soft, and should be watched to ascertain when this occurs,
then pack them in a box evenly, press them down and cover closely to
induce a slight fermentation ; when this occurs shake them out and repack
lightly for a few days, then more closely, and they will soon fie ready
for use.

Fumes from Hot-water Pipes ( J . It.).- — There is no doubt the black
varnish has produced the injurious fumes. The only remedy is to remove
the varnish from the surface of the pipes. A strong soda or potash ley
might remove some of it, saturated cloths being wrapped about the pipes,
but it will be difficult to remove through its having hardened. The best
plan will be to take out the pipes, and with some brushwood free them of
the varnish by burning. That is really the only effectual remedy. It will
entail most trouble and expense, but prove far the cheapest and most satis¬
factory in the end. We coat our hot-water pipes with lampblack and lin¬
seed oil. When dried we have not experienced any disagreeable or injurious
fumes.

Boiler for Heating Conservatory (O. W. B.). — For general purposes
you could not have a better boiler than an improved form of saddle. These
boilers will burn anything, and are very simple, easily managed, and very
durable. The check end forms are best. They are made in various sizes,
and can be had through any horticultural builder or hot-water engineer.
Those advertising in our columns would furnish particulars. If the house
is small perhaps an upright or conical boiler on the slow combustion prin¬
ciple would be more suitable, but you do not afford any dati, therefore we
can only give general suggestions.

Constructing and Heating Cucumber Houses (Florist). — It would be
much the best plan to leave a space of 4£ to 6 feet between the houses for
convenience, but it will be more economical to have them together on the
ridge-and-furrow principle, as you would save a side wall ; besides, they
would be much more cheaply heated. You will only need the roof part of
glass for growing Cucumbers, and ventilation could be provided at the top
of the house : not very much provision need be made unless the house is
required for other purposes. Both forms of boiler you nami are good, and
we have no particular preference for either. The houses can be heated
separately or together, it being only a question of valves. The Bize of pipes
you name are too small. They should not be less than 3 inches, and are
better 4 inches in diameter. The large size pipes retain the heat much
longer than the smaller.

Heating Melon Pit (O. S.). — Eight-inch pipes are no use for heating a
Melon pit, as they will take up far too much room, especially for top heat.
One of the 8-inch pipes is equal to four 4-inch. The surface of the 8-inch is
2 feet per foot run, of the four 4-inch pipes 4 feet, so that you would get
double the heating surface from the same quantity of water in 4-inch pipes
that you would from 8-inch pipes. The 2-inch lead pipes would answer
very well for the connections. Three or at most 4-inch pipes would be the
most suitable size for heating the pit. You would require at least two rows
of 3-inch pipes for top heat, and three rows for bottom heat.

Pears for Cordons (J. V.). — Williams’ Bon Clirfitien, Beurrd d’Amanlis,
and Marechal de Cour usually grow well and bear freely in strong yet fer¬
tile soil, but you cannot expect much fruit for market from three cordon
trees. You will do well to drain the land if it is wet, and add lime rubbish
or other gritty matter liberally ; also place a little free generous loam round
the roots when planting, and cover the surface of the soil over them, and
for a foot at least beyond their extremities with manure. The ground should
also be well covered with manure in the summer to prevent the surface dry¬
ing excessively, or the roots will be inevitably driven downwards into the
unfertile subsoil, and the trees will not then make fruitful growth.

Heating Greenhouse from Sitting Room (An Old Subscriber). — We
have no doubt your greenhouse could be heated from a boiler set in the
grate of the sitting room : but there is this practical difficulty in the way of
heating it satisfactorily — namely, unless special provision were made by a
person well acquainted with the subjectyour greenhouse might bemademuch
too.hot in the daytime, also at night before you retire, and be too cold towards
morning after the sitting-room fire had gone out ; or in other words there
is the contingency of having great heat in the greenhouse when not re¬
quired, and little or none when urgently wanted. We have seen a green¬
house heated as you suggest and excellent Grapes ripened in it, but the
owner was usually on the alert at 4 a.m. for starting the fire in the kitchen,
in the grate of which the boiler was set. The pipes should be a little
higher than the boiler, and the feed cistern or expansion box a little above
the highest part of the pipes. We have an illustration of the arrangement
in question that we could give if you think you could be “ up in the morn¬
ing early” for starting the fire when heat would be most inquired in your
greenhouse in cold or frosty weather.

“Challenge Trophies” and Foreign Words (C. S. B.). — Though as a
general rule we think it desirable to employ language that is “understood
by the people,” we are yet inclined to consider your remarks on the article
in question as somewhat hypercritical, and the caustic tone that pervades
your communication does not contribute to its acceptability for publication.
The discussion in question was mainly conducted by gentlemen of educa¬
tion, who were perfectly familiar with the Greek and Latin words to which
you object, and which are in frequent use in conversation. There are
several Greek, Latin, and French words that are so commonly used that
their origin is not remembered, if known, by a great mass of readers ; and
when properly used none of these words is objectionable : it is the improper
use of foreign words in English literature, and dragging them in needlessly,
that grateB on the ears of educated persons. In the particular case under
notice the introduction of the words on which you comment appears to
have had the effect of increasing your own knowledge, and of this we never
knew a sensible man to complain. The little search, too, to which you have
had recourse will impress the more firmly on your mind the knowledge that
you previously lacked and have now acquired. You need have no fear that

there will be any systematic departure from the “ plain words and plain
teaching ” of the Journal oj Horticulture, for the best of all reasons, that
simplicity of language is not incompatible with elegance of expression, and
this, with a cle ir method of imparting the ideas of the recorder of them on
his readers, is the essence of good writing.

Boilers (J. E. B.). — We know that Mr. Bardney has not had experience
with either of the boilers j ou name. The first named in your letter he has
probably never seen. It takes up the same space as an ordinary saddle
boiler, of which it is a very good form. The second one you mention
is also good, and of about the same depth. If you cannot fix a boiler so low
as you desire you may possibly effect your object by raising the pipes.
These are often needlessly low, and might be raised with advantage. This,
however, is a question that can only be determined by structural arrange¬
ments in each case. We recently inspected a span-roofed house with two
rows of pipes conducted along each side for heating, the lower of these
about 3 feet from the ground, the other affixed at the bottom of the roof,
and about 1 foot from the glass. The plan answers admirably, and no doubt
better than if the pipes were placed close to the ground. We also know of
a conservatory satisfactorily heated from pipes in the roof. We have also
seen structures efficiently heated from pipes below the boiler, but such
arrangements should be carried out by a competent engineer. Perhaps your
best plan in the first instance would be to procure illustrated catalogues from
hot-water engineers and compare the boilers there represent d, choosing
the one that appears the best adapted to your purpose. Those catalogues
can usually be had for Is. each.

Forcing Lilies of the Valley (C. B. B.). — Any particular kind of soil
is not material in the early forcing of these flowers, thousands of them
being raised by packing the crowns or clumps in pots or boxes of cocoa-nut
fibre refuse, and forced in pits having bottom heat of 85° to 90°, and top
heat ranging from 70° to 80°. The crowns are either covered 2 or 3 inches
deep with fibre, or otherwise kept dark and const mtly moist. When driven
into flower early or before Christmas the crowns are of little or no further
use. For spring flowering the crowns or clumps may be firmly potted now
in a mixture of loam, leaf mould, and sand, the former preponderating, and
buried in fibre or ashes in a frame like Hyacinths. The requisite number
of pots can then be withdrawn at intervals and placed in a warm house so
as to maintain a prolonged supply of flowers. If the pots can be plunged in
a warm bed growth will be accelerated, and it is well to cover the crowns
an inch or two deep with fibre or leaves. They will grow very well in a
temperature ranging between 55° and 70°, or even less, but the lower the
temperature the slower is the growth, and usually the sturdier the plants.
If good foliage is developed, and this is well supported and matured under
the full influence of light and air, late-forced plants will flower again
another year. Had you stated your object and conveniences for carrying
it out we could probably have given you a more useful reply.

Manure for Fruit Trees (Oonstant Reader). — It is quite impossible for
anyone to give a categorical reply as to “ What is the best manure for fruit
trees, and the quantity to apply per acre for Apples, Pears, Plums, and
Gooseberries,” because the condition of the land and the growth of the trees
must be taken into account in determining a matter of this kind. In some
soils fruit trees grow strongly enough without manure, indeed, sometimes
too luxuriantly, and in that case fertilisers would be wasted on them. Fruit
trees require for th- ir sustenance lime, phosphates, and potash mainly, but
of these some soils contain sufficient or nearly so, while others do not.
Generally speaking, 50 or 60 bushels of lime per acre is a sufficient dressing
for medium soil, more being given to clayey land, and about 6 cwts. of bone-
meal and nearly or quite the same quantity of chloride of potash would also
be good, but these we should apply as a top-dressing in Bpring to the soil
over the roots of the trees, regulating the quantity in accordance with the
growth. If Clover grows luxuriantly on the soil it will contain sufficient
potash for fruit trees. From 2 to 3 ozs. of bonemeal to each square yard is
a good dressing, and more than enough for trees that grow well, exuberance
of growth not being conducive to fruitfulness. If the trees make little
growth an ounce of sulphate of ammonia, or a little more, may be also
applied to each square yard, or 2 to 3 cwts. per acre, but this is not necessary
as a rule, but there are exceptions.

Grubs in Soil (P. L.). — The grubs are a species of Julus or small
millipede. They are most common in wet soil that contains much decaying
animal matter. Perhaps your land needs draining. We should work in a
liberal quantity of lime, placing lumps in heaps of a bushel on every 20 or
30 square yards, covering with soil dug from round them, and when the
lumps swell and fall, spread the lime, and dig it into the land. When
planting, surround the bulb3 with wood ashes, the more the better, with a
little soot mixed among them. Carrot baits inserted in the beds would
still be useful, not, however, leaving them to rot in the ground. Surely the
insertion of these would not be a formidable task, nor examining them at
intervals afterwards. Affected bulbs, with tubers of Begonias and corms of
Cyclamens attacked by the pest, should be well washed with a solution of
softsoap, 3 ozs. of this being dissolved in a gallon of soft boiling water,
stining well in at the same time a wineglassful of petroleum. The solution
should be used hotter than your hand can be borne in it, holding the tubers
in a pair of padded pincers, and applying the solution with an old spoke
brush, scrubbing it well in ; in fact the tubers may be dipped in the solution
for a few moments, water of a temperature of 180° not injuring them. They
will endure more heat than their enemies, as you may prove by experiment.
We should burn, or rather scorch, the soil used in potting, and thus destroy
all animal life, then moisten the compost before using, as it never answers
to pot anything in dust-dry soil. The scorching will improve the soil, as
you may possibly have seen in the richer green of crops growing on ground
where there has been a fire over those in the surrounding land.

Ripening Chrysanthemum Seed (J. P., Exeter). — We question the
practicability of ripening seed of Japanese Chrysanthemums that flower in
late autumn, even in Devonshire ; but this does not imply that they may
not be induced to produce seed In England by a different method of culture
than that ordinarily practised. There is no difficulty in keeping Chrysan¬
themums growing in a light warm house through the winter and flowering
them in early summer. This was done years ago, and Mr. Cuthill of Cam¬
berwell was once awarded a medal by the Horticultural Society for a plant

December 2, 1888. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

509

flowering in May. The suckers must be suppressed from the plants to be
preserved, and the branches after flowering in the autumn somewhat short¬
ened, so that the growths that follow issue from matured wood. It is in this
direction that we must look for harvesting Chrysanthemum seed in this
country, and it is within the bounds of possibility that new incurved varie¬
ties might be obtained by that practice, the Japanese are plentiful enough.
It would no doubt encourage the development of the stamens and pistils of
Chrysanthemums, which are usually obscured by clipping off, when matured,
the florets that constitute the blooms. These, strictly speaking, are com¬
posite flow ers, one bloom may contain a considerable number'd florets.

Names of Fruits. — The names and addresses of senders of fruit to be named
must in all cases be enclosed with the specimens, whether letters referring
to the fruit are sent by post or not. The names are not necessarily required
for publication, initials sufficing for that. Only six specimens can be
named at once, and surplus fruits beyond that number cannot be preserved.
\T A. P. Bromsgrooe). — Gravenstein. (G. R. J.). — Easter Beurre. (Jellico).
—7, Cellini ; 8, Blenheim Pippin ; 9, Margil; 10, Fearn’s Pippin ; 11, Stunner
Pippin. (A. P. 0.). — Brown BeurrA (C. H.). — 1, Lord Grosvenor; 2,
Golden Noble; 3, Waltham Abbey Seedling; 4, not known; 5, Dutch
Mignonne ; 6, Cellini. (W. Jones). — 69, Dr. Harvey; 10, Thompson’s ; 14,
Margil ; 82, Yorkshire Greening ; 2, Cellini ; 9, Doyenne BousFOch. (M. A).
— 1, Beurrh Clairgeau ; 2, Easter Beurre ; 3, Beurrb Diel ; 4, Yicar of Wink-
field ; 5, Olivier des Serres; 6, Reinette de Caux.

Names of Plants. — We only undertake to name species of plants, not
varieties that have originated from seed and termed florists’ flowers.
Flowering specimens are necessary of flowering plants, and Fern fronds
should bear spores. Specimens should arrive in a fresh state in firm
boxes. Slightly damp mo9s or soft green leaves form the best packing, dry
cotton wool the worst. Not more than six specimens can be named at once.
( W. M. M.). — The bloom is quite undeveloped. We do not think it is Lady
Selborne ; it more resembles an inferior Elaine.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— December 1st.
Prices remain the same. Grapes firmer. Trade quiet.

FRUIT.

i.

d.

8.

d.

s. d.

S.

a

Apples .

. k sieve

i

6 to 4

0

Melon .

0 0 to 0

0

it Nova Scotia and

Oranges .. ..

6 0

12

0

Canada

per barrel 12

0

21

0

Peaches .

per doz .

0 0

0

0

Cherries . . . .

0

0

0

0

Pears .

dozen

1 0

3

0

Cobs .

. 109 lb. 60

0

70

0

Pine Apples English., lb.

1 6

2

0

Figs .

. dozen

0

6

0

9

Plums .

4 sieve

1 0

2

0

G-raues .

0

6

3

0

St. Michael Pines

..each

4 0

6

0

Lemons .

0

15

0

Strawberries .. .,

per lb.

0 0

0

0

VEGETABLES.

8.

d.

s.

d

8. d.

8

d

Artichokes ..

.. dozen

l

0 to 0

0

Lettuce .

dozen

1 0

to 1

6

Asparagus

.. bundle

0

0

0

0

Mushrooms ..

punnet

0 6

1

0

Beans, Kidney

. . per lb

0

6

0

0

Mustard and Cress

punnet

0 2

0

0

Beet, Red

«. dozen

1

0

2

0

Onions .

bunch

0 3

0

0

Broccoli .. ..

0

0

0

0

Parsley .. dozen bunches

2 0

3

0

Brussels Sprouts

.. 4 sieve

1

6

a

0

Parsnips .

dozen

1 0

2

0

Cabbage . . . .

1

6

0

0

Potatoes .

cwt.

4 0

S

0

Capsicums

.. 100

1

6

2

0

,, Kidney .

cwt.

4 0

5

0

Carrots . . . .

0

4

0

0

Khubarb .

bundle

0 2

0

6

Cauliflowers ..

., dozen

3

0

4

0

Salsafy .

bundle

1 0

1

0

Celery .. ..

1

6

2

0

Scorzonera . . ..

bundle

1 6

0

0

Coleworts doz. bunches

2

0

4

0

Soakale . . ner basket

1 6

a

0

Cucumbers

. . each

0

8

0

4

Shallots .

0 3

0

6

Endive .. ..

1

0

a

0

Spinach .

bushel

8 0

4

4

Herbs . . . .

0

2

0

0

Tomatoes . . , .

0 6

1

0

Leeks .. ..

0

8

0

4

Turnips .

bunch

0 4

0

0

PLANTS IN POTS.

8.

d.

8.

d.

8.

d.

8.

a.

Aralia Sieboldi .. dozen

9

0 to 18

0

Ficus elastica

. . each

l

6 to

7

0

Arbor vitae (golden) dozen

6

0

9

0

Fuchsia

per dozen

0

0

0

0

„ (common) dozen

6

0

12

0

Foliage Plants, var. each

2

0

10

0

Asters .. .. per dozen

0

0

0

0

Heliotrope

per dozen

0

0

0

0

Bedding Plants, var. doz.

0

0

0

0

Hydrangea ..

por dozen

0

0

0

0

Begonias . . . . dozen

4

0

9

0

Ivy Geraniums

per dozen

0

0

0

0

Chrysanthemum . . dozen

4

0

12

0

Lilium auratum

per doz.

0

0

0

0

Cockscombs per dozen

0

0

0

0

Lobelias . . . .

per dozen

0

0

0

0

Cyperu3 . dozen

4

0

12

0

Marguerite Daisy dozen

6

0

9

0

Dracosna terminalis, dozen 30

0

60

0

Mignonette . .

per dozen

3

0

6

0

„ viridis . . dozen 12

0

24

0

Musk . . . .

per dozen

0

0

0

0

Erica, various . . dozen

9

0

12

0

Myrtles . . . .

6

0

12

0

„ hyemalis per dozen

12

0

24

0

Palms, in var.

. . each

2

6

21

0

„ graoilis per dozen

9

0

12

0

Pelargoniums, scarlet, doz.

6

0

9

0

Euonymus, in var. dozen

6

0

18

0

Pelargoniums

per dozen

0

0

0

0

Evergreens, in var. dozen

6

0

24

0

Primula sisensis

per doz.

4

0

6

0

Ferns, in variety . . dozen

4

0

18

0

Solanums

per doz.

9

0

12

0

CUT FLOWERS.

Abutilons

B,

d.

8.

d.

8.

d.

S.

d.

12 bunches

2

0 to 4

0

Lily of the Valley, 12 sprays

0

0 to 0

0

Arum Lilies . .

12 blooms

4

0

<

0

Marguerites ..

12 bunches

2

0

6

0

Asters . . . .

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Mignonette . .

12 bunches

1

0

8

0

Azalea . . . .

12 sprays

1

0

1

6

Narciss, Paper-white, bunch

0

4

0

6

Bouvardiaa . .

per bunch

0

8

1

0

„ White. English, bunch

1

3

1

6

Camellias

12 blooms

2

0

4

0

Pelargoniums, per 12 trusses

0

9

1

6

Carnations . .

12 blooms

1

0

8

0

„ scarlet, 12 trusses

0

4

0

6

»» • •

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Roses . .

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Chrysanthemums 12 bches.

2

0

6

0

„ (indoor),

per dozen

0

6

3

0

12 bloom 3

0

6

3

0

„ Tea.. ..

. . dozen

0

9

8

0

Cornflower . .

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

,, red

. . dozen

1

0

3

0

Dahlias

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Parme Violets (French)

4

0

6

9

Epiphyllum ..

doz. blooms

0

6

0

0

Primula (single)

per bunch

0

4

0

6

Encharis ..

per dozen

4

0

8

0

„ (double)

per bunch

1

0

1

6

Gardenias ..

12 blooms

4

0

6

0

Pyrethrum . .

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Gladioli

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Stephanotis ..

12 sprays

6

0

8

0

Hyacmths.Roman, 12 sprays

1

0

1

6

Stocks, various

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Lapageria, white, 12 blooms

2

0

4

0

Tropjeolum ..

12 bunches

1

6

3

0

apagena, red

. 12 blooms

1

0

2

0

Tuberoses

12 blooms

1

0

1

6

„ longiflorum, 12 blms.

0

0

8

0

Violets . . . .

12 bunches

1

0

1

6

Lilac (white), French, bunch

6

0

8

0

„ Czar, French, per bunch

1

t

1

9

THE HOME FARM DAIRY.

An inquiry about the quantity of milk given daily by
cows from a correspondent reminds us that although we have
recently written upon dairy cows, yet no particular mention
has been made of dairy management, and we now purpose to
offer a few hints upon a matter of such importance to our
readers.

First, then, to the query of our correspondent we reply
that we have known instances among polled Norfolks and
Suffolks of cows giving from 20 to 30 quarts of milk daily,
but such cows are few and far between in any breed. We
have had huge Shorthorns giving at the best only 9 or 10
quarts daily, and we have had little Kerries giving 16 quarts
daily. To be correct, we must own that only in one instance
did we ever get so much milk from a Kerry. The average
milk yield of these hardy and useful little cows is 12 quarts
daily. Jersey cows are not generally deep milkers. There
are, however, notable exceptions, such as Mr. Simpson’s cow
“ Luna,” which in its first milking season gave 876 gallons
of milk, in the second season 898, and in the third season
816 gallons. In reference to this return a very high authority
said it was rarely surpassed by cows of more than twice the
size of “ Luna,” and is a powerful testimony to the extra¬
ordinary ability which, under generous treatment, the Jerseys
possess for the production of a very large quantity of milk,
the quality of which is superior to that of most other breeds
of cattle.

Of a herd of mixed-bred cows the following particulars
may prove useful. The average of milk per cow yearly is 682
gallons, the highest 963 gallons, the lowest 563 gallons. The
per-centage of cream ranged from 11 to 17, according to the
richness of the food. It was found in general that the larger
the quantity of milk given the lower was the per-centage of
cream. The average yield of butter for each 100 gallons of
milk set 85 lbs. in winter and spring, and 30 lbs. in summer
and autumn ; the milk is set for twenty -four, thirty-six, or
forty-eight hours, according to the season of the year — gene¬
rally thirty-six in summer, except in very hot weather, and
forty-eight in winter. In cold weather the dairy is heated by
means of a small furnace and flue place under one corner of
it, and is kept at a uoiform temperature of from 48° to 50°.
The cream is warmed to a temperature of 54° before being
put into the churn, and the agitation of churning brings it
up to 62°, at which the best results are obtained. Experi¬
ments tried in cold weather proved that the heating of the
dairy and the cream before churning increased the return of
the butter fully 20 per cent. Tbe quality was better, and it
took a much shorter time to churn than when put in cold.
The churn used is an 80 lbs. barrel churn turned by hand ;
forty minutes is the general time taken in churning. The
butter is handled as little as possible in the washing ; about
1 lb. of salt is put to 50 lbs. of butter for roll butter for
immediate home use or for market. If for the latter purpose
each 1 lb. roll is folded in muslin and packed in trays in a
wooden case. When unpacked the muslin is loosened in a
pan of pure water, and then the butter is taken out free
from taint or dust. Butter for keeping in pans or tubs has
3 lbs. of salt to 70 lbs. of butter.

We add a few hints from Sheldon’s great work on dairy
farming. Milk should be carefully strained ; if hair or any
particles of dust or dirt remain in it they will spoil the
butter. Milk should be set in summer in shallow tinned
pans, as souring stops the rising of the cream, which is a
very slow process, and the great object should be to get as

510

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ December 2, 188(T,

much cream to the surface as possible while the milk remains
sweet. In winter deep setting in earthenware pans is better,
because they retain the heat in the milk longer, and the
gradual cooling of the milk to the temperature of the air
assists the rising of the cream, the fatty portions retaining
the heat longer than the milk or watery portions. Milk
should always be skimmed before it gets sour, as after that
any cream that rises is only of the poorest description, and
the slight addition in quantity will not compensate for the
inferior quality of the butter. The perforated tin skimmer is
much the best, as it allows any milk that may be taken up
with the cream to run through.

Dairies must be kept perfectly sweet and well ventilated,
and be separated by a partition wall from the dwelling house.
No door or window of any kind should look out in any yard
where there are offensive smells. The floor should be flagged,
tiled, or cemented. The windows must admit no streaks of
light or sunshine upon the milk, as they produce flecks in the
cream which always show in the butter. The temperature
of the dairy is most important; it should never be allowed to
go under 50° or over 55°. Keeping a dairy heated to the
proper temperature will largely increase the return, and will
well repay the trifling expense of a stove.

The cream for churning must not be kept too long.
Slight ripening is good for the butter, but it should never be
allowed to become very sour, and in winter should be churned
at least twice a week, and in summer more frequently ; it
should be kept covered with muslin, both to exclude particles
of dust and also to prevent the air acting too much on the
surface of the cream and produce unequal ripening. In
addition a fresh skimming of the crock should be well stirred,
so as to mix all well together, and no fresh cream should be
added for twelve hours before churning, as it would not have
time to equally ripen, and would take longer than the other
cream to churn, so that the churning would be stopped before
the butter came on the fresh cream. The temperature of
cream before churning should always be carefully tested with
the thermometer. It has been proved that 57° is the best
temperature to churn at ; and the cream in cold weather
should be warmed to this by placing it before a fire or in a
tub of warm water, or in hot weather cooled by placing it in
cold water. The churn also should be rinsed out before
churning in winter with hot water, in summer with cold.

The churn must be turned slowly at first, so as not to
break up the butter globules too much, and the churning
should be most carefully listened to and stopped the moment
the butter comes, so as not to allow it to collect in lumps.
The grain and firmness of the butter are thus preserved, and
the buttermilk can be easily removed. After removing the
buttermilk the butter should be washed in the churn, three
times in fresh spring water and twice in pickle, made by
placing some salt in a piece of muslin on top of a can, and
pouring cold water over it. If the butter is at all soft it
should be allowed to stand for a couple of hours in the churn
in very cold water. In making the butter handling should
be most carefully avoided. By the use of a butter-worker
and butter-slices, butter can be made without even touching
with the hands, and this is the plan adopted in the best
dairies in England and on the Continent.

Cleanliness and care, close attention to every detail, will
ensure good butter being made at all seasons of the year.
No link in the chain of detail must be missing, however ;
everything is important, and both cowman and dairywoman
must be alike zealous in their efforts in cowyard and dairy.
If either of them are at all careless or negligent of their duties
the efforts of the other will fail of success in some degree.
Perhaps the most important point for the cowman is sweet,
wholesome, nourishing dietary for the cows ] throughout the
year ; and for the dairywoman before all things scrupulous
cleanliness.

WORK ON THE HOME FARM.

Mild open weather has enabled us to push on ploughing and draining,
for the surface of the soil has been so firm and dry that all such work has
been done quickly and well. We have had a little difficulty in getting

our orders for ridge-ploughing carried out as we wished, two of our bailiffs-
having had the work badly done. In autumn ridge-ploughing the whole,
of the surface soil must be moved, and this is managed easily enough by
first of all throwing it up into ridges and then splitting the ridges with a
second plough, and so making other ridges, beneath which no unmoved
soil is left. The entire process is begun and finished as we proceed, and
there is no further disturbance of the soil till spring cultivation begins.
The advantages of ridging are obvious. We expose the soil to the action
of frost, snow, rain, and wind, so that when we go to it in spring we find
a seed bed sweet, mellow, and crumbling so freely that a few turns of the-
ducks-foot harrow leaves it fine as a bed of ashes. It enables us to sow
spring corn early, and if any of the land could not be cleaned in autumn
the work can be done readily enough in spring. The workmen draining
some fields on one of our heavy land farms find the clay subsoil so
adhesive that each man has a bucket ot water beside him to dip his tool
in each time it is withdrawn from the clay. It is upon this particular
farm that we have burnt a large quantity of clay for ploughing into the
soil to ensure porosity. We mention this important matter here because a
misprint in our “ Work ” note last week makes “ burn ” read “ turn,” and
beginners may fail to make sense of the sentence in which the error
occurs. The fine weather has also been so favourable for corn -threshing
that we have had much c f it done ; we have reason to be glad we have
done so, for we have been able to sell a large quantity of Red Wheat at
35s. a quarter, which is 5s. more than we got last season. The recent
upward tendency of the price of Wheat is not, we fear, of a permanent
character, snd the grain is so dry and hard in the ricks that we have no
reason to hesitate to thresh. Good Barley has found a ready sale at pro¬
fitable rates, but spriDg Oats are so low in p ice that we find it answer
best to use as many as possible for sheep-feeding, and so avoid heavy bills
for oilcake. With the Oats we mix crushed Beans, and the condition of
sheep is entirely satisfactory.

Messes. Webb & Sons’ Stand at the Birmingham Cattle
Show. — This popular Show would not be considered complete without the
magnificent display annually made by that eminent firm, Messrs. Webb
and Sons, seedsmen, Wordsley, Stourbridge, and London, who, as usual,
occupy the centre bay of the gallery, and with a stand that is more attrac¬
tive than ever. Webb’s Imperial Swede are of monstrous size and
splendid quality. Champion honours at this Show have been gained by
it for fifteen years in succession. The quality of the Mangolds and
common Turnips is equal to that of the Swedes, the specimens on view
being of beautiful shape and wonderful size. Webb’s new Invincible-
Turnip and new Excelsior Kohl Rabi are exceedingly fine. The new
field Cabbage, Flockmaster, is also an acquisition of great merit. A
splendid collection of Potatoes is another attractive exhibit, comprising
all the popular kinds ; and Webb’s new varieties, Kinver Hill, Discovery,.
Benefactor, &c., also new seedlings to be sent out next season Specimens
of Grasses, Cereals, &c., adapted for ensilage crops are also exhibited.
We learn that Tobacco has been cultivated by Messrs. Webb &. Sons at
their celebrated Kinver Seed Farms in the past season, sufficiently to
embody two distinct experiments : first, to ascertain whether the growth
of Tobacco can be made remunerative to farmers in this country, and,
secondly, to show what kinds of the Tobacco Plant are likely to promote
that object best. About twenty kinds have been grown, including Big
Frederick, Can’s Seed Leaf, Virginia, Yellow Prior, Broad Leaf, Yellow
Orinoca, &c. Grand specimens of vegetables, as well as boxes of home¬
grown vegetable seeds, call attention to this branch of their business,
whilst fine samples of Wheats, Barleys, and Oats show the quality of their
popular kinds.

OUR LETTER BOX.

Milking Cows ( J . B.). — You will find full information respecting the
amount of milk yielded by cows in our Home Farm article this week.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Camden Square, London.

Lat. 51° 32' 40" N.; Long. 0° 8' 0" W. ; Altitude, 111 feet.

DATE.

9 A.M.

IN THE DAY.

| Rain

I *

1886.

November.

Barome¬
ter at 328
and Sea
Level

Hygrome¬

ter.

P .
o-cJ

S P

f?

So

| Temp, of

1 Soil at

1 foot.

Shade Tem¬
perature.

Radiation

Temperature

Dry.

Wet.

Max

Min.

In

BOD-

On

gras*

Inches.

deg.

deg.

deg.

dee.

d«*e

dee

deg

IQ.

Sunday .

21

30.356

49.1

47.8

N.W.

45.7

51 2

46.9

55.7

39.0

—

Monday .

22

30.489

39.7

38.3

N.E.

4 7.4

45.8

34.4

60 2

36.7

—

Tuesday .

23

30.585

34 1

34.1

N.E.

43.6

45.5

30.0

62.4

22.2

—

Wednesday ..

24

30.728

37.5

46.8

N.E.

42.3

45.7

33.1

66 8

27.2

—

Thursday ....

25

30.308

40.8

40.8

N.

41 8

50.8

33 3

68.2

26.6

—

Friday .

26

30.519

46.3

45.1

E.

42.4

47 6

40.5

£0.2

34.2

—

Saturday ....

27

30.478

42.2

42.2

N.E.

43.3

46.8

42.2

50.5

41.1

—

30.495

41.5

40.7

43.5

47.6

37-2

59.1

32.4

—

REMARKS.

21st.— No sun, no rain, no wind ; cloud decreasing till night.

22nd.-Fine and pleasant, with the sun struggling through light clouds.

23rd— Fine and bright, but with slight haze most of day.

24th.— Fine and bright, slight fog at sunset.

25th.— Bright day, much warmer.

26th.— Cloudy and dull.

27th —Generally cloudy and calm.

A rainless week, with very high barometer and dense fog in London and the southern.-
and western suburbs. As shown by the temperatures “ in sun ” it was frequently sunny
here— G. J. SYMONS.

Decembir 9, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

511

/il III

COMING EVENTS

9

10

11

12

IS

14

15

Th

F

S

SUN

M

TU

W

Royal Sooiety at 4.S0 p m.

Quekett Club at 8 P.M.

Royal Botanic Society at 3.45 P.M.

8rd Sunday In Advent.

National Chrysanthemum Society (Annual Dinner).

Society of Arts at 8 P.M.

THE POTATO TERCENTENARY.

PLANT that has been in cultivation for three
hundred years, and has assumed the widest
importance as a food product, is entitled to
something more than a passing consideration
upon the completion of its third century, and it
is not therefore surprising that the Potato cele¬
bration reported in another column should have
been planned. It is frequently urged against
conferences or exhibitions devoted to special
subjects that they are designed to support a “ craze ” or
“ fad ” of interest only to a few persons, but this cannot be
said respecting the Potato, for it is of the utmost importance
to all cultivators both as a field and garden crop. Anything
that will contribute to its improvement must be recognised
as a public boon, and to ensure an advance it is impossible
to obtain too wide a knowledge of the plant in all respects. A
conference of practical and scientific men actuated by this
desire ought to yield some good results, and such may be
derived from the Potato Conference at Westminster, though
the insufficient publicity given to the project partially
nullified the efforts of the Committee.

One suggestion well deserves farther consideration —
namely, the possibility and desirability of establishing a
Potato Society. This proposal came at too late a stage of
the proceedings to admit of discussion, but a general impres¬
sion prevailed that such an institution would form a fitting
memento of the Tercentenary. It is rather strange that the
International Potato Show, which has been so successful
from an exhibitor’s point of view, and which has certainly
been beneficial in drawing attention to the raising of new
varieties, should have been struck out of the list in the year
when it might have extended its interest so greatly. Much
useful work could be performed by a well-organised Potato
Society, and the proposition merits full discussion.

In the course of the consideration of Potato history several
interesting and important facts were brought into prominent
notice that seem to have been overlooked or disregarded.
One of the principal of these is that when the Spaniards
made their first incursions into Peru in the sixteenth century
the Potato had been cultivated for ages, and formed one of
the principal food products of the country. Though the
methods of culture were undoubtedly rude, yet some differ¬
ence would probably be produced in the course of a long
period, and it is found from a vocabulary of the extinct
Chibcha language that several varieties of Potato were not
only known but had received designations indicating their
peculiarities. Many interesting particulars bearing upon
this portion of the subject were detailed by Mr. Clements
Markham in his masterly review of Peruvian cultivation,
which threw a very clear light upon a somewhat complex
matter. It is quite evident that the Potatoes first brought
to this country were really cultivated varieties of some
species which has been termed Solanum tuberosum, but
which, as Mr. Baker has pointed out, might really be only
the cultivated product of an older wild form. At least, it
cannot be absolutely determined whether apparently wild
No. 337. — Von. XIII., Third Series.

plants of S. tuberosum now found in Peru are escapes from
cultivation'or not. Two peculiar circumstances were men¬
tioned by Mr. Ap-Thomas — namely, that only three varieties
are now generally grown in Peru, and that the Potato disease
is unknown, being, he supposed, confined to the lower and
more humid regions of Chili, whence comes the notorious
S.'Maglia.

The botany of the Potato found an able expositor in Mr.
J. G. Baker, who went over much the same ground that he
had previously so well explored, but he has apparently made
a slight alteration in the landmarks. Hitherto he ha3
recognised S. Maglia as a species, but now it is reduced to a
variety of S. tuberosum, a view which is held by several
other botanists, notably on the Continent. This would lower
experiments with 8. tuberosum and 8. Maglia from the ri nk
of hydridising to that of cross-breeding, but they might be
none the less prolific of good results on that account. There
is undoubtedly abundant room for many valuable experi¬
ments in hybridising the Potato, but it does not seem that
Kew would be a suitable place for the purpose. If the Royal
Horticultural Society cannot undertake something of the
kind, perhaps it will be reserved |for a future “Potato
Society. hAi p’ .k! ku ow ’ . ■ ; c- i ■

Nothing particularly new or remarkable was advanced in
the cultural department, though a few erroneous impressions
were removed in the course of the discussion, as will be seen
in the report. No other remedies could be proposed for the
Potato disease than early lifting and the continued raising
of new varieties to take the place of those that have become
exhausted. It was, however, strongly and reasonably urged
that much might be done to preserve the character of present
varieties by more care in the selection of tubers for planting,
a matter that is frequently neglected. The degeneracy of
the Potato was considered at some length, and the general
conclusion arrived ati, was that want of care in the matter
just mentioned, and the application of fresh rank manure at
or shortly before planting time, were tli9 chief causes of
varieties deteriorating, i '

Two old varieties shown were at once examples of de¬
generacy and the maintenance of good qualities oyer a long
period. One of these was the White Rock from Youghal, Go.
Cork, where it is grown generally by the peasantry, the
samples being coarse irregular tubers with very deep eyes,
and differing greatly in size, presenting a surprising contrast
with the handsome even tubers of varieties that are now
chiefly in favour in England. The other example was the
old and well-known Dunbar Regent, that has partially
dropped out of cultivation, but which is still highly valued
in some gardens. The tubers were cooked, and were veritable
“ balls of flour,” an expression frequently used with regard'to
Potatoes, but too seldom realised. It is doubtful if there
were any of the more recent Potatoes shown on this occasion
that would have excelled or even equalled this variety when
cooked. In the one case a naturally prolific variety had
been neglected both in the selection of tubers for planting, in
the subsequent culture, and in continually taking similar
crops from the same land, and in the other the opposite
treatment had preserved the original qualities of the variety
admirably. 1 ' '

The Earl of Cathcart was present at the Conference a por¬
tion of each of the two days, and evidently was deeply inter¬
ested in the proceedings, eliciting much useful information by
pertinent questions. If this gentleman could be induced to
favour the scheme mentioned as to the formation of a Potato
Society, and no one is more likely to do so owing to the long
interest he has taken in the subject, its success would bo
assured. The first point is, however, to indicate the prac¬
tical advantages that are likely to result from sfich an asso¬
ciation, and then ho doubt ample support will be forth¬
coming.

Some credit is due Jo the originators of this Tercentepary
celebration, but they would have acted wisely -in making

) u ' Noi 1993.-^ You. I/XXV1, Old. Series/

512

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ December 9, 188S.

their scheme more widely known, as they would then have
gained the confidence of a greater number of exhibitors and
cultivators. — L. Castle.

PRUNING EARLY VINES.

All Vines which are intended to be started into growth in
January shou’d be pruned at once, and if the February Vines are
now destitute of foliage they should also be pruned. It is a mistake
to prune any of them when they retain much foliage, especially if the
leaves are green, as this is a sure sign that the sap is still plentiful in
the rods, and to prune then would allow much of this to escape and
prove very injurious ; but when there are only a few leaves on, and
these are quite brown and lifeless, pruning may be done without
injury, and in cases where the time for starting the Vines is close at
hand pruning must sometimes be done before all the leaves have
fallen, as mentioned above. Vines to be started at Christmas time or
on New Year’s Day would be pruned by us now, although they might
be carrying a few leaves ; but if they were not to be started until
February we should not prune until the last of the foliage had fallen
naturally. It is not common, however, for Vines started in January
to keep any of their leaves until December, and as a rule all early
Vines will be leafless now and present no obstacle to pruning.

Where the Vines are old and rather uncertain of starting into
growth at every spur, two or three buds should be allowed to remain
on each piece of young wood that is left at the end of the old spurs,
and some of them will be sure to start, whereas if reduced to one bud
this might fail and cause a blank. In the case of young healthy
Vines this long-spur style of pruning should not be practised, as one
bud is quite enough to allow on each of their spurs, and close pruning
prevents their forming those long horn-like growths which should
never disfigure any Vines. It is often a difficult matter to induce
Vines to start freely into growth in January, and pruning must be
done very carefully, as anything which tends to weaken the Vine
soon shows itself in early forcing.

Bleeding is more common in the case of earty Vines than later
ones, and they cannot affurd to lose much sap in the shortest days.
For this reason all Vines pruned now and started early should have
the cut parts dressed with Thomson’s styptic. One dressing must be
put on immediately after pruning, and another in two or three days
afterwards. There is one form of pruning we entirely disapprove of,
and that is where the Vines are pruned this week and started into
growth the following one. It is almost impossible to prevent bleed¬
ing then, and the sap begins to rise so soon after pruning that a
weakly growth is sure to follow, and the crop will be unsatisfactory.
Where the roots of the Vines are inside and away from autumn rains
the wood ripens sooner, and the leaves fall earlier than when the
roots are in the open soil and subject to all the rain that falls. In
the latter case we have known Vines which were started in February
retain their leaves until the end of December, and then there is not
much time left to prune and clean before restarting again ; and all
early Vines bearing foliage now should be kept rather dry at the
roots, allowing plenty of air to reach the branches, and give a little
fire heat if possible that the foliage may fall soon from maturity,
and the wood become thoroughly hard and ready for immediate
pruning. — A Kitchen Gardener.

TOBACCO CULTIVATION.

Having grown this plant with the exception of a few seasons
in several parts of this county for the past twenty-six years, the
following remarks may be useful to some of your amateur and
cottager readers. Professional gardeners, of course, 1 do nob
pretend to teach.

Obtain a 6d. packet of seed, which will produce thousands of
plants, sow early in April in a pan or box in gentle heat, using a
mixture of loam, leaf mould, and sand. Prick off the seed¬
lings in boxes, exposing gradually to a lower temperature, and
finally plant out the last week in May or thereabouts. To have
strong healthy plants the ground must be in good condition, and
if a south border or other sheltered position can be afforded they
will grow taller and the leaves will possess a much better sub¬
stance, which is essential for the improved quality of the
Tobacco Until this season I have usually dug the plants early
m October and hung them up by the roots in an airy shed,
stripping the leaves off when withered, placed in a box, and
pressed; but this plan did not succeed in all seasons alike,
mould very often inteifering with the quality of the leaf, which
was very apparent when used with rag or tobacco paper for
fumigating purposes. That the plant can be grown in this
country (if properly manufactured) sufficiently good to compete
with much of the foreign importations I have not the slightest

doubt, and I only wish to see the praiseworthy endeavours of
Lord Harris and others to stimulate in the smallest degree
British industry at once recognised by the Government of the
day, and all restrictions during another year’s experiment entirely
removed.

As to the dressing or preservation of the leaf, I will not
profess to give lessons, further than to say that I found out only
this year by mere accident a better system than any I had
hitherto adopted. We left by accident a few not very valuable
Apples in a Melon pit. The fruit having been all used no further
notice was taken of the usual ventilation, the lights being closed
for several days, and when opened the Apples were found almost
scorched, but of a beautiful colour, similar to what a well-pre¬
served Tobacco leaf ought to be. We at once cut from the
plants as they stood in the ground the lower leaves of the
strongest plants and spread them on the soil in the pit (the
Melon being still there, but quite withered), the sashes were shut
day and night, and opened only for the purpose of sprinkling
the leaves occasionally with a fine rose. The result was a decided
improvement both in the colour of the leaf and quality of the
Tobacco. I beg to enclose for the Editor’s inspection a small
specimen cigar made by a youth in the gardens here from the
home-grown weed as cultivated by us, but so simply described
above. I may further add, that this season we had Tobacco
plants appear in the kitchen garden borders f self-sown) which
reached the height of 4 feet, with strong stems and stout healthy
leaves. — Wm. Chisholm, Own Heath Gardens, Tunbridge.

[The cigar is well made, but too fresh for testing its quality.
It shall be preserved to become “ seasoned.”]

FERMENTING MATERIALS— AMMONIA VAPOUR.

In these days fermenting materials are less esteemed than formerly.
Tan, leaves, and stable litter were largely used at one time for forcing
purposes and furnishing bottom heat to Pine Apples, Cucumbers, and
Melons ; but a great difference would be made in the fuel account if
leaves were collected, properly stored, and used for bottom heat, or where
practicable, for top heat in early forcing operations. Fire heat, instead
of being the principal, would only be required as auxiliary in the case of
forced Vines, Figs, and Peaches. A ridge of fermenting materials in
houses started before and up to March, turned, and added to as required,
would so n decrease the coke or coal bill. This is a matter worth attending
to, but there is another equally important question, Is it not desirable to
increase the supply of manurial matter ? The leaves collected and used
in the manner indicated would be a two-fold gain — viz., effect a saving of
fuel, and afford a supply of rich fertilising material, such being the best
of all for mulching crops indoors or out, and for potting purposes vegetable
mould is the best of all. Those, of course, that do not believe in fer¬
menting materials will be prepared to argue that the sun’s heat is no
better than that of a furnace, and that the heat from fermenting materials
is no better than that radiated from hot-water pipes.

We may, [ think, exclude tan as a generally obtainable material, and
are left solely with leaves and litter. Tan has to be purchased, but even
then it is doubtful if we get as much heat out of the same value of coal or
coke. A fermenting bed of tan will keep up a suitable bottom heat for
Pine Apples for many months, a good depth giving as much heat as a
4-inch hot- water pipe per square yard of surface. It would be interesting
to know what is the comparative cost of heating a Pine bed with tan
30 feet by 9 feet and with hot-water pipes for twelve months. I much re¬
gret not having taken notice of such an important matter, but I have
observed that the results are more certain and superior where tan was
employed. The moisture given off all along with the gases evolved by
fermenting materials cannot do other than enrich the atmosphere. A
notable instance of this is seen in Seakale, Rhubarb, and Asparagus
forced by fermenting material and by the heat of flues or hot-water pipes
whether the roots are taken up for forcing or forced where grown. The
results are more decided still in the case of Mushrooms — they being more
fleshy and heavier than when forced with a dry heat.

Bottom heat is essential in the cultivation of Pine Apples, Cucumbers,
Melons, early-forced Figs in pots. This much is admitted, also that no
materials are so good for the purpose as leaves and stable litter. Some
advocate a discontinuance of the covering of Vine borders outdoors,
alleging that as good results are had from a thin covering of protective
material as from a covering of warm leaves and litter. According to their
view it does not matter if the Vine roots are in a border with a tempera¬
ture of 36°, 38°, 42°, 47°, and 53° respectively those of the earth at 1 foot
depth in January, February, March, April, and May, whilst the Vines are
subjected to a temperature of 55°, 65°, 70°, 75°, and 80°, the house being
closed about the middle of December to have Grapes ripe by the end of
May. But who has the roots of Vines in outside borders nowadays ?
True Vines are mostly planted inside, which makes a difference, only the
chief of the roots are found in the outside border. That certainly does
not prove the roots have a decided preference for a cold wet border. I do
not hold with our friend, ‘‘ A Thinker,” in keeping a few facts in reserve.
The fact is Vine roots are generally more plentiful in an outside than in¬
side border, from the difference in the moisture and the changes it effects
on the soil as compared with hard water or even rain stored in tanks.

It has been contended that Vine roots, as a rule, do not become active

December 9, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDE GER.

513

until the growth is considerably advanced, and that heat at the roots in
the early stages is not necessary. I think Mr. W. Taylor expressed a
view of this kind in the Journal of Horticulture, but his idea referred
more to Vines not started before March, therefore had no bearing on the
question of warmth to the roots of early-forced Vines. Mr. Coleman and
others are more pronounced, for, whilst believing in affording warmth to the
outside borders of early-forced Vines, it is advised not to be applied until
the Vines are fairly moving. Therefore I have only to say that bottom
heat, as regards Vines is a vexed question, and of less account than
formerly, on account of there being quite a revolution in Vine culture.

The advantage of fermenting materials as a source of heat and a
supply of moisture to the atmosphere cannot be disputed. A good bed
or ridge of fermenting leaves and dung add something more than the dry
heat of hot- water pipes, and are more genial to vegetation. The question
arises, Is it necessary or advisable to supply vapour analogous to that of
fermenting materials? Some contend that moisture is all-sufficient,
that feeding tbc roots is only essential. Others are equally decided as to
the value of an ammonia-charged atmosphere, whether it be had from
fermenting materials or afE >rded in liquid form to available surfaces. If
we are satisfied that those means — evaporation from troughs filled with
water or liquid manure and sprinkling available surfaces with liquid
manure — are superfluous, we advance in the direction of economy of
material and labour. If, on the other hand, they are beneficial, the ques¬
tion arises, When and how to use the substance P I have used liquid
manure for generating an ammonia-charged atmosphere, and of all those
employed I con- ider none equals urine collected in a tank, where it is, of
course, decomposed, and diluted with six times its bulk of water is safe.

What a lot of trouble some take in making borders for Vines, See. Some
time back a range of fruit houses was erected in a certain garden. Vines,
Figs, and Peacbes were planted in borders that would serve two or three
years. This left a great chasm inside, also outside. The fruit borders
were full of roots and extension was needed. Soil, turf, bones, and labour
could not be obtained. Instead of the inside border being widened, the
openings in the frent and side walls were knocked out ; a width out equal
to the border was made. The inside border space was filled with Oak
and Beech leaves, a bed a yard deep and about 9 feet wide, added to as
required. The outside border opening was also filled when hotbeds were
wanted, and frames placed on them. This succeeded beyond expecta¬
tion. The fuel bill was one-third lees, the fruit crop better than where
the borders were two-thirds wider, and the manure — i.e., leaf soil — is
better, as it was soaked three times with liquid manure in the course of
the season. The roots ran freely in the leaves and prospered. The whole
of the leaves were cleared out for fertilising the soil of the garden for
vegetables, &c. ; the short was used as a mulch for the roots in the border.
In this way we have an annual width of border, a supply of food each
season, and a third of the artificial heat required, all for a small outlay in
labour - Utilitarian

THOUGHTS ON CURRENT TOPICS.

The feast of Chrysanthemums being practically over, an opportunity
is afforded for a consideration of other subjects that have necessarily
remained in abeyance during the past few weeks. The great autumn
flower has done its duty and had its day — a short but brilliant reign
without a rival, and glad must many of its votaries be now the court has
nearly closed. Its cultivators can now compare notes and commence
preparations for another session, as well as settle down to other duties
that are embraced in their calling.

Before dismissing the topic of showing Chrysanthemums, I may
ptrhaps give utterance to a thought somewhat in advance of the times
perhaps, and perhaps not, for it is a matter of history that the same idea
occurs to sundry minds almost simultaneously. A great 50-guinea
challenge trophy will have to be provided some time for Chrysanthemums,
as has been the case with Roses, and will be again. Which of the
Chrysanthemum societies is to take the lead in this enterprise ? There
are plenty of well-to-do patrons who would subscribe a guinea or half-a-
guinea each towards such an object if an appeal were made by an authori¬
tative body. For such a prize it would be reasonable to expect that all
sections of Chrysanthemums would be included in the contest. A trophy
of this value with, say, five other good money prizes would command
support, and such a class would be formed as would “ take the town by
storm.” But what town ? That is the question. The idea is broached,
and there I leave it, to expand or to be relegated to the limbo of wild
notions, never mayhap to be resuscitated.

I OWE a reply to Mr. J. Muir who on page 412 appeared to rejoice in
the possession of fine samples of flat Onions, which the “ improvers ” have
produced by a process of selection. I ventured to suggest in the issue of
October 28th that a valuable food crop was being spoiled by a false standard
of excellence that appears to be accepted by exhibitors and recognised by
judges at vegetable shows. From that opinion I do not recede, and I
will state the reason why. Mr. Muir brings a serious and well-founded
charge against the monstrosities I have in view, that I did not advance —
namely, ihe proneneis of flit Onions to split, and thus render a crop
worthless. But, even assuming they do not split, I do not despair of
showing how thoughtless, not to say irrational, it is to encourage the
production of the pancake-like specimens that find favour with many
cultivators at the present day.

The relative values of different types of Onions, as any other products,

oan only be determined by a commercial test, and by that test garden
products will be estimated more rigorously than ever in the days that
are before us. Now that the products of the world are practically brought
to the same market they must stand on their merits and the weakest will
go to the wall. In the question of Onions we are behind the times, and,
what is worse, receding. Others more alert than we, both to getting the
greatest value from a given plot of ground and meeting the public taste,
are profiting by our shortsightedness, with the result that English Onions
are being driven out of the market by foreign samples. It is high time
something was said on this subject.

I will now bespeak the attention and unprejudiced consideration of
all who are interested in the improvement of vegetables in general, and
of Onions in particular, to an aspect of the question that, I think, has not
been hitherto presented, yet it is a very practical aspect, and goes to the
very root of the subject. It will scarcely be disputed that there is quite
room enough f jr an additional quarter of a pound of Onion to be raised on
the shoulders of the thin wide-spreading bulbs that cover so much ground
and rise so slightly above it. Now allow to each bulb a square foot,
which cannot be called close cropping, and the additional weight stated
will yield 10,890 lbs. per acre, the value of which at 6 1. per stone of
14 lbs., or less than a halfpenny a pound, is £19 8s. This extra gain is
sufficient to pay the rent of the land, also the cost of seed, manure, til¬
lage and harvesting, there then remaining the entire crop, if it were of flat
Onions, for profit. What have the defenders of flat Onions to say to
that f They cannot show any profit worth mentioning on the culture of
these, and yet they are honoured and extolled as wonderful productions.
They are remarkable only for covering the greatest extent of ground and
giving a correspondingly small weight of produce, and this compara-
t:vely inferior, as half of it is buried or blanched in the ground, instead
of by far the greater weight of bulbs developing above it for insuring
soundness, saleable appearance, and long keeping qualities. Flat
Turnips are ebsolete, or nearly so, and good farmers wilt not have them,
and yet good gardeners, or many of them, cannot eee th e fallacy of flat
Onions. Whoever may be their champion I shall not be envious of his
name.

I HAVE been interested in the discussion that arose a few weeks since
on the question of having water in ashpits beneath boiler fires in gardens.
It seems to be generally admitted that water there is of service not
only in allaying dust, but for preventing the incrustation of the
fire bars with clinkers. This it does, and 1 think it does more. It is
probably true that many fire bars are warped by expansion, as Mr.
Bardney suggests, because, as a rule, the longer the bars the greater is
their liability to derangement. This has been experienced, too, in boilers
made of a series of very long pipes, the alternate expansion and contrac¬
tion dislocating the joints, while an apparatus consisting of a greater
number of shorter pipes remains sound. But as the presence of water
in ashpits cannot possibly aggravate the evil of expansion, and is in some
respects beneficial, the only question to consider is that of having the pits
so made that a supply has to be poured in periodically to make good the loss
that occurs by evaporation, or bo arranged that there is a steady inflow and
outflow, so that the water remains at the same level constantly. Mr. Bardney
has a-ked what I think of the two plans. I think the old one is the better,
for an old one it is, as it was my duty to place water in ashpits nearly or
quite forty years ago, or during the flue-heating period, when a brisk
draught was, as a rule, more essential than it is in the hot-water system
of heating. I have long thought the vapour that rises from the water in
moderation, and it is never very great, acts as a feeder to the fire, and on
that account warm water confined in the pit is better than a cold steadily
running stream. I had intended showing the manner in which water in
the form of vapour assists combustion, but this has been so well done by
Mr. J. Riddell on page 431 that all I need do is to endorse his remarks.
I thank the able correspondent alluded to for the new light he has thrown
on an old subject.

The trenching discussion has dragged its slow length along over a
period of two years. If Mr. Iggulden is not satisfied with the extent of
his defence, I think he ousht to be ; and I am of opinion if he had made
his case as clear at the first as he has done subsequently, there would
scarcely have been so much opposition. Instruction has been derived
by many persons from the discussion no doubt, but I know confusion has
also been experienced. Your correspondent’s complaints of the soil in
the fertile district wherein he works so well are neither few nor fir
between. He ought to rejoice that he has such land to deal with.
Rightly managed it is a splendid soil. The fine timber all around the
garden, and the luxuriant crops in it, afford evidence of that stronger than
columns of argument. The soil is of such a “holding” nature that it
will retain enough added virtue in the “ upper crust ” for the support of
crops. But that is exceptional, and the majority of good gardens have
been made what they are by a well conducted system of deep culture ;
and granting that it would be a mistake to trench such heavy ground as
that at Marston and Longleat, it would be a still greater mistake to rely
on shallow culture as a rule. His assertion that the “ whole business ”
had been “ overdone ” was too sweeping, for it is manifest his experience
only extended over a very small part of the “ whole.” Let the character
of land be considered in deciding on the method of working it, then
deepen intelligently such as may be improved thereby, keeping it good
on the surface, and making it better below, and the crops will soon tell
whether the labour has been wasted or not. The special pleading that

514

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ December 9, 1886.

has been indulged in on this question I do not think indicates a bad
case, but it has very nearly spoiled a good one.

Nothing is more common for a person who fails in an attempt in
di.ing what others succeed in than to think, a,pd try to prove, that the
others are in error ; or in other words those who succeed are wrong, while
those who fail are right. That Cucumbers can be grown, and are grown,
without ventilating the houses in the ordinary way is a fact that cannot
be denied, or at least the denial cannot be substantiated ; but whether
what is called the “ non-ventilating system ” can be successfully carried out
in all structures, and whether if it could it would be desirable to adopt it
in all gardens, is quite another matter. In the great Cucumber-growing
establishment at Piescot there are no ventilators in the Rouses to open ;
and if there were it is very certain the proprietor who has achieved such
wonderful success would not have them opened. When we see what a
carpenter has accomplished by a departure from orthodox routine we see
what can only be regarded as a triumph of heterodoxy. I know of only
one parallel to the great achievement in question, and that is the case of
Mr. Barter, also a carpenter, as a grower of Mushrooms. Both of these
non-professionals are making their fortunes, if they have not made them,
in doing what gardeners have proclaimed could not be accomplished.

I HAVE been too long on the land to give credence to all the wondrous
things we hear and read about ; but I believe what I see on matters of
culture after a close personal examination, nor am I particular to a few
hundreds of miles of travelling for the purposes of investigation. J have
seen both the establishments alluded to, and am convinced that more is
done in them than has ever been published. I have seen another great
establishment also, even greater than either of them, and if I were to tell
all I know about it I should be accused of either having been imposed on
or of drawing the long bow. I will give a sample, as I think it is good
for us to have our professional pride wounded a little now and then, or
we should get conceited. In the enormous commercial horticultural
establishment, then, just referred to most things are done differently from
what a trained gentlemen’s gardener would do them, and some are done
better ; indeed — and here is the “ point ” — the proprietor will not employ
suoh accomplished individuals, as they have so much to unlearn. That is
possibly tho reason that some of them fail in growing Cucumbers in closed
houses, hence conceive the system to be faulty if not mythical. They had
better go to Prescot and see.

The houses and method of culture are exactly as Mr. Bardney has
described. There is no mistake about it. Cucumbers are grown there by
the million and sold by the ton ; but the houses would scarcely do f >r
ladies in slippers and gentlemen in dress boots to pas& through. They
have mnd floors in hot weather without a doubt. It is very much a
question of wading through “slosh” to pass down some of them. The
moisture ever rising renders the air very like that floating over a tropical
swamp, where vegetation is luxuriant to a degree unknown in temperate
climes or 11 properly ventilated ” garden structures. Similar conditions
could scarcely be maintained in houses where the floors are closely paved
and have to be kept clean. It is conceivable that in such houses the non-
ventilatine system might not be the best ; and, further, in private gardens
a steady and prolonged supply of Cucumbers is usually preferable to
growing the greatest possible number in the shortest time and at the
least expenditure for labour. This is the “ market Style,” and has been
found the most profitable by those persons who have carried the plan out
in its integrity in Lancashire. I wonder if the same system is practised
by the great growers for the London market at Worthing. Perhaps Mr.
Arthur Young can inform us ; if not, I must watch my opportunity to go
and see.

It is idle to argue about Grapes, Peaches, and pther fruit being grown
on the non- ventilating" system in summer. No one that I know has advo¬
cated such an absurdity. While Mr. Bardney defends the close system for
Cucumbers, he points out with at least equal force the necessity for a free
circulation of air for various kinds of plants and purposes specified on
page 447. He evidently considers that a greater inrush of air than is
needful or beneficial is often admitted to the occupants of garden structures.
In some respects I think he is right, for I am convinced that sharp currents
of air rushing through the front ventilators early in the season are
inimical, drying the atmosphere, checking free growth, and predisposing
to insects and mildew. But free yet judicious ventilation is necessary for
the solidification of growth, and there is perhaps a.little danger of the
non-ventilating system being carried out too rigidly — it may he even by
its chief advocate, but more likely by others who may carry out his sug¬
gestions and who do not understand the philosophy of the subject so well
as he does. ; i •> i • \ i i ■ >vi . < ,(>.

IT 1 i -i I.’

As to growing either Cucumbers or anything' else “ without air,” the
proposition is unsound. Air can no more be excluded from a glass struc¬
ture, in which the temperature is several degrees higher than it is outside,
than water could be excluded from it if the house were submerged- It
is almost certain that much injury is done both to plants and fruit in the
edrly stages of growth by an ill-considered method of ventilation, and it
is significant that growers of produce for -market do not spend half so
much time in opening and closing ventilators as private gardeners do,
while there is m mistaking the great excellence of the'produce of the
best commercial horticulturists. There is a great deal to he learned from
these industrious and successful' cultivators, whose work and methods bf
acocinpliBhing it have often been admired by— A Thinker.1 1

We have received the following note from the Earl of Cathcart : — “ I
am sorry to observe in the Horticultural Press that in relation to recent
POTATO EXPERIMENTS some reflections have been made in regard to the
Authorities at Kew. With Mr. Baker, F.R.S , of Kew, I have to-day (the
4th inst.) visited the Reading collection. We have been vastly interested :
and, I am allowed to say for both of us, instructed. Messrs. Sutton and
myself are the persons most interested, and I beg to say we are grateful
to the Kew authorities for unvarying attention and kindness, and we have
nothing but appreciation to express in regard to that invaluable national
institution.”

1 fiii ,

- - Although an unusually large edition of Mr. Molyneux’s work,

“ Chrysanthemums and their Culture,” was printed, its acceptability
proved so great that the stock is exhausted, and another edition is in
preparation for the press. In the meantime all orders that are received
at this office, and by the author, will be filed, and executed in rotation
as soon as copies of the second edition are ready for distribution.

- — — The Rotal Botanic Society of London ^will hold the
following Exhibitions at Regent’s Park in 1887: — Spring Shows March
23rd and April 20th ; summer'Shows, May 18th and June 15th ; evening
fSte July 6th ; display of American plants during June.

- “ S. P. E. S.” writes — “ In reply to a correspondent, ‘ J. A.,’ on

page 495 of the last issue of the Journal, the lines quoted probably refer
to Medicago intertexta, generally known as Calvary Clover, a singularly
pretty and interesting plant that one seldom sees save in botanical
collections.”

- A Montrose correspondent thus recommends Spiraea callosa

AlbA : — “I do not observe that the enclosed was noticed in the list of
“ useful cutting flowers.” It has been a part of my every morning
flower for three months past. It is about a foot high, densely full of
white small blossoms ; it tricks out beautifully with anything that fine
Ferns will go with.”

- A correspondent writing on Chrysanthemums at Chats-

worth observes, “ These have been very fine this year and are good now ;
i700 plants have been grown, or rather large bushes, mostly in 10 and
12-inch pots. The rplants have been disbudded to about twelve blooms
each, which are very large, and the circular Lily house is filled from floor
to ceiling. The display is highly imposing, and has been much admired
by all who have had the opportunity of inspecting it.”

- A Sheffield correspondent writes:— “Our Calanthes were

in a flourishing condition this year until the end of September or begin¬
ning of JOctober, and gave promise of doing well. About that time,
however, they seemed to be affected by a kind of blight, though no insect
life could be detected on the foliage of the plants, and on examination
there appeared to be nothing amiss with their roots. The majority of
our Calanthes will not bloom at all this year, having only made small
and weak bulbs. On making inquiry of our neighbours, we find their
experience in many cases to tally with our own. It would be interesting
to hear the remarks of growers in other localities.” We will readily
publish any remarks or suggestions that may be forwarded to us on this
subject.

I — i— We have received from Messrs. S. W, Partridge & Co., Pater¬
noster Row, an attractively bound volume of the “Animal World,” a
■monthly publication, well described as an “ advocate of humanity.” It
is profusely illustrated, and the interesting and wholesome character of
,its literature renders it a favourite in many homes. The volume would
|form an admirable Christmas gift for young persons.

- A Gardener contributes the following note on Peach

Flowers and Fruit Setting : — “ It is clear that many persons
do not comprehend the fact that the large-flowering Peaches are of two
races— the Noblesse and Grosse Mignonne, which vary considerably in the
'development, or rather over-development, of the buds in embryo. In
Noblesse^ — the type— the buds are very liable to over-maturity, and they

December 9, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

515

have flowem very bold in petal, but the pistils are very short, often twirl,
and the stamens have “deaf” anthers — no pollen, and a very large perr
centage of the buds fall. In the same house we have had Noblesse cast
many buds and give the defective flowers year after year, whilst Royal
George neither cast a bud nor had imperfect flowers.”

The Laurustinus. — “Lankhills, Winchester," observes “ I
am much interested in Mr. Abbey’s able account of lawn plants at page
490 of your interesting Journal, but we find here that the Laurustinus
thrives, flourishes, and flowers in the most exposed situations, planted
entirely in chalk. I have a hedge planted in 1851, in an exposed place,
on a rock of chalk ; it is at this minute in full flower, and has so floweret}
yearly. I have several similar hedges in and near Winchester, all planteq
in chalk banks and greatly exposed : nothing hurts them. Last autumn I
planted a hedge round a tennis ground — all chalk — all stood last long
winter and now flourishing. I have' the plants from Waterer, Knap Hill
Nursery, near Woking, whose grounds will repay anyone a visit.”

A meeting of the National Auricula, Carnation, and
Picotee Societies was held in the East Crush room of the Royal Albert
Hall on Tuesday last, Harry ,1. Veitch, Esq., in the chair, when some
alterations were made in the schedules and the dates fixed for the shows
next year namely, the 26th of April for the Auricula Show, and the 26th
of July for the Carnation and Picotee Show. In the Auricula schedule
the first prize for fifty plants has hitherto been £5, but in response to th
wishes of several growers this has been reduced to £4, and there are now only
four prizes in that class. There are three classes for alpines instead of two,
and exhibitors can enter which two they prefer. Two classes are provided
for single and double Primroses, also for six and welve species of Primula-
Ru,e 10, which applies to both Societies, has been rescinded and the fol.
lowing substituted. “ Seedlings, whether exhibited in collections or not,
are eligible for certificates, due notice having been previously given in
writing to the Secretary. Each plant must have the entry card correctly
placed upon it. The officers were re-elected except Mr. Rolt, who re.
signs the post of Treasurer, Mr. Shirley Hibberd taking his place. Mr.
T. Fife, Reading, and Mr. C. Phillips were elected on the Committee of
the Auricula Society ; and Mr. T. Henwood and Mr. Martin Rowan were
placed on the Committee of the Carnation Society.

A GREAT void will be felt in the ranks of the Auricula growers
by the death of Mr. Edward Pohlman, Parkinson House, Parkinson
Lane, Halifax, who died there on Nov. 27th, aged sixty-one years. He
was an ardent cultivator, and was a constant exhibitor both at the
northern and southern exhibitions," where he took many prizes. He was
the owner of one of the largest collections in the north.

We received from Mr. Piercy of Sydenham 'some time ago a
charming spray of the single white Chrysanthemum Hartland’s
Marguerite. It was quite a bouquet of white Michaelmas Daisy-like
flowers, and can scarcely fail to become a favourite for vase and room
decoration. Accompanying the spray in question were flowers of Mr.
Thorpe’s American variety, Mrs. Le Moult, remarkable for the rich
glowing crimson colour of th6 rather small blooms, which show to great
advantage under artificial light.

- - We have received the report of the Yorkshire Association

of Horticultural Societies, and [are pleased to observe that the
financial statement shows a balance in favour of the Association. We
are surprised to see how much is accomplished at such a small outlay,
which indicates that the Committee, which is almost wholly composed of
gardeners, are excellent business men. The programme of the meetings
of the Wakefield Paxton Society from December 4th to March 5th inclu¬
sive contains a varied list of subjects on which papers will be read and
discussions follow at the weekly meetings during the period named.

- At the usual weekly meeting of the members of the Wake¬
field Paxton Society, held at the “Saw Inn,” Councillor Milnes
presided, and Mr. W. L. Skinner of Silcoates Nursery, filled the vice- 1
chair. The subject for discussion was “The Apple,” and there was a'
good exhibition of specimens of many of the best varieties of Apples, '
and also remarkably fine Pears. The subject should have been intro¬
duced by Mr. J. G. Brown, gardener to Mr. John Barflf Charlesworth,
J.P., of Hatfield Hall, but he was prevented by indisposition from
being present. Mr. W. Hudson, gardener at Sandall Grange, read'
an excellent paper on “ Pruning,” and it gave rise to a long and
interesting discussion, in which Messrs. W. L. Skinner, J. Campbell

(Painthorp) and W. Hudson were the ptincipal speakers. On the
motion of Mr. Irving Whit worth, seconded by Mr. J. Campbell, a vote ot
thanks was given to Mr. Hudson for reading the paper, and a similar
compliment was paid to the exhibitors of specimens, on the motion of
Mr. Thorpe, Assistant-Inspector of schools, Belle Vue, seconded by Mr.
Sam. Gill of Stanley Hill.

- - At the ordinary meeting of the Royal METEOROLOGICAL

Society to be'held at 25, Great George Street, We stminster, on Wednes¬
day, the 15th inst., ati7 P.M., the following papers will be read : — “On
the Proceedings of the International Congress of Hydrology and
Climatology at Biarritz;” by G. J. Symons, F.R.S., F.R.Met.Soc.
“Report on the Phenological Observations for 1886;” by the Rev.
T. A. Preston, M.A., F.R.Met.Soc. “A Critici m of Certain Points of
Prof. Langley’s Researches on Solar Heat ;” by Prof. S. A. Hill, B.8c.,
F.R.Met.Soc. “Account of the Hurricane of March 3rd and 4th, 1886,
over the Fiji Islands-;” by R. L. Holmes, F.R.Met.Soc. “Results of
Meteorological Observations made at the Military Cemetery, Scutari,
Constantinople, 1866-85 ;” by W. H. Lyne. As the draft list of officers
and Council for the year 1887 will be prepared at the next Council
Meeting, it is requested that those Fellows who wish to suggest names
for the new Council will send them in before the 1 5 th inst.

— i — A very convincing sample of the suitability c f Asparagus
plumosus nanus AS A Wall Plant is presented iu a -.long lean-to
house in the Cfailwell -Nurseries; The house faces the north-west,
and the front stage ik occupied with Zonal Pelargoniums in the
summer. Lapagerias , appear to have been planted for covering one
part of the lofty back wall and the Asparagus the other portion, but
this latter plant has given so much satisfaction by its luxuriant
growth that it' is being extended, and will no doubt eyentually cover
the entire surface. The dark elegant leafage is displayed in its fullest
beauty, and great quantities might be cut for decorative purposes without
impairing the effect. The wall only receives sun during the late after¬
noon in summer, and the temperature of the house is rendered suitable
for the Pelargoniums . For covering the shaded wall of a stove or warm
greenhouse it is notj easy to conceive any plant more suitable than this
graceful Asparagus. It is planted at intervals of about 2 feet in a narrow
border, and spreads and grows in a manner that shows it to be quite at
home under the conditions indicated.

- Visitors to some of the chief autumn shows cannot fail to

have observed the marked excellence of the Elvaston Castle Grapes
as grown and staged by Mr. J. H. Goodacre this season. Gros Colman
has almost been phenomenal by the size of its berries, and other varieties
were admirably represented. We have now before us samples of Mrs.
Pince’s Muscat, a fine lull bunch and excellent berries, far above the
average in colour, and of first-rate quality ; Lady Downe’s, superior in
every way, several of the berries measuring nearly 4 in. in circumference ;
Golden Queen, large, clear, and spotless, more firm and “crackling ” than
we have before observed ; and Mrs. Pearson, splendid berries, 3£ inches
in diameter, speckless and of a deep golden hue, with a faint, suffusion of
green. The flesh is soft, and a Muscat flavour is something more than a
matter of fancy. Mr. Goodacre thinks this Grape should be renamed the
Winter Muscat, but he must consider that it is not usual to see it in the
high condition represented by the sample before us. We should like to
know how long this Grape continues fresh at Elvaston. There is not the
faintest sign of shrivelling now, but there is in the berries of Golden
Queen. We regard the cultivator as too good a man to have any “ little
secrets,” and he might perhaps not be afraid to state at some time the
method he adopts in producing such very fine Grapes.

II/! 40 . "rill I -• *

- A steady but marked- change in the public taste for food is

noticeable^ in London at least, and this in the direction of vegetari¬
anism. Vegetarian dining rooms are increasing in number, and vege¬
tarian dinnors are .provided at hotels and restaurants. The London
Vegetarian Society, under the energetic superintendence of Mr. W. S.
Mannering, loses no oppoitunity of pressing forward the claims of a
vegetarian diet on the grounds of ^conomy a rjd. health. With this
object what was called a fruit banquet, or special table d’hote dinner, was
held at the Queen Victoria Restaurant, 303, Strand, London, on the
3rd. inst., when the following menu was provided: — “Soups: Brown
Haricot, Artichoke. Porridge : W hr at meal',1 Semolina. Savouries :
Lentil Pie and Apple Sauce, Tomato Farcie and Rice, Macaroni auGratiu,
Vegetable Fritter. Vegetables: Mashed Potat.es, Bskcd Potatoes

516

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

I December 9, 1686.

Brussels Sprout, Haricots, Stewed Celery, Tomatoes, Fried Parsnips,
Baked Turnips (in milk). Hot Sweets : Gooseberry Tart and Custard
Sauce, Christmas Pudding, Dietetic Pudding, Milky R ce Pudding,
Stewed Apples and Kaisins, Stewed Pears. Cold Sweets : Stewed
Apricots, Figs, French , Plums. Dessert : — Grapes : Black Hamburgh,
A'meria. Pears : Duchesse d’Angoul&me, Beurre Diel, Napoleon.
Apples : Cox’s Orange, Blenheim, and Bibston Pippins, Scarlet Non¬
pareil. Oranges. Medlars. Raisins. Nuts : Almonds, Filbertsi
Walnuts. Cheese. Butter Biscuits. Coffee. Draught Lemonade.
Seltzer. Russian Tea.” All for 2s. The large room was crowded. Ex¬
cellent collections of Apples and Pears were exhibited Jby Messrs.
Bunyard & Sons, Maidstone ; Cheal & Son, Crawley ; F. & A. Dickson
and Sons, Chester ; and Andrew Johnstone, Esq., Woodford. Addresses
were delivered enforcing the benefits derivable from a more extensive
consumption of fruit and vegetables by the community.

THE LATE M. AUGUSTE VAN GEERT.

The following is the address of M. le Comte de Kerchove de Denter-
ghem, delivered on the occasion of the interment of the above-named
horticulturist, and admirably pourtrays his character and honourable
career. - -

The Royal Agricultural and Botanic Society is to-day again in
mourning. It is assembled around the coffin of one of its most distin¬
guished members, and I come in its name to say a last and supreme fare¬
well to Auguste Van Geert — to one of the men who have contributed the
most to its prosperity.

A curious and interesting figure was that of this old horticulturist,
representing among us the strong and virile race of earnest gardeners to
whom we owe the development of our culture and the renown of our
Society, He had met in his paternal home those distinguished amateurs
Van Saceghem, Vander Woestyne, Auguste Mechelynck, Buyck, Vander
Straeten, De Loose, and Van Coetsem, to whom our Society owes its
creation. He had met there also those intelligent gardeners Verleenwen,
P. J. De Cock, Alexandre Verschaffelt, Coene, and many others, whose
names are inscribed on the first page of the golden book of Ghent horti¬
culture.

A contemporary of Spae, of Ambroise and Jean Verschaffelt, and of
Louis Van Houtte, he had assisted at the modest commencement of our
industrial horticulture, and he loved — not without a pardonable pride —
to recall the active part he had taken in promoting its development.

An energetic worker, Auguste Van Ge rt attained, by the force of his
will, an exceptional position in commercial horticulture. His was a life
essentially consecrated to work.

His infancy was rough and laborious. His father, Jean Van Geert, of
whom the good-fellowship and scrupulous probity remain legendary
amongst our gardeners, fully comprehended the importance of a good
professional education. Severe for himself and others, he did not hesitate
to send his son to England.

This was in 1830; Auguste Van Geert was then twelve years old.
Those of you alone who know the difficulties and dangers which attended
_a journey b -yond the Channel at this period can say how much energy,
firmness and uprightness of conduct were required to command success.
Nothing could discourage the young apprentice. He commenced work in
the nursery of Messrs. Knight & Perry, the celebrated predecessors of
Messrs. Veitcb, and by the integrity and loyalty of his character he quickly
won the esteem of his employers and the sincere affection of his fellow
workmen. From this time he became intimate with the most illustrious
English horticulturist*, and his friendly relations with them were main¬
tained till the end.

On his return to Belgium Van Geert resumed his place in his father’s
establishment. But he felt that his energies were there too confined ; he
had a longing for the exotic plants, and he dreamed of cultivating them
at Ghent with the same care that the English horticulturists devoted to
them. Thanks to fortunate circumttances he was able to realise this
dream. The twig became a tree, and made a stem in its turn.

The importance of the new establishment grew rapidly. It soon
became that which it remains to-day — one of the three most important
establishments of the town of Ghent. At the same time that Van Geeit
introduced into Belgium new plants, he made our gardeners acquainted
with the most recent scientific discoveries, and showed them new methods
of propagating plants, choosing the most certain and perfect of thote
which he had seen practised in England. His establishment thus became
a veritable school of practical horticulture, and acquired an European
reputation.

The Royal Agricultural and Botanic Society, desirous, at this period,
of having among its members all intelligent horticulturists, did not hesitate
to invite him in 1814 to take his place amongst its active members, and
to come and seat himself beside his father, whose nomination took place
in 1819.

A member of the Society, Auguste Van Geert took during nearly half
a century the most active part in our horticultural exhibitions.

The successes which he obtained were considerable ; each year he
secured the highest and most coveted distinctions. It was amidst the
unanimous applause of Belgian and foreign horticulturists that, in 1873,
His Majesty the King named him Chevalier of his order. It was at this
epoch that he was called to join the Council of Administration of the
Society.

All his colleagues will love to recall the frank and loyal relations which
they had with a man of whom the character and the services inspired in
all the most profound and lasting esteem.

Among us, as amongst his own kindred, his memory will be respect¬
fully preserved ; his name will survive him in the horticultural world.
The name which two generations of horticulturists have made illustrious
will continue, we who know his children can say with confidence, to be
borne with that dignity, that uprightness, and that self-respect which
were the characteristics of the two preceding generations.

May the regrets of all those who surround the coffin assuage the pain
to which this earthly separation gives birth in the hearts of his children
and grandchildren. May they convey to the afflicted soul of his loving
and devoted companion in a long and noble life of work the softest of
consolations — the tender expression of profound mourning which strikes
all those who have at heart the prosperity of national horticulture. — ■
(Translated from the Journal de Gand by Walter P. Wright.)

PRUNING AND NAILING.

This is an operation that should be proceeded with in earnest
as soon as the trees have shed their leaves. Mild or sunny days
must, however, be selected for doing the work, because the men
can then do so much more and better work than when their fingers
are so benumbed with cold that they can hardly hold nail or hammer.
Fortunately for the young gardeners of the present generation, the
“ stick-to-nailing-all- weathers ” system has almost become a thing
of the past, for most gardeners nowadays regulate their work with
more common sense than their predecessors. Hence it is that on
cold and frosty mornings manure has to be wheeled on to vacant
ground, to be subsequently dug or trenched into it, or it may be
between fruit trees, or as a mulching between rows of Raspberries
or Strawberries ; and later in the day, when the sun shines forth,
the work of pruning and nailing the trees is proceeded with, shifting
from one wall to another as the sun moves round towards the west,
so as to be working under its genial influence as long as possible,
thereby rendering the work one of pleasure and pride instead of
hardship, as well as enabling those engaged to do, as already stated,
more of it.

As a rule, pruning and nailing our Morello Cherry trees is
proceeded with first, because on account of the great number of
shoots which have to be manipulated they require, like the Peach >
more time and judgment to train them properly than either the
Plum or Pear, and, moreover, they shed their leaves first. Like
the Peach, the Morello only needs the shoots to be thinned out a
little, leaving, of course, as many young growths as are require^
to cover the wall at 3 or 4 inches apart, cutting back the old cne
to their base, and also any foreright shoots that may have formed
during the summer to one wood bud. Strong leading shoots should
also be removed where it can be done, so as to induce a balance of
growth in the tree — that is, an equal distribution of the shoots
over the space prescribed to each tree on the wall, and these, trained
at the distance indicated, should radiate at the same angle from the
centre on. either side. It is hardly necessary to say that shreds
should be used in proportion to the thickness of the shoots which
they are intended to secure to the wall. Shreds of light material
about three-eighths of an inch wide will be the proper width for
Morello Cherry, Peach, and Plum shoots of the current year’s
growth, using stouter and wider shreds for securing the principal
branches to the wall with, and leaving sufficient room in each shred
for the development of the individual shoots which they encircle.

In pruning trees of the Pear, Plum, and Apricot the shoots
must be spurred back to the wood bud nearest to their bases, and
the old spurs where too close to each other on the individual
branches be thinned out a little, as anything like overcrowding of
the spurs and shoots, whether on trees under glass or out of doors,
should be avoided as a great evil in fruit culture, otherwise satis¬
factory results need not be expected.

Before nailing any trees that are infested with brown scale or
thrip, which if not destroyed will themselves destroy the trees in a
few years, should be taken from the wall by removing therefrom
the nails and shreds, to enable every particle of the branches so
affected to be thoroughly painted with a mixture of softsoap and
petroleum at the rate of 4 ozs. of the former dissolved in a gallon
of warm water to one wineglassful of the latter, to which sufficient
clay and a handful of fresh soot, and the same quantity of flowers
of sulphur may be added to give the consistency of paint. This
must be applied to the trees with a paint brush, taking care in
doing so not to knock off the fruit buds. It is certainly a tedious
process, but I find it is more effectual than the solution of softsoap
and petroleum at the same strength as recommended above, applied
to the infested trees with the syringe, inasmuch as the latter, in
addition to its not adhering sufficiently long to the shoots to be
effective, fails to reach all the insects on the wall side of the indi¬
vidual branches ; in which lease there remains a sufficient number
of untouched insects to establish a fresh colony the following year.

December 9, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

517

When Peach and Nectarine trees have shed their leaves the
majority of the young shoots should be disnailed, leaving only a
■sufficient number of the principal branches secured to the wall to
prevent the individual trees from sustaining injury by rough winds,
the object in view being to retard the flowering period of the trees
by keeping them somewhat away from the walls, which latter con¬
serve and radiate the heat imparted to them by the sun, until the
approach of spring, when perforce the trees must be pruned,
painted with the mixture recommended above if necessary, and
nailed in their proper positions to the wall. — H. W. Ward.

CARNIVOROUS PLANTS.

(Mr. Latham’s Lecture. — Continued from, page 492.)

It is interesting to note here that Darwin from these experi¬
ments came to the conclusion that “ the gland has the power of
absorption as well as the power of secretion,” and this was sug¬
gested by Dr. Hooker in his paper on Sarracenias in 1874
previous to Darwin’s investigations being published. He ob¬
served “ that a gland when excited, not only sends some in¬
fluence down its own tentacle, causing it to bend, but likewise
to the surrounding tentacles, which become incurved, so that the
bending place can be acted on by an impulse received from
opposite directions — namely, from the gland on the summit of the
tentacle, and from one or more glands fof the neighbouring
tentacles ” Darwin goes on to say : “ These results led me to
inquire whether the Drosera possessed the power of dissolving
solid animal matter, this experiment proving that the leaves are
capable of true digestion, and that the glands absorb the digested
matter.” These are perhaps the most interesting of all Darwin's
observations on the Drosera, and no such power was before dis¬
tinctly known to exist in the vegetable kingdom. It is also an
interesting fact that the glands of the disc when irritated should
transmit some influence to the glands of the exterior tentacles,
causing them to secrete more copiously and the secretion to
become acid. The gastric juice of animals contains, as is generally
known, an acid and a ferment, both of which are indispensable
for digestion, and so it is with the secretion in the Drosera.
When the stomach of an animal is mechanically irritated it
secretes an acid When particles of glass or other such objects
are placed upon the glands of the Drosera, the secretion in
these and the surrounding untouched glands was increased in
quantity and became acid. But Schiff records that the stomach
of an animal does not secrete its proper ferment, pepsin, until
certain substances, which he calls Peptogenes, are absorbed.
Darwin also goes on to say, “It appears from my experiments
that some matters must be absorbed by the glands of the Drosera
before they secrete their proper ferment, and from trials made
with a large number of substances, it was found that those in
which the secretion of Drosera dissolves, completely or partially,
or not at all, are acted upon in exactly the same manner by
gastric juices.” We may therefore conclude that the ferment of
Drosera is closely analogous to, if not identical with, the pepsic
of animals.

Darwin, by his experiments on the leaves of Drosera, clearly
proves that this little plant of our bogs is capable of digesting
such substances as meat, cartilage, bone, &c., and experiments
made with other species of Drosera, both British and exotic,
show conclusively that they are adapted for catching insects and
feed on their decomposing matter. The Cephalotus follicularis,
an Australian Pitcher Plant, a native of swampy places in King
George’s Sound, is a lovely little plant with a short stem and
small leaves, the pitcher-like bodies having the mouths furnished
with a thickened and regular notched rim, forming a most perfect
trap. This little plant belongs to a natural order of its own,
Cephalotaceae, and is placed in the natural system between Cras-
sulaceae and Saxifragacese. The Nepenthes is an interesting
genus, which, strange to say, has no representative in the New
World, although we might have expected that some species would
have been found amongst the many suitable places for the growth
of the Nepenthes. This genus has a wide geographical range in
the Old World. In these plants we have a wonderful provision
in the pitcher- like appendages which hang so gracefully from the
leaves, and which are often mistaken for the flowers of this
plant. And for the information of any of our members who
may have fallen into this error, I may just explain that the
Nepenthes belongs to the class |Dicecia, plants that contain
male flowers on one plant and female flowers on another plant,
and flowers from the axils of the leaves. These pitchers contain
a water-like liquid before the lid of the pitcher has ever been
opened, demonstrating that the liquid is a secretion of the plant.
According to experiments made by Mr. Lawson Tait of Birming¬
ham, at the Botanical Gardens here a few years ago, no traces of

an acid was found in this liquid until some insect or animal
matter was introduced, after which traces of acid were found,
showing that the animal matter acted on certain glands of the
inside of the pitchers, which caused them to give off an acid to
assist decomposition.

The genus Sarracenia comprises about five species and several
very beautiful hybrids which have been raised during the last
few years. The species are natives of the Atlantic coast of
North America. From California we have Darlingtonia cali-
fornica, a beautiful plant allied to Sarracenia. We have also
another plant, only as yet found growing in British Guiana,
Heliamphora natans, also belonging to the Sarracenia family, a
plant very rare indeed, even if in cultivation. Aldrovanda
vesiculosa is an European aquatic rootless plant, also supposed
to exist on entrapped insect matter. Drosophyllum lusitanicum
is a rare plant, found only in Portugal and Morocco, and
belonging to the Drosacese family, and it is surprising the
quantity of small insects a healthy plant will capture. Rosidu’a
dentata is an ally of Drosophyllum and from the Cape of Good
Hope, and is not in cultivation. Byblis gigantea, from Western
Australia, a member of the Drosera family, also is not in culti¬
vation. Pinguicuia vulgaris is a plant found growing in moist
places in mountainous parts of Britain, and there are several
other species no doubt insectivorous. Utricularia vulgaris (the
Bladder wort) is also a rare British plant which traps insects
by means of its bladders, and there are some exotic species. It
is scarcely necessary for me to point out that there are persons
who do not believe these plants obtain food from the decomposing
insect matter, but a careful reading of the evidence resulting
from the long, patient, and minute investigations by the late Mr.
Charles Darwin should convince the most sceptical, that he
must come to the conclusion that these insect-catching plants do
feed on such decomposing insect matter through their leaves.
In many cases these plants are found growing under conditions
where they cannot obtain sufficient food through their roots,
hence the use of their leaves to make good the deficiency. Any¬
one growing the Dionaea or some of the Droseras must in potting
them have been struck with the small amount of root these
plants have. It is quite possible there arej insectivorous plants
amongst other families ; for instance, the Bromeliaceous plants of
the Pine Apple family. They have rigid, channelled spiny leaves,
and are mostly natives of the tropics, and some of them are
rootless air plants, and the foliage is so constructed as to form
perfectly water-tight compartments. I have seen no mention of
those plants being carnivorous, but they seem so well adapted to
catch insects, and being plants in some cases with very little root
and in others no root at all, they must to a large extent be leaf-
feeders. We also have amongst some of these Bromeliaceous
plants most lovely coloured foliage, just the colours to attract
insects to the watev reservoirs at the base of the leaves. Then,
again, we have such plants as the Silene (Catchtty), so named
because of the viscid moisture on the stalks of many of the
species, also the viscid moisture on the buds of the Horse
Chestnut, Mimulus glutinosus, some of the Sempervivums, and
many other plants which could be named, all of which catch
small insects by their viscid matter. It may well be asked, Are
these plants carnivorous or not ? or, in otherjwords, Do they feed
on the insects caught on their stems or flowers ? .

In illustration of this paper, Mr. Latham used the following
plants : —

Drosera capensis .

„ spathulata

„ binata .

„ rotundifolia
Sarracenia Drummondi ...

* „ flava .

„ rubra . .

„ purpurea

„ Chelsoni

Dionsea muscipula .

Nepenthes distillatoria

phyllamphora
Baffleaiana
Vries ia brachystacha
Darlingtonia calif ornica ...

Mr. Cooper, gardener to the Right Hon. Joseph Chamberlain,
M.P., also kindly contributed Nepenthes Hookeriana, N. ampul-
lacea vittata, N. laevis and N. hybrida, Darlingtonia californica,
and Drosera rotundifolia.

LATE GRAPES.

Last week the sun shone biightly after several days of dull foggy
weather, giving me a splendid opportunity of looking over hanging
Grapes. I was pleased to find less decay than is usual at this season * f
the year. I always consider November the worst month, much more to

Cape of Good Hope.
Australia,
do.

Britain.

North America,
do.
do.
do.

Hybrid.

North America.
China,
do.

Singapore.

California.

518

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ December 9, 1886.

than December, for decay or loss in the berries. This is no doubt occa¬
sioned as much by the quantity of foliage as anything, though of course
there are other causes, such as drips, which is frequently the result, not
of faulty glazing or cracked squares, but condensed moisture settling on a
lateral, then finding its way into a bunch ; again a tie will he often a stop
for a drop of water. Spiders are a very fruitful cause of waste. They
will now be making their nests, and if they get into a bunch of Grapes
many berries will be lost. This morning I noticed on one of my best
Gros Colman a suspicious-looking berry. I carefully pulled it off, and
there was a live wasp, which caused me to cut out two other berries.
Fortunately this bunch was not thinned as much as usual, so when I had
done my cutting the higher berries dropped down, so the bunch is perfect.
This is only another illustration how watchful a man must be who has
Grapes to keep. Weekly looking over is very well, daily is much
better.

At this period of the year the less front ventilation the better. Of
course, my fires are always going, and I can generally — at least, in the
day if not at night— keep some top ventilation on, so that I have a circu¬
lation of warm air. This past two weeks have been very trying to
amateurs, as in small mixed houses which have to be used as receptacles
Sor other plants it must be a very difficult matter to keep a sweet atmo¬
sphere. Undoubtedly the larger the house, always provided there is
boiler power according, the better will Grapes keep, and these large struc¬
tures can be used in moderation for storing bedding plants, the latter,
however, to be kept free from decayed leaves. I know a small hon-e
containing Alicante, Gros Maroc, and Black Hamburgh Grapes. The
house was full of plants, Tomatoes, &c. I advised cutting a fortnight
since, hut now all the Black Hamburgh bunches are past selling and the
others are not improved, but on the contrary have lost in weight by de¬
cayed berriee, and have not the finish they had. Grapes, unless well
kept, lose their bloom. Top ventilation is of the utmost importance ; no
roof should be without it.

Cutting and bottling is done by many as soon as possible, but the
curious summer we had will make all Grapes late, and foliagp which other
years has been gone will be much later. This late foliage will, no doubt,
be of benefit to the Vines by causing the roots to finish their work, but
this foliage is no good, or rather the reverse for keeping fruit. Much
may be done even now by carefully removing some laterals, especially if
there is any green or sub-laterals, so as to gradually get the sap down,
and at the same time prepare the bunches for keeping. — Stephen
Castle, West Lynn.

THE ORCHID FAMILY.

In reply to a correspondent who desired a brief description of the classi
fication adopted in the Orchid family the following is submitted, and will
perhaps be to some extent interesting to others as showing the relationship
of the different genera.

The late Mr. G. Bentham studied these plants very carefully from a
botanical point of view, and the results of his investigations are embodied
in Hooker & Bentham’s “ Genera Plantarum,” several modifications being
made in the genera previously accepted by authorities. A total of 334
genera are fully described, seven others being mentioned of which insuffi¬
cient material had been obtained. These are classed in five tribes— namely,
Epidendrese, Vandese, Neottiese, Ophrydese, and Cypripediese, with nume¬
rous secondary divisions termed sub-tribes. The Epidendrese comprises
eighty-eight genera, including such well-known garden Orchids as Masde-
vallia, Dendrobium, Phaius, Chysis, Coelogyne, Calanthe, Epidendrum,
Cattleya, Lfelia, and Sophronitis. The next tribe, Vandese, is much the
largest of all, including 135 genera, of which may be specially mentioned
as examples of the best known — Cymbidium, Zygopetalum, Lycaste,
Anguloa, Stanhopea, Catasetum, Maxillaria, Oncidium, Miltonia, Odonto-
glossum, Ada, Phalsenopsis, Aerides, Vanda, Saccolabium, and Angrsecum.
The third tribe, Neottiere, has eighty-two genera, comprising Vanilla,
Sobralia, Ansectochilus, and Goodyera ; the fourth, Ophrydese, thirty-two,
including Orchis, Ophrys, and Disa; while the fifth, Cypripedium, has only
four, Cypripedium and Selenipedium being the best known.

In the following list the genera are arranged under their respective
tribes and sub-tribes in order adopted by Mr. Bentham.

Tribe, Epidendre® —

Sub-tribe, Pleurothallece.

Pleurothallis, Stelis, Physosiphon, Lepanthes, Restrepia, Brachio-
nidium, Masdevallia, Arpophyllum, Octomeria, Meiracyllium.

Sub-tribe, Malaxeae.

Malaxis, Microstylis.

Sub-tribe, Liparieos.

Oberonia, Liparis, Platyclinus, Calypso, Aplectrum, Corallorhiza,
Tipularia, Oreorchis, Hexalectris.

Sub-tribe, Dendrobiece.

Dendrobium, Latourea, Bulbophvllum, Sunipia, Cirrhopetalum,
Megaclinium, Trias, Osyricera, Drymoda, Monomeria, Dendrochilum,
Panisea, Acrochsene, Chrysoglossum, Collabium.

Sub-tribe, Eriece.

Coelia, Eria, Phreatia, Pachystoma, Spathoglottis.

Sub-tribe, Bletiece.

Acanthephippium, Phaius, Bletia, Chysis, Nephelapliyllum, Tainia,
Anthogonium.

Sub-tribe, Oeelogynea.

Josepha, Earina, Glomera, Agrostophyllum, Ceratostylis, Callostylis,
Cryptochilus, Trichosma, Coelogyne, Otochilus, Pholidota, Calanthe,
Arundina, Elleanthus.

Sub-tribe, Stenoglossece.

Lanium, Amblostoma, Seraphyta, Diothonea, Stenoglossum, Hormi-
dium, Hexisia, Scaphyglottis, Hexadesmia, Octadesmia.

Sub-tribe, Loslieoe. _ .

Alamania, Pleuranthium, Diacrium, Isochilus, Ponera, Pineha, Hart-
wegia, Epidendrum, Broughtonia, Cattleya, Lseliopsis. Tetramicra,
Brasaavola, Lielia, Schomburgkia, Sophronitis.

Tribe, Vande® —

Sub-tribe, Eulophiece.

Eulopbia, Lissochilus, Galeandra.

Sub-tribe, Cymbidieoe. .

Cymbidium, Ansellia, Grammangis,!!Cremastra, Cyperorclus, Geo-
dorum, Grammatophyllum, Dipodium, Thecostele, Bromheadia,
Polystachya.

Sub-tribe, Cyrtopodieee.

Plocoglottis, Cyrtopodium,' Govenia, Pteroglossaspis, Zygopetalum,
Grobya, Cheiradenia, Aganisia, Acacallis, Eriopsis, Warrea, Lyco-
mormium, Batemannia, Bifrenaria, Xylobium, Lacmna, Lycaste,
Anguloa, Chondrorhyncha, Gongora,

Sub-ti ibs, Stanhopiece. _ ,

Coryanthes, Stanhopea, Houlletia, Peristeria, Acineta, Catasetum,
Mormodes, Cycnoches, Chrysocycnis, Polycycnis.

Sub-tribe, Maxdlariex.

Stenia, Schlimmia, Clowesia,_ Mormolyce, Scuticaria, Maxillaria,
Camaridinm, Dichsea, Ornitliidium.

Cryptocentrum, Diadenium, Comparettia, Sceloehilus, Trichocentrum,
Rodriguezia, Trichopilia, Aspasia, Cocbhoda, Dignatbe, Saundersia,
Brachtia, Odontoglossum, Oncidium, Miltonia, BraSsia, Solenidium,
Leiochilus, Sigmatostalix, Erycina, Gomeza, Abola, Neodryas, Ada,
Trizeuxis, Sutrina, Trigonidium, Ionopsis, Cryptarrhena, Ornitho-
cephalus, Quekettia, Zygostates, Phymatidium, Chytrogl.ossa, _Hof-
m- isterella, Kegelia, Papperitzia, Cohnia, Paradisanthus, Sievekiugia,
Coeliopsis, Warmingia.

Sub-tribe, Sarcanthece. _ .

Lockhartia, Centropetilum, Pachyphyllum, Luisia, Cottonii, Stau-
ropsis, Arachnanthe, Phalsenopsis, Doritis, Rhynchostylis, SarcJ-
cbilus, Tricho glottis, Aeranthns, Aerides, Renantbera, Vanda, Sacco¬
labium, Uncifera, Acampe, Sarcanthus, Cleiosostoma, Schcenorchis,
Ornithochilus, Taeniophyllum, Microsaccus, Diplocentrum, Angraecum,
Cryptopu9, ZEonia, Mystacidium, Dendrophylax, Campylocentron.
Sub-tribe, Notyliece. ,

Cirrhaea, Macradenia, Notylia, Aeriopsis, Telipogon, Tnchoceros,
Podochilus, Appendicula, Tbelasis.

Tribe, Neottie® —

Sub-tiibe, Vanillecz.

Galeola, Vanilla, Sobralia, Epistephium, Sertifera.

Sub-tribe, Corymbied.

Corymbis, Tropidia.

Sub-tribe, Spiranthece.

Altenstemia, Pterichis, Cranichis, Prescottia, Ponthieva, Wullschlae-
gelia, Pseudocentrum, Gomphichis, Steuoptera, Neottia, Listera,
Spiranthes, Ba-kervilla, Pelexia, Pbysurus, Ancectochilus, Vrydag-
zenia, Cystorchis, Herpysma, Zeuxine, Cb< irostylis, Odontochilus,
Myrmecbis, Hmmaria, Dossinia, Macodes, Hylophila, Goodyera,
Lepidogyne, Hetseria, Mcerenhoutia, Platylepis, Manniella, Eucosia,
Gymnocliilus, Argyrorcbis.

Sub- tribe, Viuridece. .

Lecanorchis, Aphyllorchis, Stereosandra, Thelemitra, ^ Epiblema,
Diuris, Orthoceras, Cryptostylis, Prasophyllum, Microtis, Corysan-
thes, Pterostylis, Caleana, Drakma, Acianthus, Eriochilus, Lyper-
anthus, Burnettia, Cyrtostylis, Caladenia, Glossodia, Adenochilus,
Chiloglottis, Calocbilus.

Sub-tribe, Arethnsece.

Aretbusa, Calopogon, Pogonia, Pogoniopsil, Chlorosa, Leucorcbis,
Gastrodia, Yoania, Epipogum.

Sub-tribe, Limodorece.

Limodorum, Cblorma, Bipinnula, Cepbalanthera, Epipactis.

Tribe, Ophryde® —

Sub-tribe, Sercipiece.

Orchis, Strapias, Aceras, Ophrys.

Sub-tribe, Habenariecs.

Herminium, Stenoglottis, Arnottia, Bartbolina, Huttouiea, Holothrix,
Bicomella, Habenaria, Diplomeris, Bonatea, Cynorchis, Hemipilia,
Glossula.

Sub-tribe, Vised. _

Satyrium, Pachites, Di=a, Herschelia, Monad'nia, Sclnzodium,
Brownlrea, Forficaria, Brachycorythis, Schizochilus, Platycoryne.
Sub-tribe, Coryciece.

Pterigodium, Disperis, Corycium, Ceratandra.

Tribe, Cypripedie.e —

Cypripedium, Selenipedium, Aspostasia, Neuwiedia.

It may be mentioned that the under-mentioned genera are now reduced
to those of which the names follow, and under them will be found in most
modern botanical works : — Ipsea to Pachystoma ; Paxtonia to Spathoglottis ;
Thunia and Limatodes to Phaius ; Pleione to Ccelogyne ; Limatodes rosea
to Calanthe ; Barlc-ria and Nanodes to Epidendrum ; Leptotes to Tetra¬
micra ; Zygotepalum, Huntleya, Bollea, "Warszewiczella, and PromemEi to
Zygopetalum; Paphinia and Colax to Lycaste; Acropera to Gongora;
Helcia to Trichopilia; Meso9pinidium to Odontoglossum ; Palumbina to
Oncidium ; Odontoglossum vexillarium to Miltonia ; Camarotis to Sarco-
chilus ; Listrostachys to Angrscum ; Sauroglossum, Sarcoglottis, and
Stenorhynchus to Spiranthes ; Gymnadenia, Peristylis, Cceloglossum and
Platanthera to Habenaria; and Uropedium to Selenipedium.

CHRYSANTHEMUM NOTES.

The Chrysanthemum of the Future. — At the New York
Chrysanthemum Show, just over, there were exhibited four varieties,
representing as many distinct classes, for which there is a brilliant
future.

December 9, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

519

First on the list is John Thorpe, jun. This to me is the most beauti¬
ful Chrysanthemum ever raised ; it is a beautiful clear yellow very large
Japanese Anemone, and will in the very near future reap a golden harvest
as a cut flower alone. No better proof of this can be had than to state
that on the opening day a fine single bloom of this was pinned on a
lady’s dress (black), and inside of half an hour over thirty ladies inquired
of the wearer where they could buy a flower like it, and disappointment
was plainly expressed in every applicant’s face when told that that par¬
ticular variety was not for sale. Some at a distance went bo far as to
remark (not intended for the wearer’s hearing, of course) she must have
stolen it or we could get it also. Were I the fortunate holder of the
entire stock of this variety I think I could easily make a rich harvest
from it, for in the Chrysanthemum yellow is undoubtedly the most sought
colour by the majority of the ladies. I well remember the sensation that
grand old variety, Temple de Solomon, caused when first grown in
quantity, and what an impetus it gave to this popular flower.

The next in point of merit for all purposes is J. Delaux (raised by
Delaux), a very deep crimson, and will most certainly be a grand flower
for all purposes and a fit companion to the above ; the colour will also
be shown off all the better by placing it side by side with the first
named.

Next in point of novelty comes Mrs. Grover Cleveland, a Japanese
variety, but quite distinct in character from either of the above. It is
straw white, with narrow twisted petals, giving it the appearance of a
glittering star in the distance, and placed as it was in a bed of Maiden¬
hair Fern was truly beautiful and graceful.

Last but not least comes the entirely new strain raised by Mr. Allen,
a near neighbour of mine, and called Mrs. Aker Allen ; it is a Japanese
also, but having a distinct and decided Violet fragrance ; the variety in
in which this most decided had a beautiful pale lemon centre. There
must be a glorious future for this strain, as it overcomes the hitherto
objectionable feature of Chrysanthemums to many — their rather dis¬
agreeable odour. Here we have not only a large fine flower of a very
charming colour, but a delightful fragrance as well.

There were also many other very fine varieties Bhown, but those named
above to me possessed the most striking qualities, and if Mr. Thorpe
never raises another variety his name will be handed down to succeeding
generations in conjunction with these two grand varieties.

The collection of beet seedlings, which won the silver cup given by
Jas. R. Pitcher, Esq., and exhibited and raised by Mr. Richard Brett, con¬
tained many promising varieties also, which will soon find their way into
commerce. The variety named after Mrs. Langtry is also very pro¬
mising ; it is a very large white Japanese. Count E. Zbrowski, another
grand variety, Japanese, a beautiful blending of white and lemon, base of
the petals deep yellow. Prince Ilamoutski, a very much improved Comte
de Germiny, deeper in colour and much larger. These appear to embrace
most of the novelties shown; but there was one little gem shown, Par-
querette Pompon, which should be in every collection, for it attracted
almost universal attention from its neat little flowers and charming colour
— a clear lilac. — J. N. Mat (in American Florist'),

Chrysanthemums at Ingatestone. — The public shows now being
over, one has time to look round at what may be called the private
shows, and one of the best certainly that I seen is in the gardens of
E. Caldecot, Esq., of Trueloves, Ingatestone, Essex. The garden is
situated on a hill, the grounds are laid out very tastefully and well kept;
but the object of my visit was to see the Chrysanthemums, and I was
most gratified with the display. Mr. Harris, Mr. Caldecot’s gardener,
deserves high praise both for the judicious selection as well as for the
excellent cultivation and general condition of his plants. He is well to
the fore also in new varieties, incurved and Japanese, whilst at the same
time not forgetiing the older hut not less beautiful varieties. There were
certainly some hundreds of plants in full bloom when I was there, in the
finest condition, all showing that Mr. Harris would be a formidable com¬
petitor at any show, some of his blooms being equal to many of the
prizewinners at the Crystal Palace or Aquarium. I may also mention
that the Chrysanthemum does not absorb all Mr. Harris’s care, for the
stove and greenhouse plants, Grapes, &c., are all admirably grown. -
J. Wright, Middle Temple Gardens.

about five years ago, when introduced a smallish reflexed, and having
the peculiarity, like Progne, of being sweet-scented — name lost. If cut¬
tings are taken early Dr. Sharp, Roi des Precoces, Henri Jacotot, Mons.
Moussillac, Francois Delaux, Mons. Juan Equileor, Madame Sevin, Alex.
Dufour, &c., various dark shades may be bloomed early on crown buds. —
W. J. Murphy, Clonmel.

NEW GLADIOLI.

As this is the season when the new varieties both in England and
France are announced, it will be well to notice the aspirants for
favour issuing from the two celebrated firms of Vilmorin & Co. of
Paris and Messrs. Kelway & Son of Langport, reserving what I have
to say concerning those of this year until I give the usual note of my
own little culture by-and-by. I cannot but rejoice to find that more
attention has of late been given to this autumnal flower, and
although but scanty encouragement is given to it by the organisers
of exhibitions in the metropolis, yet a revival in them has shown
itself during the last two years. It is true that, as far as amateurs

October Chrysanthemums. — In answer to Mr. A. Young’s remarks
respecting October- blooming Chrysanthemums, 1 beg to say that I con¬
sider Mods. William Holmes the very best dark Chrysanthemum for
blooming in October, as I have two first-class certificates which were
awarded me for that variety on the 12th and 13th of October, and L’lle
des Plaisirs i9 another good dark variety for flowering in October, and
Mons. H. Jacotot. These I consider three of the best. — G. Stevens.

Dark October-blooming Chrysanthemums.— In reply to Mr. A.
Young, page 473, I would like to ask him first why he would confine us
to October bloomers ? Why at present, the first days of December, I have
a south wall 200 feet long studded all over with Chrysanthemum blooms,
and from which I have been cutting for more than two months. In order
that there mav be no doubt on the matter, I hope before the end of the
week to send Editor a box of them, with some observations on the treat¬
ment and method of procedure. As a rule the early bloomers cannot com¬
pare in size or fulness to the November and December varieties, and
those having a spare south wall have this year lost a great treat. In fact
in my prepared borders against a south wall I have had far finer blooms
than in pots. But this anon. There are very few really gooddaik October
bloomer1. I have one very dark, almost black, sent me by Mr. Cannell

are concerned, this is mainly caused by some coming forward from
the north ; but surely one would say if this can be done in Durham
and the northern counties, why not in the more favoured districts of
the south ? Perhaps we are beginning to know a little more about
them, and although we cannot stop the ravages of disease we may
mitigate them.

I think the theory that they do best on light soils must be
abandoned. My friend, Mr. Burrell of Cambridge, who so success¬
fully exhibited last season, has been very positive on this subject, and
his contention is that where it is possible they should be planted in
strong ground, of course well drained. I have proVed this in my
own garden this year, and although it may be that the season has had
something to say to it, yet the difference between those planted in
the part of the garden where the soil is light and that where I tried
them this year is so manifest that I cannot but conclude that he is
right. Another thing that ought to encourage their growth is their
greatly reduced price. A great number of really good show varieties
(some of which I have had gd winning stands this year) may be had for
a few pence, while I believe for £2 a very excellent lot to begin with
may be obtained. Even then if they do go off in the unaccountable
manner, they can be easily replaced. We buy our Hyacinths with
the certainty that they will be of very little use to us for another
year. We need not do the same with our Gladioli, but we may with-
out much fear order our corms, knowing that if they do fail we shall
not have to make a big dip out of our pockets to replace them.

With regard to the taking of them to the place of exhibition, I
saw in Scotland this year a very ingenious plan, invented by a Mr.
Smith of Kilmarnock, by which an amateur could without much
difficulty take his twelve or twenty-four spikes. It will be best
explained by the following diagram (fig. 71), scale 1 inch to a foot.

520

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ December 9, 1886.

I^saw one with the Gladioli packed in it, and not even the perverse
ingenuity of destruction shown by railway porters could injure it. The
central stake is about an inch square, and the Gladioli are packed
back to back, so that they cannot rub, and when the box is closed the
stake fits into the square place reserved for it, so that it cannot move,
as the sides are covered with canvas. It is very light, and as half a
dozen of these light frames would carry twenty-four blooms, they are
very convenient. They would be of no use, of course, for those who
bring up their 100 or 150 spikes, but for amateurs it is. I think, the
best plan that I have seen. When they are laid on trays they are
apt to get rubbed, and so the freshness of the blooms is spoiled ;
but by this plan they are kept as firm as a rock.

Messrs. Vilmorin, Andrieux & Co. announce twelve new varieties,
all, with one exception, seedlings from Fontainbleau, which still
have the name of Souchet attached to them, although the establishment
is now conducted by Souillard & Brunelet. The exception is a seedling
of Berger’s. There is one peculiar novelty in the set, a hybrid raised
by them from the hardy Gladioli of Lemoine’s strain. When I was
last at Fontainbleau they did not seem to value these for hybridising,
but. I suppose they have altered their opinion. The following are
their varieties : —

. Dictateur. — Long compact spike, centre white, pale' lilac ground,
with heavy carmine-red flakes.

Fra Diavolo. — Grand spike of bright orange-rose flowers, flamed
with violet-red on the edges of the petals ; large pale yellow spot.

Enchantresse. — Superb compact spike, flowers well opened, of
enormous size, pale satiny lilac-white ; violet-red line on one or two
divisions.

L Esperance. — Beautiful and curious plant, hybridised with hardy
Gladiolus ; flowers very large and very open, which Lemoine's seed¬
lings are not, rosy lilac ; large carmine-red spot, deeper in the centre,
and surrounded with yellowish-white upon the inferior divisions,
bordered with rose.

Magicien. — Medium plant ; compact spike of large flowers ; edge
of petals wavy and fringed, centre passing to pale rose and white.
This sounds like a curiosity.

Magnificus. — Grand spike of extremely large flowers, sound and
open, crimson-red ; beautiful white spot, with violet edge.

Marguerite. — Plant medium height, but with long spike ; large
compact flowers, nearly pure white, showing only a rosy or rosy-lilac
eye, and a few light stripes of same colour.

Minos. — Tall plant ; long spike, with very large rosy-salmon
flowers, largely flaked, and spotted with cherry-red ; amaranth band,
and eye of same colour.

Pasteur. — Superb long spike of grand flowers of a beautiful rose
colour, slightly tinged with orange ; some crimson-orange stripes,
rosy-white spots ; buds scarlet-red.

Pollux. Dwarf plant ; compact spike, bright carmine-red, with
some flakes of brownish-crimson at the edge ; beautiful white spot ;
flowers sometimes semi-double.

Sirius (Berger) — Long spike, well furnished with flowers ; lovely
rose, flamed and striped with carmine ; spotted with purple.

Splendens. — Long spike, furnished with crimson-red flowers ; pale
yellow spots on one or more divisions.

Messrs. Kelway & Son also announce twelve. Many of these
have been seen in London, and have all been awarded first-class
certificates, so that, independently of the well-known character of the
Langport strain, their excellence is guaranteed by the position they
have thus taken. They are as follows : —

Aner. — Mauve, flaked and shaded with purple.

Caens. — Cerise, flaked with rose.

Clarence. — Maroon, streaked with purple, and shaded red.

Colonel Macfec. — Lilac, flaked on a white ground.

Dora Thorne. — Cream, shaded and edged rose.

Duchess of Westminster. — White, tinted and veined with rose.

Lady Salisbury — White, tinted flesh, flaked with carmine.

Lord Carnarvon. — Scarlet, with white throat.

Lord Rothschild. — Scarlet crimson, shaded with purple.

Miss Foster. — White, tinged flesh, flaked with rose.

Prince Henry. — Purple, with white throat.

These descriptions are much shorter than those given by the
French raisers, but I do not think that they are any the worse for
that ; indeed it is often very difficult to imagine from them what the
flower is likely to be.

Of the flowers of last season I may have something to say by-and
by (ii giving my usual notes from my garden) so far as I have seen
them. — D., Deal.

FORCING RHUBARB.

I am very pleased to see that “ W. P. R.” has a better plan, accord¬
ing to his idea, than that recommended by me. His chief saving is in
taking the Rhubarb roots to the manure yard. But does it not strike

your correspondent that 50 per cent, of those whojforce Rhubarb could
not do so for want of room in those places ? I think quite as much labour
would be necessary in keeping up a succession and in lifting the roots,
and as much ground occupied, as by having a row set apart for forcing.
The question of applying fermenting materials is wholly a matter of
local circumstances. Some may have his Rhubarb close to the manure
yard on his frame ground, while others may not. I should certainly
hesitate to recommend “ W. P. R.’s’’ rough-and-ready mode of placing
his roots on the dunghill. I have seen stalks of Rhubarb that had come
up outside the pots in the ordinary mode of forcing, rejected in the
dining-room on account of their having a flavour of the manure. I
should not like to say that Rhubarb forced in the centre of a steaming
dung mass would be wholly free from the flavour of it. — A Woeking
Gaedenee.

TRACHELIUM CCERULEUM.

Though cultivated in some warm districts of England as a hardy
plant, the Blue Throatwort, Trachelium coeruleum, is best known in many
gardens as a greenhouse plant. During the summer it will thrive in
borders in almost any part of England, but it is liable to be destroyed in
winter, and therefore can be scarcely claimed as a really hardy plant,
though some have objected to its admission in classes for stove and green¬
house plants on this ground. It is a native of shady places in Italy and
Levant, and has been found growing in rocky crevices on Mount Atlas.
Parkinson and others mention it as being cultivated before the middle of
the seventeenth century, but it was long regarded as a biennial, and
treated as such, the seeds being sown in the autumn, and the plants so
obtained transferred to the borders,

This plant is remarkably well grown by Mr. Molyneux, Swanmore
Park Gardens, Bishop’s Waltham, and an excellent specimen was shown
by him at the Southampton Horticultural Society’s Exhibition last
August. It was about 4 feet high and as much in diameter, with fifty or
sixty grand trusses (6 inches or more in diameter) of purplish blue flowers.
The stems were secured to stakes, but they were not too conspicuous, and
the plant altogether was very satisfactory. It is well represented in
the engraving (fig. 72) from a photograph, and the cultural notes
by Mr. M lyneux, which follow, will show how such an admirable
result was obtained.

“ To secure small single-stemmed plants in 48-sized p ts, or even
less, suitable for house or conservatory decoration, cuttings should be
taken from the base of a plant, say in September, such shoots not having
flowered the same season ; make them into lengths of from 2 to 4 inches,
insert in single thumb pots in sandy soil ; a gentle bottom heat is an
assistance in the quick production of roots. Care should be taken not to
subject them to an excess of heat, or they will be drawn up weakly. A
half-spent hotbed answers well ; failing this a cold frame kept close wilt
suffice. As soon as they are well rooted, give them a shift into pots one
size larger, or, if the cuttings are extra strong, into the 48-size at once,
using a mixture of two parts loam, one part leaf mould, some spent
Mushroom bed manure, a good sprinkling of finely ground bones, charcoal
and coarse sand, pot firmly and return the plants to (he cold frame ; keep
them close for a few days until established, then admit air freely to keep-
them stocky. Winter the plants on a shelf close to the glass in a cool
house ; attend carefully to them with water, and in the spring, when the
flower stems commence growing, supply liquid manure freely, and in
June and July handsome heads of blossoms, one to each plant, will be the
result, which in some cases may require the aid of a small stake to keep
them in position. These will last a long time in flower.

“ To grow the plants into specimen size it is immaterial whether they
be struck in the autumn or the following spring. The time when the cut¬
tings can best be procured is the main point, but the former period is
preferable, as time is then gained by striking them early. As soon as the
plants are rooted, top them by pinching out the point, to induce the pro¬
duction of side branches. These in turn must also he topped, training them
in an outward direction by the use of stakes. A cool house simply free
from frost is all the protection they require during winter. In the summer
they may be stood out of doors in an open position. Still continue to top
the branches, transferring the plants into larger pots until they are in
those 12 inches in diameter. This size is large enough for the best
specimens, using the same compost, except that when they are in large
pots more charcoal and bones are required. Use the soil as rough as
possible consistent with convenience in potting. Supply water freely
during the summer, and syringe the plants in the evening of floe days.

“ Towards the end of August a few of the strongest branches may be
allowed to flower, but not the weaker ones. After this, prune those which
have produced blossoms down to an eye or two below those branches not
having flowered, and shorten any other growths which have become too
long. Keep rather drier at the roots for a time, and winter in a cool
house as before. Early in March repot the plants, first shaking off a great
part of the old soil, afterwards shift into pots a size larger, which must be
guided by the previous size. Keep the plants in a cool light part of the
house, and early in May the flower stems will commence appearing, and
the same cool treatment be continued, the plants will be in perfection
from the middle of July to the end of August. As fast as the flower
spikes grow (and all stems will produce blossoms, great or small) they
should be tied somewhere near the position which they are to occupy when
in bloom, finally staking the plants two or three weeks previous to the
flowers expanding. The flower stems are best staked in an upright
manner, the same as they grow ; twisting or bending them into unnatural
forms does not answer. The largest heads of flower will be spread evenly

December 9, 1E88. 3

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

521

over the plant, filling in the spaces between with the smaller ones. One
advantage in the culture of this plant is that it is not subject to any insect
pest. Nothing seems to harm it beyond perhaps a lit .le green fly' in the
spring, which can easily be destroyed by fumigating with tobacco.”

THE POTATO TERCENTENARY.

December 1st to 4th.

In the brief notice we gave last week respecting the Exhibition of
Potatoes at St. Stephen’s Hall, Westminster, we were only able to give a
few details concerning the competition, reserving a fuller report of the
proceedings until the present issue. Had the International Potato Show
been held at the Crystal Palace this year as usual, it is probable that the

time for development, and cannot be made too widely known to ensure
even a moderate degree of success, and it is regretable that in this case
these points seem to have been partially disregarded until it was too late.

In addition to the awards at the Exhibition noticed in this Journal list
week a silver medal was awarded to Mr. James Lye, Cliffe Hall, Market
Lavington, for a new variety of Potato named Clipper, a white round tuber
of good size, with rather deep eye3, but it cooked well, and was pronounced
to be of excellent quality.

The Conference proceedings were opened on Thursday, December 2nd,
at midday, Mr. W. Carruthers, F.R S., President of the Linnean Society, in
the chair, by Mr. W. S. Mitchell, M.A., reading a paper on the “ Historic
Consideration of the Question, Whence came the Potato to England?” The
substance of this interesting and exhaustive paper was originally published

Fig. 72. — Trachelium cceruleuh.

Conference would have been associated with it, as the subject had been
proposed early in the season. An elaborate article on the history of the
introduction of the Potato to this country which appeared in Nature called
especial attention to the matter in establishing the date as 1586, and the
fact that three centuries had elapsed since the first appearance of this
important tuber in Europe was some justification for an attempt to celebrate
the occasion by an exhibition of Potatoes and a conference of growers and
others interested in the subject.

The plan sketched out was to oflfer gold, silver, and bronze medals for
collections of Potatoes, and a silver medal for the best new variety ; then
to provide a department for the exhibition of old botanical, horticultural,
and other works containing references to the discovery, introduction, or
early cultivation of the plant. To complete the scheme a conference was
arranged at which papers were to be read upon the history and culture of
the Potato, to be followed by discussion. This plan was an excellent one,
and it was carried into operation ; but, owing probably to the late period at
which the arrangements were completed and the remarkably quiet manner
in which they had been conducted, the affair failed to attract the public
attention that it deserved. Schemes of this kind require a considerable

in Nature, as already mentioned, and its chief object was to point out as
the result of the reader’s investigations that the Potato was introduced to
England by Sir Francis Drake in 1586. It was thought that Drake had
either obtained tubers from South America on one of his expeditions, or
that he had captured a Spanish vessel containing some amongst their
stores, either as articles of food or as curiositPs for conveyance to the
mother country. Probably, after relieving Raleigh’s Virginian Colony,
these tubers had been brought to England, the ships proceeding homewards
direct from there, thus giving rise to the belief that they were originally
obtained from Virginia, as Gerard stat s. Much evidence was adduced in
support of these conclusions, but in a discussion which followed Mr. Car¬
ruthers said that he could not give entire support to the opinion, as he
thought it probable that the Potato might have reached portions of North
America prior to the visits of Europeans, a view which was to some extent
corroborated at a later stage of the proceedings by Mr. Clements Markham,
C.B., F.R.S., who gave some particu'ars indicating the extreme probability
that communication had existed between Peru and North America at an
early period. As further illustrating Mr. Mitchell’s remarks, Sir Richard
Pollock read a paper by Mr. W. Herries Pollock, M.A., on “ Drake’s Ex-

522

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

[ December 9, 1888.

pedition of 1586,” describing the voyage generally and ' the places
calhd at.

“ The Cultivation of the Potato by the Incas and other Andean
Nations” was the subject of an exceedingly interesting paper, admirably
read by Mr. Clements Markham, and was in all respects one of the best of
the series, displaying a wonderful amount of careful research in dealing
with a subject of almost romantic interest. In preparing this Mr. Mark¬
ham no doubt resorted freely to the principal work of reference on the
history and civilisation of Peru at the time of the Spanish conquest —
namely, the “ Commentaries Reales ” of Garcilasso de la Yega, which were
published in two parts in 1609 and 1617, and translated into English in 1688
by Sir Paul Rycaut. GarciLsso’s mother was the niece of Huayna Capac,
one of the Royal Inca line, and had every means of becoming fam'liar with
all the peculiarities of Peruvian civilisation, thus, with some allowances for
exaggeration, rendering his work the most complete of its kind. Many
references are given to the book, and a resume of its leading features in
Prescott’s “ Conquest of Peru,” the latter author remarking, concerning
Rycaut’s translation, that 11 It contains as many blunders as paragraphs, aud
most of them such as might shame a schoolboy.” From these works, and a
few records of the early travellers, are obtained the principal facts relating
to the Peruvian history of the Potato. This was reviewed by Mr. Mark¬
ham in a very clear manner. The original home of the Potato was the
cordilleras of the Andes in South America, and it appeared to have been
there cultivated for a great time over a space of 2000 to 3000 miles. Naturally
this rendered it very difficult to determine the exact localities where
Potatoes were really wild, as so many might be found as escapes from culti¬
vation. It was found by the Spanish invaders as a cultivated plant in the
kingdom of the Cbibchas in the province of Quito, and from there through
Peru to Chili. The Chibcha language is now extinct, but vocabularies have
been preserved, and from these it appears that several varieties of Potato
were grown under different names, indicating characters of size, colour, and
qualit}'. A very full account of the physical geography and system of
government in these regions was also given by the lecturer, who was highly
complimented by Mr. Carruthers and others at the conclusion of his ex¬
cellent address. It might be added that Prescott deduces from the various
authorities he consulted the facts that, “Whether indigenous to Peru, or
imported from the neighbouring country of Chili, the Potato formed the
staple of the more elevated plains under the Incas, and its culture was con¬
tinued to a height in the equatorial regions which reached miny thousand
feet above the limits of perpetual snow in the temperate latitudes of Europe.
Wild specimens of the vegetable might be seen still higher, springing up
spontaneously amidst the stunted shrubs that clothed the lofty sides of the
Cordilleras, till these gradually subsided into the masses and the short
yellow grass, which, like a golden carpet, was unrolled around the base of
the mighty cones that rose far into the regions of eternal silence, covered
with snow of centuries.” Although tuber-bearing species of Solanum are
found wild in Mexico, it appears, according to the best authorities, that the
Potato proper was unknown in Mexico at the time the Spanish first visited
the country, and Humboldt has expressed his opinion that the Potatoes
supposed to have been cultivated in Virginia were probably derived from
the earlier and more southern Spanish settlements.

In dealing with the “ distinct wild species of Solanum as at present
recognised,” Mr, J. G. Baker of K-w gave a summary with a few slight
modifications of the paper he contributed some time since to the Linnean
Society’s Journal. He classified the thirty or more wild forms known
under five typsB — S. tuberosum, S. Commersoni, S. cardiophyllum, S.
Jamesi, and 8. oxycarpum. These he considered might be accepted as
species in a broad sense, the numerous other forms (most of which had been
named and described as species) being ranged under these tj^pes. Of the
S. tuberosum type there are sixteen so-called species, the principal of which
was the Chilian S. Maglia, which is found in low moist regions on the coast,
a similar form being discovered by Darwin in the Chonos Archipelago.
The other types and their principal varieties were referred to briefly, Mr.
Baker remarking that it was by no means certain whether S. tuberosum is
really an original type or the cultivated product of some other wild form.
The whole subject was a difficult one, and he wished someone would pre¬
pare an exhaustive monograph of the tuber-bearing Solanum*. He con-
c'uded with some very complimentary remarks on the preceding paper, and
stated that “ a new era in the history of the Potato had been inaugurated
by Mr. Markham’s contribution.” It may be observed that in the review of
tuberous Solanums from Mr. Baker’s pen in the Linnean Society’s Journal
six distinct species or typ“s are named, S. Maglia being there classed with
the five already named ; but it would seem from the remarks made at the
meeting under notice that he has ceased to give it so high a rank, simply
distinguishing it as a form of S. tuberosum.

After a short adjournment another meeting was held in the afternoon,
at which Mr. J. G. Baker presided, Earl Oathcart being also present. Mr.
G. Murray gave a very lucid description of the Potato disease (Peronospora
infestans), illustrated by some canital diagrams. He briefly traced the
history of the fungus as far it was known, referring to its first appearance
on the Continent, and then in England in 1845, when it rapidly produced
such destructive effects upon the Potato crop. The structure and growth
of the fungus were then noted, and it was stated that from careful experi¬
ments and observations recently made it was found that if the conditions
were favourable only thr e hours elapsed from the time a spore fell upon a
Potato leaf until the perfect fungus was formed, and spores again produced,
thus accounting for tbe rapid spread of the disease. Experiments had been
tried to test the spread of the Bpores by placing glass slides covered with
glycerine on the lee side of fields where Potatoes were infested with this
fungus, and in a short time, when a brisk breeze was blowing, innumerable
spores bad been thus caught. (Earl Cathcart also subsequently stated that
by similar experiments he had found that the spo es extended to the height
of 30 or 40 feet.) Mr. Murray did not think that the Jensenian system of
farthing up would prove efficacious in preventing disease, and in his opinion
it was communicated by the mycelium passing down through the substance
of the stem to tbe tubers. Earl Cathcart thought that the liability to the
disease was chiefly owing to degeneracy caused by over-cultivation, and it
had been proved that hitherto no variety of Potato had resisted the disease
f ,r twenty years. A paper on the “Introduction of the Potato into
France,” read in excellent English by M. Henri Vilmorin of Ta-is, and

votes of thanks to the Chairman, brought the day’s proceedings to a
close.

The audience on Friday was even smaller than on the previous day,
although the subjects were of a practical nature that it was thought would
have induced a better attendance. Mr. W. S. Mitchell presided, Earl
Cathcart being again present, the first address being on “Tbe Production
of Varieties by Cultivation,” by Dr. M. T. Masters, F.R.S. This was com¬
menced with an apology for the brevity and incompleteness of the paper,
owing to the short notice given for its preparation. Dr. Masters then pro¬
ceeded to lament the way in which practical men neglect science, and gave
as one illustration of this the loose nomenclature adopted with regard to the
fruit of the Potato, which is generally called the Potato plum or Potato
apple, when everyone knows that Apples and Plums are so very different.
As another example, he allud-d to the result of the prizes offered some years
ago for the best e?say on the mode of preventing the Potato disease. He then
referred to the modes of poiucing varieties of Potatoes, taking first what
he considered the principal method employed by cultivators — namely, the
selection of tubers. Next came cross-breeding — namely, the fertilisation of
one variety with the pollen of another, which was frequently erroneously
termed hybridising. Third, true hybridisation — namely, the cross-fertilisa¬
tion of one acknowledged species with another of similar rank. As a fourth
means grafting was noticed as a possible mode of increasing varieties. Mr.
Alexander Dean, in reply to Dr. Masters, said that it might be true that
some practical men neglect the teachings of science too much, but it was
quite certain that the scientists were equally neglectful of the practical
men, and yet to these science often owed a large debt. He was always
willing to learn anything that was beneficial, and if Potato apple and
Potato plum were wrong he would be content henceforth to use the term
“ Potato berry,” but it seemed to him that any term generally in use and
understood was preferable to one that was not so well known. As to the
essay competition mentioned, he believed that at the time scientific men
knew very little more about the Potato fungus than the gardeners who
competed. With regard to procuring varieties of Potatoes by selection he
had never heard of the practice, and although himself a Potato-raiser, he
did not remember one variety which had been so obtained. Cross-br eding was
the only successful means, and in that way probably 1000 varieties had been
reared from seed. There are now so many good varieties in cultivation that
he did not think there was much room for improvement, except in finding
disease-proof sorts. He had tried grafting, but did not find the results
satisfactory, and he was convinced that nothing of importance was to be
expected in that direction. Mr. Arthur Sutton said he had never known
new varieties of Potatoes to be raised by selecting the tubers. Dr. Masters
was surprised that this method was not the principal one adopted, but sup¬
posed that in any case selection would be beneficial in maintaining the
character of varieties. Mr. W. Earley remarked that selection was undoubt¬
edly advantageous in this way, but u-eless for the purpose originally
suggested. Mr. R. Dean thought extensive experiments in hybridising
might be undertaken at Kew, but he understood it would be difficult to
accomplish satisfactorily. Mr. Ap-Thomas, who had res ded in Peru for a
long period, made a few remarks upon the Potatoes there cultivated, stating
that three varieties were principally grown from the coast up to 8000 feet
elevation. The Yellow Potato was the principal, and this he had tried in
Wales. He had never seen or heard of the Potato disease in Peru.

“ The Cultivation of the Potato,” by Mr. R. Dean, was the next paper,
and it treated in a succinct manner the principal points of the subject. Re¬
ferring to the propagation for exhibition, he stated that a very successful
grower always adopted the following method. Of weak varieties the best
tubers only were selected, all the eyes but one being removed; of medium
varieties, medium-sized tubers were selected, retaining only one eye; of
strong varieties, medium tubers were chosen, but these were cut in two sets,
each having one eye. He did not believe in the degeneracy of the Potato,
as by well selected tubers it was easy to maintain the character of varieties.
As an example of degeneracy, he mentioned the Bedfordshire Onion, which
had been gradually deteriorating because the best had been continually sent
to market. The tubers for field culture were often turned several times
and the eyes repeatedly rubbed off, this also having an injurious effect. A
good de p soil is necessary for the successful culture of the Potato, choosing
land where manure was applied for a crop of any kind that is cleared off in
autumn. This should be well dug and exposed to the air, better crops being
obtained from such land than if the digging is left to the spring. No rank
manure should be used at the time of planting, but capital crops had been
secur d from ground occupied with Celery the previous season. Failures in
field culture are largely due to shallow ploughing ; deep tillage is very
necessary, improving heavy soils by burning or mixing it with ballast. He
instanced the White Rock Potatoes f om Youghal, Co. Cork, grown by the
peasantry year after year on the same ground, as showing degeneracy in its
worst form. Earthing in garden culture should be done carefully, and
though the Jensenian system may not prevent disease, deep covering is
ben ficial to many varieties. It was mention’d incidentally that of 146
varieties sold by Pet-r Lawson & Co. 50 years, scarcely one remains in culture.

Mr. Alexander Dean read an interesting paper on “ Raising New Varieties
of Potato,” in which he referred only to the production of new forms by
cross-breeding. He commented on the difficulty of obtaining pollen, as
comparatively few yielded it in abundance, and some were quite sterile.
Several experiments and crosses were d etailed which had resulted in obtain¬
ing novelties that have secured high honours. Mr. Fenn’s efforts to produce
a race of fine quality were noticed approvingly, and Mr. Dean thought
some of these had never been excelled. Mr. W. Earley gave a few practical
observations “ On the Advantage of Early Lifting as a Prevention of
Disease,” which he illustrated by some fine sound tubers he had grown and
treated in this way, when others left in the ground were destroyed by the
disease.

The meeting concluded with a proposal that a Potato Society might be
formed as one result of the Tercentenary gathering, but it was ruled by the
Chairman that the matter could not be considered then, and if it were de¬
sirable it might be discussed in the columns of the Horticultural Press.

A SELECTION OF FLOWER SEEDS.

Acacia lophantha is a useful plant both for room decoration and
sub-tropical bedding ; the seed should be well soaked before sowing

December 9, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

523

Amaranthus melaneholicus ruber, a useful red-foliaged plant for bedding
in warm situations. Ammobium alatum grandiflorum, one of the best of
the Everlastings, and very useful for bouquets either green or dried.
Aquilegia coerulea, hybrids, and chrysantha are good selections, but all
the varieties are quite worthy of cultivation. Aster. — Dwarf German
Asters were very successful with us this year. They were perfect pyra¬
mids, the flowers being wedged together quite tightly, and they were a
fortnight earlier than other sotts. The dwarf Chrysanthemum-flowered
Aster is a little later and taller, and the flowers are larger but not so
numerous. Victoria is a tall variety with very fine flowers, as also is
Truffaut’s Pneony -flowered ; but on account of the height of the last two
they are not so well adapted for small beds or near the edges of borders.

Balsams. — Good strains of these are very useful for the conservatory.
Begonia. — Some excellent flowers may be had from a packet of seed of
the Tuberous Begonias, and all would be worth growing, for they make
good bedding plants if they are planted in a sheltered position, Brachy-
come iberidifolia is one of the prettiest little annuals grown either for
beds or borders, and flowers until frost comes. Calendula Meteor, a
prettily marked Marigold, and quite worthy of a place in the mixed
border, being useful for cutting. Candytufts are very pretty in masses,
but they are soon over. Cannas are useful for sub-tropical bedding ; the
seed should be soaked eighteen or twenty hours before sowing. Canter¬
bury Bells should not be despised for borders ; the rose-coloured one is
very pretty. Celosia pyramidalis plumosa makes a good pot plant both
for room decoration and conservatory. It requires careful watering after
it has finished growing. Chrysanthemum tricolor and segetum grandi-
flora make showy clumps or back rows in borders. Clarkias are pretty
individually, but are not very showy at a distance. Collinsias are pretty
and showy, but do not last long enough. Coreopsis coronata is attrac¬
tive ; it makes good clumps or rows for the border, and I have seen very
pretty beds of them, and they continue flowering until frost comes.

Dianthus Heddewigi is beautifully rich in the markings of the flowers ;
they are very suitable for planting in small beds or front of borders nea.
walks, as their colours are too quiet to be seen at a distance. Delphi¬
niums make very striking clumps for the back of borders or in the shrubr
bery. Digitalises are very good companions for the last-named in shrub¬
beries, and also naturalising under trees where they are not too dense-
Eschscholtzias are very showy in clumps near the front of borders.
Gaillardias. — These are hardy perennials. They are best sown in August
and planted in rutumn, where they are to remain. Globe Amaranth is
a useful pot plant for conservatory and room decoration, but like the
Celosia it must be carefully watered or it will damp off in a cool house.
I have some now that have been in bloom over three months. Godetias
make very showy clumps in a mixed border, and they continue flowering
until frost kills them. Helichrvsums are the most useful of the Ever¬
lastings for winter decoration. They should be grown on a piece of ground
where they can be easily reached, as they should be visited every alter¬
nate day to cut them before they are open, as they are not so useful when
they show the centre. Honesty is very pretty for winter decoration,
apart from its usefulness for spring flowering ; a few should be grown in
all gardens. Senecio Jacobaea is useful for clumps where variety is wanted,
but I do not care for it as much as some others. Larkspur The Emperor
is a beautiful strain, but all are very pretty ; if they would but live the
summer through they would be invaluable. Limnanthes Douglasi. — This
and the Nemophilas are very pretty for spring bedding ; but they are
generally in their best just as we want to put the summer bedding out.
Linum grandiflorum rubrum is a very showy plant for sunny borders.
Love-lies-Bleeding. — A few odd plants dotted about between shrubs or
raised borders are very attractive ; but the ground should be rich, as they
do not grow sufficiently on poor soil. Lupines are very r rnamental for
clumps in borders, but they are soon over and leave gaps at an awkward
time for filling.

Marigold. — Good strains of the double dwarf French variety are quite
worthy of a bed in the flower garden, they are also useful for rows or
clumps. The tall French single striped is very pretty when the flowers
are well marked. I have been trying for some time to get them without
seifs, but cannot do so. Mignonette. — Machet and Miles’ Spiral are good
varieties either for indoors or for beds. Tropseolum. — The King of Tom
Thumb section make very showy beds on poor ground ; if the soil is rich
the leaves hide the flowers. Sweet Peas. — A mixture of these affords a
number of flowers very useful for cutting, and should be grown in every
garden. Perilla atropurpurea lacinatus are useful for summer bedding.
Petunias are good bedders; they should have a warm situation, and the
soil should not be too rich. Phlox Drummondi. — Some of these are very
beautiful, but they do not do well here, they are apt to die in the middle
of summer, leaving very bad gaps. Pyrethrum. — Selaginoides is the best
variety with me. Stocks. — East Lothian is the best variety for generrl
purposes, and The Queen is beautiful for spring and early summer.
Tagetes signata pumila. — Very useful for bedding, but not equal to the
Calceolaria. Zinnias should find a place in every garden. — J. L. B,

DONERAILE, MALLOW.

One of the many places of interest which the lover of horticulture
will find worthy of a visit, if pleasure or business should take him to the
south of Ireland, is Doneraile, the picturesque seat of Viscount Doneraile,
situate about six miles to the north of Mallow Junction, on the Great
Southern and Western Railway. After an invigorating cross-country
drive upon a jaunting car, the visitor will have no difficulty in gaining
admission to the demesne, as, owing to the courtesy of its noble owner

the park is open from daylight till dark. Entering by the main entrance
we first notice some noble specimens of Beech and Oak, with some of the
finest Ash trees in the country, and the oldest Larches in Ireland. A fine
stream, which abounds with trout, winds its way through the eu ire
length of the park, its banks being beautifully planted with Pampas
Grass, Rhododendrons, &c. The carriage drive crosses this stream by a
substantial stone bridge, and divides to the right and left. Taking the
road leading to the mansion, we seek the gardens, which are enclosed
with a high wall, and we obtain the guidance of the intelligent gardener,
Mr. Swanborough, who first shows us into the principal flower garden,
which, at the middle of August, presented a scene not easily forgotten.
Over 1100 Tuberous Begonias are used in this garden. Passing along tie
centre walk, we have on each side four long beds, each 60 feet long by
8 feet wide, filled with these lovely flowers. The style of planting is
one well worthy of more than passing comment. Each plant is 3 f^et
apart, with 1§ foot between the rows, thus causing the plants
to form squares, which are carpeted underneath with Mesem-
bryanthemum, Lobelias, Sedums, &c. There are several other beds
filled with these plants, the favourite varieties being Madame O.
Lamarck, Paul Masurel, General Roberts, Vesuvius, Souvenir de
William Saunders, Massange de Louvrex, and Louis Van Houtte,
While a very large collection of all the most approved varieties are grown,
some very good seedlings are also in the collection, and not a few are
likely to prove worthy of preservation. Zonal Pelargoniums are also
employed, but we were informed that it is intended to discontinue their
use, as they propagate the Begonias to take their place, only using the
ornamental-foliage Pelargoniums. Of late the seasons have been so wet
that Zonal Pelargoniums are almost useless in this part of the country.
Passing through an archway we enter into another flower garden, which
contains a rock garden, where a good collection of alpines is grown,
Cactus Dahlias, beds of Stocks, Asters, Zinnias, and Scabiouses were all
good, as well as lovely beds of Heliotropes, which filled the air with a
delightful perfume. Some pretty carpet beds were also seen in this
garden. The American garden contains some magnificent Rhododendrons
and Azaleas, with Gladioli planted among them ; one bed was very
attractive, Lilium auratum towering up from among the foliage of the
Rhododendrons. There are some splendid specimens of Conifers here,
and'Clematises climbing up the Apple trees were peculiarly attractive.
Chrysanthemums are well grown, over 300 plants being included. About
fifty are grown on the single-stem system, and about three flowers are
allowed to expand upon a plant ; the others are beautiful dwarf plants.
Japanese are the favourites, and Mr. Swanborough is a staunch advocate
of disbudding. Pompons are not much grown, some two dozen only,
and these being all trained to a ring fastened about a feot above the pot.

Of the houses, the first is a Peach house with a very long roof ; the
fruit is all gathered here, and the trees, which are very old, looked
remarkably clean and healthy ; they are planted in the front, and trained
up close under the glass. On the back wall are planted some more trees,
and Tomatoes are stood between them, these being planted in deep, narro w
boxes, and bearing a grand crop of fruit. The front trees are not allowed
to grow up high enough to shade those upon the back wall. The next
house is a vinery (Black Hamburgh and Foster’s Seedling), which appear
to be worn out, and we believe it is intended to do away with the Vines in
this house, and convert it into a bouse for the production of cut flowere.
Adjoining this is the late vinery, in which are some healthy young Vines
planted in the spring of 1885. In another range of two Peach houses
there has been a rather thin crop, owing to the bad weather at the time
the trees were in bloom. In the frame ground we find a number of useful
pits and frames, containing Primulas, Cinerarias, Bonvardias, Cyclamens,
&c., all showing the care that is bestowed upon them, a useful little green¬
house being chiefly occupied with well-flowered Zonal Pelargoniums. The
main range of houses is heated with one of Cowan’s Limekiln Apparatuses
The first division is a large lean-to greenhouse filled with miscellaneous
plants, a fine Luculia gratissima occupying a large portion of the back
wall, while on the front, trained up close under the glass, is a specimen of
Bougainvillea glabra, such as is seen in few places. This plant is ad¬
mired by everyone that sees it. The exotic fernery contains some noble
plants, and growing over a large tank is a handsome plant of Monstera
deliciosa carrying several of its curious fruit. The back wall is covered
with Ficus repent, Begonias of the Rex type, Adiantum cuneatum, and
Selaginellas, all seeming quite at home, the wall presenting a verdant
mass of tropical plants. On the front stage is arranged a fairly good col¬
lection of Orchids, among which are to be found most of the pouplar
favourites. From the early vinery a fine crop of Grapes was cut this
season, and in this house may be found a Vine called “ Isabella,” the
berries of which emit a peculiarly strong odour, and when tasted the
flavour somewhat reminds one of a Hautbois Strawberry. In the Palm
house are two fine Bananas, the one maturing a large truss of fruit, the
other an exceedingly strong sucker from a plant, the fruit of which was
cut last April. Here is grown a useful collection of Palms and
Hedychiums, two fine plants in 18-inch pots of H. coronarium being very
noticeable. The plant stove contains most of the plants generally seen in
these houses. On the roof is a fine plant of Stephanotis floribunda,
which has borne an abundance of flowers. There are also good plants of
Eucharis amazonica throwing up a large number of strong spikes. Next
to this is the Pine stove, in which are a good number of strong plants with
some very fine fruit upon them. There is a number of succession Pines
coming on. Melons are well grown, fruits averaging 4 to 5 lbs. each
having been obtained.

Passing along the terrace walk, where we see some magnificent E ver-
green Oaks, we reach the conservatory, which adjoins the mansion. This

524

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

[ December 9, 1886

is an old-fashioned house, large span-roofed, and contains two beds
planted, with Camellias three-parts of the length, with a walk up the
centre. The roof is well draped with climbers, consisting of Tacsonias,
Lapagerias, Rhynchospermum, and several others of acknowledged beauty .
In front of the window opening into the drawing room is a circular bed,
in which are arranged various flowering plants as they come into season
In the centre of this bed is a fine specimen of Alsophila australis with a
stem 8 feet high. There is also planted in the middle of one of the
Camellia beds such a plant of Dicksonia antarctica such as is seldom seen ;
some of the fronds measure over 12 feet in length. A cavern-like entrance
is provided to a cool fernery, which is arranged to resemble a natural
rockery as much as possible. In this are some good examples of Wood-
wardia radicans, several varieties of Killarney Fern, Adiantum Capillus-
Yeneris, &c. Quitting this house a winding path leads to the sub-tropical
garden, where hardy Palms, Tobacco, New Zealand Flax, Indiarubber,
Variegated Maize, American Aloes, Solanum robustum, and various other
plants too numerous to mention are grown in the summer. One striking
feature is a group of Acer Negundo, which have been taken possession of
by Clematises, the purple flowers of the latter and the variegated leaves of
the Acer presenting a picture not soon forgotten. The condition of the
garden generally reflects great credit upou the able gardener and his staff.
— Hortus.

HARD WATER AND BOILERS.

I CAN fully sympathise with Mr. Iggulden and others situated under
similar disheartening circumstances. He appears, however, to draw con¬
solation from the fact that they possess a good flow of water into their
boilers and pipes to make up for that which is wasted by broken joints,
leaking valves, &c. It does not appear to him that the more hard water
he allows to enter his boiler the greater the sediment or incrustation that
becomes firmly attached to the inner surface When this deposit of saline
matter occurs in a boiler it is very much injured by the increased heat of
the surface exposed to the fire, and considerably more fuel will be con¬
sumed in raising the requisite heat to be transmitted to the various houses
in order to keep up the desired temperature. Not only is there a waste in
fuel, but injury to the boiler, for the metal is certain to burn where the
sediment is deposited, which results in the many failures and patches that
Mr. Iggulden has to attach to the boilers under his charge.

Your correspondent exclaims, “ We cannot soften our water,” and
then leaves the subject to detail the deplorable breakdowns and incon¬
veniences that arise from the use of hard water. Amateurs and less ex¬
perienced men than Mr. Iggulden may conclude that there is no means
by which such catastrophes may be averted. To the amateur with one or
two houses, and one boiler only, a breakdown may prove very serious and
his plants be entirely ruined while a patch is being put on. First of all
gardeners and amateurs should find out whether the water that they use
is of such a nature that it will form a deposit on the sides of the boiler
when heated. This can be accomplished by a very simple method, for
hard waters are very difficult to wash in, as they contain salts, the bases
of which are lime and magnesia. All such waters are termed hard, and if
used in hot-water apparatuses will deposit a thin or thick coat of saline
matter on the inner surface, according to the quantity of water that may
be applied to the boiler through the feed pipe. Where water is derived
from the chalk it is very disagreeable to wash in, and often contains as
much as eighteen grains of chalk in each gallon of water. These mineral
salts are not naturally soluble in water, but solubility is due to carbonic
acid gas. If this gas can be driven out of the water the salts are preci¬
pitated, and the water becomes soft. This can he accomplished in a very
large measure by boiling, and also by adding a little lime water. “ The
lime appropriates the carbonic acid, and consequently the salts originally
in the water and the newly made carbonate of lime are precipitated
together.” Another method I was told the other day, and one that I
should say is good, is to place a quantity of petroleum in the boiler
before filling it and the pipes with water. The oil, which clings to the
metal, prevents the calcareous matter in hard waters from attaching
itself, and therefore the water holds it in solution. I may not have given
all the necessary details ; if not, I hope the person who told me will do so,
for he is well able and an experienced writer to this Journal.

In spite of these and all other methods that may be advocated for
softening hard waters, my advice is only use rain water in such localities,
aad it will entirely prevent incrustation, burning the metal, or a waste of
fuel. It will also do away with these disheartening breakdowns that
appear to result in many cases from the want either of knowledge or
forethought.

It may be argued that this is impracticable in Mr. Iggulden’s case and
in the case of others, for it would prove insufficient to keep his boiler and
pipes that are constantly leaking supplied with water. Others, and
perhaps your correspondent, may reason that they have no means for
storing the rain water for this purpose. Supposing there is not, I think
no employer would object to such provision being made, for it would pay
for itself in a very short time. Repairing pipes, patching boilers, pulling
down and replacing brickwork, in addition to new bo.lers every few years,
means a large and useless outlay that might be remedied and prove vastly
advantageous to all concerned. Drawing hot water from the heating
apparatus for watering and syringing could be avoided, and then very
little water would be required daily, for natural waste by evaporation
from the pipes and boiler is not a serious item, for a few cans of water in
large arrangements would suffice for filling the supply tank.

Mr. Iggulden seems to dread an upset, but what would this be in com¬
parison with the comfort and freedom from care that would result from a

safe and satisfactory system of heating by hot water ? Tho cost of a new
system could readily be estimated, and plans would quickly be forth¬
coming if solicited. Rotten iron pipers buried in the ground are not worth
digging out, for they would net pay for the labour, to say nothing of an
unnecessary upset. It appears plainly to me that a new system would
quickly pay for itself in the saving of fuel and annual repairs, if only
provis on was made for feeding the apparatus with rain instead of hard
water. Good boilers with the pipes fixed in a satisfactory manner should
give no trouble for a period of twenty years. I am not taking into con¬
sideration breakage that may arise in any form by negligence in turning
on valves, &c. Failure, upset, and inconvenience may arise in well-
arranged schemes if the pipes under ground have not the joints packed
in a durable and lasting manner. Mr. Iggulden seems to think that joints
packed with iron filings are the cause of many of his failures, and it is
evident that he does not admire these joints. With what material would
he pack the joints underground ? Rust joints have been condemned as
the cause of failure when failure can often be attributed to other sources.
How frequently are iron joints blamed when they break, and the real
cause is due to the expansion of the metal. I have seen sockets split and
the joints partially drawn in addition to the pipes being twisted in all
directions because no provision had been made for expansion, and the
cause has been laid to the joints. Rust joints when properly made with
a little red lead in a dry state mixed with the filings and a very small
quantity of sal ammoniac — too much of the last being often the cause of
failure — and the pipes left free after they are fixed, that is, not built in
tightly with brickwork, will prove the most durable of all joints. To
insure safety one expansion joint to every 100 feet of 4-inch piping on the
mains should be used, and failure from broken joints will be practically
unknown.

Upright, tubular, or any tube or complicated boiler is unsuitable
where incrustation takes place by the use of hard water. No boiler
should be used that requires setting in brickwork except at the front or
back to form the back flues to the chimney, then manholes, if such they
may be termed, should be provided on the top and at each side so that
they could be cleaned out annually. If this provision were made an
ordinary labourer might readily clean out the boilers and fit the plate
again securely. Two boilers should|be always set side by side, so that one
can be worked while the other was cleaned out or repaired. The “ Red
Rose ” boiler certainly offers every facility for cleaning, as it can be
taken to pieces, cleaned, and put together again most readily. But in
spite of whatever boiler or provision is made, hard water proves a source
of annoyance, and the easiest, safest, and cheapest method of overcoming
such difficulties is the use of rain water. — A. W.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

December 7th.

The last meeting of the year was held in the East Crush Room of the
Royal Alb .rt Hall on Tuesday last, when there was a good attendance of
the members of the Fruit and Floral Committees, but the exhibits were
comparatively few. The meeting terminated with hearty votes of thanks
to the.Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen of both Committees.

Frdit Committee. — Present: Harry J. Veitch, Esq., in the chair, and
Messrs. John Burnett, W. Warren, J. Woodbridge, G. T. Miles, S. Ford,
James Smith, T. B. Heywood, Harrison Weir, F. Mason, G. Norman, C.
Ross, F. Rutland, W. Denning, R. D. Blackmore, W in. Paul, G. Bunyard,
Philip Crowley, and Dr. Robert Hogg. Mr. Thomas Coomber, The Hendre
Gardens, Monmouth, sent three grand Pine Apples, two of Smooth Cayenne
and one of Charlotte Rothschild, the latter 10 inches high aDd 6 inches in
diameter at the basp, beautifully proportioned and well ripened, they all had
fine vigorous crowns. A cultural commendation was awarded. Mr. J.
Harris, The Gardens, Singleton, South Swansea, showed six medium sized
Pine Apples, for which a vote of thanks was accorded. Mr. J. Stewart, The
Gardens, Lmgford Park, Maldon, Essex, showed several good fruits of
a seedling Apple. Messrs. Caldwell A Son3, Knutsford, had a seedling
Apple named Lady de Tabley, and Miss Gray showed a seedling Apple, all
of which were parsed. Mr. W. R. Strong, Wellington College, sent samples
of Celery Veitch’s Standard Bearer, large and heavy. Mr. J. Hans,
16, Mayold Road, Clapton, exhibited a watering can, with a handle curving
over the top and a rose intended to distribute a very fine spray. It was
highly commended as an improved form of can.

Floral Committee. — Present: — G. F. Wilson, Esq., in the chair, ani
Messrs. W. Wiiks, J. Laing, H. Bennett, T. Baines, Richard Dean, H. Herbst,
J. Walker, J. Hudson, W. Holmes, H. Canned, G. Duffield, 0. Noble, H.
Ballantine, W. B. Kellock, J. Dominy, H. M. Pollett, A. J. Lendy, E. Hill,
H. Turner, James O’Brien, H. Low, J. Douglas, and G. Paul.

From Mr. T. S. Ware, Tottenham, came plants of the ever-flowering
Primula poculitormis, a large clump of Helleborus niger maximus, the
yellow Primula floribunda, and the white Narcissus monophyllus. A new
yellow sport from Chrysanthemum Ethe1, named Mrs. H. Jones, was also
shown, the blooms exactly similar in form to the parent, but of a soft clear
yellow. A vote of thanks was awa ded for this useful late variety, which
well deserved a certificate.

A vote of thanks was accorded to Messrs. C. Smith & Son, Caledon'a
Nursery, Guernsey, for Chrysanthemum Governor of Guernsey, a variety
with yellow flat incurving florets. G. F. Wilson, Esq., Weybridge, sent
flow rs of a Veronica like salicifolia, cut from plants in the open where the
temperature had fallen to 15° Fahr. Mr. W. Smyth, The Gardens, Basing
Park, Alton, Hants, showed a flower of Amaryllis equestris ; and Messrs.
Hans Niemand, Birmingham, sent a variegated Poinsettia, the leaves
prettily edged with white.

A vote of thanks was adjudged to J. C. Bowring, E-q., Forest Farm,
Windsor Forest, for a seedling Cypripedium, a cross between C. villosum
and C. insigne, the dorsal sepal green margined with white and spotted
ith purple, the petals and lip glossy and veined with brownish purple.

December 9, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

525

F. G. Tautz, Esq., Studley House, Hammersmith (gardener, Mr. J. C.
Cowley), showed a plant of Spatboglottis augustorum and three variet'es
of Anthurium, one named Tautzianum being very highly coloured, for
which a vote of thanks was awarded. C. J. Partington, Esq., Heaton House,
Cheshunt (gardener, Mr. B. Searing) was adjudged a cultural commenda¬
tion for a plant of Odontoglossum crispum with a large six-branched panicle
of flowers.

Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, exhibited a stand of handsome
Zonal Pelargonium blooms, for which a cultural commendation was awarded.
The flowers were large and d stiDguished by their brilliant clear colours.
The best were Queen of the Belgians, white ; Mary Caswell, delicate pale
pink ; Lady Reed, white with a salmon centre ; Kate Greenaway, bright
pink ; Cato, rich scarlet ; Olivier, salmon ; Swanley Gem, scarlet, white
centre ; and Lord Chesterfield, cerise. Flowers of single Primulas were also
sent. Mr. J. King, Rowsham, Aylesbury, exhibited several pretty Primulas
and a seedling Richardia named Chameleon with leaveshaving a slight me¬
tallic lustre. Votes of thanks were awarded. Messrs. Hoop- r & Co.,
Covent Garden, had a basket of Carnations, very noticeable being the free-
flowering rose-coloured Irma. Mdlle. Carle was a good white, and Cheva¬
lier, yellow, with a few crimson streaks. Mr. E. Peters, 2, Somerset
Terrace, Guernsey, showed a fine Nerine, a cross between coruscans and
flexuosa, large and brightly coloured.

CERTIFICATED PLANTS.

Cypripedium callosum (William Bull, Chelsea). — A species introduced
from Cochin China, and apparently intermediate between C. Lawrencianum
and C. barbatum. The dorsal sepal is broad, white at the margin, and re¬
gularly streaked with purple, just like C. Lawrencianum. The lip is Bmall,
purplish, the petals greenish at the base, with a few scattered black hairs
on the margin and a purple tint at the tips. The leaves are marbled with
dark and light green.

Laslia anceps virginalis (Mr. H. Heims, gardener to F. A. Philbrick, Esq.,
Q.C., Oldfield, Bickley). — A handsome white variety, the petals If inch in
diameter, the flower 5 inches across, the lip broad with a yellow throat.

Chrysanthemum Carew Underwood (G. Stevens). — A Japanese variety,
with long, flat, twisted florets, yellow, bronze and pink. Very distinct in
colour and appearance.

Narcissus monophyllus (T. S. Ware). — A pure white-flowered Hoop Petti¬
coat Narciss, the perianth segments narrow and tapering, the crown broad,
expanded, and undulated at the margin. The leaves are dark green and
grass-like.

Chrysanthemum Mrs. Norman Davis (Mr. E. Mizen, Mitcham). — A bright
yellow sport from Piincess Teck, of good shape and substance. It will be
valuable as a late variety.

SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE.

Present : Dr. M. T. Mastirs in the chair, Mr. W. G. Smith, Mr. G. Maw
(visitor), Prof. Church, Mr. O’Brien, Mr. Bennett, Mr. Michael, Mr. G. F.
Wilson, Mr. McLnchlan, Hon. and Rev. T. Boscawen, and Rev. G. Henslow.

Veronica salicifolia. — Mr. Wilson exhibited sprays from this New
Zealand species grown at Wisbey, which had perf -ctly withstood a tempera¬
ture of 15° in exposed situations. He described it as seeding itself very
freely. Choisya ternata was, however, cut by the same degree of cold.

Jasminum odoratissimum. — A yellow species, exhibited by Mr. O’Brien, is
said to be a native of Madeira ; but being of an Indian type, it was suggested
by him and corroborated by Mr. Maw that it had been intioduced there.
He also exhibited flowers of Coryanthes speciosus, var., from Major Lendy;
Maxillaria cucullata, a Pleurothallis, suggested by Mr. Ridley to be near
P. ophicephala.

Masdevallia with larvce. — He also exhibited specimens of a species of
this Orchid attached by some Noctua.

Xiphion reticdatum, diseased. — Mr. Maw showed specimens which were
referred to Mr. Murray for examination and report.

Narcissus, Photographs of. — He exhibited pnotographs of several species
or varieties now believed to be scarce or extinct, taken in the Riviere fifteen
years ago from wild plants. They were all of the Tazetta group. He also
exhibited specimens of the following species : — N. viridiflorus, very abun¬
dant south of Tangiers ; S. elegans from the African side, and S. serotinus
from the Europ an side of the Strait; natural hybrids, Ike forms between
N. elegans and N. viridiflorus, showing all gradations betwe m the two ;
Pancratium humile, abundant south; of Tangiers, with a i emarkably elon¬
gated scape when fruiting; Gladiolus grandD, from near Gizon in the
Asturias ; and Tapiranthes sp. from Morocco.

Parmelia esculenta. — Mr. Maw also showed specimens of this so-called
“ Manna,” an edible Lichen obtained from the country about 100 miles
south of Algiers.

Araucaria excelsa. — Mr. Maw exhibited leaves attacked by a form of
mealy bug, which first appeared in consequence of the heat and moisture
on board ship on reaching Bombay.

A vote of thanks was given to Mr. Maw for his interesting commu¬
nications.

Early linen paper. — Professor Church exhibited specimens of the earliest
known linen paper made in Europe. It was a portion of an episcopal
register of 1273, from Auvergne; another, dated 1289, consisted of entries
of revenues, in which some of the original rag could be detected. It con¬
sisted of six strands of warp and six of woof. The size used was entirely
starch, which appeared to be from Wheat. The earliest authentic linen
paper hitherto known is from a memorandum of the fourteenth century,
now in the British Museum. The Moors are said to have made linen paper
in the thirteenth century, all earlier paper being made of cotton.

Variegated foliage. — Professor Church described some analyses he had
made of Oak foliage, taken from a tree at Kew Gardens, which bore one
albino branch, about 20 feet from the ground. A full account will be found
in the December number of the “ Journal of the Chemical Society,” 1886
The following is the analysis : —

Albino foliage. Green foliage.

Water . 73 68

Organic matter . 24 40

Ash . 27 . 1-6

Potash . 60 29

Albino foliage. Green foliage.

Iron . 0 82 . 1‘2

Phosphoric acid (same in both)

Lime . 825 . 24'5

Manganese . 2T . 2’36

He found starch, but no dextrine in the green spots on the variegated
leaves ; but erythro dextrine in the white parts, probably derived from the
green by migration.

Seakale with Sclerotia. — Mr. W. G. Smith exhibited specimens in which
large oval black bodies were altached to the stems. The fungus to which
they belonged could not be determined from them in that condition.

Prehistoric Wheat. — He also read a communication upon and exhibited
several specimens of carbonised Wheat from Salisbury and elsewhere, to
show the comparative sizes of these ancient Grasses and of average English
Wheat ; while those regarded as Romano-BritiBh appeared to be somewhat
smaller, others were quite equal in size to living kinds, as also are those
derived from the tombs of Thebesin Egypt.

Fuchsia with petaliferous sepals. — Mr. Henslow exhibited a specimen of
a semi-double Fuchsia remarkable for its thick red sepals bearing small
dark purple petals at their very apex. He suggested as an interpretation
of this unusu '1 occurrence, that the fibro-vascular cord of the petals had
become fused with the midrib of the sepal, so that instead of the pttal
being produced at the normal position it had become carried up, somewhat
as are the anthers in Primroses, the filaments of which, or rather their
vascular cords, are combined with those of the petals to which they adhere,
and are superposed.

CHRYSANTHEMUMS ON WALLS— PROTECTED.

Early-flowering Varieties. — We are now nearly at the end of
the first week in December, and in the south of Ireland only once has the
temperature fallen below the “ freezing point,” and that not sufficient to
injure the blooms, not to say the foliage, of outdoor Chrysanthemums.
The result has been for more than three months I, and 1 presume numbers
of others, have been able to cut outdoor Chrysanthemums for various
decorative purposes. I grew almost all the early bloomers, and by that I
mean those that flower before mid- October. Out of sixty or so of those
a large number are so small as to be only worth growing as curiosities
or for variety, where at that particular time large quantities of cut flowers
are desired. Another large group are semi-double, and are not generally
appreciated, and of the remainder some have their colours so dead or
undefined that most growers still further sift them. After the above dis¬
crimination and sifting of early sorts that no collection should be without,
I would include — premising I am merely giving my own experience —
of whites La Petite Marie, Mdlle. Lacroix, La Vierge, Madame C. Des-
granges, and Soeur Melanie. A friend has spoken highly of three hybrid
(white) Pompons, St. Mary, Mrs. Cullingford, and Virginia, but, except
to say I shall have them next year, I cannot personally speak. Of yellows
I reject all but the lemon yellow sport from Madame Desgranges, G.
Wermig, and a very useful, tall, and free-growing Japanese, M.
Pynaert Van Geert, together with a local and very floriferous hybrid
Pompon to be seen here in all the villa gardens, that very much resembles
Flora, but I think larger, to which Mr. Owen recently drew attention.
If I were to include any other yellow it would be Prdoocitd. Of red, rose,
and blush colours there should be President, Salter’s Early Blush, and Davis’s
Blushing Bride, Madame Jolivart and Isidore Ferral ; to this might be
added Alex. Dufour, rich rose purple, generally in bloom by mid-October.
I will merely add three rich crimsons, Japanese Henri Jacotot, Simon
Delaux, and Roi des Prficoces. This would make about a score, and cer¬
tainly skims the cream of the early bloomers, not including singles or
those you recently figured, of which I cannot yet speak. The Japanese I
have named will do best by a wall — a south wall best ripens and matures
the wood, and this is the secret of fine foliage and fiae blooms — especially
if there is any overhanging protection to ward off rain ; but it must be dis¬
tinctly understood outdoor Chrysanthemum blooms never damp or decay like
those in the confined moist night atmosphere of a plant house, ventila¬
tion at night being unusual. I have a wall some 200 feet long covered
with blooms even now on which a single bloom has not damped off, and
on a leaf of any plant there has not appeared a particle of mildew. Many
of your readers have seen them, and with this letter I am cutting a box
of blooms which you will no doubt consider small as compared with those
I might have sent you a month ago from the first crown or terminal buds.

Besides having no damp and no mildew, wall Chrysanthemums give
little trouble in proportion to the vast quantities of cut flowers produced
by them, and still more as compared with those grown for exhibition.
But I would not for a moment be understood as in any way decrying the
great merit due to those who produce the large, massive, deep, and finely
shaped exhibition flowers, and I am proud to say a local gentleman
carried away first prize in all sections in Dublin against all comers. But
I would ask, Why should not all who have walls not otherwise utilised
have them brilliant during the dull months of October, November, and
December P I am satisfied if you and your contemporaries draw atten¬
tion to the matter, and poiut out what can be done, and how it can te
done, those months in the British isles, outdoors as well as indoors, will not
be the gloomiest of the year. Glass is cheap, I may be told, but I am now
alludiDg to walla where glass or greenhouses cannot be erected for one
reason or auother, but that might, nevertheless, be brilliant with Chrys¬
anthemum blooms. There are numbers of such in all the universities,
colleges, and public schools, the making bright and gay of which would
itself be an educational process ; gentlemen have courtyards and the
outside of garden walls often unused. Then humbler folk might be
thought of in asylums, industrial and reformatory schools, barrack-yards,
v orkhouses, cemetery walls, not to mention the unused walls of villa and

526

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Dejember 9, 1886.

suburban gardens, now bare, bleak, and gloomy during the months re¬
ferred to. Now, in all those places at least the foregoing early varieties
can be grown ; in fact, those I have named can more or less successfully
be grown in any beds or borders. If Chrysanthemums were as largely
grown as I think they could and ought to be, nurserymen’s orders would be
multipled a hundredfold. But although the early bloomers are very wel¬
come and might desirably be first taken up by young beginners, the real
aim should be, where possible, to have the best varieties, and the number
of those I have found to fail with me under the subjoined circum¬
stances are very limited, several hundreds tried.

Preparation.— Given a wall as I noted already, the southern aspect is
best, the next consideration is the preparation of the space for them to
grow in. I excavated a border nearly 3 feet deep and as many wide,
removed the soil and stones, and buried at the bottom several loads of
fairly rotten manure, covering with lime rubbish — any who can get this,
or brick rubbish, should use, say a sixth or so— and a quantity of rich
maiden loam. Now, with good treatment and a border such as this, or
even less if it cannot be had, I have yet to learn of any variety that will
not fairly succeed therein. The next two months is the time to see about
the matter, the sooner the better ; in fact, cuttings may be taken now any
day when they can be had. I may be told it is too soon, but in many
cases this is not so. First, the longer your plants have to grow the finer
will be your blooms ; and secondly, a cutting fit to take and root now
would be worthless a month or two hence. But I do not intend going
over the cultural details, and will pass on to some peculiarities of treat¬
ment.

General Treatment. — In such a border the growth will be robust and
strong, and if not wanted tall they must be stopped a few times ; some
prefer light lines of wire paling to tie or train to, say three or four. I
find it looks best nailed with red tape or shreds as growth proceeds. In
this way every inch of space can be covered and superfluous branches
thinned out. The brilliant leathery foliage is quite a sight, especially
when watered regularly. But under those circumstances it may be borne
in mind, unlike pots, there is little danger of the plants suffering if water¬
ing is deferred, and this is a most material point. Constant syringing
two or three times a day in very hot weather is, however, most desirable5.
To have fine blooms thinning is indispensable.

Protection.— Frost threatened in the beginning of October, and I
considered heavy rains had better be warded off as well as wind and
storms. How could it be conveniently done ? That was the question. I
could not use glass, even if I did not mind the expense of getting sashes
for 200 feet. I made a curtain of medium quality calico, to fall down by
night, or at any time I choose during bad weather, and folded up by day.
It can be tied at the bottom when dropped down, and, so far, has been a
perfect success, and I am sure will keep frost out better than glass, being
a better non-conductor.

I had intended saying something of the varieties I found to yield the
finest blooms — indeed, some varieties did much better than the same in
pots— but I must not now intrude further.— W. J. Murphy, Clonmel.

[We have received a box of bright and beautiful blooms from our
correspondent.]

PHLOX AMCENA.

It is of such rare occurrence to have any of the alpine Phloxes ir
flower in the end of November that we have thought it would not be oir
of place to give you a practical illustraiion of what this lovely alpine is
capable of performing when its requirements are well suited. We have
lifted a small tuft from the open ground and potted the same for youi
inspection. This has been one of the prettiest alpines in our nurseries at
Hampton throughout this season, having been continuously in flowei
since the middle of last May, and up to November 29th we found thf
fading blossoms of a week ago, and umbels of fresh buds springing forth
which in a day or two will be aglow with their lovely pink blossoms anc
this notwithstanding that we registered 1C° of frost n- 1 quite a weel
before. We are not aware that it is prone to such persistent flowering
and our own experience is fully endorsed by that of our manager. It if
certainly most lovely when seen en masse, carpeting the ground with its
dense creeping green tufts, which are smothered with its pleasing flowers
We may add that it has had no special treatment other than receiving \
good dressing of cow manure at planting time. Bedding Violas stil
continue to yield flowers, but the recent frosts have shattered them con
siderably. — Collins Bros. & Gabriel, 39, Waterloo Boad, S.E.

[The Phlox was extremely pretty, the pink flowers being of large siz<
and most freely produced. Grown in pots the plant would be ven
attractive for the edges of stages in greenhouses at this time of year
The Violas, of which some blooms were also sunt, were very bright anc
fresh.] 6

WATERTIGHT ASHPITS— HOT v. COLD WATER.

The article contributed by Mr. Burton in the autumn of 1884 does
not contain anything to which I take exception, for the question of
vapour now under discussion is not raised. He merely refers to
watertight ashpits and the cleanliness that arises from keeping water in
them. &

The subject at first was the preservation of the fire bars by the aid of
hot v. cold water, but it has now assumed a totally different aspect, for the
combustion of the fuel has been brought to the front in place of the
furnace bars. Both are of vast importance, and I acknowledge with thanks
the various contributions that have appeared up to the present. While

on the subject cf combustion, Mr. W, Taylor’s hint was a good one, and
Mr. J. Riddell gives valuable information in his article, for which I
specially thank him, he having gone into the matter in a thoroughly
scientific manner. I said in my first reply to Mr. Burton that when water
was kept below the furnace bars the fire burned brighter and the draught
appeared better. There is no doubt about this, for the double amount of
oxygen contained in the air in the water will largely assist in facilitating
combustion, provided a good supply of air is admitted as well. I have no
doubt that sufficient oxygen is not admitted in many cases to convert the
earbonic oxide that is formed into carbonic acid before it makes its escape,
hut the thickness of the fire and the manner in which it is banked at
night has a very great effect upon the perfect combustion of the fuel.
This may be successfully accomplished by day, but in very few gardens
indeed are the fires so managed at night that it can be said combustion is
perfect, even with draught and a supply of vapour. Perhaps waste, as
regards the combustion of fuel, is in no case greater than in locomotive
engines which, I believe, have an artificial blast from the steam, and it is
estimated by Mr. Andrew Murray, as stated by Hood, “ that 150 cubic
feet of air should pass through the furnace for each pound of coal con¬
sumed in order to produce perfect combustion.” Nothing approaching
this quantity need be passed through our furnaces ; nevertheless, it is very
questionable if sufficient is admitted at night when the fires are banked,
filled to last till morning, probably half a ton of fuel being placed on or
nearly so. Waste may be prevented during the day, but at night it is
impossible when the fire is left so as to keep the temperatures right say
for ten hours. It would indeed be both interesting and instructive to
hear how banking is accomplished and the fire managed so that perfect
combustion will take place at night, then many besides myself will learn
a valuable lesson in stoking.

It appears from that valuable article of Mr. Riddell’s that hot water
beneath the furnace bars, while it aids combustion, does not act bene¬
ficially in tbe preservation of the bars. I take it, then, that the water
evaporated by the high temperature Mr. Burton thinks beneficial, that
the bars are doubly subjected to destruction. The “temperature of
maximum strength of cast iron has been estimated at about 300°,” after
this temperature is once passed it decreases in strength considerably and
becomes much weaker to resist the strain to which it is subjected. It
has been also found that iron exposed to the fire loses its “ fibrous
texture,” and presents a “ crystallised appearance,” and that wrought
iron exposed to the “ steam of water for a considerable time also becomes
crystallised,” the same effect has been “ observed without the presence of
steam.” Cast iron must decrease wonderfully in strength if the tem¬
perature of an “ ordinary furnace,” as stated by Murray, is about 1000°;
Tredgold places it about 800°. It is clear, then, that the bars are
weakened by heat ; the more intense it is the weaker they become, and
the more are they burnt. Steam or vapour, instead of preserving them,
appears to assist in their destruction by bringing about oxidation, vapour
then assisting, by adding intensity to the fire, in burning them more
than they otherwise would be, and rusting them in the bargain. The
repulsion between iron and water has been proved to exist, even at
moderate temperatures, and to increase rapidly as the temperature rises,
and red-hot iron repels it completely. This is another reason why I
could not accept the hot vapour theory as an agent for the preservation
of the bars. Mr. Burton concludes that hot vapour — the temperature of
which it is impossible to estimate, for it must become heated in its passage
from the surface of the water to the bars — keeps the bars cool, how can
it if they are hot and repel it ? Cool water must act more beneficially
in the preservation of the bars than that, for it would assist in keeping
or cooling the air necessary for combustion that entered by the ashpit
door. Tbe cooler the air in the ashpit the cooler it must be when it
reaches the base of the bars. If this is so, then cold water must prove
more beneficial than hot, but not for the thorough combustion of the
fuel. I said I should not be surprised if the advantages arising from
water in the stokehole proved to be more imaginary than real, and I think
so still, as far as the protection of the bars are concerned. If hot water
aids in increased heat, and rusting the bars to pieces, so must cool water
act in the same manner, though to a less extent.

I thoroughly believe that if the bars are to last in large furnaces where
the heat is intense they must be cast on a totally different principle than
has been the case for most hot-water apparatus (for gardens) used up to
the pre»ent time. The following quotation is from “ Hood on Heating ”
(page 91), I think if acted upon will be the means of preserving the bars
much longer than if water is evaporated beneath them. “ When a rapid
draught and quick combustion are required the furnace bars may very ad¬
vantageously be made narrow and deep, so as to allow a large proportion¬
ate space for the entrance of the air. Instead, therefore, of using furnace
bars or If of an inch wide, with half an inch air space between the
bars, they may be made about three- eighths of an inch in width and about
4J or 5 inches deep, tapering at the lower edge to about one-eighth of an
inch and made with shoulders as usual, to allow about half-inch air
spaces. Bars of this kind will have many advantages in particular cases.
They will allow more than twice tbe quantity of air to pass through that
the other bars will do, and therefore twice the quantity of coal can be
burned on each square foot of the bars ; and they will last longer than
bars of the ordinary construction.”

The author (Hood) at the end of 1842 suggested the use of these bars
in locomotive engines, which is the most severe test they could be put to,
and the result has been completely successful owing to the extreme thin¬
ness of the bars ; the air passing between them keeps them always cool,
which is impossible if the bars much exceed this thickness. The great
depth of the bar gives the necessary stiffness ; and the result of nearly

December 9, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

527

twelve months’ trial, and with nearly twenty locomotive engines, was a
very great increase in the durability of the furnace bars, in addition to the
obvious advantage of admitting much more air into the furnace. Some of
the bars, after having been used for ten months, and with which the
engines ran nearly 20,000 miles, were still perfectly good after having done
nearly four times the work of ordinary bars. A slightly larger bar is
given for locomotive engines — that is, from 5 to 5£ inches deep and half
an inch thick, tapering to a quarter of an inch. Further he goes on to
say, “ When the old form of furnace bar is used, and they are required to
bear a very intense heat, their durability is increased by making a longi¬
tudinal groove in the upper surface about three-eighths of an inch deep.
This groove becomes filled with ashes, which being a slow conductor of
heat, preserves the bar from the intense heat of the fire.” The preserva¬
tion of these bars depends entirely upon the air entering to keep them
cool, and therefore cold water in the ashpit would certainly effect this
better than warm ; hence my idea for a flow in and out as stated.

I must now turn to Mr. Burton’s article, page 431, and repeat, as I
have done above, that 1 do not attribute much importance to water in
the stokehole for the preservation of the bars. Mr. Burton has no right
to assume that the bars used under the large boilers here twist because
the cool water does not prove sufficient to prevent them. I have never
said in any of my articles that I used cool water in the stokeholes here,
and therefore your correspondent’s assumption and conclusions drawn
therefrom are groundless. I may state plainly that no water is used below
the boilers here, or will it be until the advantages arising from its use in
the preservation of the bars has been proved. For twisted and hoisted
bars I gave what I believed to be the true reason — namely, the expansion
of the metal, and the principle upon which the bars are cast. I am
certain that they are too thick, and the air has not that cooling effect upon
them that it would if they were thinner. I may just state that I have
used bars under my large boilers 5 and inches in depth, the majority
has been 4J inches ; they are 4 feet in length, If thick. I have had
them 1J inch, tapering to half an inch at the base. Across the ends,
including the shoulder on each side, they are 2 inches, across the central
shoulder If. I have had the bar grooved, and used them without, and
I have found practically no difference, neither has the extra depth of the
bar proved beneficial. The bars burn only for 1 inch or a little more
below the fire, the thinner portion of the bar being perfectly good. They
twist badly, which, I believe, is due to expansion and the great heat of
the metal, the air admitted having no effect upon keeping them cool. I
believe if thinner bars were employed they would last double the length
of time, for the air admitted necessary for perfect combustion would keep
them cool. — Wm. Baednet.

ON MUSCAT GRAPES SHRIVELLING.

I WAS very much interested in a note recently published on the above
subject, and as I have been troubled with the same evil as your corre¬
spondent, Mr. Williamson, I venture to say a few words in reference to
Muscat Grapes shrivelling. It is without any doubt one of the best
Grapes we have in cultivation, and I do not hesitate to say that it is the
most difficult one to grow up to the required standard. I have in my
charge a lean-to house of Muscat Grapes. The aspect is full south, with
inside and outside borders. The Vines are planted inside, about 3 feet
apart. Before the time of starting them we give the border a good
watering, and again when necessary, and I might say the usual treatment
was bestowed upon them in every respect, but nevertheless they shrivelled.
It is my firm opinion that the cause of this evil is in a great measure the
age of the Vines and the condition of the border. For instance, we will
take newly planted Vines of the same variety that are just commencing
to fruit. These will in all probability continue giving satisfaction for
several years without either shrivelling or shanking, but at the end of
this time it often happens that both these evils appear. It is understood
by all growers that the latter evil arises from the bad condition of the
roots ; then why not attribute the former evil to the same cause ? This, I
believe, is the case, and it is not the fault of the atmospheric moisture at
all. Mr. Williamson, in writing his paper, states that he has tried a dry
atmosphere, but without success, and be goes on to say that he watered
the inside border, with an idea that the roots lacked moisture, but not¬
withstanding this, they gradually went backward. To my mind this
proves that it is not the want of moi-ture at the roots, nor, on the other
hand, the fault of atmospheric moLture, for at the time it was beneficial
to several of the varieties it was altogether unsatisfactory to the Muscats ;
and I might say the same by the one in my charge, although there are
only two varieties grown in the same house — viz., Muscat of Alexandria
and Bowood Muscat. These receive similar treatment, but without
success, so therefore I come to the conclusion that it is in a great measure
the fault of the border, or, I should say, the stagnant condition of the soil
round the roots have got into, and it remains to be found out whether
such be the cause of this evil or not.

Your correspondent also draws attention to the colouring of Muscats,
and with reference to this, my experience teaches me that they require all
the sun that can possibly be brought to bear on the berries after the
stoning process is over, at the same time allowing a free circulation of air
with a temperature of from 75° to 80°. The laterals should be cut away
at the first signs of ripening, which would have the advantage of per¬
mitting both sun and air free access to the bunches. Some growers
prefer the extension system for Grapes, but I fail to see any advantage in
this, or in fact any satisfactory results attending this system, for it would
be impossible to admit the necessary amount of sun that these Grapes

require to bring them up to the standard both in flavour and colour, so I
adhere to the system under discussion, having learned from experience
that good results can be obtained. — R. Kieby.

WORK/o^the WEEK.,

HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

Peuning and training Pears, Apples, Plums, and Cherries should
be done whenever the weather is favourable, it being important to have
this done while the sap is at rest and before spring. Shorten all spur
growths to two or three buds, thin out crowded shoots and thin out spurs
where there is any tendency to crowding. Far better is it to have fruit¬
ing wood well apart than to have much thinning of fruit. Train young
growth with careful precision, and remember that it is only while a tree
is young that we can impart an elegant form to it. Such elegance is,
however, highly desirable, contributing as it does to the attractions of a
fruit garden. Train the lower branches of young palmette verriers and
fan-trained trees at such an acute angle that the free flow of sap may
contribute unchecked to the robust vigour it is so important to impart
to them before upper branches have made much progress. Avoid impart¬
ing the horizontal form to any fruit tree ; it is as unnatural as unsatis¬
factory. For a fruit tree to be fruitful as well as healthy in every part
of the branch growth, the end of every branch must point upwards ; then,
and only then, can we be certain that the sap action will be free and
unchecked in every part of the tree. Shorten the leading shoots suffi¬
ciently to induce a free lateral growth ; see also that there is no crowding
of lateral growth or branches. Great caution is necessary in pruning old
fruit trees to not remove old spurs if they are healthy, and leave two or
three more buds upon the young growth than is done upon that of younger
trees. Fruit before nil things is our aim, and so long as an old tree
continues fruitful we need not mind if the spurs stand out far from the
branches ; to remove them is to risk the loss of fruit altogether. Thin
the growth of standards, and any trees not subjected to close pruning.
If we remember that in pruning our object is to secure a free admission
of light and air to every part of the tree, we shall take care to thin all
growth that is likely to shade the interior of the tree. Avoid using shreds
and nails for walls ; far better is it to strain wires against the wall and
tie the branches to them. There are then no holes in the wall for the
larva of insects.

FRUIT FORCING.

Vines. — Earliest House. — In the earliest house the temperature will
need to be increased to 60° at night in mild weather, 55° in severe weather
after the eyes break, gradually increasing it so as to have it 60° at night
when the Vines are in leaf, 65° by day in severe weather, and 70* to 75°
in mild weather with moderate ventilation. The evaporation troughs
need not be charged with liquid manure provided there is fermenting
material within the house ; but, if not, they may be filled with liquid
manure, 1 lb. guano to 20 gallons of water being suitable for the purpose.
In addition to this, the available surfaces in the house, such as floors and
surfaces of borders, may be sprinkled in the late afternoon ; hut this is
not equal to the fermenting materials turned frequently and fresh added
as required. To Vines in pots the liquid should be applied at the tem¬
perature of the house. Tie up the Vines in position as soon as growth
has commenced, and before the shoots are so long as to be damaged by
the process. Sprinkle the house two or three times a day in clear
weather, avoiding too damp an atmosphere on the one hand, and a dry
one on the other. Disbudding should not be practised until the fruit
shows in the points of the shoots.

House to Afford Fruit in May. — The house or houses for this purpose
should be started without delay. In order to obtain a good break, and to
save fuel, a bed of leaves and stable litter placed on the floor of the
house, turning a portion of it daily, so as to supply ammonia to the
atmosphere, is useful. The outside border must also have the needful
protection from cold rains and snow, two-thirds of leaves to one of stable
litter affording a less violent hut more lasting heat than dung. Provided
the outside borders were covered with bracken, straw, or litter in early
autumn, so as to throw off the wet, the temperature will be considerably
warmer than that of borders exposed, and in their case covering with hot
litter may be dispensed with ; but a covering of warm litter after the Vines
break is preferable, especially for borders that are all outside. The inside
borders may be rendered thoroughly moist by applying water, or in the
case of weak Vines liquid manure at 90°. Start with a night temperature
of 50° in severe weather, 55° in mild weather, and 65° by day. except the
weather be severe, when 55° will be more suitable, and, though this is but
slow work, it is better in the end than a high, forcing heat; indeed, we
do not advise those temperatures to be exceeded until the growth com¬
mences. Maintain a moist atmosphere by syringing occasionally, but
avoid excessive moisture and keeping the rods dripping wet, which excites
the production of aerial roots from the rods. Depress young canes to the
horizontal line or below, to insure the regular breaking of the buds.

Midseason Houses. — The Vines will be pruned and at rest ; if not,
complete the work and cleansing the houses without delay. Where the

528

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ December 9, 1883.

Grapes aie partially cut the remainder may be removed with a good
portion of wood attached, and that inserted in bottles of water with a
piece of charcoal in each, will keep admirably in a dry room, from which
frost is excluded. This will liberate the Vines for pruning and the house
for cleansing, repairs, and painting. There is nrth:ng so invigorating to
Vines as a long and complete rest, which early pruning effects more than
anything else.

Late Houses. — Late Vines that have the foliage all off will only require
sufficient fire heat to exclude frost; even a temperature of 50° dries the
atmosphere too much to preserve thin-skinned Grapes, such as Muscat
and Black Hamburgbs ; 40° to 50° is sufficient, keeping the house closed
in damp weather, and seeking to ensure a dry and equable atmosphere.

Pines. — Young Stock. — Well- ventilated pits or small houses properly
heated are most suitable. Such plants at this season often suffer irrepa¬
rable injury from being kept too close and warm, the plants becoming
drawn and weakly. At night 60° should not be exceeded, but a mean
between that and 55° secured at night, which, with 65° in the daytime,
will keep all young stock gently growing, admitting a little air at the top
of the house at 65°, leavingit on all day, but do not let the temperature fall
below that point, and when the sun raises the temperature to 75° a free
circulation of air should be allowed. The bottom heat must be kept
steady at 80°, avoiding a very damp atmosphere ; moderate humidity
will suffice. Apply water only when the plants become dry, and then
give weak liquid manure. Keep the plants near to the glass, and allow
them plenty of room.

Plants for Affording Fruit in May and June. — ’Considerable judg¬
ment and skill are required to maintain with limited means a succes-
sional supply of ripe Pine Apples throughout the year. The cultivator
with hundreds of successions may do it readily enough, but the gardener
with his tens or twenties is often at his wit’s end how to act so as to have
fruit at the right time. Where a supply of ripe fruit is required in May
and J une, and plants are not showing fruit, it will be desirable to select
from those started last March, which have completed a stout growth, and
are now in a state of rest, such as show the best indications of starting
into fruit when subjected to a higher temperature both at the roots and
in the atmosphere. If the plants cannot have a structure to themselves
they should have a light position in the house where the fruiters are
swelling. In the fruiting department 65° will be amplest night, 5° lower
in the morning in cold weather, and 70° to 75° by day. Take every
opportunity of collecting leaves whilst dry, and whenever a favourable
opportunity offers push forward whatever may be necessary in renewing
or augmenting the fermenting beds.

Figs.— Early Forced Planted-out Trees. — The earliest house, with
the trees in inside borders, should now be closed with a view to having
ripe Figs in May, but where the earliest Figs are had from trees in pots,
starting the trees planted in borders may be deferred until the new year,
so as to aff rd a succession, yet if the trees planted out be now started
they will aff rd a closer succession to those being forced in pots. Apply
wafer to the roots at frequent intervals until the soil is thoroughly
moistened, introducing thoroughly sweetened leaves and stable litter in
ridge form into the house, to produce a moist genial atmosphere and
induce gentle excitement as well as to economise fire heat. Commence
with a temperature of 50° at night, 55° by day, and 65° from sun heat,
syringing the trees and every available surface in the morning and early
in the afternoon unless the weather be dull and cold, when the morning
syringing only should be practised. Admit air moderately whenever the
weather is mild, closing the house with sun heat at 65°, or if it exceed
that with full ventilation close the ventilators when the sun heat begins
declining.

Earliest Forced Trees in Pots. — They must not be over-excited by too
much bottom heat, but as the fermenting material settles more should be
added and pre-sed firmly, being careful not to allow the heat about the
pots to exceed 65°. When the buds are swelling freely the temperature
may be increased to 55° at night, 60° by day, by artificial means, admit¬
ting a little air above that, and allowing an advance to 70° to 75° by sun,
with corresponding ventilation, closing at 65°. Sprinkle the trees and
house morning and afternoon, or in the morning only if the weather be
dull.

Young Pot Trees intended for Early Forcing. — Those that require to
be grown for forcing another season should be shaken out and repotted,
starting them into growth shortly or at once, so that they may make the
necessary growth and complete it early, so as to have time to root before
being forced for fruiting. Brown Turkey is the best all-round Fig.
White Marseilles and Negro Largo are excellent. Very early Figs may
be had of Early Violet, but the fruit is small, still it is worth place for
affording early dishes. Bondance Precoce, Black Marseilles, Angelique,
and White Lochia are also good for pots and forcing, and Dwaif Prolific,
which is very similar, if not identical, with Brown Turkey.

Strawberries in Pots. — When the crowns commence swelling and the
trusses appear, the temperature may be advanced a few degrees by day.
A temperature of 50° to 55° is sufficiently high at night. Syringing the
plants gently in the early part of bright afternoons will be advantageous.
Examine the plants daily, and supply water to all those that require it.
Keep a sharp look-out for aphides, and if any appear fumigate the house
on two consecutive evenings. Another batch of plants should be placed
in a house from which frost is excluded, the decayed leaves being removed,
and the surface soil loosened and top-dressed with horse droppings. The
drainage must be attended to, and if necessary rectified, and the pots
washed. The plants may be introduced during the next three weeks to
a Peach house or Strawberry house, if such be available, following the

instruction given in a former calendar. Vicemtesfe Hencart de Thury
La Grosse Sucrde, Sir Harry, and President are suitable varieties. Plants
for introducing later on will be quite safe in their quarters outdotrs
plunged in ashes to the rim, and a light covering may be given of dry
fern or litter in severe weather, removing it when the weather is mild.
If placed in frames the plants should have the lights drawn off in mild
weather, in mild wet weather the lights should be tilted. The plants
cannot be kept too cool. See that none suffers for want of water. . 4 ,

Cherry House. — Pruning the trees must be attended to. Full-grown
trees regularly stopped during growth will require very little pruning.
Any that have grown considerably should be cut back to an inch of the
base of the current year’s growth, and the worn-out or decayed spurs
must be removed. The terminal shoots in the case of trees not full-sized
must not be shortened unless the extremity of the trellis is reached, and
the central shoot or shoots of young trees will require to be cut back as
may be necessary to originate shoots for filling up the space regularly.
The fan mode of training is the most suitable, as it admits of replacing
any shoots that may fall a prey to gumming. The trees and house should
be thoroughly cleansed. Keep cold by free ventilation.

PLANT HOUSES.

Justicia flavicoma. — Some of the most forward of these plants will be
showing their flower trusses, and if wanted in full beauty as early as
possible they should be introduced into a temperature of 65°. Few plants
are more valuable for conservatory decoration, as they last a long time in
beauty. When the first flowers fade they are not long if returned into a
heated structure before they flower a second time from the same truss.
In fact, they will flower three times in succession, and each time produce
a larger and finer truss of bloom. The remainder of the stock should be
kept about 55° at night.

Poinsettias.^ -Under the same treatment these will have finished their
growth and commenced forming their bracts. They are much larger in.
size and more brilliant in colour if they are developed in brisk heat than
will be the case if allowed to remain in an intermediate structure. When
allowed to develope under moderately cool conditions they retain their
foliage and last considerably longer in the cooler atmosphere of the con¬
servatory. When developed in strong heat they must be gradually and
carefully hardened before they are removed to the conservatory, or their
foliage flags, turns yellow, and eventually falls. The foliage must be re¬
tained if the plants are to display their true character and beauty.
Euphorbias, Plumbagos, and Linums are coming forward rapidly, and
may be subjected to the same treatment as advised for Poinsettias.

The Forcing House. — The glass, woodwork, walls, floors — in fact, every
part, should be thoroughly cleaned in readiness for the introduction of
many plants that will presently need warmth to force them into bloom.
A good heap of litter from tho stables and dry leaves should be thrown
into a heap in a shed and prepared by frequent turnings for a week or ten
days before the beds are made up inside the house. Thorough preparation
before taking this material into the house not only insures the heat last¬
ing double the length of time, but the paint of the house is not injured by
the strong ammonia that rises from it. When the rank steam has been
expelled before the beds are made up the house may safely be used for
plants in a very short space of time afterwards. During the dull sunless
days of autumn and winter the majority of plants used for forcing come
forward more quickly and better by the moist gentle warmth arising from
fermenting material than by the aid of dry heat from hot-water pipes.
Azaleas, such as A. indica, A. narcissiflora, A. Deutsche Perle, and
A. amoeaa, are in a forward state, and will need no forcing, for the buds
of many have already commenced bursting, the result of assisting them to
make their growth early.

Bulbs.' — Roman Hyacinths that were potted early come forward
rapidly in gentle warmth after this date, and a succession may be
maintained by introducing a pan, box, or a few pots once a fortnight
according to the demand. The earliest Dutch varieties are Homerus,
single red, and La Tour d’ Auvergne, double white. These, if potted when
advised, will have been removed from the plunging material and have
become green in a cold frame. A few of both may be introduced into a
temperature of 50° until they display signs of starting. Nothing is gained
by placing them into brisk heat to force into bloom. No treatment is
more certain to ruin them, for they are unduly forced out, and commence
expanding their bells at the top of the spike instead of the base. They
should be started gradually until they are growing, and then given a
temperature of 60°, in which they will unfold their spikes in good
condition. Early Tulips, such as scarlet Due Van Thol and white
Pottebakker, will also be ready for starting. These should have the
same treatment as the Hyacinths until it is certain they have commenced
growth, when they can be forced in brisk heat. When once growing
Tulips will stand more heat than Hyacinths. We have frequently forced
them into bloom in a close propagating frame where the night temperature
of the house does not fall below 65°. This course is not advised, but
when the blooms are required it may be safely practised.

Spircea japonica. — Those planted outside last autumn may now be
lifted and placed into 5 and 6-inch pots. The whole of our stock has
developed large flowering crowns except those left outside for flowering
for cutting late in the season. One or two of the rows prepared for
forcing will be left out for this purpose next season, while those that
flowered outside should be lifted. These will have small crowns only, and
may be cut into two, throe, or four pieces, according to their size, and
replanted at once in rich fertile soil, 1 foot apart, in an open sunny
position. They will develope their crowns in one season, and be in

December 9, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

529

admirable condition for lifting for forcing next autumn. It is useless to
plant for this purpose those with strong flowering crowns, for after flower¬
ing the crowns divide, and in autumn the majority are too small for
flowering and require another season’s growth.

Dielytra spectabilis. — These should also be lifted and potted the same
as Spiraeas. Any moderately rich soil will suit them. The roots with
small crowns should be replanted for another season. If the stock of
these is limited some of the stronger roots maybe divided, or those forced
last year in pots. It is a good plan, when there is any uncertainty about
sufficient stock for planting, to retain some of the plants that flowered
late in pots. Such are valuable under the circumstances for lifting in
autumn to be divided and planted for another year. When the stock for
planting is ample these and Spirasas are conveyed to the rubbish heap
directly they are past their best.

Lily of the Valley. — Home-grown plants may be lifted and the
flowering crowns selected, and either potted a number together in 5-inch
pots or placed into pans or boxes. Replant the small crowns without
delay on deeply dug heavily manured ground. Dibble them in singly in
rows 4 inches apart, and about lor 2 inches from plant to plant; the
crown should be about half an inch below the surface. It is surprising
what large flowering crowns will be produced in two years by such simple
treatment.

l»

HE BEE-KEEPER.

HONEY EMPLOYED IN COMB-BUILDING.

The whole subject of comb-building, the secretion of wax,
the honey required to produce a certain quantity, together
with the changes it undergoes during secretion, comb- build¬
ing, and after manipulation, covers a wide field for investiga¬
tion and research, both in a practical and scientific point of
view and interesting in all its details. It requires an abler
pen than mine to thoroughly describe it, not having, as I had
expected, sufficient data at this time to give an accurate re¬
port, through accidents, how much honey it takes for the
bees to secrete and build comb sufficient to produce 1 lb. of
wax.

So far as I have seen, “ Felix ” and myself stand isolated
from those who believe and reiterate that bees require 20 lbs.
of honey to produce 1 lb. of wax. We both seem to take the
view that a swarm of bees placed in an empty hive during a
honey glut will gather 20 lbs. less in a given time than one
placed amongst fresh empty combs. It takes 20 lbs. of
honey to produce 1 lb. of wax.” Is that the case ? I say,
No emphatically. By the accidents that frustrated my
designs in the experiments made this autumn for the
purpose of informing the readers of this Journal, not only
the amount of honey, but that of sugar as well, required to
produce 1 lb. of wax, I have for a time been deprived of
details that would have been an interesting narrative of facts.
However, I have paid particular attention to the workings
and progress of a number of fed swarms after being ex¬
hausted of any honey they contained.

Although these swarms varied in strength, there has not
been any appreciable difference in their productions. If the
swarm was strong, more comb was built than by weaker
ones, but these latter stored a greater weight. The summer-
like weather we have had during October and November
favoured the experiments (if they can be so called), as the
mild weather permitted of no waste by the syrup being left
untouched, as it often does for long when the temperature is
low, and places strong and weak swarms on an unequal
footing.

The results, after feeding each swarm with 34 lbs. best
cane sugar and 5 ozs. comb-foundation as a help, are — first, a
hive is occupied with comb that if filled and sealed with honey
would give nearly 3 lbs. of wax. I may here in parenthesis
say that the seals of the combs contain the greatest elabora¬
tion of wax, and when we hear the advocates in favour of
the extractor putting it, that the returned mutilated combs
(italics mine) are equal to a saving of from 100 to 200 per
cent., we know it is misleading. Not only must the lost
time of repairing the mutilated combs be taken into account,
but the seals as well, which, as every housewife who has the
experience knows, are what swell the cake of wax, and with¬

out which the nectar as gathered by the bees is not honey
proper as it is found in sealed combs. Heather honey is, to a
certain extent, exempt from the deteriorating quality, though
unsealed. Its greater consistency, together with its nature
otherwise, seems to exclude both air and water, although not
sealed, but which Clover honey is only freed from after
sealing.

Second, Five combs, or equal to five, are thoroughly sealed
out, and which, according to measurement, contain exactly
34 lbs. of sealed syrup, or what would be if it was honey,
representing the same weight as was fed to the bees before it
was converted into syrup by adding water. Paradoxical, no
doubt ; but that is not all. The bees brought forward about
5000 cells, which all hatched, and many of these hatched
cells were refilled with brood. Still another thing. One
filled and sealed comb collapsed, which would at the least
represent 3 ozs. wax, although the syrup was fed back to
the bees, thus reducing the wax supplied to the bees to
about 3 ozs.

The foregoing facts show that the bees had 34 lbs. of sugar,
from which they at the least have built combs that will if melted
produce 2 lbs. of wax, produced at least 5000 bees, and have
still 34 lbs. of syrup left — say 16 lbs. of sugar — and have
lived two months upon the syrup as well, which we might
say other 4 lbs., thus showing a loss of only 12 lbs. of sugar,
which has been converted into wax. Six pounds of sugar to
each pound of wax produced figures much under 20 lbs. But
now comes the puzzle. We know that the scales of wax
secreted from sugar are of a coarser-looking nature ; the
combs are more brittle, and rot more readily than do those
secreted from honey. But how are sugar and honey to be
classed ? Is 1 lb. of honey to be classed with 1 lb. of dry
sugar or 1 lb. of syrup after the sugar has been reduced ?

If the latter, then we must allow the hive to have been
fed 60 to 68 lbs. of syrup, which will show that it takes from
10 to 15 lbs. syrup to produce 1 lb. of wax, but will it take
the same weight of honey ?

I am not prepared to answer that question accurately,
but this I know — that bees fed with 20 lbs. of honey, when
located in an empty hive, will build combs that three-quarters
of a pound of wax might be extracted, and have 12 lbs. or
more honey stored ; but I cannot give an exact statement of
results. It is a subject, however, that we ought not to let
slip until by experiments we can prove everything in a satis¬
factory manner, and be able to say with accuracy how much
honey or sugar it takes to produce 1 lb. of wax, and to test
thoroughly the relative producing qualities of honey and
sugar so far as the production of wax is concerned.

The bees sometimes drop large quantities of wax while
they are in the act of building combs. This is a loss we
cannot help, but we can by covering the hive properly,
economise the heat so conducive to comb-building and pro¬
sperity of the bees at all times, thereby saving much that
would be otherwise wasted. — Lanarkshire Bee-keeper.

THE COTTAGER’S STRAW HIVE -HOW TO GET SECTION
HONEY FROM IT.

A slight mistake ha9 been made in the woodcut, fig. 65, page 463.
It is very important tWlt the edge of the blocks at a (fig. 65) sh ould be
chamfered off to the extent of about a quarter of an inch. If this is not
done the foundation will stick more firmly to the block than to the section,
and consequently be of no use. To experts this may seem a primitive
mode of fixing foundations, but it is simple, and will answer the cottager s
purpose very well. It will be observed that there is a space of about a
quarter of an inch between the top of the sections and the lid of the box
(fig. 66, page 463). This space is left for a quilt. These I make by
taking two pieces of cheap calico, placing a layer of wadding between
them, and stitching them together. When done with a sewing machine
they are neat, and, what is of more importance, they are warm.

In the accompaniog sketch (fig. 73) I have represented one of the
small dome-shaped hives so often met with. They are generally made
without any opening at the top, and are used by cottagers for late swarms
to be destroyed in the autumn, or, what is better, the bees driven from
them and united to other stocks. Even these small hives may be made
more useful if a hole is cut in the top, and one of the boards referred to
in a former paper fixed to it either by pieces of wire, as represented at a,
or by three long screws passing through the board into the straw hive

580

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ December 9, lfc86.

(b b ). Before fixing the board either way it is well to wrap some
listing, or strips of anything soft and warm round the top of the hive, so
that there will he no opening to cause a draught between the hive and
board.

The usual form of straw stock hives have a rim of straw round the
top within which the straw cap fits when upon the hive. To adapt box
supers to these hives it is necessary to cut those rims off. These hives are
m ire flat on the top, and there is less trouble in fixing the boards to them.
When once fixed the boards ought to remain permanently on the hives.
The hole in the boards and the corresponding hole in the hive (c)
should not be less than 3 inches in diameter. As will be seen, the centre
bar of the super when placed on the hive comes across the centre of the
opening, having a semicircular space on each side for the bees to enter
the sections.

To those who use large hives of either straw or wood, a 10 lbs. super
will be looked upon as too small to be worth bothering with. Supers
must, however, be kept in proportion with the hives. It is a great mis¬
take to make supers larger either way than the body of the hive, both on
account of economy of heat and keeping the bees in their natural cluster
form. Rather let small supers be piled one on the top ot the other, as so

well discussed in last week’s Journal by “ Felix.” With two 10-lb. boxes
for each hive the cottager will be satisfied if he gets them filled, and it
may be some encouragement when I say that this summer I have had
better results in proportion from small straw hives than from good-sized
bar-frame hives. The little boxes should be covered up with old bags,
and kept dry by similar means to that applied to the ordinary caps.
When the supers are removed place a thin piece of board over the open¬
ing, a half brick placed on it will keep it in its place, and if a little dry
graes is packed round it, and an old sack tied over, with some waterproof
covering over all, the hive will be snug for the winter. — A Cottage
Bee-keeper.

THE WEATHER AND BEES.

December opened with keen frost and snow. Up till the 5th all insect
life had disappeared. On that day the thermometer rose from 15° ; the
lowest temperature we have had, to 50°. Many of the bees were roused
from their short winter’s repose, and from their appearance I believe
many of them will have commenced breeding, being about two weeks
earlier than the average of years, while some hives have continued breed¬
ing the whole season. — A Lanarkshire Bee- keeper.

TRADE CATALOGUE RECEIVED.

G. Stevens, St. John’s Nursery, Putney. — Catalogue of Chrysanthemums

*0® All correspondence should be directed either to “The Editor”
or to “ The Publisher.” Letters addressed to Dr. Hogg or
members of the staff often remain unopened unavoidably. We
request that no one will write privately to any of our correspon¬
dents, as doing so subjects them to unjustifiable trouble and
expense.

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions relat¬
ing to Gardening and those on Bee subjects, and should never
send more than two or three questions at once. All articles in¬
tended for insertion should be written on one side of the paper
only. We cannot reply to questions through the post, and we
do not undertake to return rejected communications.

Creepers for West Side of House (B. C.). — Bignonia radicans major,
Lonicera belgicum, Jasminum officinale, Wistaria sinensis, Cydonia japonica

Berberis stenophylla, Crataegus Pyracantha, Clematis Jackmani and
C. Henryi, with Roses Gloire de DijoD and Cheshunt Hybrid are good.

Aquatics (IF. G. X). — The water is much too deep for the generality of
aquatics, which should not be more for the varieties following than 2 to
3 feet : — Aponogeton distachyon, Nuphar advena, N. lutea, Nymphtea
odorata, N. odorata, Pontederia cordata, Stratiotes aloides, Sagittaria,
sagittifolia, and Villarsia nymphseoides. Nymphasa alba will succeed in
deeper water than most aquatics. Kinds that succeed in shallow water are
Butomus umbellatus, Alisma Plantago, Ranunculus Lingua. Bullrushes are
fine, especially Tjpha minima.

Late Peaches (C. S.). — Salwey is the latest of Peaches, and ripens
with certainty under glass with tire heat. Late Peaches, however, ripen
earlier when fire heat is used, and should only be used in case of an un¬
favourable autumn. Late Peaches meet a ready sale. Perhaps the best are
Sea Eagle, Gladstone, and Comet. They are large, bright in colour, and
highly flavoured. Ail, even Comet, ripen before Salwey, which is not
large, and we do not advise its being grown for market. The most esteemed
is Sea Eagle, which is simply sup rb. Comet is later, ripening a week to
ten days in advance of Salwey, and Gladstone ripens with Sea Eagle.

Conifers (IF.). — For a mixed chalk and loam soil Taxus baccata
(common Yew), 30 feet; T. baccata erecta, 15 f et; T. baccata fastigiata,
15 feet ; T. baccata elegantissima, 20 feet ; Pinus Cembra, 15 feet ; P. Ben-
thamiana, 30 feet ; P. austriaca, 30 feet; Picea nobihs, 30 feet ; Juniperus
chinensis, 15 feet ; Cupressus Lawsoniana, 25 feet; C. Lawsoniana argentea,
18 feet ; C. Lawsoniana aurea, 25 feet ; C. Lawsoniana erecta viridis, 18 feet ;
C. nutkaersis, 25 feet ; Thuia Lobbi erecta, 18 feet ; T. occidentalis Yervsene-
ana, 24 feet; Thuia (Biota) orientalis, 18 feet; T. elegantissima, 12 feet;
T. aurea, 9 feet ; Abies Engelmanni glauca, 30 feet; A. polita, 30 fe t ; Picea
Pinsapo, 24 feet ; Cedrus atlantica, 45 feet to GO feet ; or C. Libani, same
distance.

Rose Cutting Failing Grafting Roses (Auricula). — You would have
succeeded far better if you had adopted a simpler methol of propagation.
The great majority of Roses strike freely in sandy soil iu the open air, in¬
serting them in November or even now, in the manner described at the foot
of page 505 last week and continued to the next page. They may be in¬
serted now in prepared soil in cold frames, or in pots in those frames, to
remain there till callused, or longer if you wish ; but when the cuttings are
callused the pots may be plunged in gentle heat, say about February or
March, and the roots will extend the more rapidly. Unless you have suit¬
able houses for growing RoBes you will not succeed so well by grafting now
as you would in February. Nor are you likely to make much progress by
giafting on bits of Briar roots much smaller than the scions. They should
be at least as large as the scions, with fibres attached to them. No clay
required if the scion is secured with worsted or matting, and the junction
quite covered with soil. W e prefer young well rooted Briar plants raised
from seed or cuttings, as stocks whereon to attach Roses that we desire to
increase by that method. You are attempting too much, and expecting too
much from a paucity of materials. We have not answer- d your question as
to why your Rose cuttings did not callus in heat : it was because the sap
could not descend to foim the ca'lus, but was forced upwards by the heat,
and the cuttings n cessarily collapsed under the unnatural strain to which
they were subjected.

Propagating Indiarubber Plants (A Young Grower). — The following
methods, successfully practised by an old grower, will answer with you if
carefully carried out The present time is suitable for propagating this
plant, either by shoots taken off with a heel or by eyes. When it is propa¬
gated by eyes they should be taken with a leaf attached to each, and be
placed in silver sand to keep them from bleeding. Insert them in small
pots well drained, in a mixture of peat and cocoa-nut fibre, and plunge in a
strong bottom heat of 90°, with a little sand under each cutting. If they
are not placed in a strong bottom heat the eyes will not break. When the
eyes have rooted and commenced growing they should be repotted into
48-sized pots, in equal parts of turfy loam and peat, with sufficient sand to
keep the soil open. The plants should be placed in a temperature of about
70°, and be syringed frequently ; occasionally sponging the foliage is also
highly beneficial. The plants should never be allowed to become potbound
until they have grown to the allotted size, when they will be greatly
benefited by liberal supplies of liquid manure. During their growing season
they should never be allow- d to become dry at the roots, as dryness causes
the leaves to turn yellow and spoils the beauty of the plants. Shoots taken
off with a heel will make plants much quicker than raising them from eyes ;
and it is the safest plan, for if strong bottom heat is not afforded, the eyes,
as before mentioned, will not break into growth. When only a few plants
of rapid growth are required we advise that they be raised from cuttings,
but when a great number of small plants are required, which is not unfre-
quently the case now Indiarubber Plants are fashionable, the mode of
raising them from eyes must be resorted to. Plants are now in great
demand, and are being rapidly increased by the above modes in most
nurseries, and they have a large sale in Covent Garden Market.

Blanching ( G . L). — You ask, “What is the cause of blanching?” We
might laconically answ'er, “The absence of light;” but as you know that as
well as we do, we presume you wish to know why leaves are blanched in
dark places. It is occasioned by their being neither able to decompose the
water they imbibe, nor to inhale carbonic acid. In the dark plants can
only inhale oxygen, and thus, deprived of free hydrogen and carbon, on the
due assimilation of which by the leaves all vegetable colours depend, and
saturated with oxygen, they of necessity become white. An excess of
oxygen has uniformly a tendency to whiten vegetable matters ; and, to
impart that excess to them is the principle upon which all bleaching is
conducted. An over-dose of oxygen causes in them a deficiency of alkaline
or an excess of acid matter, and light enables plants to decompose the acid
matter, and to restore that predominancy of alka inity on which their green
colour depends. Sennebier and Davy found most carbonic acid in blanched
leaves ; and all green leaves contain more alkaline matter than the rest of
the plant which bears them. Every cook knows that a little alkali — car¬
bonate of soda — added to the water, improves the green hue of her boiled
vegetables. That this is the cause of the ph-ncmenon is testified by direct
experiment. Blanched Celery and Endive, and the white inner leaves of

Dcce jibjr 9, 1885. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

531

the Cos Lettuce, contain about one-third more water than the same parts
when green ; and if submitted to destructive distillation do not yield more
than half so much carbon. Then, again, if a plant of Celery is made to
vegetate in the dark, under a receiver containing atmospheric air, with the
addition of not more than one-twenty-fifth part of its bulk of a mixture of
carburetted hydrogen, and hydrogen such as is afforded by the distillation
of coal, that plant, though it becomes paler than when grown in the daylight,
till retains a verdant colour.

Constructing a Fruit Room ( F . IF. J.). — A high and dry site is most
suitable, and if it admit of being sunk a couple of feet it will be an advan¬
tage, the soil taken out being placed against the side walls, which need not
be more than 4 feet (1 inches above the floor line. This will give space for
three shelves, including the floor, which may bo 3 to 4J feet wide, and have
a pathway of 3 feet width. This will give an internal width of 9 to 12 feet.
The house can be wider, so as to admit of centre shelves, with a pathway
all round. With a roof of straw or reed thatch it would be practically frost¬
proof, the eaves being brought over a foot or more, similar to a thatched
cottage roof. The ends could be thatched, and two doors provided, with a
vacuum or space between the outer one thatched. The ventilators should
be at the apex, glass outside, and wood shutters inside lined with straw, the
shutter opening inwards and the glass part outwards. The wall, if there
was any fear of damp, could be cemented, also the floor. It should be in
the full sun — an open airy situation. Such structure would have the advan¬
tage of an equable temperature, particularly suitable for Apples and Pears.
It would also serve for Grapes, but they would need a division to them¬
selves, as damp would probably need exp .filing, artificial heat to admit of
ventilation being necessary. A Grape room is too dry for the satisfactory
keeping of Apples and Pears, for if suitable for the latter the Grapes would
be liable to decay, and if suiting the Grapes the Apples and Pears would
shrivel. You can have a wood house, having the sides of 4J inches by
2i inches battens for the framework, covered on the inside with half-inch
deals tongued and grooved, and on the outside with three-quarter-inch
feather-edge boards, overlapping so as to throw off the wet, and fill the
space with dry sawdust rammed tight. The roof would be best thatched,
but making provision for light and ventilation. If you have a slate
or tile roof it would require to be underdrawn, and you will need artificial
heat for the Grape room. In the other a covering of clean dry straw would
give the needful protection. Such structure would be best with a north
aspect.

Names of Fruits. — The names and addresses of senders of fruit to be named
must in all cases be enclosed with the specimens, whether letters referring
to the fruit are sent by post or not. The names are not necessarily required
for publication, initials sufficing for that. Only six specimens can be
named at once, and surplus fruits beyond that number cannot be preserved.
( Old Subscriber). — Apples: 1. Old Nonpareil; 2, Sweeney Nonpareil; 3,
Minshull Crab. Pears : 1, White Doyenn6 ; 2, not known ; 3, BeunA
Derouineau. ( George Morall). — Grosse Calebasse, a fine specimen. ( Sub¬
scriber ). — 1, Forelle ; 2, not known ; 3, Suffolk Thorn ; 4, AValtham Abbey
Seedling; 5, Cox’s Pomona; 6, Bergamo':te Cadette. (IP. M. Yardley). —
1, Golden Reinette ; 2, Yorkshire Greening ; 3, Norfolk Beefing ; 4, Beauty
of Kent; 5, Striped Beefing ; 6, not known. (P. H. Wright). — Pear, Mar6-
chaldeCour; 1, Blenheim Pippin ; 2, Alfriston; 3, Tower of Glamis. (4
'Parry Rogers). — Golden Noble. ( George Randall). — 1, not known ; 2,
Scarlet Nonpareil. (Manx). — 1, quite rotten ; 2, Louise Bonne of Jersey ;
3, not known ; 4, Nouveau Poiteau ; 5, Auchan. (J. H. Cheshire). — 1,
Blenheim Pippin ; 2, Hollandbury ; 3, Beurre Diel ; 4, quite .rotten ; 5,
Winter Nelis ; 6, not known.

Names of Plants. — We only undertake to name species of plants, not
varieties that have originated from seed and termed florists’ flowers.
Flowering specimens are necessary of flowering plants, and Fern fronds
should bear spores. Specimens should arrive in a fresh state in firm
boxes. Slightly damp moss or soft green leaves form the best packing, dry
cotton wool the worst. Not more than six specimens can be named at once.
(A Fifteen-years Subscriber ). — We have not seen the flowers to which
you refer. (IP. F. (?.). — The Ferns are Gymnogramma chrysophylla, Dory-
opteris palmata, and Adiantum mundulum. ( Houndswood ). — 1, Insufficient
to be determined. 2, Trichopilia tortilis. 3, Maxillari i picta.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— December 8th.

Business very stagnant with prices easier. Large arrivals of Nova
Scotia and Canada Apples to hand, as also St. Michael Pines. Grepes more
than sufficient for the demand.

FRUIT.

e.

d.

8.

d.

8.

d.

8.

a

Apples .

. i 3ieve

i

6 to 4

0

Melon .

0

0

to 0

0

■> Nova Scotia and

Oranges .. ..

6

0

12

0

Canada

per barrel 10

0

13

0

Peaches .

per doz .

0

0

0

0

Cherries . . . .

0

0

0

0

Pears . . , . . . .

dozen

1

0

2

0

Cobs .

. 100 lb. 60

0

70

0

Pine Apples English., lb.

1

6

2

0

Figs .

. dozen

0

6

0

9

Plums .

4 sieve

1

0

2

0

Graues .

0

6

3

0

St. Michael Pines

..each

2

0

5

0

Lemons .

0

15

0

Strawberries .. ..

per lb.

0

0

0

0

VEGETABLES.

8.

a.

8.

d

8.

d.

8.

a

Artichokes .

.. dozen

X

0 to 0

0

Lettuce .

. dozen

l

0

to 1

6

Asparagus

.. bundle

0

0

0

0

Mushrooms ..

punnet

0

6

i

0

Beans, Kidney

. . per lb

0

6

0

0

Mustard and Cress

punnet

0

2

0

0

Beet, Red

.. dozen

1

0

2

0

Ouions .

bunch

0

3

0

0

Broccoli .. ..

0

0

0

0

Parsley .. dozen bunches

2

0

8

0

Brussels Sprouts

.. 4 sieve

1

6

2

0

Parsnips .

dozen

1

0

2

0

Cabbage .. ..

1

6

0

0

Potatoes .

cwt.

4

0

0

Capsicums

100

1

6

2

0

, , Kidney .

cwt.

4

e

0

Carrots .. ..

0

4

0

0

Khubarb.. ^ .

bundle

0

2

0

6

Cauliflowers ..

. . dozen

3

0

4

0

Salsafy .. ..

bundle

1

0

1

0

Celery . . . .

1

6

2

0

Scorzonera .. ..

bundle

1

6

0

0

Coleworts dcz. bunches

a

0

4

0

Scakale . . . . per basket

1

6

2

0

Cucumbers

. . each

0

3

0

4

Shallots .

.. lb.

0

3

0

6

Endive ..

1

0

2

0

Spinach .

bushel

8

0

4

4

Herbs . . . .

0

2

0

0

Tomatoes .. .

.. tb.

0

6

1

0

Leeks . . . .

0

s

0

4

Turnips ..

bunch

0

4

0

0

PLANTS IN POTS.

Aralia Sieboldi . . dozen

8.

9

d. 8.

0 to 18

a.

0

Ficus elastica . . each

8.

1

d.

6 to

8.

7

a.

0

Arbor vitae (golden) dozen

6

0

9

0

Fuchsia .. per dozen

0

0

0

0

„ (common) dozen

41

0

12

0

Foliage Plants, var. each

2

0

10

0

Asters . . . . per dozen

0

0

0

0

Heliotrope . . per dozen

0

9

0

0

Bedding Plants, var. doz.

0

0

0

0

Hydrangea .. per dozen

0

0

0

0

Begonias . . . . dozen

4

0

9

0

Ivy Geraniums per dozen

0

0

0

0

Chrysanthemum . . dozen

4

0

12

0

Lilium auratum per doz.

0

0

0

0

Cockscombs per dozen

0

0

0

0

Lobelias . . . . per dozen

0

0

0

0

Cyperus . dozen

4

0

12

0

Marguerite Daisy dozen

G

0

9

0

Dracsena terminalis, dozen 30

0

60

0

Mignonette . . per dozen

3

0

6

0

„ viridis . . dozen 12

0

24

0

Musk .. .. per dozen

0

0

0

0

Erica, various . . dozen

9

0

12

0

Myrtles . dozen

6

0

12

0

„ hyemalis per dozen 12

0

24

0

Palms, in var. . . each
Pelargoniums, scarlet, doz.

2

6

21

0

„ graoilis per dozen

9

0

12

0

6

0

9

0

Euonymus, in var. dozen

6

0

18

0

Pelargoniums per dozen

0

0

0

0

Evergreens, in var. dozen

6

0

24

0

Primula sisensis per doz.

4

0

6

0

Ferns, in variety . . dozen

4

0

18

0

Solanums per doz.

9

0

12

0

Abatilons . . 12 bunches

8

2

CUT

d. s.
0 to 4

FI

d.

0

OWERS.

Lily of the Valley, 12 sprays

s.

0

d. 8.
0 to 0

a.

0

Arum Lilies . . 12 blooms

4

0

6

0

Marguerites .. 12 bunches

2

0

6

0

Asters . . . . 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Mignonette .. 12 bunches

1

0

8

0

Azalea . . . . 12 sprays

1

0

1

6

Narciss, Paper-white, bunch

0

4

0

6

Bouvardias .. per bunch

0

6

1

0

„ White. English, bunch

1

8

1

6

Camellias . . 12 blooms

2

0

4

0

Pelargoniums, per 12 trusses

0

9

1

6

Carnations .. 12 bloomB

i

0

8

0

„ scarlet, 12 trusses

0

4

0

6

„ . . 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Roses . . 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Chrysanthemums 12 bches.

2

0

6

0

„ (indoor), per dozen

0

6

2

0

„ 12 blooms

0

6

2

0

„ Tea . dozen

0

9

8

0

Cornflower . . 12 bnnohes

0

0

0

0

„ red . . . . dozen

1

0

2

0

Dahlias .. 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Parme Violets (French)

4

0

5

9

Epiphyllum . . doz. blooms

0

6

0

0

Primula (single) per bunch

0

4

0

6

Eucharis . . per dozen

4

0

8

0

„ (double) per bunch

1

0

1

6

Gardenias .. 12 blooms

4

0

6

0

Pyrethrum .. 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Gladioli . . 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Stephanotis . . 12 sprays

6

0

8

0

Hyacinths, Roman, 12 sprays

1

0

1

6

Stocks, various 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Lapageria, white, 12 blooms

2

0

4

0

Tropseolum .. 12 bunches

1

6

2

0

apageria, red ..12 blooms

1

0

2

0

Tuberoses .. 12 blooms

1

0

i

6

„ longitlorum,12blms.

6

0

8

0

Violets . . . . 12 bunches

1

0

i

6

Lilac (white), French, bunch

6

0

8

0

„ Czar, French, pe tunoh

1

3

i

9

BOUND PRACTICE.

Do farmers generally realise the importance of sound
practice ? Do they grasp fully the import of the term ?
Are they striving for improvement, or do they think
the sort of improvement we advocate possible ? Buch and
kindred questions have forced themselves upon us after
hearing the debates of a certain Chamber of Agriculture, for
in no speech we have heard has there been any reference to
the possibility of obtaining some relief under the depression
by any effort at improvement in the practice of farming.
Assistance from without in the guise of State aid is the sum
and substance of every resolution that is passed ; anything
like self-help is never mentioned, and we may therefore
assume that the speakers would have it taken as a fore¬
gone conclusion that their practice is as near perfection as
possible. Yet an appeal for aid to the Government or the
country must naturally give rise to the inquiry, What have
you done to help yourselves ? Is your practice so sound
that no effort of which you are capable can lead to better
results ?

Home farmers are frequently told that they are happy in
the enjoyment of privileges beyond the reach of tenant
farmers, that they have the landlord’s long purse to draw
upon, and therefore do not feel the pinch of hard times.
But anyone concerned in the management of landed property
must know that home farmers have now to work under the
disadvantage of reduced expenditure, for reduced rents have
so seriously affected the proportions of the proverbial long
purse that economy and retrenchment cannot be ignored.
Nor is this the only difficulty which has fallen upon the
home farmer under the depression, for he has had on many
estates to take charge of farm after farm thrown upon the
landlord’s hands by bankrupt tenants. No light matter is
this, for such farms are usually in deplorable plight, the

532

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARBLE Eh.

[ December 9, 1886

land undrained, foul with weeds, and poverty stricken, and
if under his lease or agreement the tenant was bound to keep
up repairs in buildings, gates, and fences, they too will
probably be found much dilapidated. It may be asked,
How could the landlord or his agent suffer the tenant to be
so negligent ? Truth to tell, under the depression a tenant
has had no money to spare for such purposes, and any
attempt at compulsion would end in the farm being left upon
the landlord’s hands. Everything in reason that can be
done is done for tenants now ; rents have been reduced from
25 to 50 per cent., a helping hand is extended to every de¬
serving tenant in a variety of ways, all repairs are taken in
hand by the landlord, and new covenants have none of the
old vexatious clauses or restrictions to a particular system of
cultivation. But landlords have done much more than this ;
they have striven to show by example and precept how in
some measure to meet our difficulties by better cultivation of
the soil, by the acquisition of a thorough knowledge of the
science as well as the practice of agriculture. Some have
done what they could to improve the breed of cattle, sheep,
and horses ; others have done much for the promotion of
improvements in culture — notably, Major Sergison, the Duke
of Norfolk, Sir Spencer Wilson, the Marquis of Huntly, the
Duke of Bichmond, Sir Thomas Ackland, and many others.
Both Major Sergison in the south-east of England, and Sir
Thomas Ackland in the west have had elaborate trials of
manures made upon their own estates. The last-named
gentleman has recently published a 6d. pamphlet on
“ Practice and Science in Agriculture,” in which he offers
much useful information to farmers, and he enumerates
certain cheap books which ought to be in the hands of every
farmer at all desirous of self-improvement. Of these we may
mention, “ Chemistry of the Farm,” by R. Warington ;
“Life on the Farm — Plant Life,” by Maxwell T. Masters ;
“Life on the Farm — Animal Life,” by Professor Brown, all
published at 2s. 6d. each, by Bradbury, Agnew, & Co.
“ Science Primer — Chemistry,” by Professor Sir H. Roscoe,
Is., published by Macmillan ; “Lectures at King’s College,”
by F. J. Lloyd on “ Agriculture,” 12s., published by Long¬
mans; “Agricultural Chemistry and Geology,” 6s. 6d., by
Professor Johnston, published by Blackwood; and “First
Year of Scientific Knowledge,” by M. Paul Bert, 2s. 6d ,
published by Relfe Brothers, Charterhouse.

We enumerate these works with the prices and names of
publishers, because we have'often known earnest inquirers at
a loss for such information, and we certainly desire to assist
them. To them and to farmers generally we say, If you
would have the respect, the assistance, and sympathy of all
other sections in a community of which you form such an
important part, do not rest content with a statement of your
grievance, or an appeal for help, but show by your efforts at
improvement — your general sound practice — that you * trust
and try.’ It is certain that we have not yet attained to
perfection in our practice, and we should certainty do well to
try and see if anything we do cannot be done in a better
way. Better in the sense of economy, certainty, and profit,
for after all that is the safe test to apply to all our work.
Do results show that our efforts at improvement lead to
greater abundance, better quality in our farm produce ? If so,
we are certainly gaining knowledge that will ^eventually lead
to sound practice in the fullest sense of the term.

WORK ON THE HOME FARM.

The spread of swine fever far and wide through the land is but another
instance of the tendency to slovenly practices among farmers of the easy¬
going habit of following in the footsteps of our forefathers. Because the
pig is an unclean animal, it by no means follows that it should be kept
amidst filth as is so generally done. There can be no doubt that with
clean styes and wholesome food we can avoid infections disease if we are
only careful enough in our purchases. It has long been a standing rule
with us to keep newly purchased animals of kinds apart from others for a
month or two, and thus avoid all risk of contagion. Extra care is taken
now if cattle are bought, for we have repeatedly known cases of foot-and-
mouth disease among cattle bought in December. The risk may be less
now than formerly, as cattle are driven less and less by road, and are not
so liable to become foot-sore and low in condition. See that all possible

care is taken of horses during winter. It is customary in the eastern
counties for farm horses to lie out under open sheds in the horse yard at
night. We do not approve of such a custom, and certainly consider that
old or delicate horses should have the shelter of a stable at night. Even
when young horses in robust health are left out regularly, the matter must
not be left to the discretion of an ignorant horsekeeper. When horses
hane been a long journey with a heavy load, they return hot and tired,
and to turn them out into an open yard involves much risk of serious
illness, which is easily avoided by the exercise of due care. The recent
loss of two horses at two of our off farms has led to the issue of stringent
orders and rules to our bailiffs whom we are obliged to trust in such
matters upon distant farms. Some of the labourers upon the home farm
are now engaged in the grubbing and clearance of superfluous trees and
hedgerows, which serve no useful purpose, but rather spoil crops and
waste space. In this work a row of common land drain pipes is laid
along the ditches before they are filled in, but all the work is done by
measure and quantity. Piece work is best both for master and man, and
we have all work that we can so done. See that there is no accumulation
of water upon low-lying parts of winter corn fields. Open furrows suffi¬
cient wide and deep should be made at once after the corn is sown, and
the ends finished by a man with a spade to ensure an unchecked flow of
water to the nearest ditch.

The Smithfield Cattle Show. — We have been requested to
inspect the products of several exhibits at this Show, and incorporate
any remarks to which they might be entitled with our report of the
Exhibition. In reply, we have to inform our friends that the directors of
the Show have again omitted to accord us any facilities for the purpose
in question, no reporters’ tickets having been received at this office. A
correspondent, however, favours us with the following brief note on some
exhibits which he thinks chiefly interesting to our readers. “The seeds¬
men are well represented, all the leading firms having large and imposing
stands in the gallery. Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading, have a great
number of handsome roots, comprising fine samples of the Champion
Swede, Berks Prize Mangold, Golden Tankard Mangold, and the Mam¬
moth Mangold, one specimen of the last named weighing 73 lbs. Grasses,
miscellaneous seeds, &c., are all well shown. Messrs. J. Carter & Co.,
High Holborn, contribute an abundant display of Mangolds, Swedes,
<fec., all of high quality, but the great feature of their stand is the collec¬
tion of Tobaccos in various stages, from the raw leaf to the prepared
product. This attracted much attention. Messrs. Webb & Sons provide
an admirable display of their well known selections of Mangolds, Swedes,
Wheats, and various other farm crops, very tastefully arranged. Samples
of Tobaccos, which have also been successfully grown by this firm,
together with the usual garden, vegetable, and flower seeds. Messrs.
Harrison & Sons, Leicester, have a stand representing a number of their
specialities, both in farm and garden crops. In the gallery and on the
ground floor is a capital display of farm implements and machinery,
comprising many excellent inventions and improvements. Very notable
is a capital corn, seed, and manure drill, named the “ Excelsior,” which
is shown by the Chadborn and Coldwell Manufacturing Company, 223,
Upper Thames Street, and which was illustrated in your pages some time
since. It is an admirable machine and obtained the approval of many
practical men who inspected it. Another portion of the hall is devoted
to the exhibitors of patent or special manures, and amongst them the
stand from Messrs. Wood & Sons, Wood Green, London, was particularly
interesting, containing a variety of manures and composts prepared for
special plants.”

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Camdbn Square, London.

Lat. 51° 32' 40" N.; Long. 0° 8' 0" W. ; Altitude, 111 feet.

DATE.

9 A.M.

IN THE DAY.

d

"3

1886.

Nov.— Dec.

— i

d co a) oj

Hygrome¬

ter.

d .

O -d

•§■5

So

°. 08 J

M

Shade Tem¬
perature.

Radiation

Temperature

Dry.

Wet.

Max.

Min.

In

sun.

On

grass

Sunday . 28

Monday . 20

Tuesday . S')

Wednesday .. 1
Thursday .... 2

Friday . 3

Saturday .... 4

Inches.

30.404

29.610

29.665

29.907

29.896

30.092

29.778

deg.

43.3

48.1

36.4

33.2

29.4
23.6
38.1

dear.

42.5

47.9
35.4

31.9
28.0

23.2

37.3

N.

s.w.

w.

w.

N.W

N.W

S.E.

deg.

44.0

44.0

43.6
41.8
40.4
30 2
38.2

deg.

47.0

50.4

45.2

42.7
34.9

33.7

42.2

deg

41.4

43.0

35.3

30.5
282
21.7

22.3

deg.

50.0

65.2

65.3

64.2

61.3
488
44.1

deg

38.7

41.3
28.2

23.2
21.5

15.4

18.2

In.

0.041

0.014

0.092

0.278.

29.907

36.0

35.2

41.6

42.4

31.8

57.0

26.6

0.425

REMARKS.

28th.— Cool and fresh, but not bright.

29th.— Wet early, but gradually cleared, and fine bright day and night.

80th.— Bright and fine.

1st.— Cold and fine, with much sun, shower at 5.30 P.M.

2nd.— Cold and generally bright, slight snow at 1 P.M.

3rd.— Very cold and generally fine, a little fog at times.

4th.— Sleet began about 6.15 A.M., turning to rain, which continued till about noon, fine
after, brilliant night.

Rather a cold week, owing to the sharp frost on the 3rd. This frost remarkably
resembled that of December llth, 1885, for which the figures will be iound to have been
taking the columns as in the above table :—

1885— Dec. llth

30 507

24.2

23.6

N.W.

37.5

33.8

22.3

51.7

15.4

1886— Dec. 3rd

30.092

23.6

23.2

N.W.

39 2

33.7

21.7

48.8

15.4 0.092

Difference ....

— .415

— .6

— .4

pins 1.7

— .1

— .6

— 29

plus .092

With the exception of the barometer the agreement is marvellous, and the remarks on
the weather agree equally. The note on December llth, 1815, is “Very cold but bright,
slight fog at night.” The note for December 3rd, 1886, will be found above in its proper
place.— G. J. SYMONS.

December 13 1833. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

533

1 „

11111

illx

if/

COMING EVENTS

16

Th

17

P

18

S

19

SUN

20

M

21

TU

22

W

Royal Sooiety at 4.S0 p M. Linnean Society at 8 P II.
4th Sunday In Advent.

THE CLAIMS OF THE ROSE.

LMOST before the great flower of autumn Las
faded preparations commence for bringing out
in its fullest and irresistible charms tbs un¬
doubted summer queen — the Rose. The N ational
Rose Society appeals to the sympathies of a
larger and wider constituency than can be
claimed by any floral occupant of the garden ;
it has therefore a corresponding claim for the
support of individuals and the co-opjration of
local organisations that are desirous of extending and per¬
fecting the culture of a plant that is so amenable to improve¬
ment, and which gives such a splendid return to all who
treat it generously and well.

The annual meeting of the National Rose Society is
regarded by not a few of the readers of this Journal as one
of the events of the year. The existing position of the
Society and its prospective work are matters in which a
large amount of interest is centred. It is pleasant to learn
from the report that will be fouud in another column of the
harmonious gathering of the 9th inst., that affairs have been
so well managed as to show a clean balance sheet, notwith¬
standing some special outlay and a slight falling off in sub¬
scriptions. It is well to give prominence to this, both as
affording evidence of judicious administration that should
insure confidence and invite support, and as enforcing the
desirability of a strong effort being made to more than restore
what has been lost, and enable the Committee to work effec¬
tively in achieving their object — the widely extended and
superior culture of the Rose.

Much has been accomplished in the past, but a wide field
is open for future action, and it would be to the advantage
of all to see it well tilled. Without Roses our gardens and our
country would be deprived of one of their principal charms.
Let Roses, then, be increased till they are seen everywhere,
and the best method of contributing to that increase is to
present them in the greatest possible numbers and highest
developed forms at public exhibitions. The issue may then
be left to the influence they will exert on the minds of those
who inspect them. If a supply creates a demand in anything
it is in Roses. The blooms are lingered over, longed for,
even clamoured after, at the close of exhibitions, and few
deeper regrets are experienced than by the gardenless visitors
who are entranced by the peerless beauty of the blooms that
they cannot join in producing. But there are thousands
who can share in this delightful occupation who, until they
see what can be accomplished, have no incentive to excel or
to acquire those varieties that endear them to all discrimi¬
nating tastes.

We have said the National Rose Society appeals to the
widest of constituencies. It does so in virtue of the command¬
ing nature of the flower, the extended culture and higher
development of which it is established to promote. Though
we have Roses in abundance at Christmas, specially grown
under artificial conditions to meet the floral requirements
of the festive season, yet the Rose of summer, which is seen

No. 338. — Vol. XIII., Third Series.

in all its splendour at exhibitions, would rebel against any
such nurturing care. Its hardiness and ready adaptability
to various positions enable it to be grown almost everywhere
by whoever will study its simple wants and provide them. It
is the most generally admired and widely cultivated of all
flowers, and that is the justification of its claim to pre-emi¬
nence. And it is grown better — that is to say, more uni¬
formly and generally better — now than at any time anterior
to the establishment of the Society that has dons so much
for its increase and improvement during the past ten years.
Undoubtedly grand examples were seen previously, and it
may be some equal to the best that are now produced ; but
in the former period magnificent stands — of Teas, perhaps,
especially — were the exception, whereas now they are the rule
at all the chief exhibitions. This is the best evidence of pro¬
gress coupled with the great increase of exhibitors. There
are also more Roses than ever there were in gardens, grown
not for public display, but for home adornment. This is a
gratifying circumstance, and the more so because they are
not limited to the gardens of the affluent or of the clergy, all
of whom can scarcely be included in that category in these
unsettled days. Doctors and lawyers, soldiers and sailors,
merchants and shopkeepers, farmers and artisans, are
growers of Roses now, and amongst all these classes are to
be found successful exhibitors. This must be regarded as
encouraging, for perhaps no one ha3 knorvn a man to become
less worthy from association with the Rose ; but instances
could be cited of homes made brighter and happier, and
villages rendered more agreeable by the abounding presence
of Roses in gardens large and small.

No section of the community has done so much to
popularise the Rose and to incite to its higher culture as that
of the clergy. To them the peifecting of one of the most
variedly beautiful and sweetest of gifts that could be sent
to gladden the heart of man is congenial occupation. They
indulge in it because the pursuit affords them wholesome
mental and physical exercise, and because it is good in itself
and fraught with good to others. The clergy have been
pioneers in the work which it is so desirable to help onwards,
for they have introduced Roses into remote villages and
obscure hamlets ; and the love thereby implanted has spread
round the centres like the waves that extend in widening
circles from the pebble thrown into the stream. This
parochial system of distributing Roses has given an enor¬
mous impetus to their culture, until the demand has become
so great that it may be safely said hundreds of persons are
engaged in their production, and numbers of families depen¬
dent on them as the main source of their livelihood. This
is a reminder to the few stern utilitarians who fail to see
that any substantial good is derived from the culture of
flowers. Happily such persons are becoming more and more
scarce, and the sooner they dwindle to the vanishing point
the better will it be for all.

And, besides the high measure of intelligence and prac¬
tical skill brought to bear on growing Rosea by the clergy
of this kingdom, they are the chief inaugurators of societies
and managers of shows. Nor is this all. They are also the
head teachers through the press of the art of Rose-growing,
adding to technical knowledge of the subject the requisne
literary taste that renders their contributions so agreeable.
But they are closely pressed now in this respect by tli6
increasing number of lay admirers, who possess similar
educational advantages with themselves, and have become
expert growers and successful exhibitors. The pages of this
Journal have been enriched in the past by the best examples
of Rose literature to be found in our language, and its
character will be maintained by old friends and new, who are
zealous iu upholding the supremacy of the flower they love
so truly and grow so well.

It has been announced that before the commencement
of the Jubilee year, the Queen will be petitioned to create a
new Order, to mark (lie event. This Order, it has been sug-

No. 1994. — Yol, LXXY., Old Series.

534

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ December 16, 1886.

gested, should bo called The Rose, and it is intended by
those who are pressing the matter forward that the recipients
should be distinguished in literature or art. Who more
worthy to be invested with this Order than gentlemen whose
literary attainments are proverbial, and whose possession of
the art of growing and of popularising Roses is universally
recognised ? It would not seem inappropriate for the Royal
Horticultural Society and National Roso Society to join in
the petition on this subject, if the proposition be carried out.

MEALY BUG ON VINES.

All who have had any experience of this pest on their Vines
assert it is the most objectionable of all, as, although it does not
injure the foliage like thrips or red spider, it congregates in the
bunches and makes them totally unfit for use. This is the most
serious drawback in having mealy bug on Vines, and nothing could
be worse, as, no matter how fine the berries and bunches may be,
they will invariably disgrace the grower if sent to the table with
any of these repulsive insects clinging to the stems and berries.
When once they get into the bunch it is a most difficult matter to
get them out again ; in fact it cannot be done without disfiguring
the bunch so much that the cure will almost be worse than the
disease. We have known attempts to be made to wash them out,
and this may have been accomplished to a certain extent ; but just
think of how a washed bunch of Grapes would look on the table,
and it will be understood how undesirable this plan is. To sprinkle
them with any insecticide spoils the bloom, and some of the wash
is generally left on the berries. This is far from agreeable, and
none of those cures should be trusted to make the fruit acceptable.
The only satisfactory way is to destroy the vermin before they
have any chance of coming in contact with the bunches, and the
time to do this is when the Vines are pruned and cleaned.

As these operations now demand attention the present is a suit¬
able time to call attention to the matter, and I may say no surface
cleaning will ever eradicate them. I have seen surfaces of the
Vines, woodwork, floor, and every visible part made perfectly clean,
and the hope was expressed that the bug had at last been exter¬
minated ; but this was all a mistake, as many of them or their eggs
were safely secreted under the protection of the bark, and as soon
as this began to crack and open, as it always does when the Vines
advance in growth, the insects were liberated and were quickly in
possession. Many give their Vines a rough cleaning at pruning
tune, and then paint them with some kind of mixture, thinking
that insects which were not killed in cleaning will meet their death
when they come in contact with the dressing ; but this does not
soon follow, and very often it never happens, as they remain dor¬
mant until the Vines are well into growth, and by that time the
dressing has lost its virtue and they can come in contact with it
with impunity. If they are to be eradicated at all it must be done
wholly at cleaning time, and no after chances must be trusted to,
and they will never be killed unless the place they now occupy is
reached. The only way of doing this is to clean the loose bark
most carefully and completely from the rods. Not a fraction of
it should remain, and when all is thoroughly cleared their destruc¬
tion is easily attained.

My one cure is inexpensive but sure. It is petroleum. There
is no insecticide to equal this for destroying mealy bug. Whenever
it touches them, even in a diluted form, they shrivel as if submitted
to fire, and those who would rid their Vines of mealy bug must
depend entirely on it. As soon as the innermost harbours of the
bugs have been exposed the oil should be applied, but not in its
full strength. One wineglassful to one gallon of hot water makes
a strong and deadly mixture, and if a piece of washing soda about
the size of a pigeon’s egg is added it may be applied more easily.
It should be stirred well up, and then give the rods a complete
washing with it. A sponge may be used, and the same part should
be washed again and again before passing further down the rod ;
and as soon as the bottom of the rod has been reached the rod may
be sponged again with clean water heated to 90°. This will remove
any danger of the oil injuring the Vine, and a few minutes are
quite long enough for the oil to be on the rod to destroy the insects,
as they cannot withstand it for an instant. In cases where the
bugs are very numerous I should have no hesitation in using double
the quantity of oil already named to one gallon of water. We
should squeeze the sponge hard against the rod each time it was
drawn from the bucket, and another should follow with clean
hot water to wash the oil off immediately afterwards. No insects
should escape then unless they were under the bark. Besides
washing the rods with the oil at the strength indicated, a quantity
of it must be at hand in a jelly mug, and this should be worked

into every hole and crevice about the woodwork, wirework, or
walls to destroy any which may be lurking there. The oil may be
used at its full strength in this case, and the whole of the wood¬
work and glass be washed with water and oil mixed in the same
proportion as was used for the rods The most severe cases of
attack by mealy bug may be rectified at one dressing by following
these directions closely, and this is more than I can say of any
other practice I have any knowledge of. — J. Muir, Margnvi.

GROUPING CHRYSANTHEMUMS IN COLOURS.

Judging from the interesting report at page 503 of the New
York Horticultural Society’s Exhibition of Chrysanthemums the
Americans are ahead of us in making their shows eliec *ve*
Managers of exhibitions on this side of the water ought to ee
indebted to you for the means of getting access to the hin 3 em¬
bodied in that report, and might well consider if it be not possib e
to americanise to some extent these popular November institu ions.
There would be little difficulty, for instance, in grouping plants
after the work of judging has been completed, or the plants mig i
be allowed to remain in position during the first day of t e s ow
in order to give growers and others interested an oppoitum y . oi
critical examination of the exhibits. Before the time of opening
on the second day there would be plenty of time to re-ai range e
whole of the plants into groups. The Chrysanthemum holds a
place so far in advance of most plants for effecting telling arrange¬
ments that it does seem a pity that something in the way indicated
is not carried out. An important feature of the Exhibition referred
to seems to have been the massing of the various colours in sepa¬
rate groups, and it is somewhat curious that a correspon en m e
same number at page 494 in a short note recommended the gioup
ing of colours in masses ; so that we have at least the beginning o
what is at once a novel and successful method of uti ising e

brilliant blooms of the main-season varieties.

The Journal has been so often first in lending its pages o
further the introduction of anything new and good in connec ion
with gardening, that I may safely rely on a little indulgence while
I press on gardeners before the Chrysanthemum fever has aba e
the consideration of the above method of arranging their ome
plants. Though I have had a houseful of plants grouped in diffe¬
rent shades and colours, I have nothing whatever to say agains
dotting and mixing colours, for I have also a house arranged in tuat
way, and when well done the effect is telling and pretty , but i
most certainly is not so effective, and fails altogether in massive¬
ness when compared with the system I wish to induce growers to
think over, and at the proper time to try for themselves. But or
course it must be conceded that the kind of structure one has to
work with must determine to a great extent the method of arrange¬
ment, some houses being quite unsuitable for any other method
than that of dotting, and in such circumstances it would be unwise
to attempt to mass the colours. Even in more suitable houses we
have to work at a disadvantage on account of various drawbacks
which it is impossible to remove and which must be put up with.

The structure in which I have this season grouped a selection
of plants is an early vinery over 50 feet in length, and with a
width on which to stand the plants of 9 feet. We began our
arrangement by blocking up the further end of the house with
large bushy plants of Mrs. G. Bundle, their tops reaching very
near to the glass roof. The back row was then formed, yellow
sorts being used for thi3 purpose, the taller ones going next the
Rundles, and grading lower and lower until at the door end they
would be about 5 feet in height. The line was composed of soft
shades like Mr. G. Glenny, alternated with darker shades such as
Gluck, Mrs. Dixon, and Jardin des Plantes. Then beginning again
at the end bank of Mrs. Rundle a large group of various shades of
bronzy reds and yellows was put in. These consisted of sorts like
Lord Wolseley, Sir S. Carey, Mr. John Laing, Reverie, Source d Or,
William Robinson, L’lle des Plaisirs, Barbara, &c. Next these we
place whites, as Lady Selborne, Jeanne d’ Arc, and Fair Maid of
Guernsey ; then a dark mass of Rex Rubrorum, and others.
James Salter, Alfred Salter, M. Brun, Her Majesty, &c., formed
another group. Le Chinois formed a small group of itself. Mrs.
G. Rundle, Empress of India, and Timbal d’ Argent represent
another mass. Prince of Wales, President, Balmoreau, &c., another ;
then Lady Hardinge, Prince of Anemones, and A. Salter form
another. Hiver Fleuri, Triomphe du Nord, and Chevalier Dornage
respectively made small groups. The dwarfer kinds for the front
consisted of such kinds as Cedo Nulli, La Nymphe, Aurore Boreale,
and various Pompons, the whole being so arranged as to rise with
a gentle slope from the door end to the back, and also to the other
end, so that the eye took in the whole arrangement at a glance.
One good feature of employing different sorts of one colour

December 16, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

585

together may be pointed out. By doing so, while the effect is
secured looking at the arrangement as a whole, when examined
critically, we have not only difference of shade but the equally
interesting varieties of form which give to Chrysanthemums so
much of their distinctiveness ; and by the simple process of elimi¬
nating a few plants and replacing them with others of the same
colour, but of a different form, the whole tone of the arrangement
is changed. Thus, if we replace Mrs. Bundle with Fleur de Marie,
or add Venus or Acquisition or Mrs. Pethers to a group of lilac,
or draw out a few dull sorts and refill with Val d’Andorre,
General Bainbridge, or Cullingfordi what a difference is at once
made ; and, of course, to the resorceful man there is no end to the
harmonies he may extract from a well-chosen selection of good
plants. He may grade maroons, reds, bronzes, oranges, yellows,
to creamy whites like Mrs. Forsyth, and clear whites like Elaine.
From white he may arrive by means of blush, soft lilac, deep lilac,
light and dark purples to a contrast of bright yellow or of scarlet
shades. Or he may work by way of light browns, amber, chest¬
nut, up to red ; and at any stage by simply introducing some novel
form, such as the Anemone-flowered or some peculiar colour, at
once add a good feature and secure from sameness at very slight
trouble. In any case no hard-and-fast line of working should be
laid down, and above all the plants ought to be allowed as much
freedom of growth as is consistent with good effect.— B.

ORCHIDS IN PLANT HOUSES.

In many places where choice flowers for buttonhole and other
bouquets, &c., are constantly in demand, a difficulty often occurs,
particularly during winter, in supplying from a miscellaneous collec¬
tion flowers suitable for the purpose. Nothing can be more desirable
where such is the case than a selection of OrchidB. Many of the
loveliest of these readily adapt themselves to the conditions of an
ordinary plant stove, a great boon where special structures cannot be
devoted to their culture. Indeed, it has been my practice to grow
such as I note here under like conditions, though having Orchid
houses proper.

In making this selection I have taken into account vigour of con¬
stitution, quality as well as quantity of bloom produced, freedom in
blooming, and last, but in many cases not least, the consideration of
cost ; and whilst upon this subject, I may say that “ although fabu¬
lous prices are still paid for rarities,” Orchids generally are as cheap
as any class of plants, and certainly much cheaper, “ comparatively
speaking,” than much softwooded stuff that is now popular.

Dendrobium nobile is already extensively grown, and is decidedly
one of the most deserving. It can be had in bloom from the New
Year to the end of April by having a succession of plants. I have
had a good supply from November to the end of May. To attain
this, numbers of plants are required, which should be grown in a light
position, the pseudo-bulbs thoroughly ripened, and placed as their
growths are matured in a cool place — say on a shelf in vinery or
Peach house. It is well, however, to first bring them from the
stove into an intermediate temperature for a few days before placing
them in cool quarters, where they will require no water further than
to prevent shrivelling. For forcing early, select those with the best
developed buds, and before placing in warmest house, let them re¬
main for a short time in an intermediate house and still keep them
dry ; very little water will 1 e required until flowering is over and
growth again proceeding.

The same remarks apply to D. Wardianum, which also can be
flowered in the same manner as D. nobile, and, though it is not wise
to retard growth too long, I have seen this in full bloom in June.
This, with D. crassinode, D. Devonianum, and D. chrysanthum,
which are well worthy a place, should be grown in baskets or per¬
forated pans suspended from the roof so that the growths are quite
a foot from the glass ; they like a light position, but are apt to be
injured by the fierce rays of the sun. D. nobile I prefer growing in
pots. They all require abundance of water, and syringing twice
daily. Tbe best mode of potting has often been detailed in the
Journal, but I would emphasise plenty of drainage and very little
besides. Any peat or sphagnum used should be made very firm.

_ Ccelogyne criBtata is another desirable Orchid, its delicate flowers
being suitable for all decorative purposes. It is not particular as to
temperature, intermediate or warm house suiting it equally well. It
should, however, be in a light position, so as to make its pseudo¬
bulbs firm to insure flowering ; when growth is completed remove
to a cooler house, not cold, and suspend watering.

Cymbidium eburpeum is entitled to a place for its large white
fragrant flowers, which are freely produced, and will succeed well in
stove or intermediate houses. The majority of Cypripediums also
will do well in the stove, the best, perhaps, for our present purpose
being C. insigne and its variety C. i. Maulei. Miltonia spectabilis I

have found very useful, but it should not be syringed heavily, nor
when at rest should it be dried too much.

Our list would not be complete without including the too much
neglected Sobralia macrantha ; its flowers equal in beauty some of
the finest Cattleyas, and though they last but a few days, they are
succeeded by others on the same stem for a considerable time. It is,
moreover, easily cultivated, and requires a little stronger compost
than other terrestrial Orchids.

There are many others that could be enumerated that would
thrive under like conditions with a little more attention than the
foregoing. No extra trouble, however, need be taken with those
named ; but it must not be supposed that satisfactory results can be
obtained without several good plants of each, say three or four 10-inch
pans of Coelogyne and Miltonia, two or three pots each of Cymbi¬
dium and Sobralia — the latter should have plenty of pot room. If a
few good plants of each of the Dendrobes can be obtained for a
start, there will be no difficulty in getting a good stock in the course
of a year or two. The old pseudo-bulbs may be taken off and
pegged firmly on to sphagnum-surfaced pots, filled with drainage and
kept moist, where they will soon grow ; or better still, instead of cut¬
ting the pseudo-bulbs off, layer them on the pot in which they are
growing, then when they have made root and top-growth they can
be taken off and potted separately in small pots. A good plan to
increase the stock of Dendrobes, especially D. nobile, is to grow one
or two plants in a shady position, where they will make soft wood,
and instead of flowers a quantity of young plants will be the result.
These should be allowed to root well, and can then be taken off with
a portion of the pseudo-bulb and potted. — Bradwen.

AN OLD LECTURE ON POTATOES.

An unpublished lecture on Potatoes having fallen into our hands
we have no hesitation in publishing it in an abridged form ; first
because it is the production of an old friend, Mr. Robert Fenn, and
secondly because it conveys information as sound as is presented now
by modern teachers on this subject. Mr. Fenn was one of the first
to advocate a more rational method of culture than prevailed at the
time his lecture was delivered thirty-three years ago in the Mechanic^’
Institute of Woodstock ; and he is the raiser of some of the best
varieties in cultivation.

In nature all plants seem to enjoy a soundness of constitution
which bids defiance to disease — no failure of crops or falling off of
blooms prematurely. Age after age views the inhabitants of moun¬
tain and plain luxuriating in wonted vigour, and rarely dying out
before a progeny to continue the species has been secured. Such is
the disposition of plants if left to Nature, but man desires their
service and company — the flowers please his eye, and their produce
gratifies his taste ; but as he cannot always travel from “Indus to
the Pole ” to admire and collect them, he has attempted to domicile
his favourites with himself, and often with success, though not
always ; for like spoiled children these pets are often capricious, and
even with all the care and kindness their guardians can employ, they
become subject to various incurable maladies, disappointing the hopes
of their possessors. But what are most flowers and fruit in nature,
without cultivation, compared to the progeny which has been improved
from them ? The Dahlia in its wild state might command a passing
glance from the traveller, or the Crab Apple a single trial of its sour
austerity, but under cultivation the one offers a display beautiful in
the extreme, and the other affords a profusion of the most delicious
fruit. Those who sneer therefore at the cultivators of plants know
not their own mental organisation nor its harmony with the vegetable
world, but they arraign and scoff at the great Author of both.
For —

“Not a plant, a leaf, a flower but contains
A folio volume. We may read, and read,

And read again, and still find something new —

Something to please, something to instruct
E’en in the noisome weed,”

Each plant has its own soil and climate, and in cultivation we
endeavour to place it as far as it is possible under the same circum¬
stances ; and the nearer we can bring these circumstances to those of
Nature the better will our plant thrive with us. In some cases this
is impossible as when we attempt to cultivate a cold alpine plant
on warm soil near the sea level. As regards the Potato one thing,
from experience in the cultivation of this vegetable, is clear ; for,
many years after its introduction to Britain there was no sickness in
its ranks. Nature now steps forward to prove her triumph over Art ;
but although the evil is upon our Potato crop, let no one shrink from
its cultivation, for no one can say that the plague will not be
stayed.

The Spaniards first visited South America in the year 1492, and
there is no rational doubt of this being the earliest period in which,

536

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDKRER.

[ December 16, 1886

the Potato became known to Europeans. The wild Potatoes, both in
size and flavour, are far inferior to the cultivated varieties. Best
Potatoes are cultivated in Peru at an elevation of 7000 feet above
the level of the sea, a much lower atmospheric pressure than this in
which we cultivate them in Britain ; and I imagine this may be
one of the causes of its sickliness, for the plant is in general less
liable to disease in our hilly districts than it is in the low grounds.
Dr. Ischudi in his travels in Peru tells us their best Potato is called
Papa amarilla. It is small and round with a thin white skin, and
when bisected the colour is a clear bright yellow ; there is much de¬
mand for it in the markets there, and the other sorts he says are very
well flavoured. In 1619 Potatoes were here a desired yet expensive
luxury ; for in that year of James I.’s reign a small dish of them pro¬
vided for his Queen’s table cost Is. per lb., when money was at least
twice as valuable.

In 1664 was published a pamphlet, the first ever devoted to the
subject, bearing this title — “ England’s happiness increased, or a sure
and easy remedy against all succeeding dear years, by a plantation
of the roots called Potatoes, whereof (with the addition of Wheat
flour) excellent, good, and wholesome bread may be made every year,
eight or nine months together, for half the charges as formerly. Also,
by the planting of these roots, 10,000 men in England and Wales,
who know not how to live or what to do to get a maintenance for their
families, may, off one acre of ground, make £30 per annum. In¬
vented and published, for the good of the poorer sorts, by John
Forster, Gent., of Harslop, in Buckinghamshire.” lie says that the
sorts he recommends for general cultivation are the Irish Potatoes.
He recommends a dry well-drained soil for them, to be enriched with
dung if necessary, and explains how the Potato may be raised from
the seed instead of the roots. Mr. Forster then considers the Potato
as a political question, and 'recommends the King, Charles II., to
order an importation of the root from Ireland, and that every man in
every parish shall grow an acre or two ; and that, out of every £30
worth grown in the parish, £5 shall be paid to the King ! and con¬
cludes with directions for making Potato bread, Potato biscuits,
Potato pudding, Potato custards, and Potato cheesecakes. Worlidge
writing in 1687 merely suggests that Potatoes may be useful for
swine or other cattle. In 1693 Sir Robert Southwell, President of
the Royal Society, communicated to that learned body the fact that
his grandfather first cultivated the Potato in Ire’and, and that he
obtained it from Sir Walter Raleigh.

Miller, in 1771, only mentions two varieties, the red and white
tubered, which had been noticed by writers a century before, and as
late as about 1770 the Potato was not known generally in the south¬
western counties. The late President of the Horticultural Society,
Andrew Knight, Esq. (whom I knew very well), said he could just
recollect the time when the Potato was unknown to the peasantry of
Herefordshire, whose gardens were then almost exclusively occupied
by different varieties of Cabbage. Their food at that time chiefly
consisted of bread and cheese, with the produce of their garden, and
tea was unknown to them. Famine at last gave the great impulse
to the cultivation of the Potato, and during the latter part of the
eighteenth century its excellent qualities became generally under¬
stood there.

(To be continued.)

THE CA.TTLEYA AND ITS CULTURE.

At a recent meeting of the Birmingham Gardeners’ Society,
Mr. E. Cooper, gardener to the Right Hon. Joseph Chamberlain,
M.P , read an instructive paper on the Cattleya. Alluding to the
varieties first cultivated, reference was made to the fine hybrids
raised by Messrs. James Veitcli & Sons, Chelsea, the work of Mr.
Dominy, and of other hybriders and raisers, such as Mr. Seden and
others, and, to come closer home, of the work in this respect being
done by Charles Winn, Esq., and his gardener Mr. Barnes. Mr.
Cooper spoke of his first acquaintance with the Cattleya some
twenty-five years since when in the gardens of Lord Leconfield,
and at that time there were but few Orchid growers, these plants
being generally cultivated in mixed collections of plants. Re¬
moving to Dale Park, Mr. Cooper found a larger collection of
Orchids, where a house was devoted to them, and afterwards to
Dangstein, Lady Dorothy Nevill’s seat, where for the first time
he found a house devoted to Cattleyas and Ltelias alone. On taking
charge of Mr. Chamberlain’s gardens twelve years since, there were
but three Cattleyas in the collection, but the Highbury collection
of the present day is known to be a very extensive one, and con¬
taining almost every fine species and variety, Cattleyas being for
the greater part grown in pots or baskets or pans, some few varieties
doing best on blocks. The soil used is good fibrous peat with the
dust part taken from it, used in fair sized lumps, a portion of
sphagnum, broken crocks, and charcoal ; the charcoal most pre¬
ferred being that from hard wood, such as oak, ash, or elm, burnt

in the old-fashioned way in heaps, not in kilns. Clean pots, clean
crocks, and the plants potted moderately firm, more so than most
other Orchids, and the centre of the plant and soil kept above the
rim of the pot.

In repotting established plants, Mr. Cooper found it best to re¬
move carefully the whole of the old soil and cut away any dead
roots, then repot, first covering the crocks with sphagnum to secure
good drainage and working the soil amongst the crocks. In
potting newly imported Cattleyas nearly the same treatment was
followed, only using more crocks and charcoal and less peat and
sphagnum. Some good growers pot newly imported plants in
crocks only, but Mr. Cooper’s practice has led him to continue
potting as described, and keeping them for a week or two in a shady
part of the house before potting them, and after potting, giving
them nearly the same treatment as the established plants, only
giving them less water. Some sorts experience had shown him are
best grown in pans or baskets suspended near the glass, keeping the
foliage about 6 inches from the glass, especially such sorts as C.
gigas, C. Dowiana, C. Sanderiana, C. speciosissima, and C. mar-
ginata. C. citrina, at Highbury, is not grown with the other
Cattleyas, but with the Mexican Orchids, and fully exposed to the
sun ; a few others are found to do best on blocks, such as C.
superba, C. Acklandiee, and C. Schilleriana. Mr. Cooper has often
found it a good plan when a Cattleya became unhealthy to put it
upon a block for a year or two. Repotting is done directly after
flowering and before they begin to make new roots.

Watering should be done carefully, using rain water if possible,
and watering only the soil, not the foliage or the pseudo-bulbs. A
light, airy, well-ventilated house was advised, but avoiding cold
draughts of air, the underneath ventilators being just against the
hot-water pipes. Mr, Cooper finds it beneficial to Cattleyas to
admit top and side air night and day even in cold weather,
and never closing the houses only for an hour or two in
the growing season in the afternoon during the spring and summer
months, say from March until the end of September, the growing
season, when they should be kept warmer and the atmosphere
moister, but on no account should evaporating pans on the pipes be
used, but plenty of water should be used on the stages and floors.
Pans of liquid manure are stood about the house, but no manure is
given to the plants. The temperature should be from 60° to 65°,
and in very hot weather may be 70° at night. During the winter
months moisture should be withheld from the bouses and be kept
dry, having only sufficient water to prevent the pseudo-bulbs from
turning yellow and shrivelling, and the temperature from 50° to 55°
at night and 60° to 65° in the day. Some of the Cattleyas finish
making their growth during the winter, and these should, if possible,
be kept at the warmest end of the house.

Insect pests have to be dealt with, especially scald, green fly,
and thrips, but the most destructive of all is the Cattleya fly or
borer. At Highbury some imported plants were terribly infested,
and for months repeated fumigations were tried without effect.
This insect pierces the young growths before they really start into
growth and deposits its eggs, and the growths are swollen, and to
the uninitiated fine strong growths are welcomed, but many of
them will rot off, and the others only partly develope themselve-.
The young grubs, after being hatched in the young growth, feed on
the interior, forming a cavity, and when the insect is fully deve¬
loped, it eats its way out and goes through the process of depositing
further eggs. Mr. Cooper found it necessary to cut away every
bit of growth affected by; this borer, and by closely following up
this remedy the collection was free from it, but only after much
damage had been done. Mr. Cooper strongly advises all buyers of
imported Cattleyas to place them in another house for a time and
thoroughly examine them. Green fly is easily killed by fumigat
ing, and two moderate applications better than one very strong
one. Sponging with strong tobacco water and soft soap mixed
for scale, or Fir tree oil, which is most effectual in removing scale.

RHUBARB FORCING.

“ A WORKING Gardener" reminds me at page 520 that 50 per cent,
of those who force Rhubarb could not do so in the manure yard for wan:
of room. It may not be always convenient to use such places, and there¬
fore I named the frame ground, but it did not occur to me that by making
use of the manure in the yard that 1 was reducing the space in it. Your
correspondent overlooks the fact that he is not forced to take anything
into the yard but the Rhubarb roo’s, and these are placed on the
manure.

But I will not confine him to the manure yard. What about the fraum
ground, a portion oi which is generally at liberty this time of the year .’
and your correspondent must hi.ve some such place to mix bis fermenting
materials, if for nothing more. If be has plenty r f leaves he can wheel
them in there as they are collec'e 1, ; nd when of sufficient bulk to ferment
he can place the roots on them ■ ni cover the pots over with more, using

December 16, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

537

litter to prevent the wind blowing them about. Should this plan not
meet his views, I would suggest that he should take the roots to where he
stores his leaves, and where is the labour involved in any of these
methods ?

“ 4 Working Gardener” says that as much labour would be necessary
in lifting and planting the roots as in forcing as he described in his first
letter. But a man will plant in an hour as many roots as would serve
a large establishment a whole year, and if the ground is in good heart to
produce any other crop, it will grow Rhubarb, if two or three spadefuls
of manure are mixed with the soil where each plant is to be in order to
give it a good start. Taking up the roots is a small item of labour com¬
pared with the excavations advocated. Besides, these trenches just take
up as much ground as a row of Rhubarb, or one year’s supply. I may
here add that roots after their second year’s growth should be as good as
older ones for forcing. Assuming that up to this stage the labour of each
method is equally balanced, your correspondent has yet to get his materials
and turn them over the orthodox number of times, wheel them to the
Rhubarb bed at the rate of two cartloads for each root ; and that is not
all, for if heavy rain or a fall of snow succeeds his operations, the pro¬
babilities are that the heat will be “ washed out ” of his fermenting
material, and some fresh manure has to be added, all of which must, as I
said before, be wheeled away after forcing is over, and then there are the
trenches to be filled up.

11 A Working Gardener ” appears to be averse to the use of a manure
bed for forcing Rhubarb, and infers that the sticks would be flavoured
with the manure. Market gardeners never use anything but a hotbed of
manure for the purpose, and have long ago recognised the economy of
lifting the roots and placing them on the manure, but I never heard that
their produce was tainted with it. It is, however, possible for it to be so
affected if the sticks have to force their way through the manure, as is

Fig. 74. — Silene pendula compacta flore-pleno.

likely to happen when forced in the way advocated by your correspondent,
as it is a most difficult matter to see all the crowns at covering time. The
plan recommended by me obviates all this, as the crowns are visible, and
by severing the roots they can be made to fit the pot or box, and if
crammed well together half as much more produce will be got from each
pot than when the roots are not lifted. Lukewarm is the temperature
required in forcing Rhubarb, and to be of service it must be under¬
neath the roots, and not above them. — W. P. R.

SILENE PENDULA COMPACTA ELORE-PLENO.

A ISITOBS to the St. Osyth seed farm of Messrs. .James Carter last year
were impressed with the extraordinary display of the flowers seen there
and amongst them this new double pink Silene. Each plant formed
a perfect cushion of bright pink blooms, deeper in colour than the well
known single variety, and the long lines represented ridges of flowers that
were “ quite a sight.” A plant of the aspirant to popular favour is
figured in the new edition of the “ Yade Mecum ” of the fiim in question,
a very handsome issue, excelling in character those of its long line of
predecessors. Messrs. Carter have obliged us with the illustration of this
distinct annual, that will be equally adapted for pots in the greenhouse
lines to borders, or massing in flower beds where a cushion-like surface
of glowing pink is required. It is quite hardy, and on that account if
raised in the autumn will be valuable for spring gardening. Sown in
the open ground in early spring it flowers in the summer.

JODRELL HALL, CHESHIRE.

That Jodrell Hall is one of the landmark of the east of Cheshire is
sufficiently indicated by its name. The old hall irresistibly suggests the
old fam ly traditions with which that name in the past has been so closely
a ociated. We now find the place so enriched and beautified by skill

and care, so judiciously exercised and carried out with such exceedingly
good taste, that we cannot help the impulse which prompts us to put our
few mentally made notes, made on the occasion of a recent visit, into
some more tangible form of expression.

Upon the occasion referred to we took train upon a bright autumn day
and booked for the nearest point to which the railway traiu can take the
visitor — some three or four miles from the mansion. The approach to
Jodrell is most effective, as there is a broad sweep of lawn faultles-ly
laid which at once attracts attention by its breadth of beautiful velvety
turf. A broad belt of well selected carefully planted trees skirts the
high road and secures that privacy and harmonious blending which can
only be secured by the graceful form of a natural line of living trees.
The belt is fringed with ornamental trees, choice shrubs, and remarkably
fine Rhododendrons.

We have only got thus far when the gardener, Mr. Gough, meets us,
and very kindly takes us under his charge to point out the features of the
place as they present themselves. It is very evident that the same skill
which helped to make Baron Hill famous in the gardening world has
been actively at work in and about the grounds at Jodrell, and the same
heartiness of manner and cordiality of bearing shows that time has not
blunted the enthusiasm or chilled the warmth of his heart. He is full
of zeal as ever, and seems to bring before us the vivid reality of things
as they were. “ Here we took away this and that, and made it as you
see it. There we founl a little clump of pretty shrubs would claim the
attention of a passing glance, whilst here a badly planted group of
stunted growth broke the line of symmetry and concealed the line of
beauty which helped to make the corner complete. Yes, and the lawn
we are now standing upon was, twelve months ago, a bare field, and
now we have lawn and carriage drive where before there was but the
unattractiveness of a piece of poor pasture.”

So do we have the story of the place’s develop¬
ment told us as we proceed, and now we get round
to the outhouses, and stay a moment to admire the
fine stables, where we are told the popular squire, J.
E. Rcis3, Esq , has over twenty horses, for this is a
hunting country, and runs with “the Cheshire” are
brisk, aud for the most part over heavy ground, so
that for a keen sportsman a large reserve is need¬
ful for the possible demands of “ a brilliant season.”
Here is the Hall itself, with its added “ new wing,”
the design of which is quite in keeping with the archi¬
tecture of the older portions, and with the natural
surroundings of the home.

But in the gardens and grounds lie, for us, the
chief charms of attractiveness, and here, in front of
the dining-room window’, we find a very imposing
arrangement of beds filled with Daisies and Silenes,
giving a quaint prettiness to the raised mounds which
show their dainty occupants off to such advantage.
They are planted out upon gradually rising bosses, and
are thus brought into a more effective prominence.
The additions and improvements are by no means
confined to the grounds, however, for we now find
ourselves confronted by a handsome glass structure, re¬
cently erected by Messrs. Allen & Co. of Holmeschapel,
and which makes a most beautiful conservatory. Though so recently
built it is already well stocked with remarkably fine specimens of Chrysan¬
themums, Salvias, and other late-flowering plants. The fernery and
grotto really deserve more time than we can afford to give to their
inspection now, but we notice the rockwork in the latter is covered with
fine specimens of Adiantum farleyense, A. cuneatum, &e., with here and
there, in graceful repose, the drooping fronds of Pteris argyrea, the bright
silver in striking contrast and pleasing relief to the other Ferns in the
subdued light. In the stove there are some fine specimens of Anthu-
riums, and some well coloured Dracaenas and Crotons, the back wall
being covered with the variegated leaves of Begonia Rex.

Then there is a Camellia house filled with fine and well-trained speci¬
mens, all of which are crowded with buds, and give promise of an abundant
supply of bloom during the winter, whilst the stages arranged round the
house are full of healthy plants of Cinerarias of a splendid strain, all in
the “ pink of perfection ” as to health and cleanliness. Pelargoniums, in
bloom, and Primulas have a house also to themselves, and just now they
are in ad the gorgeous splendour of full flower.

We must leave much unseen as we hurry on to the vineries and find
here, as elsewhere, every foot of space utilised, for upon every available
shelf and ledge we find Strawberries for forcing vigorous and healthy.
Mr. Gough is specially proud of his vineries, and justly so. We could
scarcely credit the fact that the foundations were not dug until the
later months of 1885, and now there are Vines bearing splendid bunches
of fruit fit for the show table. These Vines are planted in the centre
of the house to provide temporary supplies, whilst in front are those in¬
tended to remain permanently. Canes planted this spring — Black
Hamburghs, Alicantes, and Lady Downe’s— are carrying seven or eight
bunches of fruit of 2 or 3 lbs. each, colouring beautifully, and bearing
evidence of the care and skill bestowed upon them. On each side of the
vinery are the Peach houses, built at the same time, and the young trees
so recently put into position have made splendid wood, and are full of
fruit buds. We must see the kitchen garden if only for the sake of some
specially commendable Celery, Endive, and other such necessaries of the
culinary corner, which Mr. Gough so wisely guards carefully, knowing
its value where the house demmds are so large and constant. The walls

538

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER

[ December 16, 1886.

of the kitchen garden are covered with fruit trees, and the whole place is
the essence of order, compactness, and completeness.

November days are short, or we should have spent more time in
looking more carefully at the many striking things every where to be seen,
but we console ouselves with the cordial invitation of our genial guide to
go over again when the days are longer, and when the sunshine has
caused the outer world to cast aside its more sober garb of greys and
greens, and to put on its richer covering. — J. S. D.

NATIONAL ROSE SOCIETY.

December 9th.

The annual general meeting of the above Society was held on
Thursday, December 9th, in the Covent Garden Hotel, Henrietta Street,
W.C., the Hon. and Rev.J.T. Boscawen presiding. There was a good attend¬
ance of members, for in addition to the Hon. Secs., the Rev. H. H.
D’Ombrain and E. Mawley, Esq., and the Hon. Treasurer, T. B. Hay¬
wood, Esq, the following were present — The Revs. J. H. Pemberton,
T. N. Flintoif, A. Foster-Melliar, F. Page Roberts, and Alan Cheales, with
Messrs. G. W. Piper, T. B. Hall, E. B. Lindsell, R. E. West, J. D. Pawle,
T. W. Girdlestone, F. Cant, G. Bunyard, G. Prince, C. E. Cuthell, J. T.
Strange, J. Bateman, A. G. Slaughter, B. R. Cant, E. Wilkins, F. R. Bum-
side, H. Appleby, R. Bloxam, G. Paul, A. Turner, J. Burrell, W. Rumsey,
and Capt. Christy.

The Vice-President took the chair shortly after 8 p.M., and the
business was commenced by Mr. Mawley reading the circular calling the
meeting. The minutes of the last annual meeting were then taken as
read in the usual way, Messrs. T. W. Girdlestone and G. Paul being
appointed scrutineers of the ballot for officers and Committee for 1887.
Printed lists were supplied to the members, and in reference to them Mr.
B. R. Cant remarked he thought it would be desirable that members
should have the privilege of proposing persons for election at the annual
meeting even though their names were not on the list. It was explained
that any of the names could be struck out if desired and others sub¬
stituted, but it was preferable that the persons should be nominated at
the previous Committee meeting, and a rule to this effect was considered
advisable to facilitate business.

The Rev. H. H. D'Ombrain then read the annual report which
"follows, and T. B. Haywood, Esq., read the fiaancial statement
appended : —

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE FOR THE YEAR 1886.

In presenting this Report, the Committee wish to remind their Members
that the Society has now completed its first decade ; and in looking back
upon the hopes expressed at its foundation, they cannot but feel that those
anticipations have been, in many respects, more than fully realised. The
Society has from the very first enjoyed the confidence of the Rose-growing
community generally, and has already effected a considerable improvement
in the management of local Rose Societies, and their methods of exhibition,
besides bringing about the almost entire discontinuance of two-days Rose
Shows. Indeed, its influence in these respects has even extended to other
Special Societies in this country, as well as to some of those recently started
on the Continent and in our Colonn s. It has also, besides leading to the
wider cultivation and exhibition of Show Roses, helped much to encourage
the growth of those Garden varieties which find such favour with many
horticulturists at the present time.

The past year has in no way come short of its predecessors in the suc¬
cess which has attended the Society’s operations. Its two Exhibitions, the
Metropolitan Show at South Kensington, and the Provincial Show at Bir¬
mingham, have, as usual, brought together very fine collections of Roses, as
well as a large number of visitors more or less interested in the culture of
our National flower. The Exhibition at Birmingham was particularly in¬
teresting, as it was new ground for the Society, and the fixture being well
timed in the season, there was an unusually large display of fine flowers.
That at South Kensington was one of the moBt extensive the Society has
yet held, but owing to the hot dry weather which prevailed on the Exhibi¬
tion day and for some time previous to it, the individual blooms were not,
as a rule, so large as are usually seen there.

The medals struck from the Society’s new dies have been much appre¬
ciated, and are on all hands admitted to be greatly superior in design and
execution to those previously issued.

Financial Statement. — With regard to Finance, the Committee are
unab e to report so large a balance as last year. This, however, will be
found to be almost entirely due to the large expenditure on the dies for the
New Medals, and to the additional prizes awarded this year at both the
Metropolitan and Provincial Exhibitions. The total receipts have
amounted to £590 14s. 7d., and the expenditure to £583 15s. 7d., leaving a
balance for the financial year of £G 19s.

Arrangements for i.887 — In making arrangements for 1887, the Com¬
mittee still hope to hold their Metropolitan Exhibition as usual at South
Kensington, wuere the Superintendent of the Royal Horticultural Society’s
gardens, Mr. Barron, hopes so to arrange the staging in the Conservatory
that the flowers may be displayed to bitter advantage, and at the same time
be more cmven'eat for both exhibitors and viei ors. In order to carry out
the original intention of the Society as a National one, the Committee have
entered into arrangements with the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society
for the Provincial Show to be held in Edinburgh on the 13th of July. The
Lord Provost of Edinburgh has kindly consented to take an interest in this
Exhibition, and every endeavour will be made to render this, the first Show
the Society ha3 he dout of England, in all respects a successful one.

Members’ Privileges. — The privileges of members are the same as in
foraer years ; subscribers of £1 being entitled to two private view tickets
and also to four transferable tickets, admitting at the same time as the
gene al public. Members subscribing 10*. are entitled to one private view
ticket, and also to two transferable tickets. Each one of these tickets will
be available at either of the Society’s Exhibitions. Members who are sub¬

scribing for the first time in 1887 will receive a copy of the Society’s Illus¬
trated Catalogue of Exhibition and Garden Roses.

It is again the pleasing duty of the Committee to express their best
thanks to those kind friends who have undertaken in different parts of the
country to act as the Society’s Local Secretaries ; for it is unquestionably
in a great measure through their exertions that the number of members
has been so well maintained.

It may be interesting to give here the amount received in subscriptions
during the past nine years, as this will show the gradual hut substantial
progress the Society has made during this period : —

1878 1879 1880 1881 1882 1883 1884 1885 1886

£ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £

Subscriptions received 213 217 239 247 273 274 280 298 292

BALANCE SHEET— YEAR ENDING 30th NOVEMBER, 1886.

1885. RECEIl'TS. £ s. d. £ s. d.

Dec. 1. Balance at Bankers . 40 19 1

Subscriptions (including 21s. for 1887) . 291 17 6

Donations . 6 0 0

Affiliation Pees and for Medals from Affiliated Societies 66 0 0

From Royal Horticultural Society . 80 0 0

„ Birmingham Horticultural Society . . . . 100 0 0

For Prizes for 1887 —

Rev. J. H . Pemberton (Special Prize) .. .. £2 0 0

Adml. Strange (Two Prizes of 10s. each) .. .. £10 0

- 8 0 0

Catalogues Sold . 3 18 0

£690 14 7

Expenditure. £ s. d.

Prizes, South Kensington Show . 254 0 0

„ Birmingham Show . .. .. 152 0 0

Medals.. . 7 14 2

for Provincial Societies . 52 17 0

New Medal Dies . 20 0 0

Printing, Stationery, and Advertising . 28 7 6

Postage, Telegrams, Messengers, and Sundry Expenses . . . . 28 8 11

Secretary’s Travelling Expenses to arrange Shows . 6 17 6

Expenses, South Kensington Show . 7 16 6

„ Birmingham Show . 6 19 0

Cleaning and engraving Challenge Trophies . 8 15 0

Assistant-Secretary and Acoountant . 20 0 0

Nov. 30. Balance at Bankers . 6 19 0

£590 14 7

T. B. HAYWOOD, Treasurer. ~ “

Audited, and found correct, 1886, Dec. 4,

F. T. WOLLASTON,} Auditora
J. D. PAWLE, j Auaitor8-

The report and financial statement were submitted to the meeting by
the chairman, who proposed that they be adopted, remarking that the
Society’s progress was very satisfactory and the decrease in the subscrip¬
tions for the present year was much smaller than might have been
expected at such a period as this. The Rev. Alan Cheales seconded the
motion in a few appropriate terms, observing that their 400 members
and twenty-five affiliated societies afforded conclusive evidence of the
Society’s firm position in the floricultural world. The proposal was
carried unanimously.

It was stated in reference to the metropolitan show that it was hoped
it could be held in the conservatory at South Kensington ; but as there
was some uncertainty about the matter, inquiries had been made at the
new National Agricultural Hall, Olympia, near Addison Road Station,
Kensington, as to the possibility of some arrangements being effected
with that company. Probably, in the event of the conservatory not being
available for the purpose, the Society might transfer their exhibition to
the former place, which is very conveniently situated. The Provincial
Show, to be held at Edinburgh next year, is expected to be very successful,
as the Royal Caledonian Society has devoted a substantial sum to its
support, and the Lord Provost had promised his influence. In regard to
the Provincial Show of 1888, the Hon. Sec. stated an application had
been re -eived from Darlington, and as the previous exhibition held there
had been so successful it was considered advisable to repeat the
experiment.

A subject was introduced that caused some discussion amongst the
members— namely, as to whether it was desirable the Challenge trophies
should be offered alternately at the provincial and metropolitan shows, so
as to give both northern and southern growers an opportunity of gaining
these honours. The Rev. H. H. D Ombrain, the Rev. J. H. Pemberton,
Mr. T. B. Hall, Mr. B. R. Cant, and Mr. G. Paul took part in the
discussion, and the general opinion was that this alternate system should
be adopted, making the show at which the “ trophies ” were offered the
principal exhibition of the year, but the whole matter was referred to
the Committee for a final decision. Mr. B. R. Cant, in reference to
sto ks for Roses, read an extract from a letter speaking very favourably
of Roses on the Manetti stock, and he wished that a few of the leading
amateurs would undertake a trial of the seedling Briar, Briar cutting, and
Manetti as stocks side by side, and state the results.

The following list of Committee and officers for the year 1887 was
then returned by the scrutineers. President, the Rev. Canon Hole ; Vice-
Presidents, the Hon. and Rev. J. T. Boscawen, Rev. J. M. Fuller, Robert
Hogg, LL.D., James McIntosh, The Lord Provost of Edinburgh ; Hon.
Treasurer, Thomas Burt Haywood ; Hon. Secretaries, Rev. H. Honywood
D’Ombrain, Edward Mawley ; General Committee : H. Appleby, Rev.
H. A. Berners, Rev. H. B. Biron, R. Bloxam, G. Bunyard, J. Burrell,
Rev. J. B. M. Camm, B. R. Cant, F. Cant, Rev. A. Cheales, Captain
Cbristy, E. Claxton, J. Cranston, Rev. A. Foster-Melliar, Rev. F. Gall,
T. W. Girdlestone, W. J. Grant, T. B. Hall, G. P. Hawtrey, J. Shirley

Eeojmber 16, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

539

Hibberd, C. F. Hore, W. J. Jefferies, E. B. Lindsell, M. T. Misters, F R.S.,
Rev. F. Page-Roberts, G. Paul, F. C. Pawle, J. D. Pawle, Rev. J. II.
Pemberton, G. W. Piper, G. Prince, W. Rumsey, J. Sargant, A. Slaughter,
A. Turner. R. E. West, E. R. Whitwsll, E. Wilkins, Rev. W. Wilkes,
W. H. Williams ; Hon. Auditors, J. D. Pawle and F. T. Wollaston.

’It was proposed by the Rev. J. H. Pemberton, and seconded by Mr. A.
S'aughter, that the best thanks of the Society be communicated to the
Committee of the Horticultural Club for the use of their rooms during the
past year. A similar vote of thanks to the officers and Committee was
proposed by Mr. R. E. West and seconded by Mr. [J. Burrell, and the
meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to the Chairman, proposed by
Mr. T. B. Hall, seconded by Mr. E. B. Lindsell, and carried unanimously.

The annual dinner was held at 6 p.M. the same evening, the Hon. and
Rev. J. T. Boscawen in the chair. There was a large attendance of mem¬
bers, and a very enjoyable evening was spent. Several toasts were pro¬
posed, among others that of the “ National Rose Society,” which was
proposed by the Chairmin and remanded to by Mr. E. Mawley ; that
of “ The Executive Committee,” proposed by the Rev. H. H. D'Ombrain
and responded to by Mr. T. W. Girdlestone ; and that of “ The Press,”
proposed by the Chairman and responded to by Dr. Masters. An interest¬
ing discussion afterwards took place on the Chairman suggesting that the
Society should in some way celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee— a prize essay,
a Jubilee medal, illustrations of the fifty most beautiful Roses, a chal¬
lenge trophy for the provincial exhibitions, and other suggestions being
made as appropriate to the occasion. It was ultimately decided to leave
the matter in the hands of the Committee to determine on the form the
celebration should take.

The Royal Horticultural Society has issued the report of the
Primula Conference and Orchid Nomenclature Conference as
part 2 of vol. vii. of the Society’s Journal. These reports contain a con¬
siderable amount of useful and interesting information, especially in re¬
gard to the Primula Exhibition and Confeience, the various papers read
being given in full, together with Mr. Dewar’s list of Primulas and
synonyms.

- The usual monthly dinner of the Horticultural Club was

held on Tuesday last at their rooms, 1, Henrietta Street, Covent Garden.
There were present the Hon. and Rev. J. T. Boscawen, Messrs. T. F.
Rivers, W. H. Pearson, A. H. Pearson, Jefferies, G. Bunyard, Rev. W,
Wilks, &c. The subject for discussion was opened by Mr. T. F. Rivers on
Pears and their culture, and a very interesting discussion followed, in
which many important facts were elicited.

- The weather recently has been extremely variable, the re¬
markably low depression of the barometer la6t week being attended by
severe storms, which have done’Jconsiderable damage to trees in many
parts of the country. Mr. J. H. Steward, of 406, Strand, writes : —
“ During the depression of the barometer on the 8th and 9th inst., a
minimum pressure was reached — that is, lower than we have previously
recorded — viz., 28.32 inches. This was at six o’clock on Thursday morn¬
ing. The nearest to this is just ten years ago, when the barometer
registered on the 4th December, 1876, 28.12 inches, or one-tenth of
an inch higher.” In some parts of the north of England it is said the
barometer fell to 27.4.

- Mr. James Cypher, Queen’s Road, Cheltenham, sends a box

of Orchid Flowers, representing some of those now rendering his
houses attractive. They aie all examples of the best culture, one of the
most noticeable beicg Dendrobium bigibbum, with large flowers, seven in
a spike and very highly coloured ; Dendrobium Goldieanum is very richly
coloured, of a fine rosy crim on shade ; the white and useful Dendrobium
Dearei is also represented by some fine flowers. Of Cypripediums there is
a large-flowered variety of C. Spicerianum, and one with twin flowers. C.
insigQe Chantini and C. insigne punctatum violaceum are both beautiful
varieties, a very dark and large-flowered variety of C, Sedeni, and a brightly
coloured C. biflorum. 0 Jontoglossum Rossi in several good varieties,
Calinttie Veitchi, vestita rubra, and Sandhurstiana are also included, all
fresh and excellent. In this nursery Masdevallia tovarensis and a dark
variety of Laclia anceps will shortly make a beautiful display, large
numbers being grown of each.

- The Sheffield and West Riding Chrysanthemum

Society held a very successful quarterly meeting of the members on
Wednesday evening last, when Mr. W. K. Woodcock read a short paper
on “ The Propagation of the Chrysanthemum,” and a very interesting dis¬
cussion followed. A statement was made by the Secretary relative to the
late Show in the Corn Exchange, by which it appears the accounts are all
paid as due, and that the Society is in a satisfactory position, and looking
forward to increased prosperity in the coming year.

- We learn that Mr. Joseph Souza, lately gardener to Sir A.

Seton-Stewart of Touch by Stirling, has assumed the charge of the
gardens of Mr. Haseltene, Walhampton Park, Lymington, Hants. Mr.
Souza is widely known beyond the district he has left as one of the fore¬
most in his profession. Nowhere could more skilful garden- work in all de¬
partments be seen than at Touch. His services were in constant demand
as a Judge at the Exhibitions of the Royal Caledonian Horticultural
Society and other shows. Mr. Souza carries with him the best wishes of
his many friends.

- Mr. Joseph Mallender sends the appended summary of me¬
teorological observations at Hodsock Priory, Worksop, Notts
for November, 1886: — Mean temperature of month, 40 7°. Maximum
on the 1st, 57.1° ; minimum on the 26th, 28T°. Maximum in sun on the
1st, 100 9° ; minimum on the grass on the 19th, 2T9°. Mean temperature
of the air at 9 A.M., 41'7°; mean temperature of the soil 1 foot deep, 45-5°.
Number of nights below 32° — in shade 6, on grass 16. Total duration of
sunshine in month forty-nine hours, or 19 per cent, of possible duration.
The brightest day was the 24th, 6’6 hours. We had fourteen sunless days.
Total rainfall ITS inch. Maximum fall in twenty-four hours on the
5th, 0-38 inch. Rain fell on fourteen days. Wind mostly in a westerly
direction. Average velocity oE wind 9 1 miles per hour. Velocity exceeded
400 miles on one day, and fell short of 100 miles on six days. Ap¬
proximate averages for November ; — Mean temperature, 4T7°. Rainfall,
2-04 inches. Sanshiae (five years) fifty-four hours. A mild and dry
month, but not so warm as in 1881, nor quite so dry as 1884. Sunshine
rather below the average, but more than the last two years.”

- A CORRESPONDENT writes— “If we except Mr. J. Cypher of

Cheltenham there are no more uniformly successful exhibitors of plants in
the West of England than Mr. G. Lock, gardener to B. W. Cleave, Esq.,
Newcombe House, Crediton, Devon, and no gardener is more respected
by all who have been much in his society. As a proof of the esteem in
which he is held by all classes, notably at Crediton, a movement has
originated among his admirers for the purpose of presenting him with
a well-earned testimonial. I have frequently admired the excellence of
the specimen plants exhibited by Mr. Lock, but only recently had an
opportunity of seeing them at home, where they and all other departments
are equally creditable to his skill as a gardener.”

- Calanthes. — “I am aware,” writes “ W. K. W.,” “ that the

note from your Sheffield correspondent on this subject is quite correct, in
that these plants are not this year as satisfactory as usual in more than
one Sheffield garden, but I am also pleased to know that such is not the
case in all. With us they are much finer this year than we have before
had them, and are now carrying very fine spikes of flowers, having also
made large and fine pseudo-bulbs. I attribute the improvement to having,
for the first time this season, grown the plants through the summer and
autumn on a shelf almost close to the glass, where they obtained a maxi¬
mum of light (without direct sun) with a high temperature and free ven¬
tilation ; also throughout the growing season a liberal supply of water
was given to them daily in the evening overhead from the hose pipe. I
feel certain, from my own knowledge of the facts, that more than one
case of comparative failure with them this season in Sheffield is owing to
the plants having been kept too far from the glass, not receiving sufficient
light and free ventilation, and to the fact that dark and foggy days have
been unusually prevalent this autumn in the district.”

- Mr. Wm. StrATON, Annfield, Broughty Ferry, writes as fol¬
lows in reference to Auricula Shows in Scotland “ I see the
meeting for the purpose of fixing the dates of the southern shows has
been held. As this seems to be the usual time for such fixtures being
made, I would like, with your consent, to bring a suggestion before your
Scottish readers. There is a considerable number of Auricula growers
north of the Tweed, and I think if the matter is promptly taken up a
very creditable show might be obtained. I would suggest Edinburgh as
the best centre, and Wednesday and Thursday, 11th and 12th May, as

540

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ December 16, 1886.

the best date for holding it. I give that date from my notes of several
years, as being nearest to the full bloom. I will undertake to send from
thirty to fifty plants, not necessarily for competition.”

- The Show of the Hull and East Riding Chrysanthemum

Society for 1887 will be held on Thursday and Friday, 17th and 18th
November.

- “ D., Seal," writes as follows respecting Mr. Charles P.

Wheatstone : — “ Although the subject of the present brief notice never
took any prominent part in horticulture, yet as a good gardener and
a genial companion he will be missed by very many, especially by the
members of the Horticultural Club, at whose meetings he was a constant
attendant. The son of Sir Charles Wheatstone, who has done so much to
revolutionise the world by the discovery of the electric telegraph, he in¬
herited many of his qualities, but while heloved his garden the passion of
his life was ‘ the gentle craft indeed it is, I think, not to be doubted
that his intense interest in it and the exposure he underwent shortened his
days. Apparently a strong man, he was taken at the early age of thirty-
eight, and there are many of us who have been accustomed to meet him
who will deplore his loss. I obtained some fishing for him more than
once on the Duke of Edinburgh’s lake at Eastwell, and the manner in
which he went to work showed that he was a thorough devotee. Many,
I am confident, will sympathise with his wife and daugh’ers on their
bereavement.”

- Gardening Appointment.— Mr. John Copson (late gardener to

Colonel Stratton Bates, Down Ampney House, Cricklade), has been
appointed gardener to T. Tempest-Radford, Esq., Bevere Manor Gardens,
Worcester.

- The spring 'Show of the Botanical and Horticultural

Society of Durham, Northumberland, and Newcastle-upon-
Tyne, will be held in the Town Hall, Newcastle, on the 20.h and 21st
April next. No summer Show is intended to be held, but a large autumn
Show in the grounds of the Royal Jubilee Exhibition, to be held in New¬
castle next year, the dates of this Show being 30th and 31st August and
1st September: this is in conjunction with anl will form part of the
attractions of the Exhibition.

- “Juvenis” writes — “ One of the sweetest little flowers at this

season of the year, and which is deserving of more general cultivation, is
the Roman Hyacinth. The cultivation is simple, and the clusters of
beautiful white flowers with their delicate perfume amply repay all the
expense and trouble incurred. The bulbs should be semred in August
and brought on in succession. The soil should be light and rich, placing
five bulbs in a G-inch pot. After being potted they must have a good
watering, and be covered with a thick layer of sand or ashes in any
cool place, a corner of a shed suiting them admirably. In this they
can be left for about six weeks, at the end of which time the pots will be
found to be full of roots and the shoots starting strongly. Having been
kept shaded for a few days to allow the young shoots to get their
natural colour, they must then, if desired as soon as possible, be re¬
moved to a house with a temperature ranging from 50° to 60°. With
this treatment, at the end of six weeks from the time when they were
removed from the sand they will be in bloom. If, however, they are
not desired so soon, and this treatment is not convenient, they can be
grown quite as well without artificial heat, a cold frame alone being
necessary if the frost be excluded. With this treatment they will be a
few weeks later, but sturdier accordingly.”

- “ Rosa” wishes to know “ why Eucomis punctata is a

sacred flower among the Egyptians. Egyptian sailors who were kindly
treated at Alderney, where they were wrecked, gave some of the bulls
o the farmer who housed them, whence her’s came ? ” 1

- The Journal des Roses for December gives a coloured illus¬
tration of the new Tea Rose Madame Chauvry, which is described
by M. Pierre Cochet as a seedling obtained by M. J. Bonnaire of Mont-
plaisir-Lyon. It is said to have resulted from a cross between Madame
Berard fertilised with William Allen Richardson, the seeds having been
sown in 1883, and the first flowers were produced in 1884. The plant is
strong and free-flowering, with large flowers of a nankin-yellow colour,
tinged with coppery yellow as they expand, and they are usually about
4^ inches in diameter. The buds are very beautifully formed, and will
be useful for bouquets. The description does not state whether the

variety is fragrant or not, but it is interesting, and judging from the
plate should be a useful Rose.

- The Edinburgh Chrysanthemum Show was held on the

7th and 8th inst., when there was a moderate exhibition of blooms. The
Lord Provost opened the Show about half-pa>-t twelve o’clock, in the
presence of a considerable number of ladies and gentlemen. Mr. Alex¬
ander Milne, President of the Society, presided. After referring to the
objects of the Society, the Lord Provost remarked that the present popu¬
larity of the Chrysanthemum had induced the Council of the Scottish
Horticultural Association to hold this Exhibition for the purpose of still
fur her improving the culture of thi3 favourite flower. Touching on the
history of the Chrysanthemum — 11 the Golden Flower of the Greek,” he
remarked that it was originally introduced from China in 1754, but was
lost by some accident, and was re-introduced by way of Marseilles in
1789, reaching London in 1795, It was not till the beginning of the
present century that it attracted attention as a florist’s flower. The
artists and. poets of China and Japan had lavished much of their finest
and best thought and labour in representing this flower. In Japan there
was an Imperial Order of the Chrysanthemum, which, it had been
announced, was to be conferred on the Prince of Wales by a
special envoy from the Emperor of Japan. In China a liquor was
distilled from the flower. which was regarded as an elixir vites, and a
powder made from it was prescribed as a cure for drunkenness. He
wished they hid some of it in this country. The principal prizes were
secured by Mr. J. M’Hattie, Newbattle Abbey ; Mr. J. Cowan, Dunedin
House; Mr. J. Carruthers, Hillwood ; and Mr. R. Muirhead, Whitehouse
Terrace.

WATERTIGHT ASHPITS— HOT v. COLD WATER.

Mr. Bardney has been kind enough to look up my notes on stoking,
November 27th, 1884, and takes no exception to anything therein ; but,
perhaps, I had better remind him that the question of draught is also
hinted at. When that hint was thrown out vapour was not admitted
accidentally, and I quite expected the subject to be taken up and enlarged
upon much in the way it has been on this occasion.

What I write is with a desire for progress, and if able correspondents
refute my theories clearly I shall be only too pleased to drop mine and
adopt theirs. It is true Mr. Bardney never said he adopted either the
cold or hot water system, and his omission had not escaped my notice.
In my first notes, October 14th, page 338, I wrote, “ I hope, however,
others who may have the system in operation will very kindly favour us
with their opinions.” On page 339 I wrote, “ Mr. Bardney haying
doubtless tried his plan may be able to remove a little of my unbelief.”
It will thus be plain to all that I only invited opinions from those who
had the system in operation. I felt some doubts about Mr. Bardney on this
point. Thanking him for the admission, I have faith that his opinions
will change directly he gives both systems a trial, because I contend that
if our bars remain sound over hot-water while Mr. Bardney’s expand and
twist without water, I am still on the right side. If Mr. Bardney has
consulted the history of inventions he must have noticed that more
advancement in science has been maie through practice than by gleanings
from volumes of theory.

The opinions of your able correspondent, Mr. Riddell, that a certain
degree of oxidation will go towards freeing the clinker from the bars has
apparently assisted Mr. Bardney with a dash of finality against my
theory, notwithstanding that Mr. Riddell goes far beyond my limits of
vapour by suggesting the probable advantage of having a jet playing
under the bars. We might have reasonably expected Mr. Bardney to seek
some other authority for a confirmation in favour of an anti-vapour
theory. I observe that Mr. Riddell has not said he has water in his
ashpits.

I had noted this particular point in Mr. Riddell’s article, but we may
fairly consider that few would accept the benefits of combustion at the
expense of destruction of the bars. It is contrary to the natural theory
of metal oxidation, which does not take place with hot metal. If anyone
will take two pieces of bright iron, or unpolished iron or steel, make one
hot, let the other remain cold, dip both in water, returning the heated
piece immediately to the full influence of the fire, and at the same time
place the cold piece in a cool corner again, it will be proved that no
oxidation will take p’ace upon the heated piece, but upon cold piece.
May I ask, Did ever anybody see a rusted new horseshoe allowing, say, a
few hours or days for use ? ant yet they are placed in water and removed
often before cool. Those initiated in metallurgy will know that wrought
and cast iron is mo t perishable when exposed to the action of the air in
cold stale. The primary cause of rust is inaciivity. Mr. Riddell, I think,
will agree that a boiler and bars set, but not in use, would not remain
sound longer than one in regular use. Those with fire occasionally suffer
by far tbe most, owing to the vio’ent changes that take p’ace. Our
bars have been in use nearly four years and are equally as square, smooth,
and sound as two spare bars laid over the boiler at that time ; further
than this, we are strongly of opinion that the clinker does not actually
lie quite closely upon the bars, a kind of soft white a-h appearing to
separate them, which acts probably as a nou-conductoriof heat.

December 16, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

541

I will endeavour to point out as briefly as possible the beneficial
action of the vapour as aiding combustion. It is well known the dross
in its intensely heated state seeks to escape between the bars. In the
case of vapour acting upon this the change is very conspicuous ; instead of
its remaining in one mass from above, the action causes a continual
gathering into small particles in various forms, principally, to my mind,
through the agency of the soft ash before mentioned is partially dis¬
solved in the vapour and immediately becomes detached, falling into the
water, the consequence of this being that the mass of clinker as it forms
becomes perforated, thus admitting the oxygen, and combustion is con¬
tinuous by day and night, the comparative small amount of attention
adding considerably to economy.

As to cold versus hot air in combustion, so far back as 1829, 3 tons of
coke was found to do as much work by the cold-air blast as 6 tons 13 cwt.
of coal. While, again, by hot blast at 450° Fahr. 1 ton 18 cwt. of coke
was found equal to 4 tons G cwt. of coal. It will thus be seen that by
hot air combustion was increased. Combustion is or should be the
primary aim in all firing. Mr. Taylor, I think it was, remarked that less
draught in the chimney was needed with the assistance of vapour. This
is our experience. — E. Bukton.

GROS COL MAN GRAPES AT CHISWICK.

A FEW weeks since I began to think my Gros C dman Grapes were not
going to colour so well as usual, and in response to my inquiry you, Mr.
Editor, referred me to the Gros Colman growing at Chiswick, and the re¬
port you sent I found on my visit to be accurate. A crop of Gros Colman is
always worth looking at. Mr. Barron received me courteously, and it
afforded me some satisfaction to find we so much agreed, not only in the
treatment of this grand all-round Grape, but also on the merits of several
other varieties. I did not expect to find the Gros Colman growing and
doing so well in such “ a case ” as I call the house ; farther north I am
sure it would not do, even at Chiswick I can see, good as the crop has
been, a more modern structure would make them! more at home. All
Grapes are cut from the upright portion of the Vine, about 5 feet in
height, nearest the gla=s, as they do not keep so well as the bunches
suspended overhead. Looking from either end, with the half crop cut,
was a very interesting sight. I have never seen more uniform bunches
for size, no shoulders —just such bunches as would keep and be valuable
in spring. Their berries were good without being extraordinary, and
colour very good for Gro3 Colman. I do not suppose I shall ever see a
bouse of established bearing Vines all as black, say, for instance,
Alicante. Those at Chiswick I should call a good colour for the variety,
yet there was a certain portion with the tinge of redness so common. I
noticed this more particularly at the warmer end of the house, but it was
the heaviest cropped. This speaks for itself — light cropping for colour.

I must not omit to remark the healthy appearance of the Vines, also
the clean appearance of the Grapes. I should expect these Vines will do
even better another year, as now the old Alicantes are being cut out, so
that Gros Colman will have it to themselves. Seeing this house with the
sun shining sideways gave a very imposing appearance to the Grapes. I did
not fail to note that in every case where the best finished bunches were
hanging Ihey were the smallest. The smallness of the foliage rather
surprised me. The laterals were moderately strong, stronger in proportion
than the leaves, yet, as I have said before, the Vines were pictures of
health, and the Grapes good. I find Mr. Barron, even at this season of
the year, a strong believer in fire heat. No Grapes will stand more now to
advantage than this variety. This, again, is another reason why it should
not be planted in a mixed house, where it is never satisfactory. I have
lately seen some growing. The Vines appear all right, but the less said
about the Grapes the better. — Stephen Castle, West Lynn.

THE PAST SEASON’S GARDENING AND SEED LIST.

I was pleased to see Mr. Chisho’m’s note on the above subject.
It is one I like to see brought forward at this time of the year, as it gives
an opportunity of comparing our own selections with others, more espe¬
cially when the nature of the soil and the county is given, as I find that
some of the most prolific on some soils are not so good as others on a
different soil and situation, and generally causes us to alter our seed list
and selection when we change into another locality. Our soil here in the
Midlands is rather light, but a good depth. As I have to keep the price
of the seed bill down as much as possible, I dare not speculate much in
novelties, but I generally contrive to have a few each year.

My best sorts this year are — Broad Beans. — Early Longpod and Broad
Windsor. D warf French Beans. — Sion House, a very good early one.
Ne Plus Ultra I have tried this year. It is a good Bean, but I have not
sufficiently tested it with others, so I shall grow it again. Negro is a
good standard variety, bearing a quantity of long straight pods.
Canadian Wonder is a prulific cropper, which comes in when others are
getting over. Runner Beans. — Girtford Giant has given a few pods a little
longer than Champion Scarlet, but at present I do not see that it is
superior to that useful variety. Mont d’Or is very delicate in flavour, and
I might also say in health, for it requires a warm situation ; but it is
worth it where its colour is not objected to.

Beetroot. — Egyptian is an indispensable for an early supply. Nut¬
ting’s Dwarf Red is a good standard sort, and was quite eq«al to Prag-
nell’s Exhibition last year with me. Broccoli. — Sutton’s Michaelmas
White is quite an acquisition to the autumn Broccoli. Veitch’s Self-
Protecting is a grand variety for aufutnn and early winter, to be followed
by Snow’s Winter White, Sutton’s Perfection, Leamington, Catteh’s

Eclipse, and Sutton’s Late Queen. Brussels Sprouts. — Aigburth. Kale. —
Scotch for winter and Buda for late spring use. Cabbage. — Myatt’s
Offenham and Ellam’s Early Dwarf. The first is by far the best, but I
think Ellam’s comes in a little quicker. Savoy. — Although I have given
up growing Chou de Burghley my first trial of Gilbert’s Universal Savoy is
very satisfactory, and I am under the impression it is the very best Savoy.

Carrots. — We have generally had some splendid autumn tints on our
Carrots, which we have found very useful for decoration ; but this year
not one leaf has been coloured. Why is this ? I believe it is because no
insect pests have injured them. When we lifted them they were by far
the best we have ever grown. Until last year we had a great difficulty in
getting even a fair crop of Carrots owing to the grub making such havoc
among them; but last year, and this too, Iselectel the poorest ground in
the garden, which had been trenched the autumn previous with an
ordinary dressing of manure. After being forked over twice in the spring
the garden roller waB run over twice and the Carrot seed sown the last
week in March very thinly, so that no thinning should be required, and
although there were a few places rather thick they were allowed to grow
undisturbed, as I think thinning make3 holes for the insects to get into
the roots much more easily than they otherwise would do. After sowing
they were raked in and rolled again, the result being a fine bed of Carrots
that has been admired by all who saw them. Carrots have often been
grown on the same ground, but never had good crops until the last two
years. I grow Short Horn for early and Long Surrey for main crop.

Cauliflower. — I have grown several varieties, but find Early London
as good as any and much cheaper, although Sutton’s King of the Cauli¬
flowers is very good. Yeitcb’s Autumn Giant has been exceptionally good
this autumn. It is a grand autumn variety, and should be grown in every
garden.

Celery. — I have fried White Plume for two seasons, both with earthing
and without, but I shall not grow it again. It is inferior to other varieties
when earthed up, and good for nothing when not earthed. Sutton’s
White Gem and Major Clarke’s Red are my present favourites. Celery
has grown very well with me this year, and have been almost free from
Celery fly. What is the best prevention and cure for this pest 1
Cucumber. — All sorts have been discarded for Telegraph. Can anyone
recommend a better one for frame culture 1 Endive. — Improved Round¬
leaved Batavian is the best with me. Lettuce. — Tom Thumb, Paris
White Cos, Black-seeded Bath Cos for winter. I am trying Sutton’s
Winter White this winter. Melons. — Green-flesh, High-Cross Hybrid and
Eastnor Castle ; scarlet-flesh, Hero of Lockinge and Blenheim Orange
are all good.

Onions. — The Queen is a very quick grower, and when sown with other
varieties in autumn will come in before them, and is very useful for con¬
necting the spring Onions with the ord'nary autumn sorts, and is indis¬
pensable for that purpose. Bedfordshire Champion, Brown Globe, and
Improved Reading are good. I have tried Rousham Park Hero and Giant
Zittau. The last 1 like the better of the two. Our autumn-sown Onions
were all killed during last wint r. Leek. — The Musselburgh.

Peas. — These have done unusually well with us this year, and this I
attribute to preparing the trenches during the winter. We never had a
break from the time they came in until the end of October, and we
gathered the last dish from that good old variety Scimitar Nov. 10th,
which had kept pretty free from mildew. I had not grown it for several
years, but this year it has proved superior to many of the newer varieties.
We sow American Wonder in a large span-roofed frame, and find it a
very prolific and good flavoured variety ; for that purpose much better
than when grown in the open. I have discarded several other earlies for
William I. I have tried so many sorts it would only take up valuable
space to give a list of them. Walker’s Perpetual Bearer bears a heavy
crop of good flavoured Peas, but with me it is in no way a perpetual
bearer. It very much resembles that good variety Dr. Maclean. Sutton’s
Giant Emerald Marrow bears a good crop of first-rate flavour, but is soon
over. Ne Plus Ultra is the sort I rely on for late summer use, as it is a
more perpetual bearer than Walker’s,

Parsnips. — The Student. These grow to a good size and are good
flavoured. Spinach. — New Longstanding does not run to seed as soon as
the old summer Spinach does, and is equally good. Tomato. — Vick’s
Criterion is a good early one for indoors, and Hathaway’s Excelsior is a
good sort for main crop. Dedham Favourite is handsome in appearance
and good flavour, but is not such a heavy cropper as Hathaway’s.
Turnip. — Extra Early Milan Strap-leaved has taken the place of Purpletop
Munich. They are both very quick growers, but poor flavour. Sutt:n’3
Early Snowball and Veitch’s Red Globe are good sorts. Vegetable
Marrows. — These have borne excellent crops this year, while last year
they were a failure. Moore’s Cream is a large free-bearing sort. We
have grown Pen-y-byd this year. It has been very grolific, but we had
not the true variety according to the description given.

Potatoes. — We have had good crops of Potatoes this year, and free
from disease, but flavour has not been good. We rely chiefly on
Hammersmith Kidney for earliest, with Ashleaf for second, then Wood-
stock, Sutton’s Early Regent, Magnum Bonum, Schoolmaster, and Read¬
ing Hero. The Schoolmaster is the best flavoured of the late sorts, but
does not crop heavily. Reading Hero is the next best in flavour, and a
heavy cropper, but not good in shape. I shall be glad if some others will
amend my list. — J. L. B.

ORCHIDS AT SHEFFIELD.

Although this is not a month when Orchid flowers are expected to
be met with in abundance, still where large collections are^rown there

542

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

are many now flowering. A few days since I had the pleasure of calling
upon several of our Sheffield Orchid growers, and was much pleased, also
not a little surprised, at the bright display now to be found in the flower¬
ing houses of the respective establishments.

Westbrook. — The residence of Mrs. H. Wilson and her son, A.
Wilson, Esq., who is a connoisseur in choice and rare Orchids, and the
proprietor of the extremely valuable collection here grown. The collec¬
tion of Odontoglossums is especially large, comprising many of the
finest hybrid spotted forms of 0. crispnm. The plants are in robust
health, making very strong growths, and having stout foliage of a rich
dark green colour. A decided improvement in this respect is perceptible
during the last few months, and which Mr. Pidsley, the able and thought¬
ful gardener, attributes it to an alteration they have this season made in
the stages in the Odontoglossum houses. These previously consisted of
stone tables running along each side of the low span-roofed houses with
a pathway up the centre, the pots being placed upon these tables in
direct contact with the stone. A plan, however, has now been adopted
obviating this, which has been for some time before adopted by Messrs.
Sander at St. Albans, and which is as follows : — The stone tables have
been slightly lowered, and upon them, raised about 8 inches from the
stones by light iron legs standing in zinc dishes kept filled with water, is
fixed a light wooden lattice-work stage, a thin covering of moisture-hold¬
ing material, as moss or sand, being placed over the surface of the stone
table and under the wooden one upon which the plants are arranged.
Mr. Pidsley states that since these alterations, although the temperature
is kept at the same point as formerly, a decided change in the atmosphere
is perceptible, and is evidently enjoyed by the plants. The following is
a list of the various Orchids in flower at the time of my visit : — Dendro-
biums heterocarpum, Ainsworthi, and nobile; Odontoglossums crispum
(several forms), Pescatorei, hebraicnm, Rossi majus, Lindleyanum, Uro-
Skinneri, cirrhosum, Krameri, and nebulosum ; Oncidiums tigrinum,
cheirophorum, Forbesi, macranthum, and varicosum ; Cypripediums
Spicerianum, Roezli, Fairrieanum, insigne, Maulei, Chantini, and album
marginatum ; Lselia autumnalis and albida, Cymbidium Lowianum,
Lycaste Skinneri. Cattleya maxima, Pleione maculata, Maxillaria grandi-
flora ; Masdevallias Shuttleworthi, Davisi, and ignea, Tricocentrum
albo-purpureum, Yanda tricolor, Phalsenopsis Sanderiana (fine var ), and
Coelogyne Massangeana. A fine hybrid spotted Odontoglossum crispum
had a very strong spike carrying thirty-four blooms. Cypripedium
Fairrieanum had been in flower for two months, and was still good. A
plant of Dendrobium nobile, 3 feet in diameter was literally covered
with flowers, and was flowering on the current year’s growths. A fine
collection of Chrysanthemums has been grown at Westbrook this season.

Oakholme. — The residence of Thos. Wilson, Esq. A visit to these
gardens is at all times a treat to those who delight in seeing good ex¬
amples of plant culture combined with perfect cleanliness, neatness, and
good order, Mr. Wm. Hannah, the experienced gardener, has long had
more than a local reputation. The large plant stove is bright with large
and splendidly coloured specimens of Crotons, Dracaenas, Alocacias,
Sphoerogyne latifolia, and Cyanophyllum magnificum, several almost
perfect plants, having four or five pairs of leaves each, very large, richly
coloured, and without spot or blemish ; Adiantum farleyense, a number
of large specimens growing most luxuriantly, and a general collection of
stove flowering and foliage plants. Orchids are well grown at Oakholme,
and the chief house is very gay with Dendrobiums Ainsworthi ^several
good plants), cceruleseens, nobile, Wardiauum ; Odontoglossum crispum,
some fine plants and vars., one carrying over fifty flowers upon one strong
branching spike; Cymbidium Lowianum, a large plant, with numerous
flower spikes ; several Oncidiums, Calanthes, &e.

Ia a smaller plant stove we were shown several very richly coloured
and valuable forms of seedling Crotons raised by Mr. Hannah from seed
he has succeeded in ripening, and the parentage of which is C. majes-
ticus x C. Weismanni. These seedlings will be most valuable either
as small table plants or for large exhibition specimens. A large number
of Chrysanthemums are here grown especially for late flowering, as
many of these are only just showing colour freely, whilst others are now
at their best. A fine display will be maintained with them up to and
after Christmas, when they will be succeeded by forced Azaleas, Primulas,
Schizanthus coccinea, Cinerarias, and bulbs.

Mount View, — The residence of D. Ward, Esq. The collection of
Orchids here is a very large one, filling five or six large houses. The
robust health and fine condition of the whole collection throughout testify
most unmistakeably to the fact that the gardener, Mr. Page, is no novice
in Orchid culture. The Orchids at Mount View have wonderfully im¬
proved under his care, and hid fair to become much more widely known
and celebrated than at present. Some splendid varieties of Phaltenopt-is
amabilis are now in flower, with large numbers of Lycaste Skinneri,
Odontoglossum crispum, and Dendrobium Wardianum. Light wooden
stages on which to stand the plants are here used as at Westbrook, and
the vigour of the plants proves the soundness of the practice. — W. K. W_

THE LATE MR. CHARLES JEFFREY.

The death of Mr. Pohlman will cause regret to many Auricula
growers. In the end of August last sincere sorrow was caused to many
by the death of Charles Jeffrey, Falkirk, where for upwards of fifty-eight
years he carried on the business of bookseller, respected and esteemed
by all who knew him. He was a fellow worker with Campbell, Lightbcdy,
Traill and others who brought the Carnation, the Ranunculus, the Tulip,
and other florists’ flowers for a time to the ascendant in Scotland, and
especially the Auricula, from which their names are not likely ever to be

[ Deoember 16,

disassociated. Of these four Mr. Peter Campbell still survives. To the
very last Mr. Jeffrey remained devotedly attached to the Auricula. His
health had been for some time failing. Only a week before his death,
however, Mr. Menzies of Duns and myself enjoyed in his company at
Falkirk some hours, such as lovers of that flower know. Little did either
of us think when congratulating the genial gentle old man of eighty-four
years on his appearance that the end was so near. He was then attend¬
ing business, and of course showed us his stock of Auriculas, always a
most select one, which his brother, as ardent a florist as he, will still main¬
tain. I will afterwards request leave to allude to his success with the
Auricula. Meanwhile, in the name of a circle of friends, growers of that
flower, a circle in which Mr. Jeffrey formed one of the strongest links,
and at a date even yet too early to write composedly of our loss, I would
ask space in the Journal, which he prized so much, to record our sorrow
at the removal of a valued friend, a genuine florist, one of the truest,
kindest, most upright, and most loveable of men. — A Northern
Amateur.

JAPANESE CHRYSANTHEMUM WHITE CERES.

This variety was introduced from the continent in 1882. At the
December meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society of that year
Messrs. T. Jackson & Sons, Kingston-on-Thames, exhibited a stand of cut
blooms, and were awarded a first class certificate. It was then described
as a broad-petalled pure white variety, intermediate in character betwetn
Elaine and Fair Maid of Guernsey. That is an accurate description of it.
It is of a strong robust habit, making fine wood and foliage. The flower
buds set in August about the time of the earlier varieties. They swell to
a good size, are conical in shape, and the calyx very scaly. Although the
variety sets its buds so early, it does not flower in time for the November
exhibitions, for it is truly a late-flowering variety, and in a natural way
does not flower until the end of November or the beginning of December.
It cannot be properly described as a free-flowering variety, or its value
would be greatly enhanced. It requires disbudding to three or four
flowers, and assisted by a little heat to get them out, the small side shoots
hardly ever producing a flower. There is another Ceres, introduced I
think in 1883, described as a canary yellow, but it never came into general
cultivation. In some trade catalogues there is a variety under this name
described an a blush pink, but that I take to be identical with this one
under notice, as the outer petals often come blush pink, but it opens pure
white. Hence the confusion that has arisen respecting these varieties
under the same name, as mentioned by me in the Journal in the autumn,
1884. That year I had some good blooms of it which decorated the table
at our first dinner of the Kingston Chrysanthemum Society in Decem¬
ber, being first brought out and exhibited by Messrs. Jacksons. We called
the variety Jackson’s Ceres, to distinguish between the three. I am not
able to say who is the raiser of it. — C. Orchard.

[Our illustration was prepared from one of the magnificent blooms
shown by Mr. Beckett of E'stree, at the National Chrysanthemum
Society’s Floral Committee meeting recently, when a first-class certificate
was awarded for the variety. Twelve grand blooms were shown of great
size and substance, exceeding 7 inches in diameter, proportionately deep
and pure white. The woodcut is a slightly reduced representation of an
average bloom, and correctly depicts the character of the variety as grown
by Mr. Beckett.]

HOWICK HOUSE.

The residence of G. E. Wrigley, Esq., is situated about four miles
from Preston. The gardens are approached by a short but neat drive.
The grounds surrounding the mansion have been tastefully laid out, and
the lawn is fairly extensive and well kept. The system of decoration is
varied, which adds a charm and interest to the grounds that is not gene¬
rally met with since the modern style of flower gardening has been in
vogue. Large beds are devoted to Hybrid Perpetual Roses, which have
made remarkably strong growths, all the best and newest kinds having
been planted. Other beds and brrders are furnished with collections of
bulbous and herbaceous plants, others with Rhododendrons and Liliums
intermixed ; these, with large beds of Dahlias, single and double, give
some idea of the system of planting and ornamentation that has been
adopted. A wall of Peaches bordering one side of the grounds was
carrying a good crop of fine fruit. In one portion of the grounds shaded
by forest trees Todea superba had stood outside unprotected during the
whole of last winter. The shrubs and Conifers were healthy and luxu¬
riant, except where they had attained to a fair size, and had their
roots in wet cold clay. It appears in this neighbourhood that choice
Conifers fa;l when their roots leave the more fertile soil of the
surface.

The glass, which is extensive, is, however, the principal feature of in¬
terest in these gardens. The houses contain a large and excellent collec¬
tion of Orchids, by far the most complete in the vicinity of Preston. The
first house, a lengthy lean-to structure, was full of Odontoglossums in
variety, the whole of the plants having made remarkably large pseudo-

December is, 1886. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

?thery green fol,aSe’ 11 ™nld b> difficult to find a
from thpirhftn p antS ln.morePr°m>siD? condition, and I do not doubt
irom their appearance rtrong flower sp-kes with large bo d flowers will

543

in potting these plants annually after flowering— -hat is, directly they

fined ’wPithb0Z°m ST lhe bS'e* In a T™°°™ greenh°-e- S-S

tilled with Zonal Pelargomums-a s flection of the best varieties, just

Fig. 75. — Chrysanthemum White Ceres.

be tbe result. Disa grandiflora was quite at home in this etructur
h«JinS\T°Wwe<a Profu*®,y> and throwing up luxuriant growths from th
Mr. W. Swan, the well-known and successful Orchid grower fc

n v rporo of Fa1Ia<wAa1/4 _ i _ . t _ ,1 . ~

Du^ucooiui wrcDia grower ic
so many years at Fallowfield, in whose charge these gardens are, believi

coming into full bloom— were numbers of Baikerias in a most flourishing
condition. These plants had made stout pseudo-bulbs and had flowered
profusely. The cool treatment and abundance of light to which they have
been subjected is evidently the treatment that Barkerias require if they

514

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ December 16, 1886.

are to do well and flower freely. Another point worthy of note with
these plants is that they require very little material about their roots ;
there was scarcely any about the plants in question, and they were root¬
ing freely. In a large span-roofed house devoted to Orchids Oncidium
Jonesianum was in grand condition and very effective with its white lip
and beautifully spotted sepals and petals. The plants were growing on
blocks and could not be doing better. O. Rogersi was also at home in
baskets and upon blocks, the majority having been recently imported ;
but strong growth had been made, and flower spikes in abundance were
ready for expanding their showy yellow flowers. Noticeable were some
large pans of Ccelogyne cristata in grand condition, having made bold
plump pseudo-bulbs that will be certain to flower well. Zygopetalum
Gauteri was m bloom, and Cymbidium ebumeum, large plants, were in
perfect health. The difference between the old and now foliage conveyed
at a glance the better condition of the plants since they have been in
Mr. Swan’s charge.

_ The favourite Miltonia Clowesi was displaying its beauty with strong
spikes and large well-coloured flowers. Cattleyas, principally C. Moasiae
and C. Trianas, filled the remainder of this large house, which were im¬
ported last winter, and the growths the plants have made in so short a
space of time is remarkable, and shows what can be done by good care
and treatment. Many of the pseudo-bulbs are as stout and strong as if
they had been imported some years, and the majority have bold flower
sheaths that will in spring produce a gorgeous effect. The Cattleyas are
thoroughly ripened, but a little yellow in appearance, owing to little or
no shade having been employed. The next house, a large span-Toofed
structure with a bed in the centre and stages round the side — in fact the
whole are constructed on this principle — contained many plants of
Cattleya Mossite imported the same time as those mentioned above, and
in equally good condition; C. Skinneri was in superb condition, with
thirty-five growths ; C. bicolor, many plants in bloom, and amongst them
a variety named C. b. Wrigleana with a very dark lip; another C. b.
Measuresiana was in darkness and colour between the last and'C. bicolor.
Dendrobium Deari, with its pure white flowers, was in bloom, and doing
well without shade, except that supplied with a little whiting syringed
on to the glass ; D. bigibbum was at home under the same treatment, and
the same may be said of D. crassinode, D. heteroearpum, and D. Goldie-
anum, which had made a remarkable growth from the top of an old
pseudo-bulb. D. Wardianum was miserable, thus showing that while
such Orchids as those enumerated flourish, this fails to grow, and finally
dies when subjected to too much light during its season of growth. D.
giganteum was in fine condition under this treatment, while D. chrysan-
thum was in full beauty, and small plants of Yanda teres were all .that
could be desired, and had been flowering freely. It will perhaps b9
remembered that Mr. Swan grew this plant well at Fallowfield, and
showed fine plants on more than one occasion nearly covered with bloom
at the Whit-wtek Shows at Manchester.

Another large house similar to the last was full of Cattleya Trianse
that had flowered twice in excellent condition ; C. crispa was good ;
Lmlia Perrini, C. Dowiana, C. Gaskelliana, several plauts in flower, and
some of the spikes were carrying four large flowers each. C. Sanderiana
was doing well grown close to the glass ; C. Mendelli, C. Percivaliana,
were also in the same excellent condition. A light form of 0. Lawren-
ciana has flowered, being white shaded with pink, while the others
imported at the same time that have flowered are true to the dark
striking character of this variety. Lselia Dayana and Percivaliana
were doing well in this house. In another smaller house a good stock of
Odontoglossum grande was in flower, while large quantities of Pleiones
were ripening on the opposite stage in this house. Crotons, Dracrenas,
and such plants of a decorative size were grown. East Indian Orchids are
not grown on a large scale ; nevertheless, Phalsenopses, Vandas, Aerides,
Cypripediums, and others have a place accorded them. The Cattleyas are
the chief feature, for they are cultivated on a large scale. Some 2000
imported plants have been potted during the past twelve or eighteen
months. Since Mr. Swan has had the care of these gardens no plants
could be doing better for the time they have been potted.

It must not be concluded that because Mr. Swan has again charge of a
collection of Orchids that he is only a specialist, for such is not the case,
for m addition to his ability as an Orchid grower he is a good general
gardener, and does well all that he takes in charge. A large house jutt
filled with Chrysanthemums displayed at a glance that the culture of
these favourite plants are well understood. The majority of the plants
are bushes that have been disbudded, and carry from three to twelve
large flowers. The plants are grown on the Manchester principle — dwarf,
w l f°liage t° the rim of the pots. Mr. Swan’s plants, taking them
all through, are the best specimens that I have had the pleasure of seeing
for some years. The conservatory is attached to the mansion, and was
gay with a general assortment of flowering and foliage plants. In a large
span-roofed house a strong healthy plant if Marshal Niel Rose and
another of Cheshunt Hybrid covered the roof. In the house devoted to
herns in pots Adiantum Capillus-Veneris magnificum, large plants, was
most conspicuous. This is a beautiful Fern, much better than the old
form, and should find a place in every garden. Mr. Swan’s ability as an
Orchid grower and gardener are too well known to need further comment,
and therefore I shall conclude these notes by thanking him for escorting
me round the gardens over which he presides.— B.

The Cattleyas, in common with all other plants in this famous col-
ecrion, are evidently enjoying the treatment they receive at Mr. Swan’s
r antis ^ I heyaie in ruperb health, and promising well for the coming
season s display. Mr. Swan informed me that he has coun'ed upwards

of 500 flower sheaths on C. Mossiae alone, which, at a very low estimate,
means 1000 flowers ; more than 300 on C. Trianae, besides hosts of C.
Mendeli, and other varieties. It is noticeable that during the present
year they have never been without Cattleyas in bloom.

Odontoglossums are also a feature there, and an importation of several
hundreds of these lately arrived prove that Mr. Wrigley’s interest in
Orchid-growing is not diminishing. In bloom were several excellent
forms of Odontoglossum Rossi majus, and amongst other good plants in
flower were Dendrobium bigibbum, D. superbiens, and D. Dearei. The
latter I c nsider one of the most desirable Dendrobes, on account of its
free-flowering and lasting qualities.

A very fine plant and good form of Cvpripedium Spicerianum was
well flowered, and I noticed also a plant of AHranthus Leonis bearing the
largest flower I have seen of this chas’e but perhaps over-praised repre¬
sentative of a beautiful family. — BbADWEN.

THE INSECT ENEMIES OF OUR GARDEN CROPS.

THE PLUM.

Since several of the insects that are more or less injurious to
the varieties of Plum have been described in connection with
other fruit trees, our observations upon these may be compressed
into one article. It must be premised that of late years at least
no very serious amount of damage has been inflicted upon the
Plum by insect foes, though the cultiva'ion of this fruit, in spite
of the large foreign supplies, has certainly increased, owing to
the number of those who now take up horticulture for pleasure
or profit. The abundance of Plums in 1886 proved that if insects
had had their share of flowers and fruit, they left a large yield
for humanity. Unfortunately, it happens sometimes that the food
is in one place, but the people in another, and they are not
brought together. Thus, while in the metropolis there are
always plenty of hungry folk, in some Kentish orchards Plums
were allowed to drop from the trees and decay, or given promis¬
cuously to children, so much yet is wrong in our methods.

Smallest of the pests of the Plum is a mite which is, however,
only a disfigurer of the leaves. The little galls they produce
usually occur on the edges of the upper surface ; from these as
they mature springs a crop of whitish hairs. These galls are
noticeable as early as May, but the mites, by whose punctures
they are produced, are very seldom to be seen crawling from
their place of concealment. In Germany, besides this species
(Phytoptus Pruni) they have found another nearly akin, which
haunts young trees some seasons, and by its exhaustive effect
upon the twigs which it attacks has caused, the death of the
plant. The red spider, so-called, otherwise Tetranychus telarius,
a spinning mite, a visitor to fruit trees both under glass and
in the open, must be treated with sulphur washes when it appears
upon the Plum, for it is hard to kill. Some report it has been
easily eradicated if taken in time by quassia liquor, mixed with
softsoap.

Next in size and a worse trouble to the cultivator than the
mites are the Plum aphides, for this fruit tree has not only its
special aphis, but has visitations from several species. Thus the
green fly of the Hop, A. Humuli or Malaheb, often infests the
Plum dui’ing early summer, multiplying very rapidly. After¬
wards they may migrate to the Hop, and possibly when the
brood emerges in late autumn to deposit eggs they may do so on
low- growing plants. The black fly of the Cherry now and then
appears on the Plum, but the particular aphis is a dull green or
light brown insect called A. Pruni, which when left to pursue its
course rolls up the leaves extensively, and exuding a greyish
powder as a kind of protection seems to escape those foes which
kill some aphides. It is a strong argument for using timely
remedies, that when the trees have been suffered to get into a
weakly state applications potent enough to kill the fly are likely
to hurt the Plum. Also it is not a pleasant reflection to think
that during the winter the germs of our next year’s pests are
reposing undioturbed on the trees, whereas if in the autumn we
carefully clear away all needless suckers and straggling shoots,
we may be sure that with them we have disposed of a good per¬
centage of aphis eggs,

Aphides are always a source of trouble, specially so in some
dry seasons, yet on the average we have most to complain of the
numerous insects of the Lepidopterous order that occur upon the
Plum. Though less common on this than on some fruit trees,
we find within its wood the tough insidious larvae of the leopard
moth (Zeuzera iEsculi), which by its channels in the tranches
leads to their snapping off during the spring gales. Sulphur
blown into any holes that may be noticed is serviceable, or the
caterpillars can sometimes be kited by inserting a wire. Then
two species of weevil, the stem borer (Rbynchites alliariai) and
the copper weevil (R. cupreus) in their round amongst the fruit
trees in spring do not overlook the Plum, piercing its shoots to
deposit eggs therein, with the result that the shoots collapse, the

December 16, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

545

last thing done by the mother insect being to cut each one
through. The second species, indeed, does not stop short at this
injury, but some of them emerging later seek out the young
fruit and place eggs in the pulp ; the Plum still grows for a little
while, but shrivels till it falls. Though Oarpocapsa Waeberiana
has been styled the Plum tree tortrix, I think it is more usually
detected on the Peach and Apricot, causing unnatural swellings
of sap which may kill the tree. The pretty but harmful moth
lays eggs on the trunk; by degrees the tiny caterpillars work
their way to the inner bark, where they feed till mature. We
find two broods each year, the moths flying in May and Sep¬
tember. Catching them is a hopeless matter, but wishing the
trees during their season with any application deterrent to moths
anl fatal to larvae will pay.

Of the caterpillars that are chance or regular residents I
believe our most troublesome species is the winter moth (Cbei-
matobia brumata), for not only does it infest the expanding buds
in spring, but continues to devour the leaves through May and
J une, and the Plums towards the time when the caterpillars are
full grown are netted over with the webs they spin, which are
not easy to clear off. Fortunately hosts of them are killed by
the cold winds of April and many birds devour them. The fat¬
bodied wingless moths are prolific, laying about two hundred
eggs. By attending to the soil at the roots many pupae may be
destroyed, and by surrounding the trunks with some sticky sub¬
stance the ascent of the moths to the twigs and branches in
November or December is effectually stopped. The small ermine
(Yponomeuta padella) a downy little creature with wings studded
like courtly robes, occasionally passes its caterpillar life in the
Plum, but my experience of it has been that next to Hawthorn
it prefers the Apple. It is also a web- spinner, and the cords
which the larvae form are much stronger than those of the winter
moth, and they frequently travel from bough to bough in large
companies. After their attaining the full size they spin up
amongst the twigs they have stripped, except such stragglers as
may have been dislodged by the wind, which then retire to odd
corners. Should the insect have been previously unobserved,
there is no difficulty in so far removing the webs as to greatly
diminish the number of the moths, but it is better to look out
for the newly hatched broods early in the season, and autumn
cleansing of the trees will take off many of the eggs. And then
the blue, orange, and black lackey caterpillar, and the familiar
caterpillar of the vapourer moth, sometimes wander on to the
Plum from some adjacent shrub. In some European countries
the brown tail moth is regarded as one of very troublesome foes
of the Plum, and this species, called in science Liparis chrysor-
rhaea, was the cause of most absurd apprehensions in England
about a century ago, according to Curtis, it being then unusually
abundant. We find it now moderately common on the Sloe and
Hawthorn, but there is no doubt that some seeming accident
might lead to its appearing numerously on the Plum or Pear.
About ten years ago I discovered a haunt of these caterpillars in
a line of hedgei’ow in the neighbourhood of Chalk in Kent, and
observed a steady increase year by year, which led me to advise
measures for their removal, as they might spread to the orchards.
Nothing was done, however, but Nature wrought a cure; an
unusually wet winter extinguished the hybernating colonies in
toto at that place.

Smaller still and often unnoticed are several caterpillars of the
Tortrix tribe of moth.3, which make their way into the expanding
buds of flower or fruit. T. angustiorana, which during the
summer appears upon ripening fruit, the Yine included, is also
during some springs to be found in multitudes on the buds of
Peach, Apricot, or Plum. This is a caterpillar which in colour
is of varying shades of green ; beside, we may detect the reddish-
looking T. luscana or the brown and black T. cynosbana. Much
hurt is done by a moth which lays its egg3 upon the fruit only,
appearing in May or June, but its dull tints of grey or brown
render it unobservable while egg-laying. The young caterpillar
lodges in the Plum close to the stone, and the fruit is accelerated
in its progress yet falls prematurely. The only effectual remedy
is to pick off and destroy any infected fruit that are perceivable,
as also all that drop off. A similar plan must be pursued with
those Plums that contain the grubs or larva of the Plum sawlly
(Tenthredo morio), or else they enter the earth to reappear as
flies the following season. These dies, though four- winced, are
rather like small house flies, but black with reddish feet. Hiving
pierced the calyx by means of their tiny saws, they deposit their
eggs in April or May, showing preferences for certain kinds, the
Magnum Bonum, for instance. But the Damson and other
small kinds they usually pass by. The slimy grub of another
sawfl / abundant on Cherry and Pear, Selandria Cerasi,
now and then appears on the Plum. Of course the ripe

fruit is apt to be infested with ants, wasps, and centipedes.—
Entomologist.

MUSCAT GRAPES SHRIVELLING.

Much has been written as to the cause of Muscats shrivelling so much
this year. In reply to Mr. Williamson, at page 470, I am inclined to
think that they have suffered very much from the cold backward season,
and the roots too far from the influence of sun heat ; deep, stiff, reten¬
tive borders being, in my opinion, better adapted for black Grapes. Our
borders for Muscats have been kept somewhat shallower, using a free
loam, well incorporated with old lime rubbish and half-inch bones, and
annually top-dressing the inside borders with good old turf and Thomson's
Yine manure, to induce surface roots — of great importance to the colour¬
ing of the bunches, in my opinion. This year I selected the second-sized
bunches in general in preference to the largest ones, leaving rather more
on the Vines, finding that the larger bunches failed to finish as well as I
should like, and which I attributed to their vigour and lack of sunshine
to ripen them thoroughly.

I seldom expose the bunches to the light by placing the foliage aside,
unless the bunches are large, believing when the Vines are healthy in root
and branch, and the laterals not overcrowded, that they are all the
better for a shading of their own foliage to protect them from the mid¬
day sun.

Watering this season had to be carefully done, as I found a good
supply at starting time was enough until the berries were set, and in
August and September they had moderate waterings to keep the bunches
plump.

Some seasons, but not the last, I have seen need to water the outside
borders at midsummer, but this year, when examined, they did not
appear to require it, owing to the state of the weather. From my experi¬
ence I am led to believe that shrivelliug, provided water be given in
sufficient quantity, is more owing to a defective condition of the border, or
from the roots having penetrated to the drainage, requiring the border to
be renovated and the roots pruned and relaid near to the surface. —
Wm. McKelvie, Broxmouth Gardens, Dunbar, N.B,

THE MANAGEMENT OF SOIL— HIGH AND DEEP

PLANTING.

How applicable is Mr. Iggulden’s phrase about trenching to that of
stirring the surface of the soil ; if the first is a “ time-honoured custom ”
how about the latter ? Just now he poses as the champion of a practice
that doubtless has existed ever since land has been cultivated. The
length of time, however that a system has been in vogue is no guarantee
that the practice is a sound one, or the newer method of trenching radi¬
cally wrong. Since this subject first commenced your correspondent has
modified his tone in a very marked degree by the admissions he has made
from time to time, and which have done much to strengthen the formid¬
able arguments of his opponents. But the past shall be the past now
that we have a new title for the old subject.

The matter set before us must be carefully examined, for as it now
stands on pages 446 and 474 in the following issue, it might lead some
young gardener astray who is launching out in the cultivation of land,
perhaps for the first time, and who, from the arguments advanced, might
conclude that trenching on light soils can be carried out to any extent,
while heavy land should not be trenched at all. That much trenching
has been wrongly done will not be denied, but that is no argument
against the practice when rightly conducted. Mr. Iggulden is perfectly
right in his advice to consider well the nature of the soil, for soils differ
widely in character, both chemically and mechanically ; but the whole¬
sale condemnation of the system on what may be termed heavy soils
will lead as many or more into the wrong path, as indiscretion in trench¬
ing has done in the past. To trench light soils and bring to the surface
a spit of pure sand, red, white, or black, would prove as ruinous as
bringing a spit of pure clay to the surface. Soils of the first nature are
bad to manage, and present to the cultivator more difficulties than does
laud resting on a bed of clay. I have worked land in the fens of
Lincolnshire with 6 inches of soil resting on a bed of clay, badly drained,
for it is utterly impossible to get the water away at some seasons of the
year. I have also worked light soils that abound in Lancashire, varying
in the same garden from 18 inches to 6 inches in depth. I have worked
land in the neighbourhood of London resting on a formation of gravel ;
I have worked medium land on a hillside 550 feet above the sea level in
Northumberland. I am now working land, part of which is clay and
the remaining portion sandy. I merely make these statements so that
if I differ from Mr. Iggulden he will at least not accuse me of inexperi¬
ence, and I repeat soils of a light shallow nature are the most difficult
to manage satisfactorily to get from them heavy crop? of first-rate fruits
or vegetables.

Whether the soil has been light or h avy it has been improved in each
instance by deepening the root run and providing a greater depth
of workable fertile soil, but not by trenching on the orthodox principle of
bringing to the surface a spit of clay, sand, or shale, and if it is this system
that your correspondent condemns, then I agree with him. I strongly
advocate turning the soil as deep as it will allow, and bringing 2 or 3 inches
.,f the base to the top, that is, the crumbs of the trench and a little sub¬
soil. The amount brought to the surface depends entirely on the crop
that is to be grown ; for instance, if Peas, about 3 inches is brought up,
and when they are sown the trenches are made the same depth, the

546

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ December 16, 1886.

roots descend in the fertile soil below, while the soil from the base
becomes pulverised by exposure. This practice, with manure applied
to the surface yerrly, slowly but effectually improves the land without
any immediate injurious results.

The deeper light soils can be rendered the more retentive of moisture
they become, and the more fertile. Manure should be given more freely,
and differ from that used on heavy land. Cow manure, not in a decom¬
posed condition, is the best for light land. If manure is added to enrich
the lower soil a good supply must also be applied to the surface before
sowing or planting. Light soils can be rendered wonderfully fertile by
liming and spreading on the surface in autumn a good dressing of clay
for a few years, to be pulverised by exposure to the atmosphere. It will
fall to pieces, and add to the soil absorptive and retentive powers which
it previously lacked, except it were rich in humus. Soils that can be
deepened from 6 inches to 18 inches or 2 feet will provide a root run in
which the majority of plants and crops will flourish. Passing to fruit
trees, those to which Mr. Iggulden alludes have long fibreless roots
because they have been left alone, negligence in root-pruning, and pro¬
bably driven down by drought in summer. This is the result of “ severely
letting them alone,” and similar results will follow such circumstances on
whatever soil fruit trees are grown. If Mr. Iggulden believes in a
shallow root run why does he go to the trouble of raising mounds on
which to plant his trees ? These miniature hills cannot be raised without
providing a deeper root run for the trees than if they were planted on the
surface. I do not condemn mounds wholesale, for I have raised them in
the fens of Lincolnshire, or the roots of trees would have stood in water
all winter. Trees on mounds are, as a rule, more liable to go down into
the clay than they would if provided with the same depth of fertile soil
and planted on the level. The edges of the mounds become dry and the
roots strike downwards, but with a good root run they extend horizontally,
and thus secure the requisite food without having to descend for it.
Mulching would not be tolerated in all gardens, so that no hard-and-
fast lines on that head can be adhered to. It certainly excludes frost in
winter, arrests evaporation in summer, but it prevents the heat of the sun
from penetrating the soil in spring. I have no doubt that Beans, Lettuce,
and the other things referred to do better on ridges than on the level,
first because they have a greater depth of fertile soil, and secondly because
they are warmer than they would be planted on the shall iw surface with
a bed of cold clay just beneath them.

No comparison can be drawn between timber trees in forests and fruit
trees in gardens, in which the ground is dug and cropped. The roots of
the former extend near the surface because they are not disturbed, and
Nature is continually providing fresh food for them by the action of
the atmosphere and the decay of vegetation. Fruit trees are subjected
to artificial treatment. Plant a tree in the park and leave it alone, it
will take possession of the rich surface soil, but garden trees must
usually be confined to a very limited space. A few inches of shallow
soil means in a few years a stunted tree that produces cracked flavour¬
less fruit through its roots descending into sour or ungenial subsoil.
Provide a sufficient depth of fertile soil, and give the requisite food
periodically when digging a trench round the trees, and the roots will
remain “ at home,” and healthy fruitful growth will be the natural
corollory.

If trees are lifted and planted at the proper season they give but little
trouble in watering the following season, especially if planted on the
level, but when raised above the surface of the ground they are neces¬
sarily more exposed to drying influences.

I do not doubt they bear drought as well on ridges as on the flat
when the land is worked on the one-opit system, for they have then no
depth of root run, and are subjected to the withering and drying con¬
ditions of the atmosphere. — A Looker-on.

THE NATIONAL CHRYSANTHEMUM SOCIETY’S ANNUAL

DINNER. — December 13th.

The annual dinner of the National Chrysanthemum Society was held at
the Old Four Swans, Bishopsgate Street, on Monday evening last at 6 r.M.,
when there was a large attendance of members, 111 being present. The
occasion was a memorable one, as it was selected as fitting opportunity to
present to the Hon. Secretary, Mr. William Holmes, a testimonial of' the
esteem in which he is held, and as a recognition of the valuable services he
has rendered the Society. In addition also to the presentation of the prizes
won at the recent Exhibition, a second testimonial was provided for Mr. C.
Gibson, as a consolation prize for the loss he sustained by a slight over¬
sight in the class for forty-eight cut blooms at the November Show. So
many important events being thus crowded into the business of the evening
no doubt induced many more members to attend than would have other¬
wise been the case, but so large a gathering was a good indication of the
Society’s strength and the enthusiasm which prevails in all matters con¬
nected with the Chrysanthemum.

The chair was taken by the President of the Society, E. C. Sanderson,
Esq., shortly after 6 P.M., being supported by Messrs. E. C. Jukes and N.
Davis, the Vice-President, E. Ballantine, Esq , taking the vice-chair. After
some time had teen devoted to the consumption of the substantial repast
provided, the usual loyal toasts were proposed and honoured. The medals
awarded at the November Show and subsequent meetings were then pre¬
sented to the winners with a few appropriate remarks from the Chairman
Mr. W. Holmes reading the amounts of money prizes gained by the
exhibitors, the total being £223 4s. 6d. The testimonial to Mr. C. Gibson,
gardener to J. Wormald, Esq., Morden Park, was next presented, the sub¬
scriptions obtained for the purpose having been expended in the purchase
of a handsome silver cup bearing a suitable inscription. Mr. Jukes, in pre¬
senting it to Mr. Gibson, remarked that the majority who saw the admirable

stand of forty-eight cut blooms exhibited at the Royal Aquarium deeply
regretted the unfortunate oversight which deprived the grower of the prize
he had otherwise so well deserved. They were a great credit to the
exhibitor and equally so to the Society, and he was happy in having taken
part in procuring this recognition of Mr. Gibson’s skill as a cultivator. These
remarks were loudly applauded, as was also the recipient’s brief and hearty
expression of thanks.

Mr. E. Dean proposed the health of the President, observing that such
a large assembly of members marked not only the success of the Society
as an institution, but indicated conclusively the success of the administra¬
tion of which Mr. Sanderson had so long presided. He referred in compli¬
mentary terms to his services as a supporter of the old Stoke Newington
Society, as a contributor to the floricultural Press in past years, as a culti¬
vator and exhibitor of the Chrysanthemum, and to the genial social
manner which distinguished him as a Chairman. In replying, Mr. Sander¬
son stated that from the earliest days of the Society he had earnestly
striven to forward its interest, because his heart was in the work, and be¬
cause he loved the Chrysanthemum. His rule in life had been to accept a
merited defeat uncomplainingly, but only that it might act as a stimulus to
greater efforts on other occasions, and he wished exhibitors generally
would display more of the same feeling. The health of the Vice-President,
Mr. R. Ballantine, was proposed by Mr. Jukes, and responded to in a brief
but graceful speech ; Mr. Kemp proposing the health of the Treasurer,
J. Starling, Esq , but in the absence of the latter gentleman the President
made a few remarks in reply.

The principal event of the evening, the presentation of the testimonial
to Mr. W. Holmes, then followed. Mr. Sanderson said that no event of his
life had afforded him so much pleasure as presenting a testimonial to his
friend Mr. Holmes, whom he characterised as “ the Prince of Secretaries.”
It was not necessary for him to dilate upon the services he had so willingly
rendered to the Society ; the results were apparent to all in their prosperity,
the great advance in the number of their members, the increasing import¬
ance of their shows, and the useful work performed by their Committee.
Mr. Holmes had gained the respect of all with whom he had to deal by his
uniform courtesy and business tact, and he hoped the Society might long
enjoy the advantages of his guidance.

The testimonial consisted of three silver epergnes, a handsome centre¬
piece for the table with two side tazzas, stems of Palms or Tree Ferns sup¬
porting with their fronds glass dishes for flowers or fruit. The inscription
on the centre epergne was as follows : — “ Presented to Mr. William Holmes
by upwards of 100 members and friends of the National Chrysanthemum
Society, December, 1886.” A beautifully illuminated address accompanied
the above as follows : — “ This address, with three epergnes, is presented to
Mr. W. Holmes by upwards of 100 members and friends of the National
Chrysanthemum Society, as a slight mark of regard and esteem. They
desire thus to place on record their sense of the inestimable value of the
services which he has rendered to the Society as Honorary Secretary, as
well as the immense stimulus which his labours in the cause of Chrysan¬
themum culture have afforded to growers of that flower throughout the
country. They feel that the great success and high position bo rapidly
achieved by the Society are chiefly due to his constant and unwearied
efforts on its behalf, and they most heartily wish him a long life and much
happiness.” This was signed by Messrs. Sanderson, R. Ballantine, and N.
Davis, the latter having acted ar secretary to the Testimonial Committee.

In acknowledging the testimonial and complimentary remarks which
had been made respecting him, Mr. Holmes (who was greeted with much
cheering) expressed his sincere thanks and hearty appreciation of the
honour paid to him. He then briefly and lucidly reviewed the history of
the Society, and his own or his father’s connection with it from the time
when it was formed in 1847, when its first Show, consisting of three stands
of blooms, was held in the Rochester Castle Inn, until the Show held last
November, when 3722 blooms were exhibited. He traced the progress and
vicissitudes of the Society until in 1873 it became the Borough of Hackney
Society. Some time afterwards it was held that matters were not quite so
satisfactory as was desirable, and application was made to the Alexandra
Palace, Crystal Palace, and Royal Aquarium Companies as to the possi¬
bility of arrangements being effected with regard to the annual exhibitions.
The best terms were offered at Westminster, and upon Mr. Holmes
becoming Secretary in 1877 the first exhibition was held in the Royal
Aquarium that year. Several years’ substantial progress was made, and in
1884 the title of the National Chrysanthemum Society was assumed. As
an example of the continued advance it was noted that last year there were
283 members, but this year the total was 399, and at the next meeting pro¬
bably twenty-five more would be elected.

Several other toasts were proposed and honoured, the evening being
enlivened by songs and musical performances, a very successful meeting
terminating at a late hour with the customary votes of thanks.

WEEKS’S FIREPLACE BOILER.

This week wo have the pleasure to present our readers with drawings
of Messrs. J. Weeks & Co.’s fireplace boiler, which we consider an admir¬
able invention, capable of answering many useful purposes in situations
and amid surroundings where it is almost impossible to use any of the
usual forms of furnace hot-water boilers.

It frequently happens that a small conservatory is attached to a house
where no provision has been made for a furnace and flue for warming the
same, and where one could not be constructed without greatly disfiguring
the appearance of the house. In such a case as this, Weeks’s fireplace
boiler would be found of the utmost value. It could be fixed in the
fireplace of the hall or some adjacent room, where it would warm the
apartment by means of an open fire, and could be connected with a coil of
pipes in the conservatory, and so warm that structure at the same time ;
or it could be fixed in any of the rooms and connected with coils in the
hall and staircase, so as to keep the whole house comfortably warm and
dry. It will be seen, on reference to the drawing-*, that the boiler presents
the appearance of aa ordinary register stove, and possesses all the advan-

December 16 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

547

tages of an open fire. It differs, however, from a register stove in that attention. At the bottom of the doors will be seen a small hit-and-miss
the bottom, back, and sides of the grate are composed of hollow waterbars ventilator, by means of which the draught can be regulated, only just

Fig. 77. — Fireplace Boiler, closed.

and chambers, thus forming an excellent tubular hot-water boiler. Fig. 76
shows the appearance presented by the stove during the daytime when
being used as an open fireplace. Fig. 77 shows the appearance when the
fire is banked up and the fireplace closed for the night. When closed up
in this manner the fire will burn for a great number of hours without

sufficient air being admitted to the fire as is necessary to support com¬
bustion.

The fuel used is anthracite coal, the stove is a slow-combustion one,
and the economy is very great, as the same fire warms two or more
apartments at the same time and at one expense,

548

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ December 16, 1866.

LITE AND FORGED CHRYSANTHEMUMS.

Late Chrysanthemums [as producers of useful flowers for
cutting for home use have not yet attained the position they
ought to occupy in private gardens. For several years past I
have had good Chrysanthemums till late in spring, and last year
we bad them particularly fine, and cut and sent blooms regularly
to London three times a week up to the beginning of June, at
which time the plants were destroyed. The blooms all through
were quite as good as those produced under ordinary cultivation
at the usual period of flowering. Many of your readers who
would like a supply of these most useful flowers for as long a
period as possible, may be glad to have their attention directed
to the subject at this time, when in many gardens Chrysanthe¬
mums are getting over, and that stage when it is necessary to
take the plants in hand in order to succeed with them. However,
before proceeding to particularise this method of securing a long-
continued supply of bloom it may be convenient to say something
first of what can be effected by retarding. It is surprising to
find in so many gardens that no pains are taken to lengthen the
Chrysanthemum season by the simple method of retarding a
selected number of plants.

* I send with this note buds from late plants of Ethel, Yirginale,
Fair Maid of Guernsey, Mrs. C. Carey, Peter the Great, L’Ador-
able, Guernsey Nugget, Miss Margaret, Salteri, La Favorite,
Julie Lagravere, ‘Madame Sentir, M. Astorg, and Calliope as
examples of what may be effected in even such an early season
as the present in keeping plants back from blooming until much
beyond their usual time. In the case of some of these, the result
desired has been accomplished by not allowing the buds usually
taken to develope, but by taking those shoots which come on after
the former have been destroyed ; and others are, of course,
simply retarded by keeping the plants out late and when housed
by keeping them quite cool, and it may be said here that the
nature of the structure in which the plants are placed has much
to do in keeping them back. A house with a south aspect is the
worst possible for this purpose. A flat lean-to with a west aspect
does well, or an airy span-roof running north and south. In any
case where flowers are not wanted for cutting there need be no
difficulty in preserving the blooms on the plants for a long period.
SucVas those we have would hold out till the middle of February,
and that is putting it at the earliest date, and the month of
March would most likely be the correct time. But as we grow
plants primarily for flowers, they will be used long before either
date, and in order to have a later supply we are compelled to give
a certain number of plants a forcing treatment. Indeed, all buds
are the better for a little heat after the shortest day, as they
open so much finer and purer and there is no loss from petals
damping. But the principle of forcing is different from that of
merely giving a little heat in order to open one set of buds ; for
it must be continuous, not only in opening buds, but in producing
fresh buds and forwarding those in intermediate stages on the
same plants.

It need hardly be said that all plants intended for this forcing
must be, as a primary condition, in strong vigorous health, with
foliage intact and roots in a condition of activity. That being
understood, we proceed to say that there are at least four points
of importance which require the attention of the cultivator.
Active roots need a constant supply of food, and that is most
easily supplied by surface manurings at stated intervals; ours
are dressed weekly, and it is found that th s suits them admirably.
But dressings of manure are worthless unless the soil in which
the roots are growing is kept in a uniform condition as to mois¬
ture, and therefore dryness at the root is inimical to the produc¬
tion of good flowers, and must be guarded against in order to
ensure success. But, further, neither manure nor water will be
of service to the roots unless the temperature allowed the plants
be sufficiently high to keep the foliage and young growths
growing healthily all along, and thereby establishing an action
and reaction betwixt the roots and the foliage. And, lastly, the
flowers should be cut when ready. The flowers last longer when
cut in a young state, and they ease the plants in some degree,
though not in a large one. Heat should be given at the latest
about the first week in January, and should be discontinued as
the days lengthen and natural heat increases, but the plants
must be kept under glass till the last to secure purity in the
flo vers. Mildew, if it appears, is dissipated by dusting wiith
sulphur, and green fly, which may become troublesome and
destructive to the value of the flowers, is best kept at bay by not
too heavy fumigation with tobacco. The best I have tried
for forcing is Fair Maid of Guernsey, but Mrs. C. Carey is also
very good, and this year, owing to the strong liking shown for
bronze and brown shades, a few of these sorts will be experimented
with.

About this time also old healthy plants of Madame C. Des-
granges may be taken in hand, repotted into a larger size, and in
a few weeks introduced into a temperature not exceeding 55°,
when under fairly good attention flowers should be ready for
cutting early in summer. It is much the best plan, however, not
to allow these plants to rest to keep them on after their
flowering period is past. This is the best type of a continuous
flowering variety that I know. — B.

[The sprays sent were in the best of health, and the buds in the
stage usually seen towards the end of September and beginning of
October.]

GOGERDDAN, CARDIGANSHIRE.

The residence of Sir Pryse Pryse, Bart., is situated about three miles
east of Aberystwyth. The nearest railway station is Bow Street, on the
Cambrian line, distance from the gardens half a mile. They are well
worthy of a visit by anyone interested in a well-kept garden. They are
surrounded on the east and south by some of the most picturesque
scenery for which Wales is noted. To the west lies Cardigan Bay some
two miles distant, and in the distance is Barmouth, Towyn, and Aber-
dovey, backed up by the mountains of Merionethshire, so well known
to tourists in these parts. My visit, on November 29th, was a hurried
one, and it was not the best time of the year to see gardens at their best,
but’ we found something very pleasing inside, of which I will give a few
brief notes. After being introduced to Mr. Yearey, the gardener, by the
friend who accompanied me, we entered a span-roof house with a partition
in the middle, used for Melons and Cucumbers in the summer, but at the
time of my visit filled with very useful flowering plants. In one of these
houses I noticed Eucharises with some capital spikes of bloom on, and
free from that dreaded disease so prevalent in some places. There were
some healthy Gardenias in pots with promising buds, Allamanda Header-
soni, flowering profusely, trained under the roof. A good number of
Bouvardias were just past their best. Summer-struck plants of Poin-
settias and Euphorbia jacquiniae flora, Gesnerias, a few Orchids, aDd
other u=eful plants too numerous to mention were also included. A third
house contained a miscellaneous collection of greenhouse plants, capital
plants of Richardia ethiopica, also some dwarf well-grown Chrysanthe¬
mums from 2 to 4 feet high, grown on the late cut-down system. Winter¬
flowering Begonias, Salvias, and Cypripedium insigne, with some good
blooms on, winter-flowering Epacrises, and a host of other useful plants
made up a most brillant display. Adjoining this house is the plant stove,
a lofty, well made house, and was well furnished with a variety of flower-
ng and foliage plants, including some well grown specimen Crotons, but
short of colour, owing, I have no doubt, to the shade required to protect
other plants. Croton Weismanni was very well coloured on account of
its standing in a more favoured position. There were some capital Palms
in this house, and useful Dracaenas, Crotons, Dieffenbachias, and other
plants in 5 and 6-inch pots for decorative purposes. A few Calanthes,
with their graceful spikes of flower rising above the foliage plants, gave a
very pleading effect. The roof was furnished with choice stove creepers ;
the greenhouses contained the finest Primulas, double and single, I have
seen for some time, showing capital trusses of bloom and the foliage

1)61 We ' next inspected a range of lean-to vineries. The Vines, I was
informed had borne excellent crops this season, and by the appearance of
the wood fully bore out the good accounts given of them. While passing
through this range I noticed some good Cinerarias, well grown plants,
and promising well for the future. A span-roofed vinery, u=ed as an
early house, was filled at the above date with Pelargoniums, and if they
go on as satisf ictory as they have started, will give a good account
towards May. I n diced some healthy Lachenalias on a shelf close to
the glass. It is seldom this pretty dwarf bulbous plant is seen in private
places why I am at a loss to know. I am sure it deserves to be more
cultivated. The kitchen garden is wall stocked with fruit trees, and
in another kitchen garden are two capital ranges of Peach houses built
against the wall dividing the two gardens. They are from 80 to 90 feet
long each range. The Peach trees are trained against the wall and look
well for next year. Tomatoes are grown along the front of the Peach
houses inside in summer. We took a bird’s eye view of the pleasure
grounds, and promise! to call again to see the outside beauty of the
gardens’ and I am sure it will be worth a visit to in the proper season.
Mr Yearey deserves great credit for the general condition of the garden.

I noticed on our way to Aberystwyth, fully exposed to the sea breeze,
Veronicas, Fuschias, Marigolds, Stocks, and Tropoeolums m full bloom
nit half a mile from the sea, looking quite as fresh as flowers do in
September. — W. Roberts, Llwyngrvern Hall, Machynlleth.

SOME EASILY FORCED FLOWERS.

Now that the Chrysanthemums are over, and a great blank has
occurred amongst the flowers in our greenhouses and conservatories, a
general desire will exist to begin forcing and have a good display of
flowers ao-ain as soon as possible. Where forong houses exist this will
be a very easy matter, but unfortunately in the majority of cases the
appliances for forcing flowers are very limited, and this difficulty has
Generally to be tided over by! the cultivator selecting eaily forced
plants to deal with. This I can testify is a good way of learning a supply
of flowers, and although there may be some choice plants that cannot
be taken in hand, the easily forced ones are a large class, and prove

December 16, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

519

highly satisfactory. Amongst Azaleas A. amoena comes first, as it almost
blooms naturally in December and January, when the treatment received
in summer has been such as to induce it to mature its growths early in
the autumn. The flowers are small — the smallest of all the Azaleas— but
they are exceedingly bright rosy purple in colour, and appear in such
profusion that the plant at once becomes an object of great attraction.
The next easiest forced Azalea is A. indica alba, and as the flowers of it
are of the purest white they are most valuable. This variety is very free
in growth, and surpasses all the large-flowering varieties in its free and
early flowering qualities. It may be forced into full bloom readily by
Christmas.

Calla rethiopica is very easily induced to flower in any of the winter
months. We have some scores of them in bloom at the present time,
and the massive pure white spathes are admired by all. If the plants
have developed freely during the summer an intermediate temperature
will induce them to throw up the buds and open their blossoms in three
weeks. We have generally had those in bloom at Easter, as they are
well known at that season, but we find them so highly valued at Christmas
and during the shortest days that we now try to have them in full bloom
then, as effective flowers are more scarce now than at Easter.

The Abutilons, although not so showy as many other flowers, are
easily induced to flower at midwinter by placing them in a temperature
of 60°, and when the blooms are gathered and tied up in little clusters
together they are excellent for placing in small glasses. When the petals
are turned back the flower assumes a curious reflexed appearance, and can
hardly be recognised as an Abutilon.

The old Double White Camellia is one of the easiest to get into bloom
by Christmas, as when it makes its growth early in the season, and the
flower buds become prominent by October, the blooms will develope in
December without any forcing ; in fact they will not bear forcing, as
much fire heat will cause the buds to fall off before opening. A tem¬
perature from 40° to 55° is in their favour, and plenty of water at the
root and a slight syringing overhead on fine days softens the buds and
induces the massive and delicate blooms to open in a delightful manner.

Poinsettias are not greenhouse plants compared with Camellias, but
their time of blooming is late in December, and when grown in a cold
frame in summer, which they may be readily, there is no difficulty in
getting them to develope their showy red heads in a temperature of
55° or 60° in December. We regard them as an easily managed and most
useful class, and grow them extensively annually. The Epiphyllums are
another class easily flowered in winter. They are amongst the easiest
managed of all plants, as if they are only allowed to make a little growth
in any of the spring months the flower buds are sure to appear in early
winter, and they will blossom with great freedom in January in a
temperature of 60°. Mere twigs of plants produce many blooms, and
large specimens are beautifully draped with them. They are very orna¬
mental as seen on the plants, and they may be cut and used in glasses at
all times. The Habrothamnus, especially H, elegans, is a capital winter¬
flowering plant, as it produces a cluster of bright blooms at the end of
every shoot, and they never fail to appear in January at the latest in a
temperature of 55°. Luculia gratissima resembles a Hydrangea in the
size and form of its flower clusters. It is delicate pink in colour, and so
deliciously fragrant that all who come near it are at once charmed. It
will open its blooms in the conservatory in December as freely as Prim¬
roses in a hedgerow in May, and it merits more extensive cultivation than
it at present receives. There is some impression that it is difficult to pro¬
pagate and bad to grow. The first is partially true ; the latter false. —

THE ORCHIDS OF CEYLON.

A friend writing from home tells us that on the occasion of a recent
visit to the magnificent Botanical Gardens at Kew he was struck by
observing that there was an absence in the houses there devoted to
Orchidere of many specimens with which he had become acquainted
while resident in Ceylon. So much attention is now directed — not by
botanists alone — but by home floriculturists to this family of the plant
world, that it is certainly des:rable some effort should be made to have
every member that can be discovered represented in the national
collection.

Not very many years back, while travelling through the dense forest
towards Batticaloa, the gentleman already referred to saw, for the first
time, forms of Orchids which had to that time been altogether unknown
to him. Of one of these varieties he sent specimens to Kew, where it was
pronounced to be of a new kind, and wis gladly accepted and propagated.
There is no part of Ceylon where Orchids grow in such profusion, or in
such variety, as they do on the forest tmes in the neighbourhood of the
Kugam tank, only a few miles distant from Batticaloa. Doubtless great
havoc has been made thereabouts by the clearing of the land recently
brought.under cultivation through the execution of the irrigation works,
but it is exceedingly improbable that having once flourished in the
district there should not remain many undisturbed spots where these
lovely eccentricities of Nature do still abound. We are asked to suggest
that those whose business or pleasure take them into the recesses of the
forests we have referred to, or to others equally favourable and remote,
should endeavour to secure specimen plants of any varieties which may
appear to be new or rare. Their value as regards their transportation to
Kew can be determined by a reference to the savants of Peradeniya ; but
so great is the production and wealth of Orchid life in the forests between
the foot of the hilly ranges and the Batticaloa lake, that — notwithstanding
all that has been done by the plant collectors of Dr. Thwaites and Dr.
Trimen— it is just possible that careful seach will reveal varieties which

may not yet have been named or catalogued. In the paper which Dr.
Trimen read before the local branch of the Boyal Asiatic Society a few
months ago, he mentioned that there were in Ceylon of Orchideoe 155
species, of which seventy -four species (or 477 per cent ) were endemic,
that is, Orchids peculiar to Ceylon. It ought to be an object of interest
and ambition — apart from prefit — with travellers, sportsmen, and others,
to add to this list.

The wonderful and endless changes in form and colour which the
family of the Orchideae present to us are, to a great extent, the results of
hybridism. This, which is artifically induced in the greenhouses cf
England, may be presumed to go on naturally among surroundings
specially favourable to growth such as are presented in favourite localities
in Ceylon. Now in England it is no uncommon thing for 60 or 70 guineas
.to be paid for a single new hybrid of special beauty or eccentricity in
form or colour. It might prove far from unremunerative, therefore, for
search to be made in the favourite habitat of the plants for such hybridism
as may have occurred naturally. It may not be far-fetched to assume
that, by encouraging hybridism in such a vast storehouse of the plants as
we possess here in Ceylon, a new and paying form of industry might be
opened out. We are all accustomed to laugh at the Tulip mania, which
wrought, through the speculation to which it gave rise, so much ruin
among our countrymen in the time of William and Mary, and again also
at that for Crotons, favourite kinds of wl ich sold in Java a very few
years ago for from £10 to £20 cash. But the craze for Orchids is scarcely
less strong in its present development than was that for the flashy bulb of
the Hollanders, and more permanent than that for Crotons could be. If,
as we learn is the case, any new and strange variety of Orchids bring
prices running up almost to 100 guineas the plant, who can pretend to
say whether our eastern forests might not prove well worth a careful
examination ? There, at all events, the plants abound among conditions
most fostering to their growth, A little art employed to aid Nature, and
there need be no limit to the fantastic forms and brilliant colours which a
skilful operator might produce, and if he can bring these under the
notice of the connoisseur at home, he will scarcely fail to reap the fitting
pecuniary reward of his labour and skill. — ( The Tropical Agriculturist.)

W0KK.f°^the WEEK. S

34

!§l

KITCHEN GARDEN.

Digging and Trenching. — Some cultivators who only look on their
vegetable garden as a department of third or fourth-rate importance are
not particular as to wtr n they do their digging, and the majority of the
ground is allowed to remain undug until a day or sometimes an hour or
two before the crops are sown or planted ; but such kitchen gardening as
this is never profitable, and those who use the crops fail completely to
secure the best qualities from the vegetables. Those, however, who value
good vegetables and know that they cannot be produced without good
cultivation place much importance on preparing the soil, and winter
digging and trenching play an important part in this, and the whole of the
vacant quarters should be dug or trenched at once. Where the soil has
only been turned on the surface and the subsoil is "good trenching
ought to be done to the depth of 2 feet, and some of the bottom soil
ought to be mixed with the surface material. We do not, however,
approve of bringing up a poor subsoil. In trenching or digging always
take a wide opening cut at one end before beginning, as the soil can never
be properly turned over without this. Rough vegetable refuse may be
placed at the bottom of each trench, and any littery matter may be dug in,
but good short manure should be reserved until nearer cropping time. In
all cases the surface soil Fhould be left as rough as possible, as the frosty
air in winter is an excellent fertiliser when it can penetrate freely.

Parsley. — It is now this useful subject is apt to fail, and probably
nothing in the kitchen garden will be so much missed ; but no labour
should be considered too much to save it, and a little attention now may
give valuable results throughout the winter. Do not try to lift any of
the plants, as they will not bear transplanting at this time, but protect
them when necessary where they grow. Pick the dead leaves off and dry
them for seasoning. Bend some sticks over the rows hoop-fashion, and
in the time of froBt or snow place some old mats or some other protection
over them. Do not put any covering over plants in fraines or under hand-
lights until protection is actually required, and always remove it when the
weather is favourable.

Young Cauliflower Plants,— The season is now trying on these,
and the plants are inclined to become spotted and yellow on the lower
leaves. This is not a good sign, and is generally caused by keeping them
too close. So long as frost and excessive moisture is kept from them that
is all that is required, and when the weather is fine admit air freely.
During severe frost it is necessary to cover the glass at night, but
always take the covering off during the day, as allowing it to remain on
blanches the plants and makes them very tender, a condition to be
avoided above everything.

Stored Hoots. — The whole of these should be looked over and all
that show the slightest sign of dtcay removed. It is now that a few
diseased ones will quickly contaminate a large number. Some of the
softer-growing Onions have begun to sprout a little and the whole of them

550

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ DeoBmber 16, 1836.

Tequire sortiner. Early Potatoes are sprouting a little and must be kept
very cool. Where tubers were stored in a wet state turn them over,
expose them to the air on a dry windy day, and look out for bad ones.
Carrots are sprouting a little and all growth should be rubbed off them.
Do not allow any Potatoes intended for eating to become green, but seed
tubers need not be kept in the dark. Keep all cool, as a temperature from
35° to 45° is suitable for all stored roots.

Tomato Plants. — The late autumn plants make but slow progress
now ; indeed, they do not pay for their place, and we are just about cutting
the fruit and throwing them away. The fruit that is unripe will be hung
in a warm bouse to mature. Where cuttings were not secured a month or
two ago they may be saved from the plants and be put in now. Those
rooted in small pots must not be allowed to suffer for want of water, and
they should be kept in the light and near the glass. A greenhouse tem¬
perature will keep them in good health.

Mustard and Cress — It is now these are becoming more valuable,
as they can be grown freely from seed, and when other salad plants are
scarce these may be used in many ways. Half a dozen shallow boxes and
pans will keep up a constant supply, as once every four or five days is often
enough to sow the seed, and as the plants are ready for cutting in ten or
twelve days after sowing a succession may be kept up with very little
attention. A depth of 2 inches or 3 inches is sufficient soil, but it should
be made very firm and the seed sown on the surface without covering,
and if placed in a temperature of 65° or 70° growth will be rapid and
satisfactory. In cutting Mustard or Cress care should be taken that the
roots are not taken, as it is often a difficult matter to have all the grit
washed out.

Lettuce and Endive. — These will not bear frost and must be pro¬
tected. The plan recommended for protecting Parsley answers very well
for them, and quantities may be lifted with good balls and placed in
frames as closely as possible. Damp is the greatest enemy of these, and
careful ventilating and protecting must be followed to prevent their
suffering in this way.

FRUIT FORCING.

Cucumbers — The weather has necessitated much fire heat during the
past few weeks, but as there have been some bright intervals during the
day the growth has not suffered like it does when the days are cold and
the sun obscured. Light is very important in all forcing operations,
especially in winter, and, therefore, the glass should be kept as clean as
possible both inside and out. Earth over the roots as they show at the
ridges or hillocks, using warm sweet soil and not very wet. For the
surface use some horse droppings that have been spread in a shed a few
days, as these are preferable to liquid manure at this season, but in limited
borders or pots and boxes liquid manure will be necessary. It must not
be given too strong nor too often, and always tepid. Damping in the
morning and in the afternoon of fine days will be sufficient, and water
should not be given until the soil is getting dry, then afford a soaking.
Be careful not to overcrop the plants, and do not allow the fruits to hang
too long j they keep fresh several days after being cut if the heels are
inserted in saucers of water in a cool place but safe from frost. Remove
superfluous fruits as they appear, also tendrils and staminate blossoms,
unless they are.for fertilisation. Tie in the growths as necessary ; stopping
and thinning will not be much needed, but it must not be neglected, as
crowding cannot be allowed without evil consequences. Red spider is
sure to follow a period of sharp firing. Sponging with a solution of soft-
soap 2 ozs. to the gallon is the surest, and all things considered the safest
remedy if only it be taken in time. Mildew can be destroyed by flour of
sulphur, dusting it on the affected fparts, and the atmosphere should be
kept drier. Green and black aphides are eradicated by dusting with
tobacco powder, or fumigation on two or more consecutive evenings. Too
much will cause irreparable injury, as the foliage at this time of year is
thin and soon injured. The fumigation must, therefore, ODly be
moderate.

Figs. — Modes of Growing . — There are two modes of cultivating the
Fig — viz., in pots and planted out. The former is mainly practised for
affording early fruit and the latter tor successioDal supplies. In former
years one house of Figs only was seen in the largest establishments, but of
late years the demand for this wholsome and delicious fruit has inmeased
to such an extent that a demand prevails for good examples even in the
shops from April to November. For the early supply experience has
proved the advantage of the pot as compared with the planted-out system.
This may be in a great measure due to the practice pursued, but the fact
is the Fig becomes more fruitful ihe older it is, and the rfstrktion of the
roots to pots or feeding them in a small area contributes to their fe tility
— much more so than is the case with trees planted out and having a
mass of soil to grow in. There are some peculiarities of each method,
which may be explained. Trees in pots forced early for a number of
years become more fruitful as they advance in age, and they commence
growth as the usual time of starting comes round in a lower temperature
than trees that have not been subjected to the process. This shows the
necessity of trees intended for early forcing being started early in the
previous season, so as to make and perfeot a growth, and have time for
rest before starting. In some instances trees are obtained that cannot
afterwards be accommodated. They become too large for the h use. To
keep them the plants are confined to small pots and the size of each tree
is reduced. This is not desirable, because not profitable method. The
propermethod is to reduce the number of the trees by removing the least
appreciated varieties or duplicates. This will result in as much larger
fruit of finer quality than where the whole of the trees are retained. The
Fig is a light and heat-loving tree, therefore those which are forced

through the darkest part of the year must not be crowded. For pots no
Fig equals Brown Turkey ; variety being wanted White Marseilles may be
added. Trees in pots do much better when afforded bottom heat, the
roots being allowed to extend outside the pots and renewed annually.
This with copious supplies of liquid manure and judicious thinning of the
fruit result satisfactorily.

Planted-out trees are much more luxuriant and have longer-jointed
wood than trees in pots. This arises mainly from their having a much
larger space to grow in. A border is made deep, wide, and rich. The
wood must be stout, short- jointed, hard, fruitful ; the growth must be
sturdy, the foliage thick, and to insure this the border must be firm, and
the leaves have all the light practicable. Irstcad of a border ihe widths
of the house of rich loam, made richer by surface dressing", the border
should be narrow, and composed of materials that, whilst affording a
favourable rooting medium, contain siliceous and calcareous matter. A
3-feet width of border is ample to begin with, and 6 feet for the largest
tree. A foot of drainage should be provided, having a drain under (unless
the strata be gravel or other natural drainage) to carry off superfluous
water. The drainage should have a thin layer of lime rubbish over its
The soil may consist of turfy loam of medium texture, and if not off a
limestone formation add a sixth of marl dried and broken up fine, a fifth,
part of old mortar rubbish, one-fourth of road scrapings, and a twentieth
of crushed bones. If the loam is inclined to clay omit the marl and add
road scrapings ; if sandy, omit the road scrapings and increase the marl.
Incorporate well together, and make up firmly when moderately dry,
allowing a few inches extra height for settling. Trees with single stems
of a few inches height are the only suitable ones. They will be in pots.
Soak, and wash away all the soil. Disentangle the roots, and spreap
them out evenly, covering about 3 inches with fine soil. Give a thorough
soaking with tepid water. When soaked in and become dry so as to bear
the foot without clogging, tread firmly, and mulch with a couple of inches
thickness of short manure. Fan training is most suitable. The house
must be light, and have top and bottom ventilation. The shoots should
be trained about 12 inches from the glass. In lean-to’s we have seen
trees planted at the back and trained down the roof. This insures the
finest fruit, which in everything is borne by the terminals, and the down¬
ward training causes the fruit to appear lower down the shoots than by
up training; besides, the points of the shoots are pointing to, not from the
light. It is the way to get the finest Figs, especially of the shy fruiting
sorts, such as Black Genoa, Bordeaux, Brunswick, Castle Kennedy, Grosse
Monstrueuse de Lipari, and Violet Grosse. These have all large fruit.
For ordinary culture the finest Fig is Brown Turkey. If another is
wanted, Negro Largo, and a white, White Marseilles. They are good for
pots or planting out, and alike suitable for early, midseason, or late.

PLANT HOUSES.

Chrysanthemums. — Where large exhibition blcoms are required strong
root suckers must be taken and inserted singly in small pots as they can
be obtained. It is much better to place them singly in pots than a
number in each pot, for a check is given when these are separated for
potting. A little sand should be inserted in the centre for the base of
the cutting to rest upon. They will root freely enough at this season of
the year in a vinery or Peach house just started ; in fact, in any structure
that is kept close. The cooler the structure in which they are rooted the
less liable are they to be drawn up weakly. This must be avoided, for
success in a very large measure depends upon a strong p’ant to commence
with. Directly they are rooted harden and grow them under cool con¬
ditions. For decorative purposes cuttings need not be rooted before
February or March, and for this purpose, if the old stools are retained, a
large space is taken up if the plants are in 10-inch pots. To save room
the cuttiDgs for these plants are rooted now, the same as those required
for large blooms, but they are inserted together in 5 and 6-inch pots, and
then topped and re-rooted at the desired time. By this method stronger
plants can be had for a start lhan if the old stools are retained and
allowed to grow until February. A few stocks of each should be kept
until the necessary numbtr of plants for another season has been insured.
Late vaiieties, such as Princess of Teck, Fair Maid of Guernsey, Princess
Louise, and others, should have abundance cf air on a'l favourable
occasions, merely excluding frost from them, for they are coming on too
fast, being naturally eatly this season.

Violets. — Those planted in cold frames must have every attention,
giving air freely on all favourable occasions. In damp localities it is
often difficult to keep the flower buds and foliage from damping. If the
soil is moderately moist place between the plants a ihin covering of cocoa-
nut fibre refuse, which arrests evaporation, and insures the plants from
damping to a large extent. If flowers are requ red, keep a good lining
of hot litter and leaves round one or more of the f ames, and if mild or
open weather continues, a good supply of blooms will be produced. In
case of frost the frame should be matted, so that frost can be excluded
from the plants. Marie Louise is a very continuous bloomer, and
undoubtedly the best for yielding autumn and winter flowers ; but un¬
fortunately they are not very fragrant when produced during the dark
sunless days of winter.

Ghent Azaleas. — A good stock cf these, as well as Rhododendrons,,
should be lifted before severe weather sets in. Pot and plunge them
outside, protecting the pots and surface of the soil with litter, where they
will be perfectly safe until it is necessary to introduce them into the-
forcing house. Lilacs, Guelder Roses, Roses, and similar plants for-
forcing will be perfectly safe, provided they are carefully protected with-
litter. It is necessary to irotect the pots ; the plants will bear mode¬
rately severe frost without the slightest injury.

Deoember 16, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

551

Cinerarias and Calceolarias. — Remove these from cold frames to some
coo airy place where they can be protected from frost. This is necessarv,
especially in damp localities, for it is impossible to keep the foliage from
ara ping in cold frames, while in other localities they will be perfectly
e, provided they are protected from frost. If these plants are housed
ey must not. be stood upon a dry open stage directly over hot-water
pipes, for the dry heat arising from them will soon prove ruinous. They
Mould stand upon a moist base and as little artificial heat as possible
applied, merely sufficient to exclude frost and damp.

HE) BEE) KEEPER

SEASONABLE NOTES.

The last sad days of another year are gliding swiftly on ;
a new year will soon be ushered in ; the grave and the cradle’,
old age and youth, the old year and the new, will meet in
the midst of cold bleak winter, soon to part for ever. Profit and
loss, joy and sadness, success and failure have been experienced
by many in the dying year, who are now able to look back
upon their failure softened by time, or their success
mellowed and enhanced by distance, and learn the lessons
which can alone be taught by experience. A season more
favourable than we could at first expect — a spring long and
cold, and a summer of varied temperature, have been succeeded
by a mild warm autumn which will materially assist the bees
to tide over the winter which may naturally be expected in
real earnest before many weeks have elapsed.

In Cheshire the season has been a good one; those bee¬
keepers who were careful last autumn to prepare their stocks
had the pleasure of seeing thousands of bees busily at work
in supers ; on the other hand, where winter precautions were
neglected but. poor results have been obtained. Without
proper care in the autumn months it is unreasonable to
expect any real success in the following season. True, profit
is occasionally gained from stocks upon which but very little
care is bestowed, but when stocks are properly managed we
know that, given a fairly good season, a surplus will be taken
from every stock. In my own apiary this season a nett profit
of £1 15s. has been obtained from each stock. All have been
managed on the non -swarming system with complete
success. The honey has been taken almost entirely in 1-lb.
sections. Foundation has been freely used. No midrib has
been discovered in any single section, the demand has ex¬
ceeded the supply, and already a very large order has been
taken for section honey next season, but with the condition
annexed that the honey must be produced in my own apiary.
It has always been my care to supply only the finest honey
m the best condition, and the result is that the trouble once
experienced in selling honey has been succeeded by a demand
in excess of what it is possible for me to supply. In other
counties the season appears to have been very variable, and
even in the same district a grand surplus has been obtained
m one apiary and nothing in the next.

A few weeks ago I was informed by a bee-keeper in my
own locality, whose bees are placed not more than half a
mile from my own stocks, that there “had been no honey in
the flowers this year.” I took him and showed him some
200 one-pound sections, the produce of three stocks, and ha
began to think that after all the flowers were not to blame
nor yet the bees, but his own management. This autumn,
after giving him full instructions and doing all in my power
to persuade him to change his methods, he has still persisted
m leaving his bees alone, and from what I have seen of his
stocks it is evident that his chance of surplus next year is
lnnnitessimaL Stocks are now in grand condition for winter-
mg. Frame hives are carefully packed up with porous quilts,
and section racks filled with cork dust on the top. The bees
are strong in numbers. The young have had opportunities
for cleansing flights, and all is prepared for the frost and
snow and bleak paralysing winds of winter. The hives now
commonly in use seem to lend themselves very readily to the
old principle revived in the new Heddon hive, but it will be

better in some future number to point out in what points the
Heddon hive resembles and in what it differs from hives
already in use in this country. All the attention now neces¬
sary in apiaries managed upon the system continually advo¬
cated in these columns is to keep all entrances clear and open,
and when snow is on the ground to either shade or shade
and close the entrance. My own preference is for shading
and closing every entrance with perforated zinc, taking care
to open each entrance at once upon the disappearance of the
snow.

Preparations for the spring ought soon to be made and
everything be got ready for the honey flow of 1887. We
must decide upon cur systems of management and must
prepare accordingly. We must remember that the competi¬
tion becomes keener every year, and that while the best
honey is readily saleable at a good price, inferior honey is
scarcely saleable at all. — Felix.

FEEDING BEES -MY WAY OF DOING IT.

While an article is more appropriate a little in advance of the time
required for its use, yet I am ready to admit that it is often the case that
an article on some phase in bee-keeping, appearing just after '& person
as ahhd a trial of that very same thing, sinks deeper into the memory and
does more good than it would had it come at the appropriate time. As
many of us here at the east have just passed through a siege of feeding
for winter, of course the matter is still fresh in our minds, and auxiety
regarding this matter still exist, so I will comply with the request,
hoping that even those not specially interested may find somethiug of
interest in it.

In the first place I wish to say that it is always well to look out in
advance fir times of scarcity, and during the honey-flow lay aside a good
supply of nice, sealed, well-ripened honey in frames for use in the fall in
supplying any deficient colonies which we may have. I know no better
way of feeding than this, hence I always try to keep a supply of such
combs on hand. If they are not needed the honey can be just as well
extracted from them (by placing them in a room kipt at 100° for four
hours before extracting) in December as in August, so that no loss need
occur if such combs are not used for feeding. On the contrary a gain
is made, for the bee-keeper’s time is not nearly so valuable at this
season of the year. If, however, no such combs of honey had been
saved we must resort to sugar feeding unless we have plenty of extracted
honey, which is not supposable, for certainly it is a great waste of time
to extract honey for the purpose of feeding it back again.

There are two ways of feeding bees with sugar, one of which is to
make the sugar into candy, the cakes weighing from 1 lb. to 10 lbs., ac¬
cording to the desire of the apiarist. I generally make them of about
5 lbs. each, and find it a very convenient size. To best get it in the form
I wish it, I make a frame of the size and height I wish, which is usually
about 8 inches square and 3 inches high. I now make little mounds of
sawdust on a bench, raising them about 1 inch high at the highest point.
Over this mound is placed a piece of newspaper, and on the paper the
frame which is to receive the candy. This frame should be held secure
by a weight or some other means, so it cannot raise up and let the candy
run under it.

Having the candy boiled to the right consistency, which is known by
taking out a little and stirring it whilst the rest is partially drawn from
the fire so it will not cook too fast while you are testing it, so as to get
the start of you, stir it until it is as thick as it will run, when it is rapidly
poured into the frames and left until cold. Now lift the frame of candy
and pull off the paper from the bottom, when it is ready to put on the
hive, so placing it that the centre of the cluster of bees will come into
the middle of the convex place in your candy, for this place was made
for the bses to clustorin so that as many as possible can reach the candy.
In this way the moisture from the bees during cold nights collects on the
candy, which m listens it to such an extent that the bees can lick it up,
thus giving them a supply of food. I find, however, that during an ex¬
tremely cold spell, if there is nothing but candy in the hive, the bees may
fail to cluster on it and starve, therefore I use this only in connection
with a few pounds of honey in the hive, when it always works well. I
especially like such cakes of candy in February and March, when there is
a prospect of the bees getting short of stores.

The second plan, and the preferable one, is to make the sugar into a
syrup which is given to the bees during the warm days of September
and October, so that they can store it in the comb3 and cap it over the
same as honey. To make the syrup I find the following formula the best,
after trying nearly all the different ways recommended — Put 15 lbs. of
water in a vessel that will hold 24 quarts, and boil it. When boiling,
slowly pour in 30 lbs. of granulate! sugar, stirring it as it is poured in,
so it will mostly dissolve instead of settling to the bottom and burning.
Now boil it again, and skim it if impurities arise, when it is to be set from
the fire and 5 lbs. of well ripened honey stirred in. This gives 50 lbs.
of feed, which will be of as much value to the bees as 50 lbs. of honey.
The honey is put in to prevent crystallisation, and with me proves far
superior to vinegar or cream of tartar. As soon as the syrup is cool enough
so that you can hold the hand on the outside of the tin dish containing
the syrup it is ready for the bees. This feeding syrup warm has especial

552

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ December 16, 1883.

advantage where the nights are cool, and by having it thus warm quite
satisfactory work at feeding can be performed as late as November.

Where a person has not the feeders or the time to prepare them, the
best thing to use for such a purpose is a common milk pan. Set this on
the top of the hive and fill it with syrup, or give the desired amount,
after which pull off two or three handfuls of grass and scatter it over the
syrup for a float, or use shavings or corn cobs as is preferred. The
trouble with these latter is that they soak up much of the syrup, while
the former does not. Set up a small piece of board or a chip against the
side of the pan so that the bees can easily climb over to the feed, when a
hole is to be opened, to the hive below by turning up one corner of the
quilt or removing a slat in the honey hoard for the bees to come up
through. Now scatter a few drops of food down through the hole and
over the chip, and put on the cover, seeing that the joints are all tight,
so that no robber bees can get in. However, if a person has time at his
command feeders made as follows will prove much more satisfactory ; I
have used such for four years, and never had anything in the feeder line
which pleased me so well, and I have tiied nearly all the feeders
in use : —

Get out two pieces of wood, having them the size of your frame
except less three-quarters of an inch at the top, and one-quarter of an
inch thick. Nail, those on each side of a frame, tilting the joints together
with white lead so as to prevent leaking. If after making hot beeswax
is run all over the inside there is no possibility of leaking, and all soaking
of the feed in the wood is prevented also. Bore a hole in the top bar
to the feeder for a funnel, and your feeder is ready to be hung in the
hive the same as a frame, where it can be left when not in use if
desired.

To feed, cut a little slit in the quilt to correspond with the hole in the
top-bar of the feeder through which the point of the funnel is to be in¬
serted and the food poured in. When the funnel is removed the slit in
the quilt closes up so that no bees can get out to annoy the operator.
As the feeder is only an inch wide there is no need of a float, as the bees
can easily reach either side, so none stick fast or drown. By using two
or more feeders to a hive the winter supply can be given at once, or the
bees can be fed for stimulation as slowly as is desired. — G. M. Doo¬
little in The American Bee Journal.)

The Weather. — While all round have been experiencing severe
storms, we have been enjoying perfectly calm weather. There have been
two singular phenomena, the one a heavy fall of snow early last week,
which lasted only five minutes but measured 2 inches deep. The other
was an abnormally low barometer much lower than was ever known
during the memory of men.— A Lanarkshire Bee-keeper.

TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

Charles Toope & Co., Stepney Square, Stepney, London, E. — Illustrated
Catalogue of Heat ing Appliances.

Hooper <fc Co., Covent Garden, London. — List of Cereals for 1886-7.

J. B. Pearson & Sons, 2, Exchange Bow, Nottingham. — Descriptive List
of Garden Seeds for 1887.

James Carter & Co., 237 and 238, High Holborn, London. — Highly Illus¬
trated Catalogue of Vegetable and Flower Seeds.

°0!i All correspondence should be directed either to “The Editor”
or to “ The Publisher.” Letters addressed to Dr. Hogg or
members of the staff often remain unopened unavoidably. We
request that no one will write privately to any of our correspon¬
dents, as doing so subjects them to unjustifiable trouble and
expense.

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions relat¬
ing to Gardening and those on Bee subjects, and should never
send more than two or three questions at once. All articles in¬
tended for insertion should be written on one side of the pap^r
only. We cannot reply to questions through the post, and we
do not undertake to return rejected communications.

Address (S. IK. Hurst pier point). — If you write to the Editor of the
American Florist, Boom 81, Vanderbilt Building, New York, U.S.A., en¬
closing th e requisite amount in stamps for a reply, wo feel sure he will
endeavour to supply you with the required information.

Landlord an d Tenants’ Liability (H. T., Bristol). — Without knowing
the precise cond itions of the tenancy, we suspect no one can give a definite
answer to your question. If you cannot consult a solicitor, a house agent
on the spot wou Id be able to give you better information than we can, on
your explaining the whole circumstances of the case to him.

Vines not Losing Leaves (Merchant). — Your Vines are, like others, late
in shedding the foliage this yea". There is nothing unusual about them, it
is a consequence of the peculiar and late season. The cousse you have
pursued is quite right, but the tempe ature by day ought not now to exceed
50° artificially. We have had the leaves on the Vines until the New Year.
We are pleased to know our advice had been of service to you.

Average Temperatures ( Bray Subscriber). — We cannot give you the
average temperature of any particular county, as the records or many
stations would be requisite for determining that, altitude and shelter
causing great fluctuations over even a limited area. Perhaps the best infor¬
mation we can afford you on the subject is to give the average day and
night temperatures near London over a period of forty years. For the
three months requested these are : — March : day, 50. SQ ; night, 33.4Q. April :
day, 57.4° ; night, 36.3°. May : day, 63. 9Q ; night, 40.4°. If you require the
general average you have only to add the day and night figures together,
then equally divide them.

Autumn-sown Turnips (Old Subscriber). — We should determine the
question of digging them in according to the supply of larger roots that
can be stored for use during the winter and early spring. Duiingsome
seasons, when the winters are uot very severe, autumn-sown Turnips not
large enough for storing pass tbe winter and are often s rvic.’able in spring,
and, moreover, not a few persons enjoy Turnip fops cooked as greens as a
change from vegetables. Their remaining on the ground through the winter
will not have an injurious effect on the land, e3p icially if it ba of a light
nature ; but most heavy soils are improved by exposure to fro3t and broken
up now and then when encrusted.

Norwich (Albert G. Eagles). — In reply to your delicate satire wa can
assure you that we are really aware of the existence of “such a place as
Norwich.” We actually explored it more than half a century ago. We
also know that Carysanthemum shows were held there many years since —
indeed, they were among the first shows of their kind. We believe a
Chrysanthemum show is still held in the old city, but we were under the
impression that the Committee preferred it to be regarded as a merely local
event, as we have no recollection of seeing it advertised nor of receiving a
schedule, and it is certain no tickets for reporting the exhibition reached
our hands. Possibly on reflection you may be induced to concrive that
some slight movement on the part of persons who expect publicity is not
without its influence in securing it ; and we can assure you it is quits the
usual practice of committees of horticultural societies who desire to have
their shows reported to accord f icilities of the nature indicated to the
conductors of the horticultural press.

Plumbago capensis to Flower in August (A Subscriber). — The plant
should be kept cool and dry, but not so dry as to cause the wood to shrivel,
until early April, when it should be pruned, and having the ball reduced
about a third be repotted. Growth may be encouraged by syringing, but the
moisture at the roots must be moderate until the roots are working freely
in the fresh soil, when it will be required more freely, and when the pot i3
filled with roots afford liquid manure once or twice a week. The plants
may be started in a vinery or Peach house, and after some little growth is
made it will be best given a light airy position in a greenhouse or conser¬
vatory. Its free flowering depends on the ripening of the wood. If that
is got strong, short-jointed and firm it will flower freely enough. It should
flower about the time you require, but plants for special purposes require
judgment in keeping it cool if too early, or placing in heat if not sufficiently
advanced.

Stakes Dressed with Petroleum (Idem). — The painting of the stakes
from plants that have been infested with mealy bug will not injure the
plants they are placed to next year. Petrol urn will assuredly destroy the
mealy bug, if care is taken to use it effectively. The p droleum will have
dried from the stakes long before spring.

Cropping Kitchen Garden (lmpecuniensis). — You cannot have a crop of
Potatoes and Onions from the same ground in one season. The Potatoes
will not be off before ttie middle of July even with early varieti- s, and if
you then sow Onions they would only be fit for bunching in the early spring
as young Onions, and are not very remunerative. A better p'an would be
to have Potatoes of an early variety, as Yeitch’s or Myatt’s Ashleaf, a yard
apart, and plant between the rows with Brussels Sprouts or Broccoli. If
you have the Potatoes and Bruss Is Sprouts the ground would be available
again for Potatoes, and having the rows of Potatoes 4 feet apart Scarlet
BunDer Beans could be sown between, which would give a good change.
In the following year you could have Onions followed by early spring
Cabbage, off in time for Celery, and the ground after it would be fit for
anything. Onions pay well, so also do early Potatoes. We should
certainly have Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts the first year. Manuring
the ground once a year is suffi;ient,in uutumn or early spring.

Screen for Garden (iV. S. R.). — We quite follow your sketch. As you
cannot spare much room for the screen a neat hedge would be suitable.
We should plant two upright - growing Conifers, such as Cupressus
Lawsoniana, at the ends of the flower border, and they would mask the
extension of the border in the kitchen garden, and have an ornamental
appearance from the house. A hedge could then be taken across either on
the kitchen garden side of the path next the lawn tennis ground, or at the
other end nearer the fowl run, the former plan we should think preferable.
We should raise a mound on which to plant the hedge, which on the path
side next the lawn could be faced with rockwork and planted so as to be
ornamental. The entrance to the kitchen garden could be by the two Bide
p ,ths, forming another behind the h dge to reach the central walk. The
question of forming the hedge is very much a quest:on of cost. The
Japanese Privet is cheap, quick growing and neat, but Conifers have a more
feathery appearance, and good sized plants to begin with, say of the
Cupressus named, would cost much more than similar plants of the Privet.
A cheap method of forming a screen in summer is to sow a row of Sweet
Peas, Scarlet Bunner Beans, or Sunflowers, but a permanent evergreen
screen would be the more satisfactory.

Photographing Leaves (T . It., America). — Extremely pretty represen¬
tations of Pern fronds, and all finely divided leaves, may be obtained in
white on a blue ground by means of red prussiate of potash in the
, following way. Make a fairly strong solution and paint it on white paper

December 16, 1886 ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

553

When dry this paper is ready for use, and on exposure to light it turns blue.
A change is effected by light, which produces a permanent blue ; but the
potash, unaffected by light, is still soluble and is easily washed off the paper.
From th» above it will be easily seen bow the representations may be pro¬
duced. Take first a few sheets of paper to form a bed, then lay on ihe
prepared paper, next the specimen, and last of all a sheet of glass to press
the whole flat and through which the light may Bhine. Sunlight is best,
and in that case an exposure of ten minutes or a quarter of an hour is
quite sufficient. All parts of the paper not covered by the specimen are
now blue, and it remains only to wash out the potash from the paper where
it is still unchanged from the protection of the specimen. The prepared
paper must of course be kept in the dark before use. This is an easy
process by which the outline of Fern fronds may be t iken with the greatest
precision. Many leaves do extremely well, such as of Ouvirandra and
Jatropha multifida. It is much the best if the specimens are dried before
use. Red prussiate of potash, being poisonous, should be used with caution.

Cutting down Vines (7. B.). — We have received and answered many
questions as to cutting down Vines, but never one similar to yours. Your
case is this — Muscat Vines are so vigorous and productive that tho crop is
too heavy for the roof of the house to bear, and you ask if it would hurt the
Vines to cut them down and train up young rods ? We think most persons
would under such circums ances consider the advisability of adopting
measures for keeping the roof up in preference to cutting the Vines down.
Still if you desire to cut them down you may do so a week or ten days after
all the leaves have fallen in a natural way, paring the ends of the stems
smoothly, and dressing them well with painter’s knotting. They would
probably push fresh growths freely from the old stems, and some of these
thinly trained, would, if strong and well ripened, bear fruit in 1888. The
plan would certainly be effectual in preventing the roof being dragged down
by Grapes next year, because there would be none. But what about its
condition two or thr e years hence when the crop may be again hr avy, and
the roof in the meantime not having grown any stronger ? There is an
alternate method of reducing the weight of a crop of Grapes, and that is by
cutting off a number of bunches after sufficient have set for producing a
moderate weight of fruit, You might perhaps bear this suggestion in mind
in considering the matter, and possibly a few supports might be affix' d for
affording strength to the roof.

Pears for Cordons (J.F.). — Your former letter. was not sufficiently ex¬
plicit. You simply aBked for three Pears that grow as well as cordons in
strong soil, and we named three useful varieties for succession accordingly.
You now state your intentions and object more clearly. The question for
you to decide is this — Whether with so many trees you could dispose of the
produce quickly and to advantage? If you have any doubt of this, the
safer course would be to plant at the least half a dozen vari ties. Late
Pears realise the best prices, but autumn Pears often produce the best crops.
Then, again, all varieties do not suoceed equally well in all places. Now we
understand your case more ful y, we suggest as likely to answer your
purpose Williams’ Bon Chretien, Louise Bonne of Jersey, Marechal de
Cour, Pitmaston Duchess, Doyenne du Comice, and Josephine de Malines.
For affording a succession in three varieties, which was what we understood
you to require, the three previously named answers well. Beurrd
d’Amanlis is an excellent grower and bearer, but from some soils the fruit
is occasionally a little coarse and gritty, yet, generally speaking, it is a very
useful Pear. If you were plan’ing for home use, you would require at the
least thrice the number of varieties to insure a continuous supply. You
must remember that Pears cannot, like Apples, be kept for any considerable
time after they are ready for use, and a loss not infrequently ensues when
the whole of the fruit cannot be promptly disposed of. You would probably
not err by growing a dozen or two trees each of Glou Morgeau and Berga-
motte Espercn.

Names of Fruits.— The names and addresses of senders of fruit to be named
must in all cases be enclosed with the specimens, whether letters referring
to the fruit are sent by post or not. The names are not necessarily required
for publication, initials sufficing for that. Only six specimens can be
named at once, and surplus fruits beyond that number cannot be preserved.
(7. <S.). — 1, Gloria Mundi ; 2, not known ; 3, Blenheim Pippin ; 4, Golden
Noble ; 5, Hoary Morning ; No. 2 Pear, Ne Plus Meuris. ( George Chan-
tiing). — 1, Cobbam ; 2, Kentish Fillbasket; 3, not known; 4, Lewis’ In¬
comparable ; G, Kentish Fillbasket ; 7, Lady Henniker ; 9, Trumpington.

Names of Plants. — We only undertake to name species of plants, not
varieties that have originated from seed and termed florists’ flowers.
Flowering specimens are necessary of flowering plants, and Fern fronds
should bear spores. Specimens should arrive in a fresh state in firm
boxes. Slightly damp moss or soft green leaves form the best packing, dry
cotton wool the worst. Not more than six specimens can be named at once.
(TV.). — We have not seen the specimens you previously sent. Those we
have now received are Scpbronitis erandiflora (scarlet), the other is a good
variety of Oncidium Forbesi. ( L. T.). — A poor variety of Oncidium
bictonense. (G. M.). — In the absence of leaves or some particulars to the
habit, we should regard the plant as Helleborus altifolius, of which the
leaves grow in an upright manner.

Feeding Bees ( B . C.).— In your case, to preserve the bees having two
combs only you should give them a few frames from some other hives that
could spare them, or failing these sheets of comb foundation will do. The
best food now’ is honeycomb. The next to that is syrup poured gently
from a spouted vessel at some height from tho comb, which must lie flat.
After the one side is filled repeat on the other ; replace the frame with
comb in the hive. All the empty combs may be filled in the same manner.
Candy is no better than syrup when given as directed. The ftame-feeder
is the next best, because the syrup is placed close to the tongues of the
bees, and it being of wood is congenial to them to sip from during w inter
But unless the one filling up with frames of comb and feeding with the
frame-feeders none of the operations will be very successful unless per¬
formed within-doors at a temperature of about 00°. An apartment having
one window of not more than 2 feet square (a large window may be con¬
tracted by darkening with paper or cloths), perfectly dry and free from dust
will do. Place the hive near the window and on a level with the sill, and
manipulate them as if they were outside, giving the bees full liberty. They

will fly only between the window and hive. Care must be taken that the
bees do not get soiled, and all impurities must be carefully dried up. These
accumulate rapidly when bees are disturbed at a low temperature — hence
the reason for manipulating within-doors. Outside manipulation would be
fatal to them at this season ; indeed, there is a risk of the bees by the
accident being in an unhealthful condition, and can only be saved by indoor
manipulation. The bees soon get accustomed to their situation, and the
warmer the apartment can be made the better for them. After the bees
have cleared themselves thoroughly of all incumbrances, and have had
enough food stored, take them out to their stand at dusk. If the combs are
fairly and properly tied the bees will soon fasten them all right.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET. — December 15th.
Business very stagnant with prices easier. Large arrivals of Nova
Scotia and Canada Apples to hand, as also St. Michael Pines. Grepes more
than sufficient for the demand.

FRUIT.

<3.

d.

S.

a.

8.

d.

8.

d

Apples .. ..

i

6 to 4

0

Melon . . . .

0

0

bo 0

0

,, Nova Scotia and

Oranges

6

0

12

0

Canada, per barrel 10

0

13

0

Peaches .

0

0

0

0

Cherries . . . .

0

0

0

0

Pears .

1

0

2

0

CobB . . . .

. 100 lb. 60

0

70

0

Pine Apples English., tb.

1

6

g

0

Figs .

0

6

0

9

Plums .

. £ sieve

1

0

2

0

G rapes . . . .

0

6

3

9

St. Michael Pines

. .each

2

0

5

0

Lemons .

10

0

15

0

Strawberries ..

. per ft.

0

0

0

0

VEGETABLES.

8.

d.

s

d

S

d.

8

d

Artichokes

.. dozen

i

0 to 0

0

Lettuce .. ..

l

0

to 1

6

Asparagus

.. bundle

0

0

0

0

Mushrooms ..

. . punnet

0

6

i

0

Beans, Kidney

.. per lb

0

6

0

0

Mustard and Cress punnet

0

2

0

0

Beet, Red

.. dozen

1

0

2

0

Onions .. ..

0

3

0

0

Broccoli .. ..

0

0

0

0

Parsley .. dozen bunches

2

0

3

0

Brussels Sprouts

. . ^ sieve

1

«

2

0

Parsnips .. ..

1

0

2

0

Cabbage . . . .

1

6

0

0

Potatoes.. ..

4

0

5

0

Capsicums

100

1

6

2

0

,, Kidney

.. cwt.

4

0

5

0

Carrots . . . .

0

4

0

0

Rhubarb .. „

.. bundle

0

2

0

6

Cauliflowers ..

. . dozen

3

0

4

0

3alsafy .. ..

1

0

i

0

Celery . . . .

1

8

2

0

Scorzonera ..

.. bundle

1

6

0

0

Coleworts doz. bunches

2

0

4

0

Soakale . . ..

per basket

1

6

2

0

Cucumbers

. . each

0

3

0

4

Shallots .. ..

0

8

0

6

Endive .. ..

1

0

3

0

Spinach .. ..

3

0

4

4

Heros . . • .

0

2

0

0

Tomatoes

0

6

1

0

Leeks . . . .

0

8

0

4

Turnips .. ..

0

4

0

0

PLANTS IN POTS.

S.

d.

8.

d.

B.

d.

8.

a.

Aralia Sieboldi . . dozen

9

0 to 18

0

Ficus elastica .. each

1

6 to

7

0

Arbor vitce (golden) dozen

6

0

9

0

Fuchsia .. per dozen

0

0

0

0

„ (common) dozen

6

0

12

0

Foliage Plants, var. each

2

0

10

0

Asters . . . . per dozen

0

0

0

0

Heliotrope . . por dozen

0

9

0

0

Bedding Plants, var. doz.

0

0

0

0

Hydrangea .. per dozen

0

0

0

0

Begonias . . . . dozen

4

0

9

0

Ivy Geraniums per dozen

0

0

0

. 0

Chrysanthemum . . dozen

4

0

12

0

Lilium auratum per doz.

0

0

0

0

Cockscombs per dozen

0

0

0

0

Lobelias . . . . per dozen

0

0

0

0

Cyperua . dozen

4

0

12

0

Marguerite Daisy dozen

6

0

9

0

Dracaana terminalis, dozen 30

0

60

0

Mignonette . . per dozen

3

0

6

0

„ viridis .. dozen 12

0

24

0

Mask .. .. per dozen

0

0

0

0

Erica, various . . dozen

9

0

12

0

Myrtles . dozen

6

0

12

0

„ hyemalis per dozen 12

0

24

0

Palms, in var. . . each

2

6

21

0

„ gracilis per dozen

9

0

12

0

Pelargoniums, scarlet, doz.

6

0

9

0

Euonymus, in var. dozen

6

0

18

0

Pelargoniums per dozen

0

0

0

0

Evergreens, in var. dozen

6

0

24

0

Primula sisensis per doz.

4

0

6

0

Ferns, in variety . . dozen

4

0

18

0

Solanum3 per doz.

9

0

12

0

CUT

FLOWERS.

s

d.

8.

d.

S.

d.

8.

d.

Abntilons .. 12 bunches

2

0

to 4

0

Lily of the Yalley, 12 sprays

0

0 to 0

0

Arum Lilies .. 12 blooms

4

0

6

0

Marguerites . . 12 bunches

2

0

6

0

Aeters . . . . 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Mignonette .. 12 bunches

1

0

3

0

Azalea .. . . 12 sprays

1

0

1

6

Narciss, Paper-white, bunch

0

4

0

6

Bouvardias . . per bunch

0

6

1

0

„ White, English, bunch

1

8

1

6

Camellias . . 12 blooms

2

0

4

0

Pelargoniums, per 12 trasses

0

9

1

6

Carnations . . 12 blooms

1

0

8

0

„ scarlet, 12 trusses

0

4

0

e

„ . . 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Roses . . 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Chrysanthemums 12 bches.

2

0

6

0

„ (indoor), per dozen

0

6

2

0

„ 12 blooma

0

6

2

0

„ Tea . dozen

0

9

3

0

Cornflower .. lSbuuches

0

0

0

0

„ red .. .. dozen

1

0

2

0

Dahlias .. 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Parme Violets (French)

4

0

5

9

Epiphyllnm . . doz. blooms

0

6

0

0

Primula (single) per bunch

0

4

0

6

Eucharis . . per dozen

4

0

8

0

„ (double) per bunch

1

0

1

6

Gardenias .. 12 bloomB

4

0

6

0

Pyrethrum .. 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Gladioli . . 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Stephanotis . . 12 sprays

6

0

8

0

Hyacinths. Roman, 12 sprays

1

0

1

6

Stocks, various 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Lapageria, white, 12 blooma

2

0

4

0

Tropaaolum .. 12 bunches

1

6

2

0

Lapageria, red . 12 blooms

1

0

2

0

Tuberoses . . 12 blooms

1

0

1

6

„ longiflorum, 12 blms.

6

0

8

0

Violets . . . . 12 bunches

1

0

i

6

Lilac (white), French, bunch

6

0

8

0

„ Czar, French, pa tunch

1

3

i

9

A WELL-STOCKED HOMESTEAD.

Many thiugs go to render the final result of farming a
financial success, and they are generally comprised in what
is often termed good all round farming. For the ordinary

554

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ December 16, 1886.

good farmer is not a man of specialities ; he tries hard to do
the whole of his work as well as he can rather than to spend
his strength upon one or two things in particular, and he
takes care that each department of his farm shall be fully
turned to account for its legitimate purpose of the growth or
manufacture of farm produce. To this end not only is the
land cropped in the best way, but the homestead, too, is
made to contribute no mean share of marketable commo¬
dities. The dairy, poultry, and stock yards are all turned
to full account, and it is only the skilled practitioner who
knows really what this means.

Take, for example, the live stock at this season of the
year, and take first the pigs, which are usually regarded as
the least important section of it. Under good management
there are weekly or fortnightly consignments to market
either of porkers worth 40s. to 50s. apiece, or of fat pigs for
which two or three times that amount is realised. It is
quite possible on a farm of 400 or 500 acres to show a turn
over of £1 an acre for pigs alone, especially after such an
unfavourable Barley harvest. Better, far better, is it to
turn discoloured Barley into pork, and so turn it to profitable
account, than to sell the grain to the middleman at a posi¬
tive loss. Barley, Oats, and Peas afford food in the highest
degree nutritious for pigs as well as for other animals, but
with pigs we can hardly use any of such food wastefully.
Chubby compact little animals are soon ready for market as
porkers ; others with longer bodies and larger frames are
equally profitable to keep till they are large fat hogs. Both
class of pigs answer best under high feeding, and it is really
a matter of surprise how quickly they fatten under careful
management. Many years ago we realised this in a some¬
what singular manner. Upon going one morning into the
farmyard we saw a fine plump porker trying to get through
a hole in a fence near a barn where two men were thrashing
corn with flails. The squealling of piggy, and its vain but
persistent efforts to force a way through the fence, attracted
our attention. Upon driving it away to the other pigs of
the same litter we noticed that it was so superior to the
whole of them in size and condition that our curiosity was
aroused, and upon inquiry the men owned with a grin that
they had for some little time been feeding it surreptitiously
with corn in order to see how soon it would become too big
to get through the hole.

If possible the whole of the pigs should be home-bred,
for since swine fever has become so rampant and widespread
the risk of losses from pigs bought from dealers is so serious
that it ought to be avoided. Apart from this there can be
no doubt that the germs of such an infectious disease are
frequently conveyed from one farm to another upon the
clothes of careless persons. We repeat that cleanliness
among pigs is as important as among other animals.

Poultry rearing and fattening require much more than
ordinary care to render it really successful. When well done
it is very profitable, especially in spring and early summer.
Not an egg is to be had from a Sussex henwife in the first
four months of the year ; all are required for hatching, and
for this process artificial incubators now play an important
part. The management of an incubator and foster-mother
is not at all difficult. The process is simple, and success
depends more upon close attention to details than anything
else. It was in the hands of a lady that we first saw an
incubator at work, and she had been so successful that she
was able to show us chickens in large numbers all hatched by
it and in all stages of growth, from fine birds ready for table
down to others just hatched. True economy is embodied in
the process ; the hens not required for hatching eggs soon
pass through the “ broody ” stage, and begin laying eggs
again quickly. After being in the incubator a certain time
each egg is examined by the aid of a lamp, and those which
contain no embryo are still perfectly wholesome for culinary
purposes and are at once sent to the kitchen. The import¬
ance of obtaining a full stock of early turkey poults also
adds to the value of the incubator. Turkey hens when not

allowed to sit upon eggs soon begin laying again, and we
have only to take care that they are kept within due bounds
then in order to obtain enough eggs for our purpose. The
well-known propensity of Turkeys to conceal the nest renders
confinement during the laying time almost a necessity.
Many a valuable hen has become the prey of foxes while
sitting in its solitary nest away in some almost inaccessible
thicket. We may add that we have always found it advisable
to make allowance for a certain margin of loss in turkey
rearing, and it answers best to have too many early birds
rather than have to try and make up the number required
with lace ones, which so often prove sickly and weak.

(To be continued.)

WORK ON THE HOME FARM.

The ewe flock is now withdrawn from the folds upon arable land, and
will be kept upon sound, well-drained pasture till after the lambing'
Especial care is taken with any cases of foot-root before the ewes become
heavy with lamb, in order to avoid having to dress the feet then, when
there is so much risk of harm arising from fright and from throwing the
pregnant animal upon its back as is frequently done when the feet are
examined. Let it never be forgotten, too, how seriously foot-rot is liable
to affect the condition of the sheep at a time when it requires an extra
amount of sustenance. With few excep'ions, all cases of foot-rot can be
speedily cured if only due pains are taken : yet how difficult is it to
overcome or enlighten crass ignorance in this simple matter ! We have
found it necessary, not only to show how affected animals are to be
treated, but to insist upon a thorough examination and dressing of
diseased feet at least twice weekly. If the slightest inattention or negli¬
gence is discovered, it only remains to give personal attention to the
work till a cure is effected. Exceptional cases of foot-rot are those where
the symptoms are lameness that is evidently painful, swelling of the
foot, much abnormal heat showing unmistakeably internal inflammation
without any external wound. Daily fomentations with warm water, and
poultices of linseed meal, soon give relief, even in such exceptional
phases of the disease. We have had our most difficult cases amongst old
sheep bought at market, where it is often practically impossible to
examine the sheep, yet we never knew a diseased foot that proved
incurable. Gentle treatment, washing with warm water, cutting away
all loose parts of hoof, dressing with Gell’s foot-rot ointment, and for
very bad cases daily poultices of linseed meal will generally effect a cure
in a short time. The ewes are now having a moderate quantity of
Mangolds carted daily to the pasture, Oats and chaff are also given now
daily, and the cribs are either filled with Pea straw or unthreshed Oats.
Hoggets and crones are in folds upon Turnips, a mixture of crushed Oats,
Beans, and chaff being also given them. Notwithstanding heavy rain,
the folding may go on where the land is sound without harm to the sheep
and with much benefit to the land. But heavy land, retentive of excessive
moisture, is unsuitable for folding in cold wet weather, and it is far better
to withdraw the sheep for a time to a comfortable yard.

OUR LETTER BOX.

Cow with a Cold {JR. C.). — We cannot satisfactorily prescribe for such
a case from such a meagre description of the case ; indeed, it is necessary
that the cow be seen before medicine is prescribed. If it is suffering from
an acute attack of pleurisy it will probably die — in any case the advice of
a veterinary surgeon should at once be had. See that the cow is kept in a
warm shed, that the litter is dry and replaced daily with a fresh supply,
and let the food consist of bran mashes, hay and carrots.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Camden Square, London.

Lat. 51° 32' 40" N.; Long. 0° 8' 0" W. ; Altitude, 111 feet.

DATE.

9 A.M.

IN THE DAY.

■ or

43 ©* oS _ ■

Hygrome-

a .

** •

Shade Tem-

Radiation

fl

1886.

ter.

2 a

cx- °

perature.

Temperature

d

December.

5 flJ S'-3

p o >*-<

In

Ou

CQ Z o3

Dry.

Wet.

Qo

tH

Max.

Min.

sun.

gras-

Inches.

deg.

deg.

det?.

deg.

deg

deg.

des

In.

Sunday .

5

30.091

31.6

30.5

W.

37.8

46 4

28 8

47.2

21.2

—

Monday .

6

29.800

50.6

49.2

s.w.

38 6

53.9

31.6

CL. 9

28.3

0.059

Tuesday .

7

29.371

42.6

38.7

w,

41.4

44 8

42.2

53.2

35.2

0 346

Wednesday ..

8

28.628

40.7

40.7

s.w.

42.6

48 2

37.2

64.4

29.9

0.146

Thursday ....

9

28.416

40.6

40.0

N.W.

40.6

44 9

85.9

51.6

32.4

0.041*

Friday .

10

29.237

34 6

34 3

W.

40.2

43.7

32.7

66.4

26.6

0.013

Saturday ....

11

29.439

41.4

43.9

S.E.

39.0

51.2

337

52.8

27.1

0.147

29.283

40.7

39.6

40.2

47.6

34.6

56 8

28 7

0.760

REMARKS.

5th.— Fine bright morning, cloudy afternoon and evening

Gth.— Overcast morning, balmy sunshine at midday, shower in evening, rain in night.
7th.— Fine and bright early, shower at 11.15 am, sunshine in afternoon, fine bright
evening, gale at night.

8th.— W.S. gale, heavy rain till 10 A M., with large hail, lightning and thunder at 9 and
9.4 A.M. ; day generally fine, much sun, barometer very low.

9th. -Extremely low barometer, fine and generally bright ; gale all day.
loth.— Snow early, fine morning, sunshiny afternoon, fine clear night.

11th. — Overcast, warmer, rain in evening.

A week of average temperature, but noteworthy for having on December 9th at
4.45 AM. a less barometric pressure (28-295 inches) than has occurred in Loudon since
1848.— G. J. SYMONS.

December 23 1S86. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

555

COMING EVENTS

* c wr.-

\LS V'

23

Th

84

F

25

S

Christmas Day.

26

SUN

1st Sunday after Christmas.

27

M

Bank Holiday.

88

TU

29

W

GARDENING.

ARDENING in its best aspect may be described
as the highest attainable representation of the
culture of plants and crops. There can be no
more important and no more commendable em¬
ployment than that. Plants, well grown, contri¬
bute powerfully to the sum of human happiness,
and they embody and display the intelligence of
man. Crops of the various kinds the gardener
produces are a main factor in the nation’s wealth,
because forming an indispensable and recognised element in
the nation’s food. All those, therefore, who engage in the
occupation of gardening, and whose chief pride is to excel in
developing the earth’s resources, and who share in producing
in its greatest excellence that which is pleasant to the eye
and good for food, are engaged in a high and honourable
calling.

Time was when the exercise of gardening was considered
as little more than “ a superior pursuit for a rustic.” But it
is raised to a far higher position now. It is an art, and
more than that, a science, though all may not agree with
this ruling. There are persons who regard themselves as
engaged in a more elevated sphere, looking down with com¬
placent assurance on their fellow workers who are “only
gardeners.” But the artificial barrier that is occasionally yet
vainly sought to be strengthened is crumbling away, and
botany and horticulture are now regarded as twin sciences
by able representatives of both. This has been demon¬
strated in a marked way on more than one occasion by those
distinguished men, the present and ex- directors cf Kew ; and
gardening i3 now indulged in as a pursuit by many of the
most scientific and noble individuals of this and other
countries.

The most intelligent of our professional gardoners have
profited by the alliance, and will profit more in the future,
while they have, in turn, imparted practical knowledge of
admitted value to their learned associates. This is as it
should be. Mutual respect for each other, mutual trust, and
mutual help result in a greater aggregation of sound know¬
ledge that cannot fail to be of advantage to individuals and
the whole community. The so-called “ practical” man who
laughs at science betrays his own weakness ; and the botanist
and philosopher who regards “ mere gardening” as savour¬
ing of a low occupation, sits on a very shaky pedestal, and
though conspicuous, is not envied in his exaltation. Well
has one of the most scientific and practical of horticulturists,
the late Mr. G. W. Johnson, observed : — “ Now that garden¬
ing has gained the attention of men of science, the progress
of horticulture is no longer astonishing. The botanist
applies his researches to the inhabitants of the garden, and
the better explanation of their habits. The vegetable phy¬
siologist adapts his discoveries to practical purposes by
pointing out the organs and functions which are of primary
importance ; and the chemist by his analysis discovers their
constituents, and is consequently enabled to point out im¬
provements which practice could only have stumbled on by
No. 339. — Vol. XIII., Thibd Series,

chance, and perhaps during a lapse of ages.” That is the
true light in which to regard the researches of men of
science ; but practice is the fruition of their labours, and it is
that practice, founded on sound principles, which is compre¬
hended in the very expressive, well understood, and good old
term — “ gardening.”

That same time honoured word is, as near as any word
can be, the embodiment of perfect culture. The qualifica¬
tion is necessary, for “nothing is perfect.” What is de¬
scribed, too readily and frequently, as “perfect” to-day is
excelled to-morrow. Excellence is attainable, relative, and
should be achieved ; perfection is absolute. It is the duty
of all who are employed in gardening to strive to surpass all
that has been hitherto accomplished ; and then we may rest
assured that if they succeed it is only a matter of time for
someone to go a step beyond them. There is thus ade¬
quate incentive to urge us on in whatever work we may be
engaged. Gardening, good gardening, means superiority of
culture. It is the oldest of occupations — the root, of which
agriculture is the extension. Never was it more incumbent
that an ancient craft should be represented in its highest
form.

if gardening should degenerate it would be the greatest
calamity that could happen to this nation. We are passing
through a social revolution, Gardens, or at least those of
them ^that are well tilled, are almost the only bright and
cheering specks of hope that point the way to a better future
for those engaged in the great “extension” — agriculture.
But there is no mistaking the clearness of the light that
well -managed home plots shed over (for the time being) a
somewhat dreary land. They proclaim unmistakeably the
remedy, and the only remedy, for what is called “depression,”
the true interpretation of which in many case3 is
degenerate culture. This must be reversed before pro¬
sperity can come. Artificial aid may mitigate the evil
of the present stringent times from which landowners,
occupiers, and labourers are alike suffering ; and such aid,
wherever possible, should be extended, and the more
promptly this is done the more effectual and economical
will the action be ; but the real remedy, the only sure
and certain, if rather slow remedy, is higher culture —
more garden like culture — more fertility in the soil, and less
weeds to devour it. That is the natural course through
which improvement must flow, and the removal of whatever
restrictions created by artificial means, whether by the action
of law or the establishment of custom, are merely obstacles
in the stream.

It is no doubt true, and the truth cannot but be regretted
by all right miaded men, that the necessity lias arisen for
not a few owners of land to restrict their expenditure ; and
gardens and gardeners have had to bear their share of this
reduction, perhaps in some cases an undue share. The
limitation of luxuries may not be of serious import, except
to those who live by their labour in producing them, and the
opportunity for them to do so is reluctantly withdrawn ; but
it will be a great, a serious, and a far-reaching mistake if the
cultivable parts of a garden are allowed to degenerate into a,
wild waste, as in such case there will be nothing lefc to show
that the surrounding land is capable of restoration, and the
spectre of despair will then overshadow all.

The land is losing its fertility because its workers are
losing their energy or lack the requisite means for its pro¬
fitable exercise. There is great danger, perhaps the greatest
of all dangers, of the establishment of the fallacy that
because the value of produce is low less must be grown by
withdrawing the means for producing more. Anything more
unsound or more uncommercial than such a doctrine it is
not easy to imagine. The exact reverse is the truth, as
must be admitted by reflective minds. Under the circum¬
stances indicated, profit can only come from increased pro¬
duction — a reduction in the bulk of food products being the
certain road to ruin. But how is the increase to be brought

No. 1995, — Yol. LXXV., Odd Series.

556

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Dec imber 23, 1888.

about ? Maintain the fertility of gardens all over the land
and look to them for the answer. Full crops are more elo¬
quent than argument, and where good gardening is en
conraged, and conducted, the crops are as good as ever.
There is no degeneracy there.

It is more than ever incumbent for all who are employed
in gardening to strive for supremacy in the work of cultiva
tion. The best of whatever may be required must be grown
in the best and most economical manner. There must be
no waste of material or of force. The object to be attained
must be kept clearly in view, and the method of attaining it
precisely determined. It is not given to every man to see
his way directly to every point. The path to succsss is often
intricate. Byeways abound, offering an apparently easier
course ; but they may yet be wrong, and though smooth at
first lead from instead of to the goal. Guides are
necessary, who have explored the labyrinth and learned the
safe route, and this followed perseveringly leads to the
object of their desire. Who are those guides? Look back
over the volumes of this Journal, and some will be found
there ; look through the present number and judge by their
directions as to whether they know their way or not. We
think they will not mislead ; but on the contrary, they have
tried both the byeways and the highways, and know, if any
travellers do, the nearest and the best way to where they
essay to lead. They will continue to give the light of ex¬
perience, and, so to their own credit, our satisfaction, and the
benefit of those wayfarers that need a helping hand, illumine
the path that leads to success in gardening.

And now we once again repeat the salutation that
never appears to grow old or hackneyed, but is as fresh
and welcome as the flowers in their seasons, and to old
and young, gardeners and amateurs, writers and readers
of every grade, that salutation i3

A Merry Christmas.

NEPENTHES.

The different species and now numerous varieties of this genus
are most interesting plants to the physiologist and botanist, and
never-failing objects of curiosity to all casual visitors to gardens
where they are grown. Though perhaps not so useful from a de¬
corative point of view as are many of our stove plants, Nepenthes
can nevertheless be most effectively used in what may be termed
domestic exhibitions of plants, in which combinations their distinct¬
ness from all other plants renders them objects of peculiar attrac¬
tion and interest, so that wherever even a few plants requiring
stove temperature are cultivated, some Nepenthes, in numbers pro¬
portionate to the accommodation, should find a place, more espe¬
cially as they require to be suspended from the roof, and do not
encroach on the space that might be considered more profitably
occupied. They always constitute a pleasing feature in a houseful
of tropical plants, and are not by any means difficult to manage.

The propagation of Nepenthes was long considered a difficult
art, and only to be accomplished with certainty and success in
nursery establishments, where they might be more or less of a
specialty. There cannot be a greater misconception, as I have
repeatedly proved that there is no greater difficulty in propagating
the great majority — in fact, nearly all them — ’than in stiiking a
Croton or Dractena, and the process can be carried out in any sea¬
son of the year. Various methods have been adopted by nursery¬
men and gardeners. After having tried some of them, I have found
the most successful to be the insertion of the cuttings infiesh saw¬
dust, placed to the depth of 6 inches in any position where a bottom
heat of 80 to 85° can be steadily maintained with a top tempera¬
ture of a propagating case placed over the sawdust of 5° or 10°
lower. The great virtue of the sawdust is that it retains sufficient
moisture without very frequent applications of water beyond the
dewing over of the cuttings once a day. They also root well in
clean rather coarse river sand, and I have to-day (December 7th)
potted nineteen cuttings that were inserted in the latter material
on October 8th. They had whorls of roots much like a Carnation
layer, and not one of them went wrong. They require much more
water in the sand than in the sawdust, and may be watered freely
every second day at least.

The selection of the cuttings is a point of considerable im¬
portance. The worst of cuttings are the soft tops of growths and
the hard woody ones from their base. The best are the moderately

firm short-jointed side shoots. Longer growths of strong-growing
sorts can be made, and into several good cuttings, two joints being
sufficient, terminal cuttings being put in whole and not topped till
well rooted. Cuttings of two joints should not have the bottom
leaf removed, but be inserted into the sawdust or sand with the
shoot. The cuttings should not be disturbed for two months, when
(with the exception of such as N. Veitchi, which takes a week or
two longer) they are .always found well rooted.

In potting them I use 2Linch deep pots, well drained, and
the material used is the toughest fibre of Orchid peat that can be
obtained, with every. particle of fine soil either beaten or washed
out of it, and fresh sphagnum in the proportion of two parts of the
former to ODe of the latter. They are potted firmly, and a stake
put to each to steady it if necessary ; they are returned to the pro¬
pagating case, kept close for a week or two, and then gradually
exposed to the temperature of the house, which in case of the cut¬
tings I have referred to is 603 to 65° at night.

When the young plants have thoroughly stretched their dark
threadlike roots into the little balls, they are transferred to baskets
of teak or wire, or, as in our case just now, into glazed pans. They
do not require large bulks of material to grow in ; and when
established thus do not require much attention to keep them
healthy, beyond being syringed once or twice a day to keep them
clean and the material in which they grow moist. To have com¬
pact pitcher-producing plants they should not be allowed to make
rambling growths in their younger stages, but be topped at every
second joint till a good foundation for the specimen is formed.

When well established they luxuriate all the more if supplied
occasionally with water just coloured slightly with good fresh
guano, and I have sometimes crumbled a little dry sheep or horse
droppings on the surface of the balls with much benefit to the
plants. They should be transferred into larger baskets when they
have well taken possession of those they are in. In carrying
out this operation some care is necessary. And all the decayed
effete particles that may be about the roots should be removed.
The best way of doing this is to carefully turn the plants out of
their baskets and immerse them in a pail of tepid water, and to
press the ball with the hand, so forcing all slimy matter out of the
ball, and allowing it to drip awhile before being put into the new
basket or pan. The fresh material should be pressed firmly round
the roots, and I have often, in the case of large plants, mixed
in a proportion of lumps of clean charcoal, to which the roots
cling.

By treating Nepenthes according to this general outline I have
produced some pitchers of enormous size. One of N. distillatoria
held a pint and a wineglassful of water, and others in proportion.
I believe some I sent to London several years since were dried, and
are now in the Museum at Kew. The only species I tried to grow
that beat me was N. Rajah. It made leaves, but as fast as it made
one leaf it lost another, and ultimately expired. By the way, I
have not heard of any decided success in humouring His Majesty.
Before the collection here was broken up it consisted of nearly
thirty sorts, but there are only a few specially compact-growing
favourites now, such as I would commend to those whose space is
limited and who have not much head room. They are N. sanguinea,
Mastersiana, and Veitchi, all unique in their way. Mastersiana is
probably— taking it all ways — the finest British hybrid in existence.
N. sanguinea, of which we have eight plants, is a beautifully high-
coloured pitcher, and the construction of the pitchers of Veitchi
is very distinct from almost any other, and so is its colour — a light
pea-green shaded with brown. We have a plant of it just now
with leaves over 18 inches long. To these might be added the com¬
pact neat-growing Northiana, and where there is head room enough
N. Hookeriana and N. Rafflesiana make distinct additions of such as
are not now high-priced.— David Thomson, Drumlanrig Gardens.

HARDY BERRIED PLANTS.

Mistletoe.— Two thousand years of civilisation has not obliterated,
bnt increased the hold of the Mistletoe on the popular mind. It grows
on the Thom, Crab, Lime, and Poplar, and does not despise the lowly
Gooseberry ; indeed it will grow on most trees, but is most prolific of
berries on the Thorn and Crab. Seeds put on the smooth bark, to which
they adhere by the viscid pulp of the berry, are sure to germinate, only
insure them againtt birds. In this way every garden might have its
Mistletoe. It is much valued for its silver berries and golden-green
leaves and branches.

Ivy. — The common purple-berried Ivy (Hedera Helix) is of great
decorative value, and for constructing with it we hav : the yellow-berried
(H. Helix fructu luteo), which also assumes a tree form.

Holly. — What can equal sprays of well-berried Holly (Ilex aqui-
folium) for decoration? and it grows in town or counry, in valley or on
hill, in sunshine or in s^ade ; but fine as the common Holly is with
seines, haviog a more picturesque leaf, and well berried, I think pre¬
ference would be giv n by manipulators or dec.rators to the smooth-

Deoembar 23, 1836. ]

JOURHAL OF HORTICULTURE A HD COTTAGE GARDE HER.

557

leaved, and as I have observed, most prolific of berries. The
Minorca Holly (I. balearica) berries well, often when others do not,
and it is very neat. It, however, is not over-hardy, but requires
a light soil. Very different is the yellow-berried (I. aquifolium flavum,
or fructu luteo). They are charming if only to strike the angles and dot
or bring out the points of decorative work.

Cotoneasters. — C. microphylla is very neat in growth, having deep
shining small leaves, glaucoui beneath, and bright red berries, studded
like beads amid the somewhat stiff branches. It is fine for walls, and
roekwork as well as slopes. It is very appropriate for churches. C.
Simonsi has much larger berries, is of erect growth, and is not fully
evergreen, therefore its decorative value is not equal to those with fruit
set in their own foliage. It grows freely anywhere, and is useful for
walls.

Aucubas. — Their name is legion, especially the female or berried sorts.
Perhaps the best of the green sorts are A. himalaica, and A. longifolia,
A. japonica. Well fruited plants in pots are fine for various decorative
purposes, and have the advantage of enduring where tender plants would
be crippled by the cold. The berries show well with the variegation of
A. japonica maculata (the old Aucnba of gardens), also the white or
creamy edged A. japonica limbata. The best form for pots for table is
A. jap mica vera nana. There is one with yellow berries — viz., A. japonica
luteocarpa. The Aucubas do well in towns.

Butcher’s Broom (Ruscus aculeatus) is curious, and its red berries on
the spiny plants are pretty. It does well enough under trees, but berries
best on dry banks. Pernettya speciosa major and P. Drummondi have
small neat dark green foliage and red or coral berries. They like a dry
site or roekwork. Pyracantha (Crataegus Pyracantha) or Evergreen
Thorn, is the finest of all berried plants for a wall. Its clusters of bright
red fruits are brilliant, and I am informed is called the Fiery Thorn in
south Europe — its habitat. Grand as it is, it dwindles before the flame
of Lieland’s Pyracantha (Cratagus Pyracantha Lselandi), which is
“ bigger and better,” and brighter. Then there is the dwarf and very
pretty little Skimmia japonica. It does best in shade, and has bright
coral berries. Of its forms the best is perhaps S. japonica intermedia.
They are neat plants in pots for decorative work. For surfacing or
carpeting, what can vie with the cushion-like tufts of verdure dotted with
the orange red berries of Nertera depressa?

The berries of deciduous trees and shrubs may be passed, only the
heps of Sweet Briar (Rosa rubiginosa), are large and bright, and the
white berries of the Snowberry (Symphoricarpus racemosus, alba) are
beautiful.— G. Abbey.

SOME GOOD VEGETABLES OF 1886.

Amongst the endless variety of vegetables now offered to
the public there are some greatly superior to others, and further
experience gained in 1886 enables me to speak with more con¬
fidence of many good sorts which were previously only regarded
as novelties of no special advantage on the table. Amongst new
Potatoes Sutton’s Seedling has come out well. It is a white
kidney, perfect in form, excellent for show, grand on the table,
and superb in cropping and table qualities. I never had a Potato
which pleased me better. Carter’s Cetewayo is as black as ink
throughout, free from di ease, and is capital for a Potato salad,
which is a dish not used so much as it merits. The Village
Blacksmith is a very distinct Potato. It is round in form, hand¬
some, and with a very rough russety skin. It is of excellent
quality and has been introduced by many as their special pro¬
perty, but I believe it had its origin in Messrs. Daniel’s Norfolk
Russet. The White Elephant of the latter firm is gaining
ground with its many good qualities. I am of opinion that those
who may have discarded it after a trial of one season may have
made a mistake.

Carter’s Leviathan Broad Bean holds its own for size of pod
and all good qualities. Next to this comes the Seville Long Pod,
as it is early and very prolific. Cooling’s Ne Plus Ultra has
taken a place amongst the best Dwarf French Beans for forcing.
It is also the earliest in the open air, and is here followed closely
by Canadian Wonder, which is likely to keep in the front rank.
Laxton’s White Czar is a remarkable Runner Bean. It is very
prolific, the pods are from 1 foot to 18 inches in length and very
good. It will be much grown for exhibition. The pods being so
large and Heshy, it is a difficult matter to save seed, and this will
probably have to be accomplished in a warmer climate than ours.
The Girtford Giant is a dwarf to it, and yet this is a handsome
variety of great merit. The Transylvanian Runner Butter Bean
should be grown for its delicate flavour. The pods are long,
fleshy, and do not become stringy readily.

I do not know any new variety of Asparagus, and those
which bear special designations are simply selections of standard
sorts, of which the Giant, Mammoth, and Colossal are the leading
types.. Amongst Beets Pragnell’s Exhibition is conspicuous
with its fine form and extra deep coloured flesh. Borecoles or
Kales increase at an astonishing rate, with what object I cannot
tell, as they are amongst the most ordinary vegetables and are
not much grown. Indeed, they do not merit extensive culture,
as they are oi- ly acceptable after very severe weather, and then

they are not eaten if any other vegetable is obtainable. Carter’s
new Welsh variety is uncommonly curly, hardy, good in colour,
and tender on the table. Gilbert's Chou de Burghley is still
regarded as a novelty by many, and apart from this it is an
excellent vegetable.

Broccoli form such an extensive class that the varieties are
quite bewildering, but three parts of them may be disregarded
and the others require selecting. Yeitch’s Self- Protecting
Autumn variety is still unique in November and December ;
Backhouse’s Winter White follows, and Sutton’s Winter Mam¬
moth is a newer variety, which for two years has produced heads
of high quality in January. Cooling’s, Cattell’s, and, Leaming¬
ton are still amongst the best of the Mai’ch and April Broccoli,
and Sutton s Late Queen has a rival in Veitch’s Model in May
and June. I do not know a Broccoli or Cauliflower connected
with “ Penzance ” that is worth growing.

The main desire nowadays is to have Brussels Sprouts that
produce side growths like small Cabbages, and in point of
quality these are all very well, but they do not auswer well when
cooked and placed on the table, as they are then more like a
mashed vegetable than the neat round sprout, which always
retains its individuality. These are the proper kind, and are
produced freely by the Reading Exhibition variety and Webb’s
Matchless. We have eight forms of them here this season, and
these are the best. They are an excellent winter vegetable,
and should be grown in every garden.

Cabbages form another extensive class, as in variety they
number some dozens, but two or three at most are sufficient for
all gardens. Ellam’s Dwarf Early is the earliest we have any
experience of. 1 1 is rather small, and might not be very saleable
in the market when larger ones were offered, but it is very
choice and of fine quality. Webb’s Emperor holds a conspicuous
place amongst first-rate Cabbages, as it is not liable to flower
prematurely, and it forms weighty heads very early in the
season, which are valuable for all purposes. Reading All Heart
is one of the newer sorts which is remarkable for being of very
compact growth, and I do not know any other three Cabbages
to excel those named. Carter’s Miniature Drumhead is a merito¬
rious variety not well known nor as widely grown as it should be
The old Drumhead will be known to many of your readers, and
this is a very small form of it. It is very hardy and stands the
winter well, while in point of table properties it surpasses most
of the Savoys.

Early Cauliflowers have certainly been improved during re¬
cent years, and the Early London, Erfurt, and one or two others
are out of the field. The earliest is a new variety named Webb’s
Tom Thumb. Like its namesake, it is a miniature, but the heads,
although small, are compact and possess all the qualities of a
good Cauliflower. Yeitchs Extra Early Dwarf Forcing comes
next to this in point of earliness, and it is a little larger.
Sutton’s King of the Cauliflowers is excellent as a main crop or
summer variety, and Eclipse sent out by a Manchester firm is
very much like it. I have heard it often said that Eclipse and
Autumn Giant were very much alike if not identical, but 1 cannot
tell how anyone could think so ; the Autumn Giant is superior,
especially in late autumn and early winter. — A Kitchen
Gardener.

(To be continued.)

THE MARGUERITE.

The business of room and table decoration in winter having
become so important a part of a gardener’s duty, aline on the culti¬
vation of the Marguerite may not be unacceptable to some of your
readers.

Here we find this plant to be a most acceptable help in this
department of work from October to Christmas, when well-flowered
plants can be used to advantage and give us much pleasure, their
glaucous foliage and bright silvery star-like flowers being always
appreciated, but more especially in winter. We have had plants
measuring between 6 and 7 feet through, one mass of bloom. Those
of your readers who may not have grown them may easily imagine
the effect such plants will have when placed in prominent positions
in mansions — such as halls and stair landings. With careful atten¬
tion to watering they will remain fresh for six weeks at a time.
They are also effective for dinner-table decoration. Some use the
foliage as a tracing in the form of a wreath on the cloth with bunches
of flowers arranged in geometrical form with pleasing effect, and for
glasses the flowers are most useful. By taking cuttings at once and
growing them on like ordinary Chrysanthemums, plants from 2 to
3 feet through may be had by next autumn. They should be stopped
two or three times during spring and summer, but in northern or
cold districts not later than midsummer, and they should receive their
final shift into 10-inch pots about the middle of June or earlier,

558

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ December 23, 1886.

using a rich compost — good heavy loam three parts and one decayed
cowdung, with a liberal dash of soot and Thomson’s or Beeson’s
manure. They should be potted firmly, and be placed in a sunny
sheltered position, plunged in leaveB or ashes. When they are well
established in their flowering pots they should receive an occasional
sprinkling of soot well watered in, and on no account should they
suffer from the want of water, which often in very hot weather must
be given two and sometimes three times a day.

The species I find most useful and liked the best is the common
Chrysanthemum frutescens, flowering much more freely than the
larger varieties, and its foliage is the most pleasing of any I have
seen. The variety Etoile d’Or has not succeeded so well with me —
always more or less affected by a grub (like the Celery grub) which
attacks the leaves, and which with us has baffled all attempts at its
eradication short of denuding the plants of the affected leaves, and
even this is only a temporary remedy, as they reappear in the course
„of a little time. If any of your readers can inform me how to effectu¬
ally get rid of this pest I shall feel obliged, as it is a disappointment
,-not to be able to grow this most beautiful yellow variety.

To grow plants 6 or 7 feet through the old plants must be cut
back in spring and grown the second year. All flowers must be
■ picked off during summer.— Owen Thomas, Chatsworth Gardens.

CHRISTMAS GRAPES.

At no other season are Grapes eaten so generally by both the upper
and middle classes of this country as during the ft stive Christmas-
tide. With many of the former the order of the day is, Grapes to
breakfast, Grapes to luncheon, and of course Grapes to dinner, clearly
showing that the demand for this wholesome and delicious fruit has
become year by year greater and greater. It would be instructive
and interesting to know something of the difference between the
quantity of Grapes now consumed annually, compared with that of
twenty years ago. I venture to predict it will be at least tons against
hundredweights.

Notwithstanding this great increase in the consumption and
ever-restless energy of British pomologists, it is surprising how
slow we are in producing new varieties superior to those already
in cultivation. My object in writing this is to mention some
of the best known varieties, and those that have given most satisfac¬
tion. Amongst while varieties stands pre-eminently the grand old
Muscat of Alexandria. It is a pity that so much difficulty is experi¬
enced by many in producing this Grape in first-class condition on
Christmas day. Some gardeners, myself included, have made great
mistakes in trying to grow this Grape in late span-roofed vineries
standing north and south. Especially is this the case in Scotland and
the noith of England, where the sun's influence is less felt than in the
south. When properly grown and thoroughly ripened Muscat of
Alexandria can easily be kept fresh and plump to the end of the
year, but. unless the Vines are exposed to the full benefit of the sun’s
rays during summer, the fruit fails to colour to lhat deep bright
golden yellow we so much like to see ; unless well coloured long
before Christmas the fruit begins to shrivel. Next in point of merit
stands the Duke of Buccleuch, but unlike the Muscat of Alexandria I
find the Duke does better in a span-rcofed house than in a lean-to.
When this grand Grape is kept into December its flavour becomes
rich and luscious, and has a honeyed sweetness peculiarly its own.
It may with safety be placed in the most select dessert without fear of
fault being found with either its size or quality.

Trebbiano I consider the next good white Grape we have for this
season, and this variety is not particular as to whether it is grown in
a span-roofed or lean-to house ; but like the Muscats the more light
and room it gets to develope its large leaves (he better coloured and
flavoured will its fruit prove to be. Its bunches being large and
-handsome are always attractive both on the Vine and dessert table.

Of the black varieties there are more to chbose from. West’s St.
Peter’s has long held a foremost place as a Christmas Grape. Taking
it all in all perhaps there is no superior black variety ; its juicy,
sweet, tender flesh is at all times refreshing and pleasant, therefore,
though somewhat small in bunch and berry, it cannot be ignored in
collections of winter Grapes be they ever so select. Mrs. Pince’s
Black Muscat is perhaps the richest flavoured black Grape we have
at the end of the year, but like all Mu. cats I find (he best results are
obtained from Vines grown in lean-to houses facing the south. In
order to have this Grape in first-class condition it is of great
importance that the previous year’s wood be thoroughly well ripened,
otherwise it is almost certain to set its berries unevenly, and many
stoneless.

Gros Guillaume is a splendid variety, and when properly grown
its noble bunches and large berries never fail to draw forth admiration ;
its tender, juicy flesh and refreshing flavour make it pleasant to
most palates. I cannot understand why some people persist in
calling this a coarse Grape ; with us it has always given the greatest

satisfaction. Many other varieties might be mentioned, such as
Alnwick SeedliDg, Gros Colman, and Gros Maroc, which are said to
be at their best about Christmas. These, with their magnificent
berries, always lock well and imposing upon the Vines, exhibition
stands, or in fruiterers’ shop windows ; but when placed with those
previously named they at best can only be classed as of second quality.
Such sorts as Alicante, Lady Downe's Seedling, Raisin de Calabre,
and White Tokay are not usually at their best until February or
March. It is meet important in the management of Grapes for
winter and spring use that tie roof of the house in which they are
grown be watertight, and in order to produce them in their best
condition it is abac lutely necessary' that the house be devoted entirely
to them. Nothing is so detrimental to the keeping and well-being of
ripe Grapes as moisture, no matter from what cause it arises. —
J. McIndoe, Hutton Hall Gardens.

WINTER AND EARLY CUCUMBERS.

I remember the late Mr. James Small, nurseryman, Colnbrook,
telling me some twenty-five years ago that once in the early days of
forcing Cucumbers he took seven to a London fruiterer in the end of
March or beginning of Apiil, and received for them the almost
fabulous sum of £7. This was in the good old time, when forcing
early fruits and vegetables was generally done by means of flues,
fermenting stable litter, sp.nt tanner’s bark, and leaves from the
woods, and before the advent of cheap glass and the general appli¬
cation of the system of heating plant houses by means of hot-water
pipes, and before market gardeneis h; d been handicapped by foreign
competition. There were then no rapid means of communication for
transporting choice perishable fruits and vegetables from France and
the Channel Islands, or even from Cornwall and other early English
counties, to the London market. How very much things have changed
since then, and how greatly has the cultivation of the Cucumber
improved since McPhail wrote that “ Dung is the only thing yet
found out by the heat of which the Cucumb r may be advantageously
cultivated.” I wonder how our market gardeners could produce the
enormous quantities of fruit that they do now if they had no other
means of obtaining heat than that derived from decomposing manure.
There are many growers in the vicinity of large towns all over the
country, and Cucumbers are grown by the million in some establish¬
ments. It has puzzled me many a time to know where they find a
market for them all. There are several market gardens in this
neighbourhood where Cucumbers are produced by tens of thousands
yearly from span-roofed structures 1 uilt specially for the purpose.
They are 12 feet wide, 9 feet high, and many of them as much as
300 feet in length. The variety principally grown in this district is
Cardiff Castle. They are r ot grown on what is termed the “ express
or non-ventilation system,” as practised by some of our modern
cultivators, but air is admitted in the usual way when it is neces¬
sary. With proper attention Cucumbers and plants may be grown
satisfactorily together, but in the case of market gardeners where
great quantities are produced for sale they should be grown by
themselves.

Here there is no Cucumber house, and I grow Cucumbers, Melons,
and Pine Apples together. The house, which runs north and south,
is thoroughly heated top and bottom, is span-roofed, 22 feet wide,
13 feet high, and 60 feet in length, with a bed in the centre for Pine
Apples, and a bed or border, 2 feet wide and 18 inches deep, round
the sides for growing Cucumbers and Melons. The roof is trellised
rather more than half its length. When training the plants we use
two light trestles, placed opposite each other on the side paths, and
these support a strong board resting on them over the tops of the
Pines. By this means the Cucumbers and Melons can be tied,
stopped, and trained at anytime without doing injury to the Pine
Apple plants, and the foliage of the latter is very little drawn by the
Cucumbers and Melons glowing over them. The crops obtained from
all three are as good as could be wished, flhe seeds of the winter
Cucumbers are sown the first week in August in 48-sized pots filled
with leaf mould. They are then watered, and a piece of glass placed
over the top of the pot until they germinate. As soon as the plants
are large enough to handle they are transferred into 4-inch pots in a
compost of half leaf mould and half lo: m, are kept in a close frame
for a few days, and shaded irom strong sunshine till the roots have
taken hold of the soil, when air is admitted.

After the plants have grown to the height of 6 or 7 inches they
are placed out in their permanent quarters, the compost of which
consists of three parts good rich loam and one of leaf mould, with a
little soot ; nd wood ashes aided. In preparing it the loam is chopped
into small pieces, and the leaf mould is passed through a rough sieve,
all the small pieces of st ick being picked out. After this both loam and
le.-f mould are roasted separately for a little time in one of the ash
pits under the toiler furnace bais to kill the eggs of aphides, worms,
and insects. Before adopting this plan the plants used to get infested
with green fly every time the bed was top-dressed with leaf mould.

Daoamber 23, 1883. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

559

I now slightly roast all the soil and leaf mould I use for potting
purposes ; it kills insects and their eggs, and the seeds of weeds that
may be in it, and does no injury to the productiveness of the soil or
otherwise. After the roasting process has been completed, which
■does not take long, all is thoroughly mixed and incorporated together,
and about 4 inches of good dung spread over the stone flags at the
bottom of the bed. The whole of the bed is tilled at once, and the
soil pressed firmly down to the level of the curbstone.

In the course of a few days when the soil is thoroughly warmed,
the plants are turned out of their pots and planted to the depth of
their cotyledons at the distance of 4 feet apart. They are then tied
to a stake and trained with a single stem till they meet the trellis, and
allowed to grow to within a foot of the tap of it before they are
stopped. They are trained thinly over the trellis, and in a short
time the roof is covered with strong healthy laterals which pro¬
duce fruit fit to cut in eight or nine weeks from the time the seed
was sown. The lateral shoots as they grow are stopped at the first
leaf beyond the fruit, and as the demand for Cucumbers in private
places at this season is not great the plants are cropped lightly until
they are well established ; after which they will continue fruiting freely
till the month of May, or longer if required. All fruits not required,
male flowers and tendrils, are pinched oil as soon as they appear ; and
all leaves as they show signs of having performed their functions are
removed.

The atmospheric temperature in mild weather is kept steadily at
70°, and the bottom heat at 80°. When the weather is fine the venti¬
lators are opened for a short time in the middle of the day to admit
fresh air, and the plants gently syringed early in the afternoon to
prevent red spider and to keep them in a healthy growing state.
Besides this the beds receive copious supplies of liquid manure and
top dressings of leaf mould and loam when required. Cucumbers
grown here, under the conditions described, never fail to give satis¬
faction to the cultivator and others who have an opportunity of
seeing them. — A. Pettigrew, Castle Gardens, Cardiff.

FIRE BARS.

In a Wright’s boiler one of the fire bars burnt itself away at the end
nearest the fire door and dr pped through. I took all the bars out and re¬
arranged them minus the burnt bar. This allowed li inch more play for
the bars. I am pleased to note that I am a gainer in heat, this tie ng
steadier with no increase in consumption of fuel. The ashes will be
coarser, but as I riddle them there wilt be no extra waste there. I had
long thought the close bars did not allow sufficieut draught. Certainly I
might increase it by drawing the damper, but this is waste. There are
now thirteen fire bars 3 feet 2 inches long, depth in centre of bar 4 inches,
mnning down to 2J at the ends, thickness of bars at the under side in the
centre half inch, at the ends three-quarters.

Accidents frequently lead to better results, and when I put my hand
on the boiler at night and again in the early morning I am pleased that
the fire bar is missing. My stokehole is well built and protected from
cold winds, and I never leave the door open unnecesf arily. I often think
what waste there must be in out-of-door fire holes. No water is kejt
under this fire. — Stephen Castle, West Lynn.

APPEARANCE v. FLAVOUR.

I AM afraid that in our eagerness to obtain varieties of fruit and
vegetables which are good in appearance and of easy culture there is
a danger of losing some other qualities which used to count for some¬
thing — notably that of flavour. Of course, the majority of people
who live in cities and large towns know nothing about flavour in
vegetables. Peas are Peas, and Cabbages are Cabbages to them, and
nothing more. It is nearly as bad with the majority of the nobility,
for they seldom have vegetables fresh and well cooked except on
those rare occasions when they pay flying and unseasonable visits to
their country mansions, leaving the professional cooks behind them
in town, and then they are astonished to find that they enjoy the
vegetables.

But how is it, I would ask, that the average country squire and the
village parson are content to follow the fashion of growing things
which please the eye and disappoint the palate ? Growing for
market is a different thing altogether. The eye is the only member
to be studied in this case. Strawberries 2£ inches across and well
coloured, but without any flavour, will always fetch a higher price
than average British Queens. That is taken for granted, and need
not surprise us when we consider that very few of the purchasers
know what they are buying ; but I may remind epicures that British
Queen with all its faults is still the best- flavoured Strawberry in its
class. I say advisedly in its class, because some people, myself among
the number, prefer the Hautbois, I have, however, never succeeded
in growing the Hautbois well. Perhaps some of your readers could
tell me how to do it. If Strawberiies are required in autumn none
equal the Alpine varieties, seed of which should be sown in a frame
in spring and planted out a foot apart in the end of May.

Perhaps the most glaring instance of appearance and ease of
culture superseding quality is to be found amongst Grapes. There is
as yet no Grape to surpass a well-grown Black Hamburgh, but there
are not half so many Vines of this variety planted now as formerly,
and such an inferior variety as Alicante is offered abundantly for
sale early in July. Worse varieties follow as soon as they can be
coloured in the shape of Alnwick Seedling, Gros Maroc, and Gros
Colman.

Within the last three years I have known fairly good Hamburghs
hawked about the streets at Is. lb., while Alicante was exhibited in
the shop windows at 3s. or 4s. tt>. Were I a gentleman able to keep
a gardener I would tolerate no worse Grapes than Black Hamburgh
on my table before February. I must think that the sale of Grapes
which are good-looking but are acid and coarse does a great deal of
harm in a city of invalids as Bath is. Grapes are recommended by
the physician, and the most beautiful-looking bunch in the city is
eagerly bought by a loving friend of the invalid at a high price.
But it disappoints the patient, it produces indigestion and acidity in
the stomach, and Grapes are pronounced unsuitable. Possibly in the
end the vendor suffers most.

It is a source of gratification that the Muscat is not yet left out
in the cold, perhaps it has been shown during the past autumn in as
good a condition as it was ever seen. But the reason it is cultivated
extensively is not because of its flavour, but because it is still the
most handsome white Grape in existence. I almost hope no one will
succeed in raising a variety which equals it in appearance, and is at
the same time inferior in quality. Had Alicante never appeared we
should have m ide more progress in the cultivation of the Hamburgh,
but at the present time I am of opinion that we are going back not
only in quantity with the last-named variety, but also that such as are
grown are not grown so well as they were a few years back. I think
I do not make a mistake when I say I have not seen a good bunch of
Black Hamburgh this year.

Amongst vegetables I could name several instances where quality
is giving way to appearance, but one shall suffice. The old Scarlet
Runner Bean is fast going out of cultivation. But if anyone supposes
he gets the same flivour in any of the so-called improved varieties he
makes a mistake. — Wm. Taylor.

THE FLORISTS’ TULIP.

Those who know and cultivate the Tulip cannot but regret
that it is so much lost sight of now, and therefore all the more
deserves a word of kindly remembrance and advocacy.

All interests and friendships spring up anew, as if in bloom, at
Christmastide ; and the Festive Number of the Journal will be a
gladsome opportunity for contributors to express a Christmas wel¬
come to a favourite flower, or one that, being for the present
popular, is expected to receive every possible attention and recog¬
nition. But outside the circle of specially attached admirers, the
Tulip, a peculiarly interesting and noble flower, blooming on the
frontier line of spring and summer, has fallen on neglectful days.

Its very name is chiefly associated now with those ready-made
abundant bulbs from Holland that come for one bright bloom of
conservatory life, or are employed in bedding as one of the changes
in colour work, until their petals fall and they suffer a sudden,
perhaps a rude, upheaval in favour of such plants as will next keep
up appearances. I cannot help thinking that no plant is truly
understood and cared for, that is only thought of and valued when
seen in bloom. The greater and the not least interesting parts of
its life and habits are never known to those who look at only
flowers. Hence, from the Auriculas to the Orchids, I have never
had a plant whose daily life I could not watch and tend. This is
but the common story of any florist with his favourites. They are
near and dear to him — flowers of the bosom and not of the button¬
hole ; and when the care they need is more than he can any longer
give he feels the time has come to part from them.

Foremost in the attractions of our florist Tulip I would place
that wondrous property in the physiology of the plant which has
no parallel in any other that I know, but which may be illustrated,
though the analogy is not perfect, from the insect world. Just as
a butterfly began life as a caterpillar with great expectations, so
the flower of the seedling Tulip is but as the “larva ’ (mask) of
what shall be its completed form. Beautifully marked as it even¬
tually becomes with some bright colour on its pure ground of
white or gold, it has at first, and perhaps for many after years,
flowered in a plain self-coloured form, in some shade light or dark,
brilliant or dull, of violet brown or red.

Tulips in this stage are technically known as “ breeders, ’ pro¬
bably because of the greater vigour and fecundity they possess at
this ' period of their life. When they pass through their great
chancre they are said to “ break ” or “ rectify.” With many a slip
between, of greater or less gravity, the breeder Tulip finally settles

560

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ December 28, 168 .

down in life in one of the two recognised and valued forms of
marking known as “ feathered ” and “ flamed.”

In the feathered flower the beautiful pencillings of colour are
confined to the petal edges, the ground colour of white or yellow
remaining spotlessly free.

The flamed flower possesses the same rich unbroken feathering,
but there is added, upward from the “ eye” of the flower and most
solid at the base, a strong and flashing colour which forms the
“ flame, ’ and with its sharp tongues leaps into the feathering.
When there are several rich tints of cognate colour in the beam
of the flame the effect is extremely rich. This brilliant combina¬
tion occurs in such finely flamed flowers as Willison’s Sir Joseph
Paxton, Hardy’s Talisman, Barlow’s surpassing break of Polyphe¬
mus, Hardy’s Ajax, Storer’s Orion and Dr. Hardy, Martin’s Annie
McGregor, Barlow’s Rose Celestial, and many others.

As well-marked instances of how greatly the fertility of the
breeder form may subside in a superlatively fine break, I may
mention a feathered strain of Hepworth’s Lady May, which Mr.
Barlow has had for twenty years, and of which he kindly gave me
the second, and, so far, the only other bulb. Still more remarkable
was our peerless Kate Connor, feathered, which we had between
us for more than twenty years, and, up to the time of her acci¬
dental death in 1870, with never an offset at all. Kate is unat¬
tractive in the breeder form, and there has never been another such
beauty in the family since. Nothing but the clumsy comparison
of a sealing-wax scarlet on a pure white ground can describe the
complexion of that feathered Kate.

Where the analogy of the Tulip to the caterpillar does not hold
good is that the flower in its transition has no state correspondent
with the pupa or chrysalis of the insect ; none intermediate between
its temporary and final form. If it but partially assume its matured
state, either by confused markings or by not throwing the “ mother
colour ’ off, it is but a “ bad break,” and would become the foundeu
of an undecided and worthless strain ; though all its offsets, not
born in the actual year of their parent’s fall, have their blood un¬
tainted of evil, and the one chance in their life still not marred.

The late Dr. Hardy of Warrington, to whom we owe so much
in the scientific literature of the Tulip, and also some grand varie¬
ties, used to say that when a seedling did not break in twenty years
he threw it away as “ too hard.” Some are certainly most obsti¬
nately “solid,” and one that my father raised in 1862 has only
broken for the first time in 1886 well flamed.

Again, the insect has a definite time for its changes, but the
Tulip none. An offset may “ break ” before its parent bulb, and
live to see its great-great-grandmother a “ breeder ” still. Every
break from the stock of any one breeder is a “ strain,” good or bad,
of that variety ; and every worthy break should in common fairness
be kept to the name of the flower of which it is a break. It
is a different thing from the “ sport ” in a Carnation, which is
always into another class, or in the Cfirysanthemum, where the
sport colour makes a different flower of it. Breeder Tulips are
judged and named when they first bloom as seedlings ; and it is
very wrong and confusing to give, unless in honest ignorance, a
new name to a fresh break of an old breeder From this cause a
novice might buy Charmer, Mrs. Lomax, Mabel, and Pretty Jane,
and find they were all but so many breaks of the same Rose breeder
— one of Martin’s. The term “rectified” more particularly applies
to the higher type of change — the “ feathered ” flower : higher
because gentler, fairer, purer, rarer, and only not in disparagement
of the perfectly “flamed” state, which is a greatly valued and
magnificent type.

There is no organic addition of new and more glorious parts in
the rectified Tulip as in the perfected butterfly. Sometimes a
flower looks of better shape in her rich court costume than in the
pinafore petals of her younger years, when the old plain morning
gown of the breeder petal vanishes entirely, and is replaced by that
ground colour which may happen to be that of the eye or base of
the flower, while the marking is something wonderfully new. When
a flower breaks into colours duller or otherwise weaker than that
of its breeder form it is said to “ break badly,” a different thing
from a “ bad break.” Some of the loveliest breeders do this, and
therefore every break from them is a misfortune.

Occasionally a seedling will appear rectified at its first bloom,
and so have never been seen in its breeder state. However, since it
will be from five to seven years old before it can flower at all, it
has had time to break during the long term of its bloomless child¬
hood.

If it be asked why we prophesy before we know, and affect to
tell this before ever seeing floral proof of it, I may explain that
the foliage of the rectified Tulip is distinguishable, being mottled
or streaked with lighter shades of green, while “ breeder grass ” is
invariably “ solid ” — that is, of one rich shade unmingled.

Vast interest attaches to breaking out the breeders, and every¬
one looks anxiously over the rising foliage for the streaky dawn of

hope no more deferred. But when they break, or how to break
them, no one knows or ever will know. It is all hidden in the
silent mystery of the flower’s nature. Many coaxings and many
hardships, many bribes and many tortures, have failed to elicit it.
Eccentric and dangerous experiments have been tried, with different
results and no revelations. Perhaps lowest in the scale of all
unnatural absurdities suggested or attempted, we may reckon such
atrocities as stitching an obstinate breeder with an embroidery of
coloured thread to match the new dress it is desired to put on I
or the idea (resplendent in its very enormity) of grafting the half
of a rectified bulb upon the half of its refractory breeder !

Naturally, if the bulbs are vitally bisected the result is a dead
failure — but, alas ! not necessarily a disproof. For if the rectified
half happens to have had the young shoot of bud and foliage left
in uninjured, (something like the advantage which the tail leg of
mutton may be held to have over the other leg), it may not perish.
The Tulip bulb will bear many things so long as the radical plate
and the leaf germ are not destroyed. Hence it is just possible that
at any time might some such vivisector confront us and say in
triumph, “ Look here ! See that grand break ? Know how I did
it ? No '? Well, you should do as I do — graft ’em.”

Nay. If there be a way at all it is probably one that is grateful
and not contrary to laws of health. Like as we all rejoice in change
of scene, with all its helpful differences from the worn familiar
round of life, so also the breeder Tulips seem to do. Change of
soil, and especially of locality, are oftentimes coincident with
changes in themselves, and we may account it due to the newness
of such surroundings, but we cannot know for certain.

This deeply interesting and unique property of the Tulip is
properly the most enjoyed by him who is the most entitled to the
reward, the raiser of seedlings. A perfect break from one already
known is much delight, but nothing compared to the double interest
of first blooming a seedling of high qualities, and then watching
the sunrise of expectation break into the perfect day of hopes
fulfilled, perhaps transcended. — -F. D. Horner, Burton- in- Lonsdale.

To be continued.)

OAK TREE DECORATIONS.

If any of your country readers would like to furnish themselves with
an appropriate and very pretty table decoration for May Day, let them
sally out at once to the nearest clump of well-grown Oak — the bigger
the better — and with walking-stick or umbrella-point let them turn over
the wet leaves lying in patches under the nsw barren branches.

That the leaves will be found in patches is dne to various causes, chief
amongst them being the unevenness of the ground, and in the larger and
deeper depressions the leaves will be lying in the thickest layers. Under
these and close to the ground will be found abundance of acorns, which,
thanks to constant moisture, have already started into growth. Let a
pocketful of these be collected, and care taken that they do not get dry.
Returning home, let your reader take three or four flower-pot pans, of
from 6 to 8 inches diameter, and well wet two or three handfuls of cocoa
fibre refuse. Placing a layer of this at the bottom of the pans, and
scattering over it a dozen pieces of charcoal about the size of small hazel
nuts, let him or her (as the case may be) lay the acorns upon it (on their
sides) at the distance of about 2 inches from centre to centre of each
acorn; then cover them with wet cocoa fibre to the depth of an inch.
When gently pressed down, another dozen or so of charcoal “ nuts ”
should be mixed with this covering.

The three or four pans thus filled should be placed in varying posi¬
tions so as to insure a succession of growth. One may be placed in an
intermediate or warm house, another in a cool greenhouse, a third in a
cold frame, and a fourth in a sunny window. If care be taken to keep
the fibre constantly moist (not flooded), sooner or later in the spring a
very beautiful little grove of young Oaks will make its appearance in
each pan. When these are from 4 to 6 inches high the pans, placed in
vases, bowls, or deep plates, will be the source of much pleasure and
admiration to all who see them.

Deep vases or bowls should be filled with moss or other soft material
to such a height as when the pans are put into them the rims of both
may be level, and if a little moss be placed over the two rims, and thinly
inserted over the surface of the pan between the little trees, the effect
will be much enhanced. These “groves” retain their freshness and
beauty for a long time if due attention be paid to keeping the pans moist
and the leaves clean. When they show signs of distress the “ treelets ”
should be removed from the pans and planted three together in
48-pots. These should be plunged in a shady spot, and if lifted in
the following spring and gently forced, will make charming decorations
for the drawing-room or entrance-hall. A single “ treelet” planted in a
thumb pot, and treated after the manner of the Chinese, will in two or
three seasons make a sturdy little tree only a few inches high, but “ the
very picture of his father.” — T. B. Wells.

CHEAP AND GOOD ICE HOUSES.

Calling at Rsngemore in September we were impressed with the
great improvements that had been carried out in the extension of the
pleasure grouads since our former visit ; with the fine crops of Muscat

December 28, 1888. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

561

Grapes ; excellent new bothies, and a splendid club and reading room
erected by Lord Burton for the residents on the estate. But something
plainer than all these arrested particular attention — namely, some simple
structures in which ice is kept all the year round. In compliance with
our request Mr. W. Bennett, the head gardener, has favoured us with the
annexed plans and specifications, which cannot fail to be of service to
those of our readers who desire to provide efficient ice stores at moderate
cost.

“[Some few yearsjago,” writes Mr. Bennett, “ the Duke of St. Albans,

e

Fig. 78.— Side elevation.

when visiting here, kindly invited me to pay a visit to Bestwood to see
His Grace’s gardener there, Mr. Edmonds, and a very pleasant and in¬
structive day I spent. Among other things taken a note of was a very
economical and, according to Mr. Edmonds’ report of it at the time, a
most satisfactory way of keeping ice, and such I have proved it. I under¬
stood Mr. Edmonds to say he had seen it at some other place. I now
enclose you a rough sketch, showing the smaller of the two houses we
have here. They are made close to the ice pond, so that the ice can be
broken and thrown directly in. This small house lasts all the summer
months, the larger being reserved for autumn use.

“ The sides are composed of 6 by lj-inch common white deal boards

Fig. 79. — Section through a, b.

nailed to railway sleepers bought from the railway. They are creosoted
and last well in the ground, in which they are placed 3 feet deep and
3 apart ; purlins are 7 inches by 3, deal; wallplates, 4 inches by 3 ; prin¬
cipal beams, of which there are four to tie the building together, 4 inches
by 4 ; jafters, 3 inches by 2, 14 inches apart.

“ The roof is thatch of a good thickness to keep the place cool. All
the space between the principal beams and the roof is left open, so the
air has a free passage right through. This, I think, is the secret of success.
If you consult section c, d (fig. 82), you will see the house represented

full of ice ; the bottom has a layer < f faggots for drainage, and a foot of
sawdust is put round the outsides of the building as the ice is put in.

The ice is broken up fine outside on a brick platform. The ice is com¬
pletely covered with the sawdust. I may add we have two large expen¬

sive structures of an egg-shape built in the ground ; these we never use
now. They used to take a week to fill ; with the same ice we can fill the
present ones in three days, besides saving horse hire.’’

[In filling the houses moveable boards are placed round at the distance
from the sides indicated in the section, and the space filled with sawdust ;
then as the ice rises to the level of the top of the boards these are simply
drawn upwards, 8o continuing till the work is completed.]

GARDENERS’ GAIT.

There is a circus in our neighbouring town which is constantly
producing fresh wonderful feats of men and animals to attract sightseers.
But I can produce as rare and interesting a sight for your readers, I
think, as any which are to be found there. What is it ? A gardener
who runs at his work ! Walk up 1 Front and reserved seats free to all
gardeners ! Runs, habitually runs, not because he is cold, not because
anyone is looking on, but simply from zeal. Such a nimble hearty run
to and from his work, and to fetch fresh tools, that it would puzzle many
to catch him.

I began to take an interest in, and to watch gardeners before I was
old enough to work myself, and now I can do hard work no longer, but I
never saw anything like it before.

A neighbouring farmer, who has had much experience in the employ¬
ment of labour in the colonies as well as in England, saw it unperceived,
and wondered much. “ I can’t undersland it,’’ he said ; “but,” with a
shake of the head, “ I don’t think it will last.” But it has lasted. Come
and see.

As a sickly child I was accustomed to sit on a handle of the wheel¬
barrow, and watch at his work the dear old man from whom I think I
got a great deal of my love of gardening. And when he said to his
subordinate, “ Jim, just pop and fetch a besom,” I used to look at Jim as
he “ popped,” and wonder how that little short word, so expressive
of alertness and energy, could be applied to the deliberate and shambling
gait of Jim, the under gardener.

And I can remember another good old gardener, a model of neatness
in his work, to whom I should be pleased to offer one of my most com¬
fortable reeerved seats — for he does not know to this day that I have seen
him come to a flower bed just before eight in the morning with a b irrowful
of tools, spread them all out for the master’s eye to see, just scratch the
ground, and then go home to breakfa>t. Capital hands, both of them ;
much better educated, much better gardeners, but, with intelligent super¬
vision, give me the running man. How can his assistant idle, when the
superior comes back to his work like a hunted deer, and takes his tools
and goes ahead, as if a flood was coming, and working for bare life? A
man like that may be ignorant, but he is so zealous that he must learn ;
he cannot help it. If he clearly understands what is to be done, it will be
done, if possible, without a thought of himself or his own dignity.

His employer was away from home ; the Strawberries had to be sold ;
he could not get his price at the shops, so he cried them in the streets, and
hawked them from door to door — and got it.

He has his faults, but, with supervision, the zeal covers them all.

Under gardeners, this is the spirit in which to get on. Go at your
work with zeal. Run at it. Go at your book work and your bodily

562

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

[ Decjmber 23, 18i6.

work with a run, with your heart in one and your back in the other, and
you will he mounting the long ladder every day. — W. R. Raillem.

EOSES OF THE YEAK.

As, to the politician there are always three courses open, so
the above heading may be considered to have a threefold inter¬
pretation, and to refer either to the new varieties sent out in
1886, to known varieties that have come prominently and to an
abnormal extent to the front throughout the season, or to in¬
dividual blooms whose extra-perfect development won them
especial distinction and caused the recollection of their sur¬
passing beauty to linger long after the impression made by the
great mass of other blooms exhibited has faded from the
memory ; and therefore perhaps it may be excusable to make one
heading cover a brief reference to the earliest display of the at¬
tractions of the little-known varieties, and to well known
varieties, latest display of especial attractiveness.

Referring to the novelties that have as yet been seen in flower
in anything like their true character in this country the name of
“ Her Majesty ” naturally occurs at once as the fit and proper
head of the list ; but “ Her Majesty,” mindful no doubt of a
royal decree that the Jubilee should not be celebrated until 1887,
steadily refused to appear in public during the past season, and
is waiting to dazzle us all with an appropriate burst of splendour
next July ; so that instead of Her Majesty being remembered
merely as the Rose of 1886, the year 1887 may rather be recalled
as the year of Her Majesty in the Rose as in the rest of the
world. Under these circumstances the nove’ty of the year will
probably be generally admitted to the white Tea-scented variety
sent from America under the name of The Bride, a Rose which
originated in the garden of Mr. J. May of Summit, New Jersey,
as a sport from Catherine Mermet. On first hearing of its
origin 1 was not much attracted by the glowing accounts of the
merits of this “ pale Saint ” Catherine, for these Rose sports are
generally inferior to their parent in some respect or other —
either the flowers lack form or substance, or the plant lacks
vigonr ; but the present instance seems to be an exception, for
the plant is quite as vigorous as its parent, is very floriferous,
producing large full flowers, only differing from the type in being
white with a faint suggestion of lemon at the base instead of
being pink. Everyone that has seen it speaks well of it, and one
grower lately told me that he had ordered 500 plants of it. Un¬
fortunately, a very poor bloom of it was exhibited at the National
Rose Society’s Show at South Kensington on the 6th J uly, which
may have given some people the notion that it was of no value ;
and this tendency to exhibit a flower before it is obtained any¬
thing like in character is much to be deprecated, as it only has the
effect of prejudicing people against what may be a valuable
acquisition. This remark applies equally to the blooms of the
H.P. Grand Mogul (Wm Paul & Son) exhibited at the same
time, and which scarcely served even to show the gorgeous colour
of this brilliant sport from A. K. Williams; and although when
shown in good condition later on it was deservedly awarded a
first class certificate by the Royal Horticultural Society, the bad
impression made upon those who only saw it at South Kensington
on the 6th July will probably remain.

Of coiarse the Hybrid Perpetuals cannot be seen in character
their first summer to anything like the same extent that it is pos¬
sible to see the Teas, but Clara Cochet (Lacharme) is at any rate
an immense grower, and I am told by one who has seen it in flower
that it carries enormous blooms, something in the direction of Her
Majesty as regards size and colour; and American Beauty (Ban¬
croft), another variety from the other side of the big pond, and
which for practical purposes may be c'assed as a Hybrid Per¬
petual, although c irrectly catalogued as a Hybrid Tea, flowered
well this autumn, and displayed several good qualities, as thus :
It is thoroughly autumnal, its flowers are large, well formed,
with fine deep petal ; it is amazingly fragrant, and its colour is
crimson red, which, if it can suppress the lilac tint that is un¬
fortunately present, and that disfigures all the other red Hybrid
Teas except Reine Marie Henriette, will complete a useful addi¬
tion. The Tea-scented Comtesse de Frigueuse (Guillot) has
deep petalled flowers of a beautiful clear yellow, and will probably
prove an acquisition in this attractive and much-wanted colour.
Of the French novelties of the previous season that have held
anything like a position during 1886, if we except the dark
Horace Vernet, like Dr. Dor, which was well shown at South
Kensington, there are only two— the gorgeous dark Hybrid Per-
etual Victor Hugo (Schwartz), which, if large enough, is the
est of its colour, and the very pretty and distinct Tea-scented
Souvenir de Gabrielle Drevet (Guillot).

Of established varieties that came well to the front during

the exhibition season were especially some of the newer Teas,
as Grace Darling, Hon. Edith Giffard, and Madame de Watte-
ville, the last being conspicuous at most of the shows ; Hybrid
Perpetuals that require much sunshine were also noticeable, as
Mons. Noman and Star of Waltham (frequently grand).
Rosieriste Jacobs, Marie Ridv, Prosper Langier, and Horace
Yernet were all often and abnormally fine ; while, from southern
gardens in particular, some of the light coloured varieties, such
as Lady Mary Fitzwilliam, Violette Bouyer, and Duchesse de
Vallombrosa were seen in great perfection. But among Rose
growers all over the country the year 1886 will probably be re¬
membered as a Reynolds Hole year. From maidens in Essex and
Wilts, from cutbacks in Lancashire and Berkshire, from all sorts
of plants in all kinds of places, came and kept coming grand
blooms of this delightful though not always obtainable variety.
In the list of Roses most extensively shown at South Kensington
this year, Reynolds Hole came thirty-third, its average position
for a period of eight years being only sixtieth, and I should think
it certainly was generally exhibited fully twice as much as usual.
There is no doubt that Reynolds Hole is like the little girl with
a curl in the middle of her forehead — “ When it is good, it is-
very very good.” Probably at its best, the finest dark Rose ; but-
it is not every year that it is seen at show after show and in box
after box in the grand condition maintained during the season
of 1886.

When it comes to notable individual blooms, it appears that
Souvenir d’Elise a'one was selected as the best Tea in the show
about as many times as all other varieties put together ; at any
rate, five b ooms of it were thus honoured to one of Anna
Ollivier, one of Innocente Pirola, one of Souvenir d’un Ami,
and two of Marecbal Niel. It is true that these two Marechal
Niels managed to get three medals between them, for one of them,
having been cut on Monday evening, was decorated at Moreton-
in-Marsh on the Tuesday, travelled back to Berkshire on Tuesday
night, thence to Birmingham on Wednesday night, to receive
there a second similar distinction on Thursday morning.

Among the Hybrid Perpetuals it is not much wonder to find1
A. K. Williams easily at the head of the poll; and though I do
not recall a single instance of Marie Baumann being selected
in 1886 as the best bloom in the show, such sterling variet'es as
Horace Vernet, Charles Lefebvre, Ulrich Brunner, and Lady
Mary Fitzwilliam were well represented. The two surprises of
the season were probably the selected blooms at South Kensington
an 1 Reigate, where Mr. Benjamin Cant’s Boieldieuand Mr. T. B.
Haywood’s Ville de Lyon respectively were honoured. Mr. Cant’s
marvellously developed bloom was not so perfect in form or
colour as some blooms of the variety seen in 1884, but though
slightly faulty in outline and pale in colour, the immense size and
depth of the bloom more than justified the selection. With Mr.
Haywood's Ville de Lyon the most hypercritical cou’d hardly
find fault, and it lives in my memory as the bloom of 1886 — a
veritable giant among its fellows.

It is a pity that neither variety is by any means everybody’s
Rose, for Ville de Lyon is absolutely useless except as a maiden,
and Boieldieu requires a baking seas >n to develope its immense
fulness, such as that which fittingly brought it to the front in
1886 as a Rose of the year.— T. W. Giedlestone.

ORCHIDS.

CATASETUM BUNGEROTHI.

Quite a sensation was caused at Mr. Stevens’ sale rooms, King
S reet, Covent Garden, last Thursday, when the Compagnie Continental©
d’H rticulture of Ghent sent three plants of a new Catasetum of a very
remarkable character. This species, which is a recent introduction from
South America, was figured a short time since in the “ Lindenia ” under
the name of Catasetum Bungerothi, but the attractions of the largest speci¬
men sold much exceeded those of the plant there depicted. Catasetums
are generally regarded as curiosities, and although at one time several were
cultivated they are now seldom seen except in the largest collections or
those noted for their botanical interest. Some idea, therefore, of the
horticultural value of C. Bungerothi can be formed when it is stated that
after a spirited competition the plant in flower was sold for 50 guineas,
and the two smaller ones for 32 and 20 guineas each, these probably being
the highest prices that any Catasetums have ever realised.

At the same time as the Belgian plant was sold a specimen was
flowering in the admirable collection of Orchids at S’udley House, Gold-
hawk Road, Hammersmith, the residence of F. G. Tautz, Esq. This
appears 1 1 be the first that has flowered in England, and from it the
illustration (fig. 83) has been prepired, necessarily somewhat reduced,
but showing the outline of a flower the fall size at the upper portion of
the engraving. The Studley House collection is r ch in valuable Orchids,
which are well grown by Mr. Cowley, but owing to the pressure of
matter this week fuller reference to them must be deferred to another
iscue, confining the prerent notes to a brief description of the new
Catasetum, based on the two specimens mentioned.

December 28, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

563

The plant has stout, conical, or spindle-shaped pseudo-bulbs, 6 to 9
inches high, and 2£ inches in diameter at the thickest part, the leaves

pindtd. The petals are 2 in it es long and 1£ in diameter, broadly ovate
in form, the sepals being slightly narrower, the dorsal one pait'y hidden

Fig. 83. — Oatasetum Bungebothi.

being broad and somewhat like a Phaius. From the base of the pseudo¬
bulbs rises a stout raceme of six or seven flowers, much resembling
individually at the first glance a magnified Angrtecum eburneum. The
flowers are of a bold distinct appearance and wax-like structure, greenish
white when first opening, but becoming nearly pure white when fully ex-

y the nearly vertical petals, and the two lower sepals depressed towards
le labellum. The latter organ gives much character to the flower, being
eart-shaped, 3£ inches in diameter, and 2£ from the base of the column
> the tip, with a yellow depression in the centre leading to a short spur,
he column is stout, white, and wax-like, furnished with the two peculiar

561

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ December 23, 1886.

cirrhi or “ feelers ” at the sides, which in some Catasetums appear to
have a epec:al office in assisting the discharge of the pollinia, but whether
in this case they have a similar effect has not been tested. In all points
the plant may be regarded as a fine addition to the list of remarkable culti¬
vated Orchids. The flowers are durable, those on the Ghent specimen
having been open twelve days when shown. The plant is also apparently
easily grown and free-flowering, and it may be expected to find a place in
many collections.

Catasetums have been regarded as somewhat uncertain plants ever
since their strange dimorphic or trimorphic characters were demonstrated.
It will be remembered that Lindley formed the genera Myanthus and
Monachanthus on what appeared to be reliable characters, but a plant was
subsequently found bearing flowers of both these genera and of Catasetum
as well. This led to the abolition of Myanthus and Monachanthus as
genera, both being sunk in Catasetum. The same peculiar phenomenon
of heteromorphism may be observed in species of Cycnoehes and Renan-
thera. All the Catasetums are interesting structurally, but C. Bungerothi
is far the best we have yet seen from a cultivator’s point of view.

It may be added that Mr. Tautz grows his plant in a basket suspended
in a stove with Pnaltenopsis and similar heat-loving Orchids.

HABENARIA MILITARIS.

Amongst many beautiful Orchids at the sale previously mentioned a
plant in flower of Habenaria militaris was shown, a brightly coloured and
distinct terrestrial species. The lip is long, flattened, and four-lohed,
something like the Calant.hes, and of a bright rosy scarlet tint, rather
suggestive of Impatiens Sultani, but with more of a scarlet hue. The
sepals and petals are greenish and inconspicuous, the lip being furnished
with a curved spur 1$ inch long. The flowers are borne in a close
terminal raceme, the leaves being green tessellated with white or a lighter
shade of green. This Orchid could, no doubt, be grown in a cool house,
with somewhat similar treatment to that accorded Disi grandifl ora, and
if it could be induced to thrive and flower freely the colour would render
it a welcome addition to such houses.

ODONTOGLOSSUM ALEXANDRAS STEYENSI.

In 1881 an excellent coloured plate of this beautiful Odontoglossum
was published in Williams’ Orchid Album (plate 127), which was prepared
from a plant flowering in the Duke of Sutherland’s collection at Trentham,
then under the charge of the late Mr. Z. Stevens. When this specimen
was offered for sale last week it caused some little excitement amongst
the leading orchidists who assembled in goodly numbers to bid for the
prize, and after considerable competition it was sold for eighty guineas.
The plant is a very healthy one, and had a panicle of thirty seven fine
flowers, white heavily spotted with cinnamon hrown exactly like the
Orchid Album plate, the petals broad, and the whole appearance very
striking. It afforded a good example of the substantial prices the best
varieties of Orchids invariably command. — L. Castle,

HOLLIES.

Foe the past fourteen years I have taken a special interest in the
Holly, believing it is worthy of more attention than it generally receives,
with the result that at the present time we have fully 100 fine snec;men
trees, pyramidal in form, varying in height from 10 to 22 feet, and from
6 to 10 feet in diameter at the base. The plants of Silver Queen and
Hodginsi Hollies are especially fine. The attention I give them is as
follows : — I annually prune the strongest shoots of the previous year’s
growth except the leader, with the result the trees are better able to
withstand strong winds and heavy falls of snow. I find April the best
month for pruning, as the young growth immediately following soon
hides any appearances of pruning. Attention to moving them where re¬
quired is of great importance, as overcrowding soon spoils them.

The following is our simple mode of procedure : — First, we dig a hole
to work in at a safe distance from the centre to avoid injuring the roots
and at opposite sides of the tree, then tunnel under the tree sufficiently
to allow a board to be passed through. The board used is 2 feet 6 inches
in length by 10 inches in width, with iron frame, which forms at the end
two strong horizontal handles, through which four strong cords are
passed for lifting purposes. Having carefully worked round the tree
until it rests on the board we can then remove it to the position required.
After transplanting during dry weather the tree is watered, and a mulch¬
ing of short grass is beneficial in preventing a too rapid evaporation. —
William Kipps, Walton Lea Gardens, Warrington.

MUSCAT GRAPES SHRIVELLING.

I, like various other correspondents, have been troubled with Muscats
shrivelling f or the first time this season. The vinery is a lean-to and is
lull south, the border is inside at present. The Vines have been planted
two years. Muscat of Alexandria and Gros Maroe alternately, the latter
variety being planted with the i lea of using the pollen for setting the
Muscats. The canes were started in February, they broke very strongly,
and each Vine was allowed to carry from two to four bunches. Both
varieties came in bloom at the same time, and they both set well. They
appeared to do very well till they were ripening, about the first week in
September, when the Muscats showed signs of shrivelling. The border
was examined and found to be rather dry. A good watering was given at
once in the expectat on of the evil ceasing ; but it made no difference,
the berries still continue 1 to shrink steadily. I am thus led to believe it

was caused by atmospheric conditions, as we were keeping’ up a pretty
good fire heat, with plenty of air on favourable occasions, to assist the
ripening of the wood, which was rather unripe, and I think the fire heat
dried up the necessary amount of moisture for the sustenance of the fruit.
This experience g >e3 to disprove the statement of Mr. R. Kirby, page 527,
regarding old Vines, for these are cropped for the first time, and still they
have shrivelled.— James B. Riding, Poles, Ware, Herts.

POPULAR APPLE?.

All interested in Apple culture know that there are numbers of
varieties, good, bad, and indifferent, to select from, but I doubt if many
readers are aware that there are 720 sorts recognised as being distinct,
and another 430 synonymous, to further confuse the inexperienced. It is
an impossibility for any private grower to give all thete, or even a tithe
of them, a fair trial, and those who venture to offer selections must, to a
great extent, rely upon personal observation and information gleaned else¬
where than in his own immediate vicinity. I attach more importance to
the educational value of fruit shows, or fruit classes in connection with
horticultural exhibitions, than gome are disposed to do. It is there that
the finer sorts are to be seen at their be^t, and the exhibitors are always
ready to impart any information concerning them. It may be urged that
only the most showy varieties are exhibited, and, to a certain extent, this
may be true; but if Apples both showy and fairly good in quality can
be found, these are the sorts to cultivate, especially if known to be
prolific. Dessert fruit cannot well be too attractive, “appearance being
everything” in the case of fruit to be sold, while even in the case of
kitchen Apples their value for marketing purposes is considerably
enhanced when they are highly coloured. The most valuable varieties
are those that are available for either dessert or culinary purposes, and
those especially who propose to regraft a number of old trees, or to plant
a new orchard, should bear this fact in mini. This season I have had
goodopportunities of closely examining a great number of Apples, both
on the trees and the dishes at exhibitions, in the counties of Wilts,
Somerset, Gloucester, Djrset, and Devonshire, and what is found to be
profitable and good in these districts may also be recommended for other,
less favoured it may be, localities.

Dessert Apples. — What I believe to he the best, given somewhat in their
order of ripening, are as follows : — Joanettng, very early and fairly prolific,
but must be eaten at once. Irish Peach, the best early, handsome and
good in quality, succeeds either as a bush or a standard tree, and rarely
fails to bear well. Devonshire Quarrenden, a vigorous and prolific
variety, the fruit are crisp and good, and keep well. Benoni, little
known, but deserves to be more generally cultivated, no variety surpass¬
ing it either in appearance or quality during the latter part of August
and September. At Sherborne Castle it eucceeds admirably cordon-
trained, and Mr. Pragnell has formed a high op nion of its merits. Red
Astrachan, one of the showiest early varieties, of go d habit, very prolific,
and of fairly good quality if gathere i and eaten at on '.e. Beauty of
Bath ripens in August, of good habit either as a dwarf or standard,
bears abundantly, and the fruit are very handsome and of fairly good
quality. Summer Golden Pippin, suitable for dwarf trees, bears well,
fruit small, attractive, and very good in quality. Kerry Pippin, another
small-fruited sort of dwaif habit ; a great bearer, of excellent quality,
and available during September and October, one of the best. Wormsley
Pippin, dessert and culinary, good for orchards, a good bearer, and fit for
use during September and October. American Mother, a showy October
variety, and a favourite with mist growers that have it true. Graven-
stein, a capital variety, and should be in every collection. Have seen it
good cordon, bush, and standard trained, It rarely fails to bear well, is
of “ takiug ” appearance, of excellent quality, and available during
October and November. King of Pippins is very welt known, and this
excellent variety is particularly good this season. Scarlet Pearmain,
good variety for small gardens, and with us rarely fails to bear well. It
is handsome, good in quality, and in season f om October to January.
Cox’s Orange Pippin is one of the most popular sorts in cultivation ; it
is very suitable for bush or pyramidal training, a sure bearer, and with
us is at its best from October to January. Court of Wick, small fruited,
moderately strong grower, bears well, and is good from October to the
end of February ; a thoroughly good variety. Mannington’s P. armain :
Have seen this doing welt both bush and cordon traiaed, and is a favourite
with all who have it, a sure bearer, fruit small and pretty, is good during
November, and keeps till March.

Ribston Pippin, an old favourite, unfortunately much liable to canker,
to be seen at its best at all West of England autumn shows, notably
Exeter, Bath, and Bristol. In this neighbourhood they have a spurious
form of it, this being a better grower, but inferior in both appearance and
quality. With us it is at its best during November and December.
Margil much resembles the Ribston Pippin, and hereabouts is quite as
much affected by canker, but does b, tter on lighter soils. It forms a
good bush or small standard where sheltered, is a sure cropper, and keeps
rather better than the Ribston . Ross Nonpareil is a favourite of mine,
and I should like to see it more generally grown. It is a fairly strong
grower, is suitable for either orchard or garden culture, and the fruit are
very pretty and good during November, December, and January. Keddle-
stone Pippin is not often met with, but in one or two instances it is
highly spoken of. It is a moderately strong grower, bears freely, and is
good during November and till March. Braddick’s Nonpareil is very
popular in the neighbourhood of Exeter, and our trees rarely fail to pro¬
duce fairly good crops. It is only fit for gardeu culture, and is available
during December and to the end of March. Golden Pippin may be cor-

December 23, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

565

rectly termed a golden gem. Good for small garden or bush trees, invari¬
ably bears well, and though small is much liked by connoisseurs. It is
fit to eat in November, and with good management keeps good till May,
in which month I received a small quantity this year. Adams’ Pearmain
ought to be in every collection. It is one of the best bearers we have,
and does well either bush or cordon trained. The fruit are apt to grow
rather large but well coloured, very handsome and distinct in appearance,
and available during November and till February. Wyken Pippin, a
rather small sort, but which has several good qualities. It grows strongly,
is a good bearer, and the fruit are good in quality during January and till
April.

Cornish Gilliflower appears to be most at home in the western
counties, and is a very distinct variety of superior quality, available late
in November, and keeps good sometimes till May. It is not an easily
grown or profitable sort, and requires special treatment in the way of
pruning, the fruit being borne on the extremities of the young well
ripened shoots. It is most weighty as an exhibition variety. Court
Pendft Plat, or the Wise Apple, so termed on account of its peculiar late
flowering habit, is very distinct in appearance, and altogether a most
desirable sort. It is a sturdy grower either as a cordon or bush-trained,
and usually bears well. Very handsome in appearance, though not of
extra good quality, and is available during December and till late in
April, Northern Spy, a good variety for orchards and the markets, and
does well bu9h-trained. Have seen it cropping heavily this season, and
the fruit are in season during January till May. According to Dr. Hogg
it is an American variety and considered one of the best. Golden
Reinette is particularly good on orchard trees this season, and usually
bears well under any system of training. It also looks well on the exhi¬
bition tables as well as shop windows. It is good in November and keeps
till late in March. Scarlet Nonpareil does well as a bush tree ; a
moderately heavy cropper and is good late in December and to March.
Sturmer Pippin being a very good keeper ought to be generally grown.
It does well either standard or bush trained, is a good cropper, ripens
during February and frequently keeps good to June.

A limited selection from the foregoing may well consist of Irish Peach,
Kerry Pippin, Gravenstein, King of the Pippins, Cox’s Orange Pippin,
Margil, Ross Nonpareil, Adam’s Pearmain, Wyken Pippen, Court Pendu
Plat, Northern Spy, Scarlet Nonpareil, Golden Reinette, and Sturmer
Pippin.— W. IGGULDEN.

(To be continued.)

CHRISTMAS FLOWERS.

Without referring specially to the Chrysanthemum, of which
plenty of blooms can readily be had at this season if late
varieties be grown, there are abundant other flowers that prove
most welcome now. Tea Roses may be named as general
favourites, Safrano, Niphetos, and Isabella Sprunt being
amongst the best for unfolding their delicate sweet buds during
this dull period of the year. Then comes the Eucharis, so much
in demand, with its pearly whiteness and rich delicate fragrance,
strikingly beautiful in any association of flowers however chaste
and choice they may be, or for whatever purpose they may be
required. The highly prized and ever welcome Lily of the Yalley
seems particularly appropriate at this season. The sweet-scented
Mignonette, which is always a favourite, even when it grows
like a weed in summer, but amongst choice flowers is indispensable
during the closing days of the year.

The Poinsettia with its brilliant crimson bracts is strikingly
effective, either for massing with other flowering plants or for
use in a cut state in any floral decorations. The natural flowering
time is a little earlier than this, but if rooted the first week in
June and slightly retarded in autumn, the plauts can be had in
full beauty at Christmas, when they are most useful. Euphorbia
jacquiniseflora, with its wreaths of small scarlet flowers can also
be had in bloom, but this requires to be forced slightly after
the flower buds once show signs of forming. These and all
similar plants last longer if they can be gradually hardened to
cooler treatment in the growing house before they are finally
used for decoration. Justicia flavicoma, with its feathery hair¬
like yellow plumes over the darkest of green foliage, outrivals
the Celosia, although useful and telling for beauty ; at this period
for cutting, room, or church decoration it is equally well adapted.
Linum trigynum, Plumbago ro=ea, and Centropogon Lucianus
brighten the stove and intermediate structures, if they are useless
for cutting.

Bulbs in quantity can be had, and the early white Roman
Hyacinth certainly stands in the foremost rank, for its rich
fragrance, favourite colour, and lasting properties commend it to
all. Its easy culture renders it useful for amateurs or all who
have a small greenhouse. The bulbs have been much cheaper of
late years, and we do not doubt that they will be cheaper still in
the future, so that they can be had in quantity during the season
we are treating the same as is the case in spring when they are
imported in small bunches. Two Dutch Hyacinths may be had
in bloom — namely, Homerus single red. and double white La

Tour d’ Auvergne. Tulips can also be had, such as the early
scarlet Due Yan Thol and White Pottebakker. The flowers of
the latter before they are fully expanded are nearly as effective
for bouquets, wreaths, crosses, and other floral ornaments as are
the buds of Niphetos Rose, which they very much resemble.
What of Orchids ? Why, they are amongst the best of Christmas
flowers, and Calanthe Veitchi, C. vestita rubra and its varieties
are indispensable. The same may be said of Odontoglossum
Alexandras, O Rossi majus, and Masdevallia tovarense. Many
of these naturally flower at this season, and effective for any
form of decoration or for the embellishment of the con¬
servatory.

Camellias and Azaleas are very serviceable, but to have them
in quantity at Christmas they must be trained early in the year
to make their growth, and then they will unfold them without
undue forcing at this season. The two best Azaleas for this
purpose are Deutsche Perle and Narcissi flora. The first is a beauty
and naturally flowers early. The buds when expanding are very
similar to the buds of a Niphetos Rose. All who have a house
where a temperature of 50° or 55° can be maintained may have
Zonal Pelargoniums in great variety, both single and double,
and what can be more useful for a variety of purposes ? Begonias
will do well in the same temperature and yield quantities of
flowers. Amongst the best are B. Ingrami, B. Knowsleyana,
B. semperfiorens, and B. s. carminea, B. s rosea, and B. Carrieri.
Callas are particularly useful and are as easily grown as Celery
during summer, and only require gentle warmth in autumn to
produce their beautiful spathes by Christmas. Any house where
a temperature of 40° to 45° is maintained will yield in quantity
the flowers of Abutilons, Habrothamnus elegans, Carnations,
Ericas, Lapageria alba, L. rosea and Cyclamens.

Primulas are always acceptable, both the single and double
forms. The single are not generally used for cutting, because
they drop and scarcely bear moving, but if a small pin is placed
through the calyx and the tube of the flowers they are amongst
the most serviceable flowers that can be had for various decora¬
tions at Christmas.

These are but a few of many plants that can be had in beauty
at this season of the year — for instance Primula Hirbinger,
Bouvardias in variety, several other Orchids, Epiphyllums, Helio¬
tropes, and others, if only the convenience exists for their pro¬
duction, and they are prepared and trained by judicious treatment
to flower at this period of the year. — Wm. Bardney.

EVERGREENS.

Evergreens play an important part in the Christmas decoration of
our houses, churches, and places of amusement, and in this guise they
have long been regarded as inseparable from this universal festival of the
Christian world. But it is rather to evergreens in the attractive form of
Conifers, as they present themselves to us in our gardens at Christmas,
that I desire to call attention now. Living, as I now do in a veritable
paradise of Conifer®, I am frequently impressed by striking features of
various specimens, to which I would gladly call attention in the pages
of the Journal if only time could be spared for such a labour of love,
but the demands made upon my time are so incessant that my remarks
must be brief. Conifers revel in a deep fertile loam with a free natural
drainage, and develope such robust vigour as is never seen when they are
planted in less suitable soil. Pinus cembra, that is invariably so un¬
sightly in a poor thin soil, no matter how carefully stations may be
prepared for it, is one of our most striking and ornamental specimens in
the loam. Libocedrus decurrens forms lofty columns of a lively green
hue that are wonderfully effective, and which bid fair to outgrow even
the Wellingtonia, Thuia gigantea is no mean rival of the Libocedrus,
surpassing it in bulk of stem, and, I think, in rapidity of growth.
Specimens of it 50 or 60 feet in height, feathered with foliage to the
ground, form striking features in a shrubbery or park, having a singularly
light and elegant appearance when seea from a distance, but closer in¬
spection shows that they lack the refinement of Thuia Lobbi, which is
also of a richer Bhade of green and more dense habit of growth. Thuia
Lobbi, I may mention, does answer well in a poor thin soil. I put this to
the proof long ago upon the Hastings sand formation in Sussex, where it
grew with remarkable vigour. So, too, did Pinus insignis, but Pinus
cembra was so stunted in growth and sickly in hue as to be positively
unsightly. Pinus insignis is, I think, more affected by climate than soil.
Planted on the upper slopes of a valley in any of the southern counties it
has no rival among Conifers. Its free robust growth and bright green
foliage soon render it a conspicuous and very ornamental object.

Queen of all Conifers is the silvery form of Cedrus atlantica. Devoid
of all formality, its appearance, when it attains the height of 40 or 50 feet,
is elegant and effective, especially when planted near green-leaved Conifers.
A fine specimen of it near my garden is perhaps the most important
feature of a group containing equally fine examples of Abies Morinda,
Cedrus Libani, Taxodium sempervirens, and Abies Douglasi. The Red
Bark (Taxodium sempervirens), grows both in height and bulk of stem
with greater rapidity than the Wellingtonia. A little grove of this curious
Conifer in my shrubbery has a special attraction for me. The bark kept

56G

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ December S3, 1386.

in perpetual shade by the dense beads of foliage is so highly coloured as
to afford a striking contrast to the green foliage, and the effect of the red
stems is singularly picturesque. We have Cedars of Lebanon in con¬
siderable numbers, amounting to several hundreds, growing in the deep
loam with such freedom that they have an imposing effect in the course
of a few years. What a noble tree it is ! so massive, so stately, so refined.
What depth of shade is there among its flat spreading branches ; and yet
how bright is the effect of their sun-lit edges ! One admires a noble
specimen whose spreading branches sweep the turf, but one revels in a
grove of them with clear stems like so many massive columns with wide
spreading branches high overhead.— Edward Luckhurst.

In connection with the recent investment of the Prince of
Wales with the Japanese Order of the Chrysanthemum, his Royal
Highness has been pleased to accept a copy of Mr. Molyneux’s popular
work, “ Chrysanthemums and their Culture,” the second edition of which
is now in the press.

- The Frost in the early part of the present week was very

severe, varying in the neighbourhood < f London from 12° to 21° on Mon¬
day. Low temperatures are also recorded from the north, 24° of frost
haviDg been registered in South Perthshire on the 21st and 22nd inst-
Near the metropolis the temperature became somewhat higher on Tuesday
a dense fog prevailing, and on Wednesday there was a partial thaw.

- Gardening Appointment.— Mr. W. Brittain, late of the Royal

Horticultural Society’s Gardens, South Kensington, has been appointed
head gardener to Lady Pollock, Hatton Park, Feltham, Middlesex.

- We are desired to state that the Chiswick Horticultural

Society’s summer show will be held on July 14th, and the autumn show
on November 17th, 1887.

- Messrs, J. Weeks & Co. have sent us a copy of their “ Horti¬
cultural Pocket-Book and Diary for 1887.” It is a neat, substantial, and
useful article that will meet with ready acceptance by gardeners to whom
it is presented.

- A limited liability company has been formed to purchase the

Business of Messrs. Hooper & Co. tf Covent Garden and Twickenham,
and it is stated that negotiations are proceeding with the object of
effecting an amalgamation with Messrs. E. G. Henderson & Son, Pine,
Apple Nursery, Maida Yale.

- Mr. Benjamin Field, Swan Place, Old Kent Road, London

8.E., sends us samples of the Jubilee Flower Cups f r setting up cut
blcoms for competition, but especially adapted for Chrysanthemums.
The cup to held the bloom is made to fit the water tube in a telescopic
manner, no springs being employed, and the cup fits so closely that it can
be readily raised to any required height, and yet is firm enough to a oid
all danger of slipping. These tubes rank among the best we have seen.

- Seed Catalogues.— Before the year closes the catalogues of

all the principal seedsmen are widely distributed. Most of them are
tasteful productions containing much useful matter, in addition to the
numerous illustrations and coloured plates which are now appaiently con¬
sidered indispensable in publications of this kind. As examples of the
catalogue literature we may mention those just to hand from Messrs. J.
Veitch & Sons, Chtlsea ; Sutton & Sons, Reading ; and Webb & S ns,
Stourbridge, and that from Messrs. J. Carter & Co., High Hollorn, noted
last week.

- Christmas Flowers. — Flowers of many kinds have been very

abundant in Covent Garden Market this week, especially the Paper
White Narcissus, Violets, and Roses. Of the last named large quantities
have been imported from the Continent and sold by auction at exce-
sively low prices, boxes of four dozen buds of Safrano and other
varieties having been sold at Is. 5d., or 4£d. per dozen, an extraordinary
price for Roses at Christmas. The other flowers brought proportionately
low prices, leaving little chance for the home growers to obta'n a profit¬
able sale. Some hundreds of crates of Mistletoe have been sold in a

similar way, the lowest price per crate being about 6s., not one-fourth of
what was paid a few years ago for a similar quantity. The supply is
chiefly derived from Normandy and other parts of the Continent, while a
considerable number of crates, both from there and from this country;
have been shipped to the United States of America.

- Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading, have ju9t issued their

Pocket Garden Calendar for 1887, which, in addition to information
usually found in almanacks, contains concise directions for garden
operations in every month of the year. It is neatly printed, and is
bound in tasteful covers.

- Winter Chrysanthemum Show. — We may remind our

readers that there is yet another Chrysanthemum Show to be held this
season — namely, the National Society’s Exhibition at the Westminster
Aquarium, January 12th and 13tb, 1887. Prizes ranging from £3 to 5s.
are offered in seven classes for collections of cut blooms and bouquets of
Chrysanthemums. In addition to these, prizes are contributed by the Royal
Aquarium Company in nine classes, for Cyclamens, Primulas, Solanums
Hollies, and Conifers in pots. It is hoped that a good exhibition will be
obtained, as the chief object is to encourage the culture of late
Chrysanthemums.

- Mr. E. Molyneux writes : — “ Mr. Orchard’s description cf

Chrysanthemum White Ceres, both in form and manner of growth,
is exactly in accordance with my own ideas of if. I think highly of it,
more particularly as it comes in just at a time when the general varieties
are fading, and being pure white it is of the utmost value for decorative
purposes ; and I should strongly advise those who have not grown this
variety to procure it at once, grow it well, aDd gratification is sure to
follow.”

- Mr. S. Castle has sent us samples of the leaves of Gros

Colman Vine grown at the West Lynn Vineyard. They are very fine
indeed, the largest, from a Vine grafted on the Black Hamburgh, measuring
15 inches across, the other from a Vine on its own roots being 12 inches in
diameter ; this leaf is still quite fresh and green, while the other is
brightened with autumnal tints. The leaves are remarkable for their great
substance, being in this respect “like leather.” Such Vines, not too
heavily cropped, ought to produce first-class fruit.

- Messrs. J. Laing & Co., Forest Hill, are sending out a coloured

plate of their Jubilee Begonias, representing a dozen double varieties
selected from their numerous beautiful seedlings. They range in hue
from pure white, yellow, and pale rose through darker and richer shades
to the most intense crimson. The flowers are beautiful, in some cases
almost as symmetrical as Camellias. Double Begonias are becoming
great favourites with many, as the flowers are very lasting.

- “ A Northern Amateur ” observes : — “ It seems that some

southern growers have a variety styled Auricula Campbell’S Green
Edge. Assuming this to be Mr. Campbell of Falkirk, the raiser of so
many well-known sorts, those who have a variety under that name may
accept a correction based on the bast authority. No such plant ever left
his hands. It is in all likelihood Cunningham’s unnamed flower.”

- The same correspondent, referring to the proposed Auricula

Show for Scotland, remarks : — “ I was glad to see the communication
of Mr. Straton on this subject in la9t week’s Journal. The suggestion
could not come from a better quarter, whether we regard the man or the
district. While a few veterans have been taken away of late years the
ranks of Auricula-growers north of the Tweed have been far more than
recruited ; and, as a florist of note wrote me this spring, it is a reproach
that Scotland shouli have no exhibition of a flower for which she has
done so much. What must be first sought, I should fancy, is an ap¬
proximation at least to the number of those likely to forward plants, and
Mr. Straton may pardon the suggi stion that he hold a muster-roll of volun¬
teers who send to him with their own names such others as they may be
authorised to transmit. One coull thus canvass a district, and a suffi¬
ciently reliable estimate be secured. For tuch an object the movement
must be a national one ; local attempts have dwindled and died. I have
little doubt that with the heavy gun9 of the Tayside contingent, the Fife
horse, and the Border rifles, supported by the minor crops of the centre
and west, such a review could be obtained in the jubilee year as would
insure a permanent institution. 1 ask, What is the strength of the army ?
How is it to be ascertained ?”

5

December 25, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE OARDEHER.

- We have received an advance copy of that marvellous produc¬
tion, “ Whittaker’s Almanac for 1887.” It contains 632 pages of
information on every subject imaginable. When we state that it contains
160 pages more than ordinary some opinion may be formed of the mass
of matter which has been added to this issue.

- We have also received one or two of “ Letts’ Diaries,” which

are now published by Messrs. Cassell Sc Co.

- “ A. B.” considers the idea broached by “ Thinker ” as to

Chrysanthemum Challenge Trophies a capital one. “ An enor¬
mous amount of interest would be centred in the contest for such a
trophy. I believe that any Society who had the courage to take the
matter in hand would find the outlay well repay them, as such a prize
would certainly draw the public. For such a handsome prize all sections
of varieties should be represented. I would suggost that something like
the following should be stipulated for : — Twenty-four varieties of incurved
single blooms, the same number of Japanese, twelve blooms of reflexed
■distinct, twelve show Anemones, twelve Anemone Japanese in six varie¬
ties, Pompons in twelve varieties, three flowers of each, and twelve
hunches of Anemone Pompons, three flowers of each in eight varieties.
Single varieties should be staged in the same way. The whole would
form a grand collection, and I am Bure would bring the best growers
together, which could not fail to make a most interesting exhibition.”

- The monthly meeting of the Belgian Horticulturists was

held in Ghent on the 15th inst., when the following were present : —
MM. J. Closon, Jules Hye, V. Cuvelier, Ph. Blancquaert, B. Spae, A. Ros-
seel, Desmet-Duvivier, and E. De Cock ; M. Moens presiding, and Mr.
A. De Smet acted as Secretaiy. Certificates were awarded to M. A.
D’Haene for Calanthe Yeitchi rosea alba ; to M. Louis Yan Houtte for
Cypripedium Leeanum, and the variety superbum ; to M. Jules Hye for
Cypripedium caudatum roseum splendens, C. politum, and C. Lawrenci-
anum, fine variety ; to MM. Boelens fibres for Odontoglossum Alexandra
album, and Dracaena fragrans aurea lineata from M. Louis Desmet-
Duvivier. Cultural certificates were awarded for Tillandsia tessellata
from Madame Ve. Van Acker-Maenhout, Cycas circinalis from M. B.
Spae, and Kestrepia antennifera from M. Jules Hye. Honourable men¬
tion was accorded to M. Jules Hye for Cypripedium tonsum, and C.
sylhetense from M. Jules Hye, and Cycas sinensis from M. Spae-Vander
Meulen.

- At the ordinary meeting of the Leeds Paxton Society, 'held

at the Society’s room, Vicar Lane, on the 11th inst., Mr. Joseph Smith
(the President of the Society) in the chair, and Mr. J. \V. Frankland
(Vice-President) in the vice chair, a paper was read by Mr. Thomas
Garnett, St, John’s, Wakefield, entitled “A Critique on Molyneux’s
Chrysanthemum Culture as applicable to the North of England.” The
room was crowded, about a hundred being present, including several
visitors from neighbouring towns. There was a magnificent display of
Chrysanthemums and other flowers. The room was also tastefully
decorated with plants kindly lent by Mr. W. Crossley and Messrs. Shaw.
Mr. Garnett read an admirable e.say, criticising some of the rules laid
down by Mr. Molyneux as requiring considerab'e modification before
becoming applicable to the smoke-laden atmosphere of a portion of the
West Riding of York. A long and interesting discussion followed, in
which a number of members and others took part, and at the close a
cordial vote of thanks were given to Mr. Garnett, on the motion of Mr.
Featherstone, and seconded by Mr. Frankland. We shall take an early
opportunity of publishing the critique which has been kindly forwarded
to us for the purpose.

ZONAL PELARGONIUMS FOR WINTER BLOOMING.

We are reminded of the extreme usefulness of these well-known
Plants for winter decoration by a visit to Chatsworth last week, where
rne of the small span-roofed houses near the large conservatory is now a
•glowing mass of colour. The plants are kept dwarf and compact by being
placed near the glass, and are carrying fine trusses of bloom, some of
them 7 and 8 inches across. The varieties grown are the well-known
Chilwell strain raised by Mr. Pears n. No one will dispute the utility of
a display of this kind, as the colour of a well grown Zonal Pelargonium is
only rivalled by the Poinsettia, and those who have experience of the
demand for flowers at Christmas know that the “ brighter the better” at
this season. The objection to Zon tls as cut flowers on the score of falling
petals may be obviated by a drop of florist’s gum in the eye of each
flower.

In growing, two methods may be adopted by those who wish to try
their lands next season. Where frame room is plentiful the cuttings

may be struck in March, or even later, being potted as required, first into
3-inch and then into 5-ineh pots, the soil used being good sound loam,
and the potting being firmly done to encourage hard healthy growth. The
plants should be grown in a frame all the summer, giving plenty of air,
and picking off the flower buds as they appear until the time comes for
them to be transferred to their winter quarters. Those who have not the
convenience of a frame should choose autumn or very early spring-struck
plants. Place them in 3-inch pots in March, and 5-inch the first week in
June, when they may be plunged in a bed of ashes out of doors, taking
care that the position chosen is fully exposed to the sun, so that the
growth may be well ripened.

In growing winter-blooming Zonals out of doors, one of the most
important points to be noted is to get them housed before the heavy
autumn rains, which often cause failure by decaying the roots. When in
their winter quarters it should be remembered that dry air is of more
importance than a very high temperature. All necessary watering should
be done in the morning, and all water used confined to the pots, not
slopped about the benches, &c. By attent:on to these few details a fine
display during the dullest months is within reach of those who have even
the most ordinary accommodation. The following are a few of the best
varieties: — Aida, blush white ; Atala, scarlet ; Burns, light scarlet, white
eye ; Chas. Smith, dark crimson ; Constance, rosy pink ; David Thomson,
crimson ; Edith Pearson, salmon rose ; Eurydice, lilac pink, white eye ;
Gertrude, salmon ; Henry Jacoby, very dark crimson ; Herminius, scarlet,
shaded magenta ; John Gibbons, scarlet ; Mrs. Gordon, scarlet, shaded
magenta, white eye ; Mrs. Leavers, pink ; Mrs. Strutt, pale lilac pink ;
Omphale, pale salmon ; Queen of Whites, white ; and Zelia, magenta.—
Experientia docet.

FINE GR03 COLMAN GRAPES.

Ok page 515 we referred to some fine samples of Grapes received
from Mr. J. H. Goodacre of Elvaston, and incidentally alluded to the
still larger specimens of Gros Colman that were exhibited by this cultivator

Fig. 84.

in November. Two Grape growers have a-ked for more precise informa
tion respecting the size of the berries. The figure represents the exact
size of the largest, and that the rest were not small will be apparent when
it is stated that the bunch from which it was taken weighed 7 lbs., but
only contained sixty-eight berries. This bunch caused quite a sensation
among the guests at the Mayor’s dinner at Derby. We do not know if
any larger Gros Colman have been grown than the one figured, but an
opportunity is afforded for cultivators to settle the point by comparison.
The Elvaston Grapes were admirably coloured, and we learn that Mr.
Goodacre has no “secrets” to keep as to his method of producing
them.

DINNER TABLE DECORATION.

This is a subject that requires great ingenuity and forethought in
design, so as to give variety on each occasion when parties follow in close
succession ; and however well the plans are laid, great care is needed to
carry them to a successful termination, in selecting suitable material, and
good taete must be exercised to show it to advantage. There is no style
of furnishing dinner tables that we hke better than when the elegant
trumpet-shaped glasses, with smaller arms around the central one, are
placed down the centre of the table and dressed in a distinct and light
manner, smaller glasses being also used where space admits, and coloured
leaves, Ferns, and flowers used as a groundwork to the whole. It, how¬
ever, sometimes happens that we have to make an entirely new departure
to give to a table the novel and imposing appearance that a great
occasion demands. At an important gathering at Longford Castle recently
it was determined the dinner table should be worthy of it, and judging
from the way in which it was admired, that determination was fully
realised. Others might like to carry out similar arrangements, and I
will try and describe the one in question.

568

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER

[ December 23, 1886.

The table was laid for thirty, and light was supplied by five
candelabra arranged down the centre. The central one was raised on
a block 1 foot high, the next pair 9 inches, and those at each end of
blocks 6 inches high. Sheets of brown paper were placed right down
the centre of the table. Mounds of fresh green moss were then formed
around each of the blocks with a gradual slope to the top. The
diameter of the central mound at the base was about 20 inches, the next
pair 17, and the outside ones 15 ; the space between the mounds was
taen covered with moss, but instead of joining the outer edge of it in
straight lines from one mound to the other, it was hollowed out so as to
form the arc of a large circle sweeping towards the centre of the table
from either side, which gave the whole design an informal appearance.
It is now easy to imagine the centre of this as being covered with moss,
with mounds rising around the candlesticks, and the outline hollowed out
between the mounds ; when this is done the most troublesome part of
the work is over. The outer edge of the miss was then edged with
brightly coloured pieces of Alternanthera amoena, which formed a
beautiful contrast to the white tablecloth on one side and fresh green
moss on the other. Two light, graceful Palms were next placed between
the central candelabrum and those on each side of it, and small mounds
made at their base to cover the pots. In the centre of the space between
the other candlesticks two more mounds were formed around plants of
Pandanus Yeitchi, and at each end of the table a noble-looking Pine
was placed ; the whole surface of moss was then dotted irregularly with
flowers of bright and distinct colours, such as Poinsettias, Camellias,
white Chrysanthemums, Eucharis, Epiphyllums, Primulas, Carnations,
Pelargoniums, and Azaleas, with small sprays of Salvias and flowers of
Cyclamen peeping up here and there among fronds of Maidenhair Fern,
with fronds of Pteris serrulata standing up well above the flowers.
Fronds of Polystichums angulare proliferum, with Nephrolepis tuberosa
and Cyperus springing up around the base of the candlesticks, completed
the arrangement, the whole having the appearance of verdant undulating
banks, with flowers and plants springing up from them in charming
simplicity and profusion. — H. Dunkin.

RENOVATING TREES AND SHRUBS ON LAWNS.

A few years ago Mr. William Paul of Waltham Cross described in
the Journal a method by which a large specimen Golden Queen Holly on
his lawn was restored from a state of debility and unsightliness to
vigorous health and beauty. The plan was extremely simple, but not
on that account the less sensible, and it had the great merit of accom¬
plishing all that was expected from it, if not more. It consisted in
driving down an iron bar at intervals of a foot or more, thus making a
series of holes in that portion of the impoverished ground where the
roots of the tree were expected to be established, yet starving. The holes
made in the lawn were receptacles for food, and were filled with very
rich compost, made so, if I remember rightly, by the liberal use of artifi¬
cial manure. This renovating mixture was pressed very firmly down till
no more could be crammed in, on the assumption that the roots of the
Holly would find their way into the larders and supply nourishment to
the failing branches. The anticipation was realised, and the enfeebled
tree was transformed into a richly coloured and handsome specimen,
which I have s- en and admired.

Another striking instance of success resulting from the same kind of
practice I have also had the pleasure of inspecting. The entire front of
Sisters House, Clapham Common, the commodious suburban residence
of Thomas Wallis, Esq., has for many years been covered with Euony-
muses. They are very old and very large. They were simply planted
in a narrow border, and the roots extended under the lawn in light
gravelly soil. The fine wall-covering evergreens remained attractive for
several years, but gradually assumed a sickly hue, and eventually lost
nearly all their leaves, and became positively unsightly. They were
doomed for removal ; but just at that time Mr. Richard Holmes, the
gardener, saw a reference in the Journal to Mr. Paul’s method of restor¬
ing his Holly. The plan was promptly tried with the Euonymuses, holes
being driven as deeply as possible into the lawn with a crowbar, where,
it may be adued, the grass was almost starved out. Water was poured
iD them to moiiten the dry earth, and the holes, which were a foot apart,
filled with a very rich mixture of soil and manure, rammed down as
firm as it could be made. It was just in time to save all the trees but
one. This died, but the others improved in a manner so rapid as to
evoke surprise. The fine Euonymuses that most people would conclude
were past recovery made fresh growth forthwith, and in one season the
wall was clothed with rich green foliage. A new lease of life was given
to the trees, and larger and finer examples are not often seen than those
referred to.

There are so many specimen trees on lawns losing their lower branches
and their beauty through soil- exhaustion that the above instances of suc¬
cessful renovation and the manner in which it was accomplished are
worthy of attention. The plan may be carried out now if the ground is in
suitable condition, or in spring. — A Suburban Gardener.

EVERLASTING FLOWERS FOR CHRISTMAS
DECORATIONS.

It is surprising, since church decoration has become so general at
Christmas, that more Everlasting Flowers are not employed ; and when
these are gathered in good condition and dried they are as effective as
fresh flowers, and far more useful in many positions. What could be
more beautiful arranged amongst a bank of moss along the sloping stone

work of the windows and many other similar positions ? Flowers generally
fade first, and destroy in a great measure the effect of the other decora-
and tions. But when Everlastings are used they are bright, cheering,
effective until the whole has to be cleared away.

For this purpose a good supply of Helichrysums should be grown,
which, if cut before they are fully expanded and dried in a light, cool,
airy place, they will retain their colour and prove very valuable. A
variety of colours can be obtained from a mixed packet of seed, and
the flowers are telling in any arrangement provided the colours
be well grouped. If a good supply of white flowers is required — •
and these are generally in great demand, no better plant for the
purpose can be grown than Ammobium alatum grandiflorum. The seed
of this, as well as of the Helichrysums, should be sown under glass about
the mi’dle of March ; a hotbed covered with a frame will afford the
requisite heat. The Ammobiums should be planted 18 inches apart in
good fertile soil, and they will attain a height of 3 to 4 feet, and produce
hundreds of small pure white flowers from the end of July until cut off by
frost. Cut the flowers in a dry state before they are fully expanded.
When they are properly dry and fit for storing for winter use they should
be tied in small bunches of six, eight, or twelve flowers together, and in
this form they are charming if associated with moss or evergreens. Rho-
danthes maculata and its white form alba are invaluable f >r the same
purpose, and may be grown by everybody that possesses a piece of garden
ground. The seed can be sown outside during the months of April and
May, and will in a very short time yield a good supply of both white and
rose-coloured flowers. Great care is necessary in drying R. maculata,
for if not carefully done the rose-coloured tint will not be retained. The
best method is to dry them outside rather quickly, but not exposed to the
full sun for the flowers are inclined to open, which must be prevented if
possible by cutting them early.

Everlastings are alluded to at this period of the year because they are
indispensable where large and varied decorations have to be carried out,
and arc equally as useful in many positions as fresh floweis. The latter
can be retained for choice purposes. Those who have insufficient flowers at
this season to carry out the work desired of them satisfactorily may be in
a better position another year if they only cultivate these annual Ever¬
lastings in quantity. Many a dwelling might be rendered very orna¬
mental by their agency at the cost of a few pence, not only during the
Christmas festivals, but throughout the winter, if they would only be at
the trouble of growing a few plants of each kind. — L A.

r®i

WORKW™ WEEK,. O

qpl

lPw'®H

HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

Frosty weather should be turned to account for applying the annual
surface dressing of old hotbeds or farmyard manure to all bush fruit. Let
there be no digging either among bushes or between the rows of Rasp¬
berries, for the roots are so near the surface that they are quite certain to
be lacerated and much damaged by digging. A dressing of manure is all
that is necessary to keep the bushes both healthy and fruitful ; it keeps
the roots at the surface, and supplies them so well with food that robust
growth and fine fruit are a certainty, and in summer it keeps down weeds,
and cheeks evaporation. We have tried Raspberries in separate stools,
in rows, and have had the canes of lengths ranging from 2 feet to 6 feet.
The best results were obtained from canes planted in rows 5 feet apart,
and with the canes a foot apart in the rows, and shortened to about 4 feet.
When planted the canes were all shortens 1 to 18 inches, and the first
year’s growth was entirely satisfactory, strong canes being thrown up,
and from the buds on the shortened canes came shoots which yielded a lot
of useful fruit. This vigorous growth in the first year was obtained by
planting stout shortened canes in very rich soil, prepired for them in this
particular instance by making trenches in what was naturally a very poor
soil, and filling them with a mixture of decayed vegetables, road sidings,
weeds, stable manure, coal ashes, and lime, well mixed by turning
several times. We have reason to recommend this plan for general
practice, for we have seen some very inferior crops of Raspberries planted
in deep loam, which evidently required heavy dressings of manure.
Raspberries, be it remembered, answer best when the roots are kept near
the surface by surface dressings and abundant supplies of sewage during
growth.

Prune and tie the canes of established Raspberries. Currant bushes
of all kinds may also be pruned, but Gooseberries should not be pruned
till February, as there is so much risk of bud destruction by bullfinches.
To avoid this protect the buds at once by syringing the bushes thoroughly
with a mixture of softsoap, soot and water. A coating of this upon the
shoots nnd branches renders the buds distasteful to the birds, and if care
is taken to renew it after heavy rains the buds will be saved, and a full
crop of fruit had every year.

FRUIT FORCING.

Peaches and Nectarines.— Earliest Home. — Cease syringing the
trees when the flowers show colour, maintaining, however, a moderate

December 23, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

569

moisture in the house by damping the floors on bright days in the morning
and in the early part of bright afternoons. The temperature may be
maintained at 55° by day, ventilating from that degree upwards, closing
at 55°, 50° being sufficiently high for the night ; and if the temperature
falls to 45°, and in very sharp weather 40°, it will be more an advantage
than otherwise. Examine inside borders, and give, if necessary, a
thorough supply of water at a temperature slightly in advance of that of
the house. When the blossoms show the anthers clear of the petals lose
no opportunity of ventilation, avoiding cold draughts, and not exciting
the trees too much by fire heat. The temperature, however, must be
raised early in the day to 50°, and kept between that and 55° through the
day, with a little ventilation at the top of the house, and through the day
60° to 65° from sun heat may he allowed. The principle is to get a stout
blossom, fertile stamens with abundance of pollen, and well developed
pistils, and then resort to fertilisation with a camel’s hair brush on fine
days after the house has been ventilated some little time. The pollen
will be dispersed in a golden shower clearly visible in the sun, and when
this is the case the set is generally a favourable one, even without artifi¬
cial fertilisation.

Second Early House. — The trees must he started without delay to
have fruit in May or early June. Fire heat need only be employed to
keep out frost at night and to insure 50° by day, above which ventilate
freely. It is most desirable to bring the trees on slowly, and if once they
make a move to keep them in steady progress. The trees and house
should be damped on fine mornings and afternoons, but in dull weather
tho afternoon syringing can be omitted. The outside border should be
protected with dry fern or litter, and if means are at command for
throwing off heavy rains and snow it will he desirable to employ them.

Succession Houses. — Forward the pruning and dressing of trees both
in succession and late houses, carefully examining the inside borders, as
dryness at the roots will cause the buds to fall. If there is any doubt
give a thorough watering. It will not do the least harm in properly
drained borders. Keep the houses as cool as possible to insure a long
and complete season of re.-t.

Strawberries in Pots. — When the crowns commence swelling and the
trusses appear the temperature may be advanced to 60° or 65° by day
with a circulation of air. A temperature of 50° to 55° is sufficiently high
at night and on dull, wet, cold days. Syringe the plants lightly in the
afternoon of bright days early. Examine the plants carefully every day
and supply water to all those that require it. Keep a sharp look out for
aphides, and if any appear fumigate the house on two consecutive even¬
ings, having the plants dry. More plants should be prepared for placing
on shelves in Peach houses now or soon to be started, and are all the
better for a fortnight or three weeks’ sojourn in a house from which frost
is excluded before being placed in heat. The decayed leaves should be
removed and the surface soil loosened, removed, and top-dressed with
horse droppings rubbed through a sieve. The drainage must be attended
to, and if necessary rectified and the pots washed clean. Plants for in¬
troducing later will be quite safe in their outside quarters plunged to the
rim in ashes, and in sharp weather a light covering of dry fern or litter
will make all safe, removing it whenever the weather is mild.

PLANT HOUSES.

Allamandas. — Plants that have enjoyed a good rest in a temperature
of 50° may he pruned close back, unless extension is needed, the old roots
reduced by one-half, and then thoroughly soaked in tepid water. They
shoull be allowed to drain for some hours and then repotted into the
same size pot, or larger, as each case may demand. Drain the pots mode¬
rately, and press the soil firmly into them. If practicable, plunge the
pots in a well-prepared b^d of fermenting material composed of leaves
and litter, and very little fire heat will be needed to maintain a night
temperature of 65°. The moist genial heat that rises from the fermenting
material will insure suitable atmospheric conditions about the plants to
enable them to break freely and quickly into growth. Under these cir¬
cumstances no syringing will be needed at first, and no water required at
the roots before they have started into growth. Those that are planted
out should have a good portion of the surface soil removed and top-
dressed with fibry loam, one-seventh of decayed manure, and about one
6-inch potful of hone meal to each barrowful of soil ; the same quantity
of soot may be added. This compost is also suitable for repotting these
plants.

Clerodendrons. — C. Balfouriannm, if top-dressed with equal parts of
loam and decayed manure, and then supplied liberally during the growing
season, will do well in the same pots for several years. They do not like
being disturbed at their roots, add this must be avoided as much as pos¬
sible. If necessary t > turn them out only reduce the ball by one-fhird,
but if this is done they should break into growth first. If placed into
larger pots, or the balls are reduced, repot them in a compost of loam two
parts, one part peat, the remaining part being composed of leaf mould,
manure, and sand ; if a large shift is given add a little charcoal. Whether
top-dressed or to be repotted soak them with tepid water, and plunge
the pots by the side of the Allamandas. As the plants of C. fallax cease
flowering they may be thrown away unless those that have seed pods
swelling are required to perfect them for raising a batch of plants for
decoration next autumn and winter. A little seed of this variety may be
sown at once in light soil covered with a square of glass and plunged into
brisk heat.

Stephanotis Jtnribunda. — Plants that have been trained under the roof
since August, and kept for the past two months about 55° at night, will
be thoroughly ripened and rested. Take down the plants and thoroughly
clean them if any trace of mealy bug can be discovered. They will bear
a strong solution of lemon oil, Fir tree oil, or petroleum, 1 oz. of the last

to each gallon of water. These insecticides will destroy hug, which if not
eradicated now will increase rapidly in heat, and give endless trouble after
the plant has commenced growth. Top-dress with manure, or repot as
the case may require. If the latter use three parts fibry loam, one part
peat, to which may be added one-sixth of decayed manure and sand to
render the whole porous ; a little charcoal may also be added for the same
purpose. When the shoots are trained upon the trellis give a good water¬
ing, and plunge the pot in the fermenting bed, where it can remain for
training the young wood on strings close under the glass until just before
they commence blooming.

HELLEBORES.

At this period of the year, when our borders are destitute of flowers,
we look forward to the blooming of the Christmas Rose with great
pleasure. It is one of the most valuable hardy perennials we have, as it
flowers in the open air when there is little in bloom, therefore it should
be in every hardy plant collection. Helleborus niger is so well known
that it needs little describing ; it may be easily recognised from the rest
of the Hellebores by its smooth green leaves and beautiful blossoms,
which, as a rule, are borne on single stems about 6 inches high and about
3 inches across, varying from pure white to a blush tint.

It is frequently used as a pot plant for decorating greenhouses or
conservatories, but great care should he taken of them after the flowering
period is over, so as not to expose the plants to the open air all at once,
as they frequently suffer greatly when removed from under glass to with¬
stand a severe winter. Helleborus altifolius is considered to somewhat
resemble H. niger, but it is larger, and generally has two or more blooms
on one stem ; its leaves also are mottled with purplish spots, flowering as
a rule in December. H. olympicus is another conspicuous form, with
tail slender leaves, flowering in February, with cup-shaped blooms vary¬
ing from pure white to a greenish tint.

The fine coloured hybrids which have of late appeared add greatly to
the beauty of our winter gardens. Though not generally so well known
as the white varieties, they are greatly admired, and should have a place
on all herbaceous borders, for not only do their flowers stand the hard
winter, but their foliage makes them conspicuous throughout the year.
H. colchicus is a fine coloured form which grows to a large size, the leaves
sometimes attaining the height of 2 feet ; it may be recognised by its
thick dark green leaves, which when in a young state have veins of a
purple hue. Its blooms are of a dark purple colour, and are borne on
long stems which rise above the foliage, and it generally flowers from
February to the end of March. H. abchasicus is a tall and slender form,
with flowers of a ruby crimson, very attractive, and well worth growing.
Amongst other coloured varieties worthy of notice are James Atkins,
Gretchen Heinemani, and Apotheker Brogren.

Most of them thrive well in ordinary soil, but for choicer varieties I
should recommend a prepared soil consisting of good fibry loam, peat,
and sand ; rather a moist situation is best adapted for them. When
coming into bloom it is advisable to mulch them with moss to prevent the
rain washing the soil on to the flowers. When the flowers are required
rather earlier than usual, they may be obtained by placing a hand'ight
over the plants, if it is not convenient to lift the plants and pot them to
be placed in the greenhouse.

They may be propagated either by division or by seed, which is pro¬
duced plentifully in favourable seasons. If grown from seed, it should
be sown in pans under glass, and when the plants are large enough to
handle prick them out in a shady place, to remain there for one year,
after which they may be transplanted to their permanent places. July
is the best time for dividing, only the best and strongest plants should be
used for this purpose. The divided pieces should be planted on light
good soil and left undisturbed for two years, by which time they will be
good flowering plants.— C. Collins.

WT

K2I

HE BEE-KEEPER.

5) ^

SECTIONS, LARGE AND SMALL.

It is apparently the intention of some bee-keepers to
produce comb honey in sections of less size than those most
commonly in use hitherto in the apiaries of this country.
The idea seems to have originated from seeing the display at
South Kensington, and hearing leading Canadian bee-keepers
express their opinion and give their experience of sections of
various sizes. It is argued that the smaller size will be more
cheaply produced and more readily saleable. But it is at
present not very certain that either of these conclusions
rests upon any sound basis upon which bee-keepers may build
their hopes without fear of finding that, after all their efforts
have been made, they were led astray in the first instance.
Smaller sections, it is said, can be produced in greater
quantity than larger— or, rather, a greater weight of honey
in the comb can be obtained from a stock in smaller sections
than in the 4£ by 4J by 2 ordinarily in use.

570

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ December 23, 1866.

I believe that this idea will not b9 borne out in practice,
but rather the contrary, for although on account of the
demand for section honey in my locality I produce honey in
sections to meet this demand, it has for some time been
evident to me that a less weight of honey is taken from a
stock upon which sections are used for supering purposes
than from a stock upon which a large indivisible super is
placed, or a super which, though divisional, is still in larger
sections, as an example of which we may take the Stewarton
honey boxes. If this loss is not merely fanciful greater loss
still must ensue from using still smaller sections. Unless to
counteract this loss separators may he dispensed with when
the narrow sections are introduced, and the comb still be
free from bulging, when the loss will not be so great as in
the case of the quasi-standard section with separators. In
my apiary separators are always used, and whenever an
attempt has been made to work sections without them failure
has been the result. Let those who desire to do so adopt a
smaller section. I shall be content to watch the result with
the conviction that the producer will find it much more
difficult to sell to the retail dealer twice as many half-pound
sections as to dispose of half the number of those of the
ordinary size. When sections a,re of consistent good quality,
and a fair attempt is made to sell them at a reasonable and
remunerative price, no trouble ought to be experienced, and in
future years, as the quality oi the honey becomes more
widely known, the local demand may quite possibly exceed
the supply.

Notwithstanding contrary opinions held by other-, I
believe that the vast sale of Canadian honey in this country
during the last few months has done an almost irreparable
injury to the home producer. Those who have this year
purchased this Colonial honey will another year also buy the
same, unless the Canadian bee-keepers are foolish enough to
send inferior brands. It is all easy to say that by the sale
of so great a weight of honey the taste for it has been
spread, so that in the future a greater demand will exist
than in the past ; but it is a very different thing to induce
the purchaser of honey from abroad this year to buy it from
the home producer next season. If he is able to obtain the
same quality again next autumn at the same average price
he will see no necessity to change. The consumer does not
as a rule care who benefits by his purchase ; he does not
think that if he buys English honey he is doing something
to foster British apiaries ; nor does he think that in con¬
suming Canadian honey he is injuring a home industry.
The consumer tries to buy the best quality at the most
moderate price, irrespective of all other considerations. There
is not even the slight consolation that the honey of Canada
is so vastly inferior to our own that the ordinary consumer
can detect the difference. How many of the thousands of
honey- eaters in Great Britain could detect the difference
between two samples — the one Canadian honey, and the
other English ? The Canadian bee-keepers have been wise
and made the most of their opportunity. English bee-keepers
have been delighted to meet them and to discuss the great
problems of the day with representatives of Canadian bee¬
keepers ; but notwithstanding this pleasure it must not be
forgotten that by the grand display of honey at the “ Colin-
dries ” this year an enormous impetus has been given to the
sale of Colonial and foreign honey at a time when the
home market was glutted with supplies for which there was
no apparent sale. It cannot be forgotten that the first prni-
ciple implanted in every individual member of society by
Nature is “self-preservation.”

We rejoice at the prosperity, loyalty, and power of Canada ;
we desire to see that prosperity increase, that loyalty endure,
and that power grow greater each suceeding year ; we hope that
good seasons, happiness, and profit will attend the bee-keepers
of Canada ; but we also most earnestly hope that the bee¬
keeper of this the Mother Country will do all that lies in
his power to actually monopolise the home honey market,
not with the assistance of protective tariffs, but by an honest

attempt to produoe honey of good quality at the leas'; possible
cost, so as to enable him to beat out of the market all
Colonial and foreign produce, and to resist the flood of com¬
petition which already su-ges at his door, threatening to
break down the barriers which have hitherto restrained its
pent-up force. — Felix.

MEAD-MAKING.

A CORRESPONDENT wishes a detailed recipe for making mead of the
best quality. The experience I have had in the matter scarcely entitles
me to instruct others in the art, nor would it be wise even though I were
a proficient to givo a recipe as producing the best quality, for tastes
differ so widely.

Many of the recipes for mead-making include foreign liquids and in¬
gredients, such a9 brandy and spices. A recipe before me could be easily
imitated by thoroughly dissolving a teaspoonful of honey in a glass of
brandy or rum, and adding spices according to taste. “ Athole Brose’*
might be regarded as the proper term. I delayed giving any instructions
in mead-making until I had made inquiries of those who were likely to
be able to give full particulars as to preparing mead from honey pure
and simple, but in this I have failed. They either do not differ from my
own system, or are of too complicated a nature.

Liquors made from honey are undoubtedly far more refreshing and
safer to take than many of the compounds sold at the present day. What
is termed beer, made from honey, is certainly a refreshing effervescing
drink during hot weather. It is made here usually from the water that
combs, after the honey has been extracted, had been steeped in, the pollen
in the combs giving it a colour, flavour, and fermentation that pure honey
would not do. The following is the recipe for making similar beer to that
which took the first prize at the Caledonian Apiarian Society held at
Edinburgh in 1884, and which was greatly relished by everyone who
tasted it. The quantity of honey used may be more or less according to-
taste.

To every 3 lbs. of honey add 1 gallon of water, 1 oz. of hops boiled
separately, strained, and the liquor added to the honey and water after
the latter has been boiled gently for nearly an hour, and the scum skimmed
off as it rises. Now pour the liquor into a cooler, and when about milk-
warm add a gill of brewer’s barm. After it has stood in the cooler and
fermented for three or four days, bottle and cork tightly. The above
gallon is Scotch measure.

The successful preparation of mead depends greatly upon circum¬
stances and experience. To every gallon of water (imperial measure) add
3 lbs. of honey. In this case, as in beer, heather honey and honey with
an admixture of pollen, give colour and flavour not obtained with honey
free from it. Boil the liquor slowly for an hour and skim off the impuri¬
ties as they rise to the surface. Have the liquor infused from the hops
ready to be added when the liquor is skimmed, then pour into a cooler.
If the weather is warm no barm will be required, but if cold add some
barm. When sufficiently cold pour the contents into a well seasoned
barrel, clean, and perfectly free from any mustiness whatever. This must
be particularly attended to. Place the barrel in a dry place at a tempera¬
ture not less than 60°. After it has wrought two or three days bung
closely. A small spigot hole may be left open for a few days longer and
the barrel kept full by a little of the liquor preserved for the purpose.
If any particular flavour is desired, that can either be done before casking
or after, as desired, but care must be taken that sufficient liquor is pre¬
pared to fill the barrel.

Mead made according to the above receipt is heating and is as good a
stimulant as many of the high-priced wines imported into this country,
mead being much safer for an invalid to use. After it has been kept in
the cask for six months it may be bottled for use, corked and sealed. The
following recipe is taken from “ Honey as Food and Medicine.” “ Wine
Mead. — To make mead not inferior to the best foreign wines put 3 lbs. of
the finest honey to 2 gallons of water, two lemon peels to each gallon
boil it one-half hour and skim well. Put in the lemon peel while boiling
Work this mixture with yeast, and then put it in a vessel to stand five or
six months, then bottle for use. If you choose to keep it for several years
add 4 lbs. of honey to a gallon of water.” — Lanarkshire Bee-keeper*

All correspon deuce should be directed either to “ The Editor ,r
or to “ The Publisher.’' Letters addressed to Dr. Hogg or
members of the staff often remain unopened unavoidably. We
request that no one will write privately to any of our correspon¬
dents, as doing so subjects them to unjustifiable trouble and
expense.

Deeember 23, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

571

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions relat¬
ing to Gardening and those on Bee subjects, and should never
send more than two or three questions at once. All articles in¬
tended for insertion should be written on one side of the paper
only. We cannot reply to questions through the post, and we
do not undertake to return rejected communications.

TO WRITERS AND READERS. — Owing to the unusual pressure on
our space several valuable articles cannot be inserted this week. They
are not the less appreciated on that account, and we are in the satisfac¬
tory position of having our literary stores enriched for the benefit of
future issues.

Galls on Gardenia Roots ( W . D.). — We have received the specimens,
which will be subjected to careful examination, and an answer respecting
■them given in an early issue.

Early Authors and Cultivators (M. D.). — Hesiod is considered to be
the first writer on husbandry whose work has descended to us. His poem
■entitled “ Works and Ways ” was described by Pliny as the first positively
inown as giving directions for the cultivation of the ground.

Montbretia crocosmaefiora (Somerset). — Pot the roots in moderately
rich soil, but drain the pots thoroughly, and do not supply much water
until growth commences. A greenhouse or any hot structure will suit them,
and very little trouble will be experienced in their culture. The number of
roots to be placed in pots will depend upon their size, but they do not look
■well when very thin.

Gladioli from Seed (Surrey Amateur). — Thousands of plants are raised
i.rom seed annually in this country, but this method of increase is not com¬
monly adopted by amateur cultivators. We observed a few bushels of fine
■conns in one of the vineries at Wimbledon House recently that Mr. Oller-
shead had raised from seed in a very easy manner, and we shall shortly
publish the details of the method he adopts in producing them.

Grapes not Setting — Artificial Fertilisation (E. Mason). — The bunch
■of Lady Downe’s Seedling you have Sint is very similar to an example we
have received from Mr. S. Castle, who also favours us with a valuable
article on the subject on which you desire information. The communica¬
tion cannot be inserted this week, but will appear in an early issue. If
■after perusing it you would like to ask any further questions they shall
have oar best attention.

Root-pruning Fruit Trees (An Old Soldier). — You ask a question to
which it is not easy to give a categorical reply. We think the best plan is
to print it and leave those of our readers who have had experience on the
subject to record their views. Your question is short, but not without
significance — *• Has root-pruning done the most good or the most harm to the
fruit supply of this country ?” We have seen beneficial results accrue from
the practice intelligently carried out, and observed many trees crippled by
the abuse of the piactice ; but, as suggested, the experience and observa.
tions of many in various districts are necessary for arriving at the genera^
results that have followed as affecting the “fruit supply of this country.” j

Waste from Boiler (Unfortunate). — As you say there are no signs o
leaking, yet after “ extra firing ” you have to occasionally put 15 gallons
■of water into the feed cistern in the morning, there must be much loss of
water in the form of evaporation or steam. When extra hard firing has to
be resorted to to maintain the requisite heat, and to effect this you have to
make the water “ boiling hot,” that indicates there is not sufficient piping
for heating the houses satisfactorily. It may be in that respect that you
are “ unfortunate,” as many gardeners are, and the fault may not be in the
boiler. The kind you name we have seen working as well as anyone could
-desire, still you will be justified in explaining your case to the maker, and
he may perhaps be able to give you a hint that may be useful. He is a vtry
practical man, and so far as we know, conducts his trade in a straightforward
business-like manner.

Foliage in America (A. B.). — The colour of the foliage of most trees
.assumes a more brilliant hue in autumn in vaiious parts of America than it
does in England, or can be expected to do in Scotland ; and though the
winters are more severe in America than in the “ old country,” the brilliant
■autumns preceding the former ripen the wood better than it can be matured
under our clouded skies, and consequently some plants pass the winter over
the water that succumb here. Andromeda arborea is hardy in the south of
Scotland, and if by “Japanese Ivy” you mean Ampelopsis Yeitcbi, it is
hardy there too, and colours fairly well on walls having a southern aspect.
Bignonia grandiflora we do not remember seeing on open walls in Scotland,
but some of our northern friends may possibly be able to say if it grows and
dowers in the open air in North Britain.

Temperature for Starting Vines (G. Wilkinson). — You ask if we “ have
-ever known a case in which Vines were started in a temperature of 80° from
•the commencement?” We have only been informed of one such case, and
our informant was the late Mr. T. Speed of Chats worth. On inspecting a
very good house of Grapes in the famed gardens alluded to, Mr. Speed re¬
marked that it was his regular practice to maintain a high temp- rature of
80 or more, with moisture, until the buds fairly commenced swelling, then
to gradually reduce the heat to promote strong growth. He observed that
he secured not only a quicker but a more regular break by this method than
by starting at 50° or so in November, at which time Vines are somewhat
■sluggish in their movements. The crop of Grapes on Vines that we were
■apprised had been subjected to that treatment was very satisfactory. Mr.
Speed, in answer to a question on the subject, said he did not start with an
exceptionally high temperature in the spring “ because it was not
necessary.”

Ammonia in the Soil (B. G.). — Perhaps the following extract from
Johnston’s “Elements of Chemistry” will answer your question : — “Am-
1£n^nia^® Pat orally formed during the decay of vegetable substances in the
eon. This happens tither, as in animal bodieB, by the direct union of
nitrogen with a p rtion of the hydrogen of which ill y consist, or by a com-
tination cf a portion of their by drogen with tie nitrogen of the air ; or, when
iney decompose, in contact with air and water ; at the same time, by their
caking the oxygen of a quantity of the water and disposing its hydrogen at

the moment of liberation, to combine with the nitrogen of the air and form
ammonia. In the two latter modes ammonia is formed most abundantly
when the oxygen of the air does not gain the readiest access. Hence, in
open subsoils in which vegetable matter abcunds it is most likely to be
produced; and thus one of the benefits which follow from thorough draining
and subsoil ploughing is that the roots penetrate and fill the subsoil with
vegetable matter, which, by its decay in the confined atmosphere of the
subsoil, gives rise to this production of ammonia.”

Fuchsias from Seed (An Amateur Admirer). — YvTe have raised many
hundreds of plants from seed, but few of them on flowering proved equal to
existing varieties ; still the pursuit is int-resting to amateurs who desire to
have something new of their own raising. Tbe pods should be carefully
gathered when ripe. As the seeds are enveloped in a pulp it is necessary,
in order to preserve them, to cleanse them effectually. This is done by
washing ; bruise the berries with the hand, and mix them with water ; as
soon as the pulp is all washed off pass the liquor through a hair-sieve fine
enough to catch the seed, wash it repeatedly till it is quite clean, then dry
it gradually ; put it up in brown paper, and keep it in a dry room till spring.
Sow it early in March in a mixture of light sandy loam and peat, cover
slightly, and place the pots in a gentle hotbed. When the seedlings are
half an inch high transplant them in rows across pots 5 inches wide — these
will hold about twenty or thirl y plants each— and then replace them in the
hotbed. In these pots they may remain for a month or six weeks, and then
they will require placing singly into 3-inch pots. Place them for a few
days in a cold frame, and keep pretty close and shaded till fresh roots are
formed, and they are then able to bear the full light, and a moderate
admission of air. Give plenty of the latter as they acquire strength, and
when the pots are full of roots give another shift into 4-inch pots, and let
them remain in these last till thf y flower. Many of them will flower the
first year, and then is the time to make a selection. The selected ones
should be repotted, and grown on to the end of the season to prove them.
Cuttings of the beBt may be inserted, and the whole kept in the coolest part
of the greenhouse during the winter.

Names of Fruits. — The names and addresses of senders of fruit to be named
must in all cases be enclosed with the specimens, whether letters referring
to the fruit are sent by post or not. The names are not necessarily required
for publication, initials sufficing for that. Only six specimens can be
named at once, and surplus fruits beyond that number cannot be preserved.
(Stonebridge). — 1, Madame Millet ; 2, Beurrd Sterckmanns.

Names of Plants. — We only undertake to name species of plants, not
varieties that have originated from seed and termed florists’ flowers.
Flowering specimens are necessary of flowering plants, and Fem fronds
should bear spores. Specimens should arrive in a fresh state in firm
boxes. Slightly damp moss or soft green leaves form the best packing, dry
cotton wool the worst. Not more than six specimens can be named at once.
(Houndswood). — Maxillaria leontoglossa. (A. D.). — Calanthe Textori,

COVENT GARDEN MARKET. — December 22nd.
Christmas week has somewhat improved business, but with heavy sup¬
plies, prices have only just been maintained. Hothouse Grapes are reach¬
ing us in large quantities at scarcely remunerative rates. Nova Scotia and
Canada Apples in good supply.

FRUIT.

3.

d.

8.

d.

s.

d.

s.

a

Apples .

4 sieve

l

6 to 4

0

Melon .

0

0

to 0

0

„ Nova Scotia and

Oranges . . . .

6

0

12

0

Canada, per barrel 10

0

13

0

Peaohes .

per doz.

0

0

0

0

Cherries .

£ sieve

0

0

0

0

Pears .

dozen

1

0

2

0

Cobs .

100 lb.

60

0

70

0

Pine Apples English .. lb.

1

6

2

0

Figs .

dozen

0

6

0

9

Plums .

$ sieve

1

0

2

0

Grapes .

0

6

3

9

St. Michael Pines

. .each

2

0

5

0

Lemons •• •• T.

10

0

15

0

Strawberries .. ..

per R.

0

0

0

0

VEGETABLES.

8.

d.

s. d

8.

d.

S

d

Artichokes •• .

. dozen

l

0 to 0

0

Lettuce .

dozen

1

0

to 1

6

Asparagus ..

. bundle

0

0

0

0

Mushrooms .. .

punnet

0

6

1

0

Beans, Kidney

. per lb

0

6

I

0

Mustard and Cress

punnet

0

2

0

0

Beet, Red .. .

. dozen

1

0

2

0

Onions .

bunch

0

3

0

0

Broccoli .

. bundle

0

0

0

0

Parsley .. dozen bunches

2

0

s

0

Brussels Sprouts .

. J sieve

1

6

2

0

Parsnips .

dozen

1

0

2

0

Cabbage .

. dozen

1

6

0

0

Potatoes .

cwt.

4

0

5

0

Capsicums .

100

1

6

2

0

,, Kidney .

cwt.

4

0

6

0

Carrots .

. bunch

0

4

0

0

Rhubarb.. «, .

bundle

0

2

0

6

Cauliflowers . . .

. dozen

3

0

4

0

Salsafy . . ,

bundle

1

0

1

0

Celery .

. bundle

1

6

3

0

Scorzonera . . ..

bundle

1

6

0

0

Coleworts doz.

bunches

2

0

4

0

Soakale .. .. per basket

1

6

2

0

Cucumbers .. .

. each

0

8

0

4

Shallots .. .. ..

0

8

0

6

E ndive .

. dozen

1

0

2

0

Spinach .

bushel

8

0

4

0

Herbs •• ••

0

2

0

0

Tomatoes • . . .

0

6

1

0

Leeks .

0

s

0

4

Turnips .. ..

bunch

0

4

0

0

These prices are subject to great alterations towards the end of the
veek on account of Church decorations for Christmas.

PLANTS IN POTS.

Aralia Sieboldi ..
Arbor vitas (golden)
„ (oommon)
Azalea .. .. per

Bedding Plants, var.
Begonias . . .

Chrysanthemum .
Cockscombs per

Cyperus .

Dractena terminalis,
„ viridis . .
Erica, various

„ hyemalis per
„ gracilis per
Euonymus, in var.
Evergreens, in var.
Ferns, in variety ..

dozen 9
dozen 6
dozen 6
dozen 24
doz. 0
dozen 4
dozen 4
dozen 0
dozen 4
dozen 30
dozen 12
dozen 9
dozen 12
dozen 9
dozen 6
dozen 6
dozen 4

a.

8.

a.

s.

d.

0 to 18

0

Ficus elastica

. . each

1

6 to

0

9

0

Fuchsia

per dozen

0

0

0

13

0

Foliage Plants, var. each

2

0

0

43

0

Hyacinths

per dozen

9

9

0

0

0

Hydrangea ..

per dozen

0

0

0

9

0

Ivy Geraniums

per dozen

0

0

0

12

0

Lilium auratum

per doz.

0

0

0

0

0

Lobelias . . . .

per dozen

0

0

0

12

0

Marguerite Daisy dozen

6

0

0

60

0

Mignonette ..

per dozen

3

0

0

24

0

Mask .. ..

per dozen

0

0

0

12

0

Myrtles . . . .

6

0

0

24

0

Palms, in var.

. . each

2

6

0

it

0

Pelargoniums, scarlet, doz.

6

0

0

18

0

Poiasettia

per dozen

12

0

0

24

0

Primula sisensia

per doz.

4

0

0

18

0

Solanums

per doz.

9

0

B. d.
^ 0
0 0
10 0

IS

0

0

0

0

9

6

0

12

21

9

0 18
6 0
12 0

572

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ December , 1888

CUT FLOWEBS.

8.

d.

s.

d.

8.

d.

8.

d.

Abutilons

12 bunches

2

0 to 4

0

Lily of the Valley, 12 sprays

2

0 to 4

0

Arum Lilies • .

12 blooms

4

0

6

0

Marguerites . .

12 bunches

2

0

6

0

Asters

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Mignonette ..

12 bunches

1

0

8

0

Azalea . . . .

12 sprays

i

0

1

6

Narciss, Paper-white, hunch

0

4

0

6

Bouvardias . .

per bunch

0

6

1

0

„ White. English, bunch

1

8

1

6

Camellias

12 blooms

3

0

4

0

Pelargoniums, per 12 trusses

0

9

1

6

Carnations . .

12 blooms

1

0

8

0

„ scarle

, 12 trusses

6

0

9

0

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Roses

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Chrysanthemums 12 bches.

6

0

12

0

„ (indoor),

per dozen

0

0

2

0

12 blooms

0

6

2

0

„ Tea.. ..

0

9

8

0

Cornflower . .

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

,, red

. . dozen

1

0

2

0

Dahlias

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Parme Violets (French''

4

b

5

9

Epiphyllam . .

doz. blooms

0

6

0

0

Poinsettia

12 blooms

4

0

9

0

Eucharis

per dozen

4

0

8

0

Primula (single)

per bunch

0

4

0

8

Gardenias

12 blooms

6

0

12

0

„ (double)
Pyrethrum . .

per bunch

1

0

1

6

Gladioli

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Hyacinths. Roman, 12 sprays

1

0

1

6

Stocks, various

12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Lapageria, white, 1*2 blooms

2

0

4

0

Tropzeolum ..

12 bunches

1

6

2

0

Lapageria, red

. 12 blooms

1

0

2

0

Tuberoses

12 blooms

1

0

2

0

„ longifiorum,12 blms.

6

0

8

0

Violets . .

12 bunches

1

0

1

6

Lilac (white), French, bunch

6

0

8

0

„ Czar, French, pe bunch

1

6

2

0

A WELL-STOCKED HOMESTEAD.

Poultry rearing for market on a large scale has repeatedly
been recommended as a means of affording some alleviation
of the distress affecting so many farmers under the agricul¬
tural depression. So regarded it is worthy of particular
attention as a branch of farming the profits of which are
both sure and speedy, while the risks of loss may be fairly
calculated beforehand. But we do not recommend Poultry
farming to be taken up on a large scale at once by all
farmers. Due regard must be had to locality, to many
matters of detail, before the investment of much capital iu
such an undertaking is ventured upon. We showed last
week how, by means of incubators, chicken hatching had
ceased to be an uncertain and wasteful process, but there
will always be a certain per centage of loss among very
young chickens. We have known hundreds of them to die
from gapes simply from being kept on tainted land. It was
our own serious losses upon a home farm in the centre of the
Sussex poultry district which set us thinking about the
cause of a disease common to all poultry and also to game.
The probability of taint and infection occurred to us, and we
resolved to put it to the test forthwith. About a hundred
yards from the homestead we had about a quarter of an acre
of grassland that was literally an island, for it was sur¬
rounded by a stream of water wide enough to form an
effectual barrier to fowls, and here, as each brood was
hatched, hen and chickens were brought and established in
coops. Success full and perfect followed ; not a single loss
from gapes had we that season, for the chickens were kept on
our island till large enough to be safe from attacks of a
disease to which only very young chickens are subject. The
knowledge so gained was subsequently turned to profitable
account by many of our neighbours, as will be readily under¬
stood when we explain that the Sussex henwives get £20
per hundred from the dealers for early spring chickens. We
commend this fact to the notice of farmers — may we venture
to add of farmers’ wives generally ? One notable farmer’s
wife who is well known to us rears such a large number of
chickens for the London market that a very handsome
annual sum is realised. She has the able assistance of two
of her daughters, one of whom superintends the poultry, and
the other has charge of the dairy, the butter from which is
in such high local repute that the demand for it is always in
excess of the supply.

Regarded from such a reasonable point of view as an aid
to successful farming and not as a substitute for corn¬
growing, the rearing of poultry and the production of eggs
can hardly meet with serious objection from the most obsti¬
nate stickler for old customs. We concede the fact that a
certain number of poultry are to be seen at every farm, but

they are generally kept for home use and not for market. It
must be owned that there is room for considerable improve¬
ment here. Why should any farmer practically ignore the
value of poultry as a marketable commodity ? There are
very few farmd where from £100 to £200 or £300 a year
might not be added to the income of the occupant from this
source alone if only the matter was taken up in real earnest
instead of being sneered at as women’s work. It is by
attention to such so-called trifles that many a man has been
able to hold his own under difficulties to which so many
others have succumbed. Depend uL;on it poultry manage¬
ment under good hands is anything but a trifle. It is worthy
of our best efforts, and affords so ample a margin upon our
outlay that though returns are quick, profits are the reverse
of small. Curious indeed is it that such a matter should be
so seriously affected by custom or locality. We are accus¬
tomed to hear of Norfolk turkey, of Surrey and Sussex
chicken, as being offered at special prices in London markets,
yet we know that both turkeys and chickens can be reared
with equal facility and of equal quality in other counties.
In Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex — all great corn-growing
counties — :t is customary to see large flocks of turkeys out
upon the corn stubbles after harvest, but then it must not
be forgotten that there are other corn stubbles stretching far
and wide — aye, even in the great dairy counties in the west,
where few if any turkeys are ever seen. Why do we see
poultry imported in such large quantities ? Is it not because
the general attention which we claim for it here obtains on
the continent ? We recently heard this matter discussed by a
Cambridge professor, a keen political economist. Said he,
“ If I were a farmer I should certainly be inclined to rub
my head and see if I could not obtain a share of the large
sums annually paid for importations of eggs and poultry.”
Here is a fact which cannot be ignored, that while many of
the farmers of this country are crying out for protection and
other forms of State aid, they are apparently content to see
large sums going into the pocket of the foreign farmer for
an article of farm produce which might just as well be sup¬
plied from their neglected farms.

(To be continued.)

OUR LETTER BOX.

Hens not Laying — Plymouth Rocks (M. B. D.). — Old bens cannot be
depended on for laying in tbe winter, and the probability is that you will
not have any eggs worth mentioning from yours until tbe spring, no matter
how well you may feed them and how good their “ run ” may be. For egg¬
raising in winter you must have strong pallets hatched early iu the spring.
These commence laying in the autumn, and afford eggs for many weeks. A
Dorking and Brahma cross is good for egg-producing and table, but some of
the chickens have yellow legs. Plymouth Rocks are large, hardy, and
handsome, good layers, and good table fowls. You would p;rhap3 like them.
The breed is not described in old poultry books, as it is of comparatively
recent introduction from America. Mr. J. OUerliead, Wimbledon House
Gardens, Wimbledon, has one of tbe finest stocks we know of this valuable
breed of fowls.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.
Camdkn Square. London.

Lat. 61° 32' 40" N.; Long. 0° 8' 0" W. : Altitude, 111 feet.

DATB.

9 A.M.

IN THE DAY.

P

"5

1886.

December.

Barome¬
ter at 32«
and Sea
Level

Hygrome¬

ter.

Direction
of Wind.

Temp, of
Soil at

1 foot.

Shade Tem¬
perature.

Radiation

Temperature

Dry.

Wet.

Max.

Min.

In

sun.

On

grass

Inches.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg.

deg

detr.

deg

In.

Sunday .

12

29.342

42.4

39.8

s.w.

41.0

49 3

4L.2

64. b

35.3

—

Monday .

13

29.726

43 8

41.2

w.

40 8

45.3

40.6

48.8

32.8

0.091

Tuesday .

14

29.il 2

41.4

39.8

E,

41.2

48 2

38.8

55.3

83.8

0 612

Wednesday ..

15

29.091

46.1

44.1

8.

41.2

47 9

40.1

50.8

33-7

0.038

Thursday ....

16

29.402

37.7

37.1

calm

41.4

4L.2

36.9

53.6

30.6

—

Friday .

17

29.684

30.9

30.9

E.

4 i.2

336

30.1

34.2

25.8

0.056

Saturday ....

18

29.719

25.6

25.0

W.

39.2

337

23 9

47.4

*27.2

_

29.497

38.3

37.0

40.7

42.7

359

50.7

3L3

0.827

* Covered by snow.

REMARKS.

12th. — Bright morning, fair throughout.

13th. — Dull, with slight rain at intervals, and fog in early afternoon.

14th. — Dali early, w.-t morning from about 10.30, wiih squalls of ram and hail, and
darkness at times; sunshine in afternoon. 1

15th. — Heavy rain in tbe small hours ; dull, damp morning ; rain at noon and 5.80 p.m.
sunshine in afternoon.

16th.— Overcast morning, sunshine in afternoon, bright evening.

17th. — Foggy all day, dense at times ; snow in late evening.

18th. — Hard frost, bright and fine, with snow on ground.

A week of variable weather, bright sunshine, fog, heavy rain, and hard frost, tem¬
perature a little below the average. — G. J. Symons.

December 30, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

573

80

TH

31

F

Sale of Orchids at Protheroe & Morris’s Rooms, Cheapside.

1

S

2

SUN

2nd Sunday after Christmas.

3

M

4

Tu

5

w

GREETINGS.

WihDpf ERY many readers of this Journal — indeed, the
majority — will receive the last number for 188G
on the last day of the year, though others,
widely scattered in remote villages in Great
Britain and Ireland, and in more distant homes
beyond the sea, will have entered on the new year
before they can peruse its pages. At the time
of writing the old year is melting away — going
steadily but surely with the snow that fell on
the 26th inst., and which will be recorded as one of the
“ events ” of the season. We will not dwell on a theme so
chilling as the storm that will be memorable, but rather
acknowledge the warm-hearted greetings that have been
showered upon us during the past few days in the only prac¬
ticable form open to us. We accept all the good wishes of
which we are the recipients, come from whomsoever they
may, reciprocating them in the fullest manner. Some of the
letters before us we should like to publish, but as they may
have been intended for our perusal alone they are regarded
as private communications. One, however, is clearly not
included in that category, for we are distinctly enjoined to
“ print it or not.” As it admirably embodies the sentiments
of many correspondents expressed in felicitous terms we
avail ourselves of the privilege accorded, and “print” the
following greeting from “ A Yorkshire Amateur.”

“This being the time of year for the sending of good
wishes and congratulations to all our friends, may I convey
mine to all connected with this Journal — its proprietor, its
editors, its contributors, and, last but not least, its numerous
readers ? I have been for many years a constant and gratified
reader of its pages, and I feel to have gradually acquired a
kind of proprietorship in it, and an acquaintance — -I had
almost written friendship — with those who conduct it, and
with those contributors who devote their leisure hours and
spare moments to the pleasant task of writing down for our
benefit those methods by means of which they have obtained
almost absolute perfection in the various walks of their pro¬
fession.

“ I have something to say to all and each of the above
mentioned, and I will begin with the proprietor and editors.
To you, gentlemen, I say, it must be a great pleasure to
know that your efforts for the furthering of the cause of hor¬
ticulture, the increase of gardening, and the spread of the
knowledge of the habits and successful cultivation of the
myriads of beautiful and useful plants and shrubs which a
bountiful Providence has bestowed on this earth for our
benefit, have been and continue to be blessed with the largest
measure of success. Is there a better paper than the Journal ?
Is there a paper which gives more or better information ?
There can, in my opinion, be only one answer to these ques¬
tions, and it is a most unqualified and most emphatic
‘ No ! ’

“ I read with interest, a few weeks ago, a short history of
this paper — of its initiation, its progress, and gradually in¬
creasing usefulness and success, until now, as I have just

No. 340. — Vol. XIII., Thibd Series.

intimated, it stands at the head of the horticultural literature
of the present day. It is you, gentlemon — you, the editors of
this Journal — who have done this; by your efforts and your
care — to use a simile that will go to the heart of every gar¬
dener, you watched and tended the paper like a young and
tender plant, as a good gardener watches and cares for a tiny
seedling, which in course of time shall distance and outshine
all competitors. It is a grand thing to deserve success, it is
doubly gratifying to attain it. You have done well — you
have done both.

“ To you, Messieurs, the contributors, lay and clerical, I,
in spirit (if you will not be offended) tender the right hand
of fellowship. Ycu too have had much to do with the raising
of the Journal to the proud position it occupies. Over how
many hundreds of pages have I followed your thoughts and
instructions ? Where all do so well it would be invidious to
mention names, else I have a good many at the end of my
pen. Some I might mention, I allnde to those who have
passed away • some, like fully ripened fruit, gathered in at
the very end of autumn, like the late Mr. G. W. Johnson ;
others, called away sooner in manhood’s prime, like our
friend ‘ Single-handed,’ whose articles illuminated these
pages some years ago.

“ Yours, my friends — the present contributors — is a labour
of love, as theirs was ; anybody who reads your articles can
see that. You, too, have done well, but be not weary of well¬
doing. There is still much fallow ground and virgin soil
untilled, much ignorance to be instructed, many fallacies to
be eradicated, plenty of work for you yet. Go on and pro¬
sper, and may your efforts be crowned with success.

“And now for you, my friends and fellow amateurs, to you
too I extend the hand of fellowship, and let me remind you
that you belong to a grand old guild — the oldest snd best in
the world, the first to be founded on earth. I should like to
tell you in a few words (and remember that I am one of the
humblest among you) what gardening has done for me.
What it has done for me it will da for anybody else who is
in earnest. It has taught me many lessons — to persavere,
for success comes not always at the first attempt. It has
taught me to think, for knotty problems will arise sometimes
which require to be solved. It has taught me to see, amongst
other things, the beauty of every flower that blooms, from
the exotic Orchid to the “wee crimson tippit flower,” the
Daisy. Not naturally strong and healthy, it has by keeping
me out in the fresh air benefited me greatly bodily, while
mentally it has led me to make inquiries which have shown
me more clearly what a wonderful connection there is
between the smallest grain of dust blown about by the wind,
and the greatest tree, or the greatest animal, even proud
man himself, in creation. It has led my thoughts into
channels which I think they could never have reached other¬
wise. I bless the day I commenced gardening. It is, if not
the most, then one of the most innocent occupations possible.
If any young man just commencing life should read these
lines ; if he is hesitating between a life of billiard-playing,
drinking, theatre- going, and town-haunting generally
(mind, I am no intolerant fanatic — moderation, the true
temperance, is my motto), let me advise him to pause and
try gardening — he will never regret it.

“ Fellow readers, one word more — don’t take offence, I
mean none. Be earnest ; you will do no good otherwise.
What does the poet say ?

tl Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime,

And, departing, leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time ;

Footprints that perhaps another, #

Sailing o’er life's solemn main,

A forlorn and shipwrecked brother,

Seeing shall take heart again ”

<< Man is an imitative animal, boy even more so. We
never know when we may be leaving a footprint that may

No. 1996.— Yol. LXXV., Old Series.

574

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER .

[ December 30, 1888.

influence another for good or evil. May all our footprints
point in the right direction !”

We have not quite printed the whole of the genial letter,
that we feel sure will be welcome to our readers, but have
reserved to ourselves the pleasure of joining in the last
sentiment of the writer —

A Happy New Year to All.

EARLY MELONS.

Where a choice dessert has to be produced for the London
season these are indispensable, and are easily obtained from the
middle of May onwards, but to be able to pack them off in the
“ London hampei ” from the middle of April requires a little more
forethought and trouble. This is nothing compared with the
satisfaction of placing on the employer’s table fruit that is with
difficulty obtained from the leading West End tradesmen, and as it
is the business of these gentlemen to try and be first with any
choice fruits, so it is that of the gardener not to be far behind them,
or much of the credit is lost. Therefore to keep pace with the times
the first batch should be started at once, and perhaps a few remarks
at this season may not be out of place.

We have made it the practice for some years to make the first
sowing on Boxing Day, and it seems to come natural now to do so.
The seeds are sown in pairs in thumb pots and placed in bottom
heat. As soon as the seed leaf appears they are placed on a shelf
as near the glass as possible, the object being to induce them to
show the first rough leaf before becoming too tall. The thumbs
contain sufficient soil till this occurs. The plants are then potted
into 48’s, using soil the same temperature as the house— about 70°.
In potting the stems should be carefully twisted round, so as to
bring the seed leaf level with the rim, not dividing the ball. They
are returned to the shelf, and what water is required is supplied by
dipping the pot half its depth in tepid water, thus guarding against
the danger of damping, as only that portion of the ball is moistened
which contains the roots.

About this time the beds are made up with fermenting material,
chiefly litter and leaves, as high as convenient. If the house was
well heated both top and bottom I should adopt this plan, as it not
only enables us to keep the plants well up to the light, but the
material throws off vapour charged with ammonia, which seems to
strengthen the plants remarkably. Upon this the hillocks of soil
are placed about 18 inches apart, and in the course of about ten
days from the time of potting the planting can be done, care being
taken to keep the ball intact, and still allowing the two plants to
grow side by side. They are secured at once to neat stakes, or
they are apt to roll on their sides when dewing them with the
syringe. The chief thing now is to try and get as sturdy a growth
is possible by keeping a uniform heat of 75° by day, allowing it to
fall 5° at night. I find the plants come on much better by covering
the house at night with a rick sheet ; by this means the atmosphere
is rendered more genial than would be the case when so much heat
is required in the pipes to keep the heat up, especially in windy
weather ; there is also a great saving in fuel.

When the plants have attained about six or eight leaves the
weakest should be cut away. The advantage of growing them in
pairs up to this stage is easily seen. The young tender plants are
very liable to accident, either from insects or other causes. When
the plants have reached the wires, say 18 inches or 2 feet high, I
find female blooms can be produced sooner by pinching out the lead,
as they show on the pair of laterals which follows directly after
this operation ; and I find, on referring to my notes of ten different
seasons, I have been “ setting ” blooms as early as February 28th,
and nearly every season from thirty to forty fruit were swelling
by the 7th of March. As the female bloom is very valuable
at this season, great care should be taken to get the pollen as dry
as possible, as we have very little assistance from the sun in these
short days.

Respecting the best varieties, most gardeners have their fancies,
but I have never found one to answer so well as Best of All.
There may be better flavoured Melons, but the constitution of
different varieties has to be studied, and I have found this one,
when several others were growing by its side in a spindly manner,
make shorter jointed wood, with well cupped leaves, and showing
female blooms freely. By following this system we have always
cut fruits by the middle of April, though I am not in favour of
taking two crops off the same plants. I have several times cut
good exhibition fruits again in June. — Richard Parker, Impney,
Droitwich.

NOTES ON CHRYSANTHEMUMS.

New or supposed new Chrysanthemums make their appearance
in’such large numbers each year that it is at times rather bewilder¬

ing to know which varieties to grow the following season so that
we may not be behind the times, and to an exhibitor this is imp ji -
tant. It is impossible for almost any grower to burden himself
with sorts that are not first-class. To growers not having the
opportunity to judge for themselves by visiting the principal exhi¬
bitions in the metropolitan district, and depending upon catalogue
descriptions entirely, it is no wonder that such persons are disap¬
pointed when flowering time comes. Catalogue descriptions to my
mind are much too elaborate as a rule, the foreign ones particularly
so. If more simple terms were used a great boon would be con¬
ferred upon growers of Chrysanthemums generally, which are a
fast-increasing body, as shown by the increased number of exhi-
bitions this season, also by the very strong competition in the
various classes. For the information of those who have not had
the opportunities of judging for themselves I have noted a few
varieties which may be tried in the coming season. New incurved
varieties are produced so" sparingly that any addition to this class
is always looked forward to with keen interest. Unfortunately
only two sorts have appeared which promise well. The first is the
yellow sport from Princess Teck, raised by Mr. Mizen of Mitcham,
and placed in the hands of Mr. N. Davis of Camberwell for distri¬
bution, which is named Mrs. Norman Davis. I consider it quite
an acquisition. It is a bright orange yellow, and evidently pos¬
sesses in a marked degree the broad incurved florets of its parent.
If it retain that format cannot fail to be of the highest order or
merit, as yellows of this class are much needed, for at present there
are only two — Jar din des Plantes and Mr. Bunn. The foimer
variety cannot always be obtained in first-class form ; while the
latter variety, being early, the best blooms are often over in the
south of England before many of the shows. This new variety
then will come in at a capital time.

Lord Eversley is the other variety alluded to. This also is a
sport from Princess Teck, white, having a faint tinge of cream on
its florets, which are very smooth, even (if it is possible) incurving
better than its parent. It originated at Heckfield with Mr. Wild-
smith three years ago, and has preserved its character since. A
first-class certificate was awarded for it this year at the Reading
Show, where it was much admired. It is certainly a grand late
variety, and for producing flowers for late use is capital.

Bronze Queen of England has been disappointing this season,
probably owing to over-propagation ; but it should not be discarded
without another trial for the reason above stated, and also that all
the Queen type have this season shown a strong tendency to reflex
their florets instead of incurve.

New Japanese varieties have this season appeared in large
numbers and of variable quality. To a grower of new varieties
this is not the least interesting part of the business. Much interest
is attached to watching new varieties develope. Amongst seed¬
lings large numbers are worthless, and it is right they should be,
or I do not know what we should do with all that are grown.
There is such a craving for novelties, particularly when they are
improvements upon older varieties. The following sorts are all
worthy of a trial in the coming season. The best variety of the
year in the Japanese section is undoubtedly the new yellow sport
from Meg Merrilies raised by Mr. T. Winkworth, Childwall Hall
Gardens, Liverpool, and named Mr. Ralph Brocklebank. Having
had an opportunity of inspecting it and its parent last year when
the sport just appeared, I was much struck with its appearance,
and I predicted for it a success should it become fixed. This has
been successfully accomplished by Mr. Winkworth, who will no
doubt in due course allow the public an opportunity of growing
this charming variety. It is said to be of a better constitution
even than its parent, not being so liable to damp. In character of
the flower it is the counterpart of the part except in colour, which
is a soft yellow or deep primrose. .

Edouard Audiguier is a very promising variety, the colour being
quite new — namely, a deep purple maroon. The reverse of the
petals being silvery gives it quite a distinct appearance, and being
of large size it should be valuable as an exhibition flower. This is
in the hands of Mr. Davis. — E. Moly^neux.

(To be continued.)

WATERTIGHT ASHPITS.

I OMITTED stating in my last communication on this subject that 1
keep my ashpits flooded with water, but seeing that they have not been
made specially for that purpose, the quantity put in at “banking-up”
time evaporates long before morning. I have no hesitation in stating
that the advantage secured by employing steam, or water vapour mixed
with air, will more than compensate for the rusting of the bars by the
amount of hydrogen it supplies, and at the same time facilitating the
combustion of the fuel. Mr. Burton seems to doubt the fact that red
hot iron is oxidised by water and steam. He says, “ It is contrary to the
natural theory of metal oxidation, which does not take place with hot

December 3), 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

575

metal.” Of metals generally we have nothing to do, but as your
correspondent’s remarks are outside the facts, you may allow me to say
a few words regarding the oxidation. Oxides of iron and manganese
occur native and in a pure state. Oxides of others are procured by burn¬
ing them in oxygen, or by heating the hydrate with the salt of the metal,
or heating the metal with other substances capable of affording oxygen,
such as potassic nitrite or chlorate, and by other mean=, but in all heat is
invaiiably necessary to tne rapid oxidation. Although iron will oxidise
in a cold state, no chemist would adopt that method to obtain its oxide
when it could be procured more quickly by making it red hot. And it is
due to the rapid oxidation of red hot iron that chemists are able to
accomplish some practical results. For instance, it is one of the methods
employed in the preparation of hydrogeD. A current of steam is passed
through a red hot iron tube filled with iron borings, the iron takes up all
the oxygen, and the hydrogen can be collected over the pneumatic
trough.

Mr. Burton’s illustrative experiment, which he meant to go to prove
that red hot iron did not oxidise when in contact with water, was only an
experiment half completed. Had he placed the piece which had been red
hot and submerged in water on the blacksmith’s anvil, and applied a
hammer t@ it, he would have found little black scales fall from it, such as
are seen around the anvil in every blacksmith’s shop. These black scales
are oxidised pieces of iron, and are known to the chemist as magnetic
oxide of iron. I would give equations, but few would understand them
who have not studied chemistry.

As to the “ boiler and bars set but not in use ” not lasting longer than
one constantly at work, is a statement I cannot reconcile to facts. Seeing
that iron will not oxidise in perfectly dry air, it is simply a question of
the amount of aqueous vapour, or water, that may reach them, which will
determine the period they will remain sound. Under ordinary circumstances
they will see out a few of those in constant use. — J. Kiddell, Buncombe
Park.

PEARS.

[A lecture by Mr. T. Francis Rivers.]

I have been asked to give some account of what I know
about Pears. There is, of course, much to be said about a fruit
which more than any other attracts the attention of the cultivated
pomologist from the extraordinary development it has attained
m our own time, the ancients having been contented with fruit
certainly unequal in flavour to that which we enjoy. M Andre
Leroy, in his dictionary of pomology, has taken the trouble to
make very learned researches into antique Pears, and enumerates
four Greek and thirty-five sorts of ancient Rome ; but he does
not fix the time when these ceased to be catalogued, and gives
only twelve sorts of Italian Pears between the fifteenth and
sixteenth centuries, the varieties cultivated in Prance from
Charlemagne to Louis XIII. numbering 260 kinds.

The Latin author Pliny names twenty kinds. Varro, Palla-
dius, Cato, Columella, and Virgil are also pomologists and
amateurs of Pears. The latter is very urgent in the matter of
grafting Pears, but ’seems to have been aware of the modern
axiom that “he who plants Pears, plants for his heirs;” his
version being “Insere, Daphni, piros, ccirpent taa poma repotes.”

Palladius recommends grafting the Apple on the Pear. The
results were probably disastrous to the orchardist, and the
practice was no doubt soon discontinued.

Pear trees are supposed to be indicated in the twenty-third
verse of the fifth chapter of the second book of Samuel, but the
word is more generally held to apply to the Mulberry. Dr. Karl
Koch, writing to M. Andre Leroy in 1865, says, “ I am certain,
now that I have passed several years in the thinly populated
countries of the Caucasus, Asia Minor, Armenia, and Persia,
that all the European Pears are species become wild in our
forests, and that in no case are they indigenous.”

In 1665 John Rea, gent, published the “Flora, Ceres, and
Pomona,” in which he gives a list of twenty one Pears described
as being very good, one of them rejoicing in the extraordinary
name of the “ Dead Man’s Pear.” He describes the Winter Bon
Chretien as one of the most excellent, but requiring to be grafted
on the Quince stock and trained to a wall. He also says, “ that
there are several good sorts of Wardens and baking Pears ” In
1693 John Evelyn published a translation of the works of
Monsieur de la Quintinye, a very voluminous, exact, and twad¬
dling French author. In advising the setting out of a plantation
of dwarf Pear trees, he begins with the choice of a dwarf tree to
be planted alone — i.e., the “ Winter Bon Chretien,’' giving several
reasons for this preference. “1, Because of its antiquity, and that
by its singular excellence it gained the admiration and courtship
of the world, the great monarchies, and principally that of old
Rotne having known and cultivated it under the name of Crus-
tumium. 2, It was baptised at the very birth of Christianity
itself’ and consequently it should have the venera’ ion of all
Christian gardeners. 3, It should be considered of itself and
with respect only to its own proper merit, which can alone entitle
R to a preference.” This is at all events a very proper decision

to arrive at, but the Winter Bon Chretien has not kept the high
rank assigned to it. De la Quintinye indulges in the most extrava¬
gant expressions of esteem, “ That it grows to the weight of 2 lbs.,
that it is considered a handsome present to persons of quality,
and that it is a Pear the beauty of which has caused the ablest
gardeners to labour for it with the greatest passion.” I have had
a good experience of Pears, but 1 have never known this precious
Pear except by mine, but it may have degenerated, or we of the
present time are more particular in our tastes. Of the other
varieties named by Mons. de la Quintinye, the Autumn Bergamot,
the St. Germain, the Colmar, and Crassanne have survived to
our own time, but without holding rank as first class fruit ; he,
however, highly commends the Beurre Rouge, classing this as a
synonym of the Beurre d’Amboise and Isambert, which he says,
“ possesses the first degree of goodness— viz., a smooth delicious
softness with a fine delicate pulp,” wasting many good epithets
on the Winter Bon Chretien, which would have been more pro¬
perly applied to the Beurre Rou e. The Autumn Bergamot is
not highly commended, although our friend says, “that it has a
numerous and formidable party, and, indeed, that a thousand
people assert that for its tender and melting pulp, its sweet and
sugary juice, and the little smack of perfume which accompanies
it, that is more valuable than all other Pears in general,” remarks
which a great many ignorant people make at the present day.
De la Quintinye names some ninety or hundred sorts of which
some of the names are expressive, as “Greedy Guts,” “Chew
Good,” “ Daughter of God,” or “ Fille Dieu.” Some few of the
sorts remain, among them the Rousse’ets, Chaumoutel, and St.
Lezin. De la Quintinye’s reasons for the enjoyment of Pears
are curious. He states that “ the rigorous cold which lasts from
November to March enjoins our placing ourselves neai the fire,
and that to counteract the external foreign heat then taken in,
Nature has provided us with Pears to prevent the great infir¬
mities which might happen to us from the enjoyment of so much
heat. So precisely at this time she has given us an admirable
quantity of tender fruit, such as Bergamots, Louise Bonnes, Les
Chasseries, Araberts, Yirgoulees, Epines, and St. Augustines ”
This garrulous author provides for the plantation of a thousand
trees, but states that “the planter of so many would be a
curious gentleman, for how could he dispose of 12,000 Pears
unless he gave them away or made perry of them ? ” This diffi¬
culty would not be felt now. He concludes his remarks on
Pears by a list of fifty good, forty-four indifferent, and sixty-six
bad sorts.

In 1729 Batty Langley, in the “ Pomona,” gives the names
of fifty- seven Pears Those which are named by him and still
cultivated are the Brown Beurre, Autumn Bergamot, Hampden’s
ditto, Crassanne, Epine d’Hiver, Jargonelle, Swan’s Egg, and
Windsor, and among baking Pears the Black Pear of Worcester
and Catillac. Mr. Langley is not enthusiastic about Pears.

Switzer enumerates eighty Pears, advising the planting of the
English Bergamot, “ because of its goodness and antiquity, it
being not impossible that it has been an inhabitant of this
island ever since Julius Caesar conquei'ed it, and that possibly it
was the Assyrian Pear of Virgil, and was, as may be deduced
from this, a part of the celebrated Gardens of Alcinous.” A
tree of this sort in the Sawbridgeworth Nurseries is said to be
300 years old. The Pears selected by Switzer appear certainly
to have been the best of that time, and* he testifies to the extreme
goodness of the Winter Bon Chretien.

Philip Miller, in his “Gardeners’ Dictionary,” 1759, begins
his list with Petit Muscat, and passes on to the Chio, Citron des
Cannes, La Bellissime, bearing two crops in July and September,
Jargonelle, and Cuisse Madame. The Cuisse Madame of the
French is classed as a good Pear, and the Jargonelle as third
rate; but Mons. Leroy describes the Cuisse Madame as a small
inferior Pear ripening about the end of August, considering it as
one of the few historical Greek Pears which have come down to
us. The Poire d’l pargne or Jargonelle of Andrf5 Leroy does not
correspond with the o ffline of our Jargonelle, and he does not
praise the fruit, calling it pood only for the Eeason. Our true
En.lish Jargonelle when ripened on a wall is exceeding good,
juicy, and refreshing. Probably the spurious Jargonelle, which
undoubtedly exists, has been introduced by those who have
imported this sort from France, having been misled by the name,
not being aware that the Jargonelle of the French nurseries is
not the kind which passes under that name with us. Leroy says
that Miller has muddled the Jargonelle, and that the confusion
caused by him has lasted to our own time, the mischief arising
from the Jargonelle and Cuisse Madame being classed by Mills
as synonymous. ,

Miller names eighty sorts, and states that he has included in
his list many sorts that are not worth planting to please those
who are fond of a great variety. He is aware of the eccentricity

576

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ December 80, 1S£6.

of the ripening period of Pears, for he says, “ I have known
the fruit of a Pear tree in one year all ripe and gone by the
middle of October, and the very next year the fruit has not been
fir. to eat until the very middle of December.” All of us can
endorse Miller’s remarks. I have found it a very difficult matter
to fix the date of ripening, and the variations noticed in 1759
find their equiva’ent in 1886. In reference to this matter,
Miller says that “if we look back to the best French authors
of fifty years ago, they put down the times of ripening of Pears
a month or six weeks later than now, and that in London it is
much about the same, the time of ripen ng in London being
quite as forward as Paris.” This remark does not seem to indicate
that the climate is becoming colder, as many are inclined to
think. There are many writers on pomology after Philip Miller,
but as far as the names of Pears are concerned we may step from
1759 to 1831, when a book was published by George Lindley and
edited by Dr. Lindley, entitled “ A Guide to the Orchard and
Kitchen Garden.’’ The list of Pears is here brought down
nearly to our own time 150 dessert Pears being enumerated,
among them many of our old friends of 1665, 1693, 1729, 1731,
and 1789, and adding to the list a number of new sorts raised
from seed by Yan Mons, Nelis, and others. According to
Lindley many of these are not worth much, the Duchesse
d’Angouleme and Beurre Diel being credited with special praise,
the Marie Louise, however, not being very highly commended.
In 1842 the Royal Horticultural Society published a list of 442
sorts, and Dr. Hogg, iu the fifth edition of the “Fruit Manual,”
1884, describes 732 sorts. Andre Leroy, in the “Dictionary of
Pomology” has 915 sorts, and the cry is, “Still they come.”
The new sorts that have been constantly introduced showing that
the highest standard of excellence has not yet been reached, and
that no fruit is so susceptible of high development as the Pear,
as it advances step by step with the higher cultivation of man ;
this advance being by no means rapid, as it has taken many
centuries to produce a Pear of the quality of the Doyenne du
Comice, this fruit being far superior to any of those noticed by
Lindley in 1831.

It is curious that Shakespere, country bred, should never have
mentioned Pears by name, save once, in “ Romeo and Juliet,” when
lie alludes to the Popperin Pear, now known in Worcestershire
as the Poplir Pear, still one of the common perry Pears of the
county. It is evident from this meagre notice of Pears that
Shakespere’s tastes were not gratified by good fruit. In “The
Merry Wives of Windsor” he uses the phrase, “ crestfallen like
a dried Pear.” The plump and juicy Pears of our century when
fallen rot before they wither, but the tough perry Pears wither
before they rot Worcestershire abounds with Pear orchards, and
bhakespere, had he seen these orchards in full bloom, would
surely have expressed his admiration. There is no allusion in
any of his plays, poems, or sonnets to the beautiful spectacle of
a Pear tree sheeted with its snow-white blossoms. Another
country poet, Robert Herrick, although enthusiastic in praise of
Strawberries and Cherries, never alludes to Pears. Herrick
spent the best years of his life in Devonshire, which must have
been almost destitute of Pear trees. Sir John Suckling celebrates
the charms of a young lady in his lines —

“ Her cheeks ai'e l;ke the Katherine Pear,

The side that’s next the sun.”

Batty Langley notices two Katharine Pears, the Royal and the
Queen.

Standard Pears are utterly unsuited for small gardens, and
should be grown in orchards only. Those who are blessed with
old and decrepit standard trees may renew their vigorous growth
by heading them down. In three years young, healthy, and fruit¬
ful branches will replace the old and useless wood of genera¬
tions. A difference is sometimes observed in the conduct of trees
on the Pear stock. Some will be more fruitful and bear larger
fruit than other trees of the same sort and age. This arises from
the influence of the stock upon the graft. All Pear stocks are
raised from seed, and great variety of course exists. The
difference sometimes seen in the produce of trees growing side
by side is often so great as to cause doubts of the identity of the
fruit.

The seedling Pear stocks imported from France are raised
from the pips of perry Pears, and of these two soits are distin¬
guished, one with smooth bright leaves from the district of Le
Mans, and the other, woolly or sage-leaved, from the province of
Anjou. 1 believe the pips of the wild or forest Pear are employed
in Germany for raising stocks.

Garden trees on the Pear stock should be either trained
as espaliers, wall trees, or pyramids Root pruning wil

cause unfruitful trees to bear, and those who have them
will do well to practise it. The Pear stock is not fastidious
about soil. My own experience of the Quince stock con¬
vinces me that it is the most useful stock for all styles of
garden training, it is adapted for espaliers, pyramids, bushes and
cordons. Cordon training, althoagh known and practised in
England for some time, has been brought mors prominently into
fashion during the last thirty years. It is perhaps the most
simple and productive of all sorts of training. An oak fence
7 feet high, planted with diagonal trees 18 inches apart, in four
years will produce a large quantity of fruit, and a wall from
12 to 15 feet high in five to six years will produce like results. 1
have found that pruning twice a year (in Jum and October) is
sufficient to keep the trees in fruitful order. In the June pruning
the young shoots^mustbe stopped at the fifth or sixth leaf, and in
October every spur must be pruned as close to the main stem as
possible, avoiding any injury to the fruit buds, which are of
course easily detected, diagonal cordons may also be trained to wire
trellises, and treated in the same fashion ; this is a very interest¬
ing and ornamental style. The single horizontal cordons aud
the double horizontal cordons, trained at 18 inches from the
ground, form a neat and fruitful edging to side walks. The
five-branched vertical cordon has five upright shoots springing
from a common horizontal base. These may be planted 4 feet
apart. The horizontal cordon has the branches trained at
regular intervals from a main vertical stem, this form is ad¬
mirably adapted for espaliers by garden walks, and is very trac¬
table and pleasant to manage. Vertical cordons planted in the
open ground 4 feet apart will give large crops of fruit. Two
forms of cordon training seem to me to be very unpractical — i.e.,
vase co' don and the plan of training over an arched trellis, the
former is more trouble to manage than a bush tree and gives no
better results, and the latter is contrary to common sense, part
of the tree being grown in the shade. All cordons require the
same system of pruning. Pyramid and bush trees on the Quince
stock are charming garden trees, the pruning is somewhat
different to that practised for cordon trees, the side shoots
should be pruned in June and the leading shoot untouched until
October, superfluous shoots being occasionally removed during
the summer to admit the 3un, the unpruned leading shoot must
be shortened baek in October.

Garden trees require root management, and a modified
system of root-pruning should be practised with all. A circular
trench about 3 feet from the stem of the tree should be dug annually
if the room for the tree is restricted, in the autumn the soil in this
trench should be refreshed with manure and fresh soil, and a sur¬
face dressing of artificial manure applied during the spring. For
the latter purpose soot, superphosphate of lime, and guano are
probably the most useful. The trench and the manure will
render the planter independent of the soil. If Pear-growing is
to be made a certainty, cultivation under glass must be adopted.
A glass house is of course a prime necessity, it may be as plain
as possible for the purposes of protection. During the spring
the trees can be packed closely, for in the early period of growth
they do not require much space ; about the end of May, or when
all danger of frost is past, many of the trees should be put out of
doors, leaving enough in the house to stand 3 feet from each
other. The trees taken out of the house should be plunged in a
border prepared for them, and the trees inside sunk in the soil
up to the rim of the pot, the sides of the pot should be per¬
forated, but this is not an absolute necessity. The trees should
be surface-dressed with manure, and watered with manure water
twice or three times a week, when under glass abundance of air
must be given. Culture under glass makes a crop a certainty,
and requires no more attention than is given to Melon or
Cucumber growing.

Protection to cordon trees trained about 1 foot from the
ground may be given by planks on each side placed on edge
supported by short stakes and covered with mats during severe
frost. Ground vineries also form very efficient protection, but
they are not so cheap as the planks.

Raising seedling Pears is always interesting from the un¬
certainty which attends the pursuit. I have raised some
hundreds from the best sorts known, which I have crossed in
every conceivable fashion. The “ Conference ’ Pear, which
gained the suffrages of the Committee of the Pear Congress of
1885, came from a baking Pear, the Leon le Clerc de Lava , the
pips of which I planted without any special design All pips
intended for seed should Le taken from the finest and best de¬
veloped fruit.

The sorts of Pears of recent introduction selected by the Pear
Congress of 1885 were the following : —

December 80, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

577

Beurr6 Gifford
Clapp’s Favourite
Summer Beurr6 d’Aremberg
Madame Treyve
BeurrO Dumont
Pitmaston Duchess
Pr sident d’Osmanville
Madame Andre Leroy
Conference

Emile d’Heyst
Beurre d’Anjou
Marie Benoist
Beurre de Jonghe
Rose Crassane
Duchesse de Bordeaux
Olivier de Serres
Nouvelle Fulvie
L’Inconnue

And for orchards and market gardens

Beacon

Fertility

Souvenir du Congife s

Marie Louise d’Uccle
Durondeau

The improvement in Pears will no doubt continue, and in
1986 amateurs will wonder that we could be contented with frui
so inferior to that which they will enjoy, even as we are no
longer satisfied with the fruits which charmed De la Quintinye
and his friends.

THOUGHTS ON CURRENT TOPICS.

I WAS once taken for a doctor. The sensation was a little curious, but
fleeting. It was in this way. A very respectable-looking gardener
came up to me at the Liverpool Show last June, and asked politely, but
a trifle excitedly, if I was Dr. Masters, He was somewhat overheated.
On receiving a negative reply his response was, “ I want to see him, as
I hear he has been ‘letting out’ in the tent, and telling gardeners to
mind their own business, and not to interfere about naming plants.” I
think my interlocutor had named one for which a certificate had been
granted some time previously, hence, presumably, his interest in the
matter. I thought no more about the episode till reading the discussion
at the tercentenary meeting, as reported on page 522, and could not
suppress the thought that the learned Doctor might sometimes with
advantage follow his own advice in not interfering with what he does not
understand. If he would quietly allow gardeners to “mind their own
business” on such plain matters as Potato raising and growing it would
be none the worse for him and for them.

Our mentor is not, I think, a gardener, but a Doctor of Medicine, and
like many another, is a good botanist, hence his lectures to his humbler and
more practical brethren. But the majority of these appear to manage
very well with a fair field to work in, and perhaps they know just
enough science to guide them in the right path, though they make no
parade about it. If there are any better gardeners as a body in the
world than British gardeners are, it would be well to know where they
are to be found. I have been told by persons who ought to know that
the produce of continental gardens as represented in its broadest aspect
by plants, flowers, fruit, and vegetables at public exhibitions is far below
the average of that grown and displayed by gardeners in this country.
Gardeners appreciate the teaching of scientists when it can be turned to
practical account, and it is fair to suppose that scientists approve of the
action of those workers who give in return a little lesson that long prac¬
tice has taught them to be sound, and which events now and then show
is needed.

How any scientific man could publicly proclaim his belief that the
principal method employed by cultivators in raising new varieties of
Potatoes was by “selection ” passes comprehension. If science is needed
by practicalists, practical knowledge is obviously required by scientists,
who come to the front as teachers. Mr. Alexander Dean had the whip-
hand in the discussion on the subject without a doubt. Not one per
cent, of the new varieties of Potatoes that have been raised during the
past ten years are the result of selection. With one or two exceptions
they are the outcome of cross-fertilisation. The Doctor’s lamentations
of the scientific ignorance of gardeners may become a little tiresome,
and it is well that their well-intentioned teacher should know it.

What is to be the outcome of the Potato tercentenary ? A “ Potato
Society ” is foreshadowed ; and suppose it should be formed, what would
the “Society” do that would not be accomplished by trade enterprise
in the production of new varieties and existing horticultural societies,
notably by the Vegetable Committee of the B..H.S. in estimating their
merits ? As to cultivation, if gardeners cannot grow Potatoes now they
will never be able to grow them, and a “ Society ” could scarcely do any
good in that respect. I am not condemning a Potato Society, but only
“thinking about” the proposition, and fishing for information. But
this idea comes to the front now. If a Potato Society is a want of the
times, why not a Wheat and Barley Society P I think, on the whole,
special societies have done good, but if we extend them further the diffi¬
culty appears to arise as to know where to stop. Perhaps some of the
“ friends ” can enlighten us on this subject.

I have been waiting as patiently as possible in the expectation of see¬
ing a reply several columns in length to Mr. Iggulden’s wail (page 425) on
the subject of hard water destroying boilers and pipes. Judging from the
nature of the communication on the page quoted we might not un¬
reasonably conclude there was no rain at Marston or in Wales. I have
never yet seen a glass structure that did not have as much rain fall on its
roof in a year that, if collected, would abundantly supply the apparatus
employed in heating the house. But the “ employer ” will not incur the

cost of tanks. In this case he might perhaps be willing to risk the outlay
for one or two petroleum casks. To incur necessarily considerable cost in
purchasing and fixing boilers and pipes, and then to fill thi m with hard
water while the soft is wasted or used for other purposes, is such a
palpable mistake that it is surprising there is any necessity for writing
about it at all. This I think is the substance of the communication of
“ A. W.” on page 524.

Anent the subject of water in ashpits. I thought Mr. Bardney in
his generally interesting article on page 526 placed himself in a rather
peculiar position. He appears to have studied Hood and Andrew
Murray, and read all that has been written of late bearing on this
matter, yet it is evident he is not satisfied. It seems highly probable that
he will not admit any argument as conclusive till he has proved its sound¬
ness. I do not blame him ; but when he says “ No water is used below the
boilers here, nor will it be until the advantages arising from its use in the
preservation of fire bars, has been proved,” I am at a loss to know if he
will not believe in arguments till he has proved them, and will not adopt
the plan to prove it, how he intends arriving at a decision. A little in¬
formation on this subject, conveyed in a few lines, would almost
certainly be acceptable to many readers of the Journal besides — A
Thinker.

N.B. — When I saw the last issue of Journal I thought it a very first-
rate one, and a good deal better without the foregoing crowded-out
jottings than with them. If others think the same there will be a general
agreement for once — a pleasant thought for the end of the year for pacific
minds to dwell upon. But what of the future ? We must wait and
see. — A. T.

SOME GOOD VEGETABLES OF 1886.

( Continued from page 557).

We left off at Cauliflowers and resume at Cucumbers. Multipli¬
cation has been a common rule amongst these of late years, but I am
unable to tell what has been gained by it. Every new one is “ hand¬
some in form, fine in colour, grand for the table, superb for ex¬
hibition,” and in short perfect, yet it is remarkable the large number
of inferior Cucumbers we see at shows ; but this is not surprising, as it
is culture and not variety which produces handsome fruit. I do not
know any sort that will not produce model fruits if properly grown,
and those with the greatest recommendations will come crooked, long
necked, and altogether inferior with poor culture. Large Cucumbers
are more difficult to grow perfectly than short ones, and for this reason
the Cardiff Castle variety is to be recommended above all others, as
it is only about 15 inches in length, of fine form, and alike good in
summer and winter. It is the best Cucumber introduced during the
last ten years at least, and as a variety slightly longer. Sutton’s
Purley Park Hero merits high praise ; it is of the pure Telegraph
type, and when this is true the produce is always excellent. Of
Ridge Cucumbers, Sutton's King of the Ridge is excellent in form,
quality, and quantity.

Celery is a most important crop, but all varieties offered are not
good, and very large sorts are to be avoided. The Aylesbury Prize
Red is a new one of 1886 ; we tried a Is. packet of this Celery, and
the result did not equal our expectations. The American White
Plume is gaining favour as an autumn variety, and in my opinion it
will be a popular autumn Celery. Sutton’s White Gim is of the
type of the Sandringham, but is more compact and always proves
first-rate ; it is superb for stewing. Major Clarke’s Red is not a new
variety, but it is a good one, and of all reds we have again found it
the best. There is still a grand opening for a perfectly hardy
variety, as all sorts suffer much from frost.

Amongst Carrots the French Forcing is still the earliest variety,
and as it is so short it is most suitable for hotbeds in forcing. The
Short Horn follows this, and James’ Intermediate has been super¬
seded in quality by Sutton’s new Red Intermediate. This is a grand
main-crop Carrot. As a novelty Carter’s Golden Ball is pretty and
useful. Good Carrots are amongst the most valuable of all roots, and
it is a great advantage to grow only the best sorts.

Endive is not generally grown in small gardens, but wherever a
gardener is employed it is expected, and all will find Veitch’s Im¬
proved Round Leaved Batavian to be excellent. It is large in size,
good in quality, and very hardy. Carter’s Model Endive is a gem,
and the best of the curled section. Digswell Prize has not been
satisfactory.

In coming to Lettuces, Veitch’s Perfect Gem heads the list
amongst Cabbage varieties. It is compact in growth, firm, and ex¬
cellent in quality. This Lettuce first attracted my attention at Chis¬
wick, and I have grown it ever since. The Paris Market is the
earliest of all. Sutton’s Red-edged Marble is distinct in colour and
fine in quality, and Golden Ball from the same quarter^ is grand,
while Criterion and Summerhill from Messrs. Webb of Stourbridge
are two fine varieties. Summerhill is the largest of all Cabbage
Lettuces, and the quality is first-rate. These are all summer Let¬
tuces. New and good winter ones are not so plentiful, and raisers

578

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ December 0, 1886.

might turn their attention to this section with advantage. The
Hardy Green Hammersmith is still the best Cabbage variety for
winter use, and the Bath or Brown Cos is the hardiest in this divi¬
sion. Hardy's Northern King is newer, but it does not fold well,
and we do not like it on that account. The Reading Mammoth
White is a giant ; it is the largest of all, very tender, and a grand
big Lettuce ; and Webb’s Monstrous White Cos is of high merit.
We were long in favour of the Paris White and Green Cos varieties,
but have given them up to make room for those named.

Of Leeks we have tried many, and our experience of 1886 has
led us to say that in future our main crop will consist of Sutton’s
Prizetaker. We have had several prizes for it lately, but had we
trusted to the other varieties grown we would not have been “ in the
money." The Lyon, and several other specials I could name, have a
bad habit of coming with a round Onion-like end, and this, in my
opinion, spoils them ; but the Prizetaker is alike thick from root to
leaf, and is of the very best quality. We weighed some of our
specimens early in September, and they turned the scales at 3 lbs.— ■
A Kitchen Gardener.

(To be continued.)

ORCHIDS.

MASDEVALLIA TOVARENS1S.

How is it that we hear so little of this elegant little plant now?
When it was being sold at a guinea a leaf its beauty was extolled as
regularly as the Christmas holidays, which is also the time when the
plants are in full beauty. We have it now in full flower. The largest
plant had on it 197 blossoms open at once — a sheet of dazzling whiteness.
It is one of the easiest grown of Masdevallias, and now that plants of it
can be purchased for 5s. each no one should be without it. We grow it
in the cool house from April to October, and in the Cattleya house during
the rest of the year. Orchids should be valued for their intrinsic beauty,
and not because they can be sold for fabulous prices at Stevens’ sale
rooms, whereas many persons have a notion that these high-priced plants
in all cases are so much more beautiful. Our Masdevallia tovarensis
would have sold for £100 four years ago, now it would not realise a
hundred sixpences, but it is none the less beautiful because of this. —
J. Douglas.

[We have seen Mr. Douglas’s specimens, and they merit all he says of
them. This Masdevallia is undoubtedly one of the most useful for winter
flowering. The value of really good Orchids varies in proportion to their
scarcity or abundance.]

VANILLA.

A lady writer in the Planter and Farmer says : — The most precious
crop here (South Sea Islands) is Vanilla, which is both pretty and lucra¬
tive, being worth about 4 dols. a pound. It is a luxuriant creeper, and
grows so freely that a branch broken off and falling on the ground takes
root of its own accord, and it climbs all over the tall Coffee shrubs, the
Palms, Avocado Pears, and Orange trees, and everything that comes in
its way, growing best on living wood, the tendrils thence deriving susten¬
ance. It also flourishes best in unweeded grounds, the roots being thereby
kept cool, so the steep wooded hill-side is densely matted with this fragrant
spice, which scents the whole air ; indeed, the atmosphere of the house
is redolent of Vanilla. It is like living in a spice box, as the pods are laid
to dry in every available corner. They must be gathered unripe anddried
in a moist warm place. Sometimes they are packed under layers of quilts
to prevent them from bursting, and so lose taeir fragrant essence. All
this sounds very pleasant, and only suggests light work. Yet in truth
this cultivation involves most exhausting toil. The plant is an exotic ; it
lives in these isles by the will of the planter, not by Nature’s law. In its
native home exquisite humming birds hover over its blossoms, ’therein dart¬
ing their long bills in search of honey, and drawing them forth clogged
with the golden pollen which they carry to the next flower, thus doing
Nature’s woik of fertilisation. Here the flowers have no such dainty
wooers, and the Vanilla bears no fruit unless fertilised by human hands.
So M. and Madame Valles and their son divide the steep hillside into
three sections, and each morning they patiently but wearily toil up and
d wn, up and down again, again, and again, in order to manipulate each
blossom that has expanded during the night. “ Faire le manage des
-fleurs ’’ as Madame Valle describes her daily task, is no sinecure ; it must
be done during the hottest hours of the day, when any exertion is most
exhausting. It needs a keen eye to detect each fresh blossom, and any
neglected flower withers or drops. Each day the ripened pods must be
gathered, and in dry weather the plants require frequent watering and
indescribable toil.

WASPS AND EARWIGS.

The past season has been a peculiar one so far as my experience and
observations have been. Last spring we had more queen wasps than ever
I remember before the long spell of wet weather in May, which destroyed
t ie bulk of the nests just as they were started, and the greater part of the
queens perished with them. What nests were on dry banks or in hollow

trees do not appear to have produced many queens for next season.
Late in the autumn I took a nest of Vespa vulgaris for a lecture, expecting
to obtain some hundreds of queens as in previous years, but there was
not a single young queen, only the mother of the colony, there being a
large quantity of males and neuters. I have not seen half a dozen young
queens this autumn on the wing, and I am looking forward to next season
with interest. Can anyone kindly give any explanation ?

Earwigs have been more numerous than ever I remember, and have
done great damage to fruit. When gathering some Keswick Codlin
Apples for storing I found they were badly eaten, although I had not
noticed many earwigs. I had also a tree of Worcester Pearmain Apple,
which were every one begun, and consequently spoiled for storing. I now
determined on trapping, and procured from the hedgerows a quantity of
dry Hemlock stems, which were cut into lengths of about a foot. These
I rubbed in the fruit hard, making some of the pulp adhere, and placed
them between the forks of the branches, or fastened them to the stems by
pliant wire, and in a few weeks I caught over 2500 earwigs, and even
now I find they take to the traps in mild weather. On one occasion I
counted the proceeds of my round, and found I had 382. I have
hundreds alive now in a box with a glas3 lid, wishing to know something
of their natural history. I always read “Entomologist’s” notes with
interest, but never remember seeing a chapter on these two important
enemies of gardeners. Will he kindly reply ? I shall be pleased to see
the experience of others. — J. Hiam.

BERRY-BEARING PLANTS.

In addition to the Holly, which is indispensable at this time of year,
berry-bearing plants in pots are particularly useful aDd effective for many
forms of decoration, and are especially commendable on aocount of their
lasting properties. Ardisia crenulata is ’worth more extended culture. It
can be raised from seed sown in heat, although they are a long time before
they germinate, and also by cuttings from half-ripened shoots that spring
from the stem. They should then be grown in heat and moisture until
they are placed in 5-inch pots, a suitable size for them. From this stage
they must have abundance of light and a good circulation of air to harden
their wood, or they will not flower and fruit freely. When well grown
and berried the plants are most effective as an edging to groups or for using
singly ; in fact they can be tastefully arranged amoDgst any plants,

Rivina humilis is very graceful, and can be used with great effect
rising above dwarf compact plants. It naturally grows 18 inches or
2 feet high, and its drooping bunches of Red Currant-like berries, which
are freely produced, are very telling. This plant lasts well, and when
it has done duty and become shabby it can be conveyed to the rubbish
heap. It is best raised from seed, and if plants have been once grown in
the stove, or other warm structure, seedlings are certain to spring up in
quantity amongst the gravel or other moisture-holding material. If a few
are potted or raised by sowing the seeds at different times a succession of
plants can be had.

Callicarpa purpurea is a useful plant with purple berries that are pro¬
duced in bunches from the axils of the leaves along the current season's
wood. This is readily raised from cuttings of young shoots in early
spring, but two-year-old plants berry best in pots. They should, be
rested after the plants are shabby, then pruned well and started into
growth in heat. During the growing season a high temperature is not
needed, but the plants must have abundance of light to ripen the growth,
then they will flower freely and set their berries. Although this can be
grown very effectively in pots, it is much better when planted in a
light warm conservatory, where it will make shoots several feet in length,
2 or 3 feet of which will be thickly studded with small purple berries.

Solanums are unquestionably amongst the most useful berry-bearing
plants, for they will bear room and church decoration without much
injury. After such treatment they only need pruning back and starting
again into growth. Old plants produce the most berries, but good ex¬
amples can be grown in a season from cuttings. To grow them well in the
northern parts of the country they must be pushed early into growth and
the berries set in a frame before they are turned outside. This insures
them being well berried even in the worst of seasons. No greater or
more striking effect can be produced than a group of Chrysanthemums
edged with well-berried Solanums, or when they are over Callas take
their place, and the Solanums still remain good.

The last that will be noticed are Pernettyas, and for Christmas decora¬
tion in pots they are equally as effective as Solanums. The newer varie¬
ties are dwarf and berry with great freedom, in fact some plants we have
now have a mass of berries upon them. These can be grown outside in a
sunny open position, and lifted and potted in autumn, and when they
have done their duty they can be planted outside again. Any shoots that
show signs of running away should be well knifed back. The following
are amongst the best — Atrosanguinea, atrococcinea, atropurpurea, lilacina,
rosea major, rubra purpurea, rosea nana, coccinea, and carnea. — A
Northerner.

VARIETIES OF PEACHES AND NECTARINES, AND
TIME OF RIPENING.

Now that preparations are being made for another season, a few
remarks on the above may be useful. I have divided the list into two
classes — viz., those grown as fan trees on a trellis, which are planted in
borders in the ordinary way, and those grown as pyramid and bush trees
in pots. It is not advisable to compare all of the two classes together
(although all grew in the same house), because the pot trees are to a cer-

December SO, 1836. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

§79

tain extent shaded by those on the trellis, and consequently have not
such a favourable chance for ripening.

TRELLIS TREES.

Nectarines.

Name.

First Flowers Open

First Fruit Ripe.

Albert Victor .

March 24

August 28

Lord Napier .

„ 28

„ 9

Pine Apple .

„ 28

„ 80

Peaches.

Name.

First Flowers Open

First Fruit Ripe.

Barrington .

March 28

September 21

Bellegarde .

24

August 16

Dr. Hogg .

„ 24

„ 26

Early Grosse Mignonne ...

„ 28

„ 24

Lord Palmerston .

„ 28

September 18

Prince of Wales .

„ 24

August 28

Princess of Wales .

24

September 24

Salwey .

„ 28

October 11

Violet Native .

„ 24

August 16

POT TREES.
Nectarines.

Name.

First Flowers Open

First Fruit Ripe.

Albert Victor .

Byron .

Elruge .

Goldonii .

Humboldt .

Lord Napier .

Pine Apple .

Rivers’ Orange .

Stanwick Elruge .

Victoria .

Violette Hative .

March 28
„ 28
„ 28
„ 27

„ 28
„ 24

„ 28
„ 27

„ 24

„ 28
„ 27

September 16
„ 10
August 28
September 10
„ 10
August 20
September 10
,, 14

Auguat 28
September 22
» 1

Peaches.

Name.

First Flowers Open

First Fruit Ripe.

Alexander .

Albatross .

Bellegarde .

Chancellor .

Crimson Galande .

Dr. Hogg .

Dymond .

Early Alfred .

Early Beatrice .

Goshawk .

Grosse Mignonne .

Hales’ Early .

Lady Palmerston .

Merlin . .

March 28
,, 27

„ 28
„ 27

„ 28
„ 28
„ 24

„ 21
„ 28
„ 27

„ 22
„ 27

„ 27

July 12
September 17
„ 10

August 20
September 10
August 28
„ 20
,, 24

July 21
September 2

t , ” 17

July 31

October 13
August 24
September 22
August 28
September 15
October 18

Princesss of Wales ...

Royal George .

Sea Eagle .

Salwey .

„ 28
„ 24

„ 24

„ 29

• b® varieties mentioned were grown in our large house. Fire hea

is available if required, hut was only used a few times to a moderat
extent, and principally early in the season to Beep out frost. From i
strictly economical point of view (by which too much of horticulture ii
private gardens has to be judged at the present time), I am not in favou
of pot culture. There is a great amount of labour attachod to it in com
panson with trees planted out and trained on a trellis; neither is it pos
Bible, as a rule, to get such large fruits from pot trees. They are, however
very interesting for amateurs who have plenty of time to spare and re
quire some light and healthy amusement ; it is also obvious that a mucl
larger collection of varieties can be grown by this means ; but if fin<
large fruit is wanted that will look well on the dessert table, and occa
sionally take an honourable place at the exhibitions, there is nothing tc
fan-trained trees on a trellis.— W. H. Divers, Ketton Hal

AURICULA CAMPBELL'S GREEN-EDGE.

J^nVarJet£ ,f?r0,wn under this name was raised by Mr. Pete
Mr p am K°ii k‘rk. Its history is this. Some twelve years ag
» 8Cnt. T a box containing pips of a large number of hi

mentinfL’d t^em was one or two good green-edges. One

mentioned as being particularly fine in my note to Campbell. Sub

sequently he sent me a small plant of it in exchange for something else.
I was disappointed with it, as it never came up to its first maiden promise.
After some five or six years I had propagated a dozen plants of it, and as
no name was given to me with it when it was exhibited, I simply wrote
on the label Campbell’s Green-edge. Campbell made no conditions or
stipulations when he gave me the plant, and I had no hesitation, afttr
six years, in giving plants to friends who called here. It is a free grower,
but third-rate as regards quality. The above is the true history of
Campbell’s Green-edge. — J. Douglas.

AN bOLD LECTURE ON POTATOES.

By! Mr. Robert Fenn.

(Continued from page 536.)

My practice in preparing for Potatoes is to double dig the
ground 2 feet deep, keeping the bottom spit down, and merely
shovelling the crumbs of the top spit up to the surface. It is always
safer to do this than to bring the whole bottom spit of subsoil up
at once. A large body of soil is thus made porous to receive the
warmth and action of the atmosphere, encouraging the decomposi¬
tion of organic and other substances, ever present (to a great depth)
in all soils, and which locked out from the sun and air would remain
there unproductive till doomsday.

I will mention one or two instances of the value of trenching.
The first relative to an old garden which came into my occupation.
It was willingly given up by the former tenant as being a patch of
ground comparatively worthless, and would scarcely grow Turnips
larger than hen’s eggs. I had a dressing of road scrapings hauled on
and spread at the rate of sixty loads to the acre. It was then double
dug, the crumbs between the spits only being shovelled upon the
surface. This trenching affair caused rather a sensation, though
little was said to me on the subject. I sowed the ground in the
spring in drills with the White Belgian Carrot and the Yellow
Globe and Long Red Mangold Wurtzels. I shall never forget the
splendid crops, and I sold the Carrots as something wonderful in
Ludlow Market at 5s. per cwt.

My second example refers to a garden that had been under cul¬
tivation for upwards of 200 years, and for a long time was considered
as entailing more expense than it was worth, and the crops were
certainly miserable. I knew that when a man found his cart stick¬
ing in the mud it was very little use calling on Jupiter for assist¬
ance' unless he put his own shoulder to the wheel, so I turned up
my sleeves and set to work by probing the subsoil. I found it
all right, but it had never been disturbed since the garden was made ;
below the depth of 30 inches a plastic clay presented itself, which
made me decide at once for drains. The ground was drained and
trenched, care being taken to keep the subsoil down. Several years’
collection of refuse was cleaned out of backyards, and added as the
completion and planting went on, which was all the manure afforded,
I cropped the ground the first year after this chiefly with Potatoes,
and the result gave over 200 sacks for the acre, and the bountiful
produce the garden continued to yield, coupled with the vigorous
health of the fruit trees and ornamental shrubs, was remarkable,

PREPARING SETS.

My experience leads me to believe that seed Potatoes are
stronger when grown from whole than when they are reared from
cut sets. I choose middling sized whole Potatoes at the time of
taking up the crop, and since I have been particular in attending to
this I have never experienced anything approaching a failure.
The medium-sized Potato is scarcely ripe when taken from the
ground, and this is a great recommendation for it as seed. My
seed snay be said to undergo a perpetual preparation, for the moment
it is out of the ground it is disposed in single layers upon shallow
wooden trays secure from damp and frost in an underground cellar
lighted but dimly. On no consideration are the first shoots allowed
to become maimed or bruised ; and agreeably to the size of the
tuber I allow two or three shoots to grow, but never more ; all
others that form are rubbed off in their infancy. By planting
time the young shoots allowed to remain are robust and purple
with health, with young roots starting from around their base,
sturdy, so to speak, as the quills of a porcupine. The advantage
can be plainly seen over the old enervating, spurting and cutting
method. Nothing is here lost to the Potato. Whatever virtue is
gone out of it remains stored up in the young shoot, and the seed is
placed in the ground in the best possible condition. It is well
known that each succeeding series of shoots consequent on disbud¬
ding is weaker than its predecessor, and that if done three or four
times the leaf-buds are destroyed. Who, then, can wonder at the
great loss to the crop ? And it should be remembered that the upper
end of the Potato brings the heaviest produce. Now this end
generally buds first, and the consequence is that instead of two or
three original stems we have, in the case of disbudding all the
sprouts, a host of shoots of secondary power ; and the result is,

580

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Deoember 30, 1886.

instead of a given quantity of good produce fit for the market,
there will be an inferior quantity small in size and of a quality
which I would not care to give a fatting pig. But under the sys¬
tem of carefully protecting two or three first shoots they are sure
to become the monopolisers, and the result generally happens that
no weaker sprout will be able to make growth ; thus a superior
quantity and an even quality of good produce is the consequence.

(To be continued.)

CUSCDTA CHILENSIS.

The profusion in which the very pretty fragrant flowers are borne
over the whole of this leafless plant cannot but excite admiration, nor
can its habit of growth and the inevitable consequence of its vigour, when
growing on many of its foster plants, occasion any but feelings of wonder¬
ment. It has been cultivated under the erroneous name of 0. chinensis,
a species of only annual duration, whereas the one under notice is indis-

Fig. 85.— Cuscnta chilensis.

putably a perennial, and it may be easily inferred the confusion as to
names bas arisen simply through an inadvertent clerical error. Many
Cuscutas have been introduced from various countries, and these are
more numerous than may be generally imagined, more than thirty being
enumerated in Steudel s 11 Nomenclator Botanicus,” and this does not
include the well-known indigenous Dodder, an account of which has
previously appeared in this Journal.

It has been stated that Dodders grow only upon herbaceous plants
and the smaller shrubs, yet Shakespeare employed the term “ doddered ”
to the Oaa., from which it has been assumed that the word formerly was
not only applied to parasites generally, but figuratively, in describing
trunks of trees clad with vegetation. As expressed by its name, the
C. chilensis is a native of South America, and it so much resembles the
Peruvian Cuscuta, C. odorata, that it is very probable the question as to
whether they are not identical has yet to be determined. Those who
have had an opportunity of witnessing its wonderful growth and effect
when cultivated under favourable conditions in this country may be able

to form some idea of the character of this plant when growing in wild
luxuriance on some of the most fitting of its foster plants, and readily
realise the regard in which it is held by the Spanish Creoles, who have
applied to it the popular name of Cabellos de Angel (Angel’s Hair).
Whether this exotic parasite, which appears to have been introduced from
Chili in the year 1821, is capable of being acclimatised, is uncertain, but
shouli it prove to be so, it would be difficult to imagine a more un¬
desirable plant to introduce amongst some of our field crops. It certainly
is sufficiently hardy to withstand 3° or 4° of frost, hut flowering as it
does rather late in the summer, when growing in this climate out of doors,
there does exist for agriculturists the assurance that it would only, in
very exceptional seasons, ripen its 'seeds ; were it otherwise they might
fairly be appalled.

When observed in a small state, growing on some suitable softwooded
plant to which it has been allowed to attach itself for the purpose of
preserving it through the winter months under glasa, there is nothing
particularly striking in its appearance, and, under such a condition there
is relatively nothing to suggest the extraordinary spectacle it will present
when its growth is fully developed. It is only necessary to have an
established piece, even though it be growing on such a plant as would
ordinarily occupy a 48-sized flower pot, and so soon as the late spring
frosts are over to remove it to a suitable place to demonstrate its amazing
characteristics. Supposing it to have been placed close to a dwarf Ivy-
clad wall, sheltered and shaded by deciduous and evergreen trees of a
large growth, here and there a Lilac, a Flowering Currant, or Box tree,
and then large Elders, the latter perchance draped with that always
picturesque British climber, Traveller’s Joy (Clematis Vitalba), in such a
place as this the Chilian Cuscuta would soon manifest its prodigious
growth. Attaching itself to the nearest plant, herbaceous or otherwise,
its nude stems presently embrace those of others within reach one after
the other, in snake-like coils, sometimes singly, but not unfrequently in
twos and threes, and in its progress completely fixing itself by penetrat¬
ing their epidermis with its root-like tubercles. The more it becomes
established the more vigorously it grows, sending out strong thong-like
lateral shoots, in some cases several feet in length, and these soon take
possession of the branches of the surrounding shrubs and trees, for a
distance as much as 15 feet from the spot where it was originally placed.
At the same time a portion of the parasite will be luxuriating amongst
the Ivy, elevating itself above the branches in the most fantastic fashion,
some of the more thread-like stems coiling themselves round the larger ones,
and together eventually forming an inextricable densely matted mass of
as curious an example of vegetation as it is possible to conceive. It is,
perhaps, on Ivy that it best displays itself, so incredibly luxuriant does it
become as to almost conceal it, and it is from a spray of this plant that
the accompanying figure has been produced. As has been stated, it does
not commence flowering until somewhat late in the summer, but then its
delicate diapanous flowers are produced in clusters over the whole of the
plant in the greatest abundance. These are clear white faintly spotted
with a purplish hue, and emit a fragrance alike suggestive of both Hoya
and Heliotrope. This rather uncommon species of Cuscuta deservedly
claims attention as worthy of cultivation, not only on account of its being
so free floweiing, but as well of the fact that there are very few flowers
that can vie with it for retaining a fresh appearance when cut and placed
in water, more especially if a portion of its foster plant be cut with it, in
which case it will remain a pretty object for as much as three or four
weeks. In combination with other flowers for table decorations it can be
made to present quite a unique appearance, and for this purpose its value
cannot be over-estimated. — S. P. E. S.

RHUBARB FORCING.

I OESERYE “ W. P. R.” at page 537 says, “ Market gardeners never
use anything but a hotbed of manure for the purpose,” but this is incor¬
rect. Much Rhubarb is forced hereabouts by market gardeners, and they
all have houses erected for the purpose, shelved at different elevations —
three and often more shelves — depending upon the height of the walls.
Some use no material to cover the roots, but the soil adhering to them,
and some may occasionally throw in a little rubbish. The structures are
commonly heated by flues, and the roots supplied regularly with water of
the same temperature as that of the house, aud the whole kept dark ; but
I may add that if a slight opening is left at the eaves the Rhubarb is all
the better for it, and pushes ahead faster. With the constant steam
wooden structures do not last long. I have advised turf walls, having a
galvanised roof, well lined with straw underneath. The posts and runners
for supporting the shelves too should also be galvanised angled iron.
Such erections would in the end be more economical, and any labourer
could erect one in a short time. Small houses of this sort would be found
very useful for other purposes than forcing Rhubarb.

Rhubarb for forcing purposes should be lifted two or three weeks
before it is placed into the forcing house, and if well frozen all the better.
Rhubarb lifted and placed immediately in the. forcing house neither
yields a crop in bulk nor quantity like that exposed to the frosts after
being lifted.

Regarding the last sentence in “ W. P. R.’s ” article, it will require
“ A Thinker ” to elucidate it. He says “ Lukewarm is the temperature re¬
quired in forcing Rhubarb, and to be of service it must be underneath the
roots and not above them.” Heat no doubt ascends, and no one, I think,
would think of placing the heating apparatus or material on a high shelf ;
but a great heat at the roots of anything while the tops were in a much
lower temperature would be detrimental. I observe growing in ashed
here some shoots of Gloire de Dijon Rose perfectly fresh, while the roots

December SO, 1888. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

581

are outside, and the exposed shoots and buds are in its normal winter
state. A little distance from me there are Gloire de Dijon and Marechal
Niel Roses planted outside a glass structure, and both of these Roses pro¬
duce flowers during winter upon the shoots inside. My opinion is that to
grow many plants well the temperature surrounding them must be
greater than that at the roots. If a tree be planted near a house the
moment its shoots reach the slates they grow rapidly and lie flat upon
them. The growth of trees in this situation is more rapid than of those
only a few yards distant.

Fruit Trees. — I have some Apple trees that have shown blossom
buds for many years, but although summer and root-pruned have
never burst into bloom, but remained in a latent state. About eight
years ago I resolved on removing one favourite tree to a more secure
place. To prepare it for this during midsummer I cut back the current
year’s growth and cut a trench about 2£ feet from the stem of the tree,
and in a few days the flower buds formed years before burst into bloom.
Query, Why did it and others refuse to bloom under similar autumn and
spring treatment, and what should be done to force similar trees to bloom
at the proper time ? — W. T., N. B.

THE PAST SEASON’S GARDENING. AND SEED LIST.

Making out the seed list is a matter of great importance to gardeners.
As the time is at hand for ordering next year’s supply many will be
engaged in filling up their respective lists, and to those who are making
out their first order it will in some cases prove very difficult. Therefore I
am sure your correspondents, “ J. L. B.” and Mr. Chisholm’s notes, will
prove useful. I only intend making brief remarks on a few sorts of
vegetables grown here duriug the past season, the soil being light, of good
depth, with a gravelly subsoil. Peas were sown in trenches, which
proved a benefit, for during a long period of very hot weather we were
enabled to water them with better results than if they had been sown on
the level ground. Dicksons’ First and Best was our earliest. Carter’s
Stratagem is undoubtedly a first-class Pea, and deserves to be extensively
grown ; Champion of England, Telephone, Carter’s Surprise, and Fill-
basket yielded good crops. French Beans. — Early Prolific, Carter’s
Longsword, and Canadian Wonder. There was not much to choose
between the two latter, both being very prolific. Cabbage. — Little Pixie,
Heartwell Early Marrow, and Mammoth Beef-heart. The former is soon
ready for cutting, and of the two latter I consider Mammoth Beef-heart to
be the best, I believe it will stand very severe weather. Cauliflower. —
Eclipse, Veitch’s Autumn Giant, and Improved Autumn Giant. Brussels
Sprouts. — Carter’s Perfection. Onions were sown without manure, and
although the bulbs are small they are firm and keeping well, Blood Red
and Brown Globe being the best ; Giant White Tripoli for autumn sowing.
The first sowing of Carrots in the open was a failure, owing to the wire-
worm attacking them; Early Scarlet Horn for early use and James’
Intermediate for succession were sown. I made a sowing of Early Horn
Carrot and Green Top Stone Turnip at the end of July. They grew
without any check and are most serviceable at this season. Potatoes. —
Ashleaf Kidney for early use ; Pride of the Market, Reading Hero, and
Clarke's Main Crop Kidney. The last named was not so good
and showed disease when lifted. Carter’s Sukreta is the best second
early I have seen, a very heavy cropper, with handsome tubers, which
when cooked are while and mealy.

Celery. — Sandringham White, Incomparable Crimson, and Major
Clarke’s Red. I may observe here that the Celery seed was not] sown
until the end of March and not subjected to any artificial heat, but kept
in a cool frame ; none, so far, have run to seed. The Celery grub was
troublesome for a time, but the best way to get rid of this pett is to pluck
off all leaves with the grub in and burn them. This autumn a sort of scale
has made much havoc among a part of the Celery ; it appeared very
suddenly and spread so rapidly that it seems almost impossible to eradicate
it without destroying the Celery. Have others been troubled with it? A
remedy for such a pest would prove a boon to more besides myself if it is
at all general. — G. Garner, Amberwood Gardens, Hants.

GRAPES WITHOUT HEAT FOR THE MILLION.

The Vine is a free-growing, highly ornamental, and useful
hardy climber. It is unrivalled for rapidity of growth and for
covering a large space quickly; its handsome bright shining green
foliage place it at the head of plants of the kind named. For
my part, I consider there is no climber at all approaching the
Vine in beauty. Others have more attractive blossoms. The
Rose, Clematis, Jasmine, Passiflora, Honeysuckle, &c., are
charming for flowers or scent, or both ; but attractive as they
are, and pleasing as they may be, the charm is lacking which
gives the most enduring of satisfaction — namely, a rich harvest
of fruit. To the cultivator no other subject appeals so forcibly
as the Vine. It is so accommodating, tractable, and useful as to
out-distance all competitors. Only fancy an eye, a bud very
much less than half an ounce in weight, making a shoot almost
as thick as a walking stick and ripening to a length of three
yards, brown and hard enough, with eyes like nuts, in a few
short months, say six, then given a few weeks’ rest, and in six
months more giving as many pounds of Grapes as feet of cane
are left.

Grapes have been grown and ripened outdoors in Britain

from time immemorial. The Romans, no doubt, introduced the
Vine, but there is no record of such event. Vineyards are men¬
tioned by the venerable Bede, and he was a dweller in the
“ north country,” so that vineyards, which means vintages and
wine, were not confined to the “ sunny south;” indeed, outdoor
Grapes ripen in the Vale of York quite as well as in that of the
Thames or Severn. The point seems to be to avoid wet or cold
districts, either from a stubborn moisture-holding soil or an
elevated bleak situation. A moderately high situation, so as to
be free from stagnant water, lying well to the sun all day long,
the south or other slope of a hill that would present the surface
at an angle to absorb the sun’s rays, withal sheltered from
northerly blasts, soil of a nature securing the free percolation
through it of rain, and an under stratum that admitted its free
passage to the rivulet or streamlet ; a land, in fact, of hill and
dale, counterpart of the illustrious Syrian, and of limestone for¬
mation. The valleys or the flats, not all fens of dark vegetable
debris, or of alluvial character, but sand, gravel, and marine
animals tempest-tost and of pre-oceanic origin, out of which
sprang oolite. Those limestones, oolitic and siliceous, are the
basis of the soil for Grapes, and in no other, so far as I have
experience, are they to be seen in all their wealth of flesh, juice,
richness, and tempting colour and bloom. It is not the slightest
use attempting to grow Grapes in clay; they need sind, or in
bog they require lime. Our best Grapes are grown in borders
prepared on these lines. What is the drainage but the gravel,
the lime rubbish but the sand and lime, the bones but the fossils,
and the loam but the vegetable debris, an artificial soil made
corresponding to that the Vine has provided in Nature? Surface
dressing and mulching are only what Nature gives in decayed
vegetable matter annually fallen.

Site. — The Vine if left to itself will run along the ground,
forming aerial roots from the canes or rods after they become
ripe, and these become true roots — at least, they send up matter
for the support of the Vine from the soil. It is like any other
climber - viz., runs along the ground until it finds something to
clamber by, and then begins to ascend and rear its head, holding
fast by the tendrils. It therefore needs support, and there are
house walls ; the only thing is that they be exposed to the sun.
It may climb over rocks in its native wilds and so get shelter,
warmth, and light, that I know not ; in this country it requires
all the warmth and light the sun affords. The aspect should be
south. It is well to note that I saw ripe Royal Muscadine Grapes
on an east and west aspect in 1886. Some on a west aspect
ripened better than some on a south wall. The former neither
lacked thinning of the bunches nor berries, but the latter lacked
both, and whilst the thinned bunches were useful fruit the
unthinned were worthless. Site, therefore, is not everything,
cultivation must be taken into account. If the house have a
projecting roof it will to some extent throw off rain ; not a great
evil in this country, as the drier the foliage the more able is it to
perform its assimilating functions ; besides, when the fruit is
ripening it requires to be dry. The projection is also a source of
warmth, arresting the passage of heat upward. Such walls are
drier and warmer. The site should also be high. Houses are
now built so that the floor line is above, not as in old houses
below the surface level — i.e., the ground floor line is so high that
a terrace and steps have to be made. Such are best. The
terrace can be made into a border for the Vines. The width can
be such as to admit of its being covered with glass and a cool
house formed, in which Grapes can be grown better than against
a wall, as the sun heat can be husbanded, and the glass house is
an advance on the wall with projecting eaves or a wide coping,
as the last is an advance on the wall, the coping of which projects
little or is flush with the wall surface. Such a site will be high
and dry, and this is better than making an excavation, putting in
drainage, and bringing fresh soil.

Appliances. — Now we have the site and the wall we decide
to grow outdoor Grapes under glass, but artificial heat is not
necessary. Jf the wall is to be covered with glass the brickwork
should be wired, as it admits of the readier training or regula¬
tion of the Vine growths and nailing damages a wall considerably.
The wires should be fixed about three-quarters of an inch from
the wall, not more, and the nearer the better if the tying material
can be got between the wire and the wall The wires may be
about 7 inches apart — i.e., in a line with every other course of
br cks, employing eyes, terminal holdfasts, straining holdfasts,
and No. Id galvanised wire. Any handy labourer can fix the
wires, and the trellises should be 16 inches from the glass. If
the wall has no projecting eaves or coping, then it must or rather
would be better with one — a coping of glass Properly fixed it
will be safe, but some are so light and the iron not galvanised
that they are fragile and the iron rusts, which disturbs the
, putty and away goes the glass, or if held in by zinc or other

582

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER ,

[ Dejembcr SO, 1886.

contrivance wet is held and frost breaks the glass. I have seen
copings of this character. They are no good whatever. Either
the iron should be galvanised or the coping be formed of wood
frames, but the iron obstructs least light. These copings must
be 18 inches wide and may be 30 inches. They need only have
an incline from the wall of one-third the width, which, if
18 inches, will be 6 inches of perpendicular height. Boards will
do, and they are warmer than glass, but what they gain at night
is lost in favour of the glass by day through the boards
obstructing light and heat ; therefore glass is best, for though
we _ favour dwellings or walls with projecting eaves or wide
copings something may be lost at the upper part of the wall
through their shadow; with glass we get the best fruit imme¬
diately under the coping. The coping is no use in winter, there¬
fore it should be portable, soon taken off, and as readily fixed.
From November to April the coping might as well be sheltering
winter salads, Violets, or whatever needs protection.

If the means afford I advise not only the glass coping, but a
glass front. Enclose a space, in fact, with glass to hold the heat
and prevent radiation from the wall, which takes place less
rapidly from such surface when the air is still than when there
is a wind. The glass may be so fixed that the coping will form
the roof, and the front can be upi-ight or slightly inclining
outwards — i.e., widest at the foot, but that is not material, so if
it be 18 inches clear of the wall surface it will do — better more
or at the foot 2 feet 6 inches, and the lights must be easily
removeable, sliding to allow of free access for manipulation and
for ventilating. The whole structure standing on oak posts or
other bases, and portable, so that it can be cleared away at any
time.

But we have only got so far as a base. The house comes
next. By a house I mean a glass structure that the cultivator
can get into and attend to the requirements of the Vines. It
may be an unpretentious structure of 6 feet width, with top glass
lights somewhat flat as advised for the coping, and the front
lights can slope from the coping outward to the 6 feet of width;
the front being of boards to a height of 18 inches, the uppermost
one being hung at the top and opening outwards will be a ready
means of bottom ventilation, and the top lights can be hung on
pivots, so that top ventilation is readily given. The house to be
supported by iron standards on brick piers, the roots of the
Vines having free access outwards. The height of the wall
being 12 feet to 13 feet 6 inches, we get the front lights at a sharp
angle, and that is what we require, for we want to get as much
sun heat as possible inside in the spring and early summer
months, and during late summer and early autumn. The weather
is hot enough in the dog days, therefore we need not trouble
about the refracted rays at that time. With a sharp pitched
roof we have the sun vertical, perhaps in April or early May, and
this helps the Vines forward, and it is vertical again in late
August and September when we have the Grapes ripening.
Flat-roofed houses are no good for Grapes without heat, there¬
fore either have sides sharply inclining or have them perpen¬
dicular with as little flat roof as possible. Flat roofs are very
well when what is wanted of sun heat can be supplied by hot-
water pipes ; therefore, if the house must be detached, just have
the span double the width of a 6 feet wide lean-to. The ends of
the span should be north and south. Both the lean-to and span
must be so constructed that all the glass can be removed, the
whole structure being portable. Preference should be given to
the lean-to. The house may be any width, but keep the same
slope for the side lights and increasing the length of the top
lights proportionately with the width. The same of span-roofs.
Span roofed frames can be utilised for growing Grapes, but they
should have 11-inch wood sides, be 4 feet wide, and have a some¬
what flat roof, or be 1 foot 9 inches high at the ridge. They
must be placed on a layer of bricks. — G. Abbey.

(To be continued.)

THE TASTEFUL ARRANGEMENT OF PLANTS.

It is not many years since the highest art in grouping plants con¬
sisted in simply sloping them from back to front and mixing them in the
process, in some cases dotting a few taller plants throughout the group in
order to yield a more graceful appearance. A not uncommon method in
the case of conservatories and other structures was not only to slope the
plants from front to back, but also to find out with mathematical exactness
the middle of the group, making it fuller there, and receding slightly
towards each end. The system of dotting plants in a groundwork of
Maidenhair Ferns initiated by Mr. Wills came upon the whole horti¬
cultural world as a revolution, and good, bad, and indifferent imitations
followed. I have seen extremely poor groups rewarded with honours at
flower shows, not on account of "the groups being in any way noteworthy,
but simply on account of their following the fashion. Judging from the
best examples I have seen, the idea was to show off to the best effect

certain plants of great beauty, either as foliage or flowering plants, and
this was attained by a judicious arrangement, heightened by the intro¬
duction of the best available groundwork. There are many plants in
general cultivation which either do not require a groundwork or which
are better without it. Chrysanthemums we may take as an example
when massed by themselves ; Zonal Pelargoniums also are best grouped
alone. We used to have a large quantity of these all through the winter
and spring months, and any addition to the glowing mass of colour they
presented would have detracted from the effect. Neither should I care to
break up a group of well grown Cinerarias or of decorative Pelargoniums
by the addition of any other plants. Of course there are people who
consider bare masses of colour “ vulgar,” but so long as Dame Nature
covers our moors with unbroken stretches of purple Heather, our meadows
with sheets of crimson-tipped Growans, and the shady banks of our
streamlets with masses of yellow Primroses, we may well al'ow the
charge of vulgarity to pass unheeded.

But if there are flowers which are most effective massed by themselves
there are also others which show to much better effect isolated. Of such
we may mention many Orchids — not all — as being greatly heightened in
general effectiveness by judicious grouping. A few pretty foliage plants,
such as Asparagus, Curculigo, Coco3 Weddelliana, the variegated Ficus
elastica, Dracaenas, and Pandanuses can be used in this way advan¬
tageously, while the edges may be prettily edged with Panicum, Ficus
repens, Isolepis gracilis, or Maidenhair Fern. I like to dot Tuberous
Begonias among Maidenhair Ferns. Narcissus, Tulips, and Dutch bulbs
generally look much prettier amongst Maidenhair Ferns. Some flowering
plants are very pretty when employed as a ground to others. Thus
Primulas with large healthy foliage may have graceful plants arranged
amongst them, as, for instance, Carnations; Cyclamecs also may have
other plants dotted amongst them. Yellow Crocuses or blue Scillas are
other examples of what may be effective as groundwork plants.

Then there is the old-fashioned ry^tem of grouping, which, with
modifications, is of great value for utilising in the best manner small
collections of different plants. Just now we have not a sufficient number
of Chrysanthemums in bloom to make a massive group by themselves,
but by mixing with other plants, these beautiful wint r flowers are made
to be still the predominating feature in the c onservat )ry. Entering by
the door, the centre bed appears full of these, although good plants are
only arranged here and there, but then every one in seen. Along one
side dark brown and soft yellow sorts are alternated along the back, the
heads of bloom leaning over to the front. Along the front a few Pompons
are intermixed with free-grown Eupatoriums, which are not staked, and
showing among these are spikes of Schizostylis. Where the pots would
be seen Maidenhair Ferns are placed. On the other side the front row is
Maidenhair Fern, with Mignonette and Lily of the Valley. Behind
these are good plants of Cypripedium insigne, with a few Chrysanthemums
and Arum Lilies in flower. Close to the door the earliest Tulips are so
placed as to be seen on entering. The whole arrangement rises from the
door to the other end, and considering only a limited variety of plants
succeed in the house during winter, the effect is very good. One advan¬
tage of mixed arrangements is that any particularly g> od plant may either
be mad6 to form the key to the whole, or it can be placed in a prominent
position without offending good taste.

In arranging plants in rooms, as a matter of necessity much depends
on the rooms and on the taste of the occupants. In one room we have to
do with plants are kept in one of the darkett por'ions. Our endeavour is
to keep this as bright as possible. At present Pelargoniums of crimson
shades are massed in it. These are worthless if left over a week, the
foliage becoming yellow. As edging Maidenhair Fern is preferred and
stands best, though Isolepis is also somet mas used. Richardias do remark¬
ably well in such a position, and in conjunction with brightly coloured
Tulips, Hyacinths, and Lily of the Valley they will come into use
directly. White is suitable for all positions, and the best white-flowered
plants for rooms are Richardias, Lily of the Valley, Lilium Harrisi, L.
longiflorura, and L. lancifolium. Roman Hyacinths, Pottebakker and La
Candeur Tulips, Paper White Narcissus and Narcissus ornatus, Azalea
narcissiflora, Nicotiana affinis, Hyacinthus candicans, and Spiraea japonica.
In light positions any of these can be used. Of foliage plants for stand¬
ing permanently in rooms good hardy forms are Cissus antarctica and
Aspidistra lurida variegata. Much bi tter are Ficus elastica and its
variegated form, Kentia Belmoreana, Seaforthia elegans, Dracmna gracilis,
and Grevillea robusta. All of these stand house treatment well, provided
attention is paid to watering regularly and the dust occasionally sponged
off. These are more suitable for rooms where there is plenty of light. On
dark staircases it is better to use only plants, which will lighten them
somewhat. In corners nothing is better than Richardias, while on
pedestals, on banisters, and on landings the following are good, but
should be changed every week. Curculigo recurvata variegata, Bambusa
Fortunei variegata, Pandanus Veitchi, and Cyperus alternifolius
variegatus.

As a general rule, but few plants should be employed for rooms, and
these good. The white-flowered plants which are most suitable, though
the list is not given as at all exhaustive, have already been noted ; and
with regard to coloured flowers, it is worth while to note that where these
are mixed it is much better to harmonise colours than to have anything
glaring or bizarre, and in all cases the first thought must be given as to
whether certain colours will add to the general effect of the room. We
have referred to crimson Pelargonium^ as being used in a particular room
and in a certain position. Other flowering plants are also dotted in other
positions, but these are all white-flowered. The vases are filled with
shades of yellow, brown, or lilac and white, but no crimson. Examples
of good colouring are deep and soft yellows, which may be worked out with

December SO, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER,

683

yellow Van Tbol Tulips and Gloriosum Narcissus dotted amongst the
Tulips. Marie or Mimosa Hyacinths and Orondates or Blondin Hyacinths
dotted among Panicnm is very pretty. Ida and Mont Blanc Hyacinths

as (hit assumed by Maidenhair Perns grown in cold frames, suits yellow
and white better than a wry dark green. However, by far the best plan
is to experiment with what gives the best edict. T iese are only hints.

Fig. 86.— A Group of Plants.

form another combination soft and pleasing. Great care shtull bo ex¬
ercised when mixed colours are used in seeing that ourple3 and certain
lilac shades do not come near each other, or certain shades of pink and
red or yellow. Lilac shading to white is very g tod, and a little yellow
added gives quits a new tone. Toe addition of green has also to be
watched, as for example, the effect of yellow is heightened by the employ¬
ment of a dark lively green, such as Isolepis. A yellowish green, such

the result ef a close experience of year', which bis taught, among other
things, the good effect that may often be secured byadlingnr tiking^
away something apparently very s'ight from even good arran ;ement<.
Simplicity is the great thing, a good variety of plants and plenty of these,
a hundred of one sort being much better than a hunlred distinet kinds.
— B.

[The group of plants rep'erent d was sketched at a mansion |in the;

584

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ December 80, 1888.

north of London, and commends itself for the pleasing manner in which
th e plants were associated.]

FIGS ON WALLS.

It is not my intention in this paper to go into the history of the Fig>
but simply to make a few remarks upon its culture cn walls. My obser¬
vations are based upon nearly sixteen years’ experience of trained trees in
these gardens, covering a wall 10J feet high, and about 350 feet long, from
base to summit, with healthy and fruitful branches. Two of the Fig trees
here are of great age and size, having stems nearly 3 feet round, and
branches extending from 35 to 40 feet therefrom on each side. Yet,
owing to the method of training practised, the wood forming the indi¬
vidual trees is, with the exception of a few thick branches proceeding
from the base, such as may be found in a six-year-old tree.

The varieties best adapted for culture against walls in the open air are
the following : — Brown Turkey, a free bearer of large turbinate fruits,
with a grooved sutface; skin brown, with a slight purplish tinge next the
sun ; flesh tinged with red at the centre, rich and sugary. White Mar¬
seilles is another free-hearing variety, producing fairly large, roundish
obovate, and slightly ribbed fruit, having a pale green skin, which becomes
yellowish white when the fruit is ripe ; flesh opaline, juicy, sweet, and
rich. Castle Kennedy is a rather shy bearing variety, a fact which may
account for the great size to which its obovate and handsome fruit
attains to on vigorous trees; skin greenish yellow, pale brown towards
the eye ; flesh whitish, with stains of red near the eye. Brunswick is
another somewhat shy bearing variety ; the fruit is pyriform, very large, and
handsome in appearance ; skin pale brown next the sun, and yellowish-
green where shaded ; flesh opaline outside, reddish-brown at the centre,
and fairly rich and sugary.

Seeing that the wood of Figs is naturally pithy and soft, moderately
good loam, and one part of old mortir rubble and wood ashes well mixed,
should only be used as soil. When Fig trees are planted in a narrow,
shallow, but well-drained border composed of the compost indicated, they
make a short-jointed and firm growth, with an embryo fruit in the axil of
every leaf. But trees thus grown should have copious supplies of water
at the roots during the summer months in the absence of heavy rains, and
if frequent waterings of liquid manure be given, finer fruit will thereby
be secured. In planting, the trees should not be buried any deeper in the
soil than they were before.

A few inches should be allowed for the soil settling down within a
few weeks from planting time. A wall having a south or south-west
aspect is the most suitabfe for Fig trees to occupy, say at 30 feet from
each other. The intervening space can in the meantime be occupied
with young trees, Figs or otherwise, which, however, should be removed
as soon as the permanent trees require more space on the walls.

Young trees should have their branches fan-trained at regular in¬
tervals on the wall, and at the same angle on either side the centre of
the trees, so as to allow of two or more young shoots proceeding therefrom
during the summer being trained in the same manner over the interven¬
ing space, and in order to secure a balance of growth in the individual trees
strongly growing shoots should have their points pinched out. The tem¬
porary check thus given to the flow of sap will tend to the formation of
embryo fruit on the shoots so stopped. In the case of established trees
a space of 6 inches should be allowed between the branches of the previous
year’s growth, and between these one of the current year’s growth should
be laid in during the summer, and be stopped when they attain to a
length of 20 inches for the purpose indicated, pinching all other shoots
out as soon as they appear so as to prevent overcrowding of the shoots,
and with this object in view the trees should be examined several
times during the summer. The practice of taking down, bundling
together, and covering the branches of Fig trees with mats and fern
during the winter and early spring months is not only unnecessary, in
the southern, western, and eastern counties at any rate, but positively
injurious to the trees, inasmuch as it is calculated to thwart the very
object in view, that of securing a good crop of fruit.

As soon as the trees begin to push forth leaves, which they usually
do here the beginning of May, they should be pruned somewhat after the
fashion of the Peach or Morello Cherry — that is, as many of the old
branches as can be dispensed with should be cut out to make room for a
like number of young ones of the previous year’s growth, retaining,
however, the necessary number of branches to form the tree which are
best studded with young fruit, which will be obvious at that time, and
on this account, together with the fact that the trees do not then bleed
so much by reason of the absorption of the sap by the leaves as they
otherwise would do, it is advisable to defer the process of pruning till
May.— H. W. Ward.

GARDENERS’ GAIT.

My feelings on reading Mr. W. R. Raillem’s remarks were like the
Yankee Editor’s, who received a poem for publication. He parsed it,
examined it with a microscope, and sent it to a chemist to be analysed,
but could not understand what the poet was driving at.

Are your correspondent’s remarks meant as a joke, or are they
intended as a sneer at a body of industrious persevering men ? With
regard to habitually running at woik, few men are strong enough to do
so, and a fair day’s work ern be done without it. But it is not so
unusual as Mr. R. asserts to see a gardener run. Where forcing is carried

on during the spring months the gardeners often have to “ pop ” and put
shading on and take it off.

Jim, too, is an extreme case and not a representative under gardener,
as anyone may prove by visiting a London nursery when the men are
going to or from meals. Your correspondent closes with good advice,
which would have been received better without the illustrations. When
I was under gardener the reading of such an article in the bothy would
only have called forth uncomplimentary remarks. — A. L. G.

The Prince of Wales has been enrolled as an honorary member of
the Linnean Society. A deputation comprising the President, William
Carruthers, F.R S., Frank Crisp, LL.B., Sir J. Lubbock, Bart., B. Daydon
Jackson, and Dr. James Murie, attended at Marlborough House for the
purpose of obtaining His Royal Highness’s signature in the Society’s
books.

- We regret to announce the death on the 24th inst., in his eighty-

first year, of Me. C. W. Neumann of Wyncote, Allerton, near Liverpool,
whose gardener (Wm. Mease) has been so successful in the cultivation of
Chrysanthemums and other plants.

- The exceptionally heavy Snowstorm which commenced last

Sunday evening, and continued until Monday morning, has caused a
great amount of damage to trees and shrubs in many districts. The
snow was soft and damp, accumulating in heavy masses on trees of all
kinds, but especially on evergreens, which in numerous cases were crushed
to the ground. Shrubs of a brittle character, such as Lilacs, were
snapped off in a remarkable manner, stems 3 or 4 inches thick being
broken short about 4 feet from the ground. Where Conifers have not
been quite broken down, handsome specimens have in innumerable in¬
stances lost large branches, effectually destroying their beauty. Letters
from several counties, both north and south, record equal devastation
and when the full results of the storm are known it will probably be
found to have been one of the most disastrous experienced for many
years. In the neighbourhood of London the average depth of snow was
about 9 inches, but it was considerably deeper in exposed places owing to
the drifting.

- Me. S. Windsor, Glangwna Gardens, Carnarvon, sends us a

fine flower of the peculiar Strelitzia Regina:, which is remarkable
alike for its strange form and the curious combination of bright orange and
blue tints. Accompanying it were samples of Zygopetalum Mackayi, a
strong raceme having seven large flowers of good colouq Calanthe Yeitchi
a vigorous raceme of richly tinted flowers, the fragr.nt and delicately
tinted Luculia gratissima, and good flowers of Lapageria rosea. With
them were Fern fronds and sprays of Asparagus, a I indicating by their
clean healthy condition the considerate treatment they receive.

- An old and once well known florist, Mr. Thoma3 Brown,

formerly of the Royal Nurseries, Slough, died at Honolulu, Sandwich
Islands, October 22nd last, at the age of eighty-two. Mr. T. Brown
etired from the Slough nursery in 1840, and in 1846 emigrated to
Honolulu, where he has since resided, with the exception of a few years
passed in America. He held for a considerable time an official position
as Registrar, and his eldest son is a member of the Legislative Assembly.

- It is evident that at Rodriguez, a small dependency of Mauritius,

the Indigenous Plants are threatened with Extinction from
an enemy of a peculiar character. In the Annual Report of the Acting
Civil Commissioner on Crown Lands and Forests for 1885 it is stated : —
“ In my report for the year 1884 I pointe d out the existence of a kind of
white lice, commonly called here ‘ cocheni'le,’ whioh had in a very short
i me multiplied enormously, and threatens 1 to destroy the forests of
Rodriguez. During the year 1885 matters looked more alarmina still.
It was reported to me that these insects had begun to attack the Maize,
Manioc, and Bean plantations. I, myself, while visiting the mountain,
ascertained the correctness of the report. However, the Bean harvest
had not been bad, and the inhabitants had nst to siffer from aDy scarcity

December 30, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

585

of food. As regards the Citron, Lemon, and Orange trees, for which this
island has long been famous, hundreds of them have been killed by these
insects. The Mango and Cocoa-nut tree3 felt their baneful influence, and
yielded sour and unsavoury fruits. One of the best forest trees which
grow here, the ‘ Bois puant ’ (Fcetidia mauritiana), seems unable to resist
their attack, and I am afraid that there will not be one of these trees left
within a twelvemonth, unless, by somo happy circumstance, these insects
were to disappear altogether.” We learn from Kew that the interesting
indigenous tree, whose complete extinction within twelve months is here
anticipated, is very rare in Mauritius, and unless steps are taken to
preserve it at Rodriguez it will probably disappear altogether as a forest
tree from the flora of these islands. — ( Nature .)

- The late Mb. Zadok Stevens. — Mr. Edward Gilman,

Ingestre Gardens, Stafford, writes — “I should like, with your per¬
mission, to add my tribute of respect to the memory of Mr. Z. Stevens,
but it would need an abler pen than mine to do him justice as a thorough
horticulturist, master, and friend. As the former he was known to a
great many professional brethren throughout the United Kingdom and
Ireland, and I believe I should state the truth were I to say throughout
the world. As a master I always found him strict, kind, and considerate ;
one who served his noble employers long, faithfully, and well, and who
also required the same to be rendered to him by his subordinates. Asa
friend I had the honour and privilege of counting and knowing him since
I served under him twelve years ago. Socially he was genial, frank,
kindly, and entertaining, one in whose company an hour was spent pro¬
fitably and pleasantly. Most of the leading gardeners will have heard of
his decease with feelings of deep regret. As an all-round gardener he had
few compeers, for whatsoever his hand found to do that he did diligently,
earnestly, and thoroughly, and those who knew him and his work best
will admit that in his death we have to mourn the loss of one of our
horticulturists of light and leading. He leaves a widow anl three
children.”

- Messes. Dickson, Bkown, & Tait, Manchester, write as

follows respecting Cauliflowers — “ Your correspondent * A Kitchen
Gardener,’ is evidently in a fog as regards our Eclipse Cauliflower. We
introduced this variety before Sutton’s King was known, so that the
latter may he like the former. Any gardener who has grown our Eclipse
would not for a moment say it was identical with Autumn Giant ; there is
a wide difference in foliage, Eclipse being much more self-protecting, and
the curd much whiter. It is a matter of opinion whether Autumn Giant
is superior to Eclipse ; we can give your correspondent abundant evidence
from hundreds of leading gardeners throughout the country, including Mr.
Penny of Sandringham, and Mr. Paterson of Balmoral, who hold a con¬
trary opinion.”

- Me. W. Bardney writes : — “Those who have not grown

Veitch’s Chelsea Blue Peimula should do so for another year. It
is a great acquisition to this popular class of decorative plants. It is
decidedly the best blue I have yet seen. The flowers are what may be
termed deep lavender in colour ; they are of the very finest form, and of
good substance. Every plant I raised from a packet of seed last spring
was true — not the slightest variation in the colour of the flowers. I feel
convinced that whoever gives it a trial will not be disappointed with it,
for it is perfectly distinct, and highly attractive when associated with
either red or white varieties, or both, as the case may be.”

- We are requested to state that on January 28th, 1887, at 8 p.m.,

Mr. Richard Dean will deliver an address before the members of the
Chiswick R.H.S. Mutual Improvement Association. Subject,
“ Round About the Worll of Horticulture.”

- National Rose Society. — At the annual dinner of this Soceiety

the Chairman (the Hon. and Rev. J. T. Boscawen) proposed that some
recognition of the Jubilee should be made by the members of a society
whose object it is to promote the extended culture of the flower which is our
national emblem. It was readily taken up, a committee was named, and
at its first meeting held at the Horticultural Club it was determined that
the first £100 should be devoted to the purchase of two challenge trophies
to be competed for at the provincial shows of the Society, one for thirty-
six blooms open to all nurserymen, and one for twenty-'our b ooms open
to all amateurs. Subscriptions were announced in the room in sums
varying from one guinea to five, amounting to upwards of £40, and
circulars will be shortly issued to the members generally inviting their
co-operation.

- - The Council of the Essex Field Club has decided to issue

the “Transactions” and “Proceedings” of the Club combined in the
form of a monthly periodical under the title of the “ Essex Naturalist."
The journal will consist of sixteen pages per month, but in all probability
frequent “ double numbers ” will be issued, in order to keep pace with
the rapid accumulation of papers which have been read before the Club.
It will be sent, post free, to all members who are not in arrear with their
subscriptions, and will be on sale to non-members at a price not exceeding
6d. per sheet of sixteen pages. The “Essex Naturalist” will contain
papers read bef ire the Club, or which may otherwise be placed in the
Editor’s hands, reports of meetings of the Club, and, as space allows, a
special feature will be short notes, treating of the natural history, geology,
and pre-historic archaeology of Essex, so that the journal may serve as a
medium for inter-communication between the members on subjects
included in the programme of the Society. The E litor, Mr. William Cole,
Hon. Sec. Essex Field Club, 7, Knighton Villas, Buckhurst Hill, Essex,
will he glad to receive communications from anyone interested in Essex,
whether a member of the Club or not, relating to the above-named
subjects; also books and papers for notice in the journal, and cuttings
and extracts from periodicals and newspapers, furnishing information
respecting the occurrence of new or uncommon plants or animals, the
exposure of new geological sections by railway or other works, new well-
sinkings, discoveries of archaeological interest, &c.

- The number of the “Botanical Magazine ” for December, 1886,

completes the 112th volume of the entire work, or the 100th year of pub¬
lication, a total of 6912 plates having been published. Sir Joseph Hooker
in dedicating the volume to Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., makes the follow¬
ing observations — “Allow me, on this the hundredth anniversary of the
‘ Botanical Magazine,’ to dedicate to you, as President of the Royal Horti¬
cultural Society, the volume that is the evidence of this work having
attained a longevity far exceeding that of any other illustrated botanical
or horticultural serial ; and whilst thus commemorating your services to
horticulture, I would associate with your name that of the lady from whom
you directly inherit your love of plants and passion for gardening — the
late Mrs. Lawrence of Ealing Park, whose locality and whose rich and
beautiful conservatories were set forth by my predecessor in the dedica¬
tion to her of the 68th volume (published in 1842) of this work, and
whose kindness to myself when a very young botanist I shall ever hold in
grateful remembrance.” The plants represented are Alpina mutica,
Aristoiochia elegans, Geranium tuberosum var. Charlesii, Carpenteria
californica, and Aster Stracheyi.

- The illustration of Carpenteria californica in the

December number of the “ Botanical Magazine ” is an excellent one,
pourtraying the character of this handsome shrub very faithfully. The
genus Carpenteria is closely related to Philadelphus, and C. californica
has large white flowers 21 inches in diameter, with a cluster of stamens
in the centre, resembling some of the “ Mock Oranges.” The leaves are
elliptical lanceolate, 2 to 4 inches long, and the flowers are borne on
axillary branches, the shrub attaining the height of 6 or 7 feet. At Mun-
stead Grange, Godaiming, the plant has been successfully grown out of
doors at an elevation of 400 feet above the sea level, where it passed
through last winter unprotected and uninjured.

_ The usual monthly meeting of the Royal Meteorological

Society was held on Wednesday evening, the loth inst., at the Institu¬
tion of Civil Engineers, Mr. W. Ellis, F.R.A.S., President, in the chair.
Mr. G. R. Famcombe, B.A., Mr. C. E. B. Hewitt, B.A., and Captain S,
Trott were balloted for and duly elected Fellows of the Society. The
following papers were read 1, “ On the Proceedings of the Inter¬
national Congress of Hydrology and C.imatology at Biarritz,” by Mr.
G. J. Symons, F.R.S. This congress was held in October, and was
divided into three sections— viz., Scientific Hydrology ; Medical
Hydrology; and Climatology, scientific and medical. The total number
of papers read was 109. An exhibition was also held in connection with
the congress. The excursions were of primary importance to the medical
men, and extended over a period of three weeks. The places visited were
Bayonne, Cambo, Dax, Aroachon, Pau, Eaux-Bonnes, Eaux Chandes,
Cauterets, Lourdes, Bagncres de Bigorre, Luchon, Ussat, Aix, Montpellier,
Cette, Toulon, AmMie les Bains, La Preste, Banyulo-sur-Mer, and Thuec
2, “ Report on the Phenological Observations for 1886,” by the Rev,
T. A. Preston, M.A., F.R.Met.Soo. The weather was on the whole very
ungenial, and everything much retarded ; it was also very fatal to insect
life, so that the complaints on this head have been far less than usual.

586

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ December 30, 1880.

Bash fraits were very abuudant ; Strawberries and Peas were spoilt by
drought in many places ; stone fruits, except Plums were not abundant ;
Plans were extraordinarily plentiful, so much so that they realised
nothing in the markets, the cost of picking an i carrying t f :en being more
than they realised. Apples were very poor from the destruction of the
bloom by heavy rain. Hay was good and plentiful and well harvested ;
ccrn and other grain were not up to average ; root crops were, as a rule,
remarkably good. 3, “ A Criticism of Certain Points of Prof. Langley's
Researches on Solar Heat,” by Prof. S. A. Hill, B.Sc., F.R.Met.Soc*
These experiments were carried out at Mount Whitney, in Southern
California, during 1881. 4, “Account of the Hurricane of March 3rd and
4th, 1886, over the Fiji Islands,” by Mr. R. L. Holmes, F.R.Met.Soc-
This storm was the most destructive that has ever been known to occur
in the Fiji group. The lowest barometer reading was 27-64 inches at
Vana, in Taviuni. The storm was accompanied by a great wave from
18 to 30 feet in height, which swept over the land and caused an immense
amount of damage. It was reported that fifty vessels were wrecked and
sixty-four lives lost during this hurricane. 5, “ Results of Meteoro¬
logical Observations made at the Military Cemetery, Scutari, Constanti¬
nople, 1866-85,” by Mr. W. H. Lyne. The annual mean temperature is
68-4° ; the highest temperature registered was 103 6°, on June 22nd, and
the lowest 13-0°, on January 25th, both in 1869. The annual rainfall is
29 29 inches ; the greatest fall in one day was 4-06 inches, on September
25th, 1866.

GROUPING CHRYSANTHEMUMS IN COLOURS.

Anything which tends to the advancement and improvement of
Chrysanthemum exhibitions deserves not only the attention of growers,
but of the committees of societies generally, and I think “ B.” was doing a
good work in bringing forward the above subject for discussion. Doubt¬
less many who annually visit these autumn exhibitions are often struck
with the want of taste in the arrangements of plants. How often do we
find groups arranged close together instead of being evenly displayed at
much farther distances apart or round the sides of the building ; or,
again, very rarely do we find those groups arranged in the best possible
manner — i.e., instead of being arranged in the square lean-to style, so to
speak, how much better it would be if they were arranged in a half
circle, and when finished off with dwarf neat plants how different would
be the effect to the stiff square arrangements so often seen.

I quite concur in the remarks of “ B ” as to the massing of colours, for
nothing can excel the effect of Chrysanthemums when so arranged, as I
have long experienced; but I really cannot agree with “B.’s” views in
re-arranging the plants at exhibitions after the judging is over. That I
should strongly protest against for obvious reasons, and I doubt if that
would find general favour with exhibitors, hut at the same time I think
the suggestion of massing colours worthy of consideration, especially where
societies are prosperous enough to offer substantial prizes for larger
sizsd groups, or for a good central group, also a few smaller groups of
distinct colours dutted here and there about the building.

Trained specimen plants, again, would look much better grouped
together than in double rows as they are generally seen. They could ha
grouped separately and the spaces filled with cut blooms — Primulas, or
anything in this way, thus doingaway with the formality generally found,
and add a much more charming effect to the whole building. — W. A.
Walter, Lillingstonc Rouse, near Buckingham.

CALANTHES.

In answer to a Sheffield correspondent, about two years ago I had
under my charge a few plants of Calaathe vestita and others. My
employer told me he had bought them two years previous to the time I
speak of. They remained healthy plants for the first year, then they
began to grow sickly gradually, becoming worse, however. When I went
to the place they looked bad. I turned them out of the pots, and I found
the compost consisted chiefly of sand, this being one of the worst things
employed in Orchid culture. About the end of February I thought it ad¬
visable to repot them, which I did, shaking as much of the old soil from
amongst the roots as possible without injury. I gave them a large shift,
using one-half loam, peat, and charcoal. About the end of August Igave
them a top-dressing of old cow dung. From the end of October to the end
of January they flowered well. The pseudo-bulbs were plump and
healthy. I did not repot them the second year, but I gave them a top¬
dressing about the same time as I have before mentioned, giving them a
good supply of moisture both at the roots and in the atmosphere. One great
essential to the well-being of this plant is plenty of moisture physically
and atmospherically applied. I do not know any cause of the blight spoken
of by a Sheffield correspondent, but I think if he gives his plants plenty of
drainage, and plenty of water, and uses the above-named compost his
plants will prove satisfactory. — C. Colville, Linethrvaite.

A Sheffield correspondent writes respecting his Calanthea not
flowering, ;and I may say the same of Calanthe vestita under my charge.
They were grown in two different ways, some being in a compost of
sphagnum moss, fibre loam, peat, dry cow manure, and plenty of sand,

placing twelve of the best pseudo-bulfcs in an ordinary wooden basket.
These at the present time have twelve spikes 14 inches in length, having
twelve flowers to thirteen on each. Out of the pseudo-bulbs that
remained I again picked the best, putting six into 8-inch pots, the rest were
placed into 1-inch pots to grow on. The second pseudo-bulbs in pots grew
rapidly to the size of an egg, looking the picture of health up to the begin¬
ning of September, when they showed their flower spikes, the same as
those in the basket ; yet, though receiving the same treatment, they refused
to develope and have been a complete failure. I attribute the failure to
want of a free circulation of air amongst the roots, they being, of course,
confined to the inside of the pots. I should like to have other opinions
on the failure of this beautiful winter-blooming Orchid. — F. Debnam,
Foreman, Betteshanger, Sandwich.

I HAVE never had to contend with disease in any shape among
Calanthes, but a case of partial failure is known to me this season from
something of the sort. The pseudo-bulbs and foliage were covered with
black spots, the majority not attaining a size capable of throwing up a
flower spike. I did not think to ask those in charge how early in the
season the plants became affected, or whether this was the first season
they had been troubled with it. Possibly this is similar to what is
playing havoc among the Calanthes round Sheffield, but our midland
friends do not state what the disease is like. In the case I have
mentioned the pseudo-bulbs appeared sound, although stunted and
spotted.

With one exception I agree with “ W. K. W. ” as to cultural details.
Our plants have done very well this season under similar conditions.
Except the syringing no water was allowed to touch the foliage, and my
experience leads me to believe that these plants are better without it.
Our plants were copiously supplied with water at the root during the
growing season, and weak liquid manure was also occasionally given, and
the result is spikes of bloom of C. Veitchi over 3 feet in length, and
pseudo-bulbs from 8 inches to a foot ljng. — James S. Brown.

LIGHTENING HEAVY SOIL A MISTAKE.

As soon as anyone takes possession of a new garden, especially a
vegetable garden, their chief desire is to find out the texture of the soil ;
and should any quarter be rather retentive or contain a little clay, they at
once conclude it is unsuitable for the production of good crops, and no
time is lost in adding materials to lighten the soil. Sand, ashes, and such
like are generally employed, and these are frequently not only added t )
the surface, but large quantities are trenched into the subsoil. Where
the whole of a garden is composed of very stiff soil it is very necessary
to lighten some parts of it, as roots such as Carrots, Parsnips, Salsafy, &c.,
which penetrate deeply, do not, as a rule, grow to perfection in a very
heavy soil ; but speaking from experience, I have fully made up my mind
that it is a great mistake to lighten the whole of the soil in any kitchen
garden, as many crops become much finer in a heavy soil than a very
light one, and in many cases it would be a great advantage to add a good
dressing of clay or heavy soil to that which is very light. I have done
a good deal in lightening soils, but I would think more than once of
doing the same again, and here I have ceased all attempts to lighten
some of the heavy quarters. In fact, some of those which have become
light and open on the surface will have some of the heavy subsoil trenched
to the surface this winter, and I will take care that nothing is done to
reduce it to a state of powder again. I find Cauliflowers and Broccoli
produce much larger and more compact heads on a very heavy soil than
on either a light or moderately light one ; indeed, no one will grow really
first-rate Cauliflowers on a light soil. Cabbages, too, and all plants of this
class prefer a heavy soil, and the finest of all Celery grows on a stiff soil.
I do not say that a stiff soil is the best to earth it up with, but if the
roots can be confined to a heavy soil and light material used for earthing,
produce of the very highest quality will be secured. Many plants grow¬
ing in a heavy soil suffer less from frost and wind than those in light
material, and I conclude that it is owing to those in the heavy soil grow¬
ing more robust and compact than in light soil. These remarks apply
very forcibly to Winter Broccoli, where a system of rotation of crops is
observed. There may be some little difficulty in confining crops which
agree best with heavy soil to material of this sort, and subjects which
delight in light soil to their proper quarters ; but an attempt should
always be made to reserve one or two of the quarters for the crops which
I have indicated as preferring a heavy soil. I may remark that Onions
when small and young do best in a light soil ; but in the end the largest
and soundest bulbs are always gathered from stiff soil. — J. MUIR,
Margam.

CHRYSANTHEMUMS AT CLEMENT PARK, LOCHEE.

I, Along with two friends, had the privilege recently of seeing the
grand collection of Chrysanthemums grown at Clement Park, Lochee, the
residence of Mrs. Cox, whose late husband, ex-Provost Cox, was an ardent
lover and grower of flowers. Mr. Moir, the intelligent gardener, intro¬
duced us to his houseful of beauties, and the first impression is admiration
of the sea of bloom which meets the eye. The house, 70 feet long and
30 broad, contains 400 plants, representing the best of the newest as well
as the oldest varieties. The aim ot Chrysanthemum growers is to have
their plants as dwarf as possible, and Mr. Moir has succeeded in getting
his of a fair height, with compactness of growth and a profusion of bloom.
Surveying the group of plants from one end of the house, the eye rests on
thousands of globes of golden yellow, white, orange, pink, primrose

De«ember SO, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

587

maroon, and other shades of colour rising above the peculiar green of the
foliage, the whole making a sight not soon to be forgotten. Many of the
incurved and reflexed varieties are models of symmetry, but what ragged
“ toweey tykes ” are these here and there among the lovely throng ? These
are the Japanese kinds, which are now much in favour, and called
“ noble and striking ” in appearance. They are striking inasmuch as
they have no shape, have long loose petals, and are large sized. I may be
accused of having no taste, but I do not admire these Japanese flowers.
Perhaps, as an old florist, I may be in favour of fixed points in blooms. Mr.
Moir, however, told me that they arrange better in a flat dhh than the
other kinds, and this is a point of considerable importance to the lady
florist when decorating her tables. I took a note of the following varieties
as fine in their classes : — Elaine — pure white, with broad petals, and very
full, said to be one of the finest in the Japanese class ; Guernsey Nugget
— incurved, a large fine flower of a primrose colour ; Lady Selborne —
pure white, a sport from James Salter, another good flower, reckoned one
of the best of the Japanese class; Bouquet Fait — a quilled Japanese
flower, delicate rose, with a white centre, looks pretty ; Peter the Great
— pale yellow, and stands high among competition flowers ; Dr. Macary
— of a fine rose colour, is a grand flower in its class ; Plutus — golden
yellow, is a good specimen of the incurved class ; Fair Maid of Guernsey,
— another Japanese, pure white, is always ranked among the finest in
competition; Soeur Melanie belongs to the Pompon class, and is pure
white in colour ; Barbara — a very fine incurved flower, bronze, tipped
with golden yellow. Princess Teck is a very telling incurved flower, pure
white, with perfect shape. Mr. Bunn — a beautiful yellow incurved flower,
in shape like one of the fine old double Dahlias. Empress of India is
one of the very finest incurved varieties, pure white, and very large.
Chevalier Domage is a beautiful yellow reflexed flower, one of the oldest
varieties, but can hold bis place well among the newest. Cassandra — a
fine old incurved variety, white, shaded with rose towards the edge, is a
very desirable flower. White Yenus — one of the oldest incurved varieties,
pure white, with flowers like balls of snow. Criterion — a large Japanese
variety, of amber colour, can be grown 12 inches across. Cullingfordi is
a reflexed flower, of a beautiful crimson-scarlet colour. There are more
of the Japanese than of the other kinds in the list, but that arises from
Mr. Moir’s favour for them, and drawing my attention more to his curious
pets than their finer sisters. — J. M, (in the Dundee Courier).

GARDENERS’ IMPROVEMENT SOCIETIES.

Few professions can boast of having their interests so widely and
thoroughly represented by numerous societies as that of British gardeners,
and none stand so much in Deed of them as the latter class of men do.
As a body they are very much dependent upon each other, and therefore
mutual intercourse and help becomes, to a great extent, an absolute
necessity. It may, then, be readily supposed that their natural inclina¬
tions and tastes should gravitate, as it were, into corporate bodies, and by
this union derive benefits of the highest value both socially and profes¬
sionally. That societies, properly founded and conducted, are beneficial
there can be no question ; but when such organisations are employed for
a purpose altogether alien to their original object then their real value
and need of existence ceases. The societies now under consideration are
purely educational.

My intention is writing this article is not to deal so much with the
founding and conducting of societies devoted to fruit, plants, flowers, and
vegetable culture for exhibition alone, as with those set apart wholly or
partially to the social and intellectual improvement of gardeners of all
grades, although they are so closely connected with each other as to
render it difficult to deal with separately. The reason of this is quite
obvious, for the best of the latter are those which form a part of the
former, and the advantages and facilities for mutual intercourse and
improvement are so much the greater for this combination of influence
and strength. Nothing is more rational or sensible than that the same
corporate body and the same funds which are employed for encouraging
the culture of the products of the garden should be applied to the culture
of the mind of those whoso chief business it is to grow and tend such.
Besides, there is the advantage of securing a greater amount of strength
and interest in its welfare by holding out such an excellent inducement
to the members as the existence of a mutual improvement branch.

There are several well-known societies which adopt this plan of fede¬
ration, notably the Paxton Societies of Notts and of Yorkshire and many
-others, and no doubt they find it conducive to their best interest to do
so. Special ones are, however, not altogether rare, though not so nume¬
rous in England as in Scotland. There is, we believe, an excellent one
at Drumlanrig, also at Dalkeith, and other places thereabouts. Quite
recently one has been formed at Birmingham by enthusiastic brethren of
the craft, aided by Mr. Latham of the Botanic Gardens, and judging
from the excellence of the papers read before its members, and from the
fact that a capital library is in course of formation, it will not fail to
prove a successful and useful undertaking.

In large establishments where a great number of men are employed,
there are excellent opportunities for forming themselves into an associa¬
tion. By subscribing a trifle each every week to purchase books and
papers, preparing and reading essays on gardening and other collateral
subjects, giving each other mutual instruction, and occasionally refined
musical entertainments, the loDg evenings of winter may be usefully and
profitably spent. If there is no one among the number capable of giving
his less educated brethren lessons in grammar, mathematics, geometry,

and other needful accomplishments, a small additional subscription would
pay the services of a qualified teacher on one or more evenings during the
week. A few necessary rules would be required to ensure its proper
management, and these I propose to give in another article, with a view
to assist those who may be desirous of starting a similar affair. An
obstacle to these plans being carried out frequently arises through it
being difficult to secure suitable rooms for holding the meetings, &c.
In private gardens this may be overcome by holding it in the bothy, and
where the members are recruited from several places the effect of a re¬
spectful deputation to the rector or managers of a school will generally
ensure the granting of one of the rooms for the purpose. For carrying
out a scheme of this kind a committee should be formed, whose duty
it would be to arrange such matters as those referred to. — T. W.S.

(To be continued.)

TABLE PLANTS.

The production of plants for table decoration is an important part
of the duty of maDy gardeners. The committees of Chrysanthemum
societies, recognising this, have offered prizes for table plants, and the
free response thereto has added a pleasing diversity to autumn exhibitions,
and afforded excellent opportunities for observing the “ style of plants ”
and varieties best suited for the purpose in question. Plants from 12 to
15 inches high above the top of the pots, unless in the case of Palms,
which might be a little higher, light, elegant, and more or less pendulous,
clean, bright, and well furnished with foliage from the soil, even and
symmetrical in growth, are usually the most successful in winning the
prizes. It takes all those qualities to make a well-balanced table plant.
The following varieties have figured very prominently in the winning
classes this season, and may be taken to rank among the best for table
and room adornment.

Palms. — Cocos Weddelliana is still one of the lightest and best, when
bright and clean it is highly effective. Geonoma gracilis is somewhat
heavier, yet very graceful and suitable for the purpose. Thrinax elegans
and Areca lutescens are good, but not, as a rule, quite equal to the others,
yet the last named is particularly useful for certain positions in rooms, as
it will stand more rough usage than any other Palm with which I am
acquainted.

Crotons. — It is in this genus that we find the most effective of all table
plants, although they are more tender, and consequently not so lasting
as several others that are less ornamental. C. angustifolius, when at its
best and well coloured, is still one of the ,best, its light pendulous
habit makes it a general favourite ; Chelsoni is somewhat in the same
character, being pendulous, light, elegant, distinct and effective ; in¬
terrupts aureus is not quite so graceful as the foregoing, but it is very
telling when well coloured ; Weismanni, although this variety is a little
heavier, the beautiful markings and the deep gold colour of the foliage
are very striking in a well balanced plant ; Rodeckianus has longer
foliage sub-divided after the character of interruptus, the colour being a
deep red intermixed with (She green and yellow ; picturatus, and many
other of the broader-leaved varieties which colour highly, are very showy
plants for decorative purposes, but the narrow-foliaged varieties are
generally more highly esteemed for tables.

Dracaenas. — The dark-foliaged varieties that are found in this genus
form a striking contrast to the dark green of the Palms or the golden
hues of Crotons. The varieties of nigra rubra, superba, and Sydneyi
are among the best in the narrow dark-leaved, gracilis or marginata being
attractive in the narrow green-leaved section.

Aralia Veitchi and elegantissima are two beautiful table plants, and
should be included in all collections. Pandanus Veitchi is light and
graceful in a small state, but it is very often too large and coarse for our
purpose. Such plants as Reidia glaucescens, Cyperus alternifolius fol.
var., and C. laxus are good decorative plants, but not so well adapted as
Palms, Crotons, Aralias, and Dracsenas for tables, and if I were asked to
recommend six plants these would be — one Palm, one Aralia, two
Crotons, and two Dracasaas, in the order as they are mentioned above.

In connection with this subject it will not be out of place to mention
the advisability of keeping a stock of Selaginella Kraussiana in pots for
covering the soil after the plants are placed in vases or other receptacles.
I usually keep mine in large 60’s, in a pit slightly heated, and make a prac¬
tice of potting a succession every few weeks ; by doing that I have always
some in good condition. I find a good potful turned out and the bottom
soil broken away, quite large enough for a good size vase or eporgne, and
having a little soil adhered to the roots, the moss keeps fresh for a longer
time than when torn away from a larger patch than is wanted for imme¬
diate use.— C. Obchard.

GARDENS ABOUT PRESTON.

WALTON FLATS NURSERY.

The nursery of Mr. W. Trougbton is situated at Walton-le-Dale, about
two miles from Preston in the opposite direction to Howick House.
This is the most extensive nursery in the vicinity of Preston, and the only
one time permitted me to visit, but I hope on some future occasion to
inspect others and report upon their condition if they contain any plants
or other features of general interest. This nursery is approached by a drive
fully a quarter of a mile in length, with a neat well-kept grass verge on
each side, and a wide border of choice shrubs and Conifers. This gives

588

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ December 30, 1886

to the entrance a very striking and neat appearance. The grounds de¬
voted to nursery stock are on a very much more extensive scale than I
had expected to find them. The stock comprised a general assortment of
trees and shrubs, evergreen as well as deciduous. Fruit trees are largely
and well grown, in fact everything taken in hand appears to he well done.
Amongst a flat of Yews, a golden form, with the same habit of growth as
the old English Yew, was very conspicuous. It possesses apparently all
the vigour of the green one, and is equally as golden as the form so
familiar. The great recommendation of this new seedling is its natural
upright growth. It makes a lead as free as the green one without having
to resort to staking, which Taxus elegantissima does not. Mr. W.
Troughton will do well to increase his stock of this plant, foi when once
known it cannot fail to become popular. The whole of the grounds
devoted to nursery stock were particularly clean, and not a weed was
to be seen. Taking the nursery as a whole, I do not remember ever visit¬
ing one cleaner or better kept throughout.

The glass arrangements are extensive, and the same marked tidiness
pervaded every department. There is a large and very choice collection
of hardy Ferns, and additional provision has been made for their accom¬
modation, one good-sized house being full of the finer forms of Scolo-
pendriums, many of the plants being of a moderately large size. Two or
three other houses are devoted to other varieties, varying in size from
those in thumb pots to specimen plants. Another house was full of
Camellias, and, like the Ferns, were of nearly all sizes, from bushy little
plants in 5-inch pets to those in large tubs. Another house was full of
Adiantum cuneatum, plants 1 foot to 18 inches through for cutting.
Another was filled with French and Fancy Pelargoniums in 5-inch pots
for spring flowering. Eucharises, Bouvardias, double Primulas, especially
the old white, are grown in large quantities ; so also are Roses and many
other plants that are to be found in nurseries for the supply of cut
flowers and for sale. A long span-roofed house, low, no side ventilators,
was filled with Tomatoes, the plants growing in small butter tubs sawn
in two, and the fruit was hanging like ropes of Onions, the variety
being a select form of Large Red, and a large free-fruiting kind it cer¬
tainly is.

The houses are heated by two large Rochford boilers that are fitted
up on the place, and Mr. Troughton speaks very highly of them. For
the instruction of those who do not know the Rocheford boiler, I may say
that it is a series of cast pipes fitted together on nearly the same principle
as the Chilwell Nurseries boiler recently described and figured in these
pages. The pipes in the houses are arranged on a novel principle, and
they alone are worthy of a visit by anyone interested in this matter if
they are at any time within easy reach of Preston. Instead of forming
dips to pass the doorways, the pipes are carried above the door, gradually
rising from the front of the house to the centre of the door, and then
sloping downwards again, and carried along the back wall on a higher
level, in some instances, than the front pipe. In other cases, as they are
carried over the door to the front, a pipe is taken along the roof, perhaps
about the centre of the house; but this central pipe being the highest,
takes the lead, and leaves the front cold, unless check valves were provided
to prevent the water flowing directly through the central one. Mr.
Troughton has just been carrying this principle out on a much larger
scale to keep the frost out of the houses in which the hardy Ferns are
grown. The pipes employed are 3-inch, and secured together by Messrs.
Messenger & Co.’s patent joints. The pipes do not look unsightly when
arranged on this principle, and the water is compelled to circulate through
them, for the whole are arranged on the flow principle — that is, the water
must flow all through the pipes before it leaves the house to enter the
main returns ; practically there are no returns in the houses where the
pipes are arranged on the principle pointed out. This system does away
with the objectionable dips that are costly to the trade, for unless the
pipes are laid in good chambers, they soon corrode away, and are never
certain, in practice, to act satisfactorily. In theory, dips can be made to
work by adhering to certain limitations, but in actual practice they
invariably fail. I was well pleased with my visit to this nursery, which,
on the whole, was not only of a highly interesting nature, but profitable,
for several valuable hints were picked up that may prove of future
u:e,

PRESTON PARK.

There are two parks in this old provincial town provided for the
public — one principally for recreation purposes, and therefore no remark
will be made about it; the other is a beautiful park, and the inhabitants
of Preston have a just right to feel proud of it, for few if any provincial
towns can boast of a more charming park than the one under review. It
is comparatively close to the town — in fact, can be entered from the
station, as well as from various other parts. It was laid out by Mr.
Milner about eighteen or twenty years ago, and is a splendid piece of
work, displaying thought and taste. The park is not large, but the most
has been made of the ground, and the clumps of trees and shrubs have
been so arranged that a very natural appearance has been imparted to
it. In some respects it resembles Battersea Park, London, while in others
it is totally distinct from that or any other that I have seen. One por¬
tion of the ground is naturally high and slopes gradually to the centre,
and then rises again slightly towards the river. The higher ground has
been arranged with a series of terraces and imposing flights of steps.
Below is a large portion of lawn devoted to bedding, which is well and
tastefully carried out, the carpet beds being neat and in good keeping.
Through one portion of the park the London and North-Western Rail¬
way passes, and crosses the river by a high bridge. This, what would

appear objectionable, has been rendered one of the most charming por¬
tions. The raised ground on which the railway passes before reaching the
bridge over the river has been rendered mo^t picturesque by a quantity
of ornamental rockwork, with waterfalls here and there. The rocks
rise some 20 feet or more in height, and completely hide the wall from
view which supports the railway embankment. The rocks are fairly
well furnished with Iberis, Ivy, and other rock plants. Below the rock-
work is a flower garden ; in the centre of a lawn surrounded with beds
and clumps of Heaths, Iberis, and other similar plants arranged amongst
rock that are in keeping with the more massive rockwork beyond.

Mr. Rowbottom, the present superintendent, laid out these grounds
according to Mr. Milner’s design, but they have been wonderfully im¬
proved since. The rockwork, for instance, has been erected of recent
date. This park is well kept, and reflects great credit upon’Mr. Rosv-
bettom, who is a genial and very able patron of horticulture. — W. B.

DECORATION WITH PLANTS.

At this time of year the resources of gardens and the ingenuity of
gardeners are taxed to their utmost extent. Balls and parties are fre¬
quent, and the ever-increasing demand for cut flowers and plants that are
so necessary to successfully carry out suitable embellishments on such
occasions renders their production and economical use a matter of great
importance to gardeners generally. When plenty of plant houses filled
with material specially prepared for such times are at command the task
of decorating is much simplified ; but it sometimes happens that a sudden
demand is made for furnishing material, and no opportunity given for
preparation in the thorough manner we should like. A little ingenuity
applied at such times may often be the means of making a more imposing
display than is sometimes the case where abundance of material is at
command.

I will now offer a few remarks on plant decoration which have sug¬
gested themselves to my mind at various times when I have had con¬
siderable practice at that kind of work, and which have again been
brought forcibly to my mind during the past week. I am not now speak¬
ing of that kind of plant decoration in which they are allowed to remain
in the various rooms of the mansion as long as they will keep fresh and
then be replaced by others, but of the kind generally required for balls,
concerts, and other parties where the plants only remain for a short time,
which admits of more “ making up ” being done than would otherwise
be the case. At such times they are generally used for arranging in
entrance-halls, passages leading to the ball-room, over mantelpieces, in
fireplaces, and around band-stands, or to fill in recesses, when it often
happens there is ample scope for the display of considerable taste in the
arrangement of beautiful groups, by which means an unattractive-looking
hall may be converted into a veritable paradise.

Palms of almost all kinds are extremely useful— in fact, indispensable
for the purpose, as, in habit of growth and great variety of form, they
are so distinct from other plants, and nothing can compete with them for
forming backgrounds and giving a varied and undulating surface to
groups. Dracaenas, Crotons, Grevilleas, Acacias, Arundinarias, Curculigos,
Cyperuses, and Pandanus are among the most useful of foliage plants ;
while the following kinds of flowering ones are all in season and very
suitable for decorative use. Primulas, Cyclamens, Ericas, Calanthes,
Cypripediums, Epacris, Epiphyllums, Solanums, Azaleas, Deutzias,
Roman Hyacinths, Echeveria retusa ; but two that deserve special notice
just now are Poinsettias and Callas. They give all kinds of arrangements
quite a distinct feature when dotted about here and there and showing
well above the other plants, but the effect is quite spoilt if they are used
too freely.

A very common mistake in arranging plants is to crowd them too
closely together, and give a mass of bright colour with but little to
relieve it; the effect is then anything but pleasing. We always like,
when arranging groups, to have a groundwork of Ferns, Grasses, and such
like plants, with flowering or brightly coloured foliage plants springing
from it at irregular intervals, and standing well above the groundwork,
with Palm leaves drooping gracefully above and around them, the whole
surface having numerous irregularities, from which spring plants of
striking appearance, and that the eye cannot ramble over the whole
group at once, but catches something fresh in every glance.

For finishing the edges, plants in small pots of Panicum variegatum,
Isolepis gracilis, Tritonias, Pileas, and Ferns are excellent ; but when a
large amount of grouping has to be done it often happens that although
plenty of plants can be found to fill the main part of the group, there is
not a sufficient quantity of small ones to complete the edges in a finished
manner, and the effect is greatly marred if large pots are visible. But that
difficulty can be easily overcome, as with the help of a few branches of
shrubs the pots can be hid, and the appearance be much better than is
sometimes the cam when pot plants only are used, and they packed
closely together without anything to break the flatness. Spread out the
plants that 'are at hand ; then, if any large spaces remain between, fill
some small pots with soil and make up nice little bushes with different
kinds of shrubs, such as Box, Yew, Liurustinus, Berberis japonica. Holly,
&c., and place between. In some cases lay the pots on their sides, so
that shrubs face outward ; it is then an easy matter to fill in with small
branches of shrubs so as to completely hide every pot and yet look light
and pretty, the shining leaves of many of the shrubs looking remarkably

December 30, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

589

well when seen under artificial light, when mixed among Isolepis and
Panicum. If a pot is visible in any part of the group, a branch or two
of shrub placed there will effectually hide it, and if plants are scarce a
few larger bushes could be made up and arranged with them. With a
given number of plants a much greater show can be made in this way,
and the effect is very good indeed. — H. Dunkin.

INDIAN EXPERIENCES.

(Continued from page 476.)

In continuation of my experiences as a planter. On my arrival, late
in the afternoon, at the house or bungalow of the gentleman with the
foreign name I found him in company with another reclining in a
long-armed American chair with his feet at almost the same elevation as
his head, and a look of supreme contempt on his face. I was duly intro¬
duced by his English assistant whom I had mst at the foot of the hill on
which the bungalow was built, and without attempting to rise from his
horizontal position Mr. Bassano — for such was the name of my future
superintendent — greeted me with the words “ Oh, ah ! so you are the
swell gardener they have sent me out from England ? Very well ; you
can stay with me here till such time as you can build yourself a house. 1
will charge you at the rate of 45 rupees per month for your board and
lodging. The estate I intend putting you in charge of is about two miles
distant from here, but you can easily walk that distance night and morn¬
ing till I can get a pony for you.” Now, as it was distinctly expressed in
one of the clauses of my agreement that, in addition to the salary named
at the beginning of these papers, I was to have a free house on the estate
and the use of a horse when required, I was not a little taken aback at
finding that I had to build my own house and to do the work of a superin¬
tendent of a Coffee estate without the assistance of a horse, 'at least for a
time. I saw also at once from Mr. Bassano’s manner that I was, for some
reason or other unknown to me, “ not wanted,” and the resolution to take
advantage of the optional break in my agreement was again strengthened.

I found out afterwards that the manner of my reception was caused by
the owners of the plantation in England and Bombay having engaged me
and arranged for putting me in charge of one of their plantations without
the knowledge of Mr. Bassano, the manager on the spot. The discovery
of this fact of course made my position rather an uncomfortable one, at
the same time I did not hesitate for a moment to go to work with a will
and trust to time and the course of events to alter my position. So far I
was charmed with the country and felt, as it were, a new world opened up
to me, aad was contented to take my chance as a Coffee planter for the
period of three years at any rate.

Before proceeding further with my experiences while resident in the
Wynaad district, I may state that at the time of my arrival in the
country Coffee planting in Malabar was in the heyday of its prosperity.
A comparatively small area of land had as yet been brought into cultiva¬
tion, and a still smaller area into full bearing of Coffee ; but a consecu¬
tive run of favourable seasons and consequent abundant crops of Coffee,
and also the briskness of trade in Bombay at that period, had the effect of
inducing capitalists and speculators to invest large sums of money in the
purchase of already existing plantations and uncleared jungle land for the
purpose of Coffee cultivation. Old estates were bought and sold for sums
generally far above their value, and so-called estates, with perhaps a score
of acres or so newly planted, and perhaps 100 or 150 of jungle, fetched
greatly more than their value, even if the whole area had been under
Coffee in full bearing. The “ old hands ” of the district saw at once that
their time had come, and did not hesitate to sell plantations of a fully
matured or embryonic nature, and made all possible haste to open, or
make a show of opening, others with which to tempt the Bombay specula¬
tors both European and native, in too many cases to their ruin.

The young hands, myself included, being unable to grasp the exact
meaning of all this dubious and rapid transfer of property, or not being
in possession of consciences of such elasticity as their elder brethren,
were content to labour on in the attempt to bring the plantations under
their charge up to a high state of cultivation and productiveness, whilst
looking on at their more knowing and experienced if more unscrupulous
neighbours realising a maximum amount of money for a minimum amount
of labour. But the crash came at last. The bubble companies of Bombay
suddenly burst in the year 1866, and the supplies of money for the culti¬
vation of numerous estates were as suddenly stopped, bringing ruin and
dismay into the district, from the effects of which it never afterwards
fully recovered.

The plantation of which I was made superintendent was cut out of a
dense hardwood and Bamboo jungle on the high road leading from the
western coast to the Mysore State, and within two and a half miles from
the Mysore frontier, and situated further to the eastward than any plan¬
tation then opened in the ‘district. There were two typical districts in
the Wynaad called the Bamboo and the forest districts respectively, and
clearings for Coffee in these localities were called Bamboo or forest estates,
as the case might be. The forest estates lay at the foot of the Ghaut
range slopes facing eastwards, and were cut out of the dense black forest
already described, and the Bamboo estates on the flat or undulating land
more to the eastward, favouring a growth of deciduous hardwood trees
and Bamboo jungle only, and with a much lighter rainfall and warmer
climate. The Coffee plant on the forest estates was slow in coming to
maturity of growth and full bearing of crops, whilst on the Bamboo
estates the growth of the plants was extremely rapid, early maturity and
heavy crops in favourable seasons being the usual result. The soil of the
estate of which I took charge was of the usual description all over the

Bamboo tract — black or dark coloured loam of a light nature, and with
an average depth of about 15 inches, the under strata being generally of
a gravelly or gritty nature impregnated with iron.

Up to the second or third year after planting the Coffee made a rapid
and luxuriant growth, and an estate of that age of from 100 to 200 acres
in the Bamboo district was a truly beiutiful sight, either when simply
covered with its glossy and shining evergreen foliage, or loaded with
its pure white and deliciously scented blossoms, lasting in its beauty
for only twenty -four hours, but beautiful in the extreme. The first Coffee
blossom I saw was that produced by a few trees growing by the side of
an artificial water channel, and appearing rather out of season in the
middle of the hot weather. This was brought about, of course, by irriga¬
tion, a system of culture which, when applied to Coffee, was looked upon
with extreme disfavour by all planters at the time of which I write, but
a system which, before I left India, was held in universal favour, and in
furtherance of which large sums of money was spent by estate proprietors
wherever water was available, the uncertainty of the spring showers
being the main cause of this revolution of opinion. But on the subject
of irrigation I shall have more to say hereafter from notes made on the
spot.

The estate I took charge of had about 120 acres already planted ;
some 40 acres would bear its first crop the following season, the remainder
only having been planted some six months. The elder part of the estate
looked very healthy and promising, with few, if any, vacancies or gaps
in the field. This, however, was not the case with regard to the younger
portion of the planting. Gaps occurred here in abundance, and an esti¬
mate made at the time went to show that nearly one-half of the plants
put out six months before had perished, and this simply from careless
planting, the result of frequent changes of estate superintendents, and
other causes. I mention the fact of the^e failures advisedly, because all
my subsequent planting experience went to prove that the planter had
no more difficult task allotted to him than to fill up these vacancies
successfully with growing plants. From a variety of causes it was found
extremely difficult in all cases, and in some quite impossible, to replant
successfully spaces where deaths had occurred even on openings of only a
year’s standing, whilst it was sheer folly to attempt to close up gaps on
old standing plantations by planting young seedlings. True, some might
survive, but they never reached the height or dimensions of the first
planted trees, and never yielded any crop, notwithstanding the exercise
of the greatest care in cultivation. — Planter.

(To be continued.)

WQHK.F0IlTHE WEEK..!v

fflj

KITCHEN GARDEN.

Hotbeds. — The time has come when hotbeds may be worked to
advantage. Where glass houses and hot-water pipes are scarce the hot¬
beds furnish excellent forcing quarters for Rhubarb, Seakale, and
Asparagus ; but those now recommended to be formed will do more than
this, as Carrots, Radishes, and other early spring vegetables may be
sown on them, and it will be found that these succeed better over a hot
manure heap than they do above hot- water pipes. The heat from a hot¬
bed is moi6t, mild, and in every way conducive to the germination of the
seed and the healthy growth of the young plants, and every garden of
any importance should have hotbeds in the early months of the year.
Recently fallen leaves and manure from the stable are the best materials
for making them, and they should be made very firm. This is the secret
of successful hotbed making, but many fail with them, as they heat very
violently for a week or two, then become quite cold, and this is the result of
careless making. When built up and only pressed down with the fork they
do not retain the heat long, but if every layer is trodden down as it is
placed on, it will retain the heat for three months or more, and we would
impress on all who wish to succeed with hotbeds to make them firm.

Manure from Rubbish. — There are now many prunings from fruit
trees and refuse everywhere, and the most profitable way of disposing of
all such rubbish is to burn it. This not only disposes of all objectionable
matter, but it converts it into first-rate manure, which is of the greatest
value for all vegetable crops. Small prunings and rough leaves become
greatly reduced when burned, but when once the fire is fairly set going
a little clay or rough soil may be added, and if this be applied several
times during the time the fire is burning the quality of the ashes will be
greatly improved, as burned clay is a most valuable material in all
gardens. We burn large quantities of rubbi«h every winter, and it is in
frosty weather that we burn most, as the work is very suitable for
weather of that kind, and advantage is taken to clear out every hole and
earner containing rubbish.

Early Radishes. — These are easily forced, and they gain maturity
quicker than anything that can be sown at present. A hotbed is the best
place for them. Soil to the depth of 6 inches should be placed inside the
frame and trampled down very hard. The seed should then be sown
broadcast and cover it over to the depth of 1 inch, when the surface must
again be trodden as firmly as possible, and then make it smooth.

590

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ December 30, 1886.

Radishes at all times succeed best in a firm soil. The young plan's will
appear in a week, and they must never be allowed to become crowded, as
they are so easily “drawn” that the slightest overcrowding will spoil
them. Air should be admitted to them on fine days, but water at the
root is rarely needed on hotbeds at this season. If the seed is sown at
once they would be ready for the table by the first week in February.

The Earliest Seed Potatoes. — Where Potatoes are planted in
frames and other sheltered positions in January and February the seed
tubers should now be taken in hand, as it is a great Jad vantage to have
them with strong healthy sprouts at the time of planting. If they are
left in heaps on the top of each other until the time of planting, as’is
often the case, the sprouts will be long and spindly, and of benefit in
advancing the earliness of the crop; in fact, many of these elongated
stems are broken in planting and they should be avoided, but if they are
spread out in a single layer in light and air every one of them will pro¬
duce robust growths, which will not fail to give satisfaction. Where there
is no shed to sprout them in this way they should be stood up on their
ends in shallow boxes, and, placed in a frame or cool glass house, they
will soon be in excellent condition for planting. We have proved that
Potatoes sprouted with care in the manner we suggest are a fortnight
earlier than those not so treated when lifting time comes round.

Chicory. — The recent frosts have been hard on Lettuce and Endive,
and open air salad plants are now very scarce, and where salads are in
frequent demand those who have to provide them will find it no easy
matter to do so. Chicory, however, is the best substitute we know for
Lettuces and Endive, and a superb salad may be made with Chicory,
Mustard and Cress and Beetroot. The latter three are easily secured,
and so is the former, as where the roots were grown in the summer and
autumn they may now be forced into luxuriant growth in a fortnight.
They should be dug from the ground without breaking the Carrot-like
roots, and six, eight, or ten of them may be potted into 8-inch or 9-inch
pots ; they should then lie plunged in a bottom heat of 80° or 85° in a dark
place, and crisp leaves will soon follow.

Early Lettuces. — Where seed was sown in autumn with the view
of securing plants at this time from 3 inches to 4 inches high, a stock of
early spring Lettuce will be secure, but where no such provision was made
a blank will occur unless seed is sown at once. Veitch’s Early Paris
Maiket is the earliest of all Lettuce, and a pinch or two of this variety
should be sown at once in a shallow box or pan. The seed may be ger¬
minated in a heat of 65°, but as soon as the young plants appear they
should be put in a temperature of 45° or 50°, kept near the glass, and well
aired on all favourable opportunities. These plants will be ready for
planting by the first week in February, and fine crisp young heads may
be cut by Easter or earlier where proper attention is given them.

Seakale. — We are cutting this now, but it is the least satisfactory of
all our early vegetables, as it is not so easily forced as Asparagus, before
the now year at least. Now, however, it grows more freely and luxu¬
riantly, and a good number of roots should be put into force at once. The
pot and hotbed system of forcing may be followed, or the roots may be
lifted, potted in batches, and forced on in a warm dark place. This
system has given us our produce now, but if the pots are turned upside
down over good crowns, and these are well banked round with hot manure,
Seakale will become abundant in a short time.

FRUIT FORCING.

Peaches and Nectarines. — Earliest House. — The trees started
early in the month will now be in flower. The temperature from fire
heat should be 50° by day in dull weather, rising to 65° with sun heat, air
being freely admitted in the day and a little at night, a stagnant atmo¬
sphere being fatal to the blossom. In cold weather the temperature may
fall to 40° at night. A moderate moisture in the atmosphere will suffice.
In bright weather the floor or border may be sprinkled in the morning,
keeping the soil in a moderately moist state at the surface and thoroughly
moist beneath. Insure the distribution of the pollen by shaking the
trees, admitting air in fine weather so as to insure a circulation of air,
which has a wonderful effect on the liberation of the pollen. To avoid
any anxiety after the setting dust the blossoms carefully with a camel’s
hair brush or a feather. Take pollen from those varieties that afford it
freely, such as Royal George, and apply it where there is a deficiency.

Second House. — The house having been closed fire heat may be used,
so as to afford a temperature of 50° by day and 40° at night, allowing it
to rise to 65° by day with sun heat, accompanied by plenty of ventilation,
sprinkling the trees morning and afternoon until the blossom commences
to open, when the sprinkling of the floor in the place of the trees will be
sufficient. If the roots are partly outside that part of the border should
be covered with leaves' and litter, so as to keep the roots from being
chilled by frost or melted snow. The inside borders must be rendered
thoroughly moist by repeated waterings.

Later houses should be placed in order at once, and if any trees are
swelling their buds more rapidly than is desired a covering of mats over
the lights will prevent the temperature being raised by sun heat to a pre¬
judicial degree, retarding the flowering considerably.

Cucumbers. — Young plants coming into bearing should not be over¬
cropped, assisting them by removing unnecessary fruit blossoms, also
male flowers and tendrils. Plants in Searing will require to be cut over
at least twice a week, removing all weakly and exhausted growths, re¬
serving as much of the young growths as have space for expanding their
foliage. Stop the shoots at one or two joints beyond the fruit, but young
plants should be allowed more freedom, laying the foundation of a well
furnished plant, avoiding overcrowding. In mild weather the tempera¬
ture should be 65° to 70° at night. In severe weather 60° to 65° at night

is more suitable ; by day 70° to 75°, with a rise of 10° from sun heat,
admitting a little air at 80° if the outside air be moderately warm and
soft ; but if cold and sharp it is better to allow the temperature to advanoe
a little higher than admit cold air even when the sun is powerful, the
heat turned off when there is hot sun will do much to lessen the necessity
for ventilation. A little flowers of sulphur dusted on the foliage and hot-
water pipes is a good preventive of mildew and red spider. Quicklime
rubbed well into the parts affected with canker will subdue it. The
floors will need damping in the morning and early afternoon.

Raising Plants. — Sow now for raising plants to put out in pits or
frames early in February, which are heated by fermenting materials. If
no convenience exists for raising the plants a bed of fermenting materials
should be made forthwith, the seed to be sown so soon as the frame affords-
a suitable temperature — 70° to 75°. The plants from this sowing will be
available for planting to afford a late spring and early summer supply of
fruit, under good treatment fruit being forthcoming in March and early
April. No variety surpasses Rollisson’s Telegraph for general use.

Melons. — Seed to afford plants for the first crop may now be sown-
Fruit from this sowing may be expected in late April or early May. Sow
singly in 3-inch pots, filling the pots about two-thirds full of soil mode¬
rately light in texture, which will allow of soil being added as the seed¬
lings advance, strengthening them wonderfully. They should be kept
near the glass, the object being to secure a short stem and sturdy growth.
A temperature of 65° to 70° at night, and 70° to 75° by day is suitable.
Longleat Perfection is an excellent green or white flesh, and Blenheim
Orange scarlet flesh. If variety is wanted have Eastnor Castle, Hero of
Lockinge, both green flesh, with Bonham Beauty and Scarlet Premier
scarlet flesh.

Pines. — In most establishments where Pine Apples are grown there
is a demand for ripe in May and June. It will be necessary to take into
consideration the present condition of plants that are to afford that supply.
Where there was a good show of fruit of such varieties as Smooth-leaved
Cayenne, Charlotte Rothschild, Black Jamaica, Montserrat, with Black
Prince in October and November, the necessity of starting plants now
will net be so imperative as where there was not a sufficient number of
those varieties showing fruit at the time named, and as fruit of those
indicated starting now will not be ripe at the requisite time, plants of the
Queen, Enville, and Providence varieties, which require less time to
arrive at perfection, should be induced to start their fruit. Select from
the successional stock plants that have been subjected to somewhat cool
and dry treatment, choosing those that have an enlarged base with a
tendency to open in the centre. Place in a light house or pit, and plunge
them in a brisk bottom heat of 85° or 90°, the atmospheric heat ranging
between 60° and 70° at night, according to external conditions, allowing
from 5° to 10° more by day. A genial atmospheric moisture must be kept
up about the plants, but not by steaming from the hot-water pipes or
syringing the bed between the plants, but by occasionally damping cool
surfaces about the house. The soil must be examined once a week,
employing tepid water with a little guano in it or some other approved
stimulant, applying it copiously when needed and at no other time.

Tomatoes. — Where plants have not been raised from cuttings made
in autumn seed should now be sown rather thinly in light soil and placed
in a house where there is a temperature of 55° or 65°. We prefer to sow
singly in 3-inch pots half filled with soil and to place near the glass. The
plants are earthed up as they require it, and are transferred to 48’s — i.e.,
5 inch pots — with the balls entire. From these they are planted in the
fruiting bed, which ensures a depth of about 12 inches for soil, the part
under being stubble, over and surrounding hot-water pipes — in fact, the
exact counterpart of a Cucumber house. The b Atom heat makes much
difference, just as it does with Cucumbers, especially for winter and early
crops, but it is not essential. The plants should be encouraged to make
a sturdy growth, keeping them well up to the light. Plant them out
when they have filled the 5-inch pots with roots in ridges the whole length
of the house and about one foot wide at top, had in some few days to
warm and down to the first leaves, making the soil firm so as to ensure a
sturdy growth. The plants should be 18 inches apart. Train to wires a
foot from the glass, with one stem, keeping off all side shoots, and the
plants will be single cordons. Fruit will show right along, therefore
stop only when the last truss is gained on the extent of the space. Good
loam with a fifth of well-decayed manure will grow them well, but some
lime rubble, about a sixth, and a free admixture of charcoal, is advan¬
tageous. A 2-feet width of border is ample, the plants being earthed as the
roots protrude. Surface dressings and liquid manure can be given when
the roots have possession of the soil. Where cutting plants are forth¬
coming they be planted out at once, affording a night temperature of 55°
to 60°, 60° to 65° by day, and 70° to 75° from sun heat, ventilating from
65°. In dull, damp weather a crack of air should be left on constantly,
as a close atmosphere is very enfeebling. ,When in flower veDtilaie
freely. The bottom heat should not exceed 70° to 75°. Early fruit can be
had from plants in pots, 8-inch or larger being employed, the pots being
filled about two-thirds with s il, and that spice lift after planting for
surfacing. Train with one stem, and keep well tip t) the light. About
five trusses of fruit are good f w pot plants. Hack wool Park Prolific is a
re'iable sort.

PLANT HOUSES.

Jecoras. — The whole of the stock must be kept free from insects, for
thrips quickly destroy the foliage, and scale and bug check the growth.
Syringe the plants with a solution of tobacco water if they have even a
trace of thrips upon them. Those that flowered in the autumn may have
any irregular growths cut back, but in o'her respects should be kept quiet

December 80, 1886. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

591

for the present. Those partially pruned in early autumn and repotted
will be in gool condition at their roots. These, if plunged, will, by the
aid of the bottom heat afforded from the litter and leaves, soon commence
•activity, and as the days lengthen, with increased heat they will grow
luxuriantly and produce their large beautiful trusses early in the season,
and afterwards yield a good autumn supply of flowers. Young stock
struck in autumn and now in 2-inch pots may be transferred into 4-inch
pots ; drain them liberally, and be careful that the eoil is well warmed
before they are repotted. The compost may consist of peat and a liberal
■dash of coarse silver sand. Water these with great care, but do Dot
evringe their foliage at present.

Caladinms and Gloxinias. — A few of these may now be turned out of
the old soil in which they have been resting, and either placed in small
pots according to their size, or placed together in pans amongst leaf
tnou d until they show signs of growth. The last method is the best, and
the pans or boxes containing them can be plunged amongst the large
plants trained upon trellises. A few Achimenes may also be started, but
the tubers of these may be laid in good soil in pans, for they will have to
remain in them for some time to supply cuttings for making up pots and
'“as“?*8- These plants do well in any light rich compost.

Cyclamens. — Attention must now be directed towards raising the
stock of plants for another year. Seedlings must be carefully pricked
singly into 2-inch pots filled with equal parts of loam and leaf mould and
a good sprinkling of sand. Supply with tepid water, and plunge the
small pots closely together on a shelf near the glass in sand or cocoa-nut
fibre refuse. They must be kept in a temperature of 60° and not allowed
o become dry. If the plants are insufficient for the stock required more
seed should be sown at once. From seed sown now grand plants in
o-inch pots may be produced in twelve months.

Roses. If a bed of leaves, or these and litter, can he made up in
„0U8,e f°r standing the pots of Hybrid Perpetual Roses upon, and
it finally plunged they will break strongly. The heat from the bed will
be ample for some time, and they will grow much stronger and remain
cleaner than if subjected solely to fire heat. The gentle warmth from
the leaves encourages root-action, and the shoots possess a healthiness and
vigour that it is scarce’y possible to obtain by any other method. Young
plants of lea varieties that were, rooted in early autumn, and now in
o-inch pots, may be placed into 6-inch, and if stood with the H.P.’s, or
m a temperature of 50°, will quickly throw up from the base and produce
flowers if they are desired .

1

HE BEE-KEEPER.

s

SEEP MANAGEMENT.

Not a few specimens of the old-fashioned bee-keeper of a
former age remain in the less densely populated districts of
this country, showing by contrast the great advantages which
new methods of management have given over the sulphur
pit, at one period generally in use when the bees had to be
deprived of their stores. It is unnecessary to point out the
manifest advantages of the modern system, but for the
benefit of those who have hitherto followed the dark and
weary road travelled by the apiarians of the earlier part of
this century, I will, at the expense of some necessary repeti¬
tion, give a few plain instructions to those who desire to save
their bees while appropriating their honey.

It is quite lost labour to smear the inside of a hive into
which a swarm is to be placed ; the sugar, the beer, and the
cream so commonly made use of may be saved and put to
some more practical use. The hive must be clean and sweet,
and the bees will then stay and build their combs, thankful
to begin their housekeeping afresh under such happy auspices.
Occasionally, it is true, a swarm persists in leaving the hive
into which it has been shaken, and when bees are obstinate
they seem, like men, to continue their obstinacy until the
circumstances have been changed. Why it is has never yet,
so far as I have heard, been explained ; but when bees refuse
to stay in one hive and they are placed in another apparently
the same as the former in every respect, the swarm will
remain content and happy and give no further trouble. It
18 9uit0 unnecessary to make the hideous sounds formerly
attendant upon the issue of a swarm ; they do no good, and
are not of themselves sufficiently interesting to be continued
unless they are practically useful.

Many of the straw skeps now in use are far too small
tor profitable management, and at least nine-tenths of the
larger size are less profitable than they ought to be, because
the hole in the top of the hive connecting the brood chamber

and the super is too small to afford a ready passage to the
many thousand bees continually seeking ingress and egress
when the honey glut is at its height. To talk to bees was
formerly a general custom in villages, and even now not a
few instances could no doubt be found in which the owner of
a few stocks talks to them — as a village bee-keeper said to me
the other day — "like Christians.” "Pretty creatures, did
they be disturbed ?” but they do not treat them " like
Christians !”

When we see in a garden a few stocks of bees in a dilapi¬
dated condition our advice is — unless the man is more than
ordinarily intelligent and apt in learning — to allow the bees
to swarm naturally, and then place them in new hives, so
that even in that, the first year, some little surplus may be
taken, and in addition a foundation is laid for a profitable
apiary in the future. Artificial swarming is very useful, and
when performed by men of experience is a safe way to in¬
crease stocks naturally without allowing them to swarm and
being compelled to run the hazard of losing the swarm by its
coming off when nobody is at hand to see and hive it ; but
for a novice to attempt to take an artificial swarm is rather
a dangerous experiment. Indeed, in America artificial in¬
crease does not appear by any means to be in universal
favour, and even some prominent bee-keepers of this country
prefer to have a natural increase with its attendant hazard
rather than compel the bees to leave their homes before they
are ready to form a colony. After the first year increase
should be entirely prevented if surplus honey in supers is
required. How to prevent swarming has so often been
pointed out that it is quite useless to go over the same ground
again.

In feeding bees there is a great danger, lest by the care¬
less exposure of sweets the vice of the honey bee should be
aroused and a raid be made by the bees of another hive upon
the one to which the food is given. Great precaution must
therefore be used, and the greatest possible care taken not to
spill the slightest drop of syrup in or around the hives.

Dryness and warmth conduce to safe wintering. The
coverings of hives must be therefore of such a kind as to
admit of packing with warm material and throwing off the
wet ; but the floorboard must not be so large that wet can
lodge upon it and trickle down into the hive. Mica must be
excluded, the hive kept clean, and no food given unless the
hive is absolutely in want during the winter months. If
food must be given a cake of candy on the top is best at this
time of the year, but in spring a copious supply of syrup
must be supplied, for bees are careful insects, and if they find
that food runs short they will be careful not to produce extra
mouths when there is nothing wherewith to feed them —
Felix.

SMALL v. LARGE HIVES.

In my endeavour to show how the cottager can get his honey from
his straw skeps in a more saleable form by the adoption of sections, I
hope they may not conclude that I am an advocate of small hives as
compared with large ones. The price of honey has now fallen to such
a low figure that it can scarcely be advisable to urge cottagers or anyone
else to lay out much money on costly hives with the hopes of soon
making a fortune with them. The fact of the matter is, bees must now
be managed on the most economic principles to get much pay out of
them. But apart altogether from the question of profit, bee-keeping is
extremely interesting, and their presence in the cottage garden is gene¬
rally a sign of industry. The honey produced, if it brings but little in
the market compared with what it did a few years ago, is always wel¬
comed by the cottager’s wife, who will sweeten many a butterless crust
for her hungry children. Let cottagers who have small hives use them
to the best advantage, not in aiming to have a great number of them,
but by uniting his late “ casts” to others, and so make up a less number
strong in numbers, and with favourable weather at the right time he
may depend on a fair return for his labour.

Let those, however, who are in want of new hives get one large one
if it costs as much as two small ones, and be content with half the num¬
ber. Large straw skeps are now supplied by dealers cheap and good,
and of sufficient size to carry a tray of eighteen 1 lb. sections without
projecting beyond the stock hive. But there are many ways by which a
handy man may make very good hives out of very simple and cheap
materials. As an illustration of this I have made asketch (fig. 87) of one that
I made two years ago. I procured two large cheese boxes at the grocers’

592

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ December 30, 1886.

took the bottoms out of both, reduced one in size and fitted one inside
the other, filling the vacant space between them with sawdust and stop¬
ping the ends (to retain the sawdust) with wooden hoops. Into one end
was then fitted cross bars with a piece of comb-foundation attached to
each, and arranged 1 i inch (from centre to centre) apart. A thin
board is then fitted on the top, having an opening about 10 inches squarr.
This is surrounded with a stronger piece of wood, as will be better unde
stood by referring to a in our sketch. This makes a stock hive 15 inche®
in diameter and 11 inches deep, which is a fair size. On the top of this
a bottomless box (b) is placed, not fixed. A narrow lath is nailed round
the bottom of it to keep it in its place and keep the union dry. For a
roof two pieces of stout board the shape of c are joined together by nail¬
ing two laths on to the narrow ends, and a Bheet of zinc, 2 feet by
2 feet 3 inches, nailed on the top at d. The box, b, is 8 inches deep, and
the top makes it two more, so that there is depth enough for two racks
of sections on the hive at the same time. The roof is the most expensive

Fig. 87.

part of the whole hive, the zinc costing Is. The box, b, is an old 500"
section case, the top and bottom of the same being utilised in other
parts. The cheese boxes were 41. each, and the floor board is the end of
an old claret cask, the latter being securely nailed on to the top of an
old tree stump sunk into the ground. This completes a rough-and-ready
but cheap and roomy hive.

A quilt, similar to those recommended for placing over sections, must
be provided for the opening in the top of the hive, and a small bag of
chaff on the top of that, the latter to be used on the top of the sections
also. Into this hive on the 12th of September, 1885, I placed four lots
of driven bees — my first attempt — leaving the queens to fight it out. I
fed them with 20 lbs. of sugar, and gave them a similar quantity after
the middle of March following. I gave the cottager 3s. for the bees, and
the sugar cost 8s. 4d.— 11s. 4d. altogether, and the return was eighteen
1 lb. sections, three only of which was not quite filled. I have four bar-
frames hives, and did not get more from either of them, and two produced
none at all. — A Cottage Bee-keeper.

DEATH OE A VETERAN BEE-KEEPER.

It is with deep regret we have to record the death of an old associate
and veteran bee-keeper, Mr. J. Lowe of the Clydesdale Bank (Limited),
who died at his residence, Slateford House, Slateford, on Wednesday, the
15th December, leaving a son and daughter to mourn his loss. Mr. Lowe
was a great scientist, and in bee matters quite an enthusiast. The active
and spirited part he took in the discussion with the late T. W. Woodbury
on foul brood and other topics will be remembered by many. Never in
our experience has the enthusiasm run so high on bee matters, nor at any
time did people show more eagerness to learn about bees from the pages
of this Journal and its contributors than at that time. In addition to
his interesting controversial contributions many original articles came
from his pen. He was also the author of various articles — to wit, “ The
Reproduction of the Honey Bee,” and a poem entitled “ The Flight of
Time.” The latter was published for distribution amongst his friends in
1845, and the text fully pourtrays his character, finding —

11 Tongues iu-the trees, boots in the running brooks ;

Sermons in stones, and good in everything.'’

He was amiable and kind, always ready to help in any movement those
who were by circumstances less favoured in knowledge than himself. He
frequently gave lectures, astronomy being one of his scientific pursuits.

He was a lover of flowers, and during his bealih the piges of this
Journal afforded an interesting recreation to him, and in his last years he
found much solace with his flowers in his little greenhouse.

As a bee-keeper he was more given to the study of the phys'ology and
natural history of the bee than their profitable management. He bad to
contend against an unfavourable district for honey gathering, besides
other difficulties. He had a large collection of appliances of very old
date, all of Scotch make. Most of his researches were made through
a leap hive, and, although he did not always form a correct opinion, was
always open to conviction, and wrought continuously yet feailessly
amongst his bees. I never saw him use smoke or any quieter nor veil
while manipulating, and I never saw him stung. He was greatly in
favour of the yellow races of bees, but complained sadly of the way they
were packed and sent to this country, being often received dead.

Mb. Walteb Thokburn, station master, Ecclefechan, and bee-keeper,
died in Dumfries Infirmary on Friday, the 24th December, through the
effects of an accident on the railway on the 23rd. Mr. Thorburn was an
advanced and clever bee-keeper, and was for forty years in the service of
the Caledonian railway company. Mr. Thorburn was much respected by
his employers, as wtll as by all who knew him for his affable and obliging
disposition. He leaves a wife and grown-up family. — Lanarkshire
Bee-keeper.

FOREIGN BEES.

Some time ago “A Hallamehire Bee-keeper” spoke very highly of tl e
honey-gathering qualities of some foreign bees — Cyprians, I believe.
Will he kindly give us the average yield of honey per hive since he has
had them ? I should like “Lanarkshire Bee-keeper” to favour us with
his average for a few years. I and many more are in a fog ; we keep
reading of the wonderful doings of these foreigners but cannot get them
to do it. — A Notts Bee-keeper.

TRADE CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

James Veitch & Sons, King’s Road, Chelsea. — Catalogue of Seeds for
1887 (illustrated).

Webb & Sons, Wordsley, Stourbridg’. — Spring Catalogue , 1887 (with
coloured plates).

John Laing & Co., Forest Hill, London, S.E. — Catalogue of Seeds, Novel¬
ties , Begonias, and Plants, 18 87.

Sutton ifc Sons, Reading.- — Amateur's Guide in Horticulture for 1887 ( with
coloured plates).

Wi.liam Bull, 536, King’s Road, Chelsea. — List of Specialties for 1887.

Armand Colomb & Sons, IJssy (Calvados), France. — List of Plants.

Ireland & Thomson, 81, Princes Str et, Edinburgh. — Catalogue of Vege¬
table and Flower Seeds and French Hybrid Gladioli.

Charles Sharpe & Co., Sleaford. — Wholesale Seed List.

All correspondence should be directed either to “The Editor
or to “ The Publisher.” Letters addressed to Dr. Hogg or
members of the staff often remain unopened unavoidably. We
request that no one will write privately to any of our correspon¬
dents, as doing so subjects them to unjustifiable trouble and
expense.

Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions relat¬
ing to Gardening and those on Bee subjects, and should never
send more than two or three questions at once. All articles in¬
tended for insertion should be written on one side of the paper
only. We cannot reply to questions through the post, and we
do not undertake to return rejected communications.

Bones for Land (IF. K.). — Boiled bones are deprived of fatty matter,
and their chief constituent, phosphate of lime, is the more riadily available
as food for plants and crops ; but the fatty matter also possesses manurial
value, and raw bones are considered slower in action through its presence,
but more lasting in effect in the soil.

Small Fruits (J. Marshall ).— “ Success with Small Fruits ” is an American
work with a London publisher. It is both instructive and entertaining, and
gives a most interesting account of the methods of producing all the small
fruits and the modes of utilising them. It is beautifully illustrated.

The Eucharis Mite ( Inquirers ). — We shall shortly publish an article on
this subject, in which information will be conveyed more fully than in the
, form of a reply in this column.

December SO, 1886. ]

593

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

Mildew on Clematis ( L . B). — Mildew is usually more prevalent when
the roots of Clematises are in dry or impoverished soil than when they have,
what they enjoy — a good f eding ground. It is not easy to place fresh soil
in contact with the roots, and the water you have applied may not have
descended far below the surfac”. The soil is almost certain to he dry below in
a border planted with Ferns, and to which the roots of a Yew have access.
You might try the remedy for renovating shrubs published on page 568
last week ; also give much more water in summer and some liquid manure.
You mutt remember the roots of such a large plant extend to a considerable
distance, and therefore watering or adding fresh soil near to the stem
alone will be quite inadequate for effecting the desired object.

Vines with Loose Bunches (A Young Gardener). — When the bunches
are unsatisfactory pruned on the close or spur system there is necessity for
change, and you could not do better than prune to the best bud — the
“ round and plump ” at the third or fourth joint; in preference to those at
the base, which are “ small and pointed.” As to the looseness of the bunches,
that depends in a great measure upon the vigour of the Vines and ripeness
of the wood. With the wood well lipened compactness of bunch may he
relied on from all the eyes or buds, and sometimes gross Vines will give
loose bunches from the base buds ; but such are rare as compared with
bunches from eyes further from the base, which are not only very much
largtr but correspondingly looser, and usually have more seedless berries.
This advice is not in conflict with that of either of our correspondents to
whom you refer, and we have not a doubt that both of them would act alike
if they had to prune the Vines in your charge. The chief points to bear in
mind are to prune to the best buds only where the wood is ripe, not where
it is immature; and to pay especial attention to disbudding in the spring
to prevent overcrowding of the growths and foliage in the summer.

Grapes Unsatisfactory ( T . II.). — There was some little delay in the
delivery of the Grapes, but if our reply had been published a week sooner
it would not have bem of any greater value in this case. We have no doubt
as to the cause of the “ bad state ” of the Grapes. You say “ the borders
were all newly made in the early spring of this year, and the Vines started
in February.” Making new Vine borders implies that the Vines were
taken up and replanted, or at least nearly the whole of the roots were
subjected to considerable disturbance and some mutilation. When this is
done in “ early spring,” and the Vines “ started in February,” the stored-up
sap or nutrient matt r is drawn out of the rods too early and too quickly,
and before there has been anything like adequate root-action for imbibing
the requisite nourishment for supporting the growths. In other words,
there has been a serious check in the food supply needed by the Vines,
because of defective root-action, and Vines subjected to the treatment
indicated could only support a very light crop indeed. Had they been
allowed another month’s rest or more — indeed started in a natural way
without any forcing, fresh roots would have formed well as soon after the
production of shoots, and the Vines would have been in a much better
condition than they now are. We advise you to let them rest a3 long as
possible, and crop lightly next season, and their lost vigour may he to a
considerable ext-nt restored.

Galls on Gardenias ( W. D.). — The galls upon the roots sent appear to
be the abodes of a mite, one of those which, unlike most of its brethren,
goes through distinct transformation. These are at present in the nymph
condition, but would develop fu'ly in spring, and then proceed to scatter
themselves and propagate ; but their history is at present very obscure, and
they generally are so sluggish that their travelling about seems unlikely,
yet this must occur when fresh galls are produced. It is a species belong¬
ing to the genus Tyroglyphus ; this, or one closely allied to it, has been taken
in gads upon Vine roots, which has been erroneously attributed to
phylloxera. Another Tyroglyphus frequently infests Mushrooms. So little
is as yet known about these creatures, even amongst entomologists, that it
is difficult to suggest remedial meas -res. We should consider the ad¬
visability of raising plants from a clean stock, and grow them in soil that
has be‘n subjected to a roastiDg process in some such as described by Mr.
A. Pettigrew in his excellent article on Cucumbers on page 558 last week.
The infested plants, also the soil in which they are established, we should
consign to the fire, as according to your description of them they are
unsightly and may be expected to get worse. You might experiment on
one or two of them with a rather strong petroleum mixture, commencing
with a wineglassful of the oil briskly stirred in a gallon of soft water; it
may possibly, however, require a stronger dose to destroy the encased
enemy than will be good for the plants, and we suspect the stamping out
process will have to he resorted to sooner or lab r.

Names of Plants. — We only undertake to name species of plants, not
varieties that have originated from seed and termed florists’ flowers.
Flowering specimens are necessary of flowering plants, and Fern fronds
should bear spores. Specimens should arrive in a fresh state in firm
boxes. Slightly damp moss or soft green leaves form the best packing, dry
cotton wool the worst. Not more than six specimens can be named at once.
( W. H., Blac/cheath). — Epidendrum ciiiare. (G. S.). — We do not undertake
to name varieties of florists’ flowers. (J. H., York). — 1, Pitcairnia fulgens ;
2, Ficus Parcelli ; 3, insufficient without flowers.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET. — December 29th.
Hothouse Grapes are reaching us in large quantities at scarcely remunera¬
tive rates. Nova Scotia and Canada Apples in good supply.

FRUIT.

a.

d.

S.

rt.

3.

d.

8.

a

Apples

6 to 4

0

Melon .

0

0

0

»t

Nova Scotia and

Oranges

... 100

6

0

12

o

Cherries

Canada, per barrel 10

0

13

0

Peaches .

per doz .

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Pears .

dozen

1

0

2

0

Cobs

. ioo lb. 60

0

70

0

Pine Apples English., lb.

1

6

2

0

Figs

6

0

9

Plums .

£ sieve

1

0

3

0

Grapes

6

3

0

St. Michael Pines

. .each

2

0

‘6

0

Lemons

0

16

0

Strawberries .. ..

per lb.

0

0

0

0

VEGETABLES.

Artichokes ..

.. dozen

8.

1

d. s.
0 to 0

d

0

Lettuce .. ..

8.

1

d.

0 to

8.

1

d

6

Asparagus

.. bundle

0

0

0

G

Mushrooms ..

.. punnet

0

6

i

0

Beans, Kidney

. . per lb

0

6

1

0

Mustard and Cress punnet

0

2

0

0

Beet, Red

.. dozen

l

0

2

0

Onions .. ..

0

3

0

0

Broccoli .. ..

0

0

0

0

Parsley .. dozen bunches

2

0

8

0

Brussels Sprouts

.. 4 sieve

1

6

2

0

Parsnips .. ..

1

0

2

0

Cabbage . . . .

1

6

0

0

Potatoes.. ..

4

0

5

0

Capsicums ..

100

1

6

2

0

,, Kidney

.. cwt.

4

8

5

0

Carrots . . . .

0

4

0

0

Rhubarb . .

.. bundle

0

2

0

6

Cauliflowers ..

.. dozen

3

0

4

0

Salsafy .. . v

bundle

1

0

1

0

Celery .. ..

1

6

2

0

Scorzonera

.. bundle

1

6

0

0

Coleworts doz. bunches

2

0

4

0

Soakale . . . .

per basket

1

6

2

0

Cucumbers

. . each

0

3

0

4

Shallots .. ..

0

3

0

6

Endive .. ..

1

0

3

0

Spinach .. ..

8

0

4

0

Herbs . . . .

0

2

0

0

Tomatoes

0

6

1

0

Leeks . . . .

0

3

0

4

Turnips .. ..

3. bunch

0

4

0

0

These prices are subject to great alterations towards the end of the
week on account of Church decorations

PLANTS IN POTS.

s.

d.

s. a.

8.

d.

8.

d.

Aralia Sieboldi .. dozen

9

0 to 18 0

Ficus elastica . . each

l

6 to

7

0

Arbor vitae (golden) dozen

6

0

9 0

Fuchsia . . per dozen

0

0

0

0

„ (common) dozen

6

0

12 0

Foliage Plants, var. each

2

0

10

0

Azalea . . . . per dozen 24

0

42 0

Hyacinths . . per dozen

9

9

12

0

Bedding Plants, var. doz.

0

0

0 0

Hydrangea .. per dozen

0

0

0

0

Begonias . . . . dozen

4

0

9 0

Ivy Geraniums per dozen

0

0

0

0

Chrysanthemum . . dozen

4

0

12 0

Lilium auratum per doz.

0

0

0

0

Cockscombs per dozen

0

0

0 0

Lobelias . . . . per dozen

0

0

0

0

Cyperus . dozen

4

0

12 0

Marguerite Daisy dozen

6

0

9

0

Dracaena terminalis, dozen 30

0

60 0

Mignonette . . per dozen

3

0

6

0

„ viridis .. dozen 12

0

24 0

Musk .. .. per dozen

0

0

0

0

Erica, various . . dozen

9

0

12 0

Myrtles . dozen

6

0

12

0

„ hyemali3 per dozen 12

0

24 0

Palms, in var. . . each

2

6

21

0

„ gracilis per dozen

9

0

12 0

Pelargoniums, scarlet, doz.

6

0

9

0

Euonymus, in var. dozen

6

0

18 0

Poinsettia . . per dozen 12

0

0

18

Evergreens, in var. dozen

6

0 '

24 0

Primula sisensia per doz.

4

0

6

0

Ferns ,in variety . . dozen

4

0

18 0

Solanums per doz.

9

0

12

0

CUT FLO WEBS.

8

d.

s. d.

s.

d.

8.

d.

Abntilons .. 12 bunches

2

0 to 4 0

Lily of the Valley, 12 sprays

2

0 to 4

0

Arum Lilies . . 12 blooms

4

0

6 0

Marguerites.. 12 bnnohes

2

0

6

0

Asters . . . . 12 bunches

0

0

0 0

Mignonette .. 12 bunches

1

0

3

0

Azalea . . . . 12 sprays

1

0

1 6

Narciss, Paper-white, bunch

0

4

0

6

Bouvardias .. per bunch

0

6

1 0

„ White, English, bunch

1

8

1

6

Camellias . . 12 blooms

2

0

4 0

Pelargoniums, per 12 trusses

0

9

1

6

Carnations .. 12 blooms

1

0

8 0

„ scarlet, 12 trusses

5

0

9

0

„ .. 12bunohes

0

0

0 0

Roses . . 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Chrysanthemums 12 bcbes.

6

0

12 0

„ (indoor), per dozen

0

6

2

0

„ 12 blooms

0

6

2 0

„ Tea . dozen

0

9

3

G

Cornflower . . 12 bunches

0

0

0 0

„ red . . . . dozen

1

0

2

0

Dahlias . . 12 bunches

0

0

0 0

Parme Violets (French)

4

0

5

9

EpiphyUum .. doz. blooms

0

6

0 0

Poinsettia . . 12 blooms

4

0

9

0

Eucharis . . per dozen

4

0

8 0

Primula (single) per bunch

0

4

0

6

Gardenias 12 blooms

6

0

12 0

,, (double) per bunch

1

0

1

6

Gladioli . . 12 bunches

0

0

0 0

Py rethrum .. 12 hunches

0

0

0

0

Hyacinths.Roman, 12 sprays

1

0

1 6

Stocks, various 12 bunches

0

0

0

0

Lapageria, white, 12 blooms

2

0

4 0

Tropasolum .. 12 bunches

1

6

2

0

Lapageria, red . . 12 blooms

1

0

2 0

Tuberoses .. 12 blooms

1

9

2

0

„ longiflorum, 12 blms.

6

0

8 0

Violets . . . . 12 bunches

1

0

1

6

Lilac (white), French, bunch

6

0

8 0

„ Czar, French, pe tunch

1

6

2

Q

the live stock at the homestead should be selected and bred
with all possible care. It costs as much — often very much
more — to feed an inferior animal as it does to feed a well
bred one, for we must not forget that a tendency to lay on
flesh and fatten quickly is peculiar to certain breeds, and is
developed by careful selection. Experience derived from our
own practice, and close observation of the practice on the
numerous farms we visit, as well as the testimony of many of
our best farmers, all combine to prove the truth of this.
Take, for example, pigs, whether kept for home consumption
or for market careful selection is equally important. For
porkers we require compact chubby little animals, and they
are undoubtedly the most profitable pigs for market. In an
account of his practice recently published by Mr. J. A. Smith
of Rise Hall, Akenham, Ipswich, he tells us, “ Although I
have given both the Berkshire and Midland Whites a fair
trial, they will not compare with the Suffolk Black breed.
The former require more food to produce a given result ;
indeed, they will starve on the sour grain which my store
sows chiefly live upon. Then they will not stand exposure
on the Clover bogs or pasture ; but I admit that if grown to a
large size they are of more value per lb., owing to the large

A WELL-STOCKED HOMESTEAD.

Whether for market or home consumption the whole of

594

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDEN ER.

[ December 80, 1888

proportion of lean meat. But I find it unprofitable to graze
pigs to a great weight, and as my Black Suifolks sell readily
at full prices, at a weight of 90 lbs. to 100 lbs., I see no
object in grazing them longer (except for exhibition). My
litters consist of nine to eleven pigs, and sometimes of
thirteen to fourteen. Some are lost occasionally from over-
lying.

“ The sows are fed on bran and middlings, and the pigs
weaned at from six to eight weeks on soaked maize. The
pigs with which I won the champion plate at Norwich last
November were only ten months old, and the three animals
8 cwt. 1 qr. 8 lb3. They were wonderfully ripe, and two of
them I hope to send to Islington at the Smithfield Club
Show. From the time of weaning they had scarcely any
other food than maize and Thorley’s condiment, which I
invariably use to maintain perfect health. It may be
interesting to note that a second prize pen at Norwich, of
similar age, weighed 8 cwt. 8 qrs. 12 lbs., but they were not
so fat. They were the result of a cross between one of my
Black boars and a sow of Mr. Spencer’s noted White breed,
forming a most useful cross breed for ordinary farmyard
purposes. After drawing out specimens for exhibition, the
best pigs of both sexes are reserved tor sale, being kept in
healthy store condition. I have sent away about fifty to
different parts of the United Kingdom during the past few
months, all of which gave satisfaction. I keep the pedigrees
of my pigs and carefully mate them to avoid in-and-in breed¬
ing. No doubt animals do soon suffer constitutionally from
inattention to this matter, and this is why so many ordinary
farmyard pigs succumb to disease. My pigs have won
several hundred pounds in prizes during the past nine years
at the leading shows in England and on the Continent. The
pigs destined for pork are matured as early as possible, and
the offal amounts to one-fourth instead of one -third, as in
the case of ordinary pigs. This I have repeatedly proved by
experiment. My general price for dressed carcases is 6d.
per lb.”

We quote Mr. Smith’s interesting statement fully as a
case in point, showing how careful selection and judicious
management are really profitable, and that the exercise of
common sense and sound judgment is highly important
even in so simple a matter as pig management.

Turning to recent writing upon the poultry yard we come
upon the query, “ Can it be proved that any owner of 100
hens or pullets gets ten eggs per day in drear nighted
December ? If it can, of what breed are the birds, and how
were they tended and fed?” The writer adds, “We have
kept poultry for forty years, and kept them well, and under
most favourable conditions, yet we never had ten eggs per
day in December from 100 hens as a regular thing.” This is
a matter to which we have given particular attention for
many years, and the result of our experience is that
Hamburghs, the so-called everlasting layers, are useless for a
supply of eggs in winter. We had three poultry yards on
our Sussex home farm, one of Gold and Silver-spangled
Hamburghs, another of pure White Dorkings, and another of
mixed birds of White and Coloured Dorkings and Sussex. It
was from the last yard that we had a full supply of winter
eggs, but we are bound to own that this was owing to careful
management. The pullets were not only selected early, but
were so well fed that they would often begin laying in
October, and we always were well supplied with eggs
throughout winter, but we must own that care was taken to
have plenty of pullets. It sounds very well to say, So many
hens so many eggs, but we always allow a margin for
failures.

To be continued.)

WORK ON THE HOME FARM.

We have now in connection with the home farm some extensive
estate improvements in hand. Notice of our want of some extra men for
this work brought men out of employment in such large numbers that
many of the poor fellows had to be turned away. Several acres of land
has to be prepared for ornamental planting'; this work will be less expen¬
sive than usual, in the subsoil containing so much gravel as to afford a

perfect natural drainage to the soil. The soil itself contains plenty of
small Btones, it is a deep fertile loam admirably adapted for trees. This
new work consist of an addition of some twelve or thirteen acres to a park
containing some miles of ornamental tree belts, wherein the tree growth
is highly satisfactory. A deep rich loam upon a gravelly subsoil is the
most favourable condition as regards soil that the forester requires, for
then, given healthy trees and careful planting, he can feel certain of
success full and ample for all trees except certain rare exotics. The soil
is trenched two spits deep and it is broken up with steel forks below the
second spit, but this third spit is not brought to the surface. So deep is
the soil, however, that we should have no hesitation in bringing the lower
spit to the surface if it could answer any good purpose. For many years
it was our lot to be engaged in planting extensively in soil so poor and
thin that there was not a fair spit of it, and the subsoil was an almost
barren substance, in some parts almost pure silica, out of which it was
possible to manufacture glass. The cost of the preparation of stations in
such a soil was invariably heavy, and the results were certainly not com¬
mensurate with the expenditure. Large stations insured tolerably free
healthy growth for a few years, and then, unless there was a consider able
addition of soil around the station, the trees soon fell into an unhealthy
condition. It may be thought foolish to plant trees in such a soil, but a
picturesque site for a house not unfrequently leads to building without due
thought being given to soil or surroundings, and subsequently the plant¬
ing proves a very costly process. Well do we remember having to cart
soil from a valley up a hill side for tree stations with three horses to an
ordinary farm cart.

Rent Audit at Nowton. — The rent audit of J. H. P. Oakes, Esq.,
of Nowton Court, was held on Wednesday, upon which occasion the
tenants were entertained in a most bountiful manner at the Angel Hotel,
Bury St. Edmunds, by Mr. Edward Luckhurst, the highly respected
agent. In addition to the principal tenantry, there were also present the
Rev. B. P. Oakes, Col. and Mr. W. Josslyn, and others. Throughout
the evening the most genial harmony prevailed, evidencing the kindly
feeling existing between landlord and tenant — a feeling we are sure it
has been the endeavour of Mr. Luckhurst to cultivate during the time he
has occupied the position of agent. Everyone present expressed their
hearty appreciation of the efforts made by Mr. Luckhurst. It is a note¬
worthy event in such a crisis as the present that such a goodly feeling
should exist between landlord and tenant as was expressed — an event
brought about by a just and fair concession on the part of the landlord in
the form of a reasonable reduction in the matter of rent, and due forbear¬
ance on the part of the tenants. The chair during the evening was
occupied by Mr. Edward Luckhurst, the vice being filled by Dr. D. J.
Munro of Bury. The usual loyal toasts having been duly honoured, it
being especially noticed that both Her Majesty and the Prince of Wales
were farmers. Col. Josslyn responded on behalf of “ The Army and
Navy,” and the Rev. B. P. Oakes for “ Church and State.” Other toasts
were duly honoured, especially the toast of the evening — “ Prosperity to
Farmers and Agriculture,” proposed by Mr. Luckhurst, and responded to
by one of the oldest tenants on the estate, Mr. Samuel Page of Chilton
Hall, Stowmarket. Too much praise cannot be accorded to Hr. Luck¬
hurst for the good feeling he, as agent, has brought about and maintained
between Mr. Oakes and his tenantry, each and everyone present expressing
their hearty appreciation of his endeavours in that direction. The enjoy¬
ment of the evening was greatly enhanced by the music afforded by Miss
Brown, Mr. George Carliell, Mr. F. Pattle, and Mr. Timson of Bury. —
(Ipswich Journal.')

OUR LETTER BOX.

Green Manuring ( C . M. D. 3.). — The numbers containing the articles
referred to are out of print.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.

Cahdbn squarb, London.

Lat. 61° 32' 40" N.; Long. 0° 8' 0" W. ; Altitude, 111 feet.

DATE.

A.M.

IN THB DAT.

1886.

Barome¬
ter at 328
and Sea
Level

Hygrome¬

ter.

a .

H a

Temp, of
Soil at
l foot.

Shade Tem¬
perature.

Radiation

Temperature

Rain

December.

Dry.

Wet.

So

Max.

Min.

In

sun.

On

grass

Sunday .

19

Inches.

29.820

dear.

24.2

dear.

23.9

calm

desr.

38.2

deg.

32.4

d«g.

22.8

dear.

38.2

deg-

17.7

In.

Monday .

20

30.003

26.2

25.7

N.

37.2

33.6

19.7

48-1

12.2

—

Tuesday .

21

30.419

26.6

26.3

calm

36.6

28. L

25.4

30.0

20.9

—

Wednesday ..

22

29997

36.2

35.4

8.

36.2

434

21.6

44.8

18.7

0.195

Thursday ...

23

29.704

37.3

34.8

W.

360

41.6

34.9

63. L

28.8

—

Friday .

24

29.616

39.2

38.0

E,

36.0

44 0

35.1

49.7

28.4

0 267

Saturday ....

25

29.935

33.9

32.7

w.

36.2

39.7

81.9

52.4

24.8

29.928

81.9

81.0

36.G

37.5

27.3

46.6

2L.4

0.462

REMARKS.

19th.— Fog in morning ; fine and bright for an hour or two at mid-day ; fog fn evening ;
clear night.

20th.— Fine, bright, and cold.

2l8t.— Dull and foggy all day ; dense in late afternoon. ,

22nd.— Rapid thaw ; fine, but with slight fog in m.rning ; wet afternoon ; fine clear nignt.
23rd.— Fine and bright ; colder again.

24th.— Fair morning ; wet afternoon ; fair evening.

25th.— Fine, bright, and cold. . _ , „ „

A variable week; some days fine and cold ; others foggy or wet. Temperature 7
lower than that of the preceding week, and about as much below the averager
— G. J. SYMONS.

X